Justified by Jay Crownover Blog Review Tour with Excerpt

JUSTIFIED, an enemies-to-lovers romance in the new Loveless, Texas series from New York Times Bestselling Author, Jay Crownover, is available now, and we’ve got a exclusive excerpt for you!

Title:  JUSTIFIED

Series:  LOVELESS, TEXAS (#1)

Author:  JAY CROWNOVER

Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Release Date:  JUNE 25, 2019

 

About JUSTIFIED:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.

 

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Order your copy of JUSTIFIED today!

Amazon  |  Nook  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

“Bursting with authentic emotion, sizzlingly sexy with a suspense story that kept me tapping my Kindle as furiously as the relationship build-up did, Justified was a quintessential Jay Crownover story, but with a fresh, new spin.”  ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out the rest of Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT:

This is a terrible idea. I can’t stay here.” I wished there was more force behind my voice, more sound, but all I could get out was a squeak of protest.

Between arguing with David, answering a million questions about the shooting, and even more from the hospital staff to determine whether my head had been damaged further, what little voice I had was shot. It had been a long, arduous morning. The shock from being shot at was still buzzing underneath my skin, but it was now secondary to the utter disbelief that the place Case believed I would be safest was under his roof.

When he told me he was placing me in protective police custody and taking me to a safe house, never in a million years would I have guessed he meant his house. I was wondering if maybe he was the one who hurt his head when he took me to the ground.

“What about Hayes? Someone shot at me today. You took a bullet for me this morning. You can’t put your son in the line of fire. I won’t allow it.” All of the things I wanted to do to emphasize my point, I couldn’t. There was no crossing my arms over my chest thanks to my jacked-up elbow. There was no stomping my foot in aggravation thanks to the soft splint holding my ankle in one position. There would be no yelling, since my voice could barely be heard, so all I was left with was a glare. Unfortunately, Case ignored my dirty look and continued to usher me inside the house.

His morning had been even longer than mine, and he looked as haggard as I felt. After making sure I was secured inside the hospital with an armed guard, he’d had to deal with the crime scene and the slew of reporters who showed up on the scene. Since a shooting in a high traffic and very public place like the hospital was bound to make national news, Case mentioned it was more than likely the Texas Rangers were going to get called in to help investigate. He didn’t sound thrilled at the prospect, he also didn’t seem too concerned by the fact he was shot. He still had a red stain and a hole in his tan uniform shirt from where the bullet, which was meant for me, skimmed his shoulder. The wound required ten stitches and now was dressed in a stark white bandage much like the one wrapped around my injured hand.

We were quite a pair.

 

 

 


About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

 

Connect with Jay:

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Sign up for Jay’s newsletter!

 

 

 

 

Justified by Jay Crownover Release Blitz

JUSTIFIED, an enemies-to-lovers romance in the new Loveless, Texas series from New York Times Bestselling Author, Jay Crownover, is available now!

Title:  JUSTIFIED

Series:  LOVELESS, TEXAS (#1)

Author:  JAY CROWNOVER

Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Release Date:  JUNE 25, 2019

 

About JUSTIFIED:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.

 

 

Purchase your copy of JUSTIFIED today!

Amazon  |  Nook  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo

 

Add to Goodreads

 

 

 

 


About Jay Crownover:

Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

 

Connect with her:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Reader Group

Sign up for Jay’s newsletter!

 

 

 

 

Seven Nights of Sin by Kendall Ryan Release Blitz

 

The Penthouse Affair Duet is complete!

SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN, the stunningly sexy and heart-tugging conclusion to this duet from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Kendall Ryan, is available now!  

Start this steamy, workplace romantic saga with The Two-Week Arrangement, also available now!

 

 

He’s the powerful CEO. I’m the know-it-all intern.

Things went further than they should have, but I don’t have any regrets. Well, maybe just one . . .

I went and did the one thing he told me not to–fall in love with him.

Now I have seven days to prove my trust and devotion. Turns out money is a powerful drug, but love is even more addictive.

 

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Order your copy of SEVEN NIGHTS OF SIN now!

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Add to Goodreads

 

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Seven Nights of Sin was sexy, emotional, and a wholly satisfying, unputdownable conclusion to Dominic and Presley’s story.” ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out the rest of Danielle’s 4.5 SMOOCHES review!

 

Start The Penthouse Affair Duet with The Two-Week Arrangement!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Apple Books  |  Kobo  |  Nook  |  Google Play  |  Audio  |  Amazon Paperback

 

 


About Kendall Ryan

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than three dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world.

Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than 70 times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.

She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.

 

 

 

Connect with Kendall:

Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Goodreads  |  Amazon Author Page  |  BookBub

Visit Kendall’s website for all of her latest book news and fun extras!

Subscribe to Kendall’s newsletter!

Justified by Jay Crownover Review

5 SMOOCHES!

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SYNOPSIS:

The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy…

Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he’s determined to do everything by the book–until he’s called to Aspen Barlow’s office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn’t the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge…

Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she’ll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there’s a thin line between love and hate… because there’s nothing Case wouldn’t do to keep her safe.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

I’ve been a long-time reader of Jay Crownover’s, and I’ve loved all of her rough-around-the-edges, tattooed bad boys and their complex, hard-fought happily-ever-afters. I wasn’t sure exactly what Jay would do with cowboys, but boy, did I love it. She has completely swept me off my feet with her Loveless, Texas series. The prequel novella, Unbroken, absolutely whetted my appetite for these cowboys, and Justified has blown me away!

Crownover comes out swinging with a two-pronged plot that drew me in from page one. Pairing an angsty, steamy enemies-to-lovers romance with a twisty, turny suspense arc, Justified was a riveting love story between two people with a long and complicated history. A Stetson on his head and a badge on his belt, Case Lawton is formidable, commanding and heart-flutteringly handsome. Dark-haired, porcelain-skinned and a pint-sized powerhouse in the courtroom, Aspen Barlow, is Case’s opposite in all ways. She was that weird goth girl in high school who never felt like she truly belonged in Loveless until she was welcomed and befriended by the younger, gentler, high school heartthrob version of Case.

The sweet friendship they once shared is scorched by the explosion of Case’s life, and he holds a mean grudge for eight years as he believes Aspen, a divorce attorney in town, is partially to blame for his woes. As the elected sheriff of Loveless, though, he can’t exactly pick and choose who he protects and serves, and Aspen, though loathe to accept Case’s protection, needs it. They say that love and hate are the opposite sides of the same coin, and Jay tests that theory out in Justified with spectacular results. This story was so passionate in absolutely every sense of the word. The gut-churning angst, the anger simmering between them, and finally, the lust. Oh yes, the sparks were flying in Loveless, right along with the bullets.

Bursting with authentic emotion, sizzlingly sexy with a suspense story that kept me tapping my Kindle as furiously as the relationship build-up did, Justified was a quintessential Jay Crownover story, but with a fresh, new spin. I positively devoured this story, and I’m hungry for more. Justified is Jay Crownover at the top of her game, doing what she does best, and giving her readers a difficult, hard-earned, heart-tugging love story between two seemingly ill-matched people. Five smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

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Seven Nights of Sin by Kendall Ryan Review

4.5 SMOOCHES!

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SYNOPSIS:

He’s the powerful CEO. I’m the know-it-all intern.

Things went further than they should have, but I don’t have any regrets. Well, maybe just one . . .

I went and did the one thing he told me not to–fall in love with him.

Now I have seven days to prove my trust and devotion. Turns out money is a powerful drug, but love is even more addictive.

Seven Nights of Sin is the stunningly sexy and heart-tugging conclusion to The Two Week Arrangement.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

Seven Nights of Sin is the conclusion to Kendall Ryan’s steamy, workplace, single dad romantic saga, The Penthouse Affair Duet. This steamy office romance pairs the brooding, mysterious CEO, Dominic Aspen, with his beautiful, smart and ambitious intern, Presley Harper. Ryan picks right up where she left readers hanging in The Two-Week Arrangement. Dominic is an intensely private man, not letting many into his personal life, and a misunderstanding leaves Presley, with an uncertain place in his private life, suddenly on the outside.

This couple’s chemistry sizzled despite their tenuous relationship, and they couldn’t seem to stay away from each other. Sparks fly whenever they’re together, but Dominic isn’t one to trust easily and, right or wrong, his trust in Presley was shaken. Compounding that, he also believes he’s incapable of loving someone, and perhaps also unworthy of receiving love. Presley is a very determined woman, though, and that determination is tested as she sets about winning Dom’s trust back. He definitely runs hot and cold with Presley, yet he can’t seem to push her away. Just when they both seem to be making some ground with each other, their bond is tested yet again, and the strength that Presley showed through that tumultuous time really impressed me.

I inhaled this sexy, slow-burn romance, often at the edge of my seat as I rode out the storms and basked in the sunshine with Dominic and Presley. Seven Nights of Sin was sexy, emotional, and a wholly satisfying, unputdownable conclusion to Dominic and Presley’s story. I loved this couple, I loved the build-up of their relationship, and I was all-in on their journey the whole way. Seven Nights of Sin by Kendall Ryan gets 4.5 smooches from me!

~Danielle Palumbo

 


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Teardrop Shot by Tijan Release Blitz with Giveaway

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TEARDROP SHOT, an all-new sexy and angst filled sports romance from New York Times Bestselling Author, Tijan, is available now!

 

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I asked for his criteria for bed buddies–that’s the PG version.

He swore at me and said he didn’t do groupies. And just like that, our friendship was off to a great start.

Reese Forster was the starting point guard for the Seattle Thunder.

Gorgeous. Cocky. Loved by the nation.

He’s also attending preseason basketball training camp where I used to work.

Correction: where I work again, because I was fired from my last job.

And dumped.

And I might have a tiny bit of baggage, but that’s normal. Right?

Reese and I shouldn’t have become friends. We shouldn’t have become roommates.

And we really shouldn’t have started sleeping together … (Except we did.)

I’m adorably psychotic. He’s in the NBA.

This is not a disaster waiting to happen, at all.

 

Teardrop Shot is a 107k standalone with brand new characters.

 

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Download your copy today!

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Add to Goodreads

 

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Enter Tijan’s giveaway for a signed paperback and swag!

http://bit.ly/2L8WAu0

 

 

 


About Tijan:

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Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores.

 

Connect with Tijan:

Website  |  Facebook  |  Facebook Reader Group  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  Amazon  |  BookBub  |  Goodreads

Indefinite by Corinne Michaels Release Blitz

INDEFINITE, the first book in the Indefinite Duet, a sexy and emotional second-chance romance within the Salvation series from New York Times Bestselling Author, Corinne Michaels, is available now!

He doesn’t just want my heart, he wants it all.

 

INDEFINITE

The day he said he’d never love me is when I vowed Quinn Miller would never break my heart again.

I wanted a family—but he wouldn’t give me that. As one of the top embryologists in the country, I’ve spent years creating babies in the lab for other people as my own dreams of motherhood fade.

I’m done waiting. I decide to start the journey to parenthood alone.

Then Quinn strolls back into my life, with all the finesse of a hurricane. I’m a fool to think I don’t want him anymore, and one reckless night of passion ends with me pregnant by the man I swore I’d never love again.

Now he doesn’t just want my heart, he wants it all. The baby. Love. A life where we’re happy.

But even as he promises me the future I always desired, I can’t help but fear that something will rip him away from me again.

This time . . . indefinitely.

 

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Order your copy of INDEFINITE today!

Amazon US  |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK  |  Apple Books  |  Nook  |  Kobo  |  Google Play

 

Add to Goodreads

 

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“…if you’re hesitating to read Indefinite now because it’s a cliffhanger, don’t let that deter you from reading it. Read it now, and revel in those what ifs and unanswered questions, and do it knowing that this is Corinne Michaels, and not only will she not let us down, she’ll make it well worth the short wait.”  ~Danielle, Red Cheeks Reads

 

Check out the rest of Danielle’s 5 SMOOCHES review!

 

 

Pre-order INFINITE, the stunning conclusion to the Indefinite Duet today!

 

INFINITE – Releases July 22, 2019

New York Times Bestseller Corinne Michaels brings you the conclusion in this emotional second chance love story.

Book 2 of 2 in the Indefinite Duet

I was right. I never should’ve fallen back in love with Quinn. I always knew we wouldn’t make it. And to make matters worse, not only did I lose my soulmate—I lost myself as well.

Everything was stripped away, leaving me bare and unable to breathe. No one told me it could hurt this much. I was unprepared for this level of agony from the horrible weight of grief.

I planned to love him infinitely. But what is infinity, when love always ends?

 

Pre-order your copy of Infinite today!

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About Corrine Michaels:

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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Corinne Michaels is the author of ten 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.

 

Connect with Corinne:

Website | Facebook | Facebook Reader Group | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest 

Goodreads | Amazon | Book+Main Bites | BookBub 

Stay up to date with Corinne and sign up for her mailing list!

Indefinite by Corinne Michaels Review

5 SMOOCHES!

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SYNOPSIS:

From New York Times Bestseller, Corinne Michaels, comes a second chance love story.

The day he said he’d never love me is when I vowed Quinn Miller would never break my heart again.

I wanted a family—but he wouldn’t give me that. As one of the top embryologists in the country, I’ve spent years creating babies in the lab for other people as my own dreams of motherhood fade.

I’m done waiting. I decide to start the journey to parenthood alone.

Then Quinn strolls back into my life, with all the finesse of a hurricane. I’m a fool to think I don’t want him anymore, and one reckless night of passion ends with me pregnant by the man I swore I’d never love again.

Now he doesn’t just want my heart, he wants it all. The baby. Love. A life where we’re happy.

But even as he promises me the future I always desired, I can’t help but fear that something will rip him away from me again.

This time . . . indefinitely.

* * * * * * * * * *

REVIEW:

I was braced going into this book, fully prepared—or so I thought—for the trip through the emotional wringer that is part of the experience when I read Corinne Michaels. She so expertly toys with my emotions, and hers is the kind of writing that gets me out of my seat and pacing the floor as I choke back tears and rail at whatever angsty conflict Corinne conjures up. Her words command not only my time but my full attention as I consume them. She uses those words to mercilessly rip me to shreds before she painstakingly puts me back together. She does this so effortlessly, that I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that her thirst was only quenched with tears of her readers. But I digress…

The Indefinite Duet is part of Michaels’ Salvation series, but it can absolutely be read as a standalone romance. I don’t want to say too much about Ashton and Quinn’s story, but I will say that this is a story that made me feel. I was all over the place, just like Michaels intended me to be, with the ups and downs of this couple’s story. Like the maestro that she is, Michaels created a symphony of feelings in those highs and lows, bringing it all together in that final, heart-pounding crescendo moment. Indefinite is a complex story in different ways. At the heart of it, this is a second-chance romance, but again, this is Corinne Michaels, and she doesn’t do simple, straightforward romances. There were elements of a few different tropes in this hard-fought romance that Corinne blends together seamlessly and thoughtfully. This is a couple with a long and complicated history, and the chemistry between Quinn and Ashton was so explosive, my Kindle was practically smoking in my hot little hands.

For years I’ve avoided cliffhangers at all costs, always waiting until all of the books were out before binge-reading the full story. I guess my reading tastes have evolved because I’ve somewhat changed my stance—with a few caveats—on cliffhangers in the last year. As long as the wait between the two books isn’t too far apart, I’ve found that I actually enjoy the experience of simply anticipating that second book. The build-up, the wondering, delaying the gratification in order to sink more deeply into the world the author created… it all contributes to a unique and satisfying reading experience. In this age of instant gratification, where binge-watching an entire series of shows on Netflix in one sitting instead of waiting for episodes to air every week is the norm, I found a simple sort of pleasure merely in the anticipation of having some of this story to look forward to. It actually ramped up my excitement for it, and thus my overall enjoyment of the story as a whole. It was a novel experience, an eye-opener for sure, and one I no longer shy away from. So if you’re hesitating to read Indefinite now because it’s a cliffhanger, don’t let that deter you from reading it. Read it now, and revel in those what ifs and unanswered questions, and do it knowing that this is Corinne Michaels, and not only will she not let us down, she’ll make it well worth the short wait.

Indefinite kicked off a love story that had my heart aching and racing, my cheeks burning, and my emotions churning. Michaels utilized a two-pronged plot to tell Ashton and Quinn’s story, blending their consuming romance with one heck of a suspense arc, and let me tell you that that part of the story was brimming pulse-pounding intrigue and excitement. I positively inhaled this story. I could not put it down and I was practically furious the few times I had to do so. Indefinite left me utterly gob-smacked and nearly desperate for more, and I loved every single second of it. Five smooches from me for Indefinite by Corinne Michaels!

~Danielle Palumbo

 

 


BUY IT NOW!

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Handle With Care by Helena Hunting Chapter Reveal

HANDLE WITH CARE, an all-new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting, is coming August 27th, and we have a sneak peek!

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HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.

Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.

Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.

 

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Pre-order your copy today!

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Add to Goodreads

 

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EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER ONE

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Chapter One

What Have I Gotten Myself into?

Wren

I slip onto the empty bar stool beside the lumberjack mountain man who looks like he tried to squeeze himself into a suit two sizes too small. He’s intimidatingly broad and thick, with long dark hair that’s been pulled up into a haphazard man bun thing. His beard is a hipster’s wet dream. His scowl, however, makes him about as approachable as a rabid porcupine. And yet, here I am, sidling up next to him.

He glances at me, eyes bleary and not really tracking. He quickly focuses on his half-empty glass again. Based on the slump of his shoulders and the uncoordinated way he picks up his glass and tips it toward his mouth, I’m guessing he’s pretty hammered. I order a sparkling water with a dash of cranberry juice and a lime.

What I could really use is a cup of lavender-mint tea and my bed, but instead, I’m sitting next to a drunk man in his thirties. My life is extra glamorous, obviously. And no, I’m not an escort, but at the moment I feel like my morals are on the same kind of slippery slope.

“Rough day?” I ask, nodding to the bottle that’s missing more than half its contents. It was full when he sat down at the bar an hour ago. Yes, I’ve been watching him the entire time, waiting for an opportunity to make my move. While he’s been sitting here, he’s turned down two women, one in a dress that could’ve doubled as a disco ball and the other in a top so low-cut, I could almost see her navel.

“You could say that,” he slurs. He props his cheek on his fist, eyes almost slits. I can still make out the vibrant blue hue despite them being nearly closed. They move over me, assessing. I’m wearing a conservative black dress with a high neckline and a hem that falls below my knees. Definitely not nearly as provocative as Disco Ball or Navel Lady.

“That solving your problems?” I give him a wry grin and tip my chin in the direction of his bottle of Johnnie.

His gaze swings slowly to the bottle. It gives me a chance to really look at him. Or what I can see of his face under his beard, anyway.

“Nah, but it helps quiet down all the noise up here.” He taps his temple and blurts, “My dad died.”

I put a hand on his forearm. It feels awkward, and creepy on my part since its half-genuine, half-contrived comfort. “I’m so sorry.”

He glances at my hand, which I quickly remove, and refocuses on his drink. “I should be sorry too, but I think he was mostly an asshole, so the world might be better off without him.” He attempts to fill his glass again, but his aim is off, and he pours it on the bar instead. I rush to lift my purse and grab a handful of napkins to mop up the mess.

“I’m drunk,” he mumbles.

“Well, I’m thinking that might’ve been the plan, considering the way you’re sucking that bottle back. I’m actually surprised you didn’t ask for a straw in the first place. Might be a good idea to throw a spacer [CD3] in there if you want tomorrow morning to suck less.” I push my drink toward him, hoping he doesn’t send me packing like he did the other women who approached him earlier.

He narrows his eyes at my glass, suspicious, maybe. “What is that?”

“Cranberry and soda.”

“No booze?”

“No booze. Go ahead. You’ll thank me in the morning.”

He picks up the glass and pauses when it’s an inch from his mouth. His eyes crinkle, telling me he’s smiling under that beard. “Does that mean Imma wake up with you beside me?”

I cock a brow. “Are you propositioning me?”

“Shit, sorry.” He chugs the contents of my glass. “I was joking. Besides, I’m so wasted, I can barely remember my name. Pretty sure I’d be useless in bed tonight. I should stop talkin’.” He scrubs a hand over his face and then motions to me. “I wouldn’t proposition you.”

I’m not sure how to respond. I go with semi-affronted, since it seems like somewhat of an insult. “Good to know.”

“Dammit. I mean, I think you might be hot. You look hot. I mean attractive. I think you’re pretty.” He tips his head to the side and blinks a few times. “You have nice eyes, all four of them are lovely.”

This time I laugh—for real—and point to the bottle. “I think you might want to tell your date you’re done for the night.”

He blows out a breath and nods. “You might be right.” He makes an attempt to stand, but as soon as his feet hit the floor, he stumbles into me and grabs my shoulders to steady himself. “Whoa. Sorry. Yup, I’m definitely drunk.” His face is inches from mine, breath smelling strongly of alcohol. Beyond that, I get a whiff of fresh soap and a hint of aftershave. He lets go of my shoulders and takes an unsteady step back. “I don’t usually do this.” He motions sloppily to the bottle. “Mostly I’m a three drink max guy.”

“I think losing your father makes this condonable.” I slide off my stool. Despite being tall for a woman, and wearing heels, he still manages to be close to a head taller than me.

“Yeah, maybe, but I still think I might regret it tomorrow.” He’s incredibly unsteady, swaying while standing in place. I take the opportunity for what it is and thread my arm through his, leading him away from the bar. “Come on, let’s get you to the elevator before you pass out right here.”

He nods, then wobbles a bit, like moving his head has set him off balance. “That’s probably a good idea.”

He leans into me as we weave through the bar and stumbles on the two stairs leading to the foyer. There’s no way I’ll be able to stop him if he goes down, but I drape one of his huge arms over my shoulder anyway, and slip my own around his waist, guiding him in a mostly straight line to the elevators.

“Which floor are you on?” I ask.

“Penthouse.” He drops his arm from my shoulder and flings it out, pointing to the black doors at the end of the hall. “Jesus, I feel like I’m on a boat.”

“It’s probably all the alcohol sloshing around in your brain.” I take his elbow again, helping him stagger the last twenty feet to the dedicated penthouse elevator.

He stares at the keypad for a few seconds, brow pulling into a furrow. “I can’t remember the code. It’s thumbprint activated though too.” He stumbles forward and presses his forehead against the wall, then tries to line up his thumb with the sensor, but his aim is horrendous and he keeps missing.

I settle a hand on his very firm forearm. This man is built like a tank. Or a superhero. For a moment, I reconsider what I’m about to do, but he seems pretty harmless and ridiculously hammered, so he shouldn’t pose a threat. I’m also trained in self-defense, which would fall under the by any means necessary umbrella. “Can I help?”

WANT MORE? Read the rest of Chapter One!

 

 

 


About Helena Hunting:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

 

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It’s Not Over by Kaylee Ryan and Lacey Black Cover Reveal

 

Title:  IT’S NOT OVER

Author:  KAYLEE RYAN & LACEY BLACK

Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Cover Design:  PERFECT PEAR CREATIVE COVERS

Photo:  SARA EIREW

Models:  ALEX & KARINA BOIVIN

Release Date:  July 23, 2019

 

Gwen

Lately, life definitely isn’t how I envisioned it. I had it all. The house, the job, the husband. Until one day, I didn’t. I don’t know when exactly things started to change between us, only that it did, and in a big way. So much so, I found myself standing before a judge and signing off on the end of my marriage. To the only man I’ve ever loved.

Now, he’s back, fighting, and ready to prove to me that we made a mistake, that our love is worth giving this another chance. I’m not sure if he’s right, but I know what my heart wants, and it wants him. My ex-husband.

Harrison

Why is it that you don’t know the depths of your mistakes until you’ve already made them? I knew signing those papers was a bad idea, but I thought that’s what she wanted. The minute we stepped foot out of that courtroom, it hit me. She’s no longer mine.

That’s when I also realized, that I would do anything to change the past. I have so many regrets. Not her. I could never regret her, but how we ended. We never should have ended. I’m in for the battle of my life to convince her to give us another shot. I have a plan, one that will prove to her that it’s not over.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Kaylee Ryan:

Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.  When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family.  Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.

 

 

 

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Lacey Black:

Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

 

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Email: laceyblackwrites@gmail.com