Title: Coal
Series: Regulators MC #3
Author: Chelsea Camaron and Jessie Lane
Genre: MC Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Cover Model is Jacob Wilson
Cover Photographer is Furious Fotog
Cover Design by Mina Carter
She is the everyday girl next-door.
He is shadowed by regret laced in broken memories.
Dark sins of the past have a way of taking hold of your heart and never letting go.
Paisley Asher is the average woman trying to get by in life. Happy and safe in her bubble of ease, she is not prepared to take on the black pit that is one man’s heart.
Trevor ‘Coal’ Blake has a past covered in black. Tainted. He is a dark soul.
In the moment, it is easy to lose sight of what is going on. Looking back, however, little cues were misread … or were they? He lives with more questions than answers.
“I loved everything about Coal's story! The drama, the violence, the sexy times!” - MJ’s Book Blog and Reviews “Coal is worth more than five stars! I can’t wait to see what’s next in the Regulators MC series!” - Reader Review
USA Today Bestselling author Chelsea Camaron is a small town Carolina girl with a big imagination. She is a wife and mom chasing her dreams. She writes contemporary romance, erotic suspense, and psychological thrillers. She loves to write blue-collar men who have real problems with a fictional twist. From mechanics to bikers to oil riggers to smokejumpers, bar owners, and beyond, she loves a strong hero who works hard and plays harder.
Jessie Lane is a best-selling author of Paranormal and Contemporary Romance, as well as, Upper YA Paranormal Romance/Fantasy.
She lives in Kentucky with her two little Rock Chicks in-the-making and her over protective alpha husband that she’s pretty sure is a latent grizzly bear shifter. She has a passionate love for reading and writing naughty romance, cliff hanging suspense, and out-of-this-world characters that demand your attention, or threaten to slap you around until you do pay attention to them.
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Pucked Off, an all-new emotional and sexy STANDALONE from Helena Hunting is LIVE!!Pucked Off by Helena HuntingGenre: Contemporary Romance***A Standalone novel in The Pucked Series*** I’m NHL defenseman Lance Romero, AKA Lance “Romance." I’m notorious for parties and excess. I have the most penalty minutes in the league. I get into the most fights. I take the most hits. I’m a player on and off the ice. I’m the one women with no inhibitions want. Not because I like the notoriety, but because I don’t know how to be any other way. I have secrets. Ones I shared with the wrong person, and she used them against me. Sometimes she still does. I should cut ties. But she makes it difficult, because she’s the kind of bad I deserve. At least that’s what I believed until someone from my past gets caught up in my present. She’s all the good things in this world. She lights up my dark. I shouldn’t want her. But I do. I should leave her alone. But I won’t. Excerpt:Armed with my clipboard, I walk down the hall to the waiting room. Lance is impossible to miss. Despite the fact that he’s wearing a sweatshirt and the hood is covering half of his face, he’s more than six feet of broad, hockey-playing man. He’s so wide his shoulders encroach on the chairs on either side, which would explain why no one is sitting next to him. He’s slouched down so his head rests on the back of the chair, and his hands are clasped in his lap, a baseball cap hanging off one knee. His lips, plush and soft—I know since I’ve had them on mine; it might have been a decade ago, but I remember it clearly—are parted. He looks like he’s asleep. I clear my throat. “Lance Romero?” He doesn’t move. Bernadette, the receptionist, gives me a meaningful look. I clear my throat again and call his name a second time. He jolts awake and the hood falls back, exposing his face. It’s not in good shape. He has a black eye and bruises on his left cheek. There’s a fly bandage across one eyebrow. Sadly, he’s still hot. He blinks a few times, yawns, and smacks his lips, his tongue touching the split in the bottom one. His gaze sweeps the room and finally lands on me. Heat explodes in my cheeks and courses through my limbs, warming me from the inside out as he starts at my sneaker-clad feet and roams up over my yoga pants to my company-issued T-shirt before stopping at my face. I can’t look directly at him for more than a couple of seconds. I sincerely hope he doesn’t remember me. I cannot go there and also be professional. I’m sure the smile he gives me has melted many a panty off a slutty bunny. Mine stay right where they’re supposed to, wedged up my ass. I force a polite, professional veneer. “I’m ready for you now.”Read Today!Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2iWXrAJ Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/zs5ltao Amazon CA: http://tinyurl.com/znznqfc Amazon AU: http://tinyurl.com/hboua56 iBooks: http://tinyurl.com/jpcq5fy Nook: http://tinyurl.com/jrpnnuk Kobo: http://tinyurl.com/jx62v3a Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2i91aXl Enter the Giveaway for a Complete Signed Set of the Pucked Series!About the Author:NYT and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.Connect with Helena:Instagram: http://instagram.com/helenahunting Twitter: https://twitter.com/HelenaHunting Facebook: http://on.fb.me/Zt1xm5 Facebook Fan group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385795934890523/ Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/ Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: Distracting the Dukeby Elizabeth Keysian Publication Date: February 20, 2017 Genres: Adult, Entangled: Select, Historical RomanceBUY:
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SYNOPSIS:
Devonshire, England, 1820 Determined to avoid the strife-filled marriage of his parents, Marcus, the Duke of Ulvercombe, wants an amenable, biddable wife, and has set his cap for a certain pretty miss. Unfortunately, her vastly opinionated, frustrating, and lamentably beautiful guardian, Lady Clara Tinniswood, keeps distracting him, tempting him to consider a far more tempestuous—and passionate—union. Recently widowed Lady Clara Tinniswood wants only to organize a quiet new life for herself, beyond the control of any man. But one shockingly unguarded moment while confronted by Marcus’s gloriously naked body catapults her headlong into a forbidden passion and threatens to undermine all her well-laid plans. Even if Marcus abandons his sweet ideal and surrenders to his growing desire for Clara, there’s one unalterable issue which could destroy their hopes forever…
ABOUT ELIZABETH KEYSIANElizabeth Keysian felt destined to write historical romance due to her Cornish descent, and an ancestral connection to the Norse god Odin. Being an only child gave her plenty of time to read, create imaginary worlds, produce her own comics, and write sketches and a deplorably bad musical for an amateur dramatics group. Three decades spent working in museums and archaeology fired Elizabeth’s urge to write, as did living on a Knights Templar estate, with a garage full of skeletons, a resident ghost and a moat teeming with newts. Elizabeth lives near Bath in England with her partner and cats. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Newsletter | Amazon Author ProfileENTER THE GIVEAWAYa Rafflecopter giveaway
The only thing more dangerous than a dark secret is a damaged heart…
Shane Brandon has been pushed to the brink, torn between his corrupt family and his explosive, all-consuming desire for Emily Stevens, who he now knows is not who, and what, she seems. Has he trusted the wrong person? Will she, not his brother Derek, be the ultimate destruction of his family Empire. Emily tries to run from Shane, but he will stop her, confront her, force her to reveal all – one hot touch and kiss, at a time, under every intimate detail of who this woman is, and what she wants, is exposed. But as he tears away the dangers of the unknowns with the woman in his bed, and in his heart, The Martina Cartel, has set their sights on his company, his family, and the one piece of leverage they believe he won’t gamble with: Emily.
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OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES Hard Rules (book one) – available now http://bit.ly/HardRulesAmazon http://bit.ly/HardRulesAmazonCA http://bit.ly/HardRulesAmazonUK http://bit.ly/HardRulesAudible http://bit.ly/HardRulesBN http://bit.ly/HardRulesiBooks http://bit.ly/HardRulesKobo http://bit.ly/HardRulesPaperback Bad Deeds (book three) - 8/8/17 http://bit.ly/BadDeedsAmazon http://bit.ly/BadDeedsAmazonCA http://bit.ly/BadDeedsAmazonUK http://bit.ly/BadDeedsBN http://bit.ly/BadDeedsiBooks http://bit.ly/BadDeedsKobo http://bit.ly/BadDeedsPaperback
Damage Control by Lisa Renee Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Love, secrets and suspense Finally, we are starting to get some answers. Damage Control is the second book in the series so make sure you read Hard Rules first or you will be completely lost. Secrets are revealed and love is in the air. All through the first book we are wondering about Emily. Well in Damage Control we get answers. Things start to make sense and of I course I just got more excited about the series. Shane opens up some and things with the Brandon's are coming to an head. There is so much going on. Betrayal and even Murder. This series is exciting and it will keep you on your toes. I'm loving it and can't wait to get the next installment. This is better than any soap opera. I'm on the edge of my seat hanging on. View all my reviews
GIVEAWAY PRIZE: 2 $25 Amazon gift cards, 3 signed copies of Hard Rules and 3 Dirty Money tote bags EMBED CODE: a Rafflecopter giveaway
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with. In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa is presently working on a dark, edgy new series, Dirty Money, for St. Martin's Press. Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily. SOCIAL LINKS: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones Twitter - https://twitter.com/LisaReneeJones Instagram - http://instagram.com/lisareneejones Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones Text List and Newsletter: http://bit.ly/LRJTextList
Series: Sequel to The Gift and Sam’s Temptation (can be read as a standalone)
Author: V.S. Morgan
Genre: m/m, Interracial, Contemporary, Western
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Cover Designer: Tibbs Design
Available Now
“I would definitely read more from this author and recommend it to anyone who likes M/M with kids. Super sweet, lovable D will win your heart as much as the lead men will.” - HappilyEverChapter“Jared's Family is a really cute sweet book. I loved the characters, even the supporting characters brought light to the book.” - Goodreads Review“I liked this book, like really liked it. It is a sweet sweet m/m romance novel with a wonderful HEA.Thank you V.S. Morgan!! 5 Stars because: " Love conquers all.” - Goodreads Review
After witnessing his mother’s death, a once outgoing preschooler is now a quiet shadow of himself. The little boy suffers nightmares and rarely speaks, choosing to use the basic sign language he learned in daycare. Desperate to help his little nephew, Virge Stevens takes a leave of absence from the LAPD to bring Donovan, known as D to Montana for the therapy he needs.
A chance meeting at the library changes Virge and his nephew’s lives forever. Jared Malone is one of five brothers, right smack damn in the middle. He is the peacemaker and the one who gets shit done. When his younger brother gets sick, Jared fills in reading to small children at the library. There he encounters a tall, dark, and handsome stranger and his cute little boy. Jared is immediately drawn to Virge but is still dealing with the betrayal of an abusive ex. As the Malone family welcomes them to the ranch and into their lives, Virge’s instant attraction for Jared grows, but the cowboy is fifteen years younger than him. Will he be rejected? Both men have secrets. Secrets that could destroy the connection between them. Can they overcome the odds and find happiness together?
Another blond cowboy stood in the middle, working with a horse. He had a long rope around its neck, guiding it around the ring at a quick clip. The shirtless cowboy spoke in a firm yet quiet tone. Virge nearly choked on his tongue, eyeing the golden skin and muscles on display. This was their cowboy.
The man whistled, and the horse stopped. He rubbed its shoulder, his back to them, as they reached the ring’s split-rail fence.
“Daddy!” D shrieked, and the horse whinnied and shied, bumping into the man as it swung around.
“Whoa, easy, Spike,” the cowboy soothed.
Virge struggled to prevent his nephew from launching out of his arms while the cowboy calmed the large, skittish animal. He’d never been near a horse and was struck by its size and power, which the other man skillfully controlled. As the cowboy turned, Virge saw a tattoo on his chest. A redwing blackbird with a rainbow-hued ribbon dangling from its beak. His heart beat a little faster seeing the colorful ink. Could he be gay? The cowboy handed the rope to a dark-haired man before pulling on a T-shirt that stretched tight over those muscles. He suppressed a disappointed sigh.
Nate chuckled. “You’ve got some explaining to do, bro.”
“Hi, I’m Jared. I remember you from the library.” He approached with a rolling gait Virge found extremely sexy and offered his hand after wiping it against his denim-clad thigh. Damn, he was built all over and tall, just an inch or two shorter than his own height.
Virge shook his hand, hyperaware of the firm grasp of warm, work-hardened skin. “I’m Virge, and this is Donovan. He goes by D.”
“Glad you could make it out—”
“Why did he call Jared daddy?” Nate interrupted.
“He calls all men daddy and women mommy. If he especially likes someone, he adds their first names. D doesn’t talk much, so he must like Jared.” What about this cowboy had inspired his nephew to talk?
V.S. Morgan has lived all over the US but calls Minnesota her home now. Her family includes her hubby, teen son, and a menagerie of pets.
She's been writing stories since she could hold a pencil and dreams of happily-ever-afters - even for two hot men - because love knows no boundaries. V.S. writes IRMC contemporary, paranormal, and suspense m/m and m/f with heart.
V.S. is a GLBT ally and a lifetime contributor of The Trevor Project.
Jared's Family by V.S. Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Great characters! Jared's Family is a really cute sweet book. I loved the characters, even the supporting characters brought light to the book. After Virge's sister dies he is left to raise his three year nephew. The terror of losing his mom, Jared takes the little boy to Montana to work with a professional to get him help. When the two run into a cowboy at the library suddenly has the boy smiling, Virgil hopes that the little boy is finally healing. Jared has his heart broken and is learning to start again. When he sees the gorgeous dark man with an adorable little boy. As he starts to get closer to them his heart starts to open again. This is a really cute book. I really liked Jared and Virgils story. This was the first book I'd read by this author and it was great. I will definitely be checking into more of her books. Mallory I spent years running from my past. Then, when my past comes knocking in the form of dark, delicious sin, I find myself caught up in a man I shouldn’t. My son's uncle. A dangerous biker. Not to mention, an overbearing Alpha male. Hunter is everything I need to escape from, yet I find myself wanting to stay. I know I shouldn't let myself or my son care for him, but I can't help wondering if maybe he's the one who can finally save me from my past. Hunter The plan was simple. Find my nephew, bring him home, and raise him in the Black Angels like my brother would have wanted. But things never go as planned, like my nephew’s mother. My brother’s one-night stand. Mallory is spicy and sweet; one second she is mouthing off to me, and the next, she is moaning my name. The longer I’m with her, the harder she is to ignore. But she is hiding something while desperate to escape me, though I have her in my grasp. I will find out what she is hiding, and when I do, she will have nowhere left to run. Amazon US I Amazon UK l B&N l iTunes l Kobo Writing books had been a big part of my life for many years; whether it was writing in secret notebooks during class, writing amateur novels or posting stories online, I surrounded myself with it. Of course, it has its up and downs, but I've never once thought that writing wasn't for me. Because of that, I can share the worlds I discover in my head with the outside world, and although that might sound crazy to some, it's fine by me. So long as I can do what I love, I'm happy. And every person who's happy as a result of my writing is a bonus for which, I'm forever grateful for.
Author: Gen Ryan
Title: Losing You (Trade Me Collection)
Genre: Gay Romance
Release Date: January 28, 2017
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Artist: Soxsational Cover Art
After a tragic accident, aspiring pro-surfer Brad Morris, leaves his hometown of California to try to forget his pain. Unable to swim or surf since his loss, he focuses on a new career as a car mechanic and restorer. After years of struggling, Brad finally agrees to get help and attempts to gain back the parts of himself he lost that day in the ocean. Colton James gave his all to his partner, Ben, but his all wasn’t enough. Dumped after buying Ben’s dream home, he buries himself further in his career as a police officer. But when he meets Brad, all bets are off, and Colton begins to question what’s more important: a job, or the one you love? Clouded by their pasts, will both men be able to see beyond those they lost in order to have a future together?
Hot Tree Publishing Exclusive M/M Romance Collection
Losing You by Gen Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Wonderful emotional read! After a tragic accident Brad heads off across the country to start over. Battling his demons and trying to move on he finally accepts help and starts to slowly heal. Being so invested in his job caused A long term relationship end for Colton. Up for a big promotion he decides to put all his energy in making the promotion happen. That is until he picks his niece up from swim class and is face to face with a hot guy in board shorts. We all wanted Brad to get his happy ever after and the author did not disappoint. These two are wonderful characters and the story although heart breaking was very well written. I totally adored this it.
You can find Genevieve curled up reading paranormal romance and romantic thrillers, or frantically typing her stories on her laptop.
Psychology is her trade by day, teaching and molding the minds of college students. Her interest in psychology can be seen in her books, each including many psychological undertones. Although she loves teaching, her passion, her true love, lays in the stories that roam around her in head. Yes, they all come from her mind-the good, the bad, and the totally insane.
She lives in Massachusetts-no not Boston-with her husband, daughter, and American Eskimo dog. With each story she shares, she hopes her love for writing and storytelling seeps through, encompassing the reader and leaving them wanting more.
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BLOG TOUR & GIVEAWAY
KEEPING HER WET
USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR M. ROBINSON
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 7TH
COVER MODEL: JOSEPH CANNATA
COVER DESIGNER: THE FINAL WRAP
A Novella from USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR M. ROBINSON just in time to spice up your Valentines Day!
Ten couples.
Twenty characters.
Ten chapters.
A collection of ten hot scenes from all ten of M. Robinsonâs standalone books. Each couple will have a chapter dedicated to them. New and never read before.
Sebastian and Ysabelle- The VIP Trilogy
Mika and The Madam- The VIP Trilogy
Devon and Brooke- Tempting Bad
James and Gianna- Two Sides Gianna
Lucas and Alex- Complicate Me (The Good Olâ Boys)
Jacob and Lily- Forbid Me (The Good Olâ Boys)
Dylan and Aubrey- Undo Me (The Good Olâ Boys)
Austin and Briggs- Crave Me (The Good Olâ Boys)
Martinez and Lexi- El Diablo
Creed and Mia- Road to Nowhere & Ends Here
*Note: You do not have to read the books above to read Keeping Her Wet!
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YSABELLE & SEBASTIAN-VIP/MVP
My tongue was in her mouth, shutting her the hell up before she got the last word out. Making her savor the taste of herself all over my lips and tongue. I grabbed onto the back of her neck, pulling her closer to me. Placing her exactly where I wanted her.
Completely underneath me.
She licked and sucked on my tongue, panting, moaning, and scratching at me to keep going.
I didnât.
Instead, I abruptly grabbed a fistful of her hair, causing her to yelp from the sudden intrusion on her scalp. âLetâs go,â I demanded in a much harsher tone, not wanting to have my way with her just yet.
I had other plans that involved her being in a string bikini, completely at my mercy.
ALL FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
USA Today Bestselling Author of The Good Ol' Boys Standalone Series, The VIP Trilogy, Tempting Bad, and Two Sides.
M. Robinson loves to read. She favors anything that has angst, romance, triangles, cheating, love, and of course sex! She has been reading since the Babysitters Club and R.L. Stein.
She was born in New Jersey but was raised in Tampa FL.
She is married to an amazing man who she loves to pieces. They have two German Shepherd mixes, a Wheaten Terrier and a Tabby cat.
CONNECT WITH M. ROBINSON
$25 AMAZON GIFT CARD / $15 ITUNES GIFT CARD / SIGNED KEEPING HER WET PAPERBACK
Keeping Her Wet by M. Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars Hot, Hot, Hot! Great fast hot read. M has given us an new chapter from each of her books full of hotness. And it's wonderful! I think my favorite thing is just catching up with my favorite characters. Some of these are some of my all time favorites. I'm invested in them. I feel as though I know them, that we are friends and reading something new from them made my night. And yes, it's hot. Not just hot it's off the charts. So sit back, relax and enjoy. View all my reviews
SINGE is the first book in an ALL NEW smokin-hot standalone series by Aly Martinez NOW AVAILABLE!
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2kfNgXh Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2kfyRdL Nook: http://bit.ly/2kQyB5S Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kC4kru
Blurb
She was my nightmare. Every time I closed my eyes, I watched her fall into that inferno. Over and over, I failed to save her. I hadn’t been able to reach her, and the guilt only burned hotter over time. Four years later, I was the unreachable one. Heroes aren’t always saints. Sometimes, we’re nothing more than jaded sinners driven by sleepless nights and hearts full of darkness. And then I met her. She was a dreamer who managed to soothe my scars and heal my wounds. But, as the flames closed in around us, I feared I wasn’t the right man to save her. That is until I realized she was the one woman I’d burn the world down to protect.
Singe by Aly Martinez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars On fire! A great start to another wonderful series by Aly Martinez. Singe has everything you want in a book. It's raw, heartbreaking, funny, sexy with a little danger thrown in there. And the characters, ah.... this series is jammed packed full of great personalities. This is Rhion and Jude's book. Jude and Rhion meet under the worst circumstances. A horrible accident brings them together, they both are damaged with huge scars they carry around for years. Scars inside and out. Four years later and fate has brought them back together. Thinking and dreaming about the other doesn't prepare them for face to face. Can they heal each other? I loved Rhion. I absolutely loved that she carried her scars with pride and didn't let them bring her down. She's not ashamed, it is what it is. And that for me made me fall in love with her. And she's funny, really funny. Not that I didn't like Jude I do but for me she stole the show. This is going to really be a great series. These characters are some of the best.
Chapter One
Jude “Tomorrow, it’s on me,” I said, standing up off the barstool. Behind the bar, Carmen waggled her eyebrows, seductively calling out, “Funny, I could be on you tonight if you stayed awhile longer.” I laughed at her innuendo and tossed her a wink. “I gotta get home, babe. Seven a.m. comes way too early.” “Well, offer’s on the table,” she purred. It always was with her. And, if I wasn’t careful, I’d eventually take her up on it. Not that sleeping with Carmen wouldn’t have been good. But, when you find a cheap bar only five minutes from your house, you don’t fuck that up by dipping your cock into the bartender. “Later, Carmen,” I called, pushing the door open and heading to my car. I wasn’t out of the parking lot before I heard, “Officer Levitt? We’ve got an alarm going off in Park Hill. You mind taking a look on your way home?” Banging my head back against the headrest, I groaned to myself. Park Hill was about as “on my way home” as swinging past California on the way to Maine. Switching my radio to my other hand, I complained, “I’m off the clock, Jocelyn.” I had been for several hours, even if I hadn’t made it home yet. She laughed. “I’m sorry, but you’re the only one remotely close. I had to send two cars out to the Laslows’ to break up another argument between Cam and his old man.” “They at it again?” I asked. “Apparently, Cam told Lindsey he didn’t want the baby. Lindsey told his dad. Old Man Laslow lost his mind.” I chuckled, putting my blinker on and then doing a U-turn in the middle of the empty road. “Christ. I bet he did. I know the man’s seventy-five, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to go toe-to-toe with him.” “I’m with you on that. So…you gonna head out to Park Hill?” she asked in a sugary-sweet tone. I grumbled deep in my chest. “You’re gonna owe me some of that banana bread for this. I missed it the other day when you brought it up to the station.” “I don’t owe you anything.” She giggled. “However, as a personal thank-you from the state of Illinois, Park County, and the owners of Park Hill, I’ll bring you in a loaf on Friday. Deal?” “Deal. I’m en route now.” “Stay safe, and radio in with your report.” “Yes, ma’am,” I replied, knowing exactly how much thirty-year-old Jocelyn loved being called ma’am by a twenty-five-year-old man. “Don’t you—” “Gotta go.” I turned the volume down to mute her, grinning to myself as I flipped my lights and siren on. I’d been a cop for two years. And, in that time, I’d been out to the privately owned Park Hill estate at least a dozen times. It wasn’t unusual for the alarm on the mansion to get triggered. It never amounted to anything. The expansive estate was on the very edge of the county, and trouble didn’t usually travel that far out. More often than not, a bird at a window or a bumbling new member of the grounds crew would accidentally trip the alarm. Truth was, no one actually lived in Park Hill. The owners visited sporadically. But, for the majority of the time, it remained empty. Some minutes later, I cut my siren as I pulled up to the entrance. The cold air assaulted me as I stepped out of my patrol car with my flashlight in hand and aimed at the keypad on the massive security gate that blocked the driveway off. That damn thing alone had to have cost more than I’d make in a lifetime. Forget about the house inside. The smell of wood burning in a fireplace wafted through the night air. I guessed someone was home for a visit. I typed in the emergency code on the gate panel and then climbed back in my car and made my way down the tree-lined driveway. I’d spent the day on patrol, and, with the exception of some minor vandalism across town, it had been a slow one. Though, in the blink of an eye, that would change. Along with my entire life. “Oh fuck,” I breathed as the main house came into view on the top of the hill. After throwing my car in park, I jumped on the radio at my shoulder. I could barely get the words out as I slung my door open and took off at a dead sprint. “This is Officer Levitt! I need fire support at Park Hill immediately!” And then I froze as a wave of adrenaline crashed into me like a tsunami. An inferno roared in the night sky, but it was the small silhouette of a woman perched outside a third-floor window, smoke pouring out all around her, that knocked the breath out of me. My heart stopped, but my feet continued to pound against the pavement. Jocelyn’s voice caught me. “What’s going on?” “I need medical too!” I barked as I got closer. “The whole damn place is in flames and there’s a woman trapped!” The woman’s long, black hair blew out behind her like a battered flag whipping in a storm. I couldn’t make out her face or her skin color or even guess at her age for the black soot covering her, but her fear was unmistakable. And unforgettable. “Hang on!” I yelled up to her. “Oh my God!” she screamed before it turned into a fit of coughing. “Help me!” “Hang on! Don’t let go!” Frantically, I searched the perimeter for a way in, but it wasn’t only her house that was on fire. Flames were encompassing her. The yard and all the surrounding flowerbeds. Top to bottom. The first and second floors were completely engulfed, and if the sound of shattering windows was any indication, it was quickly making its way up to the third floor—to her. “No! Don’t leave me!” she screamed, panic thick in her garbled voice, as I started around the side of the house. A wall of heat stopped me in my tracks. Throwing an arm up, I did my best to block my face while scanning the building for any possible entry—or, in her case, exit. But there wasn’t a surface of that house that wasn’t ablaze. Except the roof. Son of a bitch. I spoke into the radio. “I need an ETA on fire.” Jocelyn replied, “They’re on their way. Five minutes out.” I didn’t have one minute, much less five. Fuck. My pulse quickened, sending blood thundering in my ears. I was a cop. I’d trained for chaos. I should have been able to come up with a solution for a situation like this, but they didn’t teach you how to conquer the impossible at the Academy. And, as I took inventory of the flames dancing beneath her, I knew that was exactly what I was up against. My gut wrenched as I helplessly sped back around the house. She appeared almost childlike, hovering barefoot on that narrow brick ledge, but her long-sleeve top and her loose-fitting pants clung to the body of a woman. Jesus Christ! Where was that fucking fire truck? “Is anyone else in the house?” I yelled up to her. Not that I could have helped them, either. Short of running into a burning building, on what would surely be a suicide mission, there was not one thing I could do. And didn’t that little reality feel like a wrecking ball to the chest. “No!” she cried, a loud sob lodging in her throat. It turned into more coughing, her body shaking violently with every heave. I fisted my hands at my sides as my anxiety spiraled higher. “Please. Do something!” she begged. I ground my teeth together and once again glanced around as if a water hose and a ladder were going to suddenly appear out of nowhere. “Hang tight, okay? Fire trucks are on their way.” “I can’t hold on much longer!” she cried. “Yes, you can,” I demanded. “I…I think I need to jump,” she coughed out. I assessed the massive fire below her. I’d never be able to reach her before it swallowed her. But there was no way I’d be able to stand by and watch her burn. No. If she jumped off that ledge, she was going to get us both killed. “Don’t you dare,” I barked. “Don’t even think about it. Two minutes. They’ll be here.” “I…I can’t.” “Two minutes,” I repeated. “Hold—” Suddenly, a window to her left exploded, shooting glass and flames in all directions. I covered my face as she screamed in a paralyzing mixture of fear and agony. It cut me so deep that I knew I’d bear the scars for the rest of my life, and that had nothing to do with the glass and everything to do with the heavy weight of my failure already lingering in the smoke-filled air. When I opened my eyes again, I caught a glimpse of orange flickering in the window behind her. Panic built in my chest. “You need to move!” I yelled. She shook her head and continued to cough and cry. But it wasn’t an option. I couldn’t help her. Though I damn sure refused to watch her die. “Please. Just listen to me.” I swallowed hard. “You can’t stay there.” I looked to the roof. Sending her higher seemed wrong and went against everything I’d learned in my limited fire training. But fuck, my options were having her jump into a conflagration or scale up the side of a building in hopes of buying us the precious minutes needed for the fire department to arrive. Drawing in a smoke-filled breath, I made a decision that would haunt me for the rest of my life. “You need to climb up to the roof.” “I can’t!” she shrieked. My stomach twisted, but I gentled my voice. “Look, I know you’re scared. But I’m right here. I’ll help guide you up, but, sweetheart, it’s bearing down on you. You gotta move, and I mean now.” She choked on a mouthful of smoke as she attempted to look over her shoulder. “You’re going to be fine. I swear to you,” I lied. “But you have to move.” “I’m not going to make it!” She had to have yelled it in order for me to hear her, but I felt her defeat slither over my skin like a whispered goodbye. I took a long step forward, too focused on her to feel the heat singeing my skin. “Yes, you are!” I declared. “Move your ass up to the roof and we’ll both be out of here in time for breakfast.” Her gaze landed on mine, tears forging paths down her soot-covered cheeks, her disbelief obvious even from yards away. “Are you sure?” It was a ridiculous question. It wasn’t like I could make any guarantees. It was fire, for God’s sake. But that didn’t stop me from covering my heart with my palm and vowing, “I swear on my life you’re going to make it through this.” Her hesitation was evident, but with one last sob, she inched her small body farther out onto the narrow ledge, reaching the tips of her shaking fingers out for the windowsill above her. “Good girl,” I praised, a fraction of relief washing over me. And then I sucked in a sharp breath as one of her shaking legs slipped out from under her. “No!” I yelled. On instinct, I rushed toward the flames, my arms stretched out in the air as though I could catch her. A scalding heat blistered my face and forced me to stop, but the real pain was in my chest. I watched in horror for what felt like a lifetime as she fought to right herself, her dainty arms flailing like a wounded butterfly frantically trying to catch the wind. But there was none to be found. My heart lurched into my throat, and my breath seized in my lungs. And then a deep, guttural sound tore through me, shredding me from the inside out, as I watched her fall. I woke up in a cold sweat. It wasn’t exactly something new. I’d been dreaming of Butterfly for over four years. She always flew directly into the flames, screaming as I stood helpless to save her. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I cradled my head in my hands and tried to pretend I was okay. That wasn’t exactly something new, either. I could still feel the heat on the back of my neck. My lungs were still thick with smoke. The pressure in my chest never left me. The distance while I was living in LA had helped. But, in the week since I’d been back in Illinois, I’d woken up every morning at that blazing house. I didn’t even have to be asleep for the memories to assault me. I should have gone back to sleep. It was my first day at my new job, and the last thing I needed was to show up haggard and sleep-deprived. But, as I’d learned over the years, another fiery butterfly awaited me on the other side of REM. No way I was volunteering for that. I pushed myself off the bed and tugged a T-shirt on, preparing to head down to the hotel gym with hopes that I could outrun the mental fog that had been hovering over me since I’d returned. There was a reason I’d thrown all of my shit in my car and driven as far as I could all those years ago. Yet, somehow, I’d come full circle. But I’d come back a different man. At least that’s what I’d told myself as the deafening roar of doubt had overwhelmed me the moment I’d driven across the state line. Regardless, it had been time to go home. I’d been gone too long. Or, as I’d decided as I’d passed the exit to Park County, not nearly long enough. About the Author
Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five- including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.
STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Series: Mountains & Men Series
Author: R.C. Martin
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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He was arrogant.
He was beautiful.
He was to be her one night fix.
She was gorgeous.
She was haunted.
She was to be his temporary muse.
Millicent Valentine isn't looking for much when she walks into The Brew Cycle for a night out with friends. She isn't after love. Why risk the heartache when one night of unbridled passion will do the trick? Any handsome, willing male will do just fine. When she is introduced to the lead singer of Mountains & Men, she can't seem to take her eyes off of him. He’s an arrogant little shit—but it’s only one night, right?
Sage McCoy is always on the prowl, knowing he can get just about any girl in the room after a night on stage. When he’s introduced to Millie, there is no doubt in his mind that he has to have her. But when he gets her alone, she makes his heart sing and he’s convinced one night will never do.
When morning dawns, the knowledge that comes with the sun has Millicent kicking Sage to the curb—but he knows what he wants and he’s ready for the chase.
His one night stand is worthy of an encore.
She is guarded.
She is inspirational.
She is worthy of more than an encore.
He is alluring.
He is confident.
He is more than she ever bargained for.
Her stubbornness battles against his persistence…
His optimism outshines her resistance…
And their song plays on.
Sage McCoy has always been the type of guy who goes after what he wants. For years, what he’s desired most is to see his band, Mountains & Men, become more than Saturday night entertainment at a local bar. He swears he’ll chase that dream until it comes true, or he’ll die trying. Now, he senses that he and his mates are on the precipice of something amazing, and he’s never wanted anything more.
Except, perhaps, Millicent Valentine—the woman he craves above all others.
Millicent Valentine believes in one absolute truth: Men always leave. Yet, despite her belief that Sage will eventually tire of her, she can’t help but indulge her desire for him. She makes up her mind that he can have her body, but he isn’t allowed her heart. Though, she never anticipated that the leading man of Mountains & Men would be so much more than the arrogant little shit she imagined him to be.
[Worthy of the Harmony is a continuation to Encore Worthy, so make sure you read that first! This is the second of four installments revolving around Sage and Millie. Intended for audiences 18+ years of age due to explicit language and sexual content.]
He is steadfast.
He is the home she never knew.
She is broken.
She is afraid.
She is worthy of his fight.
Millicent Valentine is a woman in love—and it scares the shit out of her. Pushing away the keeper of her heart felt like her only option, but it doesn’t take her long to realize she was wrong. She may be frightened to admit it, but to deny how much she needs him is a lie unworthy of the effort.
Sage McCoy is a man on the brink of success—but living the dream isn’t enough anymore. So long as the woman he loves isn’t by his side, he knows he’ll never have it all. He won’t give up on her, but his resilience has only just begun to be tested.
Regret. Forgiveness. Loss. Love. The discordant sounds of reality write their song—but through the dissonance, their love plays on.
[Worthy of the Dissonance is NOT a standalone novel. It is to be read only AFTER you've read Encore Worthy and Worthy of the Harmony! Intended for audiences 18+ years of age due to explicit language and sexual content.]
She is worthy. She is the melody that he sings. He is daring. He is brilliant. He is the man of her wildest dreams. Sage McCoy is in the spotlight, and it's his time to shine. With open doors at every turn, Mountains & Men is on the verge of having it all—but life is about to change in ways this rock star never saw coming. Millicent Valentine has surrendered her heart completely, but falling in love was only just the beginning. With the awakening of a dream and the promise of things hoped for, she could have it all—but everything worth having comes at a cost. The mountain they face is one they must climb together—the hope of forever in reach, so long as neither one of them lets go. {Worthy of the Melody is NOT a standalone novel. It is the final installment to Sage and Millie's story, which begins in Encore Worthy!}
I'm a born and bred Coloradan. While I now reside in Virginia, the land of the Rocky Mountains is where I've left a piece of my heart and where my characters come to life. When I'm not writing I'm reading; when I'm not reading I'm writing...you know how it goes! I also enjoy cooking, baking, crocheting, and jigsaw puzzles. Basically, I'm an old soul with a young heart, nonchalantly waiting for my prince to come.
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