~Review~
Vanquish by S.J. McGran
(Triumph Book 1)
Follow/Find S.J. McGran
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Review: Vanquish by S.J. McGran
Blog Tour: The Live by Bethany-Kris
The Life by +Bethany-Kris Bragdon
Sequel to The Arrangement The Russian Guns, Book Two
Release Date: August 4th, 2014
Surrounded by men waiting for the Russian mob boss to show weakness, Anton Avdonin should have known showering affection so openly on his new bride wasn’t a good idea. Of course, that didn’t stop him. When Anton’s wife begins attracting unwanted attention from an unknown source, he’s determined to find out just who is playing the risky game and put a stop to it by whatever means necessary.
From a Cosa Nostra princess to a Bratva queen, Viviana “Vine” Avdonin was made for the life. Pregnant, safe, and loved, she’s more than happy to move on from the history that haunts her to start out fresh. Then again, someone else has other plans. Old rivals from the past and bad blood from the present have mixed in the worst way, threatening to take away the things Viviana loves the very most. No matter what, she can’t let that happen.
Both Viviana and Anton know there’s only one way this can all end and it’s up to them to do it. But, who is behind the veiled threats and personal attacks, and how far are they willing to go to get what they want? When the truth finally surfaces, the consequences will be devastating and no one could have seen it coming.
In a life where everybody plays for keeps and no one fights fair, one mistake might cost them everything.
*Please Note, The Life is not a standalone title. The first book in The Russian Guns series (The Arrangement) should be read before the second book*
Anton rested back to the headboard to catch his breath and brought his wife closer to
his side with one arm. Not bothering to make any attempt to leave his sweaty
grasp, Viviana laid a soft kiss to his arm as his hand rubbed up her naked
side.
After falling into bed around three in the morning once Erik and Ivan were gone,
Anton was woken up by his wife not a couple of hours later. It wasn’t like her
to be up so early, never mind wanting to fuck like they had, given the new
pressure and pain she’d been experiencing in the mornings. Anton had no idea
what came over Viviana, but he sure as hell wasn’t about to complain.
Their coupling had been rough—rougher than he liked given her stage of pregnancy. But
even when he tried to slow them down, to take her softer, Viviana wouldn’t have
it. Anton wasn’t one to deny his wife, especially not of that.
“Jesus Christ,” he mumbled into the palm of his hand. Even though his body was still
humming from her high, his mind was downright exhausted. Three hours of sleep wasn’t
new to Anton, but he could use a bit more. “Thanks for the wake-up call, baby.”
Viviana giggled, but even the sound felt off. “Yeah, I guess.”
“Hey,” he said into her hair. The grip he had on her tightened momentarily. “What’s
wrong?”
“Hmm?” Viviana turned just enough to lean up and press her silken mouth to the
underside of his jaw. “Nothing, just thinking about Sergei.”
“Don’t fret over that idiot. He’s not even a blip on my radar. We’ll get that dinner
done and move on.”
Anton was lying through his teeth, but concerning his wife just wasn’t okay with him.
What he wanted her doing was focusing on the end of her pregnancy, their son,
and her health. He was the boss, so he’d handle the Bratva issues. There was no
way she was going to be brought into the crossfire of Sergei’s nonsense, so he
didn’t think she had any need to be properly informed.
“Actually,” he said, thinking about his conversation the night before with his spies. “I
think you might just show, and then go. You haven’t been feeling terribly great
lately, so it’s not a stretch to think you might not feel well that day. Just
stay long enough to say hello, forgive Tatiana if you want, and then Rory will
escort you home and Joe will follow. Business as usual.”
“Forgive her if I want,” she repeated dully.
“It’d be better if you did, or at least say you do, but it’s not expected. You did
ask for her, though, so you have to be respectful about whatever you choose to
do.”
Viviana snorted. “When am I ever not? Can I claw her eyes out after?”
“No,” Anton said, laughing. That’d surely be a sight. He bet Viviana would give
Tatiana one hell of a run for her money. “Not while you’re pregnant with my
child, anyhow.”
“Yeah, but making her swallow a few teeth would sure make me feel a heck of a lot
better.”
“My God. You know there’s nothing there, right? Her and me, I mean. That’s not …
It’s just not there, baby. You don’t have to be jealous.”
“I’m not jealous, Anton.” Strangely, he believed her. Viviana shrugged under the
weight of his arm resting around her shoulders. “Why should I be … of Tatiana?
I have exactly what she doesn’t. Everything she thought should have been hers
is mine. I have your life, your son, and your love. Even if she was nothing
more than your whore, which she isn’t, she still wouldn’t have any of those
things. So no, I’m not jealous of that girl. On the other hand, I do wonder if
she is envious of me.”
“I have no doubt of that.”
Viviana sighed. “Exactly. Tatiana has defied her father, you, and God knows how many
others just to hurt me once. That was before we were married, before Demyan,
and she only managed to sling words. This time might be different. At this
dinner, she’s going to see me pregnant, happy, and protected, all because of
you. Again, all that she doesn’t have and everything she wanted. So it brings
me back to safety, I guess. You made it clear you don’t want her in any way so
would she hurt me, or worse your baby, because of her resentment? Is she that
crazy over you?”
Anton stayed silent, letting his wife’s words sink in as he considered them. It
wasn’t that what she said didn’t make sense, because it did, but he wondered
why Viviana had asked for Tatiana’s presence at all.
“You asked for her to be there, Vine. If you were worried about all of this, why ask
at all?”
“I also asked for no guns.”
“And I’ll make sure that’s adhered to as best I can,” Anton said, still feeling
confused. “You won’t take a step into any establishment unless it is weapon
free.”
Viviana felt tense in his arms. “You don’t need a gun to kill someone.”
“She won’t have any chance to be alone with you.”
“I know.”
“Then what?” Anton asked.
“I want this done,” she said so low he strained to hear. “Put an end to it,
however you have to. I don’t want to worry about her or her goddamned family
after it’s over. I don’t want to think if she can’t hurt me, she’ll go to the
next best thing.”
“You’re worried she’ll try to hurt Demyan.”
“Or you. To me, that’s just as bad.”
“You know that’d never—”
“No, I don’t,” Viviana interrupted coolly. “But if I didn’t have them to worry
about, it’d be one less thing for me to consider.”
It was only then that her hidden meanings were starting to dawn on Anton. Viviana
never asked him for anything in regards to business. She didn’t like to have
her hands in his pots, so to speak. This was entirely different, especially if
she was asking what he thought she was asking.
“Come on, Vine …”
“I want it done,” she repeated thickly. “Please.”
“On your head, though? You want that on your mind, bloodying up your hands, too?”
“Please?”
“Stop it,” Anton said, practically spitting the words. “Fuck, just don’t say that
shit. I’ll handle it.”
“Before or after one of us is dead?”
The Arrangement by Bethany-Kris The Russian Guns, book 1
Buy links
Bethany-Kris is giving away a $20 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner. Just complete the rafflecopter entries for your chance to win. The winner will be announces at the end of the book tour. Good luck.
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Release Day: STRIKE (Book 3 of the Spark series) by Jennifer Ryder
Title: Strike (Spark, #3)
Author: Jennifer Ryder
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: August 30, 2014
![Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000031_00006]](http://www.readlovelust.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Strike-Jennifer-Ryder-eBook.jpg)
Synopsis
Fast. That’s how I like life, especially my two great joys: bikes and women. I’m committed to exclusively riding one, but not the other.Until April.
A sexy-arse freelance photographer who’s travelled the world, and doesn’t do long walks on the beach or romantic candlelit dinners. She enjoys running with the bulls and food spicy enough to make your hair fall out. If that weren’t enough to get me hard, she rides a mean mother of a motorcycle.
I’ve gotta have a taste of this wildcat.
~Spencer (Jones)
I don’t do fast. Not anymore. I’ve got my career, my independence, and since I fled Spain to come back home I promised myself that I wouldn’t be put second—or third, for that matter—again.Then I meet pretty boy Spencer.
He’s smooth, oozing the most potent pheromones probably known to modern science, and he’s making a move on me. One kiss was almost enough for my promise to dissolve.
My head says no—my treacherous body screams yes. I’m gonna make Spencer work for it. Make him fight for the chance to have me, because I know that deep down I’m worth it.
~April MacIntyre
Prologue
SPENCER (JONES)
My head pounds, alerting me to the fact that I’m alive. Barely. I run my hand over my bare chest to find a set of fingers clad with rings. The hand tightens, sharp nails scratching my skin as they sweep over my ribs. I shudder with the realisation that she’s still here. That was not part of the plan.Her hand continues over to my hipbone, and curls around my side. I turn to see her face buried in the pillow beside me, a cascade of fiery red curls tangled down her back, a strong contrast to her pale skin.
I strain to lift my head off the pillow, and there he is. Ryan. On the far edge of my king-sized bed, face down, bare arse and all.
I’m here again. My life on repeat.
My liver screams out its hate for me, and my body aches in silent protest. And why the fuck is my arse sore?
I wriggle to release myself from her hold.
I don’t like them to stay, but Ryan and I were obviously too fucked-up to care. I must’ve passed out, because normally I deal with their exit.
I don’t do mornings. I don’t do awkward. I like simple hook-ups, and then “see ya”; No expectations, no complications.
This here looks complicated.
Walking naked across my bedroom, the floor littered with condom wrappers and clothes, I pick up a rogue black leather shoe and throw it at Ryan’s arse.
He chokes on his snore, and stirs. “Hey, what the fuck, man?” He rolls over, thankfully tugging the tangled sheets with him to shield his dick. I don’t need a vision of his giant cock in the back of my head today.
“What’s up is that you and Princess Redhead need to leave, buddy. I gotta get to work,” I whisper loudly. Working for Dad today is totally gonna blow.
Ryan swings his legs off the bed, and stretches his arms over his head. “Well, you never fail to disappoint, man. Guess I’ll catch ya next time I’m in town.”
I take a white crumpled towel that I must have left on the floor yesterday and wrap it around my hips. “That depends, mate. If you’re the reason my arse is sore, then this was the last time. Oh, and you might just get the shit kicked out of you.”
He chuckles quietly to himself. “You don’t remember?” He grabs his jeans from the floor in front of him, and slips them on.
“Remember what?” Oh no. Ryan did not go there. I’ll kill him. On instinct, my teeth grind against each other, and I breathe out heavily through my nose as I stalk towards him.
He holds up a hand. “Relax,” he says, as he juts his chin towards the redhead. “Miss Ginger Sex Fiend over there brought toys.”
“Fuck,” I gasp. I’ve seriously gotta lay off the drink.
“Now, get outta here. I’ll take care of Ginger.” Ryan winks, and runs his hands through his mussed up sandy-coloured hair.
Yeah. I need to get to work.
Spark (Spark #1)
Spike (Spark #2)
Strike (Spark, #3)
About the Author
New Adult and erotic romance writer, and author of the Spark series.
A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn't stifle her creativity any longer.
Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.
Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.
Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.
A sexy imagination, a life-long love of books and a sucker for romance, Jennifer Ryder couldn't stifle her creativity any longer.
Writing steamy adult romance has become her new focus. Living on a rural property in New South Wales, Australia, she enjoys the best of city and country.
Her loving husband is ever willing to provide inspiration, and her two young cherubs, and sheep that don't see fences as barriers, keep life more than interesting.
Jennifer placed third in the International Stringybark Erotic Short Fiction Award 2013.
Giveaway!
Blog Tour: WHAT DOESN'T DESTROY US by M.N. FORGY
Book Title: What Doesn't Destroy Us
(Devil's Dust Series #1)
Author: M.N. Forgy
Release Date: June 27th, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult
Synopsis:
When Dani's sheltered life is turned upside down by her mother's secrets, she finds protection with her estranged outlaw father. Against all warnings, she falls for bad boy biker, Shadow. He is beast and beauty sealed in a leather cut with a gun holster. Can Dani learn to live within the Club rules? Is she more like her father than she could imagine?
Shadow has grown up among drug addicts, whores and murderers. The only family he's ever trusted has been the Devil's Dust motorcycle club. He will do anything for a brother; even kill. In fact, killing is so easy, he's made a career of it. His one regret is not being able to kill his own worthless mother. When Dani shows up with her provocative temper and innocent charm, Shadow begins to question his violent lifestyle. But can he trust her with his demons?
Sex.
Blood.
Betrayal.
Will Dani and Shadow let family ties destroy them?
Buy Links:
Excerpt:
Teasers:
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THE SCARS THAT DEFINE US
(Devil's Dust Series #2)
PRE~ORDER
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 31st 2014
AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/1t9x4G4
Synopsis:
The Devil's Dust MC has a list of new threats to the club's lifestyle. Dani, to prove her loyalty, is trying to embrace a part of herself that she never knew existed until now. A sinful beast lurking beneath her surface has been awakened and is ready to eliminate anyone that stands in its way. Looking at her stained hands, she rinses the blood from them. She resigns herself to innocence lost and welcomes her thirst for more blood.
After a breathtaking turn of events, Shadow is looking at life in a different perspective. Not knowing who he can trust or who he can forgive has left him feeling desolate and alone. As Shadow is laying behind his rifle, he wonders if he can pull the trigger to eliminate the threat. He takes a deep breath and squeezes the trigger, the rifle recoil ignites the fuel that drives him.
Retaliations will be required.
Boundaries will be shattered.
Redemption will be lost.
Betrayal so deep, yet they still yearn for one another. Can Shadow overlook Dani’s transgressions? Can Dani overlook the mistrust that Shadow has placed upon her?
***WARNING***
This novel contains explicit language, sex, drugs, violence, and sexual situations that some might find offensive. This book is intended for adults 18+ years of age.
Author Bio:
M.N. Forgy was raised in Missouri where she still lives with her family. She's a soccer mom by day and a saucy writer by night. M.N. Forgy started writing at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn't live with the "what if" anymore and finally took a chance on her character's story. So, with her glass of wine in hand and a stray Barbie sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her fans.
Books:
What Doesn't Destroy Us (Devils Dust Book One)
The Scars That Define Us ( Devils Dust Book Two) Releasing October 31st
Stalking links:
GIVEAWAY:
Release Day Blitz: THE STORM by Laura Lexington
Title: The Storm
Author: Laura Lexington
Release Date: Aug 30, 2014
Find on Goodreads
Author: Laura Lexington
Release Date: Aug 30, 2014
Find on Goodreads
Jana Cook was not born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but her fierce determination leads to a successful career in medical device sales. Toss in five-star meals, fabulous sex with her nearly perfect husband, Andrew, and a gorgeous new house … and Jana’s life is picture perfect before she hits the big 3-0. What more can a girl want?
Overnight, her life begins to unravel. When Jana discovers she is pregnant, she dives from hero to zero in the eyes of Covington Company. Despite a resume most would kill for, Jana finds herself unemployed and devastated. Challenging her employer could change her life … if she wins. Does she have the strength to handle the gossip and face the likely reality of being blackballed from her industry?
As Jana struggles to make the right choice, her vivacious best friend, Grace, is convinced her own heartthrob husband, Gavin, is hiding something. Despite Jana’s best efforts to convince her that she is wrong, Grace’s mental illness overpowers reality. Jana was a superstar in scrubs, but navigating first time motherhood is real work … especially in the midst of secrets, lies, and unthinkable tragedy.
She makes her decision. And while Andrew promises to never let her fall, will love be enough to spark the bravery she needs to survive the storm that threatens to overcome her?
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1AQg2hx
Andrew laughed and shook his head. “When I met you, I never thought you would be so sexual. You seemed so ... quiet.”
“Didn’t anyone ever tell you to watch out for the quiet ones?” I raised my eyebrows and winked, grabbing him spontaneously and pulling him close. I brought my lips to his and lightly parted them, waiting for him to lead.
Now that my second trimester kicked into gear, sex regained its appeal.
Effortlessly, he kissed me, our tongues wrapping around one another’s, awakening an eagerness that zapped me of any other thoughts. “I want to be the only toy you play with tonight.”
I pulled away and gave him a glance at the fire in my eyes. “You can do whatever you want with me.”
“Shhh.” His voice rose slightly as he gently lowered me on the soft blanket I hadn’t noticed. “Take your clothes off for me. I will be right back.”
I obliged, slowly undressing with careful finesse, leaving my lacy panties for him to remove. Naked under the stars, I allowed the mystical, cool breeze to relax me as my eyes fluttered shut.
I never heard him return. Suddenly, he lay beside me, using his firm hands to massage me with the skill of a professional. I bristled with pleasure as he caressed warm liquid over every square inch of my body.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured as I gently spread my legs, my muscles reduced to mush. Embracing the sensation of floating in a realm between a memory and a daydream, I relished his magical touch.
After sliding off my thong, he teased one finger over my sensitive spot, and I sighed at the promise of what came soon. Maybe six seconds and I was soaking wet, dying for him to enter me. His intent was sweet romance, but I wanted to grab his body and force him inside me and rock him until he couldn’t see straight. My sex drive now wild and untamed, my body pulsed with intensity unfamiliar to my experience.
I reached up to unbutton his shirt, exposing his sexy arms and chest. I slid his pants and boxers down and unleashed a seductive smile, my eyes lifting from his hardness to his heated eyes. Not much foreplay would be necessary.
I slid my tongue up and down the length of his shaft, amazed when he got even harder.
He started to position himself on top of me, but I placed one hand firmly on his chest and pushed him away. A flicker of confusion crossed his face, but then he grinned as I slyly turned over and rose on my hands and knees.
“You feel so tight,” he breathed as his body became one with mine. He squeezed my ass and let a soft moan escape with the first hard thrust.
He was the perfect fit. With every move he made, my body longed for more of him, grinding against him until I matched his pace. I wanted to slow down, to enjoy this fabulous sex underneath a ceiling of glistening stars, but I lost every ounce of self-control and thrust against him faster and faster until he exploded with pleasure.
“Damn!” He gazed into my eyes, his wild with ecstasy, as I smirked with satisfaction. “You’re an animal.”
I rolled over, collapsing on the blanket cushioned with soft grass. I guided his hand back to where he started, my mouth forming a long “O” within seconds. Feverishly, I grabbed his other hand and placed it on my breast. He took the cue and fondled each nipple until they were both pebbled.
Hold off, hold off... I could have come on command.
He rolled his finger in a circular motion, changing his rhythm to make me last longer. I thought I might fall unconscious if my legs got any weaker.
I couldn’t take it anymore. I came with such power that my whole body jerked. My eyes flew open just in time for my release to coincide with the surreal blend of the majestic stars and distant heavenly bodies as they faded into the night.
Andrew smiled and lay on his back, gazing into the celestial sky, lacing his fingers with mine. The breeze intensified, serving as the perfect cool down as we cuddled under the glistening stars.
This was perfection.
Laura Lexington is a Contemporary Women’s Fiction and Contemporary Romance author. Her debut novel contains elements of suspense and explores elements of every part of life – love, sex, friendship, careers, faith, social issues, and family. She lives in the Southern United States with her family, where she hates the humidity but loves being close to the beach. She is the proud mother of one daughter, a rambunctious five year old who chopped her glorious hair the first week of kindergarten, and is the most awesome wife ever (or so she likes to think). When she’s not daydreaming up future stories, she’s wearing out her Kindle, thinking about shaking the dust off her treadmill, or planning her next trip to Orange Beach.
Laura works full time, and unlike the main character in her debut novel, is thankful to work for a company that recognizes employee talent regardless of age, race, or gender, and provides many opportunities for development. She firmly believes in the power of a good housekeeper, a strong cup of coffee (or two or three), and a novel that makes one’s senses spin with all the good stuff – drama, love, suspense, sex. If dancing with her rambunctious five-year-old in the kitchen counts as working out, she exercises daily, usually after several desserts she couldn’t resist.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Blog Tour: Her Highlanders Hero
Synopsis
Lady Isobel is a Norman laird's daughter, living near the Scots border where her father, Lord Pembroke, is trying to keep the peace. But her mother was a Highlander and the man Isobel loves most of all is Laird Marcus McEwan, who has been bringing news of her mother's people for years. But now Isobel's father wishes her wed to an English nobleman, who will carry on his title. Isobel will wed no other man but her heart's desire—and that is one braw Highlander from her mother's homeland.
Laird Marcus McEwan has loved the feisty lass forever. For years, Marcus has tried to convince Lord Pembroke to allow him to wed his daughter. But the Norman lord will not allow it. Then ambushes and murders make it too dangerous for Marcus to reach a peaceful resolution.
Nothing goes as planned and keeping the lass for his own is fraught with danger, as they try to determine who was behind the killings. Isobel and Marcus will do everything in their power to ensure they are together as they have always vowed they would be
Review
3.5 stars. Her Highlander Hero was a good book I did not read the other books in the series and though they say they can be read as standalone I think maybe I would have been able to understand the book better. This book had romance, danger and some twist and turns but something was missing. Though I enjoyed the book these characters did not draw me in fully.I loved Lady Isobel and her strong mind she loved who she loved and was determined to marry only him even though her father had other plans in mind. I enjoyed watching the love between Marcus and Isobel how through everything they go through they stick together and work it out and end up together. I would probably read another book of terry's in the future.
~Raquel~
Release Day: TEN BELOW ZERO by Whitney Barbetti
Title: Ten Below Zero
Author: Whitney Barbetti
Release Date: August 28, 2014
Genre: New Adult Romance
Synopsis
“In here,” he said, pushing on the skin above my heart, “you're ten below zero. And you’re closer to death than I am.”
My name is Parker. My body is marked with scars from an attack I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I choose to live my life by observation, not through experience. While people are laughing and kissing and connecting, I’m in the corner. Watching them live. I’m indifferent to everything, everyone. The only emotion I feel with any kind of depth is annoyance, and I feel it often.
A text message sent to the wrong number proves to be my undoing.
His name is Everett, but I call him rude. He’s pushy, he’s arrogant, he crowds my personal space, and worst of all: he makes me feel.
He chooses to wear all black, all the time, as if he’s waiting to attend a funeral. Probably because he is.
Everett is dying. And he’s spending his final days living, truly living. In doing so, he’s forcing me to feel, to heal. To come face to face with the demons I suppressed in my memory.
He hurts me, he fulfills me, he completes me. And still, he's dying.
My name is Parker. My body is marked with scars from an attack I don’t remember. I don’t want to remember. I choose to live my life by observation, not through experience. While people are laughing and kissing and connecting, I’m in the corner. Watching them live. I’m indifferent to everything, everyone. The only emotion I feel with any kind of depth is annoyance, and I feel it often.
A text message sent to the wrong number proves to be my undoing.
His name is Everett, but I call him rude. He’s pushy, he’s arrogant, he crowds my personal space, and worst of all: he makes me feel.
He chooses to wear all black, all the time, as if he’s waiting to attend a funeral. Probably because he is.
Everett is dying. And he’s spending his final days living, truly living. In doing so, he’s forcing me to feel, to heal. To come face to face with the demons I suppressed in my memory.
He hurts me, he fulfills me, he completes me. And still, he's dying.
Excerpt
“Your roommates are nosey,” Everett commented, sitting back on the bed. He reached into the suitcase again.
“You would know,” I said, snatching a bra from his hands.
Everett shrugged. “It’s underwear. More specifically, it’s your underwear. I’m intrigued.”
“Yeah, well don’t get any ideas.”
Everett leaned back into the pillows, resting his hands behind his head again. “Oh, but I have a lot of ideas.” He winked at me.
I stalked away towards my dresser and began pulling things from drawers. When I turned back around, Everett was holding another bra.
“You don’t wear padding,” he commented, his fingers feeling along the lined cup.
“No.”
“I like that.”
My hands stilled. And then I moved them again. “Why?” I didn’t care. Really, I didn’t.
“Lies.”
I turned around. “Lies?”
“I like the truth. In every way.” He seemed lost in thought so I turned back around and packed my things.
“Am I really doing this?” I asked myself.
“Yes, you are.”
I turned around again. “Why?”
It wasn’t a question he should know the answer to. But he did. “Because you hate and you love the way I make you feel.”
I was naked under his gaze. Skin was just that: skin. But to see your soul stripped, laid bare for the eyes of someone you barely knew – that was terrifying. I’d walk down the street naked a hundred times before I would let someone see what lay underneath.
I’d spent my life alone. Bounced from foster home to foster home. When my tastes outgrew my age as a teenager, I traded boys for men and found myself still alone. I reveled in the loneliness. No one could hurt me but me, and did I really care if I hurt me? Did I care? If I found pleasure in anything, it was my lack of feeling.
And that’s how I knew, when Everett told me not to fall in love with him, that I wouldn’t. I didn’t love myself. And wasn’t loving someone also loving yourself, the parts that saw the beauty in other people? I didn’t have that part. And I didn’t want it.
“I don’t love anything,” I said.
“I know.” His eyes were unsmiling.
About the Author
I am the author of new adult romance novels. He Found Me (May 2014) is the first in a two-part series. Ten Below Zero (August 2014) is a standalone.
I am married with two boys. When I’m not changing diapers or cutting food into tiny bites, I escape to Starbucks for hours. I could drink my weight in their black iced tea.
I love music and have a playlist for everything.
I have about 20 bacon things in my fridge.
I am married with two boys. When I’m not changing diapers or cutting food into tiny bites, I escape to Starbucks for hours. I could drink my weight in their black iced tea.
I love music and have a playlist for everything.
I have about 20 bacon things in my fridge.
Connect with Whitney
Giveaway!
Signed copy of TEN BELOW ZERO and a $10 amazon gift card.
LJ's review of Keep Her(Grayson Sibling Series) by Faith Andrews
The Grayson siblings are at it again—guilty of keeping secrets from each other when it comes to who they fall in love with. This time little brother’s best friend is the object of Riley’s affection and their intimate connection is impossible to resist.
Riley Grayson—snarky, successful, lonely. She’s looking for Mr. Right, especially now that her younger, reformed man-whore of a brother is living out his happily ever after with her best friend. If Marcus can find true love, why the hell can’t she?
Enter Beck Matthews, Marcus’s childhood best friend. He’s lovable, sexy, and oh, yeah—not single. But one night of drunken partying and wild sex with Riley and Beck may be rethinking his future. Has he been planning it with the wrong girl?
Although these two can’t stay away from each other, it seems the ghosts of their pasts are holding them back from what they really want. Can Riley and Beck overcome the threat of shocking coincidences and unexpected events that will test their trust in one another?
Find out if Beck’s love is strong enough to Keep Her
REVIEW
5 COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN STARS!!! Wow, I loved this book! I loved seeing the characters that we came to know and love in Keep Me. I definitely think you should read Keep Me first just so you can get a feel for the characters but you can read Keep Her and not be completely lost. I loved the twists and turns in this book. It all flowed really well and didn't seem to over the top or like the author was trying to create unneeded drama. The sex was HOT! Lately I've found that I skip these scenes in books, I'm sort of getting burnt out on them. However in Keep Her I wasn't skimming or skipping anything! My only complaint was that it ended! Definitely one to go one click!
~ LJ ~
Blog Tour: Something Forever
Something Forever (Book Three)
Something Great Series
RELEASE DATE: August 24th
A heated moment.
Desperate decision.
Life altering choices.
Max and Jenna are forced to test their relationship. Will they be able to embrace the challenges life throws their way?
Secrets can ruin the foundation of a relationship. Will Matthew choose to withhold vital information from Becky that could consume her with doubt about their future?
When it comes to love, Something Great can turn into Something Wonderful, but can it be Something Forever?
READ CHAPTER 1-3 HERE
EXCERPT
Jenna's point of view
“Want a taste of my delicious beef?” His lips curled up into a sexy smirk.
I knew he meant the beef stew, but I knew there was a double meaning behind what he was asking me. Before I could say a word he placed his finger in my mouth and let it slowly slide out.
“You’re a great cook,” I commented, letting my tongue seductively glide across my lips while savoring the taste of the sauce.
“I’m good at lots of things,” he said as if matter of fact, watching my tongue move across my lips again.
“Aren’t we confident?” I said, leaning back just a tad back to push my breast toward him. I wanted Max to touch me.
“Arrogant,” he said. “I can be very arrogant. And I am very damn good at making Jenna feel good.”
Suddenly Max dabbed a splat of sauce on my neck. “I think I’ll try some Jenna sauce.” Oh God! His tongue was working perfectly on that spot on my neck. My breath heaved and quickened when he dripped some more sauce between my breasts.
SOMETHING WONDERFUL (Book Two)
Something Great Series
Sometimes falling in love means letting go of the past…
Jeanella’s confidence and trust in Max continues to grow, and life seems to be on track. Then Crystal decides to pursue a sexual harassment lawsuit, and Jeanella’s world turns upside down. Once again, she wonders if she will ever be enough for Max. Jeanella is forced to make a decision; stay and fight for her man or leave him for good.
Becky's unexpected friendship with Matthew continues to blossom, as they try to define the boundaries of their relationship; but a one-night stand threatens to ruin it all. As Matthew’s feelings for Becky grow, he’s torn between guilt and heartache over his deceased fiancée. Can Becky break through his wall and help him heal?
ON SALE FOR ONLY $0.99
SOMETHING GREAT (Book One)
Something Great Series
Maxwell Knight was dangerously good-looking, seductively charming, and definitely trouble. He was everything Jeanella Mefferd did NOT need now. Fresh out of college, life was predictable and comfortable for Jeanella. She had the strength of her friends, the security of her job, and she was dating a reliable man; it was all smooth sailing. That was until one night, when she met someone who made her feel things she’d never felt before—dangerous, heart pounding, breathless heat. Never imagining she would see him again, Jeanella has no idea what to do when fate steps in and thrusts Maxwell Knight into her life, just as things were beginning to change around her. When she lands her dream job and travels to New York for Fashion Week, can she focus on her career instead of on Maxwell? Will she ignore all the danger signs and jump straight into his arms; or would she miss out on the chance of finding something great?
ON SALE FOR ONLY $0.99
WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER HERE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed
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GIVEAWAY
$25 Gift Card
Signed Set of Something Great Series
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