WHEN WE COLLIDE by A.L. Jackson - COVER RE-REVEAL

From the bestselling author of Pulled and Take This Regret comes a gripping new tale of loss and love.

William has spent six years running from his past and the last eight months trying to rid his mind of the dreams that increasingly haunt his nights. Trapped in a world of false ambitions and feigned affections, William knows he’s reached a breaking point and something’s going to give.

Maggie had lived her entire life without hope until one man showed her what it meant to be loved. He’d been her light in a lifetime of darkness. Six years ago, that darkness stole him away. Without him, she’s surrendered herself to an existence she doesn’t know how to escape.

When the family William left behind is struck by tragedy, he is called back to the one place he’s sworn to never return to again.

In a moment that will change his life forever, William comes face to face with the girl who, with one look, captured his heart. He is unable to ignore the buried desires and the hope for the future they’d once believed they’d have.

Now William is ready to fight to take back what had been stolen from him six years before.
But he never imagined what that fight might cost him.

A.L. Jackson gives you an intimate look into the lives of a family bound by an unseen connection in this new contemporary romance.

WHEN I'M WITH YOU by Harper Sloan - RELEASE DAY BLITZ

     

Nate: It’s nearly impossible to be surrounded by love but not understand it. My parents, my sister, and just about everyone around us has no trouble accepting that love. To give your trust to someone else and believe they would die before hurting you. I’ve witnessed it—I’ve seen the power of it—but I’ve also seen the pain. Because for me, I’ve only loved someone I could never have, and my biggest fear is that by giving her my love, all I would do is ruin her. I should have tried harder, but I’m not sure I can because I only feel complete when I’m with her. Emberlyn: The only time I feel like I belong is when he’s near. His infectious smile warms me straight to my bones. Any insecurities I have vanish with just a wink from him. A sliver of his attention makes me feel invincible. But all it took was one drunken night of truths for me to lose everything I had begun to crave. Now, I’m not sure how to move on because I only feel complete when I’m with him.   He said I was too young. I said he was perfect. He said our families wouldn’t understand. I said we could weather any storm. He said he would ruin me. And he was right.    

AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU | Kobo |  Apple | BN

       

  Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand. Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

UNTAMED by Callie Harper - COVER REVEAL

 

It’s COVER REVEAL day!

UNTAMED is a sexy, fun standalone romance, the third book in Callie Harper's Beg For It series, to be released 5.23.16.

Blurb:
There’s a massive, ripped mountain man named Heathcliff. He’s brooding, bearded, and sexy as hell. Then there’s city girl Violet, a TV producer hungry for a hit show. You’d best not get in the way of her Louboutin heels or make her chip her nails. They both have secrets they’re trying to hide. They’re having even more trouble keeping their hands off of each other. When Violet’s reality show “Hot Off the Grid” starts filming in Heath’s tiny Vermont town, what could possibly go wrong?

 

PREORDER

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Hop on over to Callie’s author page to enter her $10 GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY:

https://www.facebook.com/callieharperbooks/

Contest ends Friday, April 22. Facebook not responsible.

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Callie Harper writes contemporary romances so hot they may melt your ebook. You’ve been warned.

She is powered by coffee, wickedly sexy bad boys, and all things funny, intentional or otherwise. She is the author of OFF LIMITS to be released 12/15 and the BEG FOR IT series which will start being released in January 2016.

She lives in the gorgeous Bay Area with her family.

Connect with Callie at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/callieharperbooks</ a>

Twitter: @CallieHarperBks

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/callieharper

GRIT by J.C. Valentine - RELEASE DAY REVIEW

BLURB:

Gabby Morgan isn’t looking for love. Not even a little romance. Following a rocky past that she’d just as soon forget, she’s determined to focus on the future. One that most certainly doesn’t involve the tough-as-nails, short-on-words, hot-as-hell biker…or his kid.

Blake Mahone may not be done with women, but he’s finished with relationships. Then Gabby Morgan enters the picture. She’s flawless, refined, and as his kid’s teacher, way out of his league. She acts like she hates him, but her eyes tell a different story. Before he knows it, Blake finds himself hot for teacher, and he’s more than ready to learn all her secrets. Now all he has to do is convince her to give him a shot…without getting them both killed in the process.

REVIEW:

Ahhhh, Blake Mahone. Tough ass biker with a soft, mushy inside. His heart is so big - even if he doesn't want to admit it to himself or let others see. He is an amazing dad to his son, Ash. Too bad the girl he thought he would spend his life with didn't care about him or their family as much as he thought. Lately, Jodi, his girlfriend of ten years has been disappearing for long periods of time and looking rougher and rougher as the days go by. Money keep disappearing from Blake's bank account and he knows she's into something bad. He's finally had enough when he comes home to find Ash home alone, dirty and hungry. When Jodi finally show up and he asks where she's been for the last two day she goes nuts. After telling her to get out and never come back, he hopes he never sees her again. But, as the saying goes, a bad penny always turns up.

Gabby Morgan is ready to start her first day as a Kindergarten teacher. She is excited and nervous, but ready to start this new part of her life. Finally, making some progress toward her goals after recovering from a horrifying experience as a result of a bad relationship, Gabby is ready to get on with it.

Gabby's first interaction with Blake isn't under the best circumstances. First of all, Ash shows up to her class late and then, Blake is late picking him up at the end of the day. When the loud motorcycle pulls up outside the school she doesn't expect Ash to go running for the sexy man riding it. She doesn't want to be attracted to this irritating man, but she can't help the feelings that run through her body as she looks at him. Over the next several days and weeks she has to continually wait for Black to show up to pick up Ash. He always promises never again, but he just can't seem to help it. Is this a man that she can count on?

Ash loves Gabby and is always trying to get her to come around to spend time with him and Blake. Blake can't seem to say no and always gives in to him. Eventually, Gabby is spending more and more time with them and falling deeper and deeper in love with both boys. But, remember that bad penny? It turns back up and causes A LOT of problems. Not only for Blake and Ash, but for Blake's motorcycle club, The Spartan Riders. And even worse, for Gabby because in addition to being a drug addict, a cheater, and a liar, she's also jealous.

I really enjoyed Blake and Gabby's story. It was a one-sitting read for me. As a former teacher and school librarian, I always love reading stories involving teachers falling in love with badass men. I appreciate a man that accepts that teaching is an important calling.

I can't wait for book two, METTLE, which is Country's story. It's due to come out later this year.

SWEETEST SIN by Sosie Frost - REVIEW

The obsession with forbidden romance isn't anything new. In fact, forbidden, Catholic priest romance isn't new. Think back to The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. I know I couldn't get enough of Father Ralph de Bricassart.

As a (lapsed) Catholic, thinking of a priest in a romantic way shouldn't be something to entertain, but, hey, it definitely makes for a great forbidden romance. In my 44 years, I've come across a few priests that have made me think, "Man, what a waste."

Father Rafe is a good priest. He is devoted to his parish and give all of himself over to God's work. It is clear from early on in the story, that he has some demons in his past that brought him to the church. Most readers will guess what hurt him and caused him to run away from home at the age of thirteen. Running away led him to a priest that willingly took him in, raised him, protected him, and paid for his schooling. It's understandable that Father Rafe would choose priesthood since the church did so much for him when he needed it most.

But, Father Rafe didn't expect to meet Honor. A girl to set his world on fire. Tempt him like he's never been tempted before. Together they struggle with their feelings and faith. Rafe is determined to heal Honor from the pain she is going through from the loss of her father and her strained relationship with her mother. Honor wants to heal Rafe. She knows he has a past that has scarred him, but he refuses to talk about it - sure that he doesn't deserve to be forgiven for the things he wants to do to her. The way he wants to dominate her. The way he wants to make her his. You can't help but feel sad for them.

SWEETEST SIN is off-the-hook HOT HOT HOT. The sexual tension is palpable. You'll feel like you are experiencing it right along with them. In addition to the pulse pounding scenes there are also ones that will bring you to tears. Basically, this is an emotional ride. Be prepared.



Other forbidden priest books I recommend:

 

LET IT RIDE by Melanie Jayne - PROMO

Let it Ride by Melanie Jayne

Date of Publication: April 14, 2016

Blurb

The first time he met her, he couldn't have her. In their world there are rules against that kind of interaction. So Remington Cooper watched, waited, and planned.
Now his luck has turned and he five days to win the woman of his dream's heart.
Francesca Luchetti knows that Remy is interested, he's made that clear. She likes the idea of a fling. Conventions can be dull, so the promise of sex with a hot man will make things more exciting.
When there is a threat to Francesca's safety, she learns that Remy is the man to keep her safe, but is she ready to gamble with her heart?

Available From

Amazon (Kindle) iBooks

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About Melanie Jayne

I live on a grain farm southeast of Indianapolis, Indiana with my very patient husband of twenty-five years and our two English Mastiffs, Buster Brown and Ginger. I graduated from Indiana University when it was the #1 party school in the country and I took great pride in helping the school achieve that ranking.
I haven't figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I change careers every decade. I have worked in retail, a federal courtroom, travelled across the state closing loans, and behind the scenes in a casino.
I've always had an active imagination so when a good friend suggested that I try writing a book, I thought why not, it should be fun. It has, but I have had to work very hard to learn how to do it. I am so lucky for the outpouring of advice and education from so many in the industry, plus the hand-holding and cheerleading from My Gurls. I also have an incredible Ad-man-istrative Assistant, who tries to keep me under control. He rolls his eyes so much that I worry about a permanent condition.
When I ‘m not working or writing type stuff, I sleep, watch courtroom TV shows, and sports. I was a competitive pro-am ballroom dancer for ten years and I read as many books as I can.
I love to attend Author-Reader Conventions and look forward to meeting you.

Find Melanie Jayne Online

Website Mailing List Goodreads Facebook Twitter

Teaser

"I don't like that a self-proclaimed enemy of Jimmy's might be attending this event. He's mentioned you by name in several of his rants." Blade's soft voice radiated concern.
"His career is over. His company has been through Chapter 11 and now they have nothing. He's a pariah in this industry, so what does he have to lose if he harasses you?" Rico rested his hands on the table in front of him.
"Casino life is hard and the business is cut-throat. Jimmy ingrained that into me from the day he adopted me. I'll be careful. I promise." She gave Rico a reassuring smile. "I don't want anything to happen to me, either if that makes you feel any better."
"Plus it will be hard to get to know that Hoosier Hottie if you have a detail following you around." Hadley added helpfully.
"Hadley!" She felt her cheeks burn. God she wasn't a prude, how could she be after living and working in Sin City? Her body's response frustrated her.
Blade ran his fingers over his tablet and a photo of Remington Cooper flashed up on the flat screen hanging on the wall behind her chair. "I've done some research. This guy can take care of Frankie. I'm not worried. If he's around her, she'll be fine." He flashed what could only be described as a shit-eating grin. "He's had training, very specialized training, in the military. Plus he's not too bad looking is he?"
"I suppose that he could protect her, but the question is, would he?" Rico looked straight at Frankie.
"Oh, I think he'd like to get next to Frankie any way he could." Hadley winked and gave a salacious smile. "The man has been very busy pursuing our Francesca."
"Enough." She gave her friends an evil look. "I only talk to Remy because he is chairing the panel that I'm a part of." She prayed that her hands weren't shaking. Her attraction to Remy was becoming a problem. No matter what she told her body, it throbbed whenever she thought about him. "I think you all are exaggerating this just a little." She displayed a half inch of space between her thumb and index finger.
She watched them exchange looks. This was the problem with spending so much time together. There were no secrets.

Hosted by:

FORGETTING AUGUST and REMEMBERING EVERLY by J. L. Berg - REVIEWS

Everly has finally gotten her life back on track. Ever since the terrible event that put her boyfriend, August, into a coma, she's been trying to adjust to life away from his controlling behaviors. She was literally locked in her room for days. Up until the incident, August had been becoming more and more paranoid, refusing to allow Everly to leave the house. It was always "for her safety," but Everly never knew what August was protecting her from.

Now, Everly has met someone new. He's a gentle and loving man who knows what Everly went through and is willing to help her heal. They are planning to be married and Everly is happy for the first time in a while. Until the phone rings and she receives the news she's been worrying about ever since August went into the coma. He's awake. Should she go see him or should she cut ties for good and move on with her new life?

August has no memory of his life. He doesn't know the foods he likes or the movies he enjoys. He doesn't know the music he liked or the kind of clothes he wore. What he does know, though, is the way he feels when Everly around him. He may not remember the specifics of their life together, but after seeing picture of them together he knows that she is special. He can feel the love he has for her - even though he doesn't know how it developed. The problem is, Everly doesn't seem to want to be around him. Seems a little afraid of him. Is planning to marry someone else. What did he do to make her act this way? He wants to be the kind of man she deserves and he's going to do everything he can to prove it to her.

Everly struggles with her feelings for August. The relationship with her fiancé suffers because Everly finds herself helping August learn about his past in the hopes of jogging his memory. She thinks it will help her put the past behind her if she helps August. What she didn't expect was for her old feelings to come back to the surface - to fall for this new August.

Just when Everly decides to give life with August another chance, the impossible happens. August gets his memories back. He remembers exactly what happened on the night he ended up in a coma. He does the only thing he can think of. Confront Everly and tell him he never wants to see her again.

Will Everly try to patch things up with August or will she go back to the fiancé she left? Will she play it safe or take a chance on life? 

REMEMBERING EVERLY gives readers the answers they wanted in FORGETTING AUGUST. What happened the night August went into the coma? Why did August keep Everly a prisoner in her own home?

Forgetting August by JL Berg
Date of Publication: April 5, 2016

Blurb

She can forgive, but can she forget?

Some days, Everly still thinks she sees him. In the food court at the mall, or in a car speeding past as the light changes. It only lasts a second, but when it happens, she slips back to a time when she was ruled-and nearly ruined-by August Kincaid. And it doesn't matter that she's moved on, that she's about to marry another man. In those moments the only thing she can do to regain control is take a deep breath and remind herself that August can't hurt her-because he's in a coma. Except that he's not anymore.
August is awake. With no memories, he sets out to solve the mystery of his lost life. He unearths a photograph of a beautiful redhead named Everly and knows instinctively that she's the key. But when he finds her, the August she describes is more monster than man.
Tortured by the thought of having hurt her, August wants only to become the man Everly deserves. As the new August emerges, Everly glimpses the person she first fell in love with. But can she trust that this August is real? When the final secret of their shared past is revealed, one of them will make a choice that changes their future forever . . .

About JL Berg

Author J.L. Berg is a California native living in the South. She is the author of the self-pubbed Ready series. When she's not writing, you can find her with her nose stuck in a romance book, in a yoga studio, or devouring anything chocolate.

Find JL Berg Online

Website Goodreads Amazon Facebook Twitter

FORGETTING AUGUST Teaser

Chapter One
Everly
I saw him again today.
It was at the mall this time.
He was wearing a grey suit and it was just seconds this time before he disappeared around a corner and my life returned to normal once more.
It had been two years and yet I still saw him. Everywhere.
The day after that fateful night, I saw him in our neighborhood walking a dog. Months later, he was next to me at a stoplight when I went out for groceries. Two weeks ago when Ryan got down on one knee and placed a dazzling diamond ring on my left hand, I swear I saw his face the minute I said yes.
He was like a ghost—my own personal poltergeist.
I knew it wasn't really him. My therapist had reminded me of that simple fact over a thousand times, but that didn't stop my heart from skipping a beat or my lungs deflating of air every time I saw someone that looked like him pass in my direction.
It could be the color of a person's hair or the way someone laughed that set my body on edge.
Today, it was simply a suit.
Tailored, dark grey with a small pinstripe. The style had been his favorite, and even though the man who wore it looked nothing like him, I still found myself frozen in the middle of the food court.
Still as ice, unable to move.
Because life really didn't move on from a person such as August Kincaid.
No, you simply learned to adapt and above all, you survived.
And that was what I had been doing for the last two years.
Surviving.
"Hey, you went blank again. Are you okay?" Sarah asked.
I looked around, and the world suddenly shifted back into focus. Children cried and
begged for ice cream, teenagers laughed and flirted as they walked by us. The smell of cinnamon rolls and cheap Chinese food mixed and mingled, as people pushed and shoved their way around to get in ridiculously long lines. Life went on around me as I returned to the land of the living.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I assured her. Concern was written all over her beautiful, trim face. Her hand lifted briefly as if she were going to offer a hug, but quickly decided against it.
"Okay," she answered, defeat clearly written all over her face. She knew I wouldn't talk about it.
I never did.
There were certain things that just didn't need to be shared.
Specific memories of my past were one of them.
She already knew I was a nutcase yet for some reason became my friend despite this. I guess we had that specific trait in common. We'd met in the waiting room at my therapist's office. She was a recovering purger, or at least that's what she called it. Since the time Sarah was barely old enough to vote, she'd been suffering from a variety of eating disorders. She attributed her illnesses to a dance mentor who'd never thought she was thin enough to be a ballerina.
"When all you want to do is be the Swan Princess in Swan Lake, you make sacrifices," she'd told me that day in the office very matter-of-factly. Sarah was at peace with her issues. She'd gone through years of counseling and this year would finally be the swan princess she always dreamed of being—fully in control of what she considered her "livable flaws."
Me?
Well, I guess we all had issues that lingered. Some had visible flaws they could see in the mirror, touch with their hands…measure on a scale. Others, like me, had memories that woke us from sleep and haunted our waking hours, making normal, well—different.
I doubted there would ever be any glorious end of the rainbow moment that would somehow magically cure me of all my flaws.
But, I was working on it and Ryan had made a world of difference in my once bleak outlook on life. Now I saw possibilities where there once was only darkness. He brought hope to my sadness and light to my life. There wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't thankful for his persistence in seeking me out.
I'd been a hard one to nail down, or so he told me.
"So, are you ready?" she asked, grabbing my hand and moving away from the frozen yogurt and fried food.
"As I'll ever be," I sighed, taking one last longing look at the exit.
"Oh come on. Most girls are excited to do this. Hell, I've been excited for this day for weeks!"
"Then say you're me," I begged, as we turned the corner and my eyes spotted the brightly lit sign at the end of the walkway. I could feel the groan already forming, the deep rumbling sound vibrating through my lungs as it made its way up to express my displeasure.
"Everly Adams. You will not ruin this for me! This is your day and you will enjoy it!" "I thought my day was several months from now," I joked.
"As the blushing bride-to-be, you will have lots of days between now and then. Get used
to the attention."
I groaned again, looking at the floor-to-ceiling windows that displayed more tulle and
sequins than I'd seen in my entire life. "We should have eloped."
"This is horrid, Sarah," I whined, shuffling out of the dressing room in a gown that could only be described as a cross between the Little Mermaid and that scary Alfred Hitchcock movie with all the birds.
"It's beautiful! And so fashion forward," she practically squealed, clapping her hands together like a happy toddler who had just been given a lollipop for supper. "Look at the way the fabric gathers together, making it look like tiny feathers at the bottom of the skirt. So dramatic."
"That," I said, pointing to my calves," is also where my legs are supposed to be able to move back and forth. It's called walking. I look ridiculous!"
"Walking is so overrated. Besides, how much walking are you planning to do in this thing?" She rolled her eyes, kneeling down to play with the skirt some more. It resulted in the tulle or whatever the puffy stuff was called doubling in size.
"There, perfect."
"I'm not wearing this," I said firmly, trying to look anywhere but at the three different mirrors all reflecting my ridiculous reflection. "Pick another one. And for the love of God, pick something less…well, less you!"
I once again attempted to walk back into the dressing room, doing more of a waddle than a walk. Once there, I was joined by an attendant to assist me. There was no way I could get out of this monstrosity by myself.
"Your tattoo is lovely. Quite unique," the bridal attendant said, as she stood behind me and removed the clamps that held the dress in place. My thin, boy-like frame never did fit into sample sizes well. The lack of hips and boobs kept me in sizes most women would die to wear, but the lack of aforementioned body parts sometimes sucked. A lot.
Especially when trying on wedding dresses. Or anything remotely feminine. I felt more like a pre-pubescent boy trying on drag than a beautiful, curvy woman.
"Thank you," I answered awkwardly, as my hand instinctively reached behind my shoulder to touch the piece of me that I rarely shared with others. The walls of mirrors put my body completely on display, highlighting every rough curve and jutted angle, exposing the harsh black lines of the branch as it wove up my back and around my shoulder.
"Why doesn't the bird fly away? She's free," she said absently, her head cocked to the side as she stared at the birdcage etched on my right shoulder. It was intricate and beautiful as it hung on the barren branch, the door swung wide open for the world to peer in on the tiny bird inside.
"Maybe she's not ready yet," I answered quietly, looking away.
"Okay, I've got another one, Everly! And I promise, you're going to love it!" Sarah's singsong voice seemed to break the spell hovering above us, giving us both a startle. The attendant straightened, turning quickly as I retreated into the corner to grab the satin robe. I'd just fastened it around my waist when she opened the door to let Sarah in.
"Tell me you love me," Sarah said as she waltzed into the room, holding up a simple ivory colored empire waist gown with a small amount of beading around the neckline and not a single bit of organza or tulle in sight.
"I think I love you," I said, as my eyes widened at the understated elegance of the dress. Simple and understated. Everything I wanted to be.
"Let's try it on," she suggested, handing it to the attendant who motioned for me to come forward.
Nodding, I agreed, knowing it was unnecessary.
It was perfect and as I glanced around the room, I caught a glimpse of that tiny bird on my shoulder. The one too afraid to jump out of her cage and discover the world outside.
Soon, I would be perfect, too.
Or as close as I could be to the word.
***
"You are mine, Everly," he whispered. "Mine and mine alone. I own every part of you, every inch of your body…every breath in your lungs. You. Belong. To. Me."
"Everly," another voice murmured. "Everly, wake up. You fell asleep right at the good part again," Ryan laughed.
My eyes cracked open as the glow of the TV made me turn my head toward the comfort of his warm chest.
"Hey, sleepyhead," he said, pulling me tight against his body. "You'll never know who the winter soldier is now," he joked, his head leaning forward just close enough that I felt the heat of his breath against my neck.
"I saw that plot twist ages ago," I answered, covering a quiet yawn with my palm as I stretched in his arms.
"You always do."
"I can't help it. The story lines are always so obvious."
"And if you had written the story," he said, pulling back slightly with a boyish grin
lighting up his face, "What would you have done differently?"
"I don't know—I'm not a scriptwriter," I answered with a shrug.
"Maybe you should be." His brow arched, challenging me to answer.
"Who's being the obvious one now, Ryan?" I asked with a huff, rising from my
comfortable spot on the couch in order to create some much needed distance. "And seriously? Scriptwriting? Pick something a little less insane next time. When have you ever seen me pick up a pen? Or sit in front of a computer?"
Whenever the subject of where I was going with my life came up, I needed space.
Unfortunately our apartment was only so big, and right now a football field or two didn't seem large enough.
"I don't want to start an argument, Ev, but I just want you to think about it."
"I have been thinking about it," I answered, stepping into the kitchen as the lights flickered on. I pulled open the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. Roughly twisting the cap off, I upturned the bottle and chugged half the contents in one gulp. Water was definitely not my first beverage of choice, but right now I didn't have the patience for anything else.
"And what have you decided?" he asked cautiously, rising from the couch to take a seat at the kitchen island across from me.
"That I'm still deciding." I held my head high, avoiding his eye contact.
I was not in the wrong here.
He sighed long and slow, and I let the silence settle between us, setting the half- empty
bottle down on the counter in front of me. A quick glint of light caught my attention as I turned my head and I swiveled back around toward my left hand, noticing the way the overhead lights reflected on the small diamond centered in the middle of the thin gold band.
Three weeks ago he'd asked me to marry him and I'd said yes.
Despite everything I'd put him through—the cold indifference and the numerous rebuttals to his advances, he'd loved me. When I'd told him there would always be a part of me unavailable…that I just couldn't share, he'd accepted me. For who I was.
And what I was willing to give him.
"I'll look at the brochures again," I said, offering up an olive branch as I stepped forward and held out the rest of my water bottle. His warm smile returned as his fingers encased mine around the plastic.
"I just want to see you succeed. In whatever you chose, Ev. Hell, you can major in basket weaving for all I care. I just want you to feel like you have a purpose in life beyond working at that coffee shop you refuse to quit."
"I know, and I love you for it," I replied, feeling the deep gaze of his eyes settle on mine. Needing to be closer to him, I walked out of the kitchen and walked into his arms at the counter where he sat.
He pulled me into his large frame, where the world felt safe and measurable again.
"I do make a mean cup of coffee," I said, my lips curving into a smile.
His fingers cupped my chin, tilting it toward his dark brown eyes.
"I know. Why do you think I kept coming back every damn day? It wasn't your charming personality."
"I thought it was my ass," I laughed, shaking it as his hands closed around each cheek and squeezed.
"Ah yes. The ass of a porn star and the mouth of a mime. No matter how hard I tried, I could never get you to talk to me."
"Such a sweet talker, and besides—I was told to never speak to strange men," I said, quickly hating myself for saying it. My face slipped slightly as my stomach turned, rolling and churning as my mind replayed unwanted memories from my past.
I never, ever want to see you speaking to another man again. Do you understand me, Everly?
The words rolled around in my head as I tried to shake them out. In the last two years of my life, I'd had a thousand moments like this. A glance, a turn of phrase—anything could bring them on. I'd learned to recognize the symptoms and process the reaction quickly.
So quickly that Ryan didn't even seem to notice anymore.
"Well," he said, grinning, his hands slipping underneath my shirt, "I finally did wear you down. And now you're mine."
A weak smile spread across my lips, seconds before his mouth touched mine. No matter how much he loved me.
No matter how much I loved him in return.
I would never, ever belong to another person.
For as long as I lived.
***
The movie had been long forgotten, as had our clothes.
They were strung out all over the apartment, leaving a trail toward the bedroom. Little breadcrumbs of debauchery.
"Hey, it's still early; do you want to order a pizza?" Ryan yelled from the shower as I took a long breath and snuggled deeper into the covers on our bed.
"Does it require me to get out of this bed?" I whined, moving my legs back and forth against the smooth sheets. Ryan always said it looked like I was swimming in bed when I did this.
Growing up, I never had nice sheets. Hell, sometimes there were foster homes that didn't even give me sheets—just a blanket and a dirty bare mattress.
Luxuries like Egyptian cotton sheets were things I would never grow accustomed to, no matter how many times my legs touched them. Every night, I'd sink into bed and run my legs back and forth against the smoothness, loving the way it felt against my skin.
Like Ryan, it brought me peace and made me feel safe—two things I'd struggled with the majority of my life.
"Please, babe. I'm hungry. So very, very hungry," he said, sticking his head out the door of the bathroom. His lips turned downward, making him look years younger. I laughed, unable to resist his boyish charm.
"Okay, okay," I said, stretching one last time, before I rose to grab my robe.
"On second thought, I might need to work off a few more calories first," he said, stepping out of the bathroom in just a towel. His tanned skin was slick and wet from the shower, and I couldn't help but lick my lips as I watched a tiny drop of water skate down his chiseled chest.
Who knew nerds could be so hot?
His gaze turned heated as he stalked forward and I watched the towel drop to the floor. I stepped backward, feeling the edge of the bed hit the backs of my knees.
Our bodies met once more as his hand cupped the back of my head, tilting it upward. "I love you, Everly. I love you so much," he whispered, touching his lips to mine. I moaned into the kiss, feeling every hard inch of him press into me.
Always aware of my needs, he was gentle as he lowered me to the bed. As my head touched the pillow, I heard the sounds of a cell phone ringing throughout the apartment.
Ryan's head dipped forward, shaking back and forth.
"Just ignore it," he said.
I was already pushing at his shoulders, begging him to let me answer it.
"It can't be that important, Ev," he said, his eyes dancing with amusement. "I'm right here."
I rolled my eyes, grabbing my robe as I raced to the living room.
"It could be Sarah," I said. "She had her first rehearsal tonight."
I picked up the phone, not recognizing the number, and paused.
"Babe," Ryan said, standing in the doorway of our room. "Come back to bed. Whatever it is can wait."
I didn't listen. Instead, I answered and heard the words I had begged God to never allow to come true.
"Miss Adams?" a woman said on the other end.
"Yes," I answered.
"This is Doctor Lawrence from St. Marcus Hospital."
My heart began to beat frantically as my hand sought out something solid to hold me up.
I knew it was coming. Like a freight train in the middle of the night, I could see the light off in the distance…I knew what was coming.
Who was coming.
"He's awake."
The phone hit the floor seconds before I did, and then the world went black.
*******

Remembering Everly by JL Berg

Date of Publication: April 5, 2016

REMEMBERING EVERLY Blurb

He's forgotten his past, but it hasn't forgotten him. After losing two years of his life trapped in a coma, August Kincaid will do anything to win back the love of his life. But his past threatens to destroy his second chance at happiness, it's Everly who is in danger of paying for his crimes.

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EIGHT WAYS TO ECSTASY by Jeanette Grey - REVIEW

Eight Ways to Ecstasy by Jeanette Grey

Date of Publication: April 5, 2016

Blurb

Kate Reid's whirlwind romance with billionaire playboy Rylan Bellamy complicated her life in ways she'd worked to avoid. She'd fallen hard for his flirtatious charm and given him the one thing no other man had: her trust. Just as Kate began to imagine a future with Rylan, everything fell apart.

Now she's starting over in New York...but even the glittering streets of Manhattan can't erase the memory of Rylan knocking her off her feet and sweeping her into the most erotic, unforgettable week of her life.

It's been months, and Rylan still can't forget Kate. Months since he bared his soul at her feet. Months since he drove away the only woman to ever make him feel. Kate changed his world and now Rylan is determined to win her back-no matter what it takes. After crossing an ocean to reach her, he makes a deal with Kate: One more week, for one more chance. Now it's up to Rylan to show Kate all the ways they fit together . . . and prove that this player has met his perfect match.

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REVIEW:

First think you need to know is this isn't a standalone and it isn't the first book in the series. The first book is called SEVEN NIGHTS TO SURRENDER. You can buy it here:

Apparently, EIGHT WAYS picks up exactly where SEVEN NIGHTS leaves off. Rylan is begging Kate for another chance to prove that he is the man she fell in love with in Paris. She agrees to give him eight days.

The author did a great job showing Rylan and Kate growing and changing. They had time to interact with each other while still maintaining lives outside of their relationship.

You get the full range of emotions in this book. It's hot. You'll get angry. You'll need tissues. All in all, this story comes to a satisfying ending.

We meet Lexie, Rylan's sister, and man, does she have issues and while this book is the conclusion of Rylan and Kate's story, we find out that Lexie get her own book next in NINE KINDS OF NAUGHTY which releases in 2017.

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About Jeanette Grey

Jeanette Grey started out with degrees in physics and painting, which she dutifully applied to stunted careers in teaching, technical support, and advertising. When she isn't writing, Jeanette enjoys making pottery, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and her pet frog. She lives, loves, and writes in upstate New York.

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Teaser

The gate he'd left ajar swung wider, and a second later, Kate poked her head in through the gap.
A little more of the stiffness in Rylan's spine faded away. He didn't even have to force a smile.
"Hey," he said, sitting up straighter.
"Hey yourself." Kate slipped inside and eased the gate back into place.
His grin grew as he took her in. She looked ready to work, for all that he'd assured her he had people coming to do the heavy lifting. Her long, dark hair was tied back in a simple braid, and he envisioned untying it later, combing his fingers through the loose locks. He licked his lips, looking forward to taking off her jeans.
Sliding those little purple Converse from her feet.
But first, he had to get them to that point. Not for the first time, he second-guessed his decision to ask her to meet him here. If anything would scare her off, it would be his father's mansion. It typified all the things he'd originally imagined she'd abhor. Huge and hollow and useless. A waste.
Like he had been, when she'd met him. She'd accepted him then all the same.
And he had to give her creditóshe did a pretty good job of pretending not to notice her surroundings as she made her way over to him. Her stride remained casual, her shoulders loose. But her gaze kept wandering, her brows gradually creeping up toward her hairline. He could almost see the questions bubbling up to her lips.
He patted the space beside him as she neared, beckoning her to sit.
She did, pointing at the coffees to the other side of him. "Is one of those for me?"
"It might be." He picked hers up and held it out to her, but as she went to take it from him, he grabbed it back. "It isn't free, though."
"Oh, no?"
"Nope." He presented his cheek for a kiss in payment.
Rolling her eyes, she sighed, but she leaned in easily enough. Her lips lingered against his skin, and he reached up to cup the side of her neck, holding her in place as he turned.
Her mouth opened beneath his, and he hummed into the kiss, darting out his tongue to taste the soft pout of her lower lip. She smelled shower-fresh, sweet and warm, and her hair had the tiniest bit of dampness to it as he slid his palm higher, cradling the back of her head.
She pulled away a long second later, blinking slowly at him, her eyes a little glazed. She came back to herself quickly enough. "That was an expensive cup of coffee."
Chuckling, he handed it over, and watched as she brought it to her lips. The gentle, pink curve of them eased upward.
Her gaze darted over to him. "You remember."
Of course he did. Two more sugars than he thought was a good idea and enough cream to turn it a pale, milky tan.
He remembered everything that gave her pleasure. Everything he could do to make her smile.

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THE BAD ONES by Stylo Fantome - REVIEW

Book Synopsis:

Love isn't always bright and shiny. 

Sometimes, it's dirty and wrong, buried six feet deep in a secret place where only wild things dare to go. Hidden behind a big black curtain that covers things no one should ever see. 

Sometimes it happens between two people who should never be allowed to come together. One who is a match, and the other who just happens to be gasoline.
One strike is all it takes to burn the whole world down, and that's exactly what they plan on doing. 

Even if it kills them.

Con(stantine) is the charismatic son of the town's mayor. Popular, handsome, and secretly psychopathic. No one sees his true self. Except Dulcie.

Dulcie is a quiet girl that's never really fit in. She has her art and that's about it - until Con. Until they share an intense moment and she is forever changed. She can't stop thinking about Con and the monster she sees lurking behind the face he shows everyone.  Con feels the connection, too, but it frightens him. He's not used to people seeing the real him.

Dulcie is confused every time she comes into contact with Con. The connection is always there, but after they interact he'll go sometimes years before seeing her again. Eventually, Dulcie gives up on a relationship with him and attempts to have a normal life. She even makes a friend and starts dating, but then Con comes back for an extended period of time. Is it finally their time? And if it is, what will happen when Con's monster comes out?

This is an unconventional love story. It's twisted. Dulcie and Con are beautifully calculating. Diabolically intense. Totally in love. Stylo Fantome is known for her dark romances and this one is probably her darkest.

THE BAD ONES broke my heart several times, but was totally hot all the way through.

 
Stylo's other series: