THE KISS THIEF BY L.J. SHEN

Release Date: January 9th

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Blurb They say your first kiss should be earned. Mine was stolen by a devil in a masquerade mask under the black Chicago sky. They say the vows you take on your wedding day are sacred. Mine were broken before we left church. They say your heart only beats for one man. Mine split and bled for two rivals who fought for it until the bitter end. I was promised to Angelo Bandini, the heir to one of the most powerful families in the Chicago Outfit. Then taken by Senator Wolfe Keaton, who held my father’s sins over his head to force me into marriage. They say that all great love stories have a happy ending. I, Francesca Rossi, found myself erasing and rewriting mine until the very last chapter. One kiss. Two men. Three lives. Entwined together. And somewhere between these two men, I had to find my forever.

   

   

Excerpt “Are you sure you’re on my card?” I turned to the man with a polite yet distant smile. I was still disoriented from the exchange with Angelo when the stranger pulled me against his hard body and pressed a possessive hand lower than socially acceptable on my back, a second from groping my butt. “Answer me,” I hissed. “My bid on your card was the highest,” he replied dryly. “The bids are undisclosed. You don’t know how much other people have paid,” I kept my lips pursed to keep myself from yelling. “I know it’s nowhere near the realm of what this dance is worth.” Un-freaking-believable. We began to waltz around the room as other couples were not only spinning and mingling but also stealing envious glances at us. Naked, raw ogles that told me that whomever the blonde he’d come to the masquerade with was, she wasn’t his wife. And that I might have been all the rage in The Outfit, but the rude man was in high demand, too. I was stiff and cold in his arms, but he didn’t seem to notice—or mind. He knew how to waltz better than most men, but he was technical, and lacked warmth and Angelo’s playfulness. “Nemesis.” He took me by surprise, his rapacious gaze stripping me bare. “Distributing glee and dealing misery. Seems at odds with the submissive girl who entertained Bishop and his horsey wife at the table.” I choked on my own saliva. Did he just call the governor’s wife horsey? And me submissive? I looked away, ignoring the addictive scent of his cologne, and the way his marble body felt against mine. “Nemesis is my spirit animal. She was the one to lure Narcissus to a pool where he saw his own reflection and died of vanity. Pride is a terrible illness.” I flashed him a taunting smirk. “Some of us could use catching it.” He bared his straight white teeth. “Arrogance is a disease. Compassion is the cure. Most gods didn’t like Nemesis, but that’s because she had a backbone.” “Do you?” He arched a dark eyebrow. “Do I…?” I blinked, the courteous grin on my face crumpling. He was even ruder when we were alone. “Have a backbone,” he provided. He stared at me so boldly and intimately, it felt like he breathed fire into my soul. I wanted to step out of his touch and jump into a pool full of ice. “Of course, I do,” I responded, my spine stiffening. “What’s with the manners? Were you raised by wild coyotes?” “Give me an example,” he said, ignoring my quip. I was beginning to draw away from him, but he jerked me back into his arms. The glitzy ballroom distorted into a backdrop, and even though I was starting to notice that the man behind the demi-mask was unusually beautiful, the ugliness of his behavior was the only thing that stood out. I am a warrior and a lady…and a sane person who can deal with this horrid man. “I really like Angelo Bandini.” I dropped my voice, slicing my gaze from his eyes and toward the table where Angelo’s family had been seated. My father was sitting a few seats away, staring at us coldly, surrounded by Made Men who chatted away. “And see, in my family, we have a tradition dating back ten generations. Prior to her wedding, a Rossi bride is to open a wooden chest—carved and made by a witch who lived in my ancestors’ Italian village—and read three notes written to her by the last Rossi girl to marry. It’s kind of a good luck charm mixed with a talisman and a bit of fortunetelling. I stole the chest tonight and opened one of the notes, all so I could rush fate. It said that tonight I was going to be kissed by the love of my life, and well…” I drew my lower lip into my mouth and sucked it, peering under my eyelashes at Angelo’s empty seat. The man stared at me stoically, as though I was a foreign film he couldn’t understand. “I’m going to kiss him tonight.” “That’s your backbone?” “When I have an ambition, I go for it.”

A conceited frown crinkled his mask, as if to say I was a complete and utter moron. I looked him straight in the eye. My father taught me that the best way to deal with men like him was to confront, not run. Because, this man? He’d chase.

   

   

About the Author L.J. Shen is an International #1 best-selling author of Contemporary Romance and New Adult novels. She lives in Northern California with her husband, young son and chubby cat.

Before she’d settled down, L.J. (who thinks referring to herself in the third person is really silly, by the way) traveled the world, and collected friends from all across the globe. Friends who’d be happy to report that she is a rubbish companion, always forgets peoples’ birthdays and never sends Christmas cards.

She enjoys the simple things in life, like spending time with her family and friends, reading, HBO, Netflix and internet-stalking Stephen James. She reads between three to five books a week and firmly believes Crocs shoes and mullets should be outlawed.

   

Connect with L.J. Shen Website: http://www.authorljshen.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorljshen/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lj_shen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorljshen/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/authorljshen/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-j-shen Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13531492.L_J_Shen Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KSFkad

     

The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ahhh...This book has absolutely stolen my heart for the new year and possible ruined me for all other books this year. I had no idea what I was going into with this book, I just knew that I had to read it because of who the author is. The Kiss Thief is a story that will make you fall in love and leave you breathless in the end. This book has left me feeling like no matter what I write in this review will even do it justice. So I am going to leave you with saying, that this is the must read of the new year that you absolutely do not want to miss.

Happy Reading Everyone!!

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Highly trained agent Mira Araceli can hold her own in the toughest situations, but not against her secret crush, Torin Carter. She'd fallen for her Hawkeye instructor years before. With his dark Irish good looks, unshakable integrity, and haunted blue eyes, he was everything she fantasized about. Unfortunately he never even glanced at her twice. Torin's intense hunger for the new recruit shocked him. But as his student, the fierce and beautiful Mira was off-limits. And she was far too young and innocent for his carnal demands. Now, when Hawkeye pairs them together for an undercover assignment, she discovers the dangerous side he was hiding. Is she strong enough to fight for their second chance? Or will the beautiful storm that is Torin Carter destroy her completely?

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Mira Araceli was utterly lovely, completely captivating. He wanted to please her again and again. Her orgasm had been as loud and unrestrained as the woman herself. Her passion ran deep. She was everything he wanted. All the things that scared the hell out of him. Worse, he planned to fuck her senseless. Which was complete madness. Even if they didn’t plan on it, sex would cloud their working relationship. She fired a possessive streak in him. One that should bother him. After unfastening her wrists and rubbing the skin to help restore circulation, he helped her back into her ridiculous gown and the annoying petticoats or whatever the hell they were called. He didn’t, however, return her thong. “Stand still,” he said, working on the frustrating number of hooks and eyes. “Yes, Master.” The word rocked through him. Other submissives had referred to him by the honorific, but until now, it hadn’t sent a burst of possessiveness through him. He fumbled the next hook. “Who was the goddamn idiot who thought up this outfit?” She laughed. “I’ll ignore your rudeness. And in future, I’ll keep you naked.” His fingers were too big for the tiny metal clasps. In frustration, he skipped a few of them. Good enough. They needed to debrief, but when he looked at her, her deep brown eyes were clouded. She wasn’t quite back all the way. Araceli might consider herself tough, but she’d also just had a scene. No doubt endorphins were still swimming through her system. He grabbed his jacket from the bench, then draped the soft leather bomber over her shoulders. Only then did he feed his belt back through the loops on his jeans. Torin picked up the leash and considered attaching it. Because of her earlier reaction, he figured they should talk about it before he compelled her to wear it. He made it into a tighter loop and stuffed it in his back pocket. Then he scooped up his little submissive and her numerous layers of clothing. Frantically, she kicked her legs. “Sir!” “Settle down or I’ll toss you over my shoulder.” “You would, too!” “Of course.” He carried her from the room. As he started down the stairs, she turned into him and wrapped her arms around his neck. There were ways to get her to behave without an argument.

About Sierra Cartwright

USA Today Best-Selling Author, Winner of the 2015 Best BDSM Book of the year (Bind), 2015 Reader’s Choice Best Erotic Romance (Bind), 2015 Golden Flogger (Crave), 2014 LASR Book of the Year award (In The Den), 2013 Best BDSM Book of the Year award (Over The Line), Golden Flogger Award 2015 nominee for her books Command, Bind, and Brand, Sierra was born in Manchester, England where she spent her early years traipsing through castles. After living in Denver for a number of years, the internationally acclaimed author now resides in Galveston, Texas. She loves the way history blends with Southern manners (being called “sugar” is an experience unto itself). She invites you to join her on a sensual journey where the limits are explored and expanded.

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Some mistakes don’t deserve forgiveness. Lyse Sheppard planted the bomb that almost killed everyone close to her, including the man she loved. Now in hiding, she spends her days making amends the only way she knows how—using her genius computer skills to save women enslaved by the bastard who blackmailed her. And every night she punishes herself by watching the man she lost live his life without her. Fionn “Irish” McCullough can’t let go of the rage Lyse ignited the night she betrayed his team. Betrayed him. After months of searching, he’s no closer to finding his prey—until a mysterious message points him toward Ireland and a deadly threat against the only family he has left. Caught in the twisted web of his past, Fionn must choose between revenge and keeping his mother safe. But the one weapon he needs—and the one touch he craves—may be the woman he can never forgive.

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“Fionn, I never would’ve hurt you.” She blinked up at him, a suspicious sheen in her eyes. Everything about her was suspicious. “I wouldn’t hurt anyone, but especially not you.” He snorted. “Why? Because you’re kind and sweet and naive? None of us are buying that shit anymore.” Lyse squeezed her eyes shut. He could see the fight going on inside her, the need to defend herself. She could try all she wanted; it wouldn’t be doing her any good. Opening her eyes, she focused on his jumper, not meeting his gaze. “You know why. I couldn’t hurt you, Fionn. I...” Something mean sparked in his gut. “Why? Because of your little crush?” Her pale cheeks went pink, her gaze dropping to the floor. “You didn’t think your case of puppy love meant anything, did ya? Those big eyes staring up at me, full of hearts.” He leaned in, planting his hands on the seat on either side of her thighs, bringing their faces close. He wanted her to see him, wanted her feeling it when he delivered the blows. “All that pathetic hero worship almost got my team killed. Why? Because we trusted you. Because no little girl who was naive enough to believe she’d have a chance with me could be a threat, yeah?”

Writing has been my passion since childhood, but like many writers, life got in the way. After earning a BA in English Literature, I married and started a family. But the worlds and characters that swirled through my mind just wouldn’t go away, and at a particularly difficult time in my life, I picked up pen and paper (or laptop) and tried to release some of that difficulty onto the page. I’ve been writing ever since. Now I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, run an accountability blog to help writers reach their goals, and am pursuing publication with the same passion I feel for writing. Nothing pleases me more than sharing the stories of my heart with you, the reader, and I hope, in some small way, these stories will touch your heart too.

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HOOPS Holiday, a Christmas bundle featuring all-new, never-before-published content by Kennedy Ryan, is available now!

MacKenzie Decker was a question Avery never got to ask, much less answer.

They met when she was a young reporter fueled by ambition, and the ink on Deck's first NBA contract was barely dry. Years later, they've climbed so high and lost so much, but one thing hasn't changed. The attraction that simmered between them in a locker room before is still there. With success like theirs, everything has been possible . . .

except them.

But that was then.

The only question is...what about now?

Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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** Hoops Holiday consists of FULL-COURT PRESS, a HOOPS novella originally published in the TEAM PLAYER Anthology. It has been expanded with all-new, never before published content & epilogue.

It also includes Christmas-themed bonus material for LONG SHOT (Iris & August) and BLOCK SHOT (Banner & Jared).

*All HOOPS Stories are standalone, and can be enjoyed individually or in order.

Excerpt:

Soft and fresh like petals. I’m a jock. Not a dumb one, but a jock nonetheless. I don’t describe a woman’s lips as soft and fresh or compare a kiss to flowers. Besides the few years I was married to Tara, if it opened its legs and said yes or please, I fucked it. I always rushed it. A man’s got needs, but I got in and I got out. This woman, this kiss, I have to savor. I’d be a fool not to. It’s a first kiss. I understand the difference now between the first time you kiss someone, and a first kiss. This is a discovery of tongues and lips and heat. An introduction of our souls, if that doesn’t sound too pussy-ish. It’s how I feel, though. Like as our lips brush back and forth, as our tongues tangle, as I taste her, mouthful by delicious mouthful, I’m learning her secrets. I’m telling her mine. My hand slides from the door to flatten into the warmth of her back through the silk blouse, bringing her incrementally closer. The air shifts and takes the shape of lust; assumes the form of want. The sound of her moaning, the slight lift and fall of her breasts against my chest, testifies that she feels it, too. The elevator dings, and our bodies go still even as we keep exchanging breaths and heartbeats through our clothes; even though my mouth is still poised above hers. I have her against the door, and every curve of her body is impressing itself on me, making sure I’ll never forget how right we fit together. I look over my shoulder toward the elevator. The doors open, but no one gets off. That interruption was enough to bring her back to her senses, though. God knows I can’t find mine. “Um . . . you should go,” she whispers, a muscle rippling along the smooth line of her jaw. I bend to breathe over her mouth, so she can taste our kisses lingering on my lips. “Or you could invite me in.” Her scent and the warmth of her body take my senses hostage. I smell her and want to kiss her again so badly it stings my taste buds. Her eyes already regret the last few moments I thought were so perfect. I can’t calm my emotions or my body that quickly. “You don’t want to come in, Deck.” “I assure you I do.” A short laugh, deceptively light, breezes past her lips. She glances down to the floor and shakes her head. “I’d make the worst one-night stand ever,” she says. “One-night stand?” I take her chin in hand and lift, forcing her to look at me. “I’ve waited a long time for this path to be clear. No conflict of interest. No other people standing in our way. I don’t know exactly what I want, Avery, but it’s damn sure more than one night.”

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Listen to her audio-first story SWIPE for FREE on the Read Me Romance podcast!

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Coming March 2019!

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About Kennedy

A Top 30 Amazon Bestseller, Kennedy Ryan writes about women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts. She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always leveraged her journalism background to write for charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys writing to raise Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine and Frolic, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta Autism families, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.

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Hoops Holiday by Kennedy Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Y’all....y’all, this is so freaking good! Avery and Decker are fantastic characters. I immediately fell in love with them both and their story has humor and heartbreak.
Decker is the hot basketball player and Avery is a sports journalist. Their first meeting is absolutely hilarious and it had me routing for them all the way. I really wish this wasn’t a novella because I so want more of these two, it’s wonderful!

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Wrapped in Love by Lexi Ryan

Release Date: December 4th, 2018

Wrapped in Love, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Lexi Ryan.

The rumors are true. I’m a hot mess with an awful track record at love. Single mom. Down on her luck. Yeah, I’m bad news.

If the hardest part of moving back home to Jackson Harbor was going to be people talking, I’d be fine. I’ve kept my chin up through worse than their decade-old gossip.

I was wrong. The hardest part is resisting my boss. Brayden Jackson is the very picture of tall, dark, and handsome. And thanks to an ill-advised one-night stand we had seven months ago, I know exactly what I’m missing when I turn him down. Every. Single. Delicious. Inch.

But I have my son to care for and my job to keep, so I’ll keep on saying no.

Until my string of bad luck continues, and suddenly my precious four-year-old and I find ourselves with nowhere to live. At Christmas, no less. It’s for my son that I accept Brayden’s offer to stay at his place. One by one, my defenses are falling, as fast as I am. If Brayden was smart, he’d run, because it’s only a matter of time before he realizes he deserves better than what a girl like me can offer.

Unless, for once, my bad luck is leading me exactly where I need to be.

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Excerpt:

“Oh, and this box wasn’t labeled. Where do you want it?” Brayden pulls open the flaps of the box he set on the bed when he entered. “Looks like there are some washcloths in here. And . . .” He lifts a stack of washcloths and peers at the contents beneath. His eyes go wide. “Oh.” The moment my brain registers what he’s looking at, I lunge for him and smack a hand over his eyes. I intentionally put that box in my car, separate from the others. And I forgot. Brayden’s chest rumbles with laughter, and I want the floor to open up and swallow me whole. Brayden Jackson just saw my entire vibrator collection. He gently pulls my hand away, revealing eyes full of mischief. I squeak. “Don’t look in that box again.” His lips twitch. “But I really, really want to.” I point a finger at him. “Don’t you dare.” He presses his lips into a thin line, amusement dancing in his eyes. Then, as if he can’t help himself, he asks, “Are they all pink?” “Shut up!” My cheeks are on fire. His voice is the softest caress of a whisper when he says, “Molly, your cheeks are almost as pink as your vibrators.” I smack both hands against his chest. “You did not just say that word!” “Vibrators?” He grins. Not one of his smirks or half smiles, but a grin, and damn me and my stupid chemical attraction to this man, because it makes me want to slam the bedroom door closed and climb him like a tree. “If you don’t like the word, why do you have—” I throw my hand over his mouth. “Don’t say it. We agreed we’d keep our relationship professional—that’s what we both wanted. So don’t say it. Don’t even think about it.” Then, because I realize his lips are pressed to my palm and it reminds me too much of our night in New York when his lips were everywhere, I back away. The warm amusement in his eyes turns to heat. “First of all,” he says, his voice like silky steel, “those were your rules, not mine. I agreed for you, not because that’s what I want.” He drags his gaze over me, and my heart pounds so fast it feels like a hummingbird’s trying to escape my chest. “Second, even if I tried not to think about you using your little collection of pink toys, I’d fail miserably.” He dips his head, and I can feel his breath against my ear as he says, “I’m already thinking about it, and I will be for a long time yet.”

About Lexi:

Lexi Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of emotional romance that sizzles. A former academic and English professor, Lexi considers herself the luckiest girl around to make a living through storytelling. She loves spending time with her crazy kids, weightlifting, ice cream, swoony heroes, and vodka martinis.

Lexi lives in Indiana with her husband, two children, and a spoiled dog. You can find her at her website: www.lexiryan.com

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Wrapped in Love by Lexi Ryan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this! Brayden is a fantastic character who you are going to fall so in love with. He’s sweet, protective and has a huge heart. He has avoided relationships since his heart was broken years ago but now has his sights set on Molly.

Molly is broken. Her past hasn’t been pretty and now she’s determined to make a great life for her son. Who of course is adorable. One night with her boss has her wanting many more but she’s devoted everything to her son.

Great story, wonderful writing and characters that you will absolutely love. This is part of a series but you don’t have to read the others. You should thought, they are all wonderful!

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Havoc by Kindle Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG! My heart! Y’all I’m in love, yes and not with one man. Oh no, I’m totally in love with two beautiful, irresistible men. So different but so alike.

Key and Alec are wonderful characters who you are going to fall head over heels in love with. I’m loving their story and can not wait to get more. It’s original and absolutely fantastic. If you’re a fan of These fabulous ladies you’re definitely want to heck this out!

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"My beautiful Revenge." Four years ago, Faith’s mysterious benefactress falsely accused her of stealing and deposited her in Madame Chambon’s exclusive brothel. There, Faith was to learn how to entrance London’s noble gentlemen with her learning in philosophy, politics and art. Her body was to be saved for the greatest enticement of all: revenge. Faith doesn’t care what she has to do. She lives only to fulfil a bargain that will set her free. But when Faith is recruited as the muse of a talented, sensitive painter whose victory in a prestigious art competition turns them both into celebrities overnight, she discovers the reasons behind her mission are very different from what she'd been led to believe. Now she is complicit in something dark and dangerous while riches, adulation and freedom are hers for the taking. But what value are these if her heart has become a slave to the man she is required to destroy? Genre - historical romantic suspense Heat Level - Medium Keep Faith Buy Links: https://www.books2read.com/u/bP5pGY Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2Dg70UP Chapter One “What did you learn last night?” “A gentleman must always believe he knows best.” Confident that her answer was pleasing, Faith reached across the table to help herself to a macaroon but a sharp slap across the back of the hand stopped her progress by the silver teapot. Her smile of feigned contrition was rewarded with a raised eyebrow from Madame Chambon. Not an invitation to partake of a macaroon, unfortunately. The table laden with eclairs and petit fours in Madame’s private sitting room was merely for show. “Greedy girl, Faith! You can eat at the Dorchester tomorrow and I daresay you won’t even spare a thought for the other girls who are justified in being somewhat jealous of your cossetted life.” Madame sniffed as she patted one of the grizzled, orange curls of her elaborate coiffure. Faith suspected a squirrel’s pelt had made its contribution. “I’m sure they wonder every day why you never have to stir yourself – or anyone else, for that matter – to get your fine clothes or a roof over your head.” Madame Chambon piled three macaroons onto her already laden plate before making a sweeping gesture that encompassed the furnishings of her surprisingly decorous private sitting room with its gold tasseled green velvet curtains and flock wallpaper. “What have you told them, Faith? About why you are here, I mean?” Faith’s stomach rumbled as she gazed from the prints of the famous artists that lined the walls to the fine fare in front of her, ordered from Fortnum and Mason. These monthly sessions in table manners were supposed to give Faith the practice she needed to deport herself like a lady when eating in public. However, under Madame’s guardianship, Faith never actually got to try the specialties. “Answer me, Faith. In all the three years that you’ve been here, you’ve had to do precisely nothing to justify your existence. Surely the girls have questioned you? I have my own version of the truth for them, as you know, but I’d be interested to hear what you have to say.” Faith didn’t answer. She already knew how lucky she was, but Madame was not ready to drop the subject, despite having just crammed an entire chocolate éclair into her mouth. Faith just managed to make out the muffled words, “Every night you lie peacefully in your bed while the other girls have to earn their livings.” Lying peacefully in her bed was not how Faith would describe the restfulness of her slumber. She was kept awake every night by the grunts and cries of ecstasy that penetrated the thin walls of her attic chamber. Still, she’d finally learned when it was wise to respond meekly, so she bowed her head and stared at her neat kid gloves while dreaming of the delicacies Mrs. Gedge would order for them when Faith really was dining with her at the Dorchester Hotel the following afternoon. The Sacher Torte Mrs. Gedge had ummed and aahed over before finally choosing the baked Alaska from the sweets trolley last month still haunted her. However, since part of Faith’s tutoring included how to win over reluctant gentleman ‘and make them wild with wanting’ which is how Madame phrased it, then surely Faith could persuade her American benefactress to order the Austrian chocolate specialty? She was so busy rehearsing her words for tomorrow that she almost missed Madame’s prophetic and appalling statement. “Well, Faith, the time has come for you to start earning your way, now.” Faith brought her head up in shock. Was Madame teasing? When it appeared not, she gripped the table edge as she struggled for composure. For so long she’d known the reckoning would come. Yes, and with three years preparing for it, she’d believed she could meet it head-on with the necessary fortitude. But there’d been no warning. She began to shake, biting into her bottom lip and clasping her hands in her lap to try and keep secret the manifestations of her terror from Madame who’d only be spurred onto gloating and make her suffer even more. “Mrs. Gedge reported last month that she wasn’t entirely happy you were ready for what she has in store for you when she took you to tea, Faith.” Madame chewed noisily, unperturbed, it seemed, by the crumbs that landed on her gaudy vermillion skirts. Faith didn’t suggest that Mrs. Gedge’s dissatisfaction was perhaps the fault of Faith’s tutor – the one sitting in front of her - who knew nothing about deporting herself as a lady. With a dainty gesture using only her forefingers, Madame Chambon raised her plate and licked at the crumbs that had not been dislodged before saying, “Fortunately, Lady Vernon is recovered at last from her long indisposition and has agreed to forget your rudeness to her from six months ago. In fact, she’ll be here shortly. Yes, she’ll soon have you passing the scrutiny of the most discerning duchess.” Madame gobbled down another macaroon with as much finesse as the dogs Faith’s father used to goad into fighting each other after they’d fought over the scraps from the scrubbed wooden table at the farm. Not that there’d been many scraps with ten children to feed. “Should we not have waited for Lady Vernon?” Faith suggested, daringly. But she had to say something to stop herself from launching into a volley of querulous questions about exactly what form this ‘having to earn her own way’ might take. Madame Chambon pushed aside an untouched plate of bread and butter to reach for another chocolate éclair and sighed. “There was just so much food on the table it seemed unnecessary to wait if her ladyship was going to be late. Ah! And here she is.” Madame’s orange painted mouth turned up at a knock on the door. “Shoulders back, Faith! And make sure you don’t talk with your mouth full.” Since this was not a danger, Faith supposed there might be some compensation in having to face her former nemesis who surely must subscribe to the belief that learning table manners required one having to eat. Madame threw her arms wide in a welcome as the door opened to admit the new arrival. “Good evening, Lady Vernon. We’re so glad you’ve recovered from your chest ailment,” she gushed. “A good rest has done you the world of good. Why, you look ten years younger. Just as you do every time I see you, in fact. And we’re indeed humbled that you’ve consented to return.” Madame simpered at the elderly woman, dressed all in black who looked, Faith thought, even more wraith-like than usual as she pinned up the veil of her bonnet and took the seat at the table proffered by Madame who went on, “I’m sure you’ll feel even better once you’ve heard Faith’s heartfelt apology.” Faith blushed under the scrutiny of the two pairs of expectant, unforgiving eyes, and glanced longingly at the remaining macaroon. Yes, there were times when it was worth being abject. She mightn’t mean what she said, but if the last three years under Madame Chambon’s roof had taught her one thing, it was how to sound heartfelt and sincere when she felt anything but. “I’m sorry for my rude comments about…” Faith hesitated. Perhaps it was best not to stir up old memories. While it must be perfectly obvious to anyone who met Lady Vernon as to why an earl’s daughter could remain a spinster into her sixtieth year, it hadn’t been in anyone’s interest – Faith’s least of all, it turned out – for Faith to have gone into quite such specific and extensive detail regarding her thoughts on the likely reasons. “I behaved like a child, though it’s such a long time ago, now, I can barely remember what was going through my head at the time. I was only seventeen and, in those days, prone to losing my temper but now I’m eighteen and, thanks to all your efforts in teaching me how to act like a lady, Lady Vernon, I’m so far from the rude and impulsive young thing I was before, you’d not recognize me today. Thanks to your thorough tutelage, I am determined that I will never speak out of turn, to you, or anyone. Indeed, I have changed! I truly believe that, confronted by a table of delicacies like this, for example, I would certainly not embarrass you or Mrs. Gedge or any lovely young man or his mother who might take me out to tea by any show of greediness or lack of restraint.” Lady Vernon’s eyes remained fixed firmly on Faith for the duration of this speech with no indication of how forgiving or otherwise she might prove to be. After a long silence, she spoke. “Restraint?” She sniffed. “Restraint is the most important requirement of any young lady, Faith. I’ve told you this many times, so I’m glad it’s a lesson you claim to have finally learned.” With her eyes fixed on Faith, she reached towards the remaining macaroon that sat lonely on its plate just in front of them both, her long-fingered hand hovering just above. “Please pass that to me, Faith. I can’t seem to reach it.” Wordlessly, Faith complied, schooling her features into impassivity while she railed inside, I hate you! I hate you! as she watched Lady Vernon transport the coconut confection to her thin, bloodless lips. “Delicious,” Lady Vernon murmured. “In fact, I believe it is the best macaroon I have ever tasted? You must surely agree, Faith, since the plate is now empty.” She looked pointedly at the two remaining crumbs that clung to the edge of the fine china, as if to imply that Faith had eaten the rest. Then she indicated the plate of bread and butter near Madame Chambon. “Please eat, Faith. Madame Chambon and I have a leisurely afternoon at our disposal. She and I will partake of the remaining chocolate eclairs --” Her pointed chin wobbled slightly, whether from the suppression of mirth or the swallowing of bile, Faith could only guess, “while you make good work of the bread and butter with all the ladylike restraint you’re so anxious to prove.” Other Books in the Series: Saving Grace Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2z7rVGx Forsaking Hope Amazon Buy Link: https://amzn.to/2DlzV9M Beverley Oakley’s Bio: Debutantes, widows and the occasional courtesan test society’s boundaries in Beverley Oakley’s wicked, passionate historical romances dripping with scandal, intrigue, and suspense. Her Fair Cyprians of London series is about a group of determined and clever courtesans at a high-class Soho brothel who use their wit and beauty to avenge past betrayals - and who find lasting love along the way. How can there be a happily ever after? is a question many a reviewer has asked before admitting to being delighted and satisfied by the unexpected plot twists and surprise endings – just like in Beverley’s own life. You can read more on her website. Beverley's Social Links: Website: http://www.beverleyoakley.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBeverleyOakley/ Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/beverleyeikli/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeverleyOakley Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/5989577.Beverley_Oakley a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Heartfelt, beautiful and sexy!"

- Lauren Blakely, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Only Love, an all-new sexy standalone romance from USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow is available now!

A gorgeous former Marine with a tortured soul.

The beautiful, compassionate therapist living next door.

A meddlesome grandma determined to get them together.

I was expecting a proposal on my birthday, and I got dumped instead.

How could I have been so clueless?

Grams knew exactly how to distract me.

The “cute boy next door” who’s been helping her with yard work clearly needs a little therapy. Who better to call than her newly single therapist granddaughter?

She even fakes dementia to get me to visit, and now that I’m here she’s doing everything in her power to throw us together.

Not that I’m complaining. Ryan is the sexiest man I’ve ever met--I mean the full package, from the chiseled jaw to the massive shoulders to the rippling abs. (And yes, his package is full, and he knows exactly how to deliver it.) He makes me want to get out of my head and follow my heart. He makes me want to take chances I never thought I’d take.

He also makes me want to take my clothes off. A lot.

But he’s moody and challenging--one minute he’s an open book, and the next he’s completely closed off. He holds me like he’ll never let go, but insists he wants to be alone.

Some wounds are so deep, only love can heal them.

How can I convince him to let me try?

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Excerpt: “Ryan?” Startled, I turned around to find Stella standing a few feet away on the grass, wearing a T-shirt and pajama pants, arms crossed over her chest. Her feet were bare, and her hair was loose around her shoulders and a little messy, like she’d already been asleep. Thinking about her in bed did things to my insides. “Hey. Did I wake you?” “I was awake. My windows are open, and I heard something and thought I saw you through the window. What are you doing?” “Uh, building you a swing. But it was supposed to be a surprise.” Now that she’d caught me at it, I was kind of embarrassed. What if she thought this was stupid? “You built me a swing?” She came a little closer, and I realized she might not be able to see it in the dark. The moon was only a sliver tonight. “Yeah.” I grabbed one of the ropes. “Right here.” She stared at it. “Why?” “I’m not entirely sure.” Her eyes met mine, and my heart pumped harder. “Want to try it?” I asked. “Like right now?” I moved behind it and held both ropes steady. “Come sit.” She hesitated, and I thought maybe she was going to tell me to quit being weird and go home before she called the cops, but after a few silent seconds, she came toward me. Turned around. Lowered herself to the seat and closed her fingers around the ropes. “Well?” I asked. “How does it feel? Like you’re a kid again?” “This was very kind of you, but not necessary.” Her tone was stiffer than her posture. “Stella.” She didn’t answer. “I’m sorry.” “About what?” “Last night.” “You’re sorry about what we did?” “I think I’m more sorry about what we didn’t do.” Her head turned sharply, and she looked at me over one shoulder. “You sure know how to confuse a girl.” “One of my many talents.” She looked straight ahead again. “Tell me about some other ones. And give me a push.” I smiled, even though she couldn’t see it, and gave her a little nudge. “I’m fast.” “Oh really?” “Yeah.” I gave her a little harder push. “Track team in high school?” “Tried. Didn’t take.” “Why not?” “They expected me to show up for practice.” “Ah.” She straightened her legs and leaned back in the swing, her hair dangling behind her. “Tell me another one.” I gave her another push. “I’m good with my hands.” Her laugh floated back to me. “I have observed this about you already. Give me another one.” I pushed her again, just so I could feel her hair brush against my hands. “I’m not afraid of anything.” “No? Nothing?” “Nothing I can think of.” “Hmm.” “Are you analyzing me now?” “Kind of. I mean, you can’t say something like that to a therapist and expect her not to reflect on it a little bit, right?” “And?” “And what?” “Do you think I’m a liar or a fool?” “Neither,” she answered. “I think you mean what you say. I think you only lie when you have to, and even then, you hate it. And if I dug a little deeper—which I won’t, because my sisters have told me it’s annoying and intrusive—I think I might discover that it’s because above all, you value your honor. Your word.” For a moment, I was too stunned to think or move or speak. Then I said, “I take it back.” “Take what back?” “What I said. That I’m not afraid of anything.” “Oh? And what are you afraid of?” She swung back toward me and I caught her around the waist. Put my lips to her ear. “Your ability to read my mind.” Beneath my arms I could feel her chest expand and contract faster. “I’m sorry, Ryan. I know I shouldn’t say those—” “Come home with me,” I said, my voice raw with something like thirst. I pressed my lips to her throat and breathed in her scent. I let one hand move toward her breast. I waited for an elbow to the ribcage, a cry for help, a slap across the face. Because if she could read my mind right now, she’d know exactly what I wanted to do to her—and it was a long, detailed list. “Yes,” she whispered. “Yes.”

About Melanie Harlow

Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she's not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like VEEP, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, and Homeland. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak. Melanie is the author of the AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, the FRENCHED series, and the sexy historical SPEAK EASY duet, set in the 1920s. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

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Only Love by Melanie Harlow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart! My heart! I have a total soft spot for the men and women who protect our country. When I sit down with a book that has a tortured serviceman my heart cries for them. Well this is one of those reads for me. Ryan is a former marine who has come back not being able to find his way. He’s damaged and alone.

Stella is a therapist who’s been unlucky in love. Always playing it safe never going for what she wants. But when her spitfire of a grandmother gets involved all bets are off.

I loved these characters and Stella’s grandmother had me laughing at her antics. This is a sweet, sexy and heartfelt read that I couldn’t put down. This author always finds a way to make me love her books and this one is no different. You gotta read it.

View all my reviews

“Deliciously shocking.” ―Laurelin Paige, New York Times Bestselling Author

Sacred Sins, the stunning conclusion to the Sins Duet by New York Times bestselling author CD Reiss, is available NOW!

You know what they say about family.

Blood is thicker than water.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

A house divided cannot stand.

Margie is the keeper of her family’s secrets.

Six sisters and one brother.

Billions in assets.

Generations of malfeasance.

And one heartbreaking secret kept by three people.

Margie.

Her father, Declan.

And Drew—the man she loves.

You know what they say about secrets.

Three can keep them if two are Drazens.

There's never been a Drazen who went down without a fight. And there's never been one who didn't fight for love.

Download your copy today!

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Start the duet today with Secret Sins

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Excerpt:

“Drew?” I said into the darkness. “Indiana Andrew McCaffrey, stop fucking with me. I’m in no mood.” My eyes adjusted. I stepped farther in, letting my hand drift over the counter edge. They’d changed it to cheap flipper granite. The cabinets were presswood veneer. But still, I touched them as if they were original Douglas fir and my name was Cin. “Margaret.” His voice didn’t surprise me. I didn’t jump ten feet or stiffen with shock when I saw his silhouette against the doorframe. Hearing him was a relief. The binds keeping my shit together weren’t unknotted completely, but they loosened. I hadn’t felt tense in a long time because I was so used to being in a state of taut readiness. “Indy.” His stage name came from my lips without a thought. “I’m glad you came.” Sixteen years, and he was glad I came. Fuck him.

About CD Reiss

CD Reiss is a New York Times bestseller. She still has to chop wood and carry water, which was buried in the fine print. Her lawyer is working it out with God but in the meantime, if you call and she doesn't pick up she's at the well hauling buckets. Born in New York City, she moved to Hollywood, California to get her master's degree in screenwriting from USC. In case you want to know, that went nowhere but it did give her a big enough ego to write novels. She's frequently referred to as the Shakespeare of Smut which is flattering but hasn't ever gotten her out of chopping that cord of wood. If you meet her in person, you should call her Christine.

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