Played
-- EXCERPT: “Pizza delivery!” Ryan’s booming voice echoed and sent a pack of birds fleeing the trees. “I have two brothers here too, bitching about how I drive!” The cavalry had arrived. Darius descended the steps and lit up a smoke. Sorry, knucklehead, the two-smoke limit wasn’t in effect tonight. First to appear out of the shadows was his brother, the person Darius preferred to work with the most. A skilled marksman and sniper, bold, two steady hands, a happy-go-lucky grunt who knew how to go oorah. “Brother.” Ryan handed over a stack of pizza boxes and eyed the cabin. “You’ve come a long way since last time. Good shit.” “Maybe next time you bring the family,” Darius replied. Because they had to fucking stop meeting up only for work they’d supposedly quit doing. “Amen.” After leaving the pizza on the porch, Darius went to greet the next two men. River and Reese Tenley. They’d met in the field maybe ten years ago. A set of batshit-crazy twin brothers who’d taken more risks than Darius had. Mainly because River’s job had usually involved handling sensitive information, and as soon as that was the case, you had a red laser dot on your forehead. His brother, Reese, had been in charge of security. He was loud and outgoing where River was quiet and observant. “For the record, Riv was bitching, not me,” Reese stated. “Ryan was always good at operating heavy machinery.” “I love you too, sunshine,” Ryan hollered from the porch. Darius shook his head in amusement. “Good to see you again, guys.” He shook their hands firmly. “Not too good,” River noted with a wry smirk. Darius chuckled. “Fuck it. I’m stoked.” Reese looked it too. “Don’t get me wrong, we didn’t retire a minute too soon, but it’s still a rush, innit?” No one could deny that. “I am too fucking old for these rushes, boys.” The voice emerged from the darkness and revealed Alicia Dawson, a petite ballbuster with an impressive résumé. Everyone coming here tonight was in their early to mid-forties, but Alicia had the most experience, though not that many years in the field. Once a wunderkind who’d started college at fifteen, she’d been recruited into the private sector from MIT when she was just two shits high. Granted, she was still only two shits high. She’d worked all over the place, it seemed. For one, she was former CIA. As a biochemist specializing in chemical warfare, she’d always been able to pick freely among employers. So it was no wonder she’d returned to the private sector eventually. That was where the money was. “Ally.” Darius smirked and offered to grab her luggage. She huffed and handed it over, then promptly lit up a smoke. Fuckin’ menthols. “I guess these heels weren’t made for walking in grass. Christ—ever the heathen, Quinn.” She didn’t like the woods. She preferred penthouses, deathtrap heels, and lipstick the color of blood. “How the fuck are ya, darlin’?” Reese asked. “I’m rich, bored, and I’ve been trying to pin something on Lange for years. I guess that works in your favor,” she replied coolly. Darius smiled. “By the way, we have a funder.” Alicia smirked and raised her hand. Ryan had never met Alicia before—they only knew each other through the grapevine—so while Reese handled introductions between the two, Darius shifted his focus to the next car that pulled up. “We can talk and eat at the same time. I’m starving,” Ally announced. Darius spotted two guys, so that had to be Elliott and Tariq. They were close, and both lived in the LA area. Elliott Jones shared a similar background to Darius. Semiretired, twenty years in high-risk security and extractions, and these days, he ran a bodyguard business. Tariq Amin was a short guy nicknamed The Fly. Because he was the proverbial fly on the wall who got access to information nobody wanted to share. He’d started out as a photographer in combat zones who’d seen the demand for interpreters early on. He was fluent in nine languages, and Darius had worked with him more than a few times, especially in the Middle East. “I see retirement’s working out great for you, Quinn.” Elliott slapped his hand into Darius’s and shook it. “I got five years of peace.” Elliott grinned. “That’s more than most, I guess.” Darius chuckled and shook hands with Tariq too. “Good to see you both. There’s pizza and beer on the porch. Dig in.” He saw their last arrival parking now too. Dante Williams. Another fucker with an impressive résumé. Born in Jamaica but came to the US before he’d started first grade. He was ex-Army, ex-NYPD, ex-PMC, and now worked as a consultant in risk assessment, all while running a martial arts center in Queens. “Of course you have to live in the middle of fuckin’ nowhere, Darius,” he said with a laugh. “Of course I do.” Darius smacked Dante’s shoulder and offered to grab one of his bags. “You’ve been promised food and a briefing, so let’s get to it. How’s your ma? Do you tell her I miss her cooking?” “She asks about you sometimes.” Dante slid him a crooked smirk. “She worries for your restless soul.” Darius barked out a laugh. “Oh—I guess that’s one thing you can appease her with. I’m settled down and have two kids now.” Dante did a double take. “What the fuck? I wasn’t too shocked to hear you’d hooked up with a guy, but kids? You fuckin’ with me? How many times have I heard you swear you’d never have any?” Darius chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. Safe to say, he had a fair bit of shit coming his way for all the years he’d been vocal about never settling down. The two joined the rest on the porch, where the table was already filled with open pizza boxes. Despite having brought two extra chairs to the short end of the table, Darius had known it wouldn’t be enough. But he had no issues using the railing. Ryan was already seated there with pizza and beer for them. Darius grabbed a slice and got comfortable too. “Y’all need foreplay first, or can I dig right in?” “If that’s what you tell Gray, I feel for the kid,” Ryan said with his mouth full of pizza. All right, so the first laugh at Darius’s expense was out of the way. That was a good place to begin.
GIVEAWAY! Book Description: From Melissa Foster, the New York Times bestselling author of She Loves Me, comes a sexy and heart-warming novel about finding love—and family—where you least expect it. When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose List,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden then Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all. Publisher: Montlake Publication Date: May 4th 2021 Goodreads Purchase Amazon My thoughts: If you've read Melissa Foster's books, you know she is a very prolific author with close to a hundred books under her belt. Not surprisingly, she is a master of creating sweet and sassy, loveable protagonists, large groups of friends and extended families, and lots of hot and steamy scenes (if you're looking for a clean romance, you're not going to find it here). Maybe We Will is Book1 in her new series of books set on Silver Island, but there are numerous characters from Melissa Foster's previous series making their appearance as a neighbour, a childhood friend or a business associate. Abby de Messiere and her sister Deidra come back home to sort the llegal issues and take care of their family Bistrot after their mother Ava passed away. Ava had a life-long secret - she had a baby when she was seventeen and was forced to give her away for an adoption. So Abby and Deidra discover they have a new sister Cait. Abby also meets a gorgeous vacationer Aiden and their romance proceeds at a breakneck speed. Aiden Aldridge has given up his private life to take care of his twelve-year-old sister Remi after their parents died in a car accident. Now that Remi is a grown-up woman with her own family, he is free to dedicate more time to his own happiness, but old habits die hard and he is a workaholic in a league of his own. Remi sends him to Silver Island with a list of 'fun' things to do e.g. walk barefoot on the sand and fly a kite. Aiden, a businessman to the bone marrow, can't help himself- he checks out this lovely, albeit neglected property in the prime location. He even makes an offer. Now he can finally relax and get on with Remi's list with the help of the mysterious Runner Girl who has a sparkly personality and a sassy comeback to anything he says. Yes, it's insta-super-hot connection that quickly turns into a super-serious relationship. At thirty-eight, Aiden is ready for something more and he is ready to support Abby in making all her dreams come true. Let's come back to Abby's lifestory for a moment. Abby's father, who was a spectacular chef and a safe haven for Ava, died when the girls were just 9 and 11 years old, and Ava lost her way, drowning her grief in alcohol. It isn't easy to grow up with parent-child roles being reversed. The island community did its best to help (I have to wonder why Social Services didn't get involved). Abby saw how damaging losing the man you depend on can be and she drew her own conclusions. She will always be independent and rely on her own efforts to make her way in the world. This is a very family-oriented romance, despite a large proportion of the book being devoted to hot and steamy scenes (the protagonists get together very early in the book). Their lovemaking and their relationship feel very comfortable and mature- these two people are essentially happy with who they are and where they are at in their life, they are not shy or bashful, they both value stability and honesty. Aiden's love declarations and things he does seem too perfect and too much too soon, but if you are a fan of love at first sight and giving it all to woo your One and Only, you'll find it all romantic and swoonworthy. My biggest niggle with the book is that it seemed too long. We get to introduced to Abby's friends and get updates on what is happening with other couples' lives. Great, if you've been following Melissa Foster's books and are on a lookout for some familiar faces...If this is a standalone for you, treat it as your first big family get together with brand new in-laws. I'm really interested in Cait's story (Abby and Deidra's newly found sister) and I bet there is a good man somewhere there who will break the barriers our workaholic Deidra has built to protect her heart! Looking forward to reading their books. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake romance for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Melissa Foster is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of nearly one hundred books, including the Sugar Lake series, The Steeles at Silver Island series, and the Harmony Pointe series. Her novels have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown magazine, the Patriot, and others. She has also painted and donated several murals to the Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. She enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and she welcomes an invitation to your event. Visit Melissa on her website, www.MelissaFoster.com, or chat with her on Instagram @MelissaFoster_Author, Twitter @Melissa_Foster, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterAuthor.
Can’t Tie Me Down!
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo Free for a limited time! -- EXCERPT: Because at eight thirty on a Saturday morning, she opened her front door to find Captain Kirk smiling at her—a five-foot-four Pakistani Captain Kirk. “You are surprised.” He beamed. “This is good.” Mairi blinked several times, but no, he was still there. “Amir?” “Who else would it be on this fine Scottish morning?” He tugged at the hem of his gold captain’s uniform. “Amir? In Scotland? At my house?” He opened his mouth to say something else, but Mairi needed a minute. She held up her hand. “Just a sec.” And shut the door. “Who was that?” One of Mairi’s three older sisters, Agnes, was dressed for a shift working reception at a hotel in Campbeltown. She wore a navy pantsuit, black heels and a crisp white shirt. Her golden blonde hair was in a neat French knot, and her makeup was minimal. She looked every inch the hotel manager she aspired to be, and no doubt would be, once she’d passed her final exams. “Mairi, pay attention. Who’s at the door?” “Amir.” Mairi wondered if more coffee would help her brain cope with finding one of her online boyfriends on her doorstep. “Amir who?” Agnes headed for the kitchen alcove in their living area. “He’s an online boyfriend.” Agnes stopped dead and turned slowly toward her. “One of your geeks is here? In person?” Mairi nodded. “How does he know your address? I thought the agency you work with said those details would never get out. I thought all those guys were supposed to stay firmly online.” “Yeah.” There was nothing else to say.
GIVEAWAY! Title: The Do-Over Author: Melissa MacKinnon Genre: Contemporary Romance About The Do-Over: After years in the grueling California dating scene, Maggie Kelley has finally agreed to marry her Mr. Right Now. But there’s just one teensy problem…the county clerk lets her know that she’s technically still married to her Vegas fling: the best three days she ever had...and can’t actually remember. The moment she sees her very hot husband after eight years, with his works-well-with-his-hands attitude, she’s sure their wedding night must have been explosive. The absolute last person Finnegan Garrity expected at his door is Maggie—his ultimate “one who got away.” Yet here she is in his small-town boat shop, looking just as adorable as ever…and wanting a divorce. Yeah, he has no intention of letting that happen. Now he’s got one week to convince Maggie that they’re still perfect for each other. But he’s going to need more than just a do-over: he’s going to need a miracle. Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks My thoughts: Eight years ago Maggie Kelly went on her first trip to Vegas, which was so liberating and so much fun that she just couldn't say No to one more dare...to get married to a hot and handsome boatbuilder from Maine. Fast forward eight years ...Maggie is about to get married to a plastic surgeon with lots of important political connections. Maggie's family are also overjoyed, even if there is no chemistry or real human connection between the engaged couple. There's just one snag. The sexy boatbuilder Finn Garrity never filed the divorce papers. It turns out Maggie's fiance never did care that much for her anyway, so the engagement is off, but she still needs to sort the situation out. Finnegan Garrity, you do have some explaining to do. Now look at the things from Finn's point of view. Yes, his gorgeous brand new wife promised to take care of their marital status. Only she never did. Even so, she is still as beautiful and feisty... Can he possibly try to convince her to give them a second chance? Before he knows, his sweet and outspoken grandmother assumes Maggie is his girlfriend (oh, look at the rock on her finger-they are engaged, let's plan their wedding) If you loved Sweet Home Alabama, you'll love this book as well. There are some differences, of course, but the message is similar. Friends and family are more important than displays of wealth, power or connections. Maggie cares a lot about her career of a charity event organiser and she never loses the sight of why she does it- to help people who need these charities. Lovely supporting characters-did I mention Finn's Nana and his sister who has a lot ofserious stuff to deal with, but still finds time to worry about her brother's love life? Finn's family are a boisterous and caring bunch, very different from people in Maggie's world. Sweet, fun, easy to read...if you are in need of a quick romantic read or are a fan of the second chance and fake engagement tropes, don't miss The Do-Over. Thankyou to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing and Inkslinger PR for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion. About Melissa MacKinnon:
Melissa spent her childhood exploring the coast of down east Maine without parental supervision and immersing herself in any book she could get her scrappy little hands on. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word is her true calling. She leads a full life with her husband and six children traveling the country to wherever the Army sends them in her very large twelve passenger van, in what she lovingly deems “organized chaos”. She finds time to write in her “spare time”, somewhere in between soccer practices and nap time with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves creating unforgettable romance, and enjoys writing and reading everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your-coffee funny romantic comedies… as long as she doesn’t get the book wet. She leaves that up to the characters. Connect with Melissa: Email | Melissa MacKinnon | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for The Life She Wants, a new psychological thriller by J.MHewitt. The Life She Wants You want to save your marriage. She wants to destroy it. Paula worries that her marriage to Tommy is hanging by a thread. She loves how safe her husband makes her feel, but lately, it seems like he’s pulling away from her, and he keeps avoiding a much-needed conversation about finally having children. When Tommy suggests a cruise getaway for the two of them, Paula is thrilled. He’s fighting for this marriage, and he’s even promised that they will talk about growing their family. It’s Paula’s dream come true. Until the couple meets beautiful Anna. From the moment Anna appears in their lives, things start to go wrong for Paula. She finds herself trapped in a sauna. Her hair is destroyed at the salon. Money goes missing from her cabin. At first, Paula thinks she’s paranoid in suspecting Anna is turning her dream holiday into a nightmare. But soon, it becomes clear that Paula may not be the only woman fighting for Tommy’s affections. How far will Anna go to get what she wants? What lines will Paula cross to protect her marriage? And whose dark past will return to destroy them first? The Life She Wants is a suspenseful psychological thriller with a twist. Perfect for fans of Catherine Ryan Howard, Ruth Ware, and Lisa Jewell. Purchase Links ebook / paperback My thoughts: The Life She Wants is an intense psychological thriller that starts as a slow-burn and then picks up the pace to turn into a story full of twists and turns. Paula has been together with her husband Tommy for more than fifteen years. She appears to have it all-a good-looking husband who earns a lot of money and is able to afford every kind of comfort, a five bedroom house, cars, holidays, unlimited free time. On the other hand, she has never used her degree, she hasn't got any real friends and her husband refuses to discuss the question of starting a family. Is her marriage in trouble? Is there anything she can do to save itandensureshe still has the life she wants? When Tommy (unwiling as he is to discuss babies) shows their two tickets for a cruise, Paula is hopeful that maybe things aren't as drastic as she thought. But then aboard the cruise liner, Tommy is back to his usualnarcissistic behaviour andstrangethings begin to happen to Paula, including being locked in the sauna. Could their new aquaintance dazzlingly beautiful Anna have anything to do with it? The story is told from three POVs- two of them are those of Paula and Anna and then there are also 'Before' flashbacks from the mysterious third person. Part of the fun of reading this book is trying to figure out who they are. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters in the book (I did sympathise with them, though), but the book was very easy to read and it is clear that the author knows how to slowly build the suspense and then surprise the reader with an unexpected twist in the end. Bonus points for using very atmospheric settings that add to the darkness and mystery of the plotlines. Entertaining, full of drama (especially towards the end), intense, The Life She Wants is the firstbook by J.M. Hewitt, but it won't be the last. Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion. Author Bio J.M. Hewitt is the author of five crime fiction novels. Her work has also been published in three short story anthologies. Her books usually incorporate twentieth and twenty-first century events and far-flung locations, and her novels explore the darker side of human behaviour. In contrast to the sometimes dark content of her books, she lives a very nice life in a seaside town in Suffolk with her dog, Marley. Social Media Links – Website www.jmhewitt.net @jmhewitt Facebook Author Page J.MHewittauthor j.mhewitt Thank you for reading the post! Have a great Wednesday!
It Must Be Fate
-- EXCERPT: In that single moment between breaths, in the split second that determines whether or not you take another, time simply stops. There’s a stillness that descends, ensnaring everything around it. There’s no love or loss or…anything at all. Just this vast nothingness that casts a shadow over everything within reach. Then, in the next moment, there’s sound and light and life, and you take the next breath, but everything is suddenly different. The axis has shifted ever so slightly, yet the repercussions are immense. One second, he’s there, looking at me with eyes that aren’t his own but are filled with everything he can’t say. The next, he’s gone. My soul is keening at the loss of its echo, yet at the same time, an all-consuming fire has been lit within me, slowly flooding the hollow space left in Macklin’s wake as I stare through tear-filled eyes at the empty spot he occupied. The juxtaposition of the two warring emotions leaves room for little else. There is only pain. Only anger. Grief. I’m not sure if this is what it looks like for anyone else, but for me, it’s an internal battle between giving up and pushing on. Taking that next breath or letting it be taken. Swiping the back of my hand across my face, I take a deep breath, picking up the pieces of my broken heart and holding myself together as best I can. The edges are jagged, but the pain just serves to further my purpose: getting my sexy nerd back. I love you. The silent words are on repeat in my mind, and I simply refuse to let those be his last. Get it together, Fate. This is no time to fall apart. You survived death and Ass-Cole’s shitty attitude. You can survive this too. Getting to my feet, my eyes are unfocused, my mind a jumbled mess of contradictions. I was chosen as the Guardian of the Spirits because of my ability to remain fair. Balanced. Neutral. That last word has my hands fisting, nails digging into my palms as my jaw clenches and tears continue to pour like rain down my face. Neutrality? Yeah. Fuck that shit. Righteous fury is about as neutral as I can manage at the moment. My head drops back, releasing my anguish, frustration, and complete and utter rage at the top of my lungs. The roar echoes through the silence of Gateway but does little to ease the ache inside.
GIVEAWAY! The Moon Shadow
-- EXCERPT: One second [Aiden and Jude] were huddled in the semidarkness; the next, a ring of fire surrounded them. Then their swords were aflame Musicians beat out a rhythm on the drums. Jude and Aiden touched blades briefly, then, as the music shifted, so did they. They turned into two men fighting tooth and nail against each other, with each other, for each other. One went high, the other low; their sparring a dance. They went round and round. The flames circled higher and closer than I expected. Still, they dueled. I saw as Jude stumbled. Jolie gasped, and one of Jude’s swords went flying. The crowd cheered as his other sword was also knocked away with a flick of Aiden’s wrist. Jude stepped away from Aiden. Aiden stepped back in turn, allowing Jude to back away unscathed. Jude melted into the darkness, yet Aiden’s swords kept moving, never stopping. The fire appeared to engulf him but didn’t stop. His swords spun and danced around him, giving him the illusion of wings made of flame until suddenly they were gone. The entire circle pitched into complete darkness and silence as the drums ended. The crowd cheered, I alongside them as my eyes adjusted to change in light. The black figure that was Aiden strode toward me. With the swords in his hands, sure-footed, unmarked, and smelling of hot metal, he wrapped his arms around me carefully and kissed me soundly. The clapping and delight from the fae around us rose into a happy ruckus. He slipped into his shirt, then maneuvered us through the fae to the other side of the clearing, away from the bonfire and into the shadows…
GIVEAWAY! Backup Offer
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: “He’s doing really well, Blair.” She froze, her jaw locked, her heart pounding in her ears. “Don’t,” she squeaked out. “Seriously, I think you guys should…” “Don’t you dare, Gabriel Freitag.” She kept her voice level. “Don’t you even think about daring. I couldn’t bear to keep watching him fail, or for you to have to watch me watching him.” Her voice cracked. She didn’t believe she was having this conversation after all these years. Fury blinded her. “Listen, hear me out. He’s really great now. His company is gangbusters. He’s added this whole handyman thing, he calls it the Honey Do Crew. And he’s mentoring at-risk kids out of juvi, hiring them for scut work and making sure they get supervision so they can learn a trade. He… he got a dog, Blair.” She was shocked that there was anything left to of it to break, but the look in her brother’s eyes shattered what remained of her heart. Brandis Gordon. The great mistake of her young life. The thing that had come between her and her family, and her friends. He’d been a golden boy, rising star football player, stellar student, handsome son of attractive, successful parents who were her own parents’ best friends. They’d celebrated every single holiday together, traveled and vacationed as a giant, rowdy group, partied as a unit for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, the works. Until she and Brandis had gone and fallen for each other the way only teenagers did—fully, and with the sort of gusto and conviction which had, for a time, been the one thing she’d lived for. When he’d come apart on so many levels and in so many ways, it had blasted holes in relationships between the close-knit families. She shuddered and held up both hands as if in surrender. “I left him, and my family, behind on purpose. Because I had to do it. Brandis and I will never be anything but a memory. Period. I have to get some sleep.” She whirled on her heel and marched into the bathroom. Once inside, she slammed the door, leaned against it, and slid to the floor, grabbing a hand towel on her way down to muffle the stupid, inevitable sobs.
GIVEAWAY! Honorable Rogue
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: Tall, with auburn hair swept up into a Grecian knot, she wore the same dress as the other women who stood by Stacy as she married Charles. Hunter hadn’t really noticed her before, and he wondered why as he found himself walking toward a small set of stairs. Something about this woman tugged at him. She seemed…sad, and he wondered what sadness could intrude on such a festive occasion. “Apologies. The night is beautiful, the silence self-explanatory. May I?” She turned. Her brown eyes reminded him of amber glass, bright in the moonlight which made him think of being alive and unfettered. Yet her gaze held the vulnerability of a doe and the threads of a pain he could only guess at. “Free country.” She turned back to the skyline. “Friend of the groom?” “Yes. For quite some time.” Hunter bowed his head. “Hunter Pierce at your service.” The line of her mouth softened from straight to curved. “Chaz said those very words the first time we met,” she murmured. “I’m Tori. Tori Roberts. Friend of the bride.” “I gathered by your dress although I was a little late for the ceremony,” he remarked. “We’re sisters. I couldn’t want anything more than for Stacy to be as happy as she is right now.” Hunter frowned. “Stacy didn’t mention any siblings.” Tori laughed softly and Hunter enjoyed the sound. “Sorry. Not by blood. We’re sorority sisters. Best friends.” “Ahh. Would you like to sit? He indicated a stone bench nearby. She faltered and Hunter found her hesitation unsettling. But then she agreed which he found to be even more unsettling. “Not too long otherwise they’ll send out a search party.” She placed her pocketbook on the bench. “Have you known Chaz long?” He allowed a slight smile. “Long enough.” She glanced toward the ballroom windows then back at him and she rose slowly. “If you’ll excuse me? As much as I would love to continue this conversation, I really need to get back.” Hunter stood also. He wondered how someone so astute could be so sad inside. So he asked, “A question before you go?” She lifted her chin, almost a dare to continue. “Why are you so sad?” She reached for the small pocketbook sitting on the bench. The movement caused her shoulder to hide part of her face. Hunter knew all about hiding. “How do you know I’m sad?” “Part of my business is reading people. Can you tell me a few moments ago you weren’t?” She stepped back trying to put distance between them. “I’m not sure that’s any of your business.” “Agreed.” Hunter approached her as he would a doe trying to suppress the predator inside. “You wear a mask and if I may be so bold, I think your friends would prefer you didn’t.” “Really.” Her brows drew together. “Was this part of your ‘service’?” “Apologies,” he said, inclining his head. “I’ve found most people prefer the truth—eventually.” She bit her lip, paused, and then blurted, “What’s your truth?” Hunter found he had to hold back a bitter guffaw. “I’m a vampire.” “Wow.” Her mouth opened, no sound came out, and then laughter burst from her lips. “That is the first time anyone has ever used being a vampire as a pick-up line on me. Incredibly inventive.” She clapped her hands together lightly. Whatever had possessed him to tell her his most guarded secret? Nonplussed, he answered, “You asked for the truth. I gave it.” “Right,” she answered. “I wonder what Chaz would say if he knew.” She clapped again but the sound faded as he drew even closer. For the first time in a very long time, Hunter found himself completely engaged by a woman. He stepped forward and this time, she didn’t step back. He lifted his arms to circle her body and said, “He would tell you I have no business thinking what I’m thinking.” She lifted trembling fingers and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear yet her lips lifted with an almost roguish smile. “Would he now?”
GIVEAWAY! THE DO-OVER by Melissa MacKinnon is out now! Check it out and be sure to get your copy today!Title: The Do-OverAuthor: Melissa MacKinnonGenre: Contemporary RomanceAbout The Do-Over:After years in the grueling California dating scene, Maggie Kelley has finally agreed to marry her Mr. Right Now. But there’s just one teensy problem…the county clerk lets her know that she’s technically still married to her Vegas fling: the best three days she ever had...and can’t actually remember. The moment she sees her very hot husband after eight years, with his works-well-with-his-hands attitude, she’s sure their wedding night must have been explosive. The absolute last person Finnegan Garrity expected at his door is Maggie—his ultimate “one who got away.” Yet here she is in his small-town boat shop, looking just as adorable as ever…and wanting a divorce. Yeah, he has no intention of letting that happen. Now he’s got one week to convince Maggie that they’re still perfect for each other. But he’s going to need more than just a do-over: he’s going to need a miracle.Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooksAbout Melissa MacKinnon:Melissa spent her childhood exploring the coast of down east Maine without parental supervision and immersing herself in any book she could get her scrappy little hands on. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word is her true calling. She leads a full life with her husband and six children traveling the country to wherever the Army sends them in her very large twelve passenger van, in what she lovingly deems “organized chaos”. She finds time to write in her “spare time”, somewhere in between soccer practices and nap time with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves creating unforgettable romance, and enjoys writing and reading everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your-coffee funny romantic comedies… as long as she doesn’t get the book wet. She leaves that up to the characters.Connect with Melissa:Email | Melissa MacKinnon | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads |
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