Dec 16
Gravity by Lauren Runow Cover Reveal with Excerpt
Check out the cover for Lauren Runow’s GRAVITY!
Don’t miss the excerpt below!
Title: Gravity by Lauren Runow
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Wicked By Design Covers
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Pre-order on Amazon
Add to your TBR on Goodreads
Synopsis
Lily
At eight years old, the boy next door changed my life. He was the force pulling me toward him despite our differences. It was like magic.
We understood each other, supported each other and in the process became everything to each other.
But in chasing Trevin’s dream, I lost myself along the way.
Trevin
Through tremendous heartache, she was there. Through fame and fortune, she was there. Loving Lily was the one thing I got right.
Eclipsing her in my shadow, I took from her until she was empty. Now I must do anything to prove I can be the man she wants, no, the man she deserves.
EXCERPT:
Lily – Age 12
“Come on, Trev! We have to get home, now!” I turn to scream behind me as I ride up the hill, watching the sun slowly fade away into darkness.
He knew we’d gone too far back in these hills on our bikes, and no matter how much I told him we needed to turn around, he wouldn’t listen. Now we’re still at least a mile from home and losing sunlight by the second.
“I’m going as fast as I can, but it’s kind of hard to push this thing with a popped tire,” he nags back at me.
“Well, whose fault is that? I told you not to do that jump,” I yell, looking over my shoulder.
The boy is crazy. Anything he can fly his bike off of, he will. I went around a steep rock, but not him; he went right over it and bent the rim, shredding the tire in the process.
Grunts of frustration come from behind me as I stop and turn in his direction. His irritation level is evident as he reaches down to pick his bike up from a different angle, hoping it would be easier to carry. The sight of him struggling has me off my bike, walking it back to where he’s standing.
“Here.” I push the handlebars toward him. “You peddle and I’ll ride in between your legs. We’ll just leave yours here and come get it tomorrow. No one’s going to mess with it all the way out here.”
Without a second thought, he drops his bike, grabbing mine with a huge smile. “Good idea. Hop on.”
I straddle the metal bar, looping my fingers around his forearms and resting my butt and legs up high on the middle bar. The position is extremely awkward, and I’m already regretting my suggestion. We met when we were eight years old and he taught me how to ride a bike. Those memories fly through my head as we take off down the street together.
“Hi, I’m Trevin. What’s your name?” A boy sneaks around the fence to where I was hiding from him.
“Lily,” I shyly state, not daring to meet his gaze.
“Lily—like the pad?”
“Excuse me?” My head shoots up.
“You know, lily pad, like what frogs jump on in a pond.”
My glare in his direction makes him laugh before he continues. “So, Lily Pad, did you just move in?”
“My name is not Lily Pad, just Lily…and yes, we moved yesterday.”
“Okay, well, can I call you another name then? Maybe Turtle? You looked like one the way you were peeking your head out behind the fence.”
“No, you can call me Lily.”
“Okay, Lillllyyyy…” he drawls my name out, making a point. “Come on, grab your bike. Let’s go ride.”
“I don’t have a bike…” My voice is low, embarrassed by not having one, but even if I did, I don’t know how to ride one.
“You don’t have a bike?” He seems shocked by my revelation.
“I lived in San Francisco. You don’t really ride your bike in the street there.”
“That’s crazy! Well, come here then…you can ride mine, or I have a scooter if you want.”
“Um, I…um,” I stutter, not sure what to say.
“It’s cool if you don’t know how. I’ll teach you.”
“Uh, okay, I guess so.”
Perched on the bike, he holds the seat and runs down the street next to me while I try my best not to fall. The wheels wobble and I almost lose control a few times, but he catches me before I hit the ground. My heart pounds with adrenaline pumping through me, the joy of riding overruling the fear of falling.
“Come on, Lily Pad, try to stay upright.”
I glare at him over my shoulder, and he laughs in response as he pushes me forward again, telling me to pedal faster. Following his instructions, my little feet push as hard and quickly as they can to pick up speed.
I’m so focused on trying to maintain my balance and breathe at the same time, I don’t realize I’m doing it all by myself. It’s not until I hear him screaming from behind me, celebrating my success, that it dawns on me he’s no longer by my side.
My attention is thrown off when I see him so far away and fear instantly sets in. The bike starts to sway from side to side and panic takes over. I remove my feet from the pedals, slowing my speed down by running them along the ground yet still straddling the bike. My eyes finally gaze up, only to see a huge wall of bushes, and in the blink of an eye, I slam right into them, scraping every inch of my body as the branches bring me to an automatic stop.
“Lily!” I hear Trevin scream as he runs down the street after me.
I’m trying my hardest to fight back the tears threatening to fall, not wanting him to see me cry.
“Are you okay?” he asks, moving branches away and pulling on my arm to help me up.
“Y–yeah,” I stutter.
“Good because that was awesome!” He celebrates, throwing both hands in the air and jumping up and down. “Man, I wish I had my parents’ camera. You should’ve seen yourself going into those bushes!”
Remembering his excitement from my crash years ago, and knowing how reckless he is on his own bike, I can’t stop worrying about riding with him now. Fear of falling and breaking something takes a hold of my chest. That cannot happen. I have a dance recital coming up and I can’t miss it.
“Here, just sit on my lap. That way, I can see over you and you’ll be more comfortable than you would be sitting on that bar.”
“But I’ll crush you,” I whine, not looking at him.
“Really? You’re the tiniest thing alive. Have you looked at me recently? I’m the biggest guy in our class. There’s no way you could crush me.”
I turn to see his face painted with pride. Even though he says it’s not a big deal, deep down he loves the fact he’s the “cool kid” in class. His hair is always in the latest style, spiked up in front and cut close in the back—the same cut other boys want but their mom’s wont let them have. He’s the only boy I know who cares about his clothes. Trevin only wears plaid button-ups or skater-looking shirts with jeans and his Chucks. He’s also the only kid in the class who can ride a skateboard and can even do tricks on it. The other guys try, but for him, it just comes naturally.
Most of the girls in our class are jealous we’re so close, but I don’t get all girly and giggly like they do when he’s around. They talk about the butterflies in their tummies and their flush faces when they see him. He’s not just Trev, no, he’s Trevvvviiin, all long, drawn out, and dreamy-like when they say it.
Sitting back on his lap, I lean against his chest and adjust my legs so they’re in a more secure position. “Is this okay?” I ask.
He laughs. “Yeah, now hold on.”
I turn and our eyes meet for a brief second as a small smile tilts the corner of his lips up. They’re so close to my face I can feel the warmth of his breath on my skin, and instantly, my chest tightens.
Looking forward, I maintain a death grip on his arms, unsure of what’s wrong with my chest. I take a deep breath to try to calm the fear seizing my ribs. I mean, it must be fear I’m feeling. I’ve seen this boy jump off the craziest cliffs, and here I am, trusting him to ride my bike to safety—with me on it.
Yes, that must be it. Fear.
Surprisingly, he maintains a normal pace, and after a few yards, the ache in my chest subsides, replaced with a feeling I can’t explain. The cool breeze floating through the summer night relaxes me while his warmth wraps around my body. Without realizing it, I drop my head to the left, sinking into him, and making this ride even more comfortable.
His steady breathing picks up, and I can hear the sudden shakiness in my ear and feel his heart starting to race as the steady beat taps my back. He isn’t pedaling fast, but I guess having to exert enough energy to propel both of us must be tiring. The further we go, the rougher and deeper it gets.
We make it back to the house just as darkness completely takes over the night, and I lift off his shoulder when he stops in front of my driveway. Once he stops, I climb off the bike and turn to face him. The streetlight above cast shadows over his face, but I catch a glimpse of his eyes when he tilts his hat up, and then…I feel it.
The butterflies other girls talked about.
My eyes meet the street when fear of the unknown takes over my body.
The silence in the air starts to sting and the hum from the lamplight above us begins to mock me. Awkwardly, I wait for him to move, to say something, but neither of us does anything. Stunned, in this frozen state, I desperately want to curl into a ball and hide. This is not us—we don’t sit quietly or not interact, especially Trevin. He always has some silly remark or an ease about him that has amazed me since we first met.
The sound of my parents running out from our house breaks my thoughts. “Lily, you’re in big trouble, young lady. Do you see how dark it is?” My dad sternly makes his point.
I glance at Trevin, our eyes meeting for a brief second before I turn around, apologizing to save my life. “I’m sor—”
Trev cuts me off. “Mr. Pace, I’m so sorry. This was my fault. My tire broke on my bike, and we finally had to leave it back in the hills or we would have been home much later. That’s why I’m riding Lily’s.” He jumps off the bike, walking it up to my garage where my parents are walking toward us.
Join us in celebrating the release of Gravity by Lauren Runow!
December 27, January 3, 10, 17: Teaser Blitz
January 24: Release Day Blast
January 24-29: Review Tour
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About the Author:
When Lauren Runow isn’t writing, you’ll find her listening to music that speaks to her, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!
Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.
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Dec 16
Be A Doll by Stephanie Witter Cover Reveal
Stephanie Witter’s highly anticipated standalone releases January 17th!
Add Be A Doll to your TBR: http://bit.ly/2gWW1l0
Blurb
At Carter Manor, women were groomed to become the perfect next trophy wife for the most influential and powerful men in the world.
Polished, educated, and disciplined… they met every criteria.
Or did they?
LILA
After escaping two prospective husbands, I knew I didn’t have much of a choice anymore but to play by the rules if I didn’t want to end up back in the streets.
Upon meeting him I expected an older disgusting man, but he proved me wrong.
He was young, handsome… and despicable.
His cold hearted behavior and condescension caused me to lose my carefully built appearance of sophistication, but somehow, it made me win a husband who enjoyed toying with me until he could break the last pieces of who I used to be. I wouldn’t let him.
I hated him.
At least I did at first, until I had a peek underneath his walls and discovered the kind of pain he shouldered.
MATHIS
I never thought I’d get married and even less that I would be purchasing my wife, but for my business I would do anything.
At the Manor, I was sure I’d find bland women so polished that nothing of their own personality was left. But one candidate couldn’t hide the fire in her.
I was drawn, ready to toy with her, to tease her until she folded for me and let me take her to make her fully mine and not in name only.
I didn’t want love, I didn’t want her to be in my living space and I certainly didn’t want her to see who I really was under the facade I had spent years shaping myself to be, but that was exactly what was happening.
She fascinated me.
Her strength made me want her in the most all-consuming way.
Now I wondered who possessed whom.
**Standalone novel for readers over 18.**
About the Author
Stephanie Witter is a dreamer. She started learning English at three and fell in love with the language. Always with a book, or two close by, she can’t spend a day without reading (or writing).
Stalk Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Dec 16
Swing By Anriana Locke Cover Reveal with Excerpt and Giveaway
Title: Swing
Series: Landry Family #2
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cover Design: Kari March Designs
Release Date: December 19, 2016
Blurb
Screw him and his perfect stats.
Sinful smirk.
Delicious body.
Lincoln Landry probably even has game-winning stamina.I’d like to screw her and her perfect ass.
Dangerous curves.
Sweet smile.
Danielle Ashley probably even has a game-changing personality. There’s no denying the chemistry between them. It’s so fiery, it’s undeniable. They partake in it. Enjoy it.
They really enjoy it.
Attraction is not a problem. Nor is their banter, relationship status, or habits. That’s all fine. Perfect, actually.
The problem is as tangled up as their sheets.
A STANDALONE romantic comedy from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.
Excerpt
Screw him and his perfect resume.And flawless face.
And delicious body.
And probably game-winning stamina. I’m going to be a mess today just thinking about it.
“Why was he in your office?” Macie asks, right as I was ready to mentally remove his clothes. “Oh my God, Danielle! I just pulled him up. Why can’t I be you? Just for a day?”
“I’m quite happy I’m me today,” I laugh. “He just walked off the elevator on the wrong floor and followed me to my office.”
“Why?”
“Does it matter? Now I’m sitting here with wet panties, his ‘Fuck me’ cologne filling my office, and all sorts of ideas as to what his body looks like under those sweatpants and t-shirt.”
Also Available
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.
She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather’s nice and there’s always a piece of candy in her pocket.
For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana’s Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.
Author Links
Dec 16
Mine, Forever by Kate Bonham Release Blitz
Release Blitz
Mine Forever by Kate Bonham
(Deadly Women, Book One)
Editor: Swish Design & Editing
Cover Designer: Desiree DeOrto
Release Date: 16th December 2016
Genre: Dark Romance, Thriller, Crime
Blurb
JETT
She’s mine.
Ever since I first laid eyes on her, I knew there was something about her but I had to be sure.
I had to know she was like me.
Now, after what I’ve put her through, I own her.
But they keep trying to pull her away from me.
They keep trying to destroy my world forcing me to unleash hell on earth to keep her in my arms.
EBONY
I’m broken, alone and hated by my own family.
When Jett Black walks into my life, I know I’m not safe.
Not safe from him, not safe from anyone and yet I can’t get enough of him.
He’s my savior in every way, shape and form.
Finally, after years I felt as if I was on the right path until forces try to tear us apart – forces which are trying to kill me.
But I won’t give him up – he’s mine…forever.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32697402-mine-forever
Purchase Links – 99c for the first 2 days after release!
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Mine-Forever-Deadly-Women-Book-ebook/dp/B01M24W1QM/
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mine-Forever-Deadly-Women-Book-ebook/dp/B01M24W1QM/
Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Mine-Forever-Deadly-Women-Book-ebook/dp/B01M24W1QM/
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/au/en/ebook/mine-forever-6
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1179074766
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mine-forever-kate-bonham/1125191872
Amazon Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Mine-Forever-Deadly-Women-1/dp/1540717720/
Author Bio
Kate grew up in Western Sydney, Australia, hoping to one day have a pet dragon and castle to roam around in. Then the Khaleesi stole her life and she was forced to reinvent herself.
It was around the age of 15 when she really thought she could make it as a writer, and after course after course on different writing styles, she finally gulped down her fear and pursued independent publishing.
When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her boyfriend and their zoo of pets that include snakes, spiders, lizards, gecko, an axolotl and birds.
My writing genre is paranormal and dark romance.
You can find Kate here
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorKateBonham
Twitter: @kbonhamauthor
Instagram: @kbonhamauthor
Street Team: www.facebook.com/groups/K8sKhaleesis
Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/KateBonhamAuthor
Dec 15
Passing Peter Parker by J.D. Hollyfield Cover Reveal
J.D. HOLLYFIELD is turning up the heat in Comedy.
#hotcom #nerdalert #KU #whoispeterparker
Synopsis
Miss Thompson is a substitute teacher with legs for miles and a foul mouth. Mr. Parker is a nerdy science teacher who loves to taunt and tease with his wicked tongue.Together they learn a lesson in chemistry and how opposites attract. Their sex is getting an A but will Miss Thompson pass Peter Parker? Or is this just a little fun until school’s out for the summer?
About the Author
J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions to the Love not Included series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.
Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions to the Love not Included series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.
Follow J.D. Hollyfield here
Dec 15
Naughty Boss by Whitney G. Review
5 Smooches!
Synopsis
A steamy, office-romance novella from New York Times bestselling author, Whitney G…
He definitely wasn’t supposed to get that email…
Subject: My Boss.
Have I already told you that I hate my boss today?
Sexy as hell or not, this pompous, arrogant, ASSHOLE asked me to pick up his dry cleaning the second I walked through the door. Then he told me that I needed to take his Jaguar to a car wash that was ten miles outside of the city, but only after I needed to stand in a never-ending line to buy some type of limited, hundred-dollar watch.
I honestly can’t wait to see the look on his face two months from now when I tell him that I’m quitting his company and that he can kiss my ass. KISS. MY. ASS.
All those former fantasies about him kissing me with his “mouth of perfection” or bending me over my desk and filling me with his cock are long over. OVER.
Your bestie,
Mya
PS–Please tell me your day is going better than mine…
Subject: Re: My Boss.
No, you haven’t already told me that you hate your “boss” today, but seeing as though you’ve sent me this email directly, I know now…
Yes, I did ask you to pick up my dry cleaning the second you arrived to work to day. (Where is it?) And I did tell you to take my Jaguar to the car wash and pick up my thousand-dollar watch. (Thank you for taking five hours to do something that could be accomplished in two.)
You don’t have to wait two months from now to see the look on my face when you tell me you’re quitting. I’m standing outside your office at this very moment. ( Open the door. )
No comment on your “fantasies,” although I highly doubt they’re “long over.”
Your boss,
Michael
PS—Yes. My day is definitely going far better than yours…
REVIEW
GAH, this novella is hilarious and so so sexy! Whitney G. has done it again with a story that catches you from page one and kept me turning the pages without stopping until the very end. The characters are flawed and insane and I enjoyed every minutes of their pure craziness. The author built the tension nicely between Mya and Michael. Even though it was a short novella, I was still on the edge of my seat waiting for a kiss or some acknowledgment that they really liked each other. Over all, I adored this one. My only complaint–it ended too darn soon. I wanted more and I always do with this author.
~Amie
BUY IT NOW
Dec 14
The Only One by Lauren Blakely Review Tour with Excerpt
From New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes THE ONLY ONE, a sexy new standalone novella in her One Love Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure you grab your copy today!
Lauren Blakely’s THE ONLY ONE – Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule
December 7th
Hart’s Romance Pulse – Review
2 Girls & Their Kindles – Review
AC BOOK BLOG – Review & Excerpt
As You Wish Reviews – Review & Excerpt
BFD Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Book Angel Booktopia – Review & Excerpt
Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
I Love Romance – Review & Excerpt
Little Red Reading Hood – Review & Excerpt
Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads – Review & Excerpt
December 8th
BookSmacked – Review & Excerpt
Crazii Bitches Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Crazy Daisy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt
Lightning City Book Reviews – Review & Excerpt
My Girlfriends Couch – Review & Excerpt
Read more sleep less – Review
Reading Frenzy Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Wicked Babes Blog Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Sofia Loves Books – Review
December 9th
Ramblings From This Chick – Review
A Fortress of Books – Review & Excerpt
Barbara’s Book Reviews – Excerpt
Beneath The Covers Blog – Review & Excerpt
Knotty Girl Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Love Drug Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Milky Way of Books – Review
Princess Reads – Review & Excerpt
Read-Love-Blog – Excerpt
Stacey is Sassy – Review
December 10th
Bad boys and Bedtime stories book blog – Review
Brittany’s Book Blog – Excerpt
Liz’s Reading Life – Review & Excerpt
Read All the Romance – Review & Excerpt
Readers Retreats – Review & Excerpt
The Book Boyfriend Addict – Review & Excerpt
The Escapist Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Two Book Pushers – Review & Excerpt
WickedGoodReads – Review
December 11th
SnoopDoo’s Book Reviews – Excerpt
Book Bitches Blog – Review
Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review & Excerpt
Lucia’s Book Reviews – Review
Quesarasera Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
The Bookery Review – Review
Vagabonda Reads – Review & Excerpt
Bookaholic & Kindle – Review
Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Excerpt
December 12th
Ashley Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents – Excerpt
Go Read A Book – Review
In Between The Pages – Review & Excerpt
Krista’s Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt
Love Affair With Fiction – Review & Excerpt
Maddy’s Reading – Review & Excerpt
Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – Review & Excerpt
She Hearts Books – Review
December 13th
Four Chicks Flipping Pages – Review & Excerpt
Musings of the Modern Belle – Review & Excerpt
Nerdy Dirty & Flirty – Review & Excerpt
Night Owl Reader – Review & Excerpt
Romance Book Nerd – Excerpt
Romanticamente Fantasy Sito – Excerpt
Nose Stuck in a Book – Review & Excerpt
A crazy vermonters book reviews – Review
Book Lovers Hangout – Review & Excerpt
December 14th
2 girls who love books – Excerpt
Collector of book boyfriends – Review
Naughty Moms’ Story Time – Review & Excerpt
Red Cheeks Reads – Review & Excerpt
Alba and Her Secrets..♥ Book Blog – Review & Excerpt
books are love – Review & Excerpt
Friends Till The End Book BLog – Review & Excerpt
I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt
Relentless Romance – Review & Excerpt
Stephanie’s Sexy Reads (soon to be Naughty Girls and Their Books) – Review & Excerpt
December 15th
Jackie’s Book World – Review
The Reading Belles – Review
Books Need TLC – Review & Excerpt
Evermore Books – Excerpt
JaymeBooks – Review & Excerpt
Joandisalovebooks – Review & Excerpt
Lina’s Reviews: A Book Blog – Review
Novel Addiction – Review
Queenzany – Review & Excerpt
December 16th
Bloggin’ With M.Brennan – Review
naughty and nice book blog – Review
Pardon My Blurb – Review & Excerpt
Relentless book chics ramblings and reviews – Review & Excerpt
S3OC – Review & Excerpt
Shelly’s Book Corner – Review
Straight Shootin’ Book Reviews – Review
The Whispering pages book blog – Review & Excerpt
Reese’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt
Excerpt:
I lean closer to the table, soften my voice. “Forgive me, but you look so familiar…”
Her eyes widen, and something vulnerable seems to flash in them. She brings a hand to her hair. “I do?”
I nod vigorously. “Yes. So much. It’s eerie.”
She swallows. “We all remind each other of others, don’t we?”
“Perhaps we do,” I say. I’m not sure what to make of her answer so I return to the matter at hand, telling her more of what I would make for her charity fundraiser. My business manager, Eduardo, alerted me to this opportunity the other day when it landed on his desk. With my new restaurant opening a few months ago, I’ve been looking to make a splash in Manhattan. Reviews have been amazing and business has been robust, but I know that fortunes can turn on a dime. Hell, do I ever f*cking know that. “And I would make the most fantastic desserts for you, too,” I say with a wink, because that reminds me of the afternoon I met the girl in Barcelona—we’d both been eating dessert at a street-side café, where we’d started flirting.
“Desserts are my specialty.”
“What would you make?” she asks, then she murmurs oh God when I tell her what I’d create for the sweetest course. The soft sound she makes stirs something in my chest, then sends a rush of heat below the belt. That sense of déjà vu sharpens, and a reel of images snaps before my eyes, like puzzle pieces fighting to connect.
I scrub a hand over my jaw, arching an eyebrow. It’s driving me crazy. “Are you sure we’ve never met?”
Check out our 5 smooches review HERE.
Direct Link:https://video214.com/play/itFttmgwXE26fxl5YdB7XA/s/dark
About THE ONLY ONE:
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE SEXY ONE comes a romance about fate and second chances.
Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.
Until ten years later.
Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available for my charity’s event.
The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
***
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take.
The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day.
But I’m determined to change that.
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Amazon Paperback
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Praise for Lauren Blakely and THE ONLY ONE:
“An extraordinarily dreamy love story that will melt your heart!”
~Beneath The Covers Book Blog
“This is an epic second chance romance that filled my heart with love, hope and longing.”
~5-Stars! Two Book Pushers
“Lauren has knocked this one out of the park and down the street into the kitchen of Rocco DiSpirito. This book is smart, sexy, and full of surprises with characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I want to find my very own Gabriel now. A sexy man with an accent who can cook for me. Who could ask for anything more?”
~Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews
“Insanely romantic and so genuinely charming…”
~Fresh Fiction Reviewer
About Lauren Blakely:
Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With thirteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like BIG ROCK, MISTER O, WELL HUNG, and THE SEXY ONE which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she’ll release FULL PACKAGE, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter.
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Dec 14
The Only One by Lauren Blakely Review
5 Smooches!
Synopsis
From the New York Times bestselling author of THE SEXY ONE comes a romance about fate and second chances
Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.
Until ten years later.
Now, it turns out he’s the ONLY ONE in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available the night of my charity’s gala.
The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
***
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take.
The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day.
But I’m determined to change that.
THE ONLY ONE is a standalone novella following characters first introduced in THE SEXY ONE (Gabriel) and WELL HUNG (Penny).
REVIEW
“Sometimes heartbreak happens for a reason. Sometimes hurt does make us stronger.”
It seems that I’ve found a new guilty pleasure, and it would be a Lauren Blakely novella. This is the second novella that I’ve read by Ms. Blakely in a few weeks’ time, and just like the other one, The Only One was an unputdownable, utterly indulgent delight to read. Blakely’s novellas are a romance reader’s treat. Obviously constrained by the length, Blakely doesn’t mess around by filling the pages with unnecessary angst or drama. Oh no, not at all. For me, The Only One was like curling up with a warm mug of cocoa only to find out it isn’t my usual cocoa, it’s different–better, spicy, richer–special. This is the story to read when your romance reading heart is beleaguered by angsty or darker tales or when you need to be reminded of how captivating and enchanting falling in love can be. Or when you just want a sweet and sexy second-chance story.
“Do you? Believe in fate?”
Do you believe in fate, in destiny, in serendipity? Because, see, I do, I really, really do. This book had me sitting up and taking notice right away. I was all in on the premise – that the characters initial meeting ten years’ earlier in Spain wasn’t their time, it was more like a prelude of things to come. So when Blakely reunites them a decade later in Manhattan, they are both older, wiser, more experienced—ready. And let me tell you, it was breathtaking. Every single moment of this couple finding each other again, picking up where they left off and discovering the people they’ve become was magical and romantic. I was giddy, positively giddy, as they came together, realized their past connection and then ultimately fell back (or deeper as was the case) in love.
“We fit, like we were meant to be.”
There was a moment in this book, when the heroine could have had a very negative reaction to an exchange between the hero and another woman that she stumbled upon that was ultimately innocent. But instead of storming over and making a scene, the older, more mature woman that she was reigned in her knee-jerk response, examined her feelings and in doing so, she had a very wise realization that allowed her to have a calm reaction. I loved this entire book, but that scene was just so well played. It was absolutely perfect and her inner thoughts in that moment were what set the entire tone of this relationship for me and what had the premise of the whole book snapping into place for me. Brilliant, Ms. Blakely, brilliant!
“We are the lovers who make others jealous…everyone wants what we have.”
When the couple initially met, the heroine was a virgin and the hero, while more experienced than she, was a young man. Ten years later both have more life experiences and relationships under their belts, so when they come together now, it was not with a young couple’s tentative exploration. The passion that these two unleashed upon each other was scorching. It was thrilling, heart-pounding, lustful, confident, sexy. Dirty talking Frenchman – need I say more? Blakely doesn’t shy away from steamy sexual encounters (and I, for one, thank her for that), but when Gabriel lays out all the ways he plans to have her to Penny? Well let’s just say, Penny wasn’t the only one panting.
“…all those times I hoped, it was for this.”
Novella, full-length novel, whatever – this was a fantastic story, plain and simple. I enjoyed every moment of this couple’s story. This is unquestionably one of the most romantic stories I’ve read this year. It was a heady mix of the blush of first love and the bloom of a second chance. It was tender, it was touching, it was passionate collision of old and new coming together at the right time on their fated path. This story was a few hours of heart-healing happiness in my hot little hands, so it is without hesitation that Lauren Blakely’s The Only One gets five smooches from me.
“There is no past that can come between what was meant to be. Us.”
~ Danielle Palumbo
BUY IT NOW
Dec 14
Jaded Hearts by Harper Sloan Review Tour with Excerpt
Signing with Brighthouse Records was supposed to be everything we ever wanted—our better life. Our chance at everything we never had but always wanted. All our dreams would finally come true and we were on top of the world. It was our chance at the happiness we never had in life.
Our every desire was at our fingertips and the power of that feeling was all consuming. But then it took every dream we thought would come true and it slapped us in the face with the cold hard reality.
Dreams were just that…something that floated on the cusp of untouchable, taunting you with every graze of your fingertips before slipping even further away.
Happiness…that feeling is a joke.
In the end it became painfully obvious that each of us would always have each other, but we would forever be alone.
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Check out our 5 smooches review HERE.
Goddamn, that smile is dangerous.
Who am I kidding? He is dangerous.
I do my best to ignore him, but it’s impossible. The steady brush of his arm against where mine is resting on our shared armrest constantly reminds me how much my body wants his touch. The scent of his delicious cologne hits my senses, making me want to climb in his lap and rub my face over his chest to get a potent lungful of it.
I can’t even remember the last time I was this horny, which is pathetically sad, since it was probably around the same time I actually got laid. Years. I think. Close to three. Maybe that’s why I’m a hot mess lately. I turn my head to study the side of his face and wonder if I can use this situation to my advantage. I mean, after all, we are in a ‘relationship’ now.
He turns and gives me a questioning arch of his dark brows, but I brush it off in favor of playing Disney Emoji Blitz on my phone.
By the time we had hit cruising altitude, I could hear the other men around me snoring away but not Chance. He’s fiddling with his phone, completely ignorant of the fact I’m about to start humping his leg.
“Excuse me,” I breathily say, unbuckling my belt and standing to move around him. I stand there, my head bent slightly because of the overhead, and wait. He doesn’t move, though. Instead, he drops his phone to his lap and gives me his complete attention; his eyes even dance a little like he’s finding this whole damn thing funny. “Excuse me,” I repeat, no longer breathy, and seconds away from coming.
No, that’s a lie. I’m still breathy and very much seconds away from soaking my panties even more than they already are.
His large hands grab my hips, and he guides me down on his lap with no resistance from my treacherous body.
“Not what I meant,” I say through clenched teeth, trying to sound harsh and offended, but I just sound dazed and turned on. I wiggle in his hold, trying to get free, but he’s too strong for me.
He leans up in his seat, his chest hitting my back and buries his face in my neck. I’m sure anyone who saw us would see a loving couple who just can’t keep their hands to themselves. He’s playing a dangerous game, though, because the second the solid, hard length of him presses against my backside, I forget this is supposed to be a game and squirm a little more. His teeth nip at my shoulder at the same time his groan hits my ears.
“Stop moving, Wren,” he demands, tightening his fingers on my hips.
“You’re the one who put me on your lap.” I curl my fingers over the empty seat in front of me and squeeze my eyes shut when I feel him growing harder under me.
“Yeah, because the flight attendant who just walked by had her phone out and pointed right at us. She’s doing a shit job of making it look like she’s doing something with her paperwork.” His hand comes off my hip, and he cups my jaw, turning my head to the side just when I was about to look up at where I last saw the attendant, forcing me to shift until all it would take is me throwing one leg over his body to be face-to-face. “Do not look at her,” he stresses; the sudden movement of twisting my body makes me bounce slightly in his lap, rubbing my legging-clad ass against his erection. His eyes drop to my mouth where I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and groan.
“Give me a reason not to look,” I dare him.
“You don’t want to go down that road, Wren. I’ll protect you from the world, but you need to protect yourself from me.”
“No one is asking you to.”
Not even knowing if we’re still being watched, I twist my torso the rest of the way, pulling my legs up until they’re bent at his stomach between us. Now that I’m facing him completely, I bring my hands up to curl them both around his shoulders before dragging them up to wrap around the corded muscles at the sides of his neck. His nostrils flare, but he doesn’t stop me. I give him the chance, but it never comes. Dropping my head, I press my lips to his. I explore his lips with small pecks and little licks of my tongue, learning his mouth before pressing more firmly. He sucks in a breath when I open my mouth and slowly drag the tip of my tongue over his bottom lip.
And then his control snaps.
His hands—still at my hips—lift me effortlessly until my legs are no longer folded between us, but now digging into the hard armrests with my knees pushing into his thighs, my back hitting the seat in front of me. His mouth opens, and his tongue meets mine, no hesitation whatsoever, as he deepens the kiss.
Our breathing echoes around us, making it sound like everyone on this plane could hear us, but I know it’s just because our faces are so close. I let out a moan, one that he swallows, that turns into a whine when he pulls back.
“That can’t happen again,” he softly scolds, just as breathless as I am.
What the hell? I might not have been into this whole fake-boyfriend-slash-bodyguard thing before, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to take advantage of the situation. Especially now that I know how alive he makes me feel. Three years since I had pleasure from anything other than my own hand, and if that kiss is anything to go by, what Chance could make me feel is ten times more powerful than anything I’ve ever felt in my whole life.
I’m not passing that up.
Nope.
No fucking way.
“We’ll see about that.”
Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.
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