Everything he knows about women is about to get turned upside down…

Available in audio first, a brilliantly funny, scorchingly sexy new romance from #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely! UNZIPPED will be releasing through Audible on October 30, 2018, with the eBook and paperback releasing on December 14, 2018!

Pre-order your copy today!

Cover Design by Helen Williams.

About UNZIPPED (Coming 10/30/2018):

Picture this – I’m ready to win back the love of my life, and I’m going big this time. We’re talking boom box, sing her name in the rain, let the whole damn neighborhood know I’m good and ready this time around. After all, if you’re going to grand gesture the ever-loving hell out of a second chance, you need to pull out all the stops.

There’s only one little problem.

My college girlfriend isn’t the one who shows up when I play my “I’ll do anything to win you back” tune.

The woman who flings open the second-floor window tells me my ex doesn’t live here anymore. But she’ll help me win her back. Anything for romance, anything for a guy so willing to go big for love. And that’s what I want at first. Until I get to know my new “romance coach” and discover she’s funny, clever, and keeps me on my toes. And boy, do I ever need that.

Now I don’t want to win anyone else’s heart. I want the woman who’s been helping me all along.

Trouble is – she thinks I’m in love with someone else, and when we take off on a road trip, everything I think I know about women is about to be unzipped and turned inside out.

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✦Audible ➜ https://adbl.co/2wncWWL
✦ iBooks ➜ https://blkly.pub/iUnzipped
✦ Kobo ➜ https://bit.ly/2OeFJFr
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-Nook
✦ Google Play ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-GP
✦ Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/2ojr28h 
✦ Amazon Kindle LIVE Alert ➜ https://blkly.pub/news
✦ Goodreads ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-GR

UNZIPPED will be available in all formats on December 14, 2018! Order your copy today!

✦ iBooks ➜ https://blkly.pub/iUnzipped
✦ Kobo ➜ https://bit.ly/2OeFJFr
✦ Nook ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-Nook
✦ Google Play ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-GP
✦ Paperback ➜ https://amzn.to/2ojr28h 
✦ Amazon Kindle LIVE Alert ➜ https://blkly.pub/news
✦ Goodreads ➜ https://blkly.pub/Unzipped-GR

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she’s sold more than 2.5 million books. In September she’ll release ONCE UPON A REAL GOOD TIME, a fun & sexy rock star romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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We’ve got dual cover reveals today from Piper Rayne’s Blue Collar Brothers series! CRUSHING ON THE COP releases October 25th and ENGAGED TO THE EMT releases on December 6th!

 CRUSHING ON THE COP – Releases on October 25th!

Cristian Bianco has two things against him—he’s a police officer and he’s a police officer in the 18^th District…meaning my dad is his boss.

Growing up as the Commander’s daughter and having his magnifying glass focused on everything I did was more than I could handle.

Now, I’m out on my own, living by my own rules. Well, mostly. The ‘job’ I created for myself has me in some hot water and my exit strategy isn’t exactly working out how I’d hoped.

Which is why when my best friend bids on Cristian for me at a charity bachelor auction, I’m not having it. A man in blue is only going to be one thing for me—a problem.

Except after his brother starts dating my best friend he becomes harder to ignore. The eight-pack abs. The sense of style only a girl like me can appreciate. The way he puts his family first. It all adds up to make him one irresistible prospect and has me wondering if he knows how to use those handcuffs the right way—by locking my wrists to his headboard.

Preorder CRUSHING ON THE COP today!

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ENGAGED TO THE EMT – Releases on December 6th!

Luca Bianco is a jerk. There I said it.

He thinks he’s so suave and sexy, walking around in his paramedic uniform stretched out by all his hard muscles and saving lives every day. I swear he thinks every woman in the world kill for a chance to be with him.

Men like Luca are good for one thing only—a one-night stand—not commitment. I don’t care if my friend did pay good money at a charity bachelor auction for me to go on a date with him, I refuse to do it.

That is until Luca offers me a deal I can’t refuse, and I agree to be his pretend fiancé.

The heat that’s simmered between us for a decade ignites and I’m not sure even Luca will be able to kickstart my heart after I call code blue.

What’s that saying? Love is blind?

Not true. I can see this head-on collision coming a mile away.

Preorder ENGAGED TO THE EMT today!

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About Piper Rayne

Piper Rayne, or Piper and Rayne, whichever you prefer because we’re not one author, we’re two. Yep, you get two USA Today Bestselling authors for the price of one. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have “Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle” (okay…you caught us, that’s our tagline). A little about us… We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We’re both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We’re both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.

Connect with Piper Rayne:

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Today we have the release day blitz for My Kinda Forever, the much anticipated sixth book in the Summer Sisters series by bestselling author, Lacey Black! Be sure to scroll down for an exclusive excerpt and a fantastic giveaway, and don’t forget to grab your copy today!

Title:  MY KINDA FOREVER

Series:  SUMMER SISTERS, BOOK #6

Author:  LACEY BLACK

Genre:  CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Release Date:  August 28, 2018

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About MY KINDA FOREVER

Alone. Everything changed for Meghan Summer that fateful February night. All she had, all she saw in her future, was stripped away in the blink of an eye. Even though she finds herself surrounded by her growing family, at the end of the day, there’s nothing but a gaping hole where her heart once beat. Or so she thinks…

Her. Nick Adams shouldn’t want her. First off, she’s his employee and friend, but more importantly, she’s grieving the loss of her fiancé. Even now, more than two years later, which is why it’s important he be there for Meghan as her confidante, without checking out her stellar ass. However, his heart is pulling him toward her…

Together. How do you move past the hurt and pain to forge a new normal? Can Nick and Meghan make a go of their connection? What happens when their newfound love is put to the ultimate test as another is brought in the mix: a ghost.

*Though part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. It is intended for those 18 and over due to graphic language, descriptive sex, and the world’s most inappropriate grandparents.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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Click HERE for our 5 SMOOCHES review!

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

Suddenly, being alone with Nick in the dojo has me nervous. I’m shifting my weight from foot to foot and not completely sure what to do with my hands. “Hey,” he finally says, offering me a small smile.

“Hi.”

“You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” I grumble, not really sure if I can do this.

Or if I should.

No, I definitely should. After what happened last week, a woman should know a few basic self-defense moves.

Nick heads over to the bench and unties his belt, dropping it on the bench beside my bag. Then, he strips off his white jacket.

My jaw hits the floor.

Unlike our time on the boat Monday, where he wasn’t wearing a shirt, this time he’s wearing a white tank top underneath, and if it’s possible, I think it makes him hotter. It hugs his very hard, very muscular upper body in a way that I’ve only read about in books. (Or saw one time when Linkin stripped for my sister, Lexi.) His shoulders…my word, his shoulders. The definition and muscles are like a work of art. Nick turns back to face me. “Is this okay? It’s hot.”

Yep. Definitely hot.

“Umm, sure. Whatever. Fine.” I know I try to sound casual, but really, it just comes out like a bumbling, blubbering teenager.

“Good. Now come here,” he instructs, and the tone goes straight to the apex of my legs (which are practically shaking, by the way). Why does it sound dirty?

“I’m going to show you just a few moves to help you escape an assailant. The first is an open hand strike. You’re going to use the heel of your hand to strike some of your assailant’s most sensitive areas,” he teaches, demonstrating the move. “Aim for the eyes, nose, mouth, or neck.” He stands in front of me and holds my hand, positioning it and showing me the correct ways to execute. “Here,” he adds, moving my hand to his face.

I can feel his breath on the palm of my hand as I slowly shadow his movements, practicing without actually striking him.

“Good. Now, if he comes at you from behind, your elbow is a valuable weapon. It’s hard, and when thrust into his face, neck, or stomach, you could definitely buy some precious time to get away.” He moves behind me and I immediately thrust upward with my elbow. He easily dodges the blow, as mortification tinges my cheeks.

“Oh my God, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to try to hit you, it just…was a reflex,” I insist.

“You’re fine,” he chuckles. “It’s good for you to actually practice the moves. Well, except this next one. No need to practice the knee to the groin. Just know it’s one of the most effective ways to disarm an assailant. If done right, your perp will be lying on the ground, crying for his mommy while you run away,” Nick teases, holding his hand over his…area.

Of course, my eyes drop down.

Why wouldn’t they?

He was just referring to someone’s…package.

“Yeah, no need to practice that,” I quickly reply, again a blush burning my neck and cheeks.

Is it hot in here?

“Let’s go over a few ways to block a punch or slap,” he says, showing me a few techniques using my arms and hands, before finally demonstrating what to do if the assailant gets me down on the ground.

Yep, I’ve officially lost my mind. I’m practically rolling around on the mat with Nick, who is trying to teach me moves that might one day save my life. And all I can think about is the way his arms feel when they wrap around me or the way his package brushes up against my thigh, not once, but five times.

Five.

Yes, I counted.

“Okay, that’s the basics. I want to do a few of them in a real-life situation. Stand over there, and I’ll come at you. I want you to take me down.”

“Wait, what? I can’t take you down. You’re…big.”

And, cue the blush…

Nick chuckles. “I’ll be okay, honey. Promise.” Then he winks at me, and my entire body seems to catch fire. “Ready?”

No. I’m definitely not ready for this.

ENTER LACEY’S GIVEAWAY!

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About Lacey Black:

Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. 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 watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

Lacey’s debut novel, Trust Me, was released in August 2014 and has been an Amazon Bestseller twice for Free e-books, as well as #1 for Contemporary Romance. All of the Rivers Edge books have been bestsellers in the Romance and Contemporary Romance categories.

Connect with Lacey:

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We are excited to bring you the release day launch of PLEASE ME from New York Times Bestselling Author, J. Kenner, today. This is a new novella in her Stark Ever After Series brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights!  Be sure to grab your copy today!

PLEASE ME

Stark Ever After Series

by J. Kenner

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About PLEASE ME:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J. Kenner comes a new story in her Stark Ever After series…

Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.

I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.

ORDER YOUR COPY OF PLEASE ME TODAY!

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EXCERPT

I’ve just popped a cube of Wisconsin Cheddar into my mouth when my phone chimes, signaling a call from Damien. “Hey,” I say through a mouthful of cheese. “Are you in the car?”

“Actually, I’m stuck here. It’s been one of those days.”

“Oh.” Disappointment crashes over me, along with the fear that my plans for a long weekend are going to be swept away in a flood of work crises. I draw in a breath and catch Jamie’s eye, her expression sympathetic. “Well, Jamie’s here. She can watch the kids, and I could come stay the night at the Tower Apartment.” Stark International is based in Stark Tower, one of LA’s downtown high rises. Damien’s private office takes up half the top floor, and his—now our—private apartment takes up the other half of the space.

“That’s tempting, but no. I need…”

As he trails off, that knot of worry in my stomach starts to tighten. “What?” I whisper, hoping that now, finally, he’ll tell me what’s the matter.

“I need to deal with this.”

“Damien, please—”

“I’ll be home as soon as I can. I promise. I love you. Kiss the girls for me. And I’ll see you later tonight.”

I hesitate, waiting to hear those familiar words: Until then, imagine me, touching you. But there’s only silence, and I swallow rising tears. “I love you, too. Do you want to talk to La—” I begin, but he’s already clicked off.

I draw a breath and stare at my phone before lifting my head and meeting Jamie’s eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she says. “But honestly, Nicholas, the man pretty much runs the entire known universe. Of course there’s stuff on his mind.”

She’s right, and I draw in a breath, suck it up, and force myself into a good mood as we change into swimsuits, then take the kids onto the back patio.

ADD PLEASE ME TO GOODREADS!

About J. Kenner

Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.

Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures.

Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries.

J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats.

Connect with J. Kenner:

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

We are thrilled to bring you the pre-release launch of JOSH & HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING by New York Times, USA Today & #1 International Bestselling Authors Christina Lauren today! It releases on September 4th, and you can preorder your copy now!

JOSH & HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING

by Christina Lauren

Coming September 4!

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About JOSH & HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING:

Most men can’t handle Hazel. With the energy of a toddler and the mouth of a sailor, they’re often too timid to recognize her heart of gold. JOSH AND HAZEL’S GUIDE TO NOT DATING tells the story of two people who are definitely not dating, no matter how often they end up in bed together.

Hazel Camille Bradford knows she’s a lot to take—and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. If her army of pets and thrill for the absurd don’t send them running, her lack of filter means she’ll say exactly the wrong thing in a delicate moment. Their loss. She’s a good soul in search of honest fun.

Josh Im has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. From the first night they met—when she gracelessly threw up on his shoes—to when she sent him an unintelligible email while in a post-surgical haze, Josh has always thought of Hazel more as a spectacle than a peer. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air.

Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them…right?

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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Click HERE for our 5 SMOOCHES review!

Add Josh & Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating to Goodreads!

About Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of longtime writing partners Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. They are New York Times, USA Today, and #1 international bestselling authors of the Beautiful and Wild Seasons series, Sublime, The House, Dating You/Hating You and the critically acclaimed Autoboyography. Roomies (released December 2017), has been optioned for film by Jenna Dewan’s company Everheart Productions, with Christina and Lauren set to write the screenplay.  

Connect with Christina Lauren:

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 BookBub  |  Wattpad  |  Snapchat  |  Pinterest  |  Tumblr

We’re excited to bring you the release blitz for BREAK MY FALL, the gripping and emotional start to The Breaking Trilogy, from M. Mabie today! It’s available to download now!

TITLE:  Break My Fall

SERIES:  The Breaking Trilogy, Book #1

AUTHOR:  M. Mabie

GENRE:  Contemporary Romance

RELEASE DATE:  August 28, 2018

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About BREAK MY FALL:

“The first time I returned to Lancaster was for my brother’s funeral.
The second time was for Myra.”

For twelve years, I lived alone in my cabin, building a life with my two bare hands. I was free from their rules, their policies, and their lies.
They are a cult.
My father is their leader.
To protect my brother’s widow, I’m making her my wife. It’s her only way out.
But drawn to the purity in her deep blue eyes and the innocence of her gentle voice, I wonder if I’m not the biggest monster of them all. I have to save her from them and myself. Because every second I spend with this timid woman, I fight the urge to claim her.
Own her.
Make her truly mine.
And I know it’s wrong.
I will break her fall—if I don’t break her first.

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

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ADD TO GOODREADS!

Read the first chapter of Break My Fall HERE!

About M. Mabie

M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes everything from steamy romantic comedies to angst-filled, pull your hair out drama. She enjoys it all. With her unconventional love stories, she tries to embody “real-life romance.”

She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne’s World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost.

M. Mabie usually doesn’t speak in third-person. She promises.

Connect with M. Mabie:

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

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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!

“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

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About HOLD YOU CLOSE:

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.

Click HERE for our 5 SMOOCHES review!

Download Your Copy Today!

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Add to Goodreads

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:

Corinne Michaels

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.

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Melanie Harlow

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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To sign up for monthly text alerts: Text HARLOT to 77948

Today we are celebrating the release of the first book in The Truth Duet by USA Today bestselling author, Aly Martinez. We are excited to bring you an excerpt from The Truth About Lies, which is now available! The second title in the duet, The Truth About Us, will be releasing on September 13th!

About THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES:

Truth: From over a thousand miles away, I watched on the screen of my phone as two men murdered my wife. And I was helpless to save her.

Consumed by hate and rage, I spent four years running from my memories.

Until a shattered woman gave me a reason to stop.

Cora lived in a nightmare, but through sheer force of will, she’d turned it into something beautiful. She had a smile that could pierce the darkest soul. And with one glance, she shredded mine.

Lie: I was only there for a fresh start.

Lie: I had no idea what I was getting myself into.

Lie: There was nothing I could do to save her, either.

But that’s the thing about lies—you never know who to believe.

Order your copy of THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES now!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited!

Be sure to sign up for Aly’s newsletter for news about The Truth Duet!

EXCERPT:

“So this is it,” Cora said in what sounded like an apology. And, as I glanced around our new shithole apartment, I understood why.

Hugo’s crap was everywhere. Dirty clothes, dishes, and empty pizza boxes were strewn across the half-linoleum, half-concrete flooring.

But at least it wasn’t carpet.

Drew spun in a circle. “Home sweet home.”

“It’s only one bedroom,” she said—another apology.

I felt her gaze land on me: soft as a feather, harsh as an interrogation. I didn’t dare look in her direction. We’d shared enough contact earlier in the day to last me a lifetime.

Switching the black duffel that held my limited clothing and toiletries to my other hand, I escaped down the hall, the sound of Drew’s motor-mouth filling the space I left empty.

“Ignore him,” he told her.

Yes. Please ignore me.

“What’s his deal?” she asked.

There wasn’t enough time in all of eternity for Drew to explain that one. Not that he would.

 I continued to listen to them talk as I took in the filthy bedroom, complete with a stained mattress and a tower of beer cans.

“He was born without a personality. You’ll get used to it,” Drew replied.

There were several beats of silence where I could only assume they were exchanging knowing looks. But, again, I wasn’t willing to turn around and see for myself.

“All right. I guess I’ll let you guys settle in. The bathrooms in the front of the building still work. I’ve shifted the girls around so one-oh-two is open. The door has three locks. If you’re inside…use them. On the flip side, if they’re locked, it means one of the girls is taking a shower.” Her voice took on a hard tone. “In which case, don’t even think about going inside.”

Drew barked a laugh. “Cora, babe, we’re not here for your girls.”

“Yeah, well, supposedly, neither was Hugo.”

According to the half-empty economy box of condoms in the corner of his room, she was wrong. I didn’t inform her of this. I kept listening.

“Okay, how about this. Penn or I get the taste to take a woman to bed, we’ll head into town, hit one of the bars, lie about how much money we make, take ’em back to their place, and then sneak out the next morning before they wake up.”

“Wow. How very chivalrous of you,” she deadpanned, and as much as I wanted to deny it, her being a smartass made my lips twitch.

“We do what we can,” Drew replied.

“Right. As long as you’re doing it somewhere else, we’ll be just fine.”

Drew laughed and then both of their voices grew distant. But I didn’t turn around. I just stood there, my knuckles turning white on the handle of my duffel bag as I stared at that bedroom, dread and impatience settling in my stomach.

Jesus Christ. How had I ended up there?

My lids fell closed, twenty-nine minutes of memories bombarding me.

“No, please!” she screamed as she fell to the foot of the bed, crimson blood seeping through her pale-pink shirt.

One in. One out.

The stale, stagnant air that filled my nostrils did nothing to tame my demons, but it did wonders to remind me where I was—and, most importantly, where I wasn’t.

Her perfume didn’t linger in that apartment.

Her clothes didn’t fill the closet.

Her herb garden she loved so much didn’t sit dead and overrun by weeds on the back deck.

Her smiling, carefree face didn’t hang in images on the walls, tormenting me.

No. That rancid, stomach-churning apartment was exactly where I needed to be.

One in. One out.

Add THE TRUTH ABOUT LIES to Goodreads

———————————————————————————————————————

Pre-order the emotional conclusion to THE TRUTH DUET today!

THE TRUTH ABOUT US (The Truth Duet, #2)

Coming September 13!

 Amazon US |  Amazon AU  |  Amazon CA  |  Amazon UK

Add THE TRUTH ABOUT US to Goodreads

About Aly Martinez

Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.

Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.

She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.

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