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Sometimes to find love, you must first learn forgiveness.
A dozen years, two thousand miles, and a law degree after high school, Rafi continues to harbor resentment toward Isaac , his childhood bully turned NBA star. When Isaac appears at Rafi's favorite restaurant acting like a long-lost friend, Rafi bluntly dismisses him. Isaac is tenacious and he has his heart set on the grown-up version of the boy he always wanted. The way Isaac sees it, he and Rafi are perfect for each other, if only he could sink the most important shot of his life: his one shot at forgiveness. |
Duncan is a former football player. He agrees, reluctantly, to do a documentary by a beautiful journalist, Olivia. He doesn’t like her digging into his past and what he likes even less is the feelings growing between them. They both have a past relationship that screws them up. I think that’s very realistic and it makes their behavior completely understandable. I like how they grow though. It starts with hostility and ends with romance. I’m not a fan of Football since the whole Michael Vick thing. If you enjoy football though, you’ll be sure to relish the details the authors write. There is a bit of repetition that threw me out of the story a few times. The romance is super hot and sexy. I really think the authors did a great job with the sex scenes. Duncan really had a manly, delicious way about him. I really liked that ending too! Numbers Game is a great romance circling around football. I’d highly recommend it! Giveaway: Prize one from Liz Crowe  Prize Two
To ENTER you MUST comment below: WINNERS:
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 | Title: Wake Me Author: Angela Knight Length: 96 pages Genres: Paranormal Romance TBR Reviewer: Fiona Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read! Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot! |
Chloe Hart is a wedding photographer who had to toss out her ex when she found him banging her supposedly close girlfriend. Chloe's still not over the betrayal, so she's not ready to date yet. She fears there aren't any men who could fulfill her the way that her "book boyfriends" do, since she devours romance novels and takes care of her urges herself.
One day a mysterious painting is delivered to her apartment, with the sender's info a mystery. When she unwraps the painting she's amazed that it's a realistic painting of "a big, blond Viking of a man," a perfect specimen of a man in his prime. He's physically perfect--or at least as far as she can tell, since there's an obtrusive animal skin draped across the crucial part of his nude body so she can only guess at what it's hiding, by examining his large hands. She promptly hangs it over her bed, to replace the nude photo of her ex that used to hang there. That night she has a wonderful dream involving the gorgeous man--she's in a medieval castle, and he's the conquering knight who has come to claim her virginal self. She laughs that she's not virtuous, but her words are ignored. The man makes wild, passionate love to her, resulting in the kinds of intense orgasms she never go from the ex who claimed she was a "pervert" when she suggested that if he tied her up, she might get some enjoyment out of sex with him.
Over the next few days, she dreams of the hot, hard-bodied man every night. She learns his name is Radolf of Varik. Of course he's been cursed by a witch. The witch gets power from the orgasms he gives to women in their dreams so she's been pimping him out all this time. And he's been hoping that finally he'd meet a woman who would love him enough to enter the painting and break his curse by kissing him awake.
This is a cute, clever take-off on Sleeping Beauty, only it's the man who's asleep and Chloe is just resourceful enough to figure out how to defeat the witch. Honestly, I'd probably enjoy reading a grocery list if it was written by Angela Knight. She writes toe-curdling, steamy sex scenes that can't help but fire up your imagination along with your body parts. This is a very short read, but it's got plenty of heat. I liked the nod to "romance-landia" where we all live, creating and reading about book boyfriends who are never too tired, are always hard, and always know how to pleasure a woman.
One day a mysterious painting is delivered to her apartment, with the sender's info a mystery. When she unwraps the painting she's amazed that it's a realistic painting of "a big, blond Viking of a man," a perfect specimen of a man in his prime. He's physically perfect--or at least as far as she can tell, since there's an obtrusive animal skin draped across the crucial part of his nude body so she can only guess at what it's hiding, by examining his large hands. She promptly hangs it over her bed, to replace the nude photo of her ex that used to hang there. That night she has a wonderful dream involving the gorgeous man--she's in a medieval castle, and he's the conquering knight who has come to claim her virginal self. She laughs that she's not virtuous, but her words are ignored. The man makes wild, passionate love to her, resulting in the kinds of intense orgasms she never go from the ex who claimed she was a "pervert" when she suggested that if he tied her up, she might get some enjoyment out of sex with him.
Over the next few days, she dreams of the hot, hard-bodied man every night. She learns his name is Radolf of Varik. Of course he's been cursed by a witch. The witch gets power from the orgasms he gives to women in their dreams so she's been pimping him out all this time. And he's been hoping that finally he'd meet a woman who would love him enough to enter the painting and break his curse by kissing him awake.
This is a cute, clever take-off on Sleeping Beauty, only it's the man who's asleep and Chloe is just resourceful enough to figure out how to defeat the witch. Honestly, I'd probably enjoy reading a grocery list if it was written by Angela Knight. She writes toe-curdling, steamy sex scenes that can't help but fire up your imagination along with your body parts. This is a very short read, but it's got plenty of heat. I liked the nod to "romance-landia" where we all live, creating and reading about book boyfriends who are never too tired, are always hard, and always know how to pleasure a woman.
 | Title: Twist My Heart Author: Brooke Taylor Length: 396 pages Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Military Heroes TBR Reviewer: Fiona Rating: 4 stars - Highly Recommended Read Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy |
Nickolas Steele has just left the brotherhood of being a SEAL. He's spent many years thinking he has no heart, because he lost his parents and sibling years ago to a car crash, right after he enlisted. Since it's been so long since he's had any, sex is on his mind when he stops for gas. He sees a blonde woman who instantly gets his blood pounding, so he tries flirting with her. Since she rebuffs him in a flirting manner, he's intrigued. She bounces on her feet as if filled with excess energy, so he mentally nicknames her Tigger. He's only interested in the fact that his tab A will fit into her slot B, and wants that to happen ASAP--so he can get back to traveling to the island.
Thea Gale is a woman on a mission. Unfortunately, there is a tornado headed their way, and once she drives away from the gas station, she gets caught in it. Half of the station lands on her, and she's knocked unconscious. When she awakens, there's a tough-looking man pulling the debris off her, and he quickly assesses her physical injuries, deciding that she's got a concussion along with other things. But when he offers to take her to a hospital, she responds with terror. Seems she's lost any memory of who she is, but she does know that she can't go to the police or to a hospital. Luckily Nik was trained to be a medic. But he's in a quandary. Take her to get the treatment she needs? Or take her to somewhere safe, so he can figure out the mystery she represents? And why is her large dog so protective of her, almost as if he's had military training?
This story was slow to start, but once it got going, it was heart-pounding action for the rest of the book. I didn't like Nik at first, since he viewed females only as vessels for his physical needs. Thea brings out his protective urges along with making him so physically uncomfortable it's surprising he can wear pants around her at all! There are alternating viewpoints, so we learn that she's as attracted to him as he is to her but she's not sure if she can trust him. And he's trying to be a gentleman, for reasons even he doesn't understand. As her story is slowly revealed, she still doesn't get her memory back. But she does know that she's falling in love with the man who has the killer body she lusts after. When he discovers she's still a virgin at 25, he's even more determined to let her take the lead--which she does. They really only do the deed once where the reader gets to enjoy it along with them--and it's her first time, so not really that enjoyable for her. The other incidents of that night are only referred to. Frankly, after all of the build-up, I wanted a whole lot more steamy sex between these two! The story has a satisfying ending, and definitely hints at sequels that will involve Nik's sexy ex-SEAL bro, as well as that guy's equally sexy brother. Maybe they will get to have more sex we can enjoy along with them? I sure hope so!
Thea Gale is a woman on a mission. Unfortunately, there is a tornado headed their way, and once she drives away from the gas station, she gets caught in it. Half of the station lands on her, and she's knocked unconscious. When she awakens, there's a tough-looking man pulling the debris off her, and he quickly assesses her physical injuries, deciding that she's got a concussion along with other things. But when he offers to take her to a hospital, she responds with terror. Seems she's lost any memory of who she is, but she does know that she can't go to the police or to a hospital. Luckily Nik was trained to be a medic. But he's in a quandary. Take her to get the treatment she needs? Or take her to somewhere safe, so he can figure out the mystery she represents? And why is her large dog so protective of her, almost as if he's had military training?
This story was slow to start, but once it got going, it was heart-pounding action for the rest of the book. I didn't like Nik at first, since he viewed females only as vessels for his physical needs. Thea brings out his protective urges along with making him so physically uncomfortable it's surprising he can wear pants around her at all! There are alternating viewpoints, so we learn that she's as attracted to him as he is to her but she's not sure if she can trust him. And he's trying to be a gentleman, for reasons even he doesn't understand. As her story is slowly revealed, she still doesn't get her memory back. But she does know that she's falling in love with the man who has the killer body she lusts after. When he discovers she's still a virgin at 25, he's even more determined to let her take the lead--which she does. They really only do the deed once where the reader gets to enjoy it along with them--and it's her first time, so not really that enjoyable for her. The other incidents of that night are only referred to. Frankly, after all of the build-up, I wanted a whole lot more steamy sex between these two! The story has a satisfying ending, and definitely hints at sequels that will involve Nik's sexy ex-SEAL bro, as well as that guy's equally sexy brother. Maybe they will get to have more sex we can enjoy along with them? I sure hope so!
 | Title: The Coven (Gargoyles' Song 1) Author: Stephanie Burke Length: 368 pages Genres: Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem TBR Reviewer: Fiona Rating: 4 Stars - Highly Recommended Read! Heat: 5/5 - Orgasmic |
Cyprus Reid has exploded into the consciousness of the world. She's an overnight sensation whose fans are intensely dedicated, and whose detractors are equally rabid. When she sings, listeners are moved to tears. Everyone is intrigued by her. Her sexuality is blatant, irresistible and she is always accompanied by five ridiculously sexy men. Are they her body-guards or her lovers? A reverse-harem, or just eye candy for everyone, to add to the mystique of her allure?
Ex-Navy SEAL Jason Giles is a government-intelligence operative now, who has taken on a dangerous assignment. Scientists have been dying in the towns visited by Cyprus and her entourage. Is she connected in any way? When Jason gets himself hired by the hotel she's staying at, to provide protection for Cyprus, it doesn't take him long to realize he's in way over his head. Cyprus is much more than just a young man in a dress. What Jason discovers will change his life forever.
I'm a huge fan of sci-fi in any medium: movies, TV shows, and books. So I'm aware that building a world is time-consuming. The more you want to play in that world, the more painstaking you have to be in establishing the parameters. This is a very ambitious beginning to a series. I wasn't sure at first what direction the author was going in, until the action became as compelling as the sexy men surrounding Cyprus. With her being a hermaphrodite, even when a man is having sex with her lady parts, there is still a very functional set of man-parts to contend with as well. Once we start experiencing the sex that goes on within this coven, it gets intense very quickly. There is a whole lot of male/male sex going on, and because three members of Cyprus' coven are alpha-males, there is some very violent sex that takes place as the alphas try to force each other to yield. In the end, there is also a very-much-deserved avenging of a horrific wrong committed against Cyprus and her coven, but it's also very violent, so reader be warned.
Ms. Burke has created an interesting world, and the characters who live in it do so by their own codes. I will be watching to see how many books she plans in this series, and if any will be not just back-stories, but will continue the story she started here. The Coven is a highly recommended read!
Ex-Navy SEAL Jason Giles is a government-intelligence operative now, who has taken on a dangerous assignment. Scientists have been dying in the towns visited by Cyprus and her entourage. Is she connected in any way? When Jason gets himself hired by the hotel she's staying at, to provide protection for Cyprus, it doesn't take him long to realize he's in way over his head. Cyprus is much more than just a young man in a dress. What Jason discovers will change his life forever.
I'm a huge fan of sci-fi in any medium: movies, TV shows, and books. So I'm aware that building a world is time-consuming. The more you want to play in that world, the more painstaking you have to be in establishing the parameters. This is a very ambitious beginning to a series. I wasn't sure at first what direction the author was going in, until the action became as compelling as the sexy men surrounding Cyprus. With her being a hermaphrodite, even when a man is having sex with her lady parts, there is still a very functional set of man-parts to contend with as well. Once we start experiencing the sex that goes on within this coven, it gets intense very quickly. There is a whole lot of male/male sex going on, and because three members of Cyprus' coven are alpha-males, there is some very violent sex that takes place as the alphas try to force each other to yield. In the end, there is also a very-much-deserved avenging of a horrific wrong committed against Cyprus and her coven, but it's also very violent, so reader be warned.
Ms. Burke has created an interesting world, and the characters who live in it do so by their own codes. I will be watching to see how many books she plans in this series, and if any will be not just back-stories, but will continue the story she started here. The Coven is a highly recommended read!
 | Title: Definitely Not Dating Author: Christi Barth Genre: Contemporary, Romance, TBR Reviewer: Bella Rating: 5 Stars - A Must Read! Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot! |
Everleigh is helping restore an Inn and she’s determined to make this place a success. She never expects the towns police chef to move in while their renovating or that he’d be so sexually tempting. Neither of them are looking for love but love may find them…
Everleigh doesn't want love after being burned by past relationships. However, when they meet it’s an instant attraction that has them both lusting. They agree to sex but not dating. Ever does not want a relationship. I totally get how she feels. Dating now a days seems so much harder than it was back when I was in my twenties. I think she has a good, solid head on her shoulders in terms of men and I like how she’s fighting her feelings for Matt. Girl, you are so going to fall hard! As Matt tries to find out who burned down his house, he’d determined to get Ever to change her mind. They are in fact dating. I also loved the mystery of what happened to Matt’s house. This adds a nice break from the romance.
I absolutely love this book. It’s exactly what I am in the mood for, a nice beach read or sitting on the deck with lemonade, kind of read. Wonderful, heartfelt characters and a talented writer makes Definitely Not Dating a must read!
Everleigh doesn't want love after being burned by past relationships. However, when they meet it’s an instant attraction that has them both lusting. They agree to sex but not dating. Ever does not want a relationship. I totally get how she feels. Dating now a days seems so much harder than it was back when I was in my twenties. I think she has a good, solid head on her shoulders in terms of men and I like how she’s fighting her feelings for Matt. Girl, you are so going to fall hard! As Matt tries to find out who burned down his house, he’d determined to get Ever to change her mind. They are in fact dating. I also loved the mystery of what happened to Matt’s house. This adds a nice break from the romance.
I absolutely love this book. It’s exactly what I am in the mood for, a nice beach read or sitting on the deck with lemonade, kind of read. Wonderful, heartfelt characters and a talented writer makes Definitely Not Dating a must read!
Giveaway:
Prize One
 Prize Two |  Prize Three |
To ENTER comment below:
1. Why do you want to read Definitely Not Dating?
2. Have you read Christi Barth before?
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Winners:
Gift card: Laura
Backlist book: Chris Bails
Prize list book: Tessa
 | Title: Last Hope Author: Sandra Carmel Genre: Romance, Erotic, Contemporary TBR Reviewer: Bella Rating: 4 Stars - Recommend Read! Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy! |
Cole is in love and ready to marry this wonderful woman. An accident happens and he’s forever changed. Now disabled he feels like he’d just be a burden to her. They can reconnect and find a happy ending?
What a tear jerker!! Cole is just broken, both body and spirit. He feels like his whole life has fallen apart and I feel terrible for him. Hope, the woman he loves is initially hurt by his rejection but then she finds out about his accident and she’s heartbroken. Why didn't he let her help? How could he think she wouldn’t still love him? This was such a sweet, emotion ride and I really enjoyed to the end.
What a tear jerker!! Cole is just broken, both body and spirit. He feels like his whole life has fallen apart and I feel terrible for him. Hope, the woman he loves is initially hurt by his rejection but then she finds out about his accident and she’s heartbroken. Why didn't he let her help? How could he think she wouldn’t still love him? This was such a sweet, emotion ride and I really enjoyed to the end.
 | Title: Sharing Leah Author: Lisabet Sarai Length: 67 pages Genres: Contemporary romance, erotic romance, reverse harem TBR Reviewer: Fiona Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read! Heat: 3/5 - Blush Worthy! |
In this book, Leah has a problem many women would envy. She has two men madly in love with her, and she returns the feelings to both of them, with a fervor that scares her in its intensity. She's still totally in love with her husband of ten years, the artist Daniel, who swept her off her feet with romantic gestures and trips that bound them together for an eternity but she doesn't get everything she needs from him. A part of her craves being dominated, and Daniel isn't that kind of man. Greg is. She was his sub for quite a while, beginning when she was very young and thought that would be enough for her. It wasn't.
What I adore about Lisabet Sarai's writing is that you feel what the main character is feeling, and think her thoughts. This immediacy makes for engrossing reading. Once the conflict is established, you have to keep reading to see how it will end. Now she's convinced both men that living in the same house with her is the perfect solution. Except for them, it isn't. They're jealous of each other, moody and irritable when she mentions the other man to them and being unable to choose between them is tearing her apart. So she runs away from both of them, with no destination in mind. She finally remembers an inn she stayed at with Daniel once, and heads up to the relaxation of the quiet to be found at the inn in Maine during the off-season. How will the men react to being in the house without her? And how will she ever decide between them?
This isn't quite as steamy as Sarai's usual, but the heroine spends most of the book away from her lovers. There is a steamy menage scene that makes the reader feel as if it might be possible to love two men at once. Phew!
What I adore about Lisabet Sarai's writing is that you feel what the main character is feeling, and think her thoughts. This immediacy makes for engrossing reading. Once the conflict is established, you have to keep reading to see how it will end. Now she's convinced both men that living in the same house with her is the perfect solution. Except for them, it isn't. They're jealous of each other, moody and irritable when she mentions the other man to them and being unable to choose between them is tearing her apart. So she runs away from both of them, with no destination in mind. She finally remembers an inn she stayed at with Daniel once, and heads up to the relaxation of the quiet to be found at the inn in Maine during the off-season. How will the men react to being in the house without her? And how will she ever decide between them?
This isn't quite as steamy as Sarai's usual, but the heroine spends most of the book away from her lovers. There is a steamy menage scene that makes the reader feel as if it might be possible to love two men at once. Phew!
 | Title: Beautiful Music Author: Faith Talbot Length: 274 pages Genres: Erotica, Rock star romance, hints of paranormal aspects TBR Reviewer: Fiona Rating: 4 Stars - Recommended Read Heat: 4/5 - Smoking Hot! |
Kayla gets a free ticket to a rock concert from her assistant. Right before the show, she hooks up with Jason, the much younger-than-her lead singer. She provides oral sex for him. But it's apparently mind-blowing and alters both their lives--and those of others as well. It seems that the bass player, Erik, has been tight with Jason since they were both young orphaned kids lost in the system. Whenever they were separated, they'd both suffer immense physical and mental pain and anguish. When they're together, Erik waits for Jason to have meaningless sex with groupies, then Jason brings the energy he gains from that back to Erik--and they have wild sex. But once Jason meets Kayla, he gets sick from her not planning on seeing him again.
I hesitate to call this a romance series, because the whole point of the stories is that these people are on an erotic journey, seeking to discover how they can create a triad that benefits all of them. In turn, the ties of power that encircle them all, strengthen them all as well. And being on an erotic journey is the textbook definition of erotica. So that's what I rated this book four stars and it's good at what it does. The two men love each other, and somehow neither are jealous of another person entering their relationship. Nor are they jealous of the time each spends alone with Kayla. But they're all happiest when in bed together.
Considering that the first book in the series opens with a blow-job, you know from the start that this is going to be a steamy series. It doesn't disappoint. What plot there is exists only to take the participants to another sexual interlude. The four titles are: DAZE ON END, INTERLUDE IN C, FINDING THE CHORDS, COLOR HAZE. In the first 3 books, the focus is on Kayla, Jason and Erik. Randy, who is the drummer for their trio band, just broke up with Liz, when he found her involved in an interlude with Tom who unbeknownst to him, used to be with Liz when they were in high school. So the last book introduces another triad in the making, as another group of people start their erotic journey to happiness.
his was an interesting series that explores the ins and outs (pun intended!) of a menage relationship. If you've ever wondered what it could be like to have two men in bed with you, this a series you'll really enjoy!
I hesitate to call this a romance series, because the whole point of the stories is that these people are on an erotic journey, seeking to discover how they can create a triad that benefits all of them. In turn, the ties of power that encircle them all, strengthen them all as well. And being on an erotic journey is the textbook definition of erotica. So that's what I rated this book four stars and it's good at what it does. The two men love each other, and somehow neither are jealous of another person entering their relationship. Nor are they jealous of the time each spends alone with Kayla. But they're all happiest when in bed together.
Considering that the first book in the series opens with a blow-job, you know from the start that this is going to be a steamy series. It doesn't disappoint. What plot there is exists only to take the participants to another sexual interlude. The four titles are: DAZE ON END, INTERLUDE IN C, FINDING THE CHORDS, COLOR HAZE. In the first 3 books, the focus is on Kayla, Jason and Erik. Randy, who is the drummer for their trio band, just broke up with Liz, when he found her involved in an interlude with Tom who unbeknownst to him, used to be with Liz when they were in high school. So the last book introduces another triad in the making, as another group of people start their erotic journey to happiness.
his was an interesting series that explores the ins and outs (pun intended!) of a menage relationship. If you've ever wondered what it could be like to have two men in bed with you, this a series you'll really enjoy!
 | Cayme Foster returns home to deal with her mom's fatal illness and is faced with memories and secrets she'd rather forget. Her old crush and his adorable eight-year-old son will make it even more difficult to leave town again. Single dad Rick Morrison had his shot at marriage and isn't willing to risk rejection a second time. If only he wasn't compelled to rescue Cayme whenever he's around her, making it hard to keep his distance. He's conflicted about helping Cayme save her home, but the truth rises with the floodwaters, and they just might find love on the high ground after all. |
Some fun facts about Stanalei Fletcher and the book, Into Something Good:
Stanalei’s love of writing romance comes from reading favorites such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Tom Clancy, and Alistair MacLean.
After a taste of life on both U.S. coasts, she now resides near the beautiful Wasatch Mountain Range with her husband. Together they enjoy backcountry trails on a RZR, visiting National Parks, and exploring museums and ghost towns.
She and her husband have over twenty years of training in the martial arts and both hold the rank of Sandan, a third-degree black belt, in Aikido.
Stanalei was raised in a small town in Idaho, much like Blakely, the town depicted in the story. Like the characters in the story, she used the streets as extension of her backyard to play ball with her brothers.
The heroine’s name, Cayme (pronounced Kay-me), was the name of childhood friend. Because Stanalei never had a daughter, she chose that name for one of her favorite female characters.
Raise of hands— Have you ever built a clothesline tent?
You may visit Stanalei HERE.
Stanalei’s love of writing romance comes from reading favorites such as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, Tom Clancy, and Alistair MacLean.
After a taste of life on both U.S. coasts, she now resides near the beautiful Wasatch Mountain Range with her husband. Together they enjoy backcountry trails on a RZR, visiting National Parks, and exploring museums and ghost towns.
She and her husband have over twenty years of training in the martial arts and both hold the rank of Sandan, a third-degree black belt, in Aikido.
Stanalei was raised in a small town in Idaho, much like Blakely, the town depicted in the story. Like the characters in the story, she used the streets as extension of her backyard to play ball with her brothers.
The heroine’s name, Cayme (pronounced Kay-me), was the name of childhood friend. Because Stanalei never had a daughter, she chose that name for one of her favorite female characters.
Raise of hands— Have you ever built a clothesline tent?
You may visit Stanalei HERE.
- SNEAK PEEK -
Chase Peters had a way of pretending to notice others as though they were an afterthought. Just one more thing about his ego and arrogance Cayme should have seen while they dated yet somehow missed. She was an idiot to believe she was once in love enough to marry him.
“Peters.” Rick’s voice was low with cautious civility.
Joy wiggled her way to stand almost directly in front of Cayme and inadvertently upstaged Chase. “You didn’t introduce me.” Her big green eyes ogled Rick, then she unzipped her parka and stuck out a petite hand.
“I’m Joy. Chase’s girlfriend.”
Cayme had no problem looking over the top of Joy’s shiny hair to see Chase’s scowl at the woman flaunting her wares in front of another man. Payback’s a bugger, isn’t it buddy? She swallowed a hysterical laugh. Chase deserved whatever he got. However, she wasn’t ruining her own karma by wishing it on him.
Rick’s hard gaze shifted from Chase to Cayme.
No way could he miss seeing the same panic that had been on her face when he’d rescued her from the ladder.
Then he glanced at Joy and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Rick Morrison.” He released her hand a bit more quickly than she expected based on her frown.
A sudden gleam entered Rick’s chocolate-brown eyes, and he stepped closer to Cayme. Before she could register that he had moved, his warm breath puffed near her ear.
“Sorry.” His arm slipped around her shoulders.
Pulling her into an unexpected hug, he placed his lips against her cheek. The kiss was quick, evaporating any response to his apology. His firm, warm mouth grazed her skin and nuzzled her neck, sending a tingle down her spine and a tremor to her thighs. She had no idea what he was doing and didn’t care as long as he kept doing it.
He lifted his head and gave her shoulders another hard squeeze before looking at Chase and Joy. “I’m Cayme’s fiancé.”
If Rick lived to be a hundred and ninety years old, he would never understand what made him tell the most outlandish lie of his life. The moment the words, I’m Cayme’s fiancé, left his mouth, everything inside the store slowed to a snail’s pace. Even his own heartbeat seemed to stop. Maybe the situation wasn’t real, just some bizarre aberration his imagination had conjured up.
Then Cayme stiffened and emitted a strange little squeak.
Not an aberration. Everyone had heard his words.
His gaze dropped to her face, hoping the apology was clear in his eyes.
She stared up at him, her blue eyes wide. Her mouth was slightly open, and the tip of her tongue darted between those kissable lips. Two spots of color flagged each cheek.
He had to admit that he was a little stunned, too.
His impulsive announcement was foolish, to say the least. What if she was involved with someone? And if she was, why wasn’t he there to save the day? He blamed Chase Peters for these contradicting emotions that made him itch to break the guy’s perfect nose— maybe knock out a few teeth while he was at it.
Instead, he placed a finger under Cayme’s jaw and gently pushed her mouth shut. The touch was electric.
The bookstore and people fell away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in a private cocoon.
His finger lingered on the smooth silk of her skin. He was tempted, beyond what any man should endure, to slide his palm up the side of her face and pull her close. He liked the way she smelled of fresh honeysuckle—the way she shivered under his touch. He couldn’t ignore the protective swell in his chest. With sudden clarity, he realized that this urge to protect her was exactly the reason he’d blurted out the insane announcement.
Rick swallowed the unexpected punch of desire that drove through his chest, making him want to kiss her fully on the mouth. That would be a monumental mistake because he’d probably never stop.
“Peters.” Rick’s voice was low with cautious civility.
Joy wiggled her way to stand almost directly in front of Cayme and inadvertently upstaged Chase. “You didn’t introduce me.” Her big green eyes ogled Rick, then she unzipped her parka and stuck out a petite hand.
“I’m Joy. Chase’s girlfriend.”
Cayme had no problem looking over the top of Joy’s shiny hair to see Chase’s scowl at the woman flaunting her wares in front of another man. Payback’s a bugger, isn’t it buddy? She swallowed a hysterical laugh. Chase deserved whatever he got. However, she wasn’t ruining her own karma by wishing it on him.
Rick’s hard gaze shifted from Chase to Cayme.
No way could he miss seeing the same panic that had been on her face when he’d rescued her from the ladder.
Then he glanced at Joy and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Rick Morrison.” He released her hand a bit more quickly than she expected based on her frown.
A sudden gleam entered Rick’s chocolate-brown eyes, and he stepped closer to Cayme. Before she could register that he had moved, his warm breath puffed near her ear.
“Sorry.” His arm slipped around her shoulders.
Pulling her into an unexpected hug, he placed his lips against her cheek. The kiss was quick, evaporating any response to his apology. His firm, warm mouth grazed her skin and nuzzled her neck, sending a tingle down her spine and a tremor to her thighs. She had no idea what he was doing and didn’t care as long as he kept doing it.
He lifted his head and gave her shoulders another hard squeeze before looking at Chase and Joy. “I’m Cayme’s fiancé.”
If Rick lived to be a hundred and ninety years old, he would never understand what made him tell the most outlandish lie of his life. The moment the words, I’m Cayme’s fiancé, left his mouth, everything inside the store slowed to a snail’s pace. Even his own heartbeat seemed to stop. Maybe the situation wasn’t real, just some bizarre aberration his imagination had conjured up.
Then Cayme stiffened and emitted a strange little squeak.
Not an aberration. Everyone had heard his words.
His gaze dropped to her face, hoping the apology was clear in his eyes.
She stared up at him, her blue eyes wide. Her mouth was slightly open, and the tip of her tongue darted between those kissable lips. Two spots of color flagged each cheek.
He had to admit that he was a little stunned, too.
His impulsive announcement was foolish, to say the least. What if she was involved with someone? And if she was, why wasn’t he there to save the day? He blamed Chase Peters for these contradicting emotions that made him itch to break the guy’s perfect nose— maybe knock out a few teeth while he was at it.
Instead, he placed a finger under Cayme’s jaw and gently pushed her mouth shut. The touch was electric.
The bookstore and people fell away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in a private cocoon.
His finger lingered on the smooth silk of her skin. He was tempted, beyond what any man should endure, to slide his palm up the side of her face and pull her close. He liked the way she smelled of fresh honeysuckle—the way she shivered under his touch. He couldn’t ignore the protective swell in his chest. With sudden clarity, he realized that this urge to protect her was exactly the reason he’d blurted out the insane announcement.
Rick swallowed the unexpected punch of desire that drove through his chest, making him want to kiss her fully on the mouth. That would be a monumental mistake because he’d probably never stop.
- Giveaway -
Prize One
Prize Two
To ENTER comment below:
1. What did you like about the sneak peek of Into Something Good?
2. Have you read Stanalei Fletcher before?
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Winners:
Print book: Tessa
Gift card: Sarah
 | Morgan Tenbey, third son of Viscount Ramsbury, is called home to the family’s country estate. His father declares that it’s time to set aside his love of fast horses, gambling, and high fashion in order to take a position as vicar. Unable to imagine a life outside of London, Morgan believes he'll be miserable forever, until he meets Davie, a groom in the family stables. Davie fled his last post in Scotland after his employer discovered him kissing the wrong person, but history seems doomed to repeat itself when Davie falls for Morgan. Can two people who feel like they’ll never belong find their way to a future together? |
- SNEAK PEEK -
The west pasture had a few distant horses grazing, bright splashes of chestnut and white against the green grass. Neat hedgerows marched around the edges of the pasture, only broken here and there by stone fencing. Morgan had been worried about tracking down Davie, who could have been anywhere in the field, but for once, Morgan’s luck held.
The closest gate hung open, one post missing. Davie, his red curls gilded by the sunlight—as if the fellow needed an extra layer of pretty—stood with his hands on his hips, inspecting the gate. His braces dangled down beside his legs, and his shirt was untucked with the collar hanging open. The sleeves were pushed up above Davie’s elbows, revealing muscled forearms dusted with dark auburn hair.
How unfair.
Davie bent over, his trousers pulling tight against his rear.
Morgan knew quite a bit of scripture that he should probably be reciting at the moment, but for the life of him, he couldn’t remember a lick of it. Honestly, he hadn’t come out here to be tempted.
With a grunt, Davie hefted a new fence post. He wrestled it over to the hole and dropped it in. The man’s shoulders were a work of art. At his sides, Morgan’s hands curled into fists. No touching allowed. His lower lip tried to creep out. He had to force himself not to pout like a spoiled toddler.
Tilting his head back, Davie groaned and rolled his shoulders. He grabbed the tails of his shirt and pulled them up, wiping sweat from his face. A sliver of his back was revealed. The skin, pale and smooth, practically begged to be caressed.
Morgan’s nails dug into his palms. “Excuse me,” he called. At the rate this was going, the fellow would be opening his trousers to tug at himself before noticing Morgan was standing a few feet away.
Davie spun, dropping his shirt. There was a startled bark from the long grass, and the little terrier from the night before poked her head out. She took one look at Morgan and promptly disappeared back into her bower. He must not be very threatening.
“Er, hello,” Davie said, tugging at his forelock. “Is Handsome all right? Did you need me to saddle him?” The lilt of his voice complemented the bucolic scene around them, like the man was part of the landscape itself. Drat him. And did he have to be so amiable?
Morgan straightened to his full height. He was still a head shorter than Davie, though the hat alleviated some of the difference. It didn’t matter anyway. Morgan had never minded a man being a bit taller and broader than himself. “There’s no way to put too fine a point on this,” he started. “I suppose I might as well just come out and say it.”
One red eyebrow lifted. “Please do.”
“Well, I’m here … I’m here to bribe you.” There, now it was out in the open.
Davie’s other brow lifted. “Ah, right. May I ask why?”
Morgan heaved a sigh. “Your silence? Not running to my father and telling him about my sins?”
“What sins?”
This was impossible. “Do you want me to spell it out, so you have the words to send me to the gallows with?” Morgan sputtered. “Shall I describe exactly what I was thinking, and you can toss that in there too? Maybe put it in writing?”
“Wait.” Davie rubbed his temple. “Is this about—” He cut off his words and craned his neck as if looking for anyone spying on them from the shrubbery.
“We’re quite alone,” Morgan snapped.
Davie still cut his eyes left and right again, then drew closer to Morgan. “That’s a very lovely outfit you’re wearing. It looks good on you.”
“Everything looks good on me.”
Davie’s adam’s apple did an interesting bob. “Look, is this about you almost kissing me? Last night?”
“No, all the other times.” Morgan winced at Davie’s blank look. “Yes, last night. I can pay you a hundred pounds to not breathe a word of it to anyone. Not Ramsbury, and not to the magistrate. Don’t even confess it to the vicar.”
A slow smile spread over Davie’s face and his eyes twinkled. “Aren’t you a vicar? Or you will be, soon enough. Should I confess it to you?”
“Are you teasing me?” Morgan had no idea how to respond. Actually, he knew exactly how he wanted to respond, kissing that smug smile right off the bastard’s lips.
“A little, but don’t fret, I’m not about to set my tongue wagging. So you can take yourself back to the manor and do whatever it is you do. Get your shirts starched or the like.” Davie gave Morgan a sharp nod before turning to the gate.
Had he just been dismissed? How rude.
The closest gate hung open, one post missing. Davie, his red curls gilded by the sunlight—as if the fellow needed an extra layer of pretty—stood with his hands on his hips, inspecting the gate. His braces dangled down beside his legs, and his shirt was untucked with the collar hanging open. The sleeves were pushed up above Davie’s elbows, revealing muscled forearms dusted with dark auburn hair.
How unfair.
Davie bent over, his trousers pulling tight against his rear.
Morgan knew quite a bit of scripture that he should probably be reciting at the moment, but for the life of him, he couldn’t remember a lick of it. Honestly, he hadn’t come out here to be tempted.
With a grunt, Davie hefted a new fence post. He wrestled it over to the hole and dropped it in. The man’s shoulders were a work of art. At his sides, Morgan’s hands curled into fists. No touching allowed. His lower lip tried to creep out. He had to force himself not to pout like a spoiled toddler.
Tilting his head back, Davie groaned and rolled his shoulders. He grabbed the tails of his shirt and pulled them up, wiping sweat from his face. A sliver of his back was revealed. The skin, pale and smooth, practically begged to be caressed.
Morgan’s nails dug into his palms. “Excuse me,” he called. At the rate this was going, the fellow would be opening his trousers to tug at himself before noticing Morgan was standing a few feet away.
Davie spun, dropping his shirt. There was a startled bark from the long grass, and the little terrier from the night before poked her head out. She took one look at Morgan and promptly disappeared back into her bower. He must not be very threatening.
“Er, hello,” Davie said, tugging at his forelock. “Is Handsome all right? Did you need me to saddle him?” The lilt of his voice complemented the bucolic scene around them, like the man was part of the landscape itself. Drat him. And did he have to be so amiable?
Morgan straightened to his full height. He was still a head shorter than Davie, though the hat alleviated some of the difference. It didn’t matter anyway. Morgan had never minded a man being a bit taller and broader than himself. “There’s no way to put too fine a point on this,” he started. “I suppose I might as well just come out and say it.”
One red eyebrow lifted. “Please do.”
“Well, I’m here … I’m here to bribe you.” There, now it was out in the open.
Davie’s other brow lifted. “Ah, right. May I ask why?”
Morgan heaved a sigh. “Your silence? Not running to my father and telling him about my sins?”
“What sins?”
This was impossible. “Do you want me to spell it out, so you have the words to send me to the gallows with?” Morgan sputtered. “Shall I describe exactly what I was thinking, and you can toss that in there too? Maybe put it in writing?”
“Wait.” Davie rubbed his temple. “Is this about—” He cut off his words and craned his neck as if looking for anyone spying on them from the shrubbery.
“We’re quite alone,” Morgan snapped.
Davie still cut his eyes left and right again, then drew closer to Morgan. “That’s a very lovely outfit you’re wearing. It looks good on you.”
“Everything looks good on me.”
Davie’s adam’s apple did an interesting bob. “Look, is this about you almost kissing me? Last night?”
“No, all the other times.” Morgan winced at Davie’s blank look. “Yes, last night. I can pay you a hundred pounds to not breathe a word of it to anyone. Not Ramsbury, and not to the magistrate. Don’t even confess it to the vicar.”
A slow smile spread over Davie’s face and his eyes twinkled. “Aren’t you a vicar? Or you will be, soon enough. Should I confess it to you?”
“Are you teasing me?” Morgan had no idea how to respond. Actually, he knew exactly how he wanted to respond, kissing that smug smile right off the bastard’s lips.
“A little, but don’t fret, I’m not about to set my tongue wagging. So you can take yourself back to the manor and do whatever it is you do. Get your shirts starched or the like.” Davie gave Morgan a sharp nod before turning to the gate.
Had he just been dismissed? How rude.
- Giveaway -
 Prize One |  Prize Two |
