Thursday, August 31, 2017

Cover Reveal: Unhinged




Title: Unhinged
Author: Natasha Knight
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Cover Design: Shanoff Formats
Release Date: September 25, 2017

Blurb

Eve

Two years ago, I made a deal with the devil. That night, I lost everything. That night, I thought he’d died.

But he’s back. Risen, like Lazarus, from the dead. And he’s dark. Darker than he was before. More dangerous. Unhinged. A scarred, tattooed savage.

The way he looks at me, it should terrify me, but I’m drawn to him, to his intensity. Consumed by it. By him. Even though I know if I’m not careful, his obsession will destroy me.

Zach

I should have died that night two years ago. My mistake cost my men their lives. It should have cost me mine. But I survived. And the day I learned she did too, I made it my mission to find her.

I sought her out. Tracked her. Shadowed her every move. I’ve been inside her home. Eaten her food. Drank her liquor. I’ve stood beside her bed and watched her sleep.

She has so many secrets, and I know one of them. It’s the one where our pasts collided. The one that destroyed me.

And it’s the reason I’ve come for her.

I never intended to touch her, but I did. And now that I’ve had a taste, I want more. I want her. But that won’t change why I’m here. It won’t change why I came for her.


Author Bio
USA Today Bestselling author Natasha Knight writes dark romance as well as spanking romance in a variety of genres including contemporary, paranormal, post-apocalyptic, science-fiction and fantasy. She is a #1 Amazon Bestseller in multiple categories forever searching in every story for that single most important element of love. All of her stories contain at least one kinky Alpha male, lots of dirty talk and a well deserved happily ever after.

Author Links

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday 
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating. In my case not so patiently waiting for the new releases, which I lack.

This weeks book is one that I had no idea was even in the works. One of my favorite series that I had to pre-order. I can't wait to get my hands on this book. 

Choice this week is

Quests for Glory 
by - Soman Chainani
Expected Publication - September 19th 2017 
Add to (Goodreads)

With every end comes a new beginning in the fourth installment of Soman Chainani’s New York Times bestselling School for Good and Evil series, Quests for Glory. Join Sophie, Agatha, Tedros, and the other students as they begin a new era in the Endless Woods—The Camelot Years—where Evers and Nevers alike must move beyond the bounds of school and into the biggest, boldest adventures of their lives.

The students at the School for Good and Evil thought they had found their final Ever After when they vanquished the malevolent School Master. Now, on their required fourth-year quests, the students face obstacles both dangerous and unpredictable, and the stakes are high: success brings eternal adoration, and failure means obscurity forever.

For their quests, Agatha and Tedros are trying to return Camelot to its former splendor as queen and king. For her quest, Dean Sophie seeks to mold Evil in her own image. But soon they all feel themselves growing more isolated and alone. When their classmates’ quests plunge into chaos, however, someone must lead the charge to save them...

What are you waiting on?

Cover Reveal: Chasing Ella



Chasing Ella
Jillian Quinn
Publication date: September 27th 2017
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

Every Princess needs a Prince Charming…
When a masked girl throws herself at Shawn Finch at a costume party, the hotshot football player assumes she’s just another girl trying to get his attention. Except she’s not just any girl. She’s his Cinderella, the nameless girl in the pale blue dress who got away.
Desperate to find her, Finch searches for his mystery girl with no luck. So, it must be fate when Finch’s grade point average drops and the school assigns him a tutor not knowing they just handed over his Cinderella.
After having a crush on Finch since the first time she spotted him on campus, one kiss was all she’d ever wanted. But Finch has other plans for his Cinderella once he discovers the truth about his tutor.
Pre-order today for only $2.99!


Author Bio:
Jillian Quinn is the author of the international bestselling Face-Off hockey series as well as other sexy, sporty romances.
Jillian loves sports, bad boys, dirty talkers, strong females, and books with plenty of heat—all of which you will find in her books. As a lover of all things bookish, she has a serious book hoarding problem and runs a blog in her free time. When she's not reading, writing, or blogging, she's obsessively fangirling over hockey players and can be found wherever she can catch the next hockey game.
For updates, visit JillianQuinnBooks.com
Sign up for Jillian's Bad Boy Mafia for book deals, giveaways, and exclusives. http://eepurl.com/cuJkOr

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Release Blitz: Sir




Title: Sir
Series: The Awakening Series #1
Author: D.L. Hess
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 30, 2017

Blurb


I look at him and my body reacts in a way that it never has before, even in the throes of passion. I look at him and I start aching so deep inside it takes all I can to think, to breathe, to speak. He’s like the brightest flame and it takes everything in me to resist its call.

I know that if I give in, I’ll get burned so deeply, there might be nothing left once I come out the other side.

But, god, I want to step into that flame.

*******************************************************

Hollywood movie star Nate Stone only dates supermodels, movie stars, and socialites. So why can't he keep his mind off of diner waitress Tori?

Nate never thought he’d return to Boden, Louisiana. Running off to Hollywood after high school to make it big, the kid from the wrong side of the tracks meant to leave his hometown in the dust. But twelve years later he’s preparing to make his directorial debut—and Boden is the perfect place to shoot his film. But he gets more than he bargained for when he ends up at the local diner and discovers the best cup of coffee in town is poured by a pretty waitress who dominates his every thought and fantasy. Now all he wants to do is to return the favor and make those fantasies a reality…

Tori Wilson never thought she’d end up a small-town diner waitress, but a couple of bad decisions paired with an unforeseen tragedy left her with no choice. Now the shy baker spends her days clocked in at Boden’s Finewhile Diner, whipping up her famous cherry pies and serving her customers hot coffee with an extra side of sweetness, until one day, she finds People’s Sexiest Man Alive sitting in a corner booth. The powdered sugar flies as Nate uses all his tricks and charm to attempt to seduce the headstrong waitress into his bed.

A man like Nate could have anyone he wants—but somehow, for some reason that Tori just doesn’t understand, he wants her. But maybe, just maybe, being with Nate, even for a short time, will be worth the heartache when he’s gone.

People say that when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.



Purchase Links
99c for a limited time
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Limited


Excerpt
“One day, pretty Tori,” he murmured, “You’re going to let me in.”

He took a moment to sip his drink, letting that sink in before continuing, “I’m not going to deny that I want to fuck you. I can’t promise a future or that I’ll be some sniveling boyfriend who pines away after you once I go back to L.A. But I will say that I have plans for you if you say yes.

“I can promise you that I’m going to take you to new heights that you’ve never imagined. That I’ll make you feel pleasure so intense that you forget your name. I’ll fuck you so good, for so long that the only thing you’ll crave is my hands on your skin, my cock deep in your pussy.

“If you let me, Tori, I’ll open up a whole new world to you. I’ll make you fly.”


Author Bio

D.L. Hess picked up her first romance novel when she was ten years old. It was Judith McNaught’s Once and Always, and she spent all night hiding in the closet and reading. It left an imprint, an imprint she hopes to leave with you.

D.L. Hess grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and now goes between her hometown and Los Angeles. Her partner-in-crime is a nine pound Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix named Busby Berkeley who goes with her everywhere. D.L. Hess is an avid fan of cooking, traveling, and discovering new experiences. Her travel bucket list includes cruising all the major rivers in the world. So far, she has only hit two of them.

Author Links
Giveaway

Release Boost: Clandestine




Title: Clandestine
Author: Ava Harrison
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 24, 2017

Blurb

One night.
No names.
No commitment.
That was our agreement.
But Spencer Lancaster was addictive.
And I was high.
High off his taste, starved for his kiss, and desperate for his touch.
So when he asked me to stay, to enjoy his company for more nights than I knew I should, I wasn’t in the right mind to say no.
Everything was perfect. A dream come true.
But half a world away there were secrets.
Lies.
Insecurities.
All of the truths that could tear us apart.



Purchase Links

99c for a limited time
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited


Author Bio
Ava Harrison is a New Yorker, born and bred.

When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.

Author Links

Release Boost: Heartthrob




Title: Heartthrob
Author: Willow Winters
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 24, 2017

Blurb

Nathan Hart is charismatic with a beautiful smile that makes women weak in the knees. A former bad boy with a mysterious past. He was made to be in Hollywood, on the cover of magazines and the star of movies.

He’s what dreams are made of … and tabloid gold.

But there’s more to him that he hasn’t told a soul. Even the gossip columns will never know.

Something that draws me to him unlike anyone has before.
Something that could ruin us both.
He whispers to play along; he promises it will all be alright.

I can’t tell him no, even if I wanted to.
The moment he locked his light blue eyes on me, I was ruined.
I never stood a chance. I only pray our pasts don’t rip us apart.


Heartthrob is just one of six scandalous romances from Best Selling Authors.
Read all about it in Exposé, the gossip column to sink your teeth into.
Each story in the Exposé Collection is a STANDALONE with an HEA. 



Purchase Links
99c for a limited time
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU 
Free in Kindle Unlimited



Excerpt

Nathan
10 Years Ago

She’s always running her fingers through her dirty blonde hair. The simple motion sends the sweet smell of lavender and something else my way. It’s faint, but I know it’s her. It’s something sweet and soothing. If I think about her, even if I see her across the lunch room or in the school parking lot, I swear I can smell that scent. 
I like sitting behind her in geography. I can watch the cute little things she does and it looks like I’m actually paying attention. 
This is the only class I haven’t gotten kicked out of this year. The stupid shit doesn’t bother me as much when I can watch her. Even if she never looks at me twice. 
The bell rings and the sound rips my eyes away from her and towards the classroom door as a few more students file through. Adam Waynes is the last in and his chair screeches across the floor as he crashes into his seat. He’s loud as fuck and gets all the attention. At the thought, I look to her, to Harlow May expecting her to be watching the spectacle that would usually piss me off, but instead those gorgeous blue eyes are on me. She’s quick to look away, again her fingers flying to her hair and twirling her locks nervously as a bright pink creeps into her cheeks. 
She can be shy all she wants, but I caught her. I caught her looking. Even better I made her blush. I did that. 
It almost gives me enough courage to pull on her backpack straps as she walks in front of me to leave. I could give it a tug and force her to look back at me, but I don’t. I stay behind like I have for the last few months and let her walk away. 
But the next time she looks back at me in geography, she doesn’t avert her gaze when I look back. 
And a few days later, she’s the one tugging on my backpack. 
I keep telling her I’m not good for her, she doesn’t listen though. 
That’s the very thing that will ruin us and we knew it from the start.
Author Bio


Willow Winters is so happy to be a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Contemporary Bestselling Romance Author. She likes her action hot and her bad boys hotter. She certainly doesn’t hold back on either one in her writing!

Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.

In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!

Author Links
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Cover Reveal: Just Say Yes




Title: Just Say Yes
Series: Indianapolis Eagles #1
Author: Samantha Lind
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Juliana Cabrera, Jersey Girl Design
Photo: Shauna Kruse, Kruse Images & Photography
Models: Kristen Lazarus-Wood & Justin James Cadwell
Release Date: September 21, 2017

Blurb
What will it take for her to Just Say Yes?

Scott Taylor has the perfect life. He gets to fulfill his dream playing professional hockey, has a loving family, and a tight group of friends. But the one thing missing in his life is a partner to come home to. He knows exactly who he wants to fill that position– the only woman he has ever loved. The one who got away, who constantly consumes his every thought. What it would take to get her to Just Say Yes to a second chance?

Becca Phillips is an independent woman who has made her career as an ER nurse a priority in her life. She has a loving family and a best friend by her side, but she can’t seem to get over her first love, Scott. Insecurities led her to break up with him years ago when he started climbing the ranks in professional hockey and, for eight years, Becca has avoided Scott when he returns home each summer. Can she overcome her fears and allow love back into her life? All she has to do is Just Say Yes to the one and only man she has ever loved.



Author Bio
Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey, and listening to country music. 

Author Links
FACEBOOK PAGE / PROFILE / GROUP 

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Cover Reveal: Bahama Mama



Bahama Mama 
Tricia Leedom
(The Key West Escape, #2)
Published by: Ink Monster LLC
Publication date: January 30th 2018
Genres: Adult, Adventure, Romance

Perfect for fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Janet Evanovich, this action-packed sequel to Rum Runner from a fresh voice in contemporary romance offers a sexy and comedic take on love, adventure, and what it means to trust your heart.
Troubles are piling up for Molly MacBain. Between navigating the moods of an increasingly sassy teenage daughter, battling mounting financial difficulties, and dealing with her daughter’s deadbeat dad, Molly certainly doesn’t need any more stress in her life. But when she learns that her best friend, Sophie, has been keeping a huge secret from her, she’s beyond bowled over. Apparently, Sophie’s soon-to-be brother-in-law is Molly’s idol, country music superstar Anders Ostergaard and after years on the country music circuit herself, Molly can’t help but have a fan-girl moment when she finally meets him.
Anders flies to Key West to attend his brother’s wedding and keep a low profile after a Vegas scandal makes him a tabloid target. Usually, he has a strict rule about getting involved with fans, but Molly MacBain’s sharp wit and refreshing openness draws him in like no one has before.
But romance and flirting take a backseat when Molly’s daughter witnesses a murder and winds up in Jamaica. Anders offers Molly the use of his private plane to bring her home and together, they set off for Montego Bay. Between racing against her ex’s impending visit and the hitman hunting for the witness to his crime, both Molly and Anders are completely unaware they’re being stalked by an even greater danger.
In the sultry Caribbean, Anders and Molly discover when a man who’s sworn off love and a woman who guards her heart can’t keep their hands off of each other, something’s gotta give. If their luck doesn’t run out first.

Author Bio:
TRICIA LEEDOM enjoys traveling to exotic destinations and having torrid love affairs with hot, dangerous men... even if it's only in her own mind. When she's not writing romantic adventure novels, she reads voraciously, tweets compulsively, and fangirls over a TV show based on her favorite book series. Tricia earned her BA in Creative Writing from The University of Tampa and her MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. Her favorite authors include Diana Gabaldon, J.R. Ward, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Karen Robards, and Johanna Lindsey. She lives in Southwest Florida with two very spoiled dogs. Follow Tricia on Twitter and Instagram @tricialeedom

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Release Day Launch: Can't Hardly Breathe

   

From New York Times Bestselling author Gena Showalter, comes the next standalone romance in the Original Heartbreakers Series—CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE!

Grab your copy today!

 

CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with an irresistible Original Heartbreakers story about a woman who’s never felt desired and the man who wants her more than air to breathe…

Bullied in high school, Dorothea Mathis’s past is full of memories she’d rather forget. But there’s one she can’t seem to shake—her longstanding crush on former Army Ranger Daniel Porter. Now that the sexy bad boy has started using her inn as his personal playground, she should kick him out...but his every heated glance makes her want to join him instead.

Daniel returned to Strawberry Valley, Oklahoma to care for his ailing father and burn off a little steam with no strings attached. Though he craves the curvy Dorothea night and day, he’s as marred by his past as she is by hers. The more he desires her, the more he fears losing her.

But every sizzling encounter leaves him desperate for more, and soon Daniel must make a choice: take a chance on love or walk away forever.   

Get your copy of CAN’T HARDLY BREATHE here! 

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Nook | Book Depository

Powell’s | iBooks | BAM | Kobo | Google Play | IndieBound

   

Add it to your Goodreads Now!

  EXCERPT: 
Dorothea Mathis studied the last room on her cleanup schedule and groaned. The bed had been wrecked, the comforter and pillows tossed haphazardly on the floor. A pair of panties hung from a bedpost. The TV remote had been busted, the pieces scattered across the night­stand. Wet towels created a path to the bathroom door, and the trash can… Oh, gag me! The trash can contained used condoms. The place needed to be decontaminated by people wearing hazmat suits. Am I up to date on my vaccinations? With a sigh, Dorothea anchored earbuds in place, keyed up her iPod and donned a pair of latex gloves. One—germs. Gross! Two—she was protective of the green nail polish she’d applied only that morning. She selected color based on mood. Green = irritated. Somehow she’d known today would suck balls. Her mom must have checked in Mr. and Ms. Pigsty last night after Dorothea had gone to bed. Since she had a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call, she tended to hit the sack by 9:00 p.m. Granny hours, her sister, Holly, liked to tell her. Dorothea picked up the dirty towels, removed the panties from the post, emptied the trash, changed the sheets on the bed, straightened the pillows and covers, and tossed the remote remains, planning to bill the Pig­stys for a new one. Time was limited this morning. She’d promised to drive her mother into the city in— Crap! Less than an hour. She rushed through dusting and began vacuum­ing. As the machine swallowed dirt and debris, she tried not to envy her mother. Carol would soon be enjoying her fourth “singles retreat” of the year. Her fourth, but certainly not her last. She stayed at the Michaelson, a five-star hotel owned by the richest guy in Strawberry Valley, Dane Michaelson. Dane was married to a local girl Dorothea had gone to school with, and he allowed Carol to stay free of charge. No doubt about it, she took full advantage, attending speed-dating sessions, mixers and a plethora of themed parties. Her busy love life was just one of the many reasons she’d given the Strawberry Inn to Dorothea. The wheels on her cart suddenly squeaked, the sound louder than her music. Yanking out the earbuds, she spun. Surprise expelled the air from her lungs, leaving her gasping. This so wasn’t happening right now. It couldn’t be happening. Nightmares didn’t really come to life. Nor did pornos. Not that she watched those…very often. But dang it, this had to be one or the other. The sexiest man on the planet had just stridden into the room. He was shirtless, sweat glistening on his eight pack—and his name was Daniel Porter. The Daniel. The childhood crush she’d never forgot­ten. The first boy to break her already fragile heart. She gulped. What was he doing here? Wait. Like she really needed to ponder this one. Wel­come back, Mr. Pigsty. Her hands trembled as she yanked the vacuum cord from the electrical socket, the room descending into si­lence as the engine died. I think you’re perfect just the way you are. She smoothed her trembling hands down her “uni­form,” a pair of blue scrubs that could take a licking and keep on ticking. “Uh, hi. Hello.” Oh, wow. Could she be any lamer? Definitely in a nightmare, not a porno. “Welcome back.” He pulled the earbuds from his ears and gifted her with a small smile that failed to hide the lines of strain around his mouth. “Sorry about the mess. I planned to clean up before I checked out.” His gaze darted through­out the room, and he cringed. “I also plan to pay for the remote.” What kind of sexual acrobatics had placed the poor remote in harm’s path, anyway? Oh, my stars. A warm flush poured over Dorothea, threatening to overheat her. She almost fanned her cheeks for relief, barely stopped herself. Look away! She tried, she really did, but Daniel was just so freaking beautiful. He was even taller now, and stronger, with a rough, tough face. His cheekbones were sharp, and his nose boasted a small notch in the center. Been broken a time or two? Dark stubble dusted his an­gular jaw, though the shadows couldn’t disguise the fine tracery of scars on his left cheek. He was a modern-day warrior—literally. After high school, he’d joined the army, defending the country he loved. This wasn’t the first time Dorothea had seen him since his return to town a few months ago, but her body reacted as if she’d never seen any man, heating and tin­gling in all the naughtiest places. Act naturally. He’s just a customer. A customer who’d wrecked a room during his most recent stay, but whatever. He was waiting for her to re­spond to his offer. Let’s do this. “Yes, thank you. Payment would be ap­preciated.” She wound the vacuum cord around her arm, her motions clipped. “As for the room, I just need to tidy the bathroom, and I’ll be done.” With his back to her, he stuffed his toiletries into an overnight bag. “I’ll get out of your way, then.” During his senior year of high school, he hadn’t just slept with Madison Clark; he’d slept with a string of beautiful, popular girls, as if banging-and-bailing had finally been dubbed a national sport. Good thing Dorothea hadn’t pursued him. He would have taken all her firsts and discarded her like garbage. Instead, Jazz Connors had taken all her firsts and dis­carded her like garbage. Anger boiled her blood until bitterness swept in, leav­ing a glaze of frost. Fire and ice. This wasn’t the first time they’d battled it out, and this wouldn’t be the last. The biggest downside? They ensured the wounds inside her hollowed-out chest never really had a chance to heal. After graduation, she’d moved to the big bad city, enrolled in the University of Oklahoma’s meteorology program, met Jazz and gotten hitched, just as she’d al­ways dreamed…only to return home several years later with a divorce and no degree. A washed-up has-been by the age of twenty-four. Daniel, having served multiple tours of duty, had come back a hero. His life had meaning, hers didn’t. He and two of his friends had started a security company right here in Strawberry Valley. He took care of his ailing father, and in his free time he dated a plethora of city girls. Dorothea knew about the girls because he’d stayed at the inn every time a date had ended…successfully. Her flush returned full force as she considered the other five rooms he’d wrecked since his return…all the pleasure he’d been having…all the pleasure she wished she could experience. Not with him, of course. With someone she liked and respected. Someone who liked and respected her, too, despite the fact that she was still too round for society’s unhealthy standards, a lot too freckled and trapped in a dead-end job. Daniel Porter would never qualify. Dorothea found him attractive, yes, but to her, ap­pearance would never outshine personality. My man must be my equal. She had a lot of love to give. She’d even grown to like herself…kind of. Maybe. Fine, she was trying to like herself. Avoiding Daniel’s gaze, she said, “No, you stay. I’ll go.” Words her mother had drilled into her shouted in­side her head: the customer comes first. “I’ll finish your room later.” She rolled the vacuum toward her cart. “You live here, right?” he asked. “You own the inn?” “I… Yes.” Technically she lived in the attic. The more rooms she had available for guests, the more money she would make. At least in theory. Money was the number one reason she cleaned the pig­sties herself, rather than hiring a maid. She was saving her pennies to turn every plain, ordinary room into a themed paradise. Then Strawberry Valley residents would hap­pily pay to stay just for fun. Again, in theory. So far she’d decided on six themes. (1) Four seasons—the weather, not the hotel chain. (2) An enchanted forest. (3) A techno dance club. (4) The underwater world of Atlantis. (5) A royal palace. And (6) an inner sanctum, aka a superhero’s wet dream. Also up for consideration? A beach hut, an igloo, an insane asylum for her more daring patrons and a des­ert oasis. With twenty-three rooms in total, she needed other ideas fast. And more money. A lot more money. Maybe, when the transformations were completed, the feeling of accomplishment would finally chase away her anger and bitterness. Maybe she would feel alive. Happy. “If any part of your stay was subpar,” she said, “I will personally—” “No, everything has been great.” He looked over his shoulder and winked at her. “Just wanted to make sure you weren’t going to get into trouble with the boss.” Every pulse point in her body leaped with excitement. He’d winked at her. Her! I think you’re perfect just the way you are. Red alert! She would not read more into his words than he’d intended. Not this time. He was a flirt, plain and simple. Always had been, apparently always would be. “Why would I get in trouble?” she asked. “For not finishing the room.” Oh. Right. “Well, as long as you plan to come back to the inn, I won’t fire myself. Not because I’m desperate to see you or anything,” she added in a rush. “I’m not.” Dang it! “I mean, I’m always glad to see you here. I mean, I just want your money.” Okay. Enough! He laughed, his amber eyes twinkling. Air caught in her throat and sizzled. He had the sexiest laugh on the planet. His entire face softened. He pulsed with new life; fresh and vibrant, he was the epitome of spring. Then he frowned, as if he couldn’t believe he’d found humor in, well, anything. Her brow furrowed with confusion. Why the doom and gloom? “In that case,” he said, his tone flat, “I think I’ll stay another night.” “Really?” She licked her lips. “What about your girl­friend?” He stiffened. “She isn’t my—” “No, don’t tell me. I’m sorry I asked. Your love life isn’t my business.” “I live in Strawberry Valley. My love life is every­one’s business.” His wry tone made her chuckle, and he stiffened all over again. Great. What had she done wrong this time? “I’ll be alone tonight,” he said, looking anywhere but at her. “Apparently I hover over my dad when I’m home, so he’s asked for another night off. But I swear to you, this room will be clean in the morning.” She snorted. “I’ll believe it when I see it.” The corners of his mouth twitched. “Doubting Dot­tie.” A pause, then, “Would you like a cup of coffee be­fore you go?” “Oh, uh, no, thank you.” While she no longer viewed Daniel through the wounded eyes of high school betrayal— he’d been a nice boy doing a nice thing for a vulnerable girl in desperate need of a white knight—she’d endured too much heartbreak over the years to risk getting to know him better and reigniting her crush. Look at the way she’d reacted to him already. He appeared…disappointed? No, of course not. A trick of the light, surely. “Well. See you around, Daniel.” “Yeah. See you around, Dottie.” He returned his at­tention to his toiletry bag, dismissing her. Irritation had her snapping, “My name is Dorothea.” Before he could respond, she stepped into the hall and closed the door with a soft snick. Hands trembling, she hooked the vacuum to the cart and rolled the cargo to the supply room…where her younger sister Holly was smoking a cigarette.    

  About Gena Showalter: Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of the spellbinding Lords of the Underworld and Angels of the Dark series, two young adult series--Everlife and the White Rabbit Chronicles--and the highly addictive Original Heartbreakers series. In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and two time RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan (Red Hot Read) and Seventeen magazine, she's appeared on Nightline and been mentioned in Orange is the New Black--if you ask her about it, she'll talk for hours…hours! Her books have been translated in multiple languages. She’s hard at work on her next novel, a tale featuring an alpha male with a dark side and the strong woman who brings him to his knees. You can learn more about Gena, her menagerie of rescue dogs, and all her upcoming books at genashowalter.com or Facebook.com/genashowalterfans    

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