Friday 30 August 2019

RELEASE BOOST: Catching Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds




Title: Catching Him
Series: How to Catch an Alpha #1
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 27, 2019



Blurb

Leah Emerson isn’t looking for a man—she’s looking for the right man. But her mother’s idea of a great catch leaves her cold, and she’s pretty sure her cocky, arrogant, and way too good-looking new neighbor isn’t the one either. If only her wayward cat would stop jumping through his window, she could get on with her life.

Tyler Duncan moved into town for a new job, not to fall in love. But he always goes after the things he wants in life with steadfast determination…and he wants Leah Emerson. He wants her smiles, he wants her touch, and he definitely wants her in bed.

Unfortunately, someone else wants Leah—in the worst way. Now Tyler’s on a mission to protect the woman he’s falling in love with while proving he’s worth falling for, and Leah must decide whether Tyler is a catch worth catching…







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited


ALSO AVAILABLE






Coming Soon


Releasing January 14, 2020

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Author Bio


Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.


Author Links

COVER REVEAL: The Best Friend Hookup by Kylie King















My best friend is crazy.

She wants me to do things with her…in the bedroom.

The things she wants to do, wouldn’t be a part of our usual hangout, where we play video games, or stuff our mouths with extra cheesy pizza.

This is different. She wants me to teach her how to be on top, so she can hook up with a guy she’s always wanted to date.



Of course, I’m going to help my adorable, nerdy best friend Julia. I’m the best man for the job, and she trusts me with her life. Not only that, but I’ve been with plenty of women—enough to know how to show her the ropes.



Showing her what to do shouldn’t change anything between us…at least that’s what I think, until I realize that once she gets the hang of this, she’ll be on top of another guy.



ADD TO GOODREADS













Kylie King is a soccer mom by day, and a writer of ridiculously smutty romances by night. She loves reading, swimming, and mixed drinks that includes lots of rum. 

All of her books are quick and hot, with over-the-top fantasies that probably shouldn't be taken too seriously.






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Thursday 29 August 2019

BLOG TOUR: Already Gone by Kristen Proby & K.L Grayson

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Already Gone by Kristen Proby and K.L. Grayson
Release Date: August 27, 2019

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Already Gone, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby and USA Today bestselling author K.L. Grayson

Falling in love is easy…

New Hope, South Carolina is my home. It’s where I grew up, got into trouble, and fell in love for the first time. Scarlett Kincaid was more than the girl next door, she was my best friend, until she decided that small town life wasn’t for her. One minute she was here, and the next she was gone.

The girl I used to fish with down at the creek is now the biggest name in country music. She headlines world tours, has won four Grammys, and I haven’t seen her since. Until today when she sped through town in her fancy car. One look at her big brown eyes was all it took to stir up a whole slew of emotions. Emotions I’d long ago buried and sure as hell don’t have time for.

It’s the aftermath that’s hard…

There are two things in my life that matter. My music, and my dad. Twelve years ago, I packed a bag and chased my dream. Leaving New Hope and escaping the gossip mill was the easiest decision I ever made. I never planned to return, but my father needs me, and he always comes first. So, I did what I had to do. I cut my tour short and came home, despite having a sister who hates me, and a community that doesn’t trust me.

And then there’s Tucker Andrews.

When he propped an arm on the roof of my car, pulled down his sunglasses and flashed his police badge, I nearly swallowed my tongue. Gone is the lanky boy who used to throw rocks at me and pull my pigtails. Tucker is now a six-foot package of brawny, sexy man wrapped in more muscle than I have hit singles. Did I mention he’s a cop and a single dad?

My goal was to help Dad, and get back to my life. But what am I supposed to do when the life that used to strangle me suddenly fits like a glove, and makes me dream of things I never thought I’d have? What happens when the boy I walked away from years ago becomes one of the most important people in my life? I don’t have room for a man much less love.

Right?

Because it’s impossible to hold onto someone who’s already gone.

AG FB AN 1.jpg

Download your copy today!
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AGKLGKPGR

Blog Tour Teaser .jpg 

Excerpt:
New Hope, South Carolina. Population 6,129. I know every soul represented in that number. Not a single one of them drives the shiny red Mercedes that just went speeding by. Seventy-five in a forty-five. I flick on my lights and press on the gas, sending my cruiser flying past the city limit sign and the godawful billboard that sits directly behind it; the one declaring New Hope home to country music superstar, Scarlett Kincaid. It wouldn’t be a big deal if this were actually her home. It’s not. Scarlett may have been born here, but her fancy boots haven’t landed on this soil in over a decade. All it took was one call from a hotshot music executive to send her packing before the ink was dry on her high school diploma. Scarlett flew from this town fast enough to leave our heads spinning. Before any of us could process what had happened, little Scarlett Kincaid—the same girl who used to build forts with me in my living room while my mama made us mac ‘n’ cheese—had a hit single sitting at number one on the Billboard charts. She went from homecoming queen and most likely to marry a rich spouse in our senior yearbook, to the queen of country music. The country loves her. Hell, the whole world loves her. New Hope…not so much. And it’s high time that fucking sign comes down. But first, I have to deal with this speed demon in the sexy red car. I sound the sirens, and the car pulls to the side of the road and waits while I walk to the driver’s side window. It’s still up, the heavy tint preventing me from seeing inside. With a hand on my holster—because you never know what you’re going to walk up on—I knock on the window. The dark glass lowers. My first thought: this woman is absolutely gorgeous. Long, dark hair. Pouty lips. And a tiny pink dress. Her eyes are covered by oversized aviators, but I’m sure they’re as pretty as the rest of her. My second thought: what crazy excuse is she going to come up with to try and get out of this ticket? It never ceases to amaze me the things women are willing to do to keep from getting into trouble. I’ve been offered everything from a blowjob to a pay-off to marriage. “Do you know why I pulled you over today, ma’am?” “Tucker?” The woman smiles, then pushes her sunglasses to the top of her head. And that’s when I see the brown eyes I’ve spent more than a decade trying to forget. “Tucker Andrews, is that you?” I step back and square my shoulders. “You can call me Officer Andrews. Do you know why I pulled you over today, ma’am?” “Tucker.” The woman laughs and shakes her head. “It’s me, Scarlett.” At the mention of her name, I’m met with an onslaught of flashbacks. Running hand and hand through the neighborhood with her, laughing and playing, only to have her ignore me the second we got to school. The popular crowd versus the nerds who desperately tried to fit in. She the former, me the latter, and the pain it caused every time she acted as though she didn’t know my name. For years, I pretended it didn’t bother me because I knew that when I got home, Scarlett would meet me at the fence, and the awkwardness from the day would dissipate as though it never happened. But it did. Day after day after day. I was a glutton for punishment. There was nothing in the world I loved more than Scarlett Kincaid, and it didn’t matter how badly she hurt me, I was always willing to forgive her. Her smile and laugh might’ve gotten to me in middle school and high school, but I refuse to let it affect me now. “I know who you are.” Her smile falters.


About Kristen:
Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.
During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.
Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

Connect with Kristen:
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kBRdpj 
Pinterest: @handbagjunkie 

About K.L. Grayson
K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.

Connect with K.L. Grayson

Wednesday 28 August 2019

COVER REVEAL: What We Do in the Light by Stylo Fantome




Title: What We Do in the Light
Series: Day to Night Duet #2
Author: Stylo Fantôme
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance
Cover Design: Najla Qamber Designs
Release Date: September 16, 2019



Blurb

Just one month ago, Valentine O'Dell got her heart ripped out – yet another problem to add to her rapidly growing list. Between fighting to bring her sick grandmother home, searching for a new apartment after being evicted, and trying to figure out how exactly she's going to pay for everything, she doesn't have time to cry over a broken heart.

Then Ari Sharapov walks back in and tries to solve everything.

Ari may have gained a little more control in his life, but there's still one area he doesn't have a grip on – Valentine refuses to believe anything he says. Gone is the girl who wanted someone to take care of her, and in her place is a woman who's willing to take everything he has to offer, but without giving anything of herself in return. He's used to fighting battles in a courtroom, but convincing her of his feelings will be his biggest struggle yet.

Maybe it's time for this relationship to be brought to light.






Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited



Author Bio


Crazy woman from a remote location in Alaska (where the need for a creative mind is a necessity!), I have been writing since ... forever? Yeah, that sounds about right. I have been told that I remind people of Lucille Ball - I also see shades of Jennifer Saunders, and Denis Leary. So basically, I laugh a lot, I'm clumsy a lot, and I say the F-word A LOT.

I like dogs more than I like most people, and I don't trust anyone who doesn't drink. No, I do not live in an igloo, and no, the sun does not set for six months out of the year, there's your Alaska lesson for the day. I have mermaid hair - both a curse and a blessing - and most of the time I talk so fast, even I can't understand me.

Yeah. I think that about sums me up.


Author Links

Tuesday 27 August 2019

RELEASE BLITZ: Catching Him by Aurora Rose Reynolds




Title: Catching Him
Series: How to Catch an Alpha #1
Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 27, 2019



Blurb

Leah Emerson isn’t looking for a man—she’s looking for the right man. But her mother’s idea of a great catch leaves her cold, and she’s pretty sure her cocky, arrogant, and way too good-looking new neighbor isn’t the one either. If only her wayward cat would stop jumping through his window, she could get on with her life.

Tyler Duncan moved into town for a new job, not to fall in love. But he always goes after the things he wants in life with steadfast determination…and he wants Leah Emerson. He wants her smiles, he wants her touch, and he definitely wants her in bed.

Unfortunately, someone else wants Leah—in the worst way. Now Tyler’s on a mission to protect the woman he’s falling in love with while proving he’s worth falling for, and Leah must decide whether Tyler is a catch worth catching…







Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited


ALSO AVAILABLE







Author Bio


Aurora Rose Reynolds is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author whose wildly popular series include Until, Until Him, Until Her, Underground Kings and Shooting Stars.

Her writing career started in an attempt to get the outrageously alpha men who resided in her head to leave her alone and has blossomed into an opportunity to share her stories with readers all over the world.


Author Links

RELEASE BLITZ: Already Gone by Kristen Proby & K.L. Grayson

AG - RB banner.jpg

Already Gone, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby and USA Today bestselling author K.L. Grayson is LIVE!

ecover AG.jpg

Falling in love is easy…
New Hope, South Carolina is my home. It’s where I grew up, got into trouble, and fell in love for the first time. Scarlett Kincaid was more than the girl next door, she was my best friend, until she decided that small town life wasn’t for her. One minute she was here, and the next she was gone.

The girl I used to fish with down at the creek is now the biggest name in country music. She headlines world tours, has won four Grammys, and I haven’t seen her since. Until today when she sped through town in her fancy car. One look at her big brown eyes was all it took to stir up a whole slew of emotions. Emotions I’d long ago buried and sure as hell don’t have time for.

It’s the aftermath that’s hard…

There are two things in my life that matter. My music, and my dad. Twelve years ago, I packed a bag and chased my dream. Leaving New Hope and escaping the gossip mill was the easiest decision I ever made. I never planned to return, but my father needs me, and he always comes first. So, I did what I had to do. I cut my tour short and came home, despite having a sister who hates me, and a community that doesn’t trust me.

And then there’s Tucker Andrews.

When he propped an arm on the roof of my car, pulled down his sunglasses and flashed his police badge, I nearly swallowed my tongue. Gone is the lanky boy who used to throw rocks at me and pull my pigtails. Tucker is now a six-foot package of brawny, sexy man wrapped in more muscle than I have hit singles.

Did I mention he’s a cop and a single dad?

My goal was to help Dad, and get back to my life. But what am I supposed to do when the life that used to strangle me suddenly fits like a glove, and makes me dream of things I never thought I’d have? What happens when the boy I walked away from years ago becomes one of the most important people in my life? I don’t have room for a man much less love.

Right?

Because it’s impossible to hold onto someone who’s already gone.

AG FB AN 1.jpg

Download your copy today!
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/AGKLGKPGR

Release Blitz Teaser.jpg

About Kristen:
Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.
During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.
Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.
Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

Connect with Kristen:

About K.L. Grayson
K.L. Grayson resides in a small town outside of St. Louis, MO. She is entertained daily by her extraordinary husband, who will forever inspire every good quality she writes in a man. Her entire life rests in the palms of six dirty little hands, and when the day is over and those pint-sized cherubs have been washed and tucked into bed, you can find her typing away furiously on her computer. She has a love for alpha-males, brownies, reading, tattoos, sunglasses, and happy endings…and not particularly in that order.

Connect with K.L. Grayson

Sunday 25 August 2019

RELEASE: Deadly by Sansa Rayne

Deadly: A Dark Romantic Thriller (The Agency – Book 4)
By Sansa Rayne

Published: August 20, 2019

47557769. sy475




About “The Agency”
Based in New York City, the Agency is an organization of survivors. Women who have escaped captivity from sex traffickers and other criminals have united to both support one another and help take down the country’s most vile abusers.

Each book in the series can be read as a standalone without having read any others. The first three titles in the series – “Erased,” “Exalted” and “Ensalved” – all contain pieces of the organization’s origin. “Deadly” is the first novel in which The Agency is a powerful force, capable of carrying out complex operations to help women everywhere.

About the Author
Novelist and publisher Sansa Rayne, who also writes as Stella Rising, has always
dreamed of living independently as a writer. Now she’s living her dream, living on her own terms and schedule while exploring dark fantasies and social strife through fiction. Sansa has degrees in English and creative writing and worked for many years as an editor before saying goodbye to the day job. When not reading or writing, Sansa loves film and television, obsessing over politics and trying new restaurants.



“To keep her safe, I’ll make her deadly.”

FROST
Punching out a creep in a bar, Daisy Simmons picks a fight with the wrong people: a ruthless human trafficker and his vicious son. They’ve called me, their expert assassin, to “handle” her. Eliminating rival criminals has made me wealthy and quelled my thirst for vengeance, but I have rules: I don’t kill the innocent. To keep Daisy alive, I have only one choice: take her captive and hide her in my dungeon. To save her, I must learn her secrets. She’s buried her past, and I have to know why. Who is she? Why does she look familiar? How did she become so irresistibly feisty? Why isn’t she more afraid of me?
Refusing to despair, she fights me constantly, torn between needing and hating me. 
Captivity awakens her dark, deviant hungers – her need to be dominated and used. 
Beautiful and twisted, she sates my desires like no one else ever could. There’s far more to her than what’s on the surface, and I’m going to uncover everything.
My bosses want Daisy dead, but I can’t keep her locked away forever. Protecting her means taking drastic measures: betrayal, deception... even training Daisy to kill...
“The Agency taught me to survive – and I will.”

DAISY
My life was a mess long before I stood up to the infamous Burke crime family, but I don’t regret it, not even when their hired gun comes for me. When Frost breaks into my home, I expect to die – not to be imprisoned without any hope of escape, at his mercy and stripped of my dignity.
He punishes my resistance with cruelty and humiliation, but I can’t give in. I won’t accept my fate. I’m not defenseless – and I have friends. The women of the Agency prepared me for the worst. They’re out there, and they’ll find me – if they discover I’m missing in time. I can’t count on it – I must fight for my life, no matter how I feel about Frost.
He’s caring and kind for a sadistic killer, with heart-stopping looks and a godlike
physique. I can’t ignore my body’s primal response to being owned by him. He infuriates me and excites me, stoking my endless carnal passion. And when he teaches me to fight, he reminds me who I really am: a conqueror.
I’ll find a way out of here. I’m not afraid of anyone, and Frost’s making me more
dangerous every day. We will face a cunning enemy, but together we are unstoppable...

Publisher’s note: “Deadly” is a dark, romantic thriller with explicit sexual content, no cliffhangers, no cheating, and a HEA. It contains material some may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. All books in “The Agency” series can be read as standalone stories without reading any others.

Praise for “Deadly”

“This is a must-read! It kept me on the edge of my seat and eagerly turning page after  age while getting completely submerged into the Agency universe.” - Jennifer H. Goodreads

“A dark, intriguing and steamy story full of twists and turns that will have you glued to your seat...” - Rosey, Amazon

“I was absolutely captivated by this dark and gritty story...” - Rachel P, Amazon

“A well written and well-paced plot that I couldn’t read fast enough...” - Carol,
Goodreads

“A dark, suspenseful book, with twists and turns you won’t see coming...” Linda L, Goodreads

“Deadly is delectable!!! I could not put this book down. It's dark and suspenseful with sex scenes that left me hot and bothered for sure.” - Brandy J, Goodreads

Thursday 22 August 2019

BLOG TOUR: I Hate You by Ilsa Madden-Mills

I HATE YOU BLOG TOUR BANNER.jpg

I want you . . . even when I hate you.

I Hate You, an all-new enemies to lovers sports romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills, is available now!

IMMIHateYouBookCover55x85_HIGH

Blaze Townsend: I hate you.
Charisma Rossi: I hate you more.
She’s been expecting this ever since their latest showdown. She had good reason.
Hottest guy she’s ever seen.
Former fling.
Dumped her in front of her friends.
At her own party.
So no, she’s not about to forgive and forget just because he sits next to her in class.
He thinks all he has to do is turn on those baby blues, and she’ll melt right back into his arms. Please.She’d be crazy to let this cocky player affect her again. (Tell that to her body.)
Charisma Rossi.
Nerd girl with a dash of bad.
The one who got under his skin.
The one he cut loose.
Blaze knows she’s the riskiest prospect at Waylon University, but none of the interchangeable girls he hooks up with have ever made him feel the way she did. There’s absolutely no way he can have the girl and the game.
So why can’t he stop trying to win her back?
Can this wide receiver score the girl or will he make the biggest fumble of his life

I HATE YOU AD ONE.jpg

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/IHateYou
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ZhXn09

Caroline's Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5-I-see-you-always stars!! Bloody amazing read! Just so gorgeous, sexy and emotional.

"He's everything. He's everything I never knew I wanted."

Charisma Rossi, short nerd girl with a mischievous streak. When it comes to guys, she has rules that keep her heart safe. Except for one guy who slipped under her guard, but then they were over before they had even really begun. Three months later, she’s girding herself to come face-to-face with him. It’s much harder than she anticipated and not least because he’s making it difficult for her to ignore him.

"You were fire in my hands."

Blaze Townsend is a player. One of the stars of the football team with movie-star looks and charm for days. When it comes to girls, he likes to keep things simple because he lives, eats and breathes football. Charisma is not his usual type – and therein lies the problem. He’s tried to cut her loose but he can’t help gravitating towards her because she is well and truly under his skin.

"I'm flying close to the sun, brushing at the flame he is, but is life worth living if I give up on the most precious thing I've ever held in my hands?"

GAAAAHHH! Blaze and Charisma’s story completely captivated me! The energy between them was tangible. They had such heated and downright sinful moments between them. Both have huge walls around their hearts but neither can fight against the powerful pull between them. Blaze is a big tough athlete but there’s so much more to him than meets the eye. He’s heartrendingly vulnerable under his gorgeous, player façade. My heart ached so badly for him. Charisma is pretty badass, I must say. She’s a tough cookie but so scared of love and the soul-deep connection between her and Blaze. I was absolutely rooting for them all the way.

This book had so many feels. I was hugging my Kindle and wiping my eyes by the end. It was humorous, crazy hot, and bone achingly romantic!


Excerpt:
“Need some help?” I’m on my tiptoes when the question comes, trying to reach a book on the top shelf in the bookstore at the student center. My heart does a nosedive off a cliff as that familiar gruff voice washes over me, his accent a smooth drawl that’s reminiscent of hot summer nights and slow kisses—kisses we never had…well, except for that one time freshman year. I ignore him and try to grab the book. “You’re too short. Let me,” Blaze says, this time closer, his voice soft. I ease back on my feet and whip around, internally wishing I’d worn something more I hate you and don’t you wish you still had me, but sadly, I’m not in my kickass shoes and itchy dress. Today it’s flat-soled red Converse, black joggers, and a Yankees sweatshirt. I blow at a piece of hair in my face. Shit. Of course, he looks magnificent in a tight long-sleeved black shirt that clings to his broad chest and tapered jeans molded to those leg muscles. His face is unshaven, the darkness on his jawline adding a broody look. Curse him and his hotness. I stare at him a little too long, until I snap out of it. “I don’t need help,” My voice is strangled as I move to brush past him—forget the textbooks—but he reaches out and takes my elbow. “Charisma—” His fingers are a hot brand on my skin—it’s the first time we’ve touched in three months—and I pull away. A tremble starts in my legs. How dare he?It was one thing to see him in a social setting and pretend I was fine, but when we’re face to face without people watching… “Don’t put your hands on me. I’m not your hookup anymore, football player.” His face reddens, and he drops his arms. “I didn’t mean—” he stops, not finishing as he studies my face. I wonder what he sees. You know what he sees, Charisma—someone who wasn’t up to his usual standards. Everything I didn’t say last night rushes out. “Didn’t mean to what? Dump me in the middle of my own sorority’s party in front of all my friends and half of campus? And you know, that’s totally fine. We both knew I wasn’t enough to keep your attention.” His jaw clenches and he frowns, his brow furrowing. “I didn’t plan for things to happen that way.” “How did you want to break up with me? Over candlelight? A text would have worked just fine,” I bite out. The silence builds between us, and he watches me intently, as if trying to figure me out. He starts at my hair and works his way down to my feet, then comes back to my face. Just when I think I might combust from the intensity of his eyes, he looks away. “What?” I cock my hip. “You look like you want to say something.” He taps his hand against his leg. Ice-blue eyes, ones I used to stare into and get butterflies from, glitter down at me. “You just can’t handle that ended things, sweetheart.” “Not your sweetheart.” “Never were.” Shit…shit…my heart feels like an anvil just landed on it, heavy and hard, and I can’t breathe for a second at his words, part of me pissed, the other part devastated. I wanted to be his sweetheart, I did, but he… You’re not my type. “Thanks for the reminder,” I say quietly, my anger folding away piece by piece and slipping into that horrible self-pity I despise. He closes his eyes and scrubs his face with those talented hands, strong and big and capable, skillful with a football. He steps in front of me, much like he did last night, and I tilt my head back to take him in. At my height of five feet, three inches, it’s hard to glare at a guy who towers over you and not look ridiculous, but I manage—until his eyes flicker with lingering emotion. I dart my eyes around the store, searching for a way out, but I’m stuck between him and a bookshelf. “You’re blocking my path.” I focus on his legs. No sexiness there—well, except for the tight muscles under that denim. “This is what I know,” he says in a low voice, ignoring my statement. “You told me we were just messing around. You set all the rules. Isn’t that how you operate? So why does me ending things with you even matter?” “You never asked for more. You could have.” The revealing words fall around us, tinged with hurt, and I want to pull them back. The silence between us crackles, yet I’m aware of other people around us. There are a few girls on another aisle, and I glance over as one of them pulls out her phone. No doubt she’s taking a picture of him. Part of me retreats, anxious she’ll get me in that photo—a girl who clearly doesn’t belong. He doesn’t notice. Everyone knows who he is, and they’re probably wondering why he’s talking to me. “No, I didn’t,” he finally says, the words taut as if pulled from him unwillingly. He taps his leg, his tell that he’s anxious or angry. We weren’t together long, but every moment we spent together, I studied him like a wine connoisseur given a glass of rare cabernet. I know what makes him laugh, usually random things that make no sense. I know that groan he makes deep in this throat when he slides inside me, like he’s home. I know the feel of his hand when he cups my face and stares at me, a hesitant expression on his face— “You can’t even look at me anymore. I wonder why,” he says, his voice a challenge. Steeling myself, I face those baby blues. “You know why. I wish we’d never met up last fall. I wish you’d never flirted with me. I wish I’d never fucked you that first time in the library—” “Same page. Same fucking page, Charisma.” And then he’s walking away, broad shoulders swaying as he stalks down the aisle…

About Ilsa Madden-Mills
Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies. Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4. A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero. She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

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