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A Change for the Good by Melanie Jayne: Excerpt & Giveaway

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change

Blurb:

 

Two people starting over, making much needed changes in their lives.

Zoe Crawford has moved to a new city after being dumped and humiliated by her ex-husband. She is going to put her wants and needs first and get her life in order.

Tony Alessi has returned to his hometown to rehab his body and soul, leaving his ATF career behind.

When Tony meets Zoe, he likes what he sees. She appreciates the attention from the younger man but doesn’t want to participate in a cougar challenge. As Zoe learns to trust Tony, she admits to some odd happenings in her life. The feelings of being followed, call hang ups and an apartment break-in. When the attacks turn physical, she accepts Tony’s help.

Soon Zoe’s life is threatened, the couple hides in Tony’s cabin and grow closer as they discover who they were and who they hope to be.

Will Zoe’s past ruin her chance to change her life for the good?

 

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25671007-a-change-for-the-good?ac=1

 

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Excerpt:

Patty cleaned the area. “So, you’ve caught on that the Alessi men are tough on the outside but mush on the inside when it comes to those that they love?”

“I don’t know about love.” Zoe started bouncing her foot. Talking about love and their relationship made her uncomfortable.

“Stay still,” Patty scolded. “Who are you trying to fool? Tony loves you. He’s a great guy and he’s getting back on track. What’s the matter? Isn’t he good enough for you?”

“No. That’s not it at all. He is a good man. I mean, don’t you worry that I am so much older?” Zoe dreaded the answer.

“Listen, the age thing is hard to avoid but you can’t help when you were born any more than Tony can. You two fit together like puzzle pieces. Wouldn’t you want him to be in your life every damn day?”

Patty stopped working on Zoe’s forehead and stepped back to stare into her eyes.

Zoe blinked, fighting the threatening tears.

Patty knelt in front of her, her tone softened, “Look Zoe, I had cancer and it changed my outlook on life. I appreciate what I have so much more. It was a terrible way to learn that lesson.” She took Zoe’s hand and held it between both of hers. “You seem to be a good person and Tony cares about you. He told me that, straight up. I know him and he’ll be a good partner. When he gives his word, he means it. He won’t screw around behind your back. In fact, if he is anything like his brother, he’ll drive you crazy trying to make you happy. Would that be such a terrible fate?”

“No,” Zoe whispered.” No, it wouldn’t be.”

 

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Buy links:

Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Change-Good-Melanie-Jayne-ebook/dp/B0106UQOTE/ref=sr_1_2_twi_1_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1435516072&sr=8-2&keywords=a+change+for+the+good

 

About the Author:

 

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I live on a grain farm southeast of Indianapolis, Indiana with my very patient husband of twenty-five years and our two English Mastiffs, Buster Brown and Ginger. I graduated from Indiana University when it was the #1 party school in the country and I took great pride in helping the school achieve that ranking.

I haven’t figured out what I want to be when I grow up. I change careers every decade. I have worked in retail, a federal courtroom, travelled across the state closing loans, and behind the scenes in a casino.

I’ve always had an active imagination so when a good friend suggested that I try writing a book, I thought why not, it should be fun. It has, but I have had to work very hard to learn how to do it. I am so lucky for the outpouring of advice and education from so many in the industry, plus the hand-holding and cheerleading from My Gurls. I also have an incredible Ad-man-istrative Assistant, who tries to keep me under control. He rolls his eyes so much that I worry about a permanent condition.

When I ‘m not working or writing type stuff, I sleep, watch courtroom TV shows, and sports. I was a competitive pro-am ballroom dancer for ten years and I read as many books as I can.

​I love to attend Author-Reader Conventions and look forward to meeting you.

Website: http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjsmut

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/mjsmut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25028145-the-party-plan?from_search=true

 

GIVEAWAY

$20 Gift Card
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Cover Reveal:Protector by Jessica Wilde

 

 

Title: Protector (The Brannock Siblings #4)
Author: Jessica Wilde
Cover Reveal:
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Hosted by: Always Behind A Book

 

 

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Synopsis

Isabelle Brannock was adored by her children in every possible way. Her ability to love reflects in each of them and to this day, they remember the never ending happiness she and their father, Liam, shared. However, life wasn’t always beautiful and their magnificent mother kept her dark secrets buried away so her children would always remember that family is the most important thing.

Liam Brannock has watched his children find that same happiness he knew so well and, as a father, he couldn’t be prouder. Knowing that the struggles each of them endured were worth the sacrifices they made to find the love of their lives, he finally feels content with revealing the secrets Isabelle worked so hard to keep.

Liam tells his children the story of how he met their mother and the secrets they never suspected would be possible for a woman who lived each day showing her children that love conquers all.

For readers 18+ due to sexual content.

Note to readers:

This is Liam and Isabelle’s story as well as updates on Ash, Con, and Gus.

This cannot be read as a standalone.

Series Order:

Book 1 – Leverage

Book 2 – Conned

Book 3 – Missing

Book 4 – Protector

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Protector Teaser 2

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FULL SERIES SALE

Book 1 – Leverage – Free
Book 2 – Conned – 99¢
Book 3 – Missing – 99¢

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Author Bio

I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dog, Kolo. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidently kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet.

I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn’t stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind.

It’s strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer’s block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn’t like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going.

Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.

Jessica Wilde

Author Links

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Review: Chaos by Jamie Shaw

chaosChaos

Jamie Shaw

 Mayhem Series, Book 3

Expected publication: July 21st 2015 by Avon Impulse

 

From the moment she saw Shawn Scarlett perform at a school talent show, Kit Larson has loved two things: the guitar, and the gorgeous, green-eyed boy who inspired her to play. But one careless night in high school shatters her hope of ever being more than a notch on his bedpost.

Six years, two bands, and one mostly-mended heart later, Kit’s about to make her rock star dreams a reality as the new guitarist for Shawn’s band, The Last Ones to Know. He may not remember their reckless night together, but Kit has never forgotten… and she’s determined to make him eat his heart out.

The release of their new album means a month cooped up on a tour bus, sleeping inches away from the ridiculously sexy musician she’s never quite gotten over. And as Kit gets to know the real Shawn—not Shawn Scarlett, the rock god, the player—their attraction becomes too hot to resist. But the past is paved with secrets, and when they finally surface, Kit could lose everything: the band, the music, her dreams… and Shawn.

 

 

review

3.5 Stars

 

Kit and Shawn’s twisted story is hot mess that keeps the reader turning the pages.  High school drama, music, chemistry, passion and rockstar dreams, keeps the lines of love/hate and want/reality very thin in this New Adult rocker romance.

Ms. Shaw’s complex characters gave the readers a kick butt story. Emotions running high and low, living a dream, while passion builds.  A long running crush turns into love with emotional baggage. Shawn and Kit rock the stage, pages and the readers hearts.

Chaos is third book of the Mayhem series and my first of Jamie Shaw. With her passion flowing through the words not just for love, for the music as well and her attention to detail, I will be reading more of Ms. Shaw’s in the future.

 

A review copy was provided for an honest review.

 

deana

Laura Kaye’s HARD TO LET GO Release Blitz

HTLG RWB banner

 

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Laura Kaye’s HARD TO LET GO! HARD TO LET GO is the 4th novel in Laura’s Hard Ink Series, published by Avon Romance. Grab your copy of this sexy, suspenseful book today!!

 

Hard to Let Go - cover

Amazon | B&N | iBooks| Kobo

Hard to Let Go on Goodreads

EXCERPT:

Beckett was a wrung-out mess. He’d just spent the past hour talking to Emilie, and it was maybe more than he’d talked at one time in his whole life. He couldn’t exactly say he felt good, and maybe not even better, but he could say that he was a little proud of himself for facing his past. Didn’t matter that dealing with that shit was as comfortable as swallowing crushed glass, because choking it down was the only way he’d have a chance at a future.

At least, a future that he really, truly wanted.

One where he wasn’t alone. One where he wasn’t angry. One where he wasn’t wasting the time he might have left on this earth—time his seven fallen teammates no longer had.

Jogging down the stairs from the third-floor apartment, Beckett headed to the gym. No matter how trashed he felt, he had one more conversation that absolutely had to happen tonight.

With Nick. About Kat.

Beckett had seen the all-knowing looks on Marz’s and Jeremy’s faces when he and Kat joined the all-hands’ meeting earlier in the evening. If he didn’t go to Nick soon, the guy was going to learn about them some other way. And then the hell was going to be even worse to pay. And Beckett didn’t want that to happen. Not just because he didn’t want the hassle. But because he owed it to Nick—as his friend and his brother—to come clean.

Didn’t mean that his gut wasn’t all twisted up about whether Nick would think him good enough for his baby sister, though.

He reached the gym door, took a deep breath, and punched in the pass code. Man up, Murda. Right.

Inside, things were hopping, despite the fact that it was pushing eleven o’clock. Some Ravens were lifting weights. Others were shooting the shit around the table. And two guys were tossing a ball back and forth, driving Eileen crazy by bouncing it over her head. Easy was pounding out a fast pace on the treadmill. And, in the back corner, Nick, Marz, and Shane were poring over something on Marz’s desk.

Beckett had faced down terrorists who wanted nothing more than to take his life with their very hands, and he’d probably never been as nervous as he was right now. For fuck’s sake.

He moved into the room. About midway across he spied Cy peeking out from behind a weight machine. “You and me are gonna have a talk soon, too,” he said, pointing at the cat. A one-eyed blink was his only answer.

And then he was standing on the far side of Marz’s desk next to Shane, peering down at what the three men were examining.

Marz gave him a smile and tapped his finger against the pages. “Just going over all these instances when Merritt noted Kaine as having changed orders regarding counternarcotics missions.”

“Marz was right,” Nick said, looking up at him. “Some of these gave me a bad feeling in my gut at the time, because they seemed out of character for Merritt. He was never a last minute kinda guy. Every damn time he’s marked those changes as having been ordered by Kaine.”

Beckett nodded. And then his mouth acted without his brain’s permission. “I’d like to date your sister.”

 

 

Hard Ink Series Trailer:

Link: https://youtu.be/qM45fjLJXXk

 

About HARD TO LET GO:

Beckett Murda hates to dwell on the past. But his investigation into the ambush that killed half his Special Forces team and ended his Army career gives him little choice. Just when his team learns how powerful their enemies are, hard-ass Beckett encounters his biggest complication yet—a seductive, feisty Katherine Rixey.

A tough, stubborn prosecutor, Kat visits her brothers’ Hard Ink Tattoo shop following a bad break-up—and finds herself staring down the barrel of a stranger’s gun. Beckett is hard-bodied and sexy as hell, but he’s also the most infuriating man ever. Worse, Kat’s brothers are at war with the criminals her office is investigating. When Kat joins the fight, she lands straight in Beckett’s sights . . . and in his arms. Not to mention their enemies’ crosshairs.

Now Beckett and Kat must set aside their differences to work together, because the only thing sweeter than justice is finding love and never letting go.

 

 

HTLG Reviews Tease

 

Praise for HARD TO LET GO:

“Kaye wraps up her bestselling series with this action-packed story, highlighting her talent for alpha military heroes, hot romance, and an ensemble cast of characters who are unique and engaging. A super sexy, high-octane romantic suspense novel that concludes the popular Hard Ink series in a completely satisfying way.” ~Kirkus Reviews

“TOP PICK! Kaye brings her Hard Ink series to a spectacular conclusion that successfully wraps up the overarching mystery and brings closure to her compelling characters. Kaye really nails it with this awesome book and series!” ~RT Book Reviews

“HARD TO LET GO will blow you away! Anyone who has been following Laura Kaye’s fantastic Hard Ink series will expect something great for the last book in the series, and to say HARD TO LET GO does not disappoint would be the understatement of the year! Ms. Kaye writes sex scenes like it’s nobody’s business, and the blistering chemistry between Kat and Becket will leave you panting and begging for more! If you expected world-class action in HARD TO LET GO, think again and multiply that by ten! HARD TO LET GO has to be the most explosive conclusion to a series ever! Do not miss it at any cost!” ~Fresh Fiction

 

And don’t miss the other Hard Ink books, now available:

Hard as It gets

HARD AS IT GETS

Hard as You Can

HARD AS YOU CAN

Hard To Hold On To

HARD TO HOLD ON TO

Hard To Come By Cover

HARD TO COME BY

Hard to Be Good - Cover

HARD TO BE GOOD

 

Praise for the Hard Ink Series:

“TOP PICK! If you’re looking for danger, gritty action, and sizzling passion, then Kaye has just the book and the series for you.” ~RT Book Reviews Magazine

 

HTLG Available Now

 

 

Author PhotoAbout Laura Kaye:

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

 

 

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ARC Review: Hard Ride by Opel Carew

Hard RideHard Ride

Opal Carew

Ready to Ride series, Book 4

Paperback, 256 pages
Expected publication: June 30th 2015 by St. Martin’s Griffin

 

 

In his arms, she’s about to take the ride of her life…

Liv never expected to find herself trapped in a dark alley facing a band of rough bikers. And she certainly never expected to see him again. Back in college when they dated, he was heir to his family’s business empire–and their fortune. She expected him to become a billionaire. Instead, he’s a heavily muscled, tattooed member of a rough biker gang…and just as sinfully sexy as ever.

When Shock sees Liv again, he’s ready to pay any price to have her in his bed and on his bike. Shock has his own scars to deal with, but he soon learns that Liv is in desperate need of financial help… though she won’t tell him why. So he offers her a sensual deal: his help for her complete submission. Can Liv entrust Shock with her secret? And how can she stop herself from falling for the hard rider?

 

 

review4 Stars

Hard Ride scorches the readers of the Ready to Ride series.

Hard Ride is not your typical bad ass Biker story. The Ready to Ride series follow a small group of Bikers as they travel, living their free lives and finding their old ladies.

Being in the right place at the right time or the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on who’s side you’re looking from, reunited two old friends.  All people change, Liv realized as she is whisked away to a world where living free is the only rule.  Chemistry and sexual tension set in fast. Making your pulse rate faster just by turning pages.  Raw, edgy and sexy beyond belief, Shock and Liv’s story will make you sweat!

A copy of this title was provided by netgalley for an honest review.

deana

Audio Review: Exquisite Trouble by Ann Mayburn

annExquisite Trouble

Ann Mayburn

Iron Horse MC, Book 1

 

  • Narrated by: Andy E. Ross, Stephanie Wyles

 

  • Release Date:02-23-15

 

Published July 15th 2014 by Fated Desires Publishing, LLC

 

Before I met Smoke I’d never been kissed, really kissed, by a man, let alone a biker sex god bent on taking my virginity and my heart.

I got dragged into the deadly world of the Iron Horse MC by my crazy twin sister who is engaged to the club’s President and even crazier mom who only cares about herself. Smoke has been assigned by the club to keep me safe even though he’s everything that I should be afraid of. He’s the kind of man who lives by his own rules and does whatever he wants whenever he wants, but he treats me like I’m something rare and precious, not a socially dysfunctional basket case who has no idea how to love, but needs him more than her next breath.

Not that my feelings matter, because if we don’t find my mother soon, the only thing I’ll have to be worried about is who is going to kill me first.

NOTE- This is Part One of a Two Part book with a ‘Happy for Now’ ending.

 

review

4.5 Stars

 

Smoke sets a woman on fire. Ex military and current Sergeant at Arms for the Iron Horse, this man’s mouth will send chills running from head to toes. Dangerous, sexy and raw, Smoke’s life walks a line that has most people running away screaming. When protection makes the badass fall hard, he and his exquisitely delightful and dirty mouth will stop at nothing to get the woman that has become his world.

Swan is so complex and simple all in one.  Smart, beautiful, sheltered and naïve. Living in a bubble of a world, her social skills may not be up to par, but she can withstand and endure things most grown men can’t. Drawn into a world unknown to her simple life, Swan falls into head over heals in more ways than one. Family, independence and a God of a man, change her life in a blink of an eye.

Ann Mayburn’s Exquisite Trouble is wickedly delicious and sinfully naughty.  Tempting, titillating and raw. An edgy story that will leave the lover of erotic romance panting.  The dual narration by Andy Ross and Stephanie Wyles makes this a dangerous book to listen to while driving.  Headphones are advised! Dirty talking men at their finest!  If you are a fan of erotic romance( even if you don’t like MC) Exquisite Trouble is a must.

 

Audiobook from my personal library.

 

 

deana

ARC Review: Beneath These Chains by Meghan March

chainsBeneath These Chains

Meghan March

Beneath Series, Book 3

Published: June 16, 2015 by Meghan March

 

 

I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job.

She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave.

Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated.

We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past.

But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?

 

 

review

 

5 Stars

 

Lord’s book, Hot Damn!

 

Not only does Meghan March write New Orleans like you’re walking the streets of the city. She had now created the perfect alpha man with Lord, in Beneath These Chains, the third book of the Beneath series.

 

Lord is that big, dominant, intimidating and down right scary to most guy. He’s also smart, sexy and has southern charm that could melt panties.  Tattooed and all bad ass, lives on the wrong side of the tracks and people know not to mess with him.  Lords past is not pretty, but all he went through truly made him into one hell of a man. If his body doesn’t get you, his unconditional caring and his upmost respect for women will.

 

Elle is a woman who is not going to take no for an answer. Sassy, smart and cunning, Elle pushes her way into a world she knows little about.  She’s an independent woman who is trying to find freedom in her way.  Her wit, sarcasm and being hard headed makes Elle one damn fine woman.

 

Meghan March takes her readers on a journey that will heal pain, face danger and play with ones mind.  While watching chemistry ignite into passion, creating a bond in two people from opposite sides of the tracks.  The book is over the top in hotness. From the perfect descriptions of the setting, to the dialogue between characters and of course, the intense ride of passion, Ms. March gives the romance reader just what they long for.

 

A review copy was provided by netgalley for an honest review.

 

deana

ARC Review: Gypsy Beach by Jillian Neal

beachGypsy Beach

Jillian Neal

A Gypsy Beach Novel

Expected publication: June 23rd 2015 by Realm Press

 

 

 

Single father, Ryan McNamara, returns to the only place he’d ever been happy, Gypsy Beach. This time he’s divorced, broken, but determined to make something of his life.

Sienna Cooper is determined to forget Ryan, the last decade, and all of the hurt he’d left her with. She’s got enough spunk and Gypsy fire in her soul to make this work. She’s going to run her grandmother’s inn and make it a success. But when a chance encounter throws them back together, the passions ignite and the past doesn’t feel so far out of reach.

Can they rekindle the love they’d once had? Can he convince her that he never intends to walk away again? Will a potent dose of unending lust, a lifetime of love, and enough hot-blooded Gypsy spirit be enough to save them both?

 

 

 

 

review

4 Stars

It’s in a gypsy’s heart to always roam, the wind will always lead them back home.

 

Sienna’s gypsy blood has had her roaming to find her place in the world. One of the things I enjoyed most about her. She’s a free spirit. Fun and magical, and a dreamer. Sexy is a natural way that makes her inner beauty shine through.

 

Ryan is a damn good man whose life got twisted though no fraught of his own. He’s trying pick up the pieces and restart his life. Putting him right in the path of the one thing that has never left his mind for the last ten years.

 

Jillian Neal transports the reader to what seems like a very real and magical place with her world of Gypsy Beach.  Filling a cozy and charming town with interesting and charismatic people that make you laugh and think. Making the reader fall for the magic that lingers is the air like salt.  Ryan and Sienna are perfect for each other. Complementing one another in every way.  Gypsy Beach will make you smile. A quick, perfect beach or sitting on the deck read!

 

A review cool was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.

 

deana

Meghan March’s – Beneath These Chains!

lord 4

 

 

 

chains

 

 

About Beneath These Chains

I was raised on the streets, so I know things are rarely as simple as they appear—especially this rich girl showing up at my pawnshop demanding a job.

She’s the most tempting thing I’ve ever seen, and I’ll be damned if I can make her leave.

Shit just got complicated … but when it comes to her—I want complicated.

We’re both fighting our own demons, and our only chance at a future is to let go of the past.

But will we be strong enough to break free from beneath these chains?

 

 

 

 

lord 3

 

Lord

I fucking hated people who stole from me. Which was ironic, considering the only thing that had kept me from starving as a kid had been picking pockets and snatching purses. I dropped my elbows to the desk and rubbed a hand over my buzzed head.

“Goddamn, karma’s a bitch.”

“She the bitch you fucked last night, bro?” The leather of my office couch creaked as Mathieu sank his tall, lanky frame into it.

“How many times do I have to tell you not to call women ‘bitches,’ boy?”

My words were met with a long sigh from Mathieu. Ever since he’d walked into Chains and tried to grab a guitar and run back out the door—only to be tackled to the ground by yours truly—he’d been a fixture in my life. To be fair, his choices had been to work off the price of what he’d attempted to steal, or go directly to the nearest cop shop. The entire situation had been such a blast from the past, I’d caught myself smiling when I should’ve been glaring and scaring the piss out of the kid. But apparently I’d done an okay job of it because he’d decided starting a rap sheet at seventeen wasn’t a good plan. Thank fuck. Almost two years later, the kid was my right hand.

And now that Chains was mine, someone was stealing from me—but not just someone. An employee. Someone I should’ve been able to trust. The cameras I had installed on her day off had already paid for themselves.

I rolled my head from side to side, cracking my neck. I hated firing people. It never got easier. And this time? This time it was going to be even worse … because there would be tears. And quite possibly claws.

Pushing up from the chair, I strode to the door without looking at Mathieu. Over my shoulder, I tossed, “You might want to stay here; Brianna’s ass is about to get canned.”

“For real?” His words followed me out, but I didn’t bother to reply.

Every time I stepped foot onto the shop floor, a feeling of pride surged through me—pride that I’d helped build this business into one that was not only honest, but profitable. At least, it was profitable when one of my employees wasn’t skimming off the till and messing with my bank deposits.

Finger twirling in her long, dark extensions and gum snapping between her teeth, Brianna flipped the pages of a magazine with a giant black Sharpie in one hand, circling shit. Probably shit she wanted to buy with the money she’d been stealing from me. The store was empty, which made what I was about to do a little easier.

“Bree, need a few minutes.”

Her head popped up, lips pursing as she took me in. “You can have all the time you need, boss.” Her gaudy fake eyelashes batted at me in what I assumed was supposed to be a sexy move. I stowed the urge to tell her to save it for someone whose dick got hard at the sight of her … but since I was about to fire her, why add insult to injury? The woman had been unsuccessfully trying to add her notch to my bedpost since I’d hired her. Bringing her on had been a mistake, and I’d known it from the minute she’d walked in the door, but a friend had called in a favor.

“Boss? You had something to say?” she prompted.

I watched her, not speaking.

She stopped the hair twirling and capped the Sharpie, resituating herself on the stool and folding her hands in her lap.

“Lord?”

“You’re done.”

Bree’s dark eyes flew wide. “Done? You mean done for the day?”

“Done. For good. Get your shit and get out.”

Bree lost the innocent pose as she crossed her arms and stared me down. “Not until you tell me why.”

In two long strides, I closed the distance between the register and me and pressed my hands to the counter.

“I gave you a job. Gave you a paycheck you didn’t have to suck a dick to get. But that wasn’t enough for you. You had to have more, and instead of coming to me and asking for a raise, you decided to make it happen yourself.”

The color faded from her face, leaving her mocha-colored skin sallow. “Wh-what?”

“Get your shit.”

“I swear, I didn’t—”

“Don’t fucking lie to me. I can show you the tape if you want to see what I saw.”

Her lower lip started to wobble. It wasn’t going to work. I’d given her the benefit of the doubt, hoped I was wrong or it was just a one-time thing. But she’d gotten too bold.

“But I need this—”

I cut her off. She wasn’t even going to deny it. Not that she could. We both knew she’d done it, and I wasn’t in the mood to listen to her beg or justify her actions. Even though she didn’t know it, I’d already given her a second chance. And all that had done was cost me even more than I could afford to lose. “I needed someone to work the shop—someone who wasn’t going to fuck me over and steal from me. You weren’t capable of that, so you’re out. Now get your shit.”

“But—”

“Save your breath, Bree. I ain’t listening unless you’re here to tell me you’ve got all the money you’ve taken, and you’re putting it right back where it belongs.”

Her face twisted into an angry glare even as the tears started falling. “You … you don’t understand.”

“No, I really don’t understand.” I crossed my arms and waited her out. When she realized the water works weren’t changing my decision, she spun off the stool, grabbed her giant purple purse from behind the counter, and stalked toward the door.

“You get all self-righteous with me about a little cash while you basically steal from people? Giving ‘em twenty dollars for their shit? Like you’re one to judge.”

A little cash? She’d skimmed enough to buy a nice used car, and I’d been too trusting to even realize it until the numbers hadn’t added up in a big way.

She slowed near the guitars at the front of the store and malicious glee lit her eyes.

She wouldn’t.

Oh, but she did.

Bree grabbed a guitar and swung it toward the rack as the chimes above the front door jangled. Wood crashed against wood, and two female screeches erupted.

Shit … if she injured a customer…

I charged Bree and ripped the guitar from her hands before she could swing again. A swirl of red hair caught my attention as the other woman dodged out of the strike zone.

Bree struggled against my hold, and I wondered if I was going to end up with a face full of the acrylic claws tearing at my arms. “Let go of me, you asshole!”

“Whoa, boss. Getting the door for ya.” Mathieu bolted across the shop and yanked the door open again. I hustled Bree out and set her free on the sidewalk.

She spun to face Mathieu and me. “You’re gonna regret this,” she hissed. “I swear, you will.”

A soft laugh came from the open door. “From what I’ve seen, I highly doubt it.”

Bree opened her mouth to spew something else, but I shut her down. “Get gone. I don’t ever wanna see you near my shop again.”

Bree’s flinty eyes narrowed as she shouldered her purse. “Fuck you, Lord. You think you’re better than me? Not a chance. You’re just thievin’ street scum. Fuck you.”

“And now she’s getting repetitious,” the husky female voice commented from behind me.

Lip curling in disgust, Bree turned and marched toward the corner, never looking back.

“Her exit could totally use some work, but all-in-all, that was one hell of a welcome.”

I turned to survey the woman standing in the doorway of Chains. Even without a photographic memory, I didn’t think I’d ever forget this particular pose: one arm braced on the doorframe and the other propped on her hip, a green dress hugging curves that had my entire body sitting up and taking notice. Matched with her long, curling red hair, she was a goddamn knockout. What the hell is she doing here?

“You lost, sweet thing?”

She stepped onto the sidewalk and tore the HELP WANTED sign off the bottom corner of the front window. Holding it between two fingers, she smiled. “Nope. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’m your newest employee.”

 

lord 2

 

 

march

 

About Meghan March:

Meghan March is the author of contemporary and erotic romance novels.

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

Website: http://www.meghanmarch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeghanMarchAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Meghan_March
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8184875.Meghan_March

 

 

 

lord1

 

Catch Up on the Beneath Series:
Beneath This Mask (Beneath #1)

He loves me, and he doesn’t even know my real name.

The limelight that follows him could expose everything I’m hiding. But even knowing the risks, I can’t force myself to stay away.

I’m going to break his heart, but mine will shatter right along with it.

Will we lose it all when I reveal what’s beneath this mask?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22458416-beneath-this-mask

Buy Links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/1csyHrZ

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beneath-this-mask-meghan-march/1120411933?ean=9780990404828

iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/beneath-this-mask/id923805936?mt=11&uo=4

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meghan_March_Beneath_This_Mask?id=SAijBAAAQBAJ

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-this-mask

Beneath This Ink (Beneath #2)

I’ve always known she was too good for me, but that never stopped me from wanting her.

And then I finally had her for one night.

A night I don’t remember.

I figured I’d blown my shot.

But now she’s walked back into my life, and this time, I have the upper hand. I want my second chance.

Will she be able to see the man beneath this ink?

 

Buy links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QtBDY4

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beneath-this-ink-meghan-march/1121197860?ean=9780990404835

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beneath-this-ink

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id963601398?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D6%2522%2520target%253D%2522itunes_store

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Meghan_March_Beneath_This_Ink?id=YaCTBgAAQBAJ&hl=en

Review: Hot Ride by Opal Carew

hot rideHot Ride

Opal Carew

Ready to Ride series, Book 1

Kindle Edition, 104 pages
Published April 15th 2014 by Opal Carew
NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, AND ARe BESTSELLER
Prequel to Wild Ride: Invitation to Eden (Ready To Ride)(love story, contemporary romance, alpha males, heroes, sexy romance, bad boys, falling in love, bikers)

Hot, hard, fast, and handles like a dream!
Oh yeah, and the bike’s not bad either.

Hayley is looking for more excitement in her life, but doesn’t know how to find it.
Excitement finds Rip, a biker who’s seen more than his share of trouble.

When trouble finds Rip yet again and a bar brawl starts, both he and Hayley are thrown to the curb.

Hayley knows this is her chance to find the excitement she so craves, but Rip doesn’t want to be some good girl’s bad-boy experience, so he turns down her advances, leaving her feeling rejected.

But life is never that simple for Rip, and he soon finds himself in her bed and wanting more. When his three biker friends show up, Hayley’s love of numbers turns into an erotic adventure none of them will ever forget.

But is there a chance for more than that between Hayley and Rip? Find out by taking a Hot Ride you’ll never forget.

review
 4.5 Stars

Throwing caution to the wind has never been more erotic.
Hayley is as plain as they come.  The definition of normal. Until one night, when a dangerous but overwhelmingly hot biker truly makes her throw caution to the wind. Stepping out of her comfort zone shows Hayley the wild woman hiding inside.
Rip is a retired undercover cop turned bad ass biker. Sexy is an understatement, his presence is intimidating and commanding and the man could light you on fire with a look.  He also will put his own ass on the line to make sure a stranger is ok. One fine man.
With one read Opal Carew has me hooked. Holy crap this short read was flippin hot. Overwhelming attraction and intense chemistry! With a few pages Ms. Carew will get your blood pumping and have you wanting to hop on the back of Rip’s biker.  Alpha bikers who truly just want to ride with a good woman with them.
Signed copy from my private library.

deana