Friday, June 29, 2018

Review of THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley & Giveaway!


Today we are celebrating the release of THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne and Jamaila Brinkley. This is the second standalone title in the River Hill contemporary romance series. Check out an excerpt from the book below.

Available Now

THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley

Available Now

Blurb: Irish whiskey royalty has no place in Northern California, but that isn't going to stop Iain Brennan, the black sheep of Brennan Family Distillers, from giving it a shot. Wine Country is an unlikely place to launch a whiskey empire, but Iain’s just reckless enough to make it work. And being out from under the watchful eye of his disapproving father back home in Dublin? Even better. Naomi Klein has spent the last ten years ignoring her society family as much as possible while building a career as a renowned sculptor. She’s found a home in River Hill, but has no interest in dipping her toes into the commitment pool. Just the idea of forever gives her hives. Which makes a rootless Irish wanderer the perfect fling. And shocking her mother? Just a bonus. But as cozy autumn nights turn into lazy winter mornings, Naomi and Iain realize that they’re getting close to something neither of them wants: love. When Naomi discovers Iain’s not quite as rootless as he seems, she’ll have to make some tough decisions. And when the Brennans and the Kleins descend en masse to collect their prodigal children, River Hill may never be the same.

Review
This book was such a wonderful read.  It sucked me and refused to let me leave until I had turned the last page.  Even then, I had a hard time letting go of Naomi and Iain.  Both of them don't seem to live up to what their parents want them to do in life and fight a constant battle to live their lives how they want.  When they meet by chance, the chemistry is instant and the sparks flew fast especially since they knew this would be a one time deal.  However, life has a funny way of bringing people into your lives who will stick around for longer than you think.  That is definitely true here. 

I love reading about their ups and downs and their struggles to make their families proud.  I loved the chemistry between them and I thought the authors did a wonderful job of creating two people who captured your heart.  All in all, I would highly recommend this read.  I loved every word and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!     
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
 



EXCERPT:

“Thank you for doing this,” Iain said, the pad of his index finger tracing over the design Naomi had created for Whitman’s Revival. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d hear from you again. You kind of ghosted me.” He glanced up in time to catch her looking away guiltily. “Yeah, about that—” “I’m not asking you to explain yourself. I get it. We had some fun, and now it’s time to move on.” Naomi’s eyes came back around, the guilt replaced with what Iain thought looked a whole lot like contemplation. “Funny you should mention that.” “Funny how?” “I was thinking,” she said, her finger swirling a pattern on the table that separated them. “You’re leaving in two months, and it would be a shame if we didn’t spend that time ... hanging out.” Her eyes bored into his, as if daring him to misunderstand. His lips quirked up into a smirk. “Why, Miss Klein, are you asking me to fuck you senseless until I board a plane back to Ireland?” She tossed him a wicked smile full of promise. “You have to admit; we’re pretty damn good at it.” “The best,” he agreed. He felt his chest sawing in and out as his breathing became deeper and more labored. Iain couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt such heady anticipation. Oh, wait, yes, he could. It was that night in San Francisco when he and Naomi had practically run from that dive bar to his hotel. He’d been so ready for her that he’d ripped her dress off before the door to his room had locked behind them. “So, what do you say, Brennan? You want to spend the next sixty days seeing how many orgasms we can give each other?” That was all the invitation Iain needed. Abruptly, he stood, his chair scraping over the black-and-white-checked linoleum and then crashing to the floor. He stalked around the fifties-style diner table and fisted his hands in Naomi’s hair. He bent at the waist and let his lips hover scant centimeters from her parted ones. He could feel the warmth of her breath mingling with his own. “What do you say we get started on that now?” She licked her lips. “Yes, let’s.”





PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOK FROM THE SERIES

Purchase THE DISTILLER'S DARLING Now!

Amazon US | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

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About the Authors


Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. Her heroines are bold and headstrong, and her heroes will do anything for the ones they love.
When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, enjoying a pint of craft beer, or traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next book.
Originally from California, Rebecca currently resides in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband.
Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest


 

Jamaila Brinkley writes historical romance with a hint of magic. Her Wizards of London series features thieves, duchesses, witches, and more indulging in mayhem and romance in Regency England. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and was a finalist in the Romance Through the Ages contest in 2015.

Jamaila came to romance as an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction, and found that her favorite historical romances seemed ripe for an injection of magic. Her favorite historical period is currently the Victorian era, and she’s never happier than when immersed in a multi-book family series.
Jamaila lives outside Baltimore, Maryland in a house that is perpetually under renovation with her husband and twin toddlers. You can find her blogging about romance, writing, parenting, cooking, and more on her website at www.jamailabrinkley.com, and posting pictures of her lunch on Twitter as @jamaila.
 
Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Goodreads


Cover Reveal of THIS TIME by Amy Reece


THIS TIME by Amy Reece releases July 10th! 

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE! 

DeLuca Family Series #4 

Cover Designer: Deranged Doctor Design


Nina Braden’s twin brother is dead, and her childhood crush is back in her life.

Sexy firefighter Seamus DeLuca was Neal’s best friend. He and Nina shared a forbidden kiss at seventeen, but life has kept them apart. 

Her brother’s death brings them together, close enough to tempt them both. But something is…off about the way Neal died, and neither she nor Seamus can let it go. The police say it’s suicide, but there’s an encrypted video in his financial documents, and his fiancĂ©e is acting strangely…

Nina feels like there’s a clue just outside her grasp that will make the mystery of her twin’s death fall into place. But the mystery of her own heart may be harder to solve…

PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE! 

Read the DeLuca Family Series today! 
BOXSET AVAILABLE ON KU! https://amzn.to/2KR0qEN
INDIVIDUAL BOOKS ON KU! https://amzn.to/2GLWgM6


MEET THE AUTHOR:
Amy Reece lives in Albuquerque, NM, with her husband and family. She loves to read and travel and has an unhealthy addiction to dogs. She believes red wine and coffee are the elixirs of life and lead to great inspiration. She is the author of The Seeker Series (YA paranormal) and The Way to Her Heart (YA Romantic Suspense).




Thursday, June 28, 2018

Excerpt of WHY NOT ME? by Ashley Erin

Today Ashley Erin is stopping by to share her contemporary romance, WHY NOT ME. Check out this fantastic new release and grab your copy today!

Title: Why Not Me

Author: Ashley Erin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Why Not Me:

He didn’t choose me, and now he wants his second chance.   Allie Vincent has a good life. All of her boxes are checked off. Sweet boyfriend? Check. Awesome job? Check. Great friends? Check. Life is going according to plan. That is until the man who broke her heart seven years ago comes crashing back into her life.   Suddenly those checked boxes no longer seem important. Her once neat life is now in turmoil as she’s caught between a past love and a current one. A choice between two men. One is her best friend and partner for the past six years. The other makes her heart race, but he left her shattered. One is safe, secure. The other is a risk she doesn’t know if she’s willing to take . . . again.

Get Your Copy Today!

Books2Read | Kindle | iBooks | Nook | Kobo | Indigo

Excerpt:

Allie

Circling my hips, I spin in a circle as Dawn and I dance together. We’re out celebrating Dawn’s new job and the fact I aced my marketing exam. Lifting my arms above my head, I give a little shimmy, jumping when I feel my phone vibrate in the back pocket of my jeans.
Without missing a beat, I pull it out and smile when I see the name on the screen of my cell, I swipe my finger with an eagerness that hasn’t dissipated in the nine months we’ve been seeing each other. We fell hard and we fell fast, but I’ve never felt so connected with someone.
“Hey, babe, one sec,” I yell over the pounding dance music. It’s so loud, I don’t know if he can hear me, my words probably faint under the vibrating bass. Dawn smiles as I turn, waving at Blake when she glances at me, I hold my phone up and point to the patio. She grins with a wink and goes back to dancing with a giant of a man.
The patio is lit with twinkle lights, random heaters sit next to the picnic tables filling the space providing ambient heat for the rare person brave enough to face the bitter cold. The music sounds through a few speakers along the wall, but it’s turned down to be background noise. Tucking my free hand under my arm, I stand under the heater next to the door.
“Sorry about that. Is everything okay?” It’s unusual for Landon to call when he knows I’m out with my girlfriends. That must mean things didn’t go well with Melissa. “Do you need me to come over, we can cuddle on the couch. I know tonight wasn’t easy for you.”
Snowflakes start to fall around me, the first snow of the year making today one of my favorite days. I love the snow. There’s something enchanting about the first snow. It blankets everything to create a crisp, clean canvas. The air is fresher, and it’s the sign that mother nature is preparing for new growth. I think the only season I love more than winter is summer, when everything is in full bloom. The reward for the months we’ve endured the cold.
The music shifts to something slow. It’s quieter outside, the soft melody over the speaker adding to the magic of the night. I feel free of more than just another exam under my belt. Knowing that we can finally move forward, it makes me tilt my face up into the crisp flakes and smile. Tonight, everything is perfect.
When nothing but silence comes from the other end of the line, I can barely hear his breathing, I check my phone to make sure we didn’t disconnect. “Landon? What’s going on? You’re worrying me.”
“I can’t see you anymore, Allie.” His words are cold and detached, almost as though he’s talking to a stranger, so different from this morning.
I can’t stop the sharp inhalation at his words, the frigid air burning my lungs as I stumble to the nearest picnic table. No one is outside, the cold October night making everyone shy away from spending too much time outdoors—something I’m grateful for as my eyes fill with tears.
“What are you talking about? This morning everything was fine. What about everything you’ve told me, said to me?” My voice cracks as I try to make sense of what’s going on. Why is his tone so disconnected? My voice lowers, filled with such confusion and pain that I can’t recognize it. “I’m so confused.”
“There’s nothing to understand. I’m sorry I let this go on as long as I did, it was a mistake. I guess hindsight is twenty-twenty.” A whooshing in my ears blocks out his voice, the tears I’ve been holding at bay begin to fall as I realize this isn’t some weird, cruel joke. It’s real.
“I see. I guess there’s nothing to say then.” My voice is faint, barely a whisper, my head already filling in the blanks. I knew this was a risk, I was stupid enough to think our connection was strong enough to withstand her. So much so, that I did something I never thought I would do. Ever.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I bite back tears of despair. This is what I get for pushing aside my initial reservations and falling for his pretty words.
“Goodbye, Allie—I’m sorry.” The last words are whispered, a slight crack in the cold façade, but the phone clicks silent and that slight crack means nothing as I’m left sitting on the cold wooden bench in shock.
       I slump against the rough edge of the tabletop, it’s sharp corner digging into my spine as I stare mindlessly as the snow slowly builds up on the ground, its beauty now tainted with the quiet breaking of my heart.

About Ashley Erin:


Ashley Erin lives in Alberta, Canada where winter and summer compete to take over. She wears flip flops as soon as it’s above freezing, because her hatred of socks outweighs her dislike of snow. Her boyfriend stays with her despite a penchant for adopting rescued cats and dogs without permission. Their two dogs and four cats are spoiled rotten. When Ashley isn’t writing, she is reading or working with horses. Ashley is a self-published author of contemporary and new adult romance. Follow her on Facebook to keep up with her current and upcoming releases.  


Connect with Ashley:

Facebook | Reader Group | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon | Website | Newsletter

Thursday, June 21, 2018

THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley is now LIVE! Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Today we are celebrating the release of THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne and Jamaila Brinkley. This is the second standalone title in the River Hill contemporary romance series. Check out an excerpt from the book below.


Available Now

THE DISTILLER'S DARLING by Rebecca Norinne & Jamaila Brinkley

Available Now

Blurb: Irish whiskey royalty has no place in Northern California, but that isn't going to stop Iain Brennan, the black sheep of Brennan Family Distillers, from giving it a shot. Wine Country is an unlikely place to launch a whiskey empire, but Iain’s just reckless enough to make it work. And being out from under the watchful eye of his disapproving father back home in Dublin? Even better. Naomi Klein has spent the last ten years ignoring her society family as much as possible while building a career as a renowned sculptor. She’s found a home in River Hill, but has no interest in dipping her toes into the commitment pool. Just the idea of forever gives her hives. Which makes a rootless Irish wanderer the perfect fling. And shocking her mother? Just a bonus. But as cozy autumn nights turn into lazy winter mornings, Naomi and Iain realize that they’re getting close to something neither of them wants: love. When Naomi discovers Iain’s not quite as rootless as he seems, she’ll have to make some tough decisions. And when the Brennans and the Kleins descend en masse to collect their prodigal children, River Hill may never be the same.
 
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a Rafflecopter giveaway
 



EXCERPT:

Naomi slowly opened one eye and examined the ceiling until she remembered where she was. Ah, yes. The gala. The hotel. The Irishman. Yum. She yawned and stretched, feeling the burn of muscles well-used. Iain’s elevator antics had been just the start of their fun last night.
Fortunately, his room was only on the fifth floor. The elevator’s security cameras might have burst into flames if they’d traveled any higher. They’d stumbled out of the compartment and down the hall in a haze of lust, and her dress and his pants had dropped on top of each other right inside the door to his room. And then … well.
Naomi pointed her toes and smiled, feeling satisfaction spread like warmth through her body as the muscles in her legs stretched and loosened. They’d had a very good night. Iain had made good—very good—on his dirty promises of a feast. Her body had been his appetizer, entrĂ©e, and dessert … and then she’d returned the favor happily. They’d spent a great deal of time gasping, panting for breath, and moaning—and quite a bit of time laughing as well.
On the whole, she thought, definitely a night to remember.
And now it was time for the part that sometimes turned awkward: leaving.
She turned in the bed, and found him watching her through lowered lashes. “Hello,” she said.
“Good morning.” Iain reached out a lazy arm and wrapped it around her waist, tugging her body flush against his. She relaxed against his warmth for a moment, then stretched up for a quick kiss.
“Can I use your shower?”
“Be my guest,” he said with a yawn.
She slid out of the bed with a final pat on his extremely well-muscled thigh. “Thanks.”
Knowing Iain was watching her walk naked through the room, she put a bit of flair into her bend as she snagged her dress from the floor on the way into the bathroom. She heard a quick intake of breath behind her and grinned. It was nice to leave a lasting impression.


PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOK FROM THE SERIES

Purchase THE DISTILLER'S DARLING Now!

Amazon US | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

-------------------------------

About the Authors



Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. Her heroines are bold and headstrong, and her heroes will do anything for the ones they love.
When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, enjoying a pint of craft beer, or traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next book.
Originally from California, Rebecca currently resides in Dublin, Ireland, with her husband.
Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest


 

Jamaila Brinkley writes historical romance with a hint of magic. Her Wizards of London series features thieves, duchesses, witches, and more indulging in mayhem and romance in Regency England. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and was a finalist in the Romance Through the Ages contest in 2015.
Jamaila came to romance as an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction, and found that her favorite historical romances seemed ripe for an injection of magic. Her favorite historical period is currently the Victorian era, and she’s never happier than when immersed in a multi-book family series.
Jamaila lives outside Baltimore, Maryland in a house that is perpetually under renovation with her husband and twin toddlers. You can find her blogging about romance, writing, parenting, cooking, and more on her website at www.jamailabrinkley.com, and posting pictures of her lunch on Twitter as @jamaila.
 
Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter | Goodreads


Thursday, June 14, 2018

Review of FALSE SECURITY by Evan Grace


FALSE SECURITY by Evan Grace is LIVE from Crave Publishing!

ROGUE SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS #2 


It was supposed to be a harmless blind date-but it ended in a one night stand when Shayla up and left in the middle of the night without a wink or a wave.

I didn’t think I’d see her again…until I walked into my office and met our new employee—none other than the curvy brunette who had rocked my world. 

The more she fights the attraction between us, the more determined I am to make her mine. Not even the ghosts from her past have the power to stop me from wanting her. 

There’s a threat hiding in the shadows, a danger whose only goal is to ruin Shayla. But I’ll go through hell and back to keep her safe from harm, to protect her. 

She’s mine...and not even the devil himself will take her from me. 


REVIEW

This is the second book in the Rouge Security & Investigation Series and I absolutely loved it!  I couldn't wait for this one after the little sneak peak we got at the end of Security Breach and it did not disappoint.  I love books where the man is extremely cocky, but the person he least expects brings him to his knees.  Oh, and lets not forget Erik's dirty mouth or how patient he was with Grant.  Ugh, I couldn't get enough of him!  

The author did a wonderful job of sucking you into the story and giving you just enough information to have you turning the pages to see what was going to happen next.  I loved Erik and Shayla and couldn't wait for them to get their HEA.  Great job Evan, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next with Harley and Jack! 

PURCHASE TODAY! AMAZON US | AMAZON INTERNATIONAL

START THE ROGUE SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS SERIES!
Security Breach #1 

MEET THE AUTHOR:
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.

During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.


Tuesday, June 12, 2018

CAPTIVATED by Tessa Bailey & Eve Dangerfield is LIVE!!!!




Title: Captivated
Authors: Tessa Bailey & Eve Dangerfield
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 11, 2018



Blurb

Secret aspiring comedian Autumn Reynolds is a girl gone...not wild exactly. More like lazy. Since her boyfriend abandoned her in New York City for a bunch of improv groupies she’s had two priorities; sucking the nitrous out of whipped cream cans and making sex comics about her mysterious landlord.

Blake hates people—and sunlight—with good reason. Imagine his surprise when he finds himself lusting after his upstairs tenant, a sunny, Australian people pleaser down on her luck. Turns out his ability to terrify with a single scowl comes with an advantage. Autumn seems to like it. A lot. As evidenced by the prisoner-captive comic Blake was never meant to see.  


As they embark on a three-date arrangement the rules are clear; filthy, ground breaking sex, no feelings or commitment required. When chemistry is this strong, though, attachment follows. As Blake and Autumn attempt to negotiate their New York romance, their prior histories and secret dreams come to the foreground. How long can these polar opposites remain Captivated, when all signs point to disaster?







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS





Tessa Bailey

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days.

Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention.

She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of ten years and six-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.




Eve Dangerfield

Eve Dangerfield has loved romance novels since she first started swiping her grandmother’s paperbacks. Now she writes her own sexy tales about complex women and gorgeous-but-slightly-tortured men. Her work has been described as ‘the defibrillator contemporary romance needs right now,’ and not by herself, or even her mum, but by OTHER PEOPLE.

Eve lives in Melbourne with her boy, a bunch of semi-dead plants and a rabbit named Billy. When she's not writing she can be found making a mess.





Thursday, June 7, 2018

Excerpt Reveal of FALSE SECURITY by Evan Grace


FALSE SECURITY by Evan Grace releases June 12th from Crave Publishing!

PRE-ORDER TODAY! AMAZON US | AMAZON INTERNATIONAL

ROGUE SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS #2 


It was supposed to be a harmless blind date-but it ended in a one night stand when Shayla up and left in the middle of the night without a wink or a wave.

I didn’t think I’d see her again…until I walked into my office and met our new employee—none other than the curvy brunette who had rocked my world. 

The more she fights the attraction between us, the more determined I am to make her mine. Not even the ghosts from her past have the power to stop me from wanting her. 

There’s a threat hiding in the shadows, a danger whose only goal is to ruin Shayla. But I’ll go through hell and back to keep her safe from harm, to protect her. 

She’s mine...and not even the devil himself will take her from me. 


PRE-ORDER TODAY! AMAZON US | AMAZON INTERNATIONAL

START THE ROGUE SECURITY & INVESTIGATIONS SERIES!
Security Breach #1 


EXCERPT REVEAL
Erik
While I sit in the back of the Uber that’s taking me to the restaurant to meet my blind date, my mind is swarming with everything that went down this past week. It started out well enough, with Mom and Tad coming to get Gretchen Sunday night and us going out for pizza as a family. But Mom was in her “why aren’t you dating?” mode, which is always followed by, “When are you going to get married and give me grandchildren?” Fuck me, I’ve never really wanted that. I enjoy the casual flings: no expectations, no promises…easy peasy. Emphasis on the easy.

Usually, Tad comes to my rescue, reminding my mom that when they met he’d never been married. Out in the parking lot after dinner, I carried my giggling sister over my shoulder to their car. I promised Gretchen we’d talk soon and planned for her to come stay with me again.

As far as work goes, the new guy, Reece, started this week. We hit it off pretty quickly while I gave him a tour of the city, and then to make things even better, I found out he drives a badass Shelby. My 1970 Impala is in the garage across the street from my apartment—I pay a hefty price to keep it there, but at least I know it’s safe. I’ve already invited him over to come take a look at it.

But then shit hit the fan when Delilah was attacked outside of her apartment. Luckily her roommate scared the guy off, but she still ended up in the hospital. She and her unborn son are okay, thankfully. To make the clusterfuck even worse, though, we found out that Reece is the father of the baby. Apparently, when he came to town to talk to Jack six months ago, he’d hooked up with Delilah without having any clue who she was. They hadn’t seen each other since…well, that is until he showed up for his first day. I’m honestly surprised Jack didn’t kill him—they must be even closer than I’d guessed.

Now Del’s staying with Reece in Oak Park while we try to figure out who hurt her and why. Our whole team has been on edge about it. Delilah is our office’s baby sister, and we’ve all given Jack our word that we won’t stop until we find the motherfucker who touched her.

I blow out a deep breath to calm my nerves—just thinking about the dark bruises on Del’s face makes me want to punch someone, and that’s no mood to start a date in. Earlier I’d picked out my royal blue chambray shirt, the sleeves rolled up to my forearms; a pair of black slacks; and the one pair of dress shoes I own. I keep my blond hair buzzed close to my scalp, so I didn’t have to do anything to it.
Once the driver drops me off, I head inside the restaurant, called Starlight. I glance around; I have no idea who I’m looking for. Carrie said that Shayla would know who I was. But why is it such a fucking secret? I kind of have a bad feeling about this, and why wouldn’t I? I know her name, and that she’s supposedly my type—that’s it.

The hostess walks up in the tiniest black dress I’ve ever seen, and my dick immediately likes what he sees. “Hi, welcome to Starlight. Table for one?” She licks her glossy red lips in what is clearly an invitation. Hmmm…maybe if this date is a bust, she and I can hook up.

“No, darlin’, I’m waiting for someone.” She gives a fake pout and goes to greet the next customers.

“Erik?” The sultriest voice I’ve ever heard rises from behind me. After I turn slowly around, my eyes widen. The sexy voice belongs to a woman who is not my type at all. She’s shorter than the women I tend to go for—a lot shorter. And I like blondes, but she’s a dark brunette with dark-brown eyes. The red dress she wears hugs her curves—I usually like my women a bit thinner too. I know that makes me sound like a dick, but I can’t help who I’m attracted to.
Her light-olive skin tone pops in that dress, and her tits are practically spilling out of the top. They look real too. “Um…hello? My face is up here.” I look up and she’s glaring at me; huh, she’s kind of hot when she’s pissed. Under her breath, I hear her whisper, “This was a bad idea.”

“Sorry. I’m Erik—you must be Shayla.” I hold out my hand, and she reluctantly takes it. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, you too.” Fuck, her voice is sexy.

The hot hostess leads us to an intimate table in the back. I pull Shayla’s chair out for her, and push it in for her once she sits. Our hostess hands us our menus and tells us the specials. Yes, my eyes follow her as she walks away from the table. What can I say…it’s a bad habit.

“Are you serious?” Shayla snaps. I can tell she’s pissed—her cheeks are turning red.
I grimace and clear my throat. “Shit, I’m sorry. So, uh…how do you know Carrie?”

She doesn’t look up from her menu. “We met at the Starbucks by my job. There wasn’t a place to sit and no one would give up their seat, so I slid over and shared the love seat with her. When we started talking, we just really clicked.”

“Carrie’s a sweetheart, and her husband is a great dude.” Shayla, again, doesn’t look up from her menu—she just nods her head.

Our waitress comes to our table, and I don’t miss the “come fuck me” eyes she’s giving me. I ignore her, but when I look at Shayla she’s glaring at our waitress, who’s oblivious. Why is her irritation making my cock twitch?

Shayla slaps her menu down on the table. “Miss, I hate to interrupt you while you eye-fuck my date, but I’d like to order my meal. Is that okay with you?”

I cough to cover up my laugh, which just pisses Shayla off more, and our waitress’s face is beet red. We both order, and the woman hightails it away from our table.

Shayla plays with her napkin, and without thinking, I reach out and grab her hand. “Listen, tonight hasn’t started right. Let’s do this again. I’m Erik, and you’re Shayla.”

She studies me for a long time, and then, thankfully, nods her head. “Starting over sounds great. Are you from Chicago?” She takes a sip of her wine.

“No, I’m from Kenosha. My mom, step-dad, and baby sister live there, and I lived there for a short time after I left the Marine Corps. What about you?”

Shayla rubs her arms like she’s cold. “I’m from Madison. I moved here two years ago. How old is your sister?”

“Gretchen’s fourteen and spoiled, but she’s not a brat. I try to have her stay with me at least one weekend a month so we can hang out. This weekend we watched My Girl and she cried herself to sleep.” I shake my head remembering the way she sobbed…and sobbed.

Shayla gives me a knowing smile. “That is a tearjerker for sure. What made you choose that?”
“My mom suggested it. I know she did it on purpose.”
Our waitress interrupts us to drop our food off, hightailing it away from our table like her ass is on fire. Conversation is stalled while we eat. The girl moans around each bite of her steak, and my eyes keep going to her lips. I can picture them wrapped around my dick.

“What do you do?” I ask her while cutting into my T-bone.
“Umm…I’m a temp right now. Not the most glamorous of jobs, but I always get asked to go back to the same places, which is great, and hopefully, I’ll bide my time and get offered to work one of those places full time.” She takes another sip of her wine. “You mentioned your mom and step-dad, but what about your dad?”
That familiar pain hits my chest. Don’t get me wrong, I know it was a long time ago, and I still have a lot of amazing memories of my dad, but I miss him every day. I clear the frog in my throat. “He was murdered when I was a boy.”

She surprises me by reaching out and grabbing my hand. “Oh God, what happened? Of course, I completely understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”

I squeeze her hand. “It’s okay. It was a long time ago.” I don’t let go of her while I grab my water with my free hand and take a sip. “It was a carjacking. The kid was young and messed up. My mom forgave him a long time ago, and then he became an assistant pastor. He got hired by my step-dad, and that’s how Tad and my mom met. I miss my dad every day, but if I hadn’t lost my dad, then Mom wouldn’t have met Tad, and then we wouldn’t have Gretchen.”

Where the fuck did that all come from?
“That’s really amazing that you both were able to forgive that man.”

I shrug. “I didn’t forgive him for a long time. When I was thirteen, I was a really angry kid. I actually went after him one Sunday after church. He let me hit him a few times, too, before my step-dad pulled me off. Tad counseled us together for a while, and after getting to know him, I was able to forgive him. It doesn’t mean we’re friends, but I don’t want to kick his ass anymore.”

The mood needs a serious lift. “Anyway. Tell me why you’re still single, gorgeous.” I give her my trademark cocky grin, which has melted many a pair of panties off of willing females.

She rolls her eyes and drains her glass of wine in one swallow. “Way to ruin a nice moment.” Shayla leans forward, and my eyes immediately go to her breasts. “Seriously, dickhead, my eyes are up here.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Does that smile really work?”

I stroke the back of her hand with my thumb. She tries to pull it from my grasp, but I hold firm. “It sure does.”

Shayla studies me some more, and I don’t like it. It’s like she can read me and the pain that lives inside me. I hold her stare because I’m not going to let her see it. I’ve never let anyone other than family see it. And by family, I mean my mom, step-dad, and my dad’s parents.

I pay the check, and while we’re waiting for the waitress to bring my receipt, I get her to agree to go see a movie with me. We decide on the newest Will Ferrell comedy. The waitress brings my receipt to sign, and when I open the little holder, her number is scribbled on a scrap of paper right on top. Before I can grab it, Shayla does, and she waits for the waitress to look our way before making a show of crumpling it up and throwing it in her water glass.

This girl is something else, but why does it turn me on? I get up from my chair and walk around to pull hers out for her—my mom would kick my ass if I didn’t do that for a date. With my hand to the small of her back, I lead Shayla out of the restaurant. The theater is a block over, so we decide to walk.

MEET THE AUTHOR:
A Midwesterner and self-proclaimed nerd, Evan has been an avid reader most of her life, but five years ago got bit by the writing bug, and it quickly became her addiction, passion and therapy. When the voices in her head give it a rest, she can always be found with her e-reader in her hand. Some of her favorites include, Shayla Black, Jaci Burton, Madeline Sheehan and Jamie Mcguire. Evan finds a lot of her inspiration in music, so if you see her wearing her headphones you know she means business and is in the zone.

During the day Evan works for a large homecare agency and at night she’s superwoman. She’s a wife to Jim and a mom to Ethan and Evan, a cook, a tutor, a friend and a writer. How does she do it? She’ll never tell.