Blog Archives
Cover Reveal: Talon by Carian Cole
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PARTNER:
Independent. Tall, blonde, sexy. Outgoing. Intelligent,
neat. Unslutty. Confident. Loves to travel. Committed.
A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT.
The concept was scary but exciting…
Marry a total stranger.
Live together for six months.
Journal everything. (Feelings. Fights. All of it.)
After six months, we each get $50K in trade for our journals, whether we stay married or not. But the goal is to commit to the experience and see if the relationship experts could put together the perfect matches.
I have never been lucky in love. This was my chance to find my soulmate.
I couldn’t wait to meet the man the experts felt was perfect for me.
My hopes were immediately dashed when I saw him at the altar.
Shit. I married my worst nightmare.
Right?!
Sidney Halston’s Laid Out
Sidney Halston
LAID OUT (Worth the Fight #4)
Release Date: August 18, 2015
Blurb:
Growing up an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.
Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23636580-laid-out?from_search=true&search_version=service
Buy links:
Kindle: http://amzn.to/1RgRjck
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/?ean=9781101886298&cm_mmc=AFFILIATES-_-Linkshare-_-VD9*lkiWNd8-_-10:1
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/laid-out/id975021637?mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sidney_Halston_Laid_Out?id=2y2iBQAAQBAJ
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/laid-out
About Author
USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life by one simple rule: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started” (Mark Twain). Or even simpler: “Just do it” (Nike). And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in South Florida with her husband and children.
Website: http://www.sidneyhalston.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sidneyhalston
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SidneyHalston
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6916557.Sidney_Halston
About the Worth The Fight Series
Against the Cage (Worth the Fight #1)
For Chrissy Martin, returning to her Florida hometown always seems to bring bad luck. The day starts with a breakup text, followed by a jailhouse phone call from her troublemaker brother. Now a routine traffic stop has ended with her accidentally punching an officer . . . in a delicate place. Then Chrissy realizes that the hot cop on the receiving end of her right hook is none other than the man from her teenage fantasies.
Jack Daniels knows how to take a hit. After all, when he’s not chasing reckless drivers, he’s kicking ass in a mixed martial arts ring. So what takes his breath away isn’t the low blow, but the woman who dealt it: a gorgeous knockout with legs Jack wouldn’t mind being pinned under—who just so happens to be his best friend’s nerdy little sister, all grown up. Soon their instant chemistry leads to a sizzling affair, but Jack and Chrissy are fighting an uphill battle if they want to make love last beyond the final bell.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19082071-against-the-cage
Buy Links:
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/against-the-cage-sidney-halston/1120679173?ean=9780553390964
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/against-the-cage/id770267777?mt=11&uo=4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sidney_Halston_Against_the_Cage?id=YVuVAgAAQBAJ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/against-the-cage
Full Contact (Worth the Fight #2)
How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?
Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22469198-full-contact
Buy Links:
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Full-Contact-Worth-Fight-Novel-ebook/dp/B00K4C3RHC/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/full-contact-sidney-halston/1120679174?ean=9780553390971
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/full-contact/id889685362?mt=11&uo=4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sidney_Halston_Full_Contact?id=vHKBAwAAQBAJ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/full-contact-2
Below the Belt (Worth the Fight #3)
Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?
Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22926842-below-the-belt
Buy links:
iTunes/iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/below-the-belt/id923816322?mt=11&uo=4
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sidney_Halston_Below_the_Belt?id=3vFMBAAAQBAJ
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/below-the-belt-11
ARC Review: A Little Harmless Rumor by Melissa Schroeder
A Little Harmless Rumor
Melissa Schroeder
Harmless Series
Rumors are swirling about the fall of Sean Kaheaku, but he’s ignoring them. Six months earlier, he had his entire world turned upside down and he still doesn’t know what to do about it. He retreated to his home in Hawaii to recover and reassess what he wants to do now that he’s been burned as a security agent.
Now lovers, Randy and Jamie arrive in Honolulu to find the lover they once knew is now even more secretive and belligerent. He refuses their help, but they are both too stubborn to leave—especially since they sense something dangerous is stalking Sean.
As the three lovers spend more time together, old feelings float to the surface and the twosome becomes a threesome. Nights are even hotter than the Hawaiian sun, and all three lovers find the connection exciting and overwhelming. But, the trouble is still out there and arrives intent on destroying Sean and everything he loves—including Randy and Jaime.
Warning: This book contains three spies who like to play games in and out of the bedroom, hot m/m loving, more m/m/f loving, dangerous games, lies, a few misdemeanors, and love scenes so hot, even most Addicts will be shocked. There is also a group of Alpha males with badges who will have their own series, a heroine who knows how to handle her two men, and two men who know exactly what she likes. As usual, ice and towels should be handy to help you through the book.
Melissa Schroeder turns up the heat up in Hawaii with the hottest and latest book in her Harmless Series, Rumor.
Sean, Jamie and Randy, each commanding, dangerous and strong willed, yet so different they complimented and challenged each other perfectly. This M/M/F story is truly Ms. Schroeder’s finest. The love scenes are smoking, the emotions are deep and raw, and you feel the love coming from the pages. I will be honest, I don’t know what worked me up more the danger, suspense and twists of the plot or tantalizing passion that two Doms and a beautiful woman realize they were missing.
The suspense keeps you on edge while the wicked passion has the pages turning. A trio of lovers, a dangerous secret and paradise makes A Harmless Little Rumor the most intense and emotional book of the series. Leaving the reader satisfied while building up what’s to come next in Hawaii.
An ecopy was provided for an honest review.
Giveaway and Review: Gypsy Heat by Jillian Neal
Gypsy Heat
Jillian Neal
Gypsy Beach Series, Book 3
Blurb:
Nadya Montgomery was Gypsy Beach’s own personal wild child. There was nothing she wouldn’t do, especially when it came to Grady Havens. Until disaster struck and tore them apart. Desperate to protect Grady, she ran away from everything and everyone she’d ever known.
Fourteen years later, Nadya returns to the beach to try to rebuild some semblance of her life out of her ex-husband’s shadow, but that means returning to her past and seeing Grady Havens again.
Now a charter boat captain constantly trying to put his past behind him, Grady doesn’t know what to make of Nadya’s return. All he knows is she was always meant to be his, and he intends to make his claim. He wants her back in his life and most certainly back in his bed.
When his entire family is threatened, he’s caught between rekindling his relationship with Nadya and protecting what belongs to him.
Together they try to rebuild what always should have been, but their pasts are determined to keep them ensnared. As passions ignite between them, they realize that even Grady may not be able to keep her safe this time.
Buy Links:
Amazon – http://amzn.to/1P71f8P
Smashwords – https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/569344
All Romance – https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-gypsyheat-1872740-149.html
iTunes –https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-heat/id1027887574?ls=1&mt=11
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/gypsy-heat
Excerpt:
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Grady huffed as he studied his youngest brother. Beau had been twitchy since he’d entered the new boathouse. He looked like a wary bass circling a hook debating its fate.
“Nothing.” He bristled and fidgeted with the boat keys in his hand. Grady and Nate had been trying to sort through the old fishing boxes of contracts, receipts, licenses, and paystubs at night now that they had an actual office to hold it all.
Nate rolled his eyes. “You know he’s not gonna let it go. Whatever it is just spill it.” He thumbed through a stack of old contracts before tossing them into the trash.
Very conveniently, Beau checked his watch. “I gotta get out of here.”
Moving nothing more than his overly-muscled arm, Grady caught the back of Beau’s shirt and prevented him from escaping.
“What the hell is going on with you?”
“She asked me not to say anything … but I kind of think you should know. Maybe?” Beau made a partial confession.
Grady’s brow furrowed, and he released his little brother. “Who asked you not to say anything?”
His head dropped, and Grady barely made out the word, “Nadya.”
Nate dropped the paperwork in his hand. The entire world seemed to stop spinning at that moment. Grady was unable to make any audible sound. He was stunned.
“You saw Nadya? Like Grady’s Nadya?” Nate beat him to the punch.
“Yeah,” Beau sighed. “She was at the coffee shop. Said she was gonna be here for a few weeks, and …”
“And what?” Grady managed to grunt. His heart felt like some kind of deranged pinball ricocheting from his throat, to his ribcage, to his gut in a nauseating cadence. It rang in his ears.
3.5 Stars
Nadya has long for a man that she was pushed away from. Even after many years and a bad marriage that took a huge toll, her heart still longs her man on Gypsy beach. Her home, her place to heal.
Grady knew the best part of him got away. Focusing on caring for his family and running his fishing business as the years pass. His heart is with his angel that flew away. Now she’s back and in emotional agony and all Grandy wants it to make it all right. To get her back where she belongs.
A dramatic and hopeful story. Second chances, hope, passion and forgiveness. Overcoming the past and looking forward with some help of the Gypsy magic in the air. Grady and Nadya take a leap of faith in the magic of the air and wave to settle their hearts home once again.
Gypsy Beach has been one of my favorite places this summer. Grady and Nady continue to show just what the Magic of Gypsies can do.
A review copy was provided by Netgalley.
About Jillian Neal:
Jillian Neal is a Romance author that manages to blend her imagination, Southern sass, and loving heart in every novel she pens. She showed her talent for weaving intricate plot lines and showcasing dynamic characters in her seven-book, urban fantasy, series, The Gifted Realm. Her skillset continues to shine in her contemporary series, Gypsy Beach, which will leave you with a longing to pack your bags and move to a tiny beach town full of bohemian charm.
She lives outside of Atlanta with her husband and their children.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JillianNealAuth
Facebook: http://facebook.com/jilliannealauthor
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7142355.Jillian_Neal
About the Gypsy Beach Series:
Book #1
Gypsy Beach
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?
Buy:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NaGFTF
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy-beach-jillian-neal/1122182110?ean=2940151509251
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-beach/id1003545593?mt=11
Book #2:
Gypsy Love
Arley Copeland vows never to trust anyone, much less a man, ever again. After her fledgling career as a romance writer grinds to a halt and her ex blabs to the press about her preferences in bed, she heads to Gypsy Beach, desperate to regain some anonymity and maybe figure out what to do next.
Divorce attorney John Rowan has been in on the explosive end of more marriages than he can count. Love never lasts. Of that he’s certain. Sick of barely existing inside the concrete jungle of Atlanta with the endless traffic and endless noise he heads towards a two-week reprieve in Gypsy Beach, North Carolina.
From the moment he lays eyes on Arley Copeland, John is determined to prove that not every guy on the planet is out to hurt her, and maybe teach her a thing or two about herself in his bed and out. With every sinfully sweet caress, they’re falling more and more in love. Their pasts may be fading away, but will John ever be prepared to risk it all on a lifetime love when he doesn’t believe such a thing could ever exist?
Buy:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1P72xAB
BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gypsy-love-jillian-neal/1122284190?ean=2940151199902#productInfoTabs
iTunes: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/gypsy-love/id1013590660?mt=11
Giveaway
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bc4d7a90121/
ARC Review: Too Hard To Handle by Julie Ann Walker
Too Hard To Handle
Julie Ann Walker
Black Knights INC. Series, Book 8
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julie Ann Walker continues her red-hot Black Knights Inc. series in rough-and-tumble Peru
“The Man” is back
Dan “The Man” Currington is back in fighting form with a mission that takes him four thousand miles south of BKI headquarters, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. He’s hot on the trail of a rogue CIA agent selling classified government secrets to the highest bidder, when Penni DePaul arrives on the scene. Suddenly the stakes are higher, and keeping Penni safe becomes Dan’s number one priority.
And this time she’s ready
A lot has changed since former Secret Service Agent Penni DePaul last saw Dan. Now a civilian, she’s excited about what the future might hold. But before she can grab onto that future with both hands, she has to tie up some loose ends-namely, Dan Currington, the man she just can’t forget. And a secret that’s going to change both their lives-if they can stay alive, that is.
5 Stars
Penni is one kickass woman. Smart, can take care of herself and will to do what it takes. The chemistry she felt with Dan has kept her wake more than a night or two. Flying around the world and standing side by side in gunfights show just how brave, loyal and a bit crazy this woman is.
Dan has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. A complex character who can break your heart one moment and have you in a puddle the next. Being widowed took Dan “The Man” on a downward spiral to the bottom of a bottle. Through the help of his brothers, friends and some chemistry on an explosive mission, The Man begins see life again. All Alpha and sexy to the bone, a second chance at love awaken Dan from the darkness.
Intricate weaving of danger, romance and suspense to a level that has the reader hanging on every word. My introduction to Ms. Walker’s Black Knights Series, Too Hard Too Handle left a very lasting impression. Yes, I know I started this series way in, however I was able to understand in this ongoing story around Dan and Penni. Emotional and sexual tension keep the reader’s heart racing as much as the action and danger on the pages. Julie Ann Walker drew me into her world of Badass secret agent bikers with one book! Now it’s time to go back to the beginning of the Black Knight series and get lost in this dangers world.
A review copy of this title was provided by Netgalley for an honest review.
Review: Gypsy Love by Jillian Neal
Gypsy Love
Jillian Neal
Gypsy Beach Series, Book 2
Arley life has taken a downfall in more ways than one. Career on hold, family pushing her go give up a part of who she is, throws caution to wind and finds herself driving hours to Gypsy Beach. A smart woman whom I had a instant liking for. Her life is hanging on a whim and she goes to the beach. So my kind of girl. Strong in ways that make Arley seem real. She may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but she will laugh along the way.
John has only seen the the dark side of love. Being a good divorce lawyer, has only proven his theory on love. John is sexy beyond belief and has the perfect dominance to make just about girl melt. Love is not a part of his world. When work has become too much and what he does best has failed, John realizes with a push from friend, a relaxing break is what is need from the stress of life. Gypsy Beach opens John’s eyes to something he never we knew he wanted.
Jillian Neal has a wonderful gift of showing the magic of love. John and Arley are a fun couple. With chemistry and passion flowing, they make a beach fling into something neither of them want to let go of. For people who don’t care for love they have a funny way of showing it.
Jillian Neal has created this amazing little beach town that I have come to love.
ARC Review: Dare To Rock by Carly Phillips
Dare to Rock
Carly Phillips
Dare To Love Series, Book 7
Avery Dare lives a quiet life in Miami as an online fashion/makeup video blogger. She has good friends, a close, large family and if her love life is lacking, she likes it that way. But when she receives an invitation to one of her ex’s concerts along with an invitation to meet him back stage, she decides to take the risk… and comes face to face with the reality of his rock star lifestyle – the press, the crowds, and the half naked groupies.At eighteen, Grey Kingston left everything he knew and loved behind to seek fame and fortune as a rock star, and he found it as the lead guitarist and singer for the band, Tangled Royal. Fans adore him, women throw themselves at him, and he can afford everything he couldn’t growing up. Yet at the height of his career, he’s ready to walk away and return home to a simpler life… and the woman he left behind, if he can convince her to give him another chance.
Except moving on isn’t as easy as Grey would like. When Avery is threatened by a stalker, it becomes evident Grey’s fans not only don’t want him to retire, they don’t want Avery in his life either. And Avery isn’t sure she wants the pressures that are part of Grey’s life… but she doesn’t want to lose him again, either. Can their recently renewed love survive the fallout?
But Meg’s future is one Scott has accepted he’ll never have, even if his growing feelings say otherwise …
4 StarsAvery Dare is an introvert and stay at home video blogger for makeup and fashion. Enjoying living her quiet life in Miami.Grey Kingston is a rockstar who fulfill his dream and is ready to settle down. His talents for music are more than what’s on the stage.
Dare To Rock, the seventh installment of the Dare to Love series, gives Avery and Grey a second chance at something they started years ago. Sparks still fly, the want and need raise quickly as Grey and Avery get to know each other all over again. Their lives as changed in many ways making them both different people. Over the years they still kept each other close to the heart. With the temptation right in front of them, wading through the obstacles of the past and press, show love, passion and compassion are what worth fighting for.
Carly Phillip rocks her readers to the core!
Reconnection, chemistry, insane passion and a bit of mystery. Great characters with talent, personality, charisma, vulnerabilities and st charisma, vulnerabilities and strength. A great story that will make you laugh and feel. Dare To Rock is fully involved, hot read!
I love the continuing saga of the Dare family! Dare to Rock can be read alone, however this series in deep and emotional that I feeling the full series bring much more meaning to this book!
Review copy provided by netgalley.
ARC Review: Collision by Laramie Briscoe
Collision
Laramie Briscoe
Red Bird Trail Trilogy Book 2
Self Published
Published July 13th 2015
Collision—An instance of one person striking violently against another.
Secrets
Lies
Broken Hearts
When Cash and Harper are blindsided with custody papers for his brother, Remy, neither one of them know what to do other than what they’ve done in the past. Ask the Heaven Hill MC for help and hope for the best.
As they prepare for the fight of their lives against Remy’s parents, Harper wonders if the sins of her father will come back to bite her. A time in her life she thought she’d left behind rears its ugly head and threatens everything the two of them have been working towards.
When worlds crash, they are left looking at the wreckage and wondering if they’ve survived the collision.
4.5 Stars
The intensity never lets up!
Collision flawlessly pick up where Flagger slammed Cash and Harper into a brick wall. Quickly becoming a couple, moving in together and making a stable environment for Remy has put Cash and Harper in the fast lane trying to keep up. Where Flagger was all about the passion(in my opinion), Collision is cutting open all the raw, deep emotions.
Love is never easy. It’s a learning process, with a lot of trial and error. Whether you’re 20 years old or have been married for 50 years, love is something that has to be worked at and maintained. With her incredible characters, Ms. Briscoe perfectly gives the readers just that with the intense, emotional, ride that is Collision. A quick read that is over, leaving you wanting more before you know it. Passion still heats the pages, however expect to feel the so deep emotions right along with Cash and Harper.
With all the cards on the table, I very much look forward to what Laramie Briscoe has in store for the conclusion of the Red Bird Trail trilogy with In Tune!
An e-book was provided for an honest review.
Release Blitz: Protector by Jessica Wilde
Title: Protector (The Brannock Siblings #4)
Author: Jessica Wilde
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Release Blitz: July 20, 21, 22
Hosted by: Always Behind A Book
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 (SALE FREE)
Book 2 – Conned (SALE 99¢)
Book 3 – Missing (SALE 99¢)
Book 4 – Protector
He walked out the door, glancing back at his aunts once more. Both of them were smiling his way, waving and watching him like a bunch of hawks. He started toward the gardens feeling Maggie’s eyes on his back until he was out of her view.
It wasn’t long before he came upon the grove, but his quest was soon forgotten.
For the second time in his life, he was brought to a standstill by the beauty in front of him. He caught sight of that long brown hair flowing over a creamy shoulder… that was shaking.
The air in Liam’s lungs caught and he felt that tightness in his chest from before, when he heard a sniffle and saw the woman wipe under her eyes.
She was crying. This stunning, flawless woman was sobbing and he felt that tightness twist and pull until he couldn’t just stand and watch any longer. Liam looked around to see who had hurt her, but no one else was in the grove. He was angry for her and heartbroken that a woman like her would ever have a reason to cry like that.
She was so wrapped up in her world that she never even heard him step into the grove. His footsteps on the grass were silent, but surely she would have heard him crashing through the trees. He watched her a moment longer, debating on whether to sneak away and leave her in peace or find out what was making her so sad and fix it for her.
His mouth decided for him.
“Tears don’t belong on a face so beautiful.”
She startled and immediately stood and backed away from him. Smart woman, but it was still frustrating to see that it was out of wisdom, not instinct. She regarded him warily before looking around to find that they were completely alone. The trees surrounding the grove were covering them from anyone who might be watching.
Liam normally wouldn’t allow this type of situation to occur. He would have left her alone and gone to fetch Maggie to help. But this wasn’t a normal situation and Liam couldn’t help but feel drawn to the woman standing before him, looking like she was about to run.
“You don’t need to be afraid of me, bird. I’ll not harm you.”
Her shoulders sagged for a moment of brief relief before she lifted them straight and jutted out her chin. Her show of strength was impressive, but Liam could see the unease in her eyes so he stayed where he was and let her have her space.
She cleared her throat and crossed her arms over her chest. “I am sorry if I am trespassing. Maggie told me to come here and it was just a beautiful place to sit and think.”
Her voice sent a jolt of electricity straight into his gut. A husky sound that vibrated all the way down his spine and he couldn’t stop himself from studying her lips as she spoke.
Good Lord, help me.
She quickly wiped the tears from her face and sniffed a few times before gaining her composure and lifting her chin once more. Liam had been right the day before, she was stunning up close. Tear stains on her cheeks, eyes red rimmed, nose red, lips red. If she was this beautiful crying, he was doomed when she was smiling.
The very idea of her was… impossible.
Her yellow dress didn’t cling to the curves he knew would be there, but it gave a hint of a graceful womanly figure and the exposed skin of her chest beckoned his eyes. His lips thinned, cursing himself for being disrespectful and he looked down at her legs.
That didn’t help at all.
Eyes, Liam. Look at her eyes.
After clearing his throat, he said, “You are not trespassing. It is a garden for the public, but no one comes in anymore.”
“Well, that’s a shame. It’s breath taking,” she said and dropped down to the small bench to sit once more.
Apparently she decided that he was harmless and he sighed with relief. Liam kept his distance, hoping he wouldn’t startle her anymore than he already did. She turned her head to look at him with a sad grin.
“This is a nice place to sit and think. Feels secluded even though it isn’t.”
That voice. Raspy yet feminine. It sent another shock to his veins and his blood pumped harder. If she kept speaking, he would pass out from his suddenly improved circulation.
Liam stepped closer and caught a glimpse of the freckles running across her nose. A ray of sunshine crossed over her face as she found a comfortable position on the bench. She was not only breath taking, but she glowed with an aura that he had never seen before. She was sad, of that he had no doubt, but her presence exuded happiness. Like being this close to her could make everything in the world right again.
I should send her up north and see if that solves all these troubles, Liam thought to himself.
Those freckles. He needed to get closer and get a better look at them.
“Do you mind?” he asked, gesturing to the small spot of bench beside her.
Her eyes narrowed, red rimmed and only slightly puffy.
It felt like hours instead of seconds before she sniffled and nodded her head, a shy grin pulling at her lips. “Please. There isn’t anywhere else to sit unless you favor the grass.”
“Aye, I do, but I favor a beautiful woman more,” he replied.
Her blush was devastating and it spread across her cheeks like the red of a summer sunset. Poetic, Liam. Very poetic.
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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.
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