Friday, August 31, 2018

Yesterday is Gone by HJ Bellus




Jessie knows how to express himself, "the front door slams shut, and Jessie advances. I don’t run, waiting eagerly until he has me in his arms. “I swear to God time needs to slow down. I need you,” he growls into my ear." I liked this book, I fell in love with Jessie and Jules but Whit stole the show that little girl was the heart of the book.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: You Promised Me Forever by Monica Murphy


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You Promised Me Forever by Monica Murphy Series: Forever Yours Book 1 Publication Date: August 29, 2018 Genre: New Adult Romance
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SYNOPSIS: I’ve got it all, they say. I’m the starting quarterback for the best NFL team in the league. I’m rich. I’m famous. I can have any woman I want, any time I want.
Yeah, I’ve got everything—except for the one who got away. How do you move on from loving the same girl since you were in the seventh grade? She promised me forever until forever got too hard and at nineteen, she dumped me.
By text message.
Now she’s walked back into my life. Just as beautiful. Just as sweet. Just as smart. More grown up and incredibly sexy…
We’re older now. Supposedly wiser. This time, I’m going to fight for what I want, no matter how hard it gets.
This time, I’m going to make her mine.
Forever.
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Download You Promised Me Forever Today!
 
REVIEW:
Jordan is just easily amused by his woman, "her excitement over the menu is cute. She’s cute. So darn cute. “Get whatever you want.” When it comes to his lady Jordan is really up for anything, “you’re the one trying to maul me at the table in a public restaurant.” His smile is wicked. “Not that I mind.” I liked this book, I loved Jordan.

Excerpt:
 
Jordan

Of course, I’m not going to shake Amanda’s hand.
Instead I grab hold of it, that unmistakable jolt of electricity sparking when our skin connects, just like every other time we’ve touched. I pull her to me and wrap her up in my arms because I can. I’m the one who offered up the tickets so I could…what? Show off? Let her know exactly how great my life is?
I can’t lie. My life is pretty damn great. I have everything I could ever want—except for one thing.
“Hi Jordan,” she breathes against my neck, and I swear she melts into me a little. Like she can’t help herself. Like we somehow still fit together even after all these years.
Either she got smaller or I grew bigger since the last time I touched her, and I’m guessing it’s the latter. She smells familiar, yet different. Better. I recognize the scent of her shampoo, but nothing else. Her hair is longer. Thick. Dark and wavy, up in a ponytail and a little disheveled, like she’s had a long day. Her body is curvier, something teenaged Amanda would’ve never believed could happen. She still has those sexy long legs, though.
Finally, she pulls away from me, her lips curled, her eyes sparkling, nervousness written all over her face, and I watch her carefully in return, my expression as neutral as I can make it. Honestly, I’m still a little pissed over that garbage game we just played, and I’m tense like I usually am after. Her understanding gaze meets mine and I know she knows what I’m feeling. We’ve always been in tune with each other…
She’s my Mandy, all grown up. But not my Mandy anymore.
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Meet Monica:
Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and Harper Collins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.
She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.
Connect with Monica:
 




RELEASE REVIEW(S): The Left Side of Perfect and The Right Side of Forever by Meghan Quinn

     

The Left Side Of Perfect – Release Day – August 30

For better or for worse,'til death do us part . . .

The better captured me; she's who stole my heart.

And made me realize I couldn’t live without this woman.

The worse of her took my breath away--kicked me when I was down and twisted me into a million knots.

 When I first met her, I thought she was someone I would never see again.

The second time I ran into her, it was a random coincidence.

The third?

I didn’t know it at the time, but she was the girl I was going to marry.

 But life isn’t always perfect. You have to take the better and the worse--even if it means giving her up, having her slip between your fingers, and letting her walk away.

 I’m getting married.

This is forever, 'til death do us part.

          REVIEW:
Colby's girl knows what she wants and I think that's a huge turn on for the man, "I want it hard.” * ***, as if I didn’t think I could get anymore stiff, she says something like that." Colby is just always arguing his case, “that is speaking like a human. Twelve hundred hours is the same as twelve o’clock, which is the same as noon.” All I'm saying is thank the Heavens that the second book us being released right off and I can jump right into it.

The Right Side Of Forever – Release Day August 31

In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish . . .

It sounds so simple, to love someone unconditionally.

To give them your heart.

So why is she slowly eating away at my soul with every unanswered phone call, every unread text, and every door left unopened?

 She said yes, and yet, in order for her to be with me . . . I need to let her go.

  AMAZON 

REVIEW:
Colby isn't afraid to take measures into his own hands, "since you won’t return any of my calls or texts, I figured this was the only way to get you to talk to me.” Colby's girl knows how to put him in his place, "...quickly reaches out and pinches my nipple. Legit gets a finger full and pinches the eff out of the darn thing. “****.” I swat her away and rub my pec. “What the ***l, babe?” I liked this book, it was an emotional ride but I'm glad we got to where the characters needed to be.
                  

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








RELEASE REVIEW: Unstable by Kristen Hope Mazzola

Unstable by Kristen Hope Mazzola is AVAILABLE NOW!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MEMY8b FREE with #KindleUnlimited ADD to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2MfMqcT
 
 It’s finally my time… I am an outlaw. The proud right-hand man to the president in the Unacceptables MC. I wasn’t prepared for the curveball life was about to throw at me. But if there is one thing I have learned from being in my organization: you have to be ready for anything. When Ryder showed up on my doorstep, I wasn’t sure if I could handle it. I didn’t know how to be a father. I am Holt Walsh, and this is my story.
 
REVIEW:
I liked Holt, the man is hard to impress but Ryder seemed to do that with ease, “Nice one!” I beamed with pride, checking out Ryder’s tight grouping. It took about a week for me to be comfortable enough with Ryder’s shooting ability to send him off on his mission. I was edgy as eff. He was calm as h***." I liked this book, and the characters.


About the Author: Bestselling author, Kristen Hope Mazzola, is a Florida native that has found herself loving a North Carolina life. She writes contemporary romance ranging from steamy romantic comedy, sexy erotica, angsty new adult, all the way to sports romance – with dirty bikers, hot military men, and swoon-worthy rockstars in between. A portion of her royalties is donated to the Marcie Mazzola Foundation. Author Links: Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1fQ2eZI Amazon: http://amzn.to/2eUz8P8 Twitter: http://bit.ly/1gZdki8 Website: http://bit.ly/1dBeHku Goodreads: http://bit.ly/184qzve

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Illegitimate Duke by Sophie Barnes


United in a common cause…
Lady Juliette Matthews longs to be much more than just another pretty ornament in society. But using her recently acquired fortune to do some good is more complicated than she anticipated. Young ladies are not expected to risk their safety in helping the less fortunate. And the one gentleman who could help in her mission is stubborn, infernally handsome—and far too honorable to act on their mutual attraction.
And in a desire impossible to deny…
Florian Lowell has suddenly been made heir to the Duke of Redding—a far cry from his status as a dedicated physician. Yet even with his new role as the country’s most eligible bachelor, the beautiful, fearless Juliette is utterly beyond his reach. The scandalous circumstances of his birth would destroy both their reputations if they became known. But when a more urgent danger threatens Juliette’s life, Florian must gamble everything…including the heart only one woman can tame.

About the Book

The Illegitimate Dukeby Sophie Barnes
SeriesDiamonds in the Rough
GenreAdult
Historical Romance
PublisherAvon Books
Publication DateAugust 28, 2018
Purchase Your Copy Today!
Amazon  |  Avon Romance  |  Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks


REVIEW:
Juliette doesnt mind calling her man out, "...you are pulling me along at a pace that is difficult for me to keep up with in my current state of dress. I cannot simply hike up my evening gown and lengthen my stride, Florian.” Florian likes to state his feelings, “because I am no longer a mere physician, Juliette. I am a man who desires you in every way imaginable.” His breath was ragged, his words coming in quick..." I liked this book, I fell in love with Florian.

Tour Wide Giveaway

To celebrate the release of THE ILLEGITIMATE DUKE by Sophie Barnes, we’re giving away a paperback bundle of The Most Unlikely Duke & The Duke of Her Desire!

GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS:  Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback bundle of A Most Unlikely Duke and The Duke of Her Desire by Sophie Barnes.  This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 9/7/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address.  Duplicates will be deleted.  CLICK HERE TO ENTER!


About Sophie Barnes


Born in Denmark, SOPHIE BARNES spent her youth traveling with her parents to wonderful places all around the world. She’s lived in five different countries, on three different continents, and speaks Danish, English, French, Spanish and Romanian. But, most impressive of all, she’s been married to the same man three times-in three different countries and in three different dresses. When she’s not busy dreaming up her next romance novel, Sophie enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, cooking, gardening, watching romantic comedies and, of course, reading. Visit Sophie Barnes at www.SophieBarnes.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter (@BarnesSophie).
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon


Thursday, August 30, 2018

More Than Crave You by Shayla Black




Evan's mind isn't really PG at times, "...Still, how do I answer? “I, um…” Want to eff you so bad. Dear god, did I just think that?" Evan is just so romantic, "providing well for her is one of the things I can do. So is indulging her. If she wants a fireplace, I don’t understand… but if that will help persuade her to marry me, she’ll have a da*n fireplace." Evan likes to keep his girl happy, “all right. One.” I can’t turn her down when giving in would make her happier . “But if you want me to keep these abs you seemed so fond of licking last night, you can’t feed me empty calories.” I liked this book, I fell in love with Evan.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Big Talking Man by Marquita Valentine

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Big Talking Man by Marquita Valentine Series: Kings of Castle Beach #2 Publication Date: August 28th, 2018 Genre: Contemporary Romance
 
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Synopsis:
Growing up, Tate Prescott was just my older brother’s best friend, but over the years he became my first love… and my biggest secret.
Yes, you read that right...Tate Prescott, The Tate Prescott, Hollywood Superstar and now the most sought after movie director in the industry is mine. We’ve hidden our relationship from the world for so long that it’s become second nature. The last thing we wanted was a media frenzy to rain down on us.
But after my little brother drowned at sea and I became wrapped up in the guilt of knowing that his death was my fault, I shut down… and Tate left when I needed him the most.
Four months have passed since then, and now Tate’s back in town, demanding that I give him thirty days to make our relationship work.
All I want is to forget about the mistake we made the weekend my brother died.
Only Tate’s not so easily deterred and he’s not just some big talking man from Hollywood—he’s my husband, and he wants a second chance to prove to me that he can win back my heart.
I still want him. I still love him. But can I forgive him for abandoning me?
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Download Big Talking Man Today!
 
REVIEW:
I liked the easy going attitude that Quinn and Tate sometimes had toward one another, “you didn’t sneak me in here so we could be really naughty and make out in church?” Tate you know notices things it just takes him a long while, "...that’s the dress she wore the day we actually got married. Why in the ***l didn’t I notice that before? Because you were stuck too far up your * ** with self-pity." I loved this book, I loved Tate.

 Excerpt:
“I’d rather you drop off the face of the earth. Oh wait, you already did that… At least we can agree you are a fool.”
Guilt surges, hitting me square in the chest. “I’m guilty, but I’d like the chance to tell you my side of the story.”
Those silver orbs of hers shift away, as if the memory of what I’d done hurts too much. “I don’t see why you can’t share on the way to town instead of at dinner tomorrow.”
“Because it’s going to take a hell of a lot longer than twenty minutes, Quinn, and you already agreed. Don’t go back on your word.”
“I’m a King. We don’t play those kind of bullshit games with people.”
I stride to my car, opening the passenger side door. “Grab your keys and whatever else, and get in.”
She stands there for a moment, a proud, gorgeous vision of a woman. My mouth goes dry. She radiates power and vulnerability, a true juxtaposition.
But that’s Quinn.
That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with her. It’s also why I can’t let her have the upper hand in this. “I want to renegotiate.”
“What?” she says, clearly annoyed. “You don’t want to have dinner with me?”
“Oh, I do, but I want it to be the first date of many for the next month.”
“The next month?”
My grip tightens on the steering wheel, and I force myself to loosen it. “I want your word now, Quinn. I want you to agree to give our marriage a shot over the next thirty days. I’m all in. I want you to be, too.”
“Just like that.” She snaps her fingers.
“Absolutely.” I sneak a glance at her. She’s regarding me with anger, confusion, and another emotion that I’m certain is hope contorting her face. “I dare you to take me on.”
Her lips purse, brows rising. “I dare you to win me back. If you don’t, you’ll sign the divorce papers.”
“Challenge accepted. “At the next light, we shake hands.
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About the Author:
Marquita Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Holland Springs and Boys of the South series.
Since first taking the plunge in July of 2012 to self publish, Marquita Valentine has appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling Ebooks Lists on iBooks, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes&Noble. She's been called "one of the best new voices in romance" (Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews) and her books have been accused of being "a sexy, fun, and slightly addicting contemporary read" (The Book Queen).
When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys shopping, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south with her husband, two kids, and a dog.
Connect with Marquita:
 



RELEASE REVIEW: Just Exes by Charity Ferrell




Title: Just Exes
Series: Blue Beech #3
Author: Charity Ferrell
Genre: New Adult Romance
 Release Date: August 30, 2018



Blurb

Lauren
Running into an ex you haven’t seen in nearly a decade is never a good time. 
Running into your ex while he’s arresting you is humiliating. 
The handcuffs close around my fists at the same time he promises to hate me until he takes his last breath.
I can’t blame him. He pleaded for me not to walk away.  He doesn’t know leaving him broke my heart as much as it did his. 
It wasn’t for me. Rather, it was for someone else. 

Gage
I skipped town after Hurricane Lauren obliterated my heart. 
Coming home was a hard choice to make. Arresting her isn’t. 
She has no idea of the demons I carry with me now. No idea that I’m a new man.
Two women ruined me. 
One I gave my heart to. 
The other punished me for it.







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

REVIEW:
Kyle really is putty where Lauren is concerned, “You’re coming up,” is all she says. It’s a demand, not an offer. And I stupidly obey." So Kyle has a one track mind, "he nuzzles my neck. “The stitches can wait.” My blood runs hot when I look down and see the length of his manhood under the thin gown. “Right now, I have something else I want you to heal.” I liked this book, I liked Gage.




Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited



AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio

Charity Ferrell resides in Indianapolis, Indiana. She grew up riding her bicycle to her library and reading anything she could get her hands on. Angst is her happy place, and she loves writing about flawed people finding love. She loves the basics—books, shoes, and online shopping.



Author Links









Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Home Again by Shirlee McCoy



Porter is a sweet man, “and, now that you’re here, everything is even more perfect,” he continued, stopping in front of her, tilting her chin so he could look into her eyes and kiss her tenderly." I liked this book, I really liked Porter.

RELEASE REVIEW: Hard Trigger by S.L. Hannah




Title: Hard Trigger
Author: S.L. Hannah
Publisher: AOH Publishing
Genre: Romantic Suspense
 Release Date: August 28, 2018



Blurb

“Your mother’s opiates are coming from Jose Herrera’s distribution network.” My pulse races as my stepfather speaks these words. Because taking on the Herreras also means taking on Diego.

Reckless, and hardened by a volatile past, Victoria does not see a future with Diego Herrera as a realistic option. As their childhood friendship ignites, they find themselves on opposite sides of a bloody feud between the two most powerful families in Mexico City. And she’s a Moreno now—brought up to be the secret weapon nobody suspected.

But Victoria can’t deny the attraction. Diego’s commanding muscles, the coarse, dark hair of his solid chest, that rugged scar above his sensuous lips…

Loyalty is in the eye of the beholder.







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

REVIEW:
Victoria is a sassy thing, “we both got what we wanted,” I say. “And if you hadn’t interfered tonight, we both would have gotten more. Now let me out.” I found Diego to just be perfect I loved that man I wished Victoria would have just done some different things with him, the man was caring in his own way and Victoria just came off cold to me at times.



Trailer



Excerpt

My body is spent. I want to feel him release inside of me. I want to collapse on top of him. I want to keep fucking like two animals trying to survive a wilderness that is both beautiful and vicious. Our chests heave in a unison that signals it’s not over, and he starts pumping into me…
Except I’m not just an animal. I turn my head towards the end table, lean over, and grab his cell phone.
“Call them off.” I shove the phone into his palms. “All of them. Tell them I’m not here. That they made a mistake.”
Still pumping into me, he stares at me with widened eyes. “Don’t be fucking crazy. Let me walk you out of here and make everyone believe you’ve disappeared. At least for a little while.”
He’s hitting that spot. That warm and sensitive spot that makes me second-guess every decision and every goal I’ve ever made or had. That makes me want to curl up and be swept away and taken care of, even though I’ve never wanted that to be any part of my long-term plan—because I’ve seen everything my mother has gained and lost by being…taken care of.
Diego searches my face for a place to reason. “What I’m offering…they’re going to catch up to you eventually. And before you catch up to my uncle again. He’s the second-in-line to a multinational business. You killed one of his men last night. You almost killed him. You think no one noticed? This would give us…a chance,” he pleads.
Although he doesn’t say it, it’s the same proposal he made on our trip, except without the ring.
I freeze. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t tempted. I’ve always been tempted. He’ll never know how many times I ran my finger around the circumference of that diamond band on the nightstand before I drove off, deciding on a different destiny. I knew the moment I stepped in the old Peugeot that Diego’s ring would forever be imprinted on my finger.
But…
“I can’t.”
My response makes him choke on whatever he was about to say and roar in frustration. He’s not the type of man to accept defeat.
His fingers fumble on the phone screen. Awkwardly he holds it against his ear, spitting in Spanish as he does what I’ve asked him to do.
He throws the phone and then locks his forearms around my neck, pulling me closer to him. His cock is still stiff, and it throbs inside of me, reminding me of why we’re even in this position.
Cursing, his lips find mine, biting, absorbing, demanding. And I reciprocate. I have never been unwilling. Our tongues tangle as our bodies rock in unison again.






Author Bio


S.L. Hannah was born in Poland, grew up in Canada, and moved to Southern California to pursue her love of single-engine airplanes. Her latest, Hard Trigger, is a rogue romance that will be published on August 28th, 2018. Visit her online at www.slhannah.com to learn about her other books, to get updates about her new release, and to connect through social media. S.L. Hannah lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband and garden of succulents. When she’s not writing fiction, she continues to solve the aviation problems of the world.


Author Links






Monday, August 27, 2018

Accidental Protector by Nicole Snow



Noah doesn't mind asking his girl questions, “do you want my ***k inside you again?” I swear I think Noah gets a kick out of e!embarassing his woman, “not half as good as you, Lucky. Just try not to wake up Aunt Judy.” He winks. I'm mortified, gasping softly." I liked this book, I loved Noah.

The Earl of London by Louise Bay






REVIEW:
There are times Darcy gets tongue-tied trying to find the right words when describing Logan, “he was…” Domineering and controlling and had effed me like it was his job. “Clearly experienced.” Darcy's compliments to Logan are always unique, "...I hadn’t made that apple pie, I’d be climbing you like a tree right now.” I liked this book, I loved Logan and I loved Darcy she was a feisty one.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: Hold You Close by Melanie Harlow & Corinne Michaels

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“Corinne Michaels and Melanie Harlow are a match made in heaven. Five-Sweet-Stars for this unforgettable collaboration!” --A.L. Jackson, New York Times bestselling author

 

Hold You Close, an all-new second chance standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Corinne Michaels and USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow, is available now!

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Synopsis
From NYT Bestseller Corinne Michaels & USA Today Bestseller Melanie Harlow, comes a second chance standalone romance.
Ian Chase broke my heart at seventeen, and I’ve spent the last eighteen years hating him for it.
He makes it easy, with his smart mouth and playboy lifestyle—which I unfortunately have to observe since he lives behind me. Every time I see him climbing out of his pool, practically naked and unreasonably sexy, my blood boils.
I’ve always loved to loathe him.
I never planned to need him.
***
London Parish is my little sister’s best friend, not that it stopped me from falling for her.
Our history is complicated. The only thing we have in common is being godparents to my sister’s three adorable kids—until our lives are changed in one tragic moment.
Now we’re trying to raise the children we love, mourn an unthinkable loss, and fight an undeniable attraction.
My life is already upside-down, and the last thing I need is for old feelings to resurface.
Because I’ll never be able to keep her, no matter how hard I try to hold her close.
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Download Your Copy Today!
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2L5BB8J
REVIEW:
Not gonna lie Ian can be an arse, “so did I. So there you go. Two consenting adults had some ***, and it was a good time. No one died. The end.” Ian doesn't bat an eyelash when he thinks someone is bothering his woman, “Shi*** how?” He’s frowning, and his chest is puffed up like he might want to go kick my boss’s ***. “Did he say something to you? Or harass you in some way?” Ian knows how to lay down those sweet nothings, "if the kids weren’t outside, I’d lay you on this countertop and eff you so hard,” I loved this book, there was so much sexual tension between London and Ian.



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Excerpt:
“Ian,” my bartender, Toby, calls with his hand out. “What’s up?” “You have a call.” He pushes the phone toward me. No one calls the club for me other than vendors, and it’s eleven-thirty at night, so whoever it is can wait. “I have to deal with something now, send them to my voicemail.” He shakes his head. “She’s called three times.” The annoyance in his voice is clear, even over the music. She? The only woman that would resort to calling the club is my ex-wife. God only knows what bullshit she wants now. For all I know she broke a nail, it’s my fault, and she thinks I should pay for her new manicure, or a hand replacement. She’s like the gift you’ve tried to return but can’t find the receipt for, so you’re stuck with it. I hate unwanted presents, and I hate Jolene. “Send the devil to my voicemail,” I say and walk away. I head out to the sidewalk. Drea wasn’t kidding, the line is nuts. “Hello, Officer,” I say to the pudgy cop standing next to the bouncer. “Mr. Chase, we’re getting complaints,” he says, looking down the sidewalk at the line. “I can’t help that we’re popular.” I shrug. “I’m at capacity, and can’t kick out the paying customers to take care of the line.” “You’re obstructing the entrances of other businesses because of the way your overflow lines are set up.” How the hell would they like me to handle it? We’re not inside the casino, there’s no way to control the line. I’m not about to turn away people when we hit the number ten. This is a business, and part of the free marketing I get is thanks to the line. “All right, I’ll figure something out.” I grip the back of my neck. I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. If this is Jolene, I swear to God, I might lose my fucking mind. The name flashes across the screen, London Parish. For fuck’s sake. Like I need to deal with my sister’s uptight, irritating best friend right now. London would be incredibly hot if she wasn’t such a raging bitch. I look at my call log and see this is the third time she’s called. I walk down the strip a little, and after a few deep breaths, I call her back. “Ian, you need to come to my house.” I smirk. “Well, this is a first. Did you have the stick removed from your ass?” “Don’t. Not today, please. Just come here.” I hear her sniff and my protectiveness kicks in. Someone made her cry. We don’t get along at all—partly because we’re polar opposites and partly because of our history—but no one gets to make her cry. “Are you hurt?” I ask. “Not in the way you think.” Her voice hitches. I’ve known London for twenty-five years. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve seen or heard her cry—I was the reason one of those times. “What’s wrong? Is it an emergency? Because I’m at work and the club—” “Now, Ian. You need to come here now.” She also doesn’t play games. Fuck. I look at my watch and blow a deep breath through my nose. It’ll take me at least thirty minutes to get there. This is seriously a shitty night. “I’ll be there as soon as I can.” “Just . . . hurry,” London says and hangs up. Dread pulls at my stomach, telling me there’s something going on. I don’t know what, but I know I need to get there. “Get rid of the line, no more get in,” I tell the bouncer, and then head inside. Drea is at the bar, and my anxiety is starting to grow. London needs me there, why? What happened? Did someone break into her house? Mine? Maybe it has to do with an ex, if she even has one, or it could be nothing like that. Regardless, her voice was shaky and I can’t waste time wondering. “I have to go,” I tell Drea. Her eyes widen. “Go? Go where? It’s a packed house.” “I’m aware of that, but something came up. I need you to handle things tonight.” I turn to Toby. “Stay until Drea is done closing and I want you to escort her to her car at the end of the night.” He nods. I never let her walk out of here alone. Even if I have someone coming home with me, Drea’s not going to be unescorted. Too many men get the wrong impression because she’s nice to them. Over my dead body will she be hurt as a result of working at my club. After I get in the car, my mind is racing. I drive faster than I should, telling myself that London is just being dramatic. And then I remember . . . she has my nephew and nieces at her house. My foot pushes down on the pedal of my Jaguar, making the engine howl with each mile. I turn into the development where we both live, pass my house, and head to hers. I still hate that our backyards touch. Every damn day I see her sitting out on her deck, reading her books, looking down at me with her disapproving attitude. When I get there, the flashing lights of a police car brighten the road. I don’t think. I don’t know if I even put the car in park before I’m out of the vehicle. “London!” I yell as I rush through the door. “Christopher? Morgan? Ruby?” I call out for the kids, praying it’s not one of them. When I get to the living room, I release a heavy sigh—they’re all there, not hurt. Then I see the tears streaming down Morgan’s face. London gets to her feet. Her eyes are red, puffy, and black mascara runs down her cheeks. “Ian.” She chokes on my name. “What’s wrong? What happened?” The girls start to cry again, and my nephew pulls them into his arms. London moves toward me, placing her hand on my chest. “They’re gone.” “Who?” I ask, confused. “Sabrina and David,” she whispers. Yeah, they went on a trip. Why the hell are they crying? “This is what you called me for? They’ll be home in a few days. Why are you crying too?” I ask. Her green eyes meet mine and her lips part. “No.” She shakes her head. “They won’t.” I look over at the kids again, and then to the muted television. My feet move closer, because I have to be sure the words flashing across the screen say what I think they say. “Flight 1184 crashes off the coast of Hawaii. Three hundred missing and presumed dead.” My sister was going to Hawaii. My sister is gone. I sink to my knees in front of the kids, unsure what to say. They just lost their parents, and my heart is breaking. My sister was my best friend. She was the one who pushed me to open Veil and do what I wanted. I’ve always had her support, and now she’s gone. Christopher lifts his head, his brown eyes filled with unshed tears. “They’ll find them,” he says with conviction. “Okay,” I reply. We both know it’s a lie, but it’s one he has to tell himself. I remember being fifteen; there was no telling me I was wrong. “Dad wouldn’t . . .” he starts, and then stops as his lip quivers. My own tears start to fall, as Morgan grabs my hand. “What do we do now?” I have no fucking clue. How do I tell these kids how to survive? I’m the last person in the world equipped to give this advice. I look to London. Her hand touches my shoulder and she wipes the tears that fall silently down her cheeks. “We hold each other close,” she says.  
About the authors:
  New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Corinne Michaels is the author of nine romance novels. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love. Corinne (1 of 1)-4matte USA Today Bestselling Author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.   Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.
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