Thursday, July 31, 2014

Incandescent (Knights Rebels MC #1) by River Savage

Incandescent
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Phoenix ‘Nix’ Knight is the president of the Knights Rebels MC. His dad was the prior president. When he stepped down, Nix did everything in is his power to become legit. Years later, his club is respected by the community and within the law.

Kadence Turner is a school teacher. When one of her students, Zayden gets into a fight she must call the parents. To her surprise, Nix is the one stepping into her classroom. She is shocked to feel something stir within her. Kadence's ex-fiancée Zane did a number on her, this made her wary about men.

Nix and Kandence couldn't be from more different worlds but fate brought them together and despite trying to fight their attraction, they can't keep on staying away from each other for too long.

“This is more than just fun, Kadence.”

Their lives get complicated due to both sets of exes. Nix has been legit for years but he won't hesitate to change this in order to keep Kadence in his life.

“Oh, baby, I am, but I’m also the type to know when he’s got a good thing, and you, Kadence, are a good thing.”


This novel should come with an alert:

MC Hotness Here...

I have a serious love for MC Books since Charlie appeared on TV and Tack took my heart. I'm glad to say that this debut novel didn't disappoint me.
It has a sexy alpha, a strong female character, a great set of supporting characters, lots of action and sexy scenes.

The. Complete. Package.

“If you kiss like that when you’re not into it, I’d love to see how you kiss when you are,”

Nix was easy to love. He didn't stray. He knew he wanted Kadence and when his feelings became stronger he didn't fight them.

“You ruin me, woman,”

Kadence was a good choice for him. She was smart, sweet and sassy.

"I am slightly concerned, however, that I’ve let this man push my buttons, kiss me senseless, speak to me dirty, demand a date and manhandle me all in the space of two nights."

Zayden "Z" was so adorable. I wanted nothing else but be there for him.
The other bikers: Sy, Jesse, Brooks, Beau...I need your stories. Pronto!
I seriously can't wait for people to read this book. When you do, tell me what you think.
I know I'll read the next one.

4.5/5 Fangs
ML
A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.


Craving Absolution (The Aces #3) by Nicole Jacquelyn

Craving Absolution
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Farrah Miller has had a terrible life so far. She has endured abused in the hands of her own mother and lost the man she loved, Echo. She had a period in her life where she was self-destructive until her best friend Callie needed her. Now, she has put herself through school and she is good at her job. She is also very good at ignoring her feelings for Callie's brother Cody.

Cody “Casper” Butler is a smart man. He has a high IQ and has been in private schools since he was eight. When his sister is hurt he joins the Aces MC and never looks back, leaving his Yale future behind. After a bullet almost kills him, he decides to stop waiting for Farrah to admit her feelings for him. He goes looking for her and he needs to convince her that together they make sense.

The road to happiness is never easy.


I was glad that Cody and Farrah's story begins where Craving Redemption ends. We skip Farrah's teenager years, including falling in love with Echo. Yes, there is some back story but it is not overdone.

We met Cody in the last two books and he has been there for Brenna and for his sister Callie. Now, it's his chance at happiness. There were times when he drove me a little nuts but for the most part he was a great hero. His love for "Ladybug" felt real to me.
After meeting Farrah in the last book I wasn't too excited about learning more about her. I thought she was selfish but I was wrong. Nicole Jacquelyn made me like her and I think she is my favorite girl in this series. She was so sweet to Cameron. She had this attitude of confidence but was really fragile, allowing only the people who loved her to see her true self.
The epilogue killed me. I'm dying for the next book.

My favorite Quotes:

“You gut me,”

“Because I would do anything to keep you safe.” He leaned down, pressing my hands into the bed, and kissed me hard. “Even if you hate me for it.”

 “You come first, Ladybug, you and our children. Always.”


“I’ve got two kids out here, handsome. I don’t have the luxury of waiting for the cavalry.”

4/5 Ladybug Fangs
ML

Four Score (Gypsy Brothers #4) by Lili St. Germain

Four Score
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The saga continues and it's really hard to write a review without giving any spoilers away. 
Let's just say Juliette's plan is not working the way it should. Dornan may be down for the count temporarily but not yet eliminated.

 “What I want is to throw you up against this wall and erase any trace of him ever touching you. What I want is for you to be mine, and mine only.”

Jase needs to make some decisions soon. Does he love Juliette enough to protect her? To let her seek revenge? Or does he walk away from her? Turn her in?

“Damn it, Julz, you could burn the whole world down and I’d still forgive you.”

And let's not forget poor Elliot, who loves her unconditionally but doesn't know for how long he can keep her alive.
Four Score runs a little bit slower than the other books. I didn't like this one as much as I liked the other ones. It may be because I was expecting a little more action.
Also, I'm not sure I believe were the story line is going next. I have serious doubts about Juliette surviving in this environment. I feel bad for her. 
What more can she take? Hasn't she suffered enough? 
I guess I'll have to wait and see.

"The score’s only at four. And until it’s at seven? Love will have to wait."

3/5 Fangs
ML

Cover Reveal
Consensual by Livia Jamerlan

We're so excited to reveal the cover for Consensual by Livia Jamerlan, which releases August 18th!


Book Details:
Title:  Consensual  (Consensual Series Book #1)
Author:  Livia Jamerlan
Genre:   Contemporary Erotic Romance
Release Day:  August 18th 2014

Synopsis:
Braelynn Wolf is focused on two things: work and law school.

That is how she survives.
That is how she’ll make a difference.

Until she meets HIM.

Peyton Haas is sexy, dangerous, and forbidden. The defense attorney on Braelynn’s first legal case is the only man who can cloud her judgment. Unable to stay away, she finds herself lying to everyone around her so she can spend time with the man who makes her feel things she never felt before—things she never dreamed possible.

With the legal case hanging on a thread, can Braelynn ignore the relationship she has built with Peyton?

Or will she succumb to the man who has the power to throw away her future?


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21846630-consensual

Excerpt:  

I skimmed my thumb over the skin of her neck. “I’m very available and want nothing more than to fuck you.”

I brought my hand to the hem of her skirt, lifting it slowly. I felt the edge of her stocking attached to a garter, and my cock twitched as I pushed up against her, bringing my lips to her ear. “Come back to my place, Lynn, wearing nothing but these.” I pulled on the elastic, letting it smack against her smooth skin.
“Haas, I can’t. We can’t.”
“You remember what I told you, don’t you? I always get what I want.” I pushed her skirt higher, sliding my finger across her lace thong. “I can be very persuasive.” The small whimper that escaped her throat only enticed me more. “I promise to make this pussy pulse with pleasure.” I slid my finger back and forth against the delicate material. “If you want, I can take you right here.”

“Please, don’t—”

I brought my lips to hers and she responded, allowing me in. Her tongue wrestled mine as I ground my cock against her abdomen. She melted in my hands, letting me guide her body how I wanted. I explored her mouth, imagining what it would be like to have my cock shoved between her soft, plump lips.

As I moved my hand to pull her panties, the emergency bell began to ring, disrupting us. Reaching over, I released the brake and pressed the fifth floor button as I pulled away from her. Intoxicating. That’s what she was. Her eyes, her smell, her hair, her skin. I fixed my erection and looked over at her.

“You know where to find me.”

She didn’t speak. She just stood there, flustered, against the wall. When the door opened I walked out, not looking back. I hoped I’d left her high and wet and needing me.

I wasn’t one to chase women, but I couldn’t get her out of my mind. 



About the Author:

Livia Jamerlan is a hopeless romantic she is always looking for her next love story to pop in her head. Though Livia kept a journal throughout her early life, she never thought about pursuing a career in writing, she always used it as form of therapy, pouring her heart out into words. It wasn’t until a story developed in her head that she decided that maybe she could write a book. At first it was just an escape from reality but now she use it as a power to put all her feelings, hopes, and fears on paper. Deciding it was time to tell her story she began to write, with each passing day the story grew, characters we formed, and what seemed like a hobby at first has now become a passion for Livia.

When Livia is not writing she is spending time with her husband and their two dogs, she might also be curled up with a new book, or she is out traveling the country to support indie authors at their book signings.

Website:       http://www.liviajamerlan.com/
Twitter:          https://twitter.com/LiviaJamerlan

Cover Reveal
After the Rain by Renée Carlino

Atria Books Paperback | 320 pages | ISBN: 9781476763996 | $15.00 | November 11, 2014
eBook | 320 pages | ISBN: 9781476764009 | $7.99 | November 11, 2014

~ Synopsis ~

From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about the second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.

Under the bright arena lights of a rodeo show, young Avelina Belo falls for a handsome cowboy with a larger-than-life personality. After a whirlwind courtship, she happily moves away from her family in northern California and settles into married life with her cowboy on a seven-thousand-acre cattle ranch in Montana. One freak accident later, Avelina’s hopes for the future come to an end.

Nate Myers graduated from UCLA medical school at the top of his class, ready to follow in the footsteps of his father, a superstar cardiothoracic surgeon. Six years later, Nate’s career is being ruined by a malpractice suit. Questioning himself for the first time, he retreats to a Montana cattle ranch to visit his uncle and gain perspective. There, he meets a beautiful young woman named Avelina who teaches him more than he ever knew about matters of the heart.

~ Pre-Order Now ~

Amazon  Apple  B&N  Blio  BAM  IndieBound  Google

UK Links:

AUS Links:


~ About the Author ~


Renée Carlino lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog, June. When she's not at the beach with her boys or working on her next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate. To learn more, visit ReneeCarlino.com.

~ Connect with Her ~

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Cover Reveal
Guardian by Courtney Cole

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Cover Reveal for Courtney Cole's GUARDIAN! GUARDIAN is a YA Paranormal Romance, and a book close to Courtney’s heart. It is being released on August 28th!

Guardian
GUARDIAN Synopsis: 
  Sometimes, things that go bump in the night are real. My name is Whitney Lane. I’m sixteen years old and at first, I thought I was crazy. I kept seeing shadows move along walls, and hearing whispers around corners, but whenever I looked, there was never anything there. Until one day, there was. Our world isn’t what we think. There are things around us, good things, bad things, scary things. Things that we tell ourselves aren’t real, but they are. They’re very real, and they’re terrifying. I’ve been swept up now, in a battle of good and evil, confused about love and what is supposed to be love, but isn’t. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t trust my emotions and I don’t know what is true. There’s only one thing I know for sure. Nothing is what it seems.

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ABOUT COURTNEY COLE: 
 Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people. Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.        

Release Day Blitz, Review and Giveaway!
Lead (Stage Dive #3) by Kylie Scott

Lead banner

Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic New Adult series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.
 
About Lead (Stage Drive #3):

~ Synopsis ~

As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to getting whatever he wants, whenever he wants it, whether it's booze, drugs, or women. However, when a PR disaster serves as a wake-up call about his life and lands him in rehab, he finds himself with Lena, a new assistant to keep him out of trouble.
Lena's not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry. But when Jimmy pushes her too far and Lena leaves, he realizes that he may just have lost the best thing that ever happened to him.


~ Buy Now ~

Amazon // B&N // iTunes

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The Stage Dive series by Kylie Scott:

Lick (Stage Dive #1):
  Amazon / B&N / Goodreads

Play (Stage Dive #2):
Amazon / B&N / Goodreads

Deep (Stage Dive #4) available on January 6th, 2015:
  Amazon / B&N /Goodreads

Check out more of Kylie's work:

~ Review ~
MrsLeif's Review:

Lena Morrissey is getting fired when she meets Jimmy for the first time.
Jimmy needs a sobriety companion. He's out of rehab but he's not out the woods yet. Thanks to Mal's intervention, Lena gets hired.
Jimmy Ferris is used to getting whatever he wants but Lena speaks her mind and she makes Jimmy listen to her. This might be because he's used to people being scared of him or just agreeing with him because he's a star.
Most of the time they disagree and quarrel but also a friendship begins. When Lena discovers she has feelings for Jimmy, she's not sure what the right thing to do is.  
Jimmy keeps his feelings in check. He doesn't like relationships, he doesn't like to be touched. Mushy feelings terrify him but in order to keep Lena, he must open up or loose her. 

Lead is another winner for Mrs Scott.  The Stage Dive series has become one of my favorite rock star romances. All the guys have become like a family. I'm happy David and Mal are so in love and moving on.  Mal's lines were the funniest in this book just like in Play.

I’m going to tell you what I told Killer at puppy training today when he tried to mount a teacup poodle he’d only just met. If she means something to you, you gotta do the woo, son. You can’t just be trying to stick it in.”

Jimmy, hmmmm - let's talk about him.
He gave me a big case of whiplash. I either wanted to kill him, scream at him or hug him and protect him. He had feelings for Lena but he kept on fighting his attraction and how much he did care for her.
He was so broken that everything he did to Lena was forgiven in my eyes.

He was such a dichotomy of good and evil, beautiful and bad.

Lena, she was outspoken, smart, funny and very real. I felt bad when Jimmy kept on hurting her but I applaud her honesty. I was rooting for her to break down Jimmy's walls.
Next is Ben and we are privy to his girl. I hope she gives him a run for his money after his careless comment.

“What are you doing now?”

“What people do at tables.” Strong hands held my legs apart. “Eating.”

4/5 Fangs

✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

MrsAlcide's Review:

Jimmy Ferris is the lead singer of Stage Dive.   After his addiction to drugs, alcohol, and women left him in trouble, his PR thought it was best to hire a live-in sobriety companion to keep him on track.  

Jimmy is definitely not an easy guy to get along with, but Lena has no problem dealing with his mood swings and bad attitude. Slowly they develop a friendship and Lena realizes she wants more.  Events from Jimmy’s past keep him from becoming truly close to anyone, so Lena decides it’s best to hire a new sober companion and quit before things get out of control.  Jimmy tells her to get over her “crush” and keep her job.  Lena just isn’t sure that is possible.

“I know all about addictions and wanting things that aren’t good for you, Lena.  End of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether to take control and fight it or not.”

Jimmy Ferris as an illegal, dangerous, controlled substance.  Funnily enough, I could see it.  The man affected me on all the levels no matter how much I tried to resist, damn it. 


I read this book in one sitting and I absolutely loved this story.  It is definitely my new favorite Stage Dive book.  From the first few pages I was cracking up, then the next chapter had my crying!  

Lena was awesome and held her ground with Jimmy.  She was such a strong female character and it was refreshing to read about someone so strong willed.  The banter between the two had my smiling throughout the whole story.  And of course ever scene Mal was in had my giggling like a little kid.  

It was really well written and effortless to read.  I will recommend this series over and over again.  I can’t wait for the next book in this series!!!

4.5/5 Fangs


✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

MrsNorthman's Review:

This has been my favorite Stage Dive book so far!

Jimmy Ferris is the lead singer of Stage Dive and Dave's older brother. Of course, he's gorgeous and has an amazing voice, but there's one problem. He's extremely moody to the point of being an asshole. It's hard to be around him most of the time.

He's been through rehab and now he's focused on trying to stay clean to keep the band together. It's decided the best way to ensure his sobriety is with a sober companion. That's where Lena comes in. Mal convinces her to take the job as a 24 hour live-in sober companion for Jimmy. She's different. She has a backbone and won't put up with Jimmy's crap. Instead, she gives it right back to him.

Things are rocky at first, but Lena gets to see a side of Jimmy that no one else ever has and she starts having feelings for him. Honestly, who wouldn't? That's when she decides maybe it's best for her to find a replacement. When she confesses her feelings, Jimmy pretty much laughs in her face and convinces her to stay. It's really cute how he comes up with ways for her to get over him and stick around.

"But the thing is, sometimes, when you're not being a jerk, I like you so much it hurts. I like the way your true self comes out when you think no one else is looking."
There was no doubt in my mind going into this book that I would fall for Jimmy. I have a thing for moody guys with a big heart. Add lead singer on top of that and I'm swooning. Lena was such a strong heroine and I found that refreshing. Kudos to her for standing up to Jimmy and being straightforward about her feelings. The banter between Jimmy and Lena was cute and the progression of their story was perfect. It wasn't rushed or over the top. It just felt natural.

4/5 Fangs
~ Excerpt ~

“Lena, you seen my old black Led Zep shirt?”
“Nope.”
“You sure?” His brows became one dark cranky line. The scratches on his face were healing well, thank goodness. Though it didn’t reduce my desire to throttle his mother on a daily basis.
“Yes. I haven’t seen it.”
Can’t find it anywhere…”
“And this is a surprise, how?” I slipped my hands into my back jean’s pockets. “Jimmy, you own more clothing than Cher, Brittney, and Elvis, put together. Things are bound to go missing.”
“Sure you haven’t seen it?”
“For goodness sake, what do you think, Jimmy? That I stole it to sleep in or something?” I laughed bitterly. Sure as hell, the truth deserved a good mocking. I’d sunk so despicably low.
I hadn’t even meant to steal the stupid thing, but the shirt had been mixed up with my laundry a few days ago. It’d been the first top I laid my hand on after stepping out of the shower, ready to go to bed. Without thought, I’d put it on and it’d been so soft, the scent of him lingering beneath the laundry detergent. Every night since, I’d found myself in it come bedtime. My shame knew no limits. And no, I still hadn’t quit. The words still hadn’t come even close to leaving my mouth.
He frowned. “No.”
“That I have some deep secret longing to feel close to you resulting in my stealing your shirt like some creepy perv?”
“Course I don’t fucking think that,” he replied crankily, reaching up to grip the top of the doorframe. All of his bulging muscles stretched the arms of his white T-shirt in the nicest way. It was all I could do not to start drooling, my heart beat taking up residence somewhere down between my thighs. And who could blame it? Not me. Maybe if I got laid, this would go away and things would return to normal. It’d seemed safer to avoid rubbing up against any men just in case I got carried away and started dating again. This new situation, however, changed everything.
“Well, of course not! That would be crazy.” And wasn’t that the god’s honest truth? Cray-zeee. Lock me up and throw away the key because it wasn’t like I didn’t know better.
“Just can’t figure out where the hell it could be.”
Angels couldn’t have smiled as innocently. They might have tried, but they would have failed, the dirty-mouthed, winged, little liars. “Jimmy, I don’t know where it is. But I’ll look around for it later, okay?”
“Yeah,” he said, and then added as an afterthought, “and stop looking at me weird.”
“I’m not!”

~ About the Author ~
Kylie Scott


Kylie is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.
~ Connect with Her ~

Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Goodreads | Website      

~ Giveaway ~
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
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Cover Reveal
Within These Walls by J.L. Berg

We're so excited to reveal the cover for WITHIN THESE WALLS by J.L. Berg, which releases August 18th!

WTW iBooks
 

~ Synopsis ~

Within these walls, he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength. I am not strong. I am just a survivor of circumstance. Isn’t that what we all do? Survive? Each of us has our own set of circumstances to muddle through. Mine are just more…complicated. Born with a severe heart defect, I’ve seen the inside of a hospital room more than my own bedroom. I was drowning, a prisoner to the illness that owned me, until he appeared. He thinks he’s blocked out the world with his tattoos and hard exterior, but I see the real Jude, the one he so desperately wants to forget. But is he the answer to my prayers or will he break my already damaged heart forever? My name is Lailah Buchanan, and this is our story of hope, redemption and sacrificing it all for the one you love.

~ Prologue~

Within these walls he became my solace, my sanctuary and my strength.
Like a white knight, he saved me from a life of gray and showed me a world full of color.
Within these walls, I gave myself to a man who said he would always fight for me.
Love me until the end of time.
But sometimes, not even love is enough when life gets in the way.
When your heart is already damaged beyond repair, what is there left to break?
Within these walls, I gave my less than perfect heart to the man I loved.
And then…he walked away.
Add it to Goodreads here! Sign up for J.L. Berg's brand-new newsletter here!  

~ About the Author ~

J.L. Berg is the USA Today bestselling author of the Ready Series. She is a California native living in the beautiful state of historic Virginia. Married to her high school sweetheart, they have two beautiful girls that drive them batty on a daily basis. When she's not writing, you will find her with her nose stuck in a romance novel, in a yoga studio or devouring anything chocolate. J.L. Berg is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, LLC.
~ Connect with Her ~

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

End of the Innocence (Innocence #3) by Alessandra Torre


Synopsis-

He thought I owned him. He thought he loved me, that I was enough. But this animal, this sex god who could drive me crazy and steal my heart in the same breath, he would never fully be mine. It was impossible. No one ever owned a God…

One year. I have one year to find out more about this man I am marrying. More about his family. More about our sex, and all of the dirty, delicious places it will take me.

I thought I’d spend this year making a decision. I never thought the decision would be taken from me, snatched right from my naive little hands.




4/5 Fangs

This is my favorite book of the series! After reading the first book, I wasn't sure this series was for me, but now two books later, I'm sad.  I adore Brad and Julia and don't want to let them go.

Brad and Julia are engaged and she has one stipulation.  She wants to be a fiancé for a full year before walking down the aisle.  Julia just wants to make sure Brad can truly handle being in a committed relationship.  But, that doesn't mean they won't still bring other people into their bedroom.  The only thing I couldn't understand was how, being an alpha male, Brad could sit back and watch another man pleasure Julia.  It was definitely different, but so entertaining.
"You know, I will never need anything more than you."
I love the transformation that Brad made throughout the series.  He went from a total man-whore that wanted nothing more than sex, to a man completely and utterly in love.  Not having had much love in his life, Julia rocked his world and made him realize what he was missing.  The way the wedding ended up working out was perfect.  I really wanted something small and more meaningful for them. 

*Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*


Sneak Peek!
All For This (Here and Now #3) by Lexi Ryan


Releasing August 4, 2014

Synopsis

**ALL FOR THIS is book three in the Here and Now series. It is not a stand-alone and it’s intended to be read after LOST IN ME and FALL TO YOU.**


What if you would never remember the day you made the most important decision of your life?

That’s what they’re telling me about the day of my accident—the day I put on Max’s ring and chose him over Nate. I’m counting on the wisdom behind a decision I don’t remember making.

Max is amazing—sexy, sweet, and kind. I was starting to believe happily-ever-after might be in my future after all. Then the unthinkable happened and my world imploded. If I’m going to make this work with Max, I need my missing memories, or at least answers from about those five days before my accident. 

But what does my future hold if those answers aren’t anything like I imagined? 




Excerpt

The following excerpt from ALL FOR THIS by its very nature contains spoilers for the first two books in the Here and Now series, LOST IN ME and FALL TO YOU. If you hate spoilers and haven’t read the first two books, I recommend you don’t read any further.


Max

“How are you holding up? Did it go okay with Nate last night?”
She stiffens at his name. “He asked me to move to LA.” 
Of course he did. “And what did you say?”
She blinks at me. “I’m not leaving New Hope. This is my home.”
“He wanted more than for you to move to LA.” I take a step closer. I need to touch her. I wonder if she knows she’s pulling away from me, if she can feel it like I can. It’s as if we’re connected by a thousand little threads like those in a woven rug and they’ve been breaking one at a time since the moment Nate came back into town. With every breath, I feel another thread snap. “He wanted you.”
She shrugs. “I’m already taken.”
I draw in a deep breath. She lifts her hand to my face and skims her fingers along my jaw.
I groan softly and slide my hand into her hair as I lower my mouth to hers. She’s soft and sweet, and I need more of her.
Taking a fistful of her skirt, I yank her dress up around her waist and find the cotton of her panties. She gasps, and I rub her through the fabric as her fingers curl into my back. My lips find her neck and the skin in the sensitive juncture of neck and shoulder.
“Max,” she says. But it’s not the normal breathy, needy whispering of my name. The word is a warning. A yield sign. “Max.”
My hand stills and I pull back to look into her eyes. I’m blindsided by the apology I see there. “Let’s move in together.”
“What?” She blinks at me. If she’s thinking I have the world’s worst timing with important proposals, she’s not wrong. 
“We could rent out our apartments and use the money to rent a little place together. Someplace without those stairs that scare the living shit out of me every time I think of you climbing them. Someplace we can make our own.” I take her hand and squeeze. “You didn’t want to move in together last spring because you knew your mom would flip if you lived with a guy before marriage, but we’re not trying to maintain appearances anymore, are we?” She looks at the floor, and I tilt her chin back up so her eyes meet mine. “I could give two shits about appearances. I want to wake up with you in my arms, Hanna. I want to know I’m going to be right there when you need me, every time you need me. You and Claire are all that matter in my world. I want everything that matters to be what I come home to every night.”
“I’m sorry.” She steps back. “I just can’t. I’m too confused right now.”
My lungs burn as I fill them—it hurts to breathe in a world where Hanna isn’t mine. 
“I know it’s not fair. And I want a future with you, but…”
“But you can’t stop thinking about him.”
“I can’t move in with you right now,” she says softly. “That wouldn’t be fair to either of us. It’s not that simple.”
“You keep saying that.” 
I swallow back the rest of what I want to say right along with my anger, frustration, and the betrayal I’ve never allowed myself to feel. While I was waiting for her to take my ring, she was with another man, and I was never allowed to be angry because that man died and she needed to grieve. 
I drag a hand through my hair and look at the ceiling. “Was it that simple when you made love to him?”
“Can we not do this?”
Torment is etched across her face, and I can’t stand to know I’m the one who put it there. I pull her against my chest. 
“I won’t rush you, but remember something for me,” I whisper into her hair. “You put on my ring.”


About the Author

Once a college English professor, I now write full time. I live in rural Indiana, where, when I’m not writing, I get to hang out with my husband and two kids–a six-year-old boy and a two-year-old hellion, er, girl. Not surprisingly, reading and writing remain my favorite activities, though both come in bits and pieces these days, not the big hunks of time I enjoyed before I had children. When I’m feeling virtuous, I like to go running (I use that word liberally. I’m really, really slow) or do yoga. Don’t worry, I’m always careful to balance out such activities with a hearty serving of ice cream or a chocolate martini.

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Monday, July 28, 2014

Cover Reveal!
Beneath the Scars by Melanie Moreland

Beneath the Scars-ebook
 
Event Organized by ❤MaE Book Tours & Promo Stars Services
 
Synopsis
The sound of the ocean, the crash of the waves as they kick up against the sand and rocks—these are the only sounds Megan Greene wants to hear. She wants to leave the rest of the world behind, and find some peace. The offer of a private house on the beach, set in a small town in Maine, is perfect. Time to think—to be by herself. It’s all she wants. It’s the escape she needs. Until she stumbles across the painting that seems to echo her own chaotic mindset. Until she meets the unfriendly artist behind the stormy painting and discovers his secrets. All Zachary Adams wants is to be left alone. His canvases, and the unending scope of the ocean and sand, are his life. They direct him—fill his hours. Bring him focus. Until she enters his life. She dredges up memories of the past—the haunting images he has hidden for years; the fears he has never shared. A story he keeps buried below the surface. Can she make him see what he is missing? Can he trust her enough to believe? Together they embark on a journey where their pasts collide and threaten to tear them apart. Will their fragile bond hold or wash away with the ebbing tide?

Genre Adult Contemporary Romance
Expected Publication Date October 14th 2014
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22748863-beneath-the-scars?ac=1
 

About the Author
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Melanie Moreland lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her husband and four children. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them. Known as the quiet one with the big laugh, Melanie works for the sporting teams of a local university. Her (box) office job, while demanding, is rewarding as she cheers on her team to victory. While seriously addicted to coffee, and somewhat challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties and socialize, and also enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip. Melanie delights in writing a good romance story with some bumps along the way, but is a true believer in happily ever after. When her head isn’t buried in a book, it is bent over a keyboard, furiously typing away as her characters dictate their creative story lines to her even more inspired tales, for all to enjoy.
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