New Release: Pulled Under by Lisa Renee Jones + Excerpt

PULLED UNDER by Lisa Renee Jones

NOVEMBER 28, 2017

ABOUT

A new sexy standalone from Lisa Renee Jones…

He is blond, tattooed, and dangerous. She's as beautiful as she is mysterious and could be his destruction…

Asher wasn't always a member of the elite Walker Security team, he was a billionaire's son, who rebelled against his father's controlling hand, and ended up in New York City's underground of drugs, rock n roll, and danger. But that is long behind him, and while his tattoos and long blond hair remain, he's now a chameleon, far more comfortable in a suit and tie than a leather jacket.

Or so he likes to tell himself.

But now Walker Security needs him back inside the underground club scene for a police case they're working. Women are dying, murdered, and the clock is ticking until another victim is claimed. When Asher is pulled back into this toxic world he meets Sierra, who is as beautiful as she is mysterious. A woman who calls to a darker side of him, long suppressed, unleashing it in what becomes wicked hot passion and obsession. But Sierra has a secret, one that leads her, and Asher, to a dangerous place, and game, with dangerous players, and the game is about life or death.

BUY LINKS

Amazon US ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderAmazon
Amazon UK ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderAmazonUK
Amazon CA ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderAmazonCA
B&N ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderBN
iBooks ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderiBooks

Google ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderGoogle

Add to Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/PulledUnderGoodreads

EXCERPT

“You want more now, and yet you don’t want it enough to make it end. And I already don’t want it to end, Sierra.”
She leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder, emotion that isn’t pleasure radiating off of her and crashing into me. I cup her face and tilt her chin up, my thumb stroking her cheek. “What are you thinking?”
“Nothing. Everything. Can you kiss me again already?”
“Where, Sierra?”
“Where?”
“Where do you want me to kiss you? Tell me.”
“Everywhere.” She pushes to her toes, and her lips find mine, looking for an escape, trying to drive her demons away.
I want to demand her answer, make her tell me where she wants my mouth, but I feel her desperation, her need to escape whatever is in her head. And so, I press my lips to hers, I kiss her mouth, drinking her in, and I don’t taste him this time. I taste her. I taste us. I taste need and hunger and passion. “I want you naked,” I say, my hands sliding inside her jeans and panties. “In every possible way, Sierra.”
“I’m pretty sure I’m already there, and it’s terrifying.” She flattens her hand on my chest. “If you turn into an asshole, I swear—”
“You can punish me,” I promise, “and I’m still willing to offer suggestions.”
“If you turn into an asshole after I trusted you,” she says. “I won’t need suggestions, Mr. Ex-Navy SEAL who won’t be able to hide from my wrath.”
Fuck, I’m crazy about this woman. “Good thing I’m not going to turn into an asshole. I want you naked,” I repeat, and this time, I make it happen. I lower myself to one knee and take her jeans and panties with me. My arm wraps her waist and I lift her, dragging her clothing away, and setting her back down. My hands settle on her hips then and I look up at her. She stares down at me, the simmering look in her eyes all about arousal, submission. And I want that from her and not because it’s some sex game, of which I could play and play well.
I press my lips to her belly and just that easily she trembles, and it only makes me want more. Everything is more with her.  I drag my mouth lower and lower...

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Check out books one and three in the WALKER SECURITY series: Deep Under, book one, is available now and Falling Under, book three, is available for pre-order! All three books in the series are standalones.

MORE DETAILS HERE: http://lisareneejones.com/walker

Now available: The Rivalry by Nikki Sloane

She won't be able to resist this TIGHT END. The Rivalry by Nikki Sloane IS AVAILABLE NOW!!

"Rivals can't possibly fall in love. The Rivalry is a fun, charming, and romantic tale that proves they most certainly can." - New York Times bestselling author Kim Karr

PICK YOUR SIDE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vISfXY 
 iBooks: http://apple.co/2w70ad9 
 Nook: http://bit.ly/2xKmLAh Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wUzA7r

Google: http://bit.ly/2kL8aQo

PAPERBACK: http://amzn.to/2jxHgeE 

AUDIOBOOK: http://amzn.to/2hJvr0Z

This tight end is at the top of his game.

He’s good with his hands, even better with his sexy mouth, and the best at making me forget my own name. His—ahem—stats are perfect. But I can’t fall for him. He might be everything I want, all rolled into a glorious package of gridiron god, but there’s one teeny-tiny problem. The vile, loathsome team I’ve spent my entire life hating—my beloved school’s arch-rival? This guy is their star player.

 


About the Author: Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. For eight years she worked for a design firm in that extremely tall, black, and tiered building in Chicago that went through an unfortunate name change during her time there. Now she lives in Kentucky and manages a team of graphic artists. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, is married with two sons, writes dirty books, and couldn’t be any happier. 

 Stalk Nikki: 
 Website: http://www.nikkisloane.com/ 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkisloaneauthor/?fref=ts 
 Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorNSloane 
 Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fsTzpI 
 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NikkiSloane

New Release: Masters Bits and Mercenaries Bites: Girls Night by Lexi Blake + Excerpt & Review

   

     

From the creators of Master Bits and Mercenary Bites, New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake and Southern food expert and USA Today bestselling author Suzanne Johnson, comes a new look at the Masters and Mercenaries world—Girls Night. Join us for easy to cook, delicious recipes and stay for the stories of the women of McKay-Taggart. From slow cooker special dinners to cocktails that will elevate your game, Suzanne will show you that easy can be delicious. Lexi dives into what happens after happily ever after. Charlie and Ian try to have a night out—but their kids prove that anything can happen when Taggarts are involved. Faith and Ten get a gift they never expected. Karina and Derek go on a stakeout. And Serena finds the meaning of Bliss. All these stories and more explore what it means to be a wife, a mother, a woman navigating love and responsibility. Good meals, good times, good friends. Bon appétit!       

 Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ylIJbn 

 Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2glwCGM 

 iBooks: http://apple.co/2iWtiiC 

 Google Play: http://bit.ly/2gGEuPY 

 Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ykV026 

Print: http://amzn.to/2zjgg5p    

      

 Excerpt from Rough Night   

 “You taste better than any pie, my Charlie,” Ian whispered against her lips. His hands tightened on her and she felt one of those big palms stroke her thigh. “Why don’t you straddle me and let’s see what happens.” She knew what would happen. She placed the tray of treats on the table beside them and gingerly shifted, twisting so she straddled her Master’s lap. Yes, there it was. His cock was right against her pussy. All she had to do was… Ian groaned as she rolled her pelvis. “That’s right, baby. Now give me some of that sweet, sweet lemony goodness. Ride me and feed me. That’s what I want. Let me watch you come.” “And if I can make you come?” It was a fun little game. She would try to see if she could get that big dick of his to go off before she did. “Then I’ll walk around for the rest of the night a bit on the uncomfortable side,” he replied, his hands finding her hips. He shifted and she found herself with her clitoris in the perfect position. “But that’s not going to happen. I know exactly how to make you moan, Charlie baby.” She felt her phone vibrate. Charlie winced. “It’s another text.” He pumped his hips up against hers. “Answer it. If it’s anyone except Malone telling us one of the children is missing, I’m texting them a dick pic and asking them to leave us alone. Let’s see if you can text while I do this.” His erection slid over the perfect place and Charlie could feel the orgasm starting to build. How could he still do this to her? All he had to do was start touching her, using that deep Dom voice on her, and her whole body was ready to comply to his any and every whim. Did she have to answer? It probably wasn’t anything important. Was anything in the world as important as the way this man made her feel? “Give me a taste of that tart, baby. Or better yet, pull those pretty nipples out and let me taste them. Let me lick and suck and bite on those sweet nipples.” Her vision was going soft as he hauled her close. And her phone vibrated again. “Ian,” she started. “Do what you need to,” he replied as he licked her collarbone. “I’ll do what I have to.” She was going to kill whoever was texting her. It was probably Malone, trying to figure out where the damn marshmallows were. She bit back a groan and reached for her phone. It better be so good because she was getting close, and the minute Ian started sucking on her breasts she wouldn’t be able to hold… Do you have a fire extinguisher? “What?” Charlie shifted, trying to get a better grip on the phone. And the chair under Ian kind of exploded. Charlie hit the floor, her knees knocking on the tile. Ian had gone backward but he’d managed to twist his body so he landed on his shoulder instead of knocking the back of his head against the windowsill. Panic flooded Charlie’s veins. She scrambled to find her phone. “Ian?” “I’m fine,” he groaned. “Call him. Damn it. Can’t we have one fucking night out without the world coming to an end? Ah, yeah, this is going to hurt.” Had he thrown out his back again? She couldn’t stop and find out. Sarah Stevens was here somewhere and she was a nurse. Surely she could help. Charlie grabbed the phone from the midst of the now fallen lemon tarts. The tray had turned over, but there were still several that had landed on the table. She would have to shove those in her purse if they were about to flee home. With shaking fingers she dialed the number for Michael. “Hey, Charlotte, I think I got the fire out. Boomer stopped, dropped, and rolled on it. That did the trick. The girls thought it was hilarious, but we’ve got another problem now,” Michael was saying. “There was a fire?” She practically screamed the question. “Tell Boomer to sit on it,” Ian said from the floor. “Put him on speaker.” She didn’t need his sarcasm, but he had the right to listen in. She clicked to go to speaker. “Where was the fire, Michael?” “Well, you see when I told the girls we could have a campout in the living room, I kind of thought we would build a fort made out of sheets, you know what I’m talking about,” Michael continued, his Texas drawl slow and steady. “Damn, Charlotte. I didn’t think the girls would take it so literally.” Her girls took everything literally. “The girls tried to start a fire? In my living room?” “It was minor,” Michael promised. “Mostly because they couldn’t take apart the furniture to burn. That was their plan. Apparently Ian taught them how to use whatever’s around to stay warm in case they find themselves out in the woods at night. I saved the sofa, but they did manage to get that wicker basket of yours to burn. Kala said she had to use it because she couldn’t get to the hatchet.” Charlie turned to her husband. “Why would our daughters know how to use a hatchet?” He was a nice shade of pale and his shoulder seemed weird. “You told me to teach them some life skills.” She was going to kill everyone.    

 

My Review:

4 stars

****

 This was a fun, little extra addition to the Masters and Mercenaries series! This book is full of super yummy recipes and short stories featuring some of our favorite past couples. 

Now, I'm not much of a cook. In my house, my hubby does most of the cooking for our family. But I admit that the recipes in this book are really tempting. If I am not brave enough to try them myself, I am definitely going to beg my hubby to try them. The recipes sound really delicious and not difficult at all. 

The stories were so much fun. I liked seeing the couples a few years down the road from when they first started their relationships. These are great slices of everyday life, after the first initial bloom has worn off, with the added stress of jobs and a kid or two. It is obvious these couples still really love each other and their relationships have only grown deeper. It was sweet and sexy to see how they kept the magic alive in their relationships in different ways. Included are stories featuring Jesse and Phoebe, Ian and Charlotte, Derek and Karina, Faith and Ten, Serena taking a trip to Bliss, Penelope and Damon, and a girls night in with the whole gang. All of the stories had elements of humor, sassiness, sexiness and sweetness. They were at times emotional and they show that not everything always works out the way you plan or want. But that's life, with all of it's ups and downs. The whole Mckay-Taggart gang has proven that they are strong and that they are a family who loves and supports each other. I also loved the element of strong female friendship in the stories too. It was awesome to see how kickass these strong women they were at balancing motherhood, tough jobs and marriage. 

Overall, this was a really fun, entertaining read. Delicious-looking recipes and sweet and sexy stories. A perfect blend of yummy goodness! I love this series and look forward to more from the McKay-Taggart gang and Ms. Blake! 

   

       About Lexi Blake: NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

    About Suzanne Johnson: Suzanne Johnson is family-trained, a south Georgia native who’s been cooking all of her life, creating not only some really unique food, but precious memories that re-occur every time she smells something simmering in the oven. In all of her books, Suzanne shows that making a delicious meal doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be made with love. So go ahead, don’t be bashful, dive right in. Who knows? You might just make a few memories of your own.

New Release: The Plan by Ella James

 

The Plan by Ella James

Release Date: November 27th

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Designer: Letitia Hasser from RBA Designs

           

Available NOW

99¢ FOR A LIMITED TIME

FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2iVVpzb

AMAZON UK: http://amzn.to/2AbMhjW

AMAZON CA: http://amzn.to/2BpJS2G

AMAZON AU: http://amzn.to/2n9mdR2

ADD to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36046927-the-plan

             

SYNOPSIS

You’ve heard this story before. Woman feels her biological clock ticking and gets someone to knock her up.

Not for love, for baby.

Crazy, right?

That’s what I thought.

Then I found out my fiancé had a vasectomy. The life I thought I had? Nope. Suddenly I’m 33, and I don’t even have a kissing buddy.

When my mom’s health takes a turn and I wind up back in my hometown of Fate, Alabama, I tell myself to leave things up to…well, you know.

Then I see Gabriel McKellan. He’s Fate’s most famous son, a bestselling author who is beautiful, complicated, and living just below me. In addition to his plus-sized brain, Gabe’s well-endowed in other ways, and great in bed to boot. I would know. He's my ex husband.

When I suggest The Plan, I don't imagine that he'll take the bait. It's been ten years, and we don't work. But Fate has other plans for both of us.

       

    

EXCERPT

I veer into the bushes, heading across the lawn toward the home’s rear right, where there’s supposed to be a staircase tacked onto the house’s back side.


“Not your walkway,” he says coolly.


“Figured that out,” I snap over my shoulder.


Hurt stings my cheeks and neck, prickles tears in my eyes. I whirl. “You are such an asshole! Always were. The biggest jerk in our class!”


“What was it, then, Marley?” He takes a long stride down the walkway toward me. “Oh, wait, I remember.” He looks pointedly down, and then back up at me with those electric eyes—and I know what he’s meaning.


“Jesus—you’re a pig!”


He smirks. “Only for you.”


“Fuck off.”


With those ungraceful words, I march toward the house I’m sharing with my ex-husband.    

    

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ella James is the USA Today and Amazon Top 10 bestselling author of more than twenty love stories. She’s an angst-a-holic who loves exploring difficult situations and the emotions of the people caught up in them. Also, smut. But always, always romance.

Ella is an Alabama native who makes her home in Colorado with her husband, three young children, and hyperactive dog. When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking the foothills, taking nature photos for her Instagram account, or swilling vanilla cream soda.

     

CONNECT WITH ELLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellajamesauthorpage/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1530940.Ella_James

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2xJeJYt

Website: https://www.ellajamesbooks.com

Subscribe to Ella's newsletter: https://www.ellajamesbooks.com/newsletter/

New Release: Lure of Oblivion by Suzanne Wright + Review

Lure of Oblivion 

by Suzanne Wright

About the book:

Gwen Miller may be a human, but she has no problem taking a stand against her own kind. She’s going to testify against the teenage boy she saw viciously assault a lone shifter female—and no amount of pressure from the boy’s wealthy family will make her back down. But when the harassment turns violent, help comes in the form of a lean, toned wolf with winter-gray eyes.

As a guest at Gwen’s inn, shifter enforcer Zander Devlin can’t help but notice that the fierce and leggy brunette is in serious trouble. Since she’s putting herself at risk for one of his kind, keeping her safe is the least he can do. That’s not the only reason Zander wants her close. He desires her, even as the wolf inside him backs away from her. But his feral instincts are hard to keep down, and as they take shape, they’re harder for Gwen to resist. Then again, embracing them could be the only thing that could save her life.

**************

My Review:

4 stars

****

 Another good addition to my favorite shifter series! This is Gwen and Zander's story. Gwen works and lives at her foster family's bed and breakfast. Zander comes to town to stay at the inn for a few days for the reading of his uncle's will. Gwen recently witnessed some young men attacking a local young woman shifter. She reported it to the council and protects the young woman. But the men are from rich families and they are threatening Gwen and her family. Sparks fly between the couple, but things really start to heat up when Zander finds out that Gwen is being threatened. He decides to stay, and bring in pack help, to protect her. They spend a lot of time together and start to fall for each other. Everything works out for them and they get the HEA they deserve. 

I really liked both Gwen and Zander. Gwen was a human, but she had always been fascinated by shifters. She had a bad childhood with abusive parents until she was put into foster care. Zander also had a poor family life, with a twin brother who hated him and parents who favored his twin. Both of them had some baggage to get over before they could get into a real, loving relationship together. But once they were in, they were all in. They were really sweet together. I loved that Zander called Gwen baby. He was super swoony and protective. Overall, this was just a really good book! There was low angst, no pushing away, and most the drama was outside of the relationship. There was just a really sweet, sexy romance with some suspense and action. I really enjoyed it!

This is my favorite shifter series and this book did not disappoint! I look forward to more from Suzanne Wright and her Mercury and Phoenix pack gang!

*************

Buy link:

Free on KU!

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0728KYT76/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0728KYT76&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

New Release: The Rivalry by Nikki Sloane + Review

She won't be able to resist this TIGHT END. 

 The Rivalry by Nikki Sloane IS AVAILABLE NOW!!

"Nikki Sloane delivers a fun, steamy read with The Rivalry! Get ready to swoon for Jay Harris, the hottest tight end in college sports..." - NYT Bestselling Author, Elle Kennedy

PICK YOUR SIDE

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2vISfXY
iBooks: http://apple.co/2w70ad9 
 Nook: http://bit.ly/2xKmLAh 
 Kobo: http://bit.ly/2wUzA7r

Google: http://bit.ly/2kL8aQo

PAPERBACK: http://amzn.to/2jxHgeE

About the book:

This tight end is at the top of his game.

He’s good with his hands, even better with his sexy mouth, and the best at making me forget my own name. His—ahem—stats are perfect. But I can’t fall for him. He might be everything I want, all rolled into a glorious package of gridiron god, but there’s one teeny-tiny problem. The vile, loathsome team I’ve spent my entire life hating—my beloved school’s arch-rival? This guy is their star player.

MY REVIEW:

4 stars

****

 This book was sexy and fun! This is Kayla and Jay's story. Kayla bleeds red and white. She is a die hard Ohio State fan. Her father was a football coach there and her mother a football fanatic as well. Kayla has continued the legacy and is the head cheerleader at the university. She happens to meet a really great guy, Jay, at her friend's wedding. Sparks fly between them... until she discovers that she is consorting with the enemy. Jay plays football for Michigan, Ohio State's bitterly hated rival. Kayla is determined to stay away from Jay, but he doesn't see the rivalry as that big of a deal. He pursues her and that's where the fun begins! 

I felt like the idea for this book was pretty genius. Think Romeo and Juliet meet college football. If you've never experienced a true rivalry like the one in this book firsthand, you might not understand. You might wonder what the big deal is or if people really act this way. They do! I know it sounds far fetched, but this is a real thing! Nikki Sloane nails it perfectly the rivalry hatred, the bleed-their-school-colors feeling. Football is religion to people like Kayla and her family. Kayla's father was a coach for Ohio State and her mother gave birth to her in the stands during the rivalry game because she didn't want to miss it! That's loyalty and dedication. I hope that readers who don't know much about college football will still "get it" and enjoy the book for what it is- a sexy, enemies-to-lovers romance. 

This book feels totally different than Ms. Sloane's Blindfold series. I would not have guessed it was written by her if I did not already know. The writing was still very good, but this book is definitely more of a NA college book. It is not as dirty or angsty. The relationship in this book has more of a young love feeling. There is an innocence and sweetness in Jay and Kayla. They still have lots of sexy times. But their thoughts are more college age thoughts. Like Kayla really caring about what others thought about her or worrying about disappointing her parents. It definitely brought me back to how I felt in college, still learning who I was and how to stand up for what I believed in. I did feel at times both Jay and Kayla were a little immature, but it felt right for their ages. I really liked both of them. Jay was very sweet and not a man whore at all. He liked Kayla right away and just felt lucky she was even interested in him. He was willing to take whatever he could get from her, while Kayla was definitely reluctant to get involved at all. I understood why Kayla acted the way she did, but I did want to see a little more growth from her. She hung in there until almost the very end, putting the rivalry before her relationship with Jay. I wanted a little more happy times with them together at the end after they were all in, to feel secure in their HEA. But I'm a greedy reader. I always want more. 

Overall, this was a really fun, sexy romp into the world of college football. It felt very real and true to life, from the practices, the pressure to perform on the field and in the classroom, the family drama, the stress and dealing with teammates and coaches. I really liked watching Kayla and Jay's relationship develop in the midst of all that. Their relationship was truly tested by their schools' epic rivalry, but love conquered all in the end. Nikki Sloane is one of my favorite authors and she didn't disappoint at all. I look forward to more from her in the future!

**********

About the Author: 

Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. For eight years she worked for a design firm in that extremely tall, black, and tiered building in Chicago that went through an unfortunate name change during her time there. Now she lives in Kentucky and manages a team of graphic artists. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, is married with two sons, writes dirty books, and couldn’t be any happier. 

 Stalk Nikki: 

 Website: http://www.nikkisloane.com/ 
 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkisloaneauthor/?fref=ts Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorNSloane 
 Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fsTzpI 
 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NikkiSloane

Blog Tour: At Your Service by Lexi Blake + Review & Excerpt!

       

Juliana O’Neil’s promising future was burned away in the heat of battle. She had been an officer with a bright future in the military, but now she is struggling to survive. Her husband gone and her career in shambles, she finds a job at Top as a hostess and tries to put together the pieces of her life. The last thing she needs is any kind of male attention, but she can’t help but be amused at her neighbor and coworker’s lothario antics. Not that she would have anything to do with him, at least not for more than one night. Javier Leones doesn’t understand monogamy. No woman could ever be enough for his endless libido, but he has to admit Juliana has his attention. For reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he can’t seem to get the gorgeous redhead with the sad eyes out of his head. After one scorching night together, he realizes he’ll never be able to get her out of his system. But with his reputation, he fears she’ll never see him as more than a one-night stand. When their passions collide, these new lovers will be forced to confront Juliana’s past and come to terms with Javier’s present. Will they find their way or will this reservation be canceled at the last minute?  

Amazon | iBooks | Google Play | Barnes & Noble

 

 EXCERPT:

All alone with the storm. Maybe she should call Kai. And ask him to get out in the middle of this? That seemed pretty selfish especially since she knew exactly how poorly driving in storms could go. A hard flash of white light made her jump back. Nope. She wasn’t going there. She was going to stay in the here and now, and that meant finding a flashlight and trying to get some candles lit. Someone was out there working on getting the power back on, and then she would ride out the storm watching rom coms and falling asleep on the couch. It was going to be okay. Deep breath. It was going to be okay. A few moments later she’d found her one flashlight and had a nice set of candles out, and she was faced with the problem of lighting the suckers. Oh, she had a big box of matches, but she’d never struck a match without her left hand. A lighter would be easier. She could figure out a lighter maybe. Jules tried holding the box against the table with her stump while she struck the match with her right hand. She fumbled, the action so unnatural it made her slip up and break the match. And the second one. And the third one. Tears pierced her eyes, but she wasn’t going to shed them. She was going to figure this out or she would make due with the flashlight. It was all about adapting. That was what she had to do. Adapt. She wasn’t going to let this beat her. Normally she was tough. It had happened and she dealt with it, but between the storm and the conversation with Suzanne the day before about her mother and the sweetness of flirting with a handsome man she couldn’t have, she was feeling awfully vulnerable. She wasn’t going to sit here in the dark and cry. A knock on the door made her gasp and jump. Fuck. She wasn’t like this. She hated this…this anxiety she got when it rained. It was weakness and she couldn’t abide it. If you walk away from this you’ll ruin your life, Juliana. Don’t think I’ll watch you do it. You go through with this and you do it on your own. Am I understood? Sometimes she felt like she was still seven years old, and if she could just get her mom’s attention everything would be okay. Jules gripped the flashlight and walked across her apartment to the door. It was likely one of the neighbors coming to check on her. Actually, that was an excellent idea. She could go down and see if Mrs. Gleeson needed some company. There were some elderly residents she could check on and a single mom she’d met at the end of the hall. She could see if she could be of any assistance and that would get her through the night. She opened the door expecting to see anyone but the man she saw standing there. Javier Leones. He had a flashlight in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. He was wearing jeans and a button down that he’d left undone enough she could see a nice swath of golden brown skin. His hair was deliciously mussed, as though he’d taken a shower and simply rubbed a towel over it to get it dry. He was big and male and so sexy it hurt to look at him, and Jules realized she could do something else to take her mind off things. Those plump, sensual lips of his broke into a bright smile. “I thought you might like some company. I know I would. I actually don’t have any candles, so I was sitting in my living room with this sad one flashlight. You look like a woman who likes some candles.” But she couldn’t light them. She hadn’t figured that part out. His face fell and he walked into her place, closing and locking the door behind him. “Hey, what’s wrong? It’s okay if you don’t have any candles. It’s cool. Two flashlights are better than one.” He set the flashlight and wine bottle down and moved into her space, his hands coming up to cup her shoulders. “Jules, what’s wrong?” She had to be stronger than this. She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.” His jaw tightened. “Don’t. Please don’t. I live with a stubborn asshole who won’t let me help him in any way. I get that we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but I thought we were friends. You help me out all the time. You’re kind to me. Fucking let me be kind to you. I spend every day trying to help someone who won’t let me. Please let me feel like I’m worth something.” If he’d said anything else, joked about the weather or told her to suck it up, she could have, but he’d opened a door. He’d been vulnerable and honest, and she found she couldn’t pay that back with stubbornness. “I have candles and I can’t figure out how to light them.” Tears rolled down her face. She was vulnerable. All the time. Even when she pretended like she wasn’t. “You can’t…” he began and then he looked down. Instead of stepping back and giving her space, he drew his hand down her arm, warming her skin where he touched her. It was dark but the moon was full and gave enough light to see the outline of his face. There was no look of horror there. He caressed her arm until he got to the place where she’d been split apart and sewn back together unwhole. He brought it up and wrapped it against his palm, his fingers closing around it until the whole thing was surrounded with his warmth. “You haven’t figured out how to do it yet. Probably hasn’t come up or you would know what to do. How long since you lost your hand?” “A year and a half,” she said. He was touching her there. No one had touched her there except her doctors and therapists. Come to think of it, no one had touched her at all since before the accident. Had it really been so long since she’d felt warm flesh against her own? He was so close, close enough that all she would have to do was go up on her toes to brush her lips against his. Would that be wrong? As long as she remembered who she was dealing with, why couldn’t she take a few moments of respite for herself? If he wanted her.  

    

MY REVIEW:

3.5 stars

***

This was a pretty good book. This is Julia and Javier's story. Julia lost an arm (and subsequently her husband) in the military, ruining her dreams of becoming a chef. Now she is working as a hostess at Topped restaurant, where Javier is a chef. Julia also lives next door to Javier and sees his unending stream of women. Javier decides that he wants to give up his playboy ways and he wants Julia to give him a shot at a relationship. Julia is reluctant because of his playboy past. Both of them have a boatload of baggage to get over from her past and from his family drama before they can make a go for a chance at love with each other. Throw in some suspense and you are in for a wild ride! 
I liked this book but I didn't love it. Don't get me wrong, it was an enjoyable read. I just felt like it was missing some chemistry or something to make it super special. I felt like both Jules and Javier were wishy washy, which bothered me. Javier was also melodramatic in his actions and overreacted to what should have been minor things. Still, I did like their characters for the most part. This was an interesting story. I really love the set up of this series, with retired military members working together in a restaurant and playing together at BDSM clubs and parties. The writing, as always, was very good. Overall, this was an enjoyable, sexy read with moments of angst and sweetness. I definitely recommend it! 

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    NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

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