Tag: New Release

Release Blitz ~ Level Me Up ~ by ~ Lauren Helms

Title: Level Me Up
Series: A Gamer Boy Novel
Author: Lauren Helms
Genre: NA Romance
Release Date: June 5, 2017
The last thing Morgan Lawson is looking for when attending Comic-Con is love. But even prior to exchanging first words, Morgan is drawn to Dex, a drop-dead sexy gamer boy who lives and breathes video games. Before she realizes it, Morgan finds herself caught up in all things Dex.
​​
Dex Roberts knows the moment he sees Morgan, he wants more. He falls hard and fast, but isn’t surprised when his job as a professional video gamer takes its toll on their relationship.

Once Morgan decides what truly makes her happy, there’s no time to waste. But without any warning, life threatens to destroy what both Morgan and Dex want most… each other.



Why the heck do I feel like I’m about to do something utterly stupid, like that split second before you realize you’ve missed the step and are about to fall down the stairs?
“Hi,” he says in this perfectly male, deep voice. “How are you ladies today?” 
I distantly hear Ruby reply, “Well, we’re just fine. Thank you for asking.” 
And she nudges me as I realize that while he asked both of us that question, he is only looking at me, and I’m not moving or saying anything. Apparently, I’m a freaking mute. Why can’t I form words? Get it together, Morgan!
“Hi,” he says again, but to only me this time.
And just like that, I snap myself out of it, slap on a smile and reply, “Hi,” as I reach out and offer my hand like it’s some formal introduction. Again, I ask myself, what is wrong with me?
With a smile that reaches his eyes, he grasps my hand in his as I say, “I’m Morgan, and I have no idea what a positive K/D is.”
I hear Ruby stifle a laugh beside me. I’m never going to live this down. Somebody should just shoot me now. But to my surprise, Dex doesn’t laugh at me. He is still smiling at me and says, “Hi Morgan, I’m Dex. And don’t worry about it, this guy sitting next to me,” he jerks his head to his right, “doesn’t know what a positive K/D is either, but at least you’re honest.” 
I quickly glance to his right and see a guy with short blond hair turn toward him glaring, but then turn toward us, smile and says, “He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”
I slide my eyes back to Dex and realize he is still holding my hand even though the handshake stopped a minute ago. I quickly drop my hand and smile as a big bouncer type guy comes up to us and says, “Sorry ladies, you’re holding up the line. Keep moving.” 
Ruby apologizes, and I apologize to Dex because I’m still staring at him. But we move along, and now the gamer to Dex’s right, Simon “SezSimon” Palmer, is signing the shirt. Dex looks back at me as he finishes signing a poster and says, “it was nice meeting you, Morgan,” with a warm smile. I can only manage a smile and nod as Ruby finishes getting the last signature. Then we finish and get out of the line.
We walk a little bit before Ruby stops, grabs my arm and doubles over with laughter.
Author Lauren Helms has been an avid reader from a young age. After starting a book review site, that launched her fully into the book world, she decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. Since she was working for a video game strategy guide publisher at the time, she decided to mix what she knew best, video games and romance. Jumping all in, she joined NaNoWriMo and a month later had a 50K word first draft. Lauren lives in Indianapolis, IN with her video game playing husband, two little girl book nerds, and a little boy who will hopefully be a gamer boy too some day!

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Release Blitz & Review ~ Bitchslap ~ by ~ J. Kenner

 

 

 

The first time I met her I wanted to slap her.

The second time, I knew I had to have her.

As for the third time, a gentleman doesn’t tell.

So I guess it’s a good thing I’m no gentleman … right?

Let’s get this out of the way, right off the bat: I love women.

I love the way they look. The way they smell. The way they feel. Especially the way they feel. And I’ve pretty much made it my mission to give each and every woman who shares my bed the ride of her life.

Then I met her. Bitchy as hell and completely uninterested in me. And damned if I didn’t want her. Crave her. I told myself I only wanted to tame her. That it was all about the challenge.

I never expected to break through that ice queen exterior and find the softness underneath. Never expected how wild she’d be between the sheets or the way she’d cry my name with such sincere intensity when I totally rocked her world.

Most of all, I never expected to fall for her.

But I did.

And the question is, now that I know I want her, how the hell do I go about keeping her?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1TBRreview

The ultimate case of mistaken identity that ends up working out for Pierce in the end. He’s at a restaurant/bar to meet a date and he’s behind a woman who is meeting a man – except for business purposes, not a date. But Pierce is hooked immediately. Then he feels the need to apologize and be the businessman Jez thought she was meeting to discuss with.

I loved the thought of this novella and can’t wait for Connor’s story. I’m curious how he’s story will go also…

4 stars!

Julie - J Kenner Author PhotoJ.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.

JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/Awestruck.

Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.

In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

 

 

Release Day Launch & Review ~ Love In Transit

Today we have the release day blitz for Love in Transit, a sexy new project from Jana Aston, Ainsley Booth, Kitty French, BJ Harvey, Raine Miller, and Liv Morris!

Title: Love in Transit

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Love In Transit:

You know those people that have a house full of motivational slogans? Embrace Every Moment, stamped on their coffee mugs. Always Kiss Me Goodnight painted above their perfectly made beds.

I’m not one of those people.

This morning I overslept, then slipped on a stray sock and banged my toe into the nightstand. The elevator in my building broke and I had to run down six flights of stairs. And then my local coffee shop was closed. For health code violations.

What’s that? Not the end of the world? You want me to suck it up?

Did I mention I’m wearing a wedding dress… on the subway?

It’s a Good Day for a Hot Mess. Someone embroider that on a pillow.

Get your copy today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | B&N | Kobo | iBooks | Goodreads

 

TBRreview

Ok I loved this anthology!  It starts with the same basic premise but you get to read 6 different authors take on the story.  Which is awesome because they each take the story in a different direction.  So it’s a similar basis but each author tells it differently and I love that.  It’s a way to get 6 different stories in one!

5 stars!

Connect with the Authors:

Jana Aston

Ainsley Booth

Kitty French

BJ Harvey

Raine Miller

Liv Morris

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Release Blitz ~ My Best Friend’s Ex ~ by ~ Meghan Quinn



MY BEST FRIEND’S EX by Meghan Quinn is live! ONE-CLICK now!

 

MY BEST FRIEND’S EX

New Adult STANDALONE Romantic Comedy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qpQxZ4
UK: http://amzn.to/2r2ubLG
CA: http://amzn.to/2rMfc9O

AU: http://amzn.to/2saZWAP

When I found an eviction notice taped on my apartment door, I had two options: find a comfortable cardboard box to call home, or move in with Tucker Jameson.
Seeing that cardboard makes me feel itchy, I chose the latter. Which shouldn’t be that big of a deal since Tucker is one of my good friends. And because he’s still pining after his ex-girlfriend and I’m trying to finish my nursing degree, there is nothing to worry about in the romance department, making my last semester an easy one to conquer.
Boy, was I wrong.
Rules are set, dinners are made, conversations are had, and a shirtless, swoony roommate walks around in nothing but a pair of black briefs, ruining me for every other man.
Before I know it, I turn into a panting, lust-filled woman begging for Tucker to kiss me, touch me, and show me exactly what is hiding under those briefs.
But with great orgasms, comes great consequences.
Tucker might be my friend and roommate but he’s also my best friend’s ex-boyfriend, making him completely off-limits. At least that’s what my brain is telling me, my heart is speaking an entirely different language.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author:
Born in New York and raised in Southern California, Meghan has grown into a sassy, peanut butter eating, blonde haired swearing, animal hoarding lady. She is known to bust out and dance if “It’s Raining Men” starts beating through the air and heaven forbid you get a margarita in her, protect your legs because they may be humped.
Once she started commuting for an hour and twenty minutes every day to work for three years, she began to have conversations play in her head, real life, deep male voices and dainty lady coos kind of conversations. Perturbed and confused, she decided to either see a therapist about the hot and steamy voices running through her head or start writing them down. She decided to go with the cheaper option and started writing… enter her first novel, Caught Looking.
Now you can find the spicy, most definitely on the border of lunacy, kind of crazy lady residing in Colorado with the love of her life and her five, furry four legged children, hiking a trail or hiding behind shelves at grocery stores, wondering what kind of lube the nervous stranger will bring home to his wife. Oh and she loves a good boob squeeze!
Find me on Goodreads:

Release Blitz & Review ~ The Baby Clause ~ by ~ Melanie Moreland

 

Title: The Baby Clause

Series: The Contract #2

Author: Melanie Moreland
Genre: Short Story Romance
Release Date: May 31, 2017
Blurb
Richard VanRyan can add another line to his resume—Daddy.
 
How does he handle the new addition to his life?
 
The Baby Clause is a short continuation of Richard and Katy’s story, containing humorous glimpses into his life as a father, and how his world has changed.
 
A must read for all fans of The Contract!
 
A portion of all sales go to charity. 
Purchase Links
Only 99c
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
Excerpt
I slipped out of bed and padded across the hall, stopping in the doorway. My chest tightened at the sight before me.
 
Richard, tall, broad, and bare chested, cradling his daughter close, and dancing with her. She was tucked high on his chest, with his cheek resting on her head. Her tiny hand was encased inside his, and he held her protectively. No doubt his humming was soothing to her, rumbling through his chest and lulling her into peace.
 
Tears filled my eyes watching them. The cold-hearted man I first knew was gone and replaced by this protector who would do anything to care for his child. To care for me.
 TBRreview.png
First, READ THE CONTRACT!!!! I can’t stress this enough!! You HAVE to read The Contract before The Baby Clause 2.0 or you won’t understand the true depth of Richard’s change.

Anyone who LOVED The Contract and wants more Richard (because why wouldn’t you???) NEEDS to read this book!! You get a glimpse into Richard and Katy’s life pre & post baby. And you fall a little bit more in love with Richard and get a little teary about his drastic change from “the Dick” to Richard.

Melanie Moreland is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors! The last 3 books I’ve read of hers, I’ve LOVED!!!

5 stars!
Also Available
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS
Author Bio
New York Times/USA Today bestselling author Melanie Moreland,
lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved
husband of twenty-seven-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means
more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent
with them.
 
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged
with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking,
and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties,
and also enjoys travelling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always
the best part of any trip.
 
Melanie delights in a good romance story with some bumps
along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head
isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as
her characters dictate their creative storylines to her, often with a large
glass of wine keeping her company.
Author Links

Release Blitz ~ I’m Only Here For The Beard ~ by ~ Lani Lynn Vale

Title: I’m Only Here For The Beard
Series: The Dixie Warden Rejects #4
Author: Lani Lynn Vale
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: May 31, 2017
Photographer: Furious Fotog
Model: Hankins Fitness

Sean is a man with needs—needs that a lot of women were ready and willing to fulfill. Yet, the only woman that he wants to fulfill them dumped him for another man. A man who’s a member of his MC and is someone he has to see every single day and twice on Sundays.
He’s bitter and angry. He’s definitely not in the right frame of mind when it comes to dealing with women. Which is unfortunate for his new partner, Naomi, a fresh-out-of-school and totally green paramedic. 
—
Naomi’s got enough problems on her plate. A brother who’s self-destructive and doesn’t care who he takes down with him. A man who she’s in love with but who doesn’t love her. A job that she hates because it is a constant reminder of what she can’t have.
Desperate to distance herself from her problems, she runs, taking the first job in her field that she finds willing to take on someone with so little experience.
The last thing she needs is a perpetually pissed off partner, especially when he sets her blood on fire.
But life doesn’t ask how much you can handle when it dishes out challenges. It just keeps piling them on until you’ve bested them or you’ve buckled under them.
—
Sean really doesn’t want to like his new partner, Naomi. He just wants to be left alone to live his life however he damn well pleases and without complications.
Naomi doesn’t care what he wants, she can’t be anything but herself. It isn’t long before she’s breaking down his walls and making him feel again. She’s trying to pull him closer and he’s pushing her away.
It’s not long before Sean sees the error of his ways.
It’s too bad, though, that by the time he realizes she’s the one, Naomi’s already gone.


I’m a married mother of three. My kids are all under 5, so I can assure you that they are a handful. I’ve been with my paramedic husband now for ten years, and we’ve produced three offspring that are nothing like us. I live in the greatest state in the world, Texas.

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Release Blitz & Review ~ Blood & Bone ~ by ~ C.C. Wood

 

Title: Blood & Bone (Blood & Bone, #1)

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Release Date: May 30, 2017

Release Day Event: http://bit.ly/2qwb7pC

Chloe MacArthur has finally found her mate but he’s the one wolf she can’t have.

To save her heart from further pain, she leaves the pack that she’s come to consider her family. Unfortunately, unfinished business leads her back to her childhood home and straight into a deadly game with shifters that will do anything to prevent her from learning the truth.

Ian Lachlan is in mourning. Nearly two years ago, he lost his mate but, thanks to Chloe, he’s finally living again. When he wanted to give up and die, she saved him.

Now, Chloe is the one who needs help and Lachlan plans to return the favor. Intent on protecting her from her enemies, he follows Chloe and soon discovers that he wants far more from her than friendship. He wants everything she has to give.

But can either of them let go of the past long enough to reach for their future?

 

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TBRreview

This is a spin-off of the Bitten series. DEFINITELY read that first so you understand who all these characters are. Plus it gives you more reference to some of the events that are mentioned in this series.

Reading this story and the Bitten series characters appearing was like greeting an old friend. There was Calder and Ricki and Finn and Kerry. It was so nice to “see” them again. Not often do you get a finished series characters back in another story.

Anywho, Chloe needs to leave the MacAllister clan and head home to figure out who killed her parents. She’s tired of helping Lachlan get through his grief while she’s hiding her feelings because he’s her mate. And yearning for him while helping him get over the death of his mate just isn’t going to work for her. So she leaves to go find out what happened to her parents.

Lachlan misses Chloe. She’s been his constant friend/push through the crippling grief of losing his mate. So then Chloe leaves and that’s not going to work for Lachlan. He needs to make sure she is ok and safe. And thus starts the journey.

5 stars!

Born and raised in Texas, C.C. Wood writes saucy paranormal and contemporary romances featuring strong, sassy women and the men that love them. If you ever meet C.C. in person, keep in mind that many of her characters are based on people she knows, so anything you say or do is likely to end up in a book one day.

A self-professed hermit, C.C. loves to stay home, where she reads, writes, cooks, and watches TV. She can usually be found drinking coffee or wine as she spends time with her hubby, daughter, and two beagles.

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Release Blitz & Review ~ Lick ~ by ~ Torrie Robles

Lick Release

Book Title: Lick

Author: Torrie Robles

Release Date: May 30th

Lick Teaser 1

Blurb

Mothers are supposed to love you. Support you. Protect you.

Not mine, mine did none of those things. – Not one.

My mother taught me that her addiction was stronger than her love for me. Her high was all that mattered.  That’s all she needed, all she wanted. Grown men and women took payment from me, so she could get her fix. They took everything from me, just a child, her only son.

Motherly love? Fuck that.

I’ve spent my life taking from bitches all too willing to give it up – whores, sluts, The Fallen – you name it, I’ve had a piece of it, of them. It’s how I earned the name Lick. I’ve licked every part of a bitch’s body.  Until her -Jenni.

From the moment she sashayed her hips up the dirt path of our clubhouse I knew I was fucked. Curves for days, sweet tits that begged to be sucked. A heart of gold. I know it’s a fucking cliché, but she was different.

She challenged me – Pushed me

Jenni made me see I’ve spent my life being blind, that I was worth something.

She taught me love doesn’t use.

It’s not twisted, it doesn’t hurt and it doesn’t cost a thing.

I’ll do anything to make her happy.  I’ll do whatever the fuck it takes to keep her by my side. She’s far too precious for me, but I’ll be damned if I’ll let her go.

Buy Links

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Review

I haven’t read Sin first so I wasn’t fully versed in the ways of Devil’s Fury. That being said, I LOVED Lick!! And I will definitely be going back and reading Sin and Lick again!

Lick had a horrible childhood. One no kid should EVER have, especially enabled by his own mother. It’s amazing that Lick grew up to be a deep, caring man and not have MAJOR issues from the abuse.

And Jenni was a sassy sassy thing but the perfect match for Lick. She gives as good as she gets and all I can say is they are PERFECT together!

Definitely will be a re-read for me!!

5 stars!

The Author

Torrie Robles was born and raised in the Central Valley of California; a perfect spot in the state since she’s only hours away from the coast, the beautiful mountains and the big named cities. She currently lives a short distance from her hometown of Clovis, in a small community known as The Madera Ranchos. She’s married and has three children, two boys and one girl. She also has seven animals that live with her family on their property. She’s a city girl living in the country, but not too far from the hustle and bustle of the life, she grew up knowing.

Torrie obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, but her passion has always been writing.  A dream she felt was always out of her reach, until she was introduced to the Indie Community.  2015 marked the year she became a self-published author. She writes contemporary romance and plans to branch out as her career takes off. She is currently working on several different manuscripts. She hopes to have them all finished and published throughout her career while continuing to develop new stories and characters to fall in love with.

When she isn’t working a full-time job, writing, raising her children or just taking care of life, Torrie’s biggest hobby is getting lost in books. Her passion for reading and the authors she looks up to has allowed her to make her dreams come true. Her fellow authors have truly been her inspiration.

Author Links

www.torrierobles.com

https://www.facebook.com/torrierobles/

https://www.instagram.com/torriekrobles_author/

https://twitter.com/TORRIEKROBLES

Release Blitz ~ Only With Me ~ by ~ Kelly Elliott

only-with-me_smashLife was great.

I loved my bachelor life and working my dream job with the Colorado Springs SWAT team.

That all changed the day I stepped into her bakery. Her smile swept me off my feet, and her panna cotta was heaven.

Cue my very traditional Greek family.

Then all hell broke loose.

The woman I was falling in love with was Italian, and my mother was hell-bent on proving to the world she was the better cook.

If my meddling family wasn’t bad enough, for the last six years Gabi had been on the run from a past she tried desperately to escape from.

Between a beautiful woman on the run, and a crazy family constantly in my business, would I be able to show her I’m the only one who can keep her safe … or will her past steal her away from me?

Amazon

iBooks

author-photoKelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

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Release Blitz ~ Easy Fortune ~ by ~ Kristen Proby


 

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes a passionate new romance—EASY FORTUNE! A Boudreaux Series novella, this standalone second chance romance features Mallory’s best friend Lena! Don’t miss the amazing excerpt below and grab your copy of EASY FORTUNE today!

 

About EASY FORTUNE (A Boudreaux Series Novella):

The Boudreaux Series—Sexy. Intriguing. Easy.

Sometimes the past is better left behind you…

Lena Turner has spent her life as the outsider. Thanks to her extraordinary gifts, she’s learned to be independent—especially when it comes to men. She’s content to live her life in New Orleans as a schoolteacher, dating casually and dedicated to her small family. Long term is not part of her plan.

Sometimes the past catches up with you…

Leaving Lena behind to pursue his career was the most difficult thing Mason Coulter ever did. He told himself that it was for the best, had even convinced himself that he had only Lena’s best interests in mind. But now, after six long years, he’s back in New Orleans to settle his late eccentric aunt’s estate. All he has to do is get in and out of the city without submitting to the need to see Lena. But to Mason’s dismay, his aunt made other plans.

And sometimes the future and the past collide…

Having Mason walk back into her life is something Lena never saw coming. She could refuse to help him, but she’s never been good at telling Mason no. So she’ll do what she can to get the estate settled and Mason out of her life for good.

At least, that’s the plan. But Mason has plans of his own…

 

 

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Add to your Goodreads

 

 

 

 

EXCERPT:

I wipe the back of my hand over my forehead and glance at my notes when suddenly, the air in the room shifts.

It’s subtle, but I feel it. The hair stands up on my neck. I haven’t felt this in six years.

“You can get back in your Ferrari and go away,” I say casually without looking over at the doorway and do my best to ignore the damn zoo that’s come awake in my stomach.

“I don’t have a Ferrari,” he replies. His voice hasn’t changed at all. It’s thick like melted milk chocolate, and he still has his southern accent. I don’t know why that surprises me.

“Well, whatever horse you rode in on? Ride back out on it.”

I hear him sigh, but I refuse to look at him. Because just one look will suck me in, and I’ve vowed never to be sucked in by Mason Coulter ever again.

“It’s good to see you, Lena.”

“Mm hmm.” I pretend to study my notes, but I don’t actually see the words anymore. “Good to see you, too.”

“You haven’t even looked over here.”

I can hear the smile in his voice. It makes me cringe.

“What do you want?”

“I want you to look at me,” he replies.

“Well, we don’t always get what we want.” Yes, I’m being a bitch, and no, I’m not sorry. Mason was the one. The one that I fell head over heels for, the one that charmed the pants off of me, literally, and then he just left. He disappeared, and I was left here, wondering what in the hell happened. Wondering what I did wrong because I was twenty-two and naïve and so heartsick for him I thought I wouldn’t survive it.

But I did.

“So, you’re still mad?”

I blink rapidly for a second, and then I can’t help it. I turn and take him in, from the top of his gorgeous, dark head to the tip of his designer shoes, and my body immediately comes to life. Panties are singed. And if I thought it was hot in here ten minutes ago, it’s an inferno now.

Damn him. He just had to stay hot, didn’t he? I mean, couldn’t he have lost all of his hair? Gained a whole bunch of weight? Something?

“You could say I’m still mad,” I reply, proud of myself for sounding calm and indifferent to him, when I’m anything but indifferent. “So unless you came in here to tell me you have a terminal illness, you can just turn around and go. I’m not interested in chit chat.”

“You were always good at chit chat,” he says and flashes that perfect smile at me. But there’s something there, in his smile that tells me something isn’t quite right.

And I’m just a sucker because I’m about to ask him what it is. I should stay firm and ask him to go.

But first, I need to settle an old score.

“You know,” I begin and put the cap on the blue marker. I set it down and turn to fully face him. “The last time I saw you, you said you’d be right back.”

“I said I’d see you soon,” he says, the smile fully leaving his face now.

“And then you just bailed.”

He sighs and leans against the doorjamb. He crosses his arms over his chest and glances down at his shoes, then back up at me. “I owe you an apology for that.”

“Yeah. You do.”

“I’m sorry.” His grey eyes are holding my own, and I can see the sincerity there, hear it in his voice. “I am truly sorry, Lena.”

I nod and turn away. “Thanks.”

“And I need your help.”

Of course he does.

This couldn’t be a quick, I want to stop in to see how you are, apologize, and go on my merry way.

No, it has to be complicated.

“My Aunt Claudia passed away last week.”

“Oh, Mason.” I turn quickly, blinking rapidly. I’m so sorry. I liked her very much.”

He nods. “Thank you.”

Mason and his Aunt Claudia were very close. I believe that we all have that one special family member that we bond with, who is important in our lives, and for him, it was his aunt. He spent summers with her here in New Orleans when he was young.

“I hadn’t heard that she’d passed.” That must be what I see behind his eyes. I don’t have the psychic abilities that my best friend, Mallory, has. But I can sense things. I want to hug him, to comfort him, but I stay planted where I am because I know what his touch will do to me.

“I’d planned to come to town and quickly take care of her estate, but it seems Aunt Claudia had other plans.” He laughs humorlessly and shakes his head, looking at the ceiling. “The attorney informed me that she was very clear that you were to come with me to the reading of the will.”

“Me?” I frown. “Why? I only met her a couple of times.”

He shrugs and pushes his hand through his hair, in the say way he did six years ago. But now the muscles under his black T-shirt are more defined, tanner from all of the hours he spends outside digging around for old things.

Mason is a well-known and important archeologist.

“You know that she was a bit… eccentric.” He smiles. “It’s one of the reasons I loved her so much. She did what she wanted, and she wanted this.”

“I see.” I swallow and stare out of the windows at the trees. There’s a slight breeze today. I walk over and open the window, wiggle my fingers and feel the breeze blow in my room. “And if I refuse?”

“If you refuse, her estate will be donated to the city of New Orleans.” My head whips around to stare at him again. “I know, it’s a lot of pressure. I don’t need her money, Lena. Archeology has been good to me. But I loved her, and I’d like to do right by her.”

I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. So, he’s not here because he wanted to see me. He’s here because his aunt didn’t give him a choice. He’s right, it is a lot of pressure.

“You can think about it,” he says. He pulls a business card from his pocket and sets it on the desk closest to him. “That’s my cell number. I need to be at the attorney’s office on Friday at 2:00 in the afternoon. If you decide you’re willing to go with me, I wrote the address on the back.”

I nod, staring at the small square of white paper.

“Lena?”

“Yeah?” My gaze finds his again and he smiles, as if remembering something especially sweet.

“You look fantastic. You’ve hardly changed at all.”

“Oh, I’ve changed.”


 

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ABOUT KRISTEN PROBY:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

 

Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

 

 

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