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Thursday, June 27, 2019

Cover Reveal: The Obsession by Nikki Sloane




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The Obsession by Nikki Sloane

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publishing date: August 13, 2019
Cover Designer: Shady Creek Designs



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The Hale family is obsessed with status, power, and control. No problem is too big their money can’t solve.

Royce Hale manipulated me into giving him everything. My virginity. My hand in marriage. My heart.

And as soon as he got what he wanted, he callously sold me off for a cool ten million.
In the boardroom and the twisted game his family plays, he says the only rule is to win at all costs.
Yesterday I learned a painful lesson not to trust the prince of Cape Hill. Today I’ll destroy his carefully laid plans and show him just how badly he’s already lost.
All the money in the world won’t be able to stop me.



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Pre-order your copy today!

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31G80v5


About Nikki:

USA Today bestselling 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, is married and has two sons. She is a three-time Romance Writers of America RITA© Finalist, a Passionate Plume winner, a HOLT Medallion finalist, and couldn't be any happier that people enjoy reading her sexy words.


Connect with Nikki: 

Stay up to date with Nikki by joining her mailing list: https://www.nikkisloane.com/newsletter

Cover Reveal: Lies by Kylie Scott



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Lies, a fast paced and sexy standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is coming July 21st and we have the sexy cover!



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Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancĂ© dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.



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Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LiesKS
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h
Cover Designed by Hang Le
Photographer: Brian Kaminski
Model: Terry Dormer



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About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.



Connect with Kylie Scott

Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ

Cover Reveal: Lost in You by Lexi Blake + Excerpt!



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"A hot, sexy mix of angst, longing, suspense and drama you don’t want to miss!" -- Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author



Lost in You, an all-new sexy installment in The Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten Series from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake, is coming August 6th and we have the fabulous new cover!



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Robert McClellan was forced to serve as a soldier in a war he didn’t understand. Liberated by McKay-Taggart, he struggles every day to reclaim the life he lost and do right by the men he calls his brothers, The Lost Boys. Only one thing is more important – Ariel Adisa. The gorgeous psychologist has plagued his dreams since the day they met. Even as their mission pushes him to his limits, he can’t stop thinking about taking his shot at finding a life beyond all this with her.

Ariel Adisa is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance in Toronto proved she’s more than just a brilliant mind, but Robert still acts as if she is a wilting flower who needs his protection. Joining him on the mission to Munich should be the perfect opportunity to test their skills and cement their relationship. She and Robert are an excellent match. But when a stunning secret from Robert’s past is revealed, their world is turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again.

While they chase dark secrets across Europe, Robert and Ariel realize that the only thing worse than not knowing who you are could be discovering who you used to be...




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Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/LostinYouLB
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2WAykbn
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2XwVqfb
Cover Designer: Frauke Spanuth



Excerpt:


There was a knock on her door. Ariel glanced to the clock. It was getting late. The pizza had likely arrived. She didn’t want pizza. She wanted to start the day again and not have any of this hanging over them. When she’d gotten on that plane, she’d been filled with anticipation, and all of it was gone now. She’d expected dinner to be a quiet affair with only her and Robert. Now she would have to referee between Owen and Dante. She needed to get the whole group together for a session to get at the underlying problem. “I’ve got to go, Damon.” “Be safe.” She hung up her mobile and slipped it into her pocket before answering the door. She’d expected Rebecca or Owen, but it was Robert who stood in her doorway. And he looked delicious. He’d changed out of his traveling clothes into a set of perfectly pressed black slacks, a snowy white dress shirt, and blue tie. It should have looked staid. It would have on most men, but on Robert it made her wonder what she would see when she peeled off all those clothes. She had a damn degree in psychology and it didn’t mean anything when her hormones got involved. “Hey, I know I acted like a massive asshole earlier today.” He had a grim look on his face that changed to charming when he brought his hand around from his back and showed her the perfect white rose he offered her. “Would you please let me make up for it?” There were a thousand reasons to say no. She could do it gently. She could remind him that the first chance they’d had to prove they could manage a relationship and still work together they’d blown. She could point out that there was still the hope of a cure out there. Or you could live in the moment, my love. You could stop being so in that head of yours and let yourself feel. Sometimes she could still hear her father’s wise voice in her head. He’d done so much, taken so many chances to bring his family to a better place. “Ariel, please. I’m sorry I treated you like that. I took out my bad day on you and it wasn’t fair. I wanted our night together. I planned it all out, but I forgot that the only really important part of the night wasn’t the restaurant or the hotel. It was that we got to be together. Be with me for a while.” She took the rose from his hand, all thoughts of why this was a bad idea flying out of her head. “Yes.” But she wasn’t nearly as dressed as he was. “Give me a minute to change.” He shook his head. “You look beautiful and we’re only going to the kitchen.” “You dressed for the occasion.” “I was also the asshole who challenged the authority of my commander in the field. Trust me, I like this far better than dropping to the floor and giving you a hundred like I…” He shook his head. “Not going there.” She stepped in, putting a hand on his face. “It’s okay. Let the visual piece go and tell me what you felt.” He pressed his cheek against her hand. “No therapist stuff tonight. I promise I’ll write it down later and talk to Kai about it, but I want you to stop thinking about me as a patient. This can’t work if you don’t. Please come to the kitchen with me. I managed to shove everyone else in the media room. They’re watching a football match. Well, Rebecca is reading on her e-reader and rolling her eyes when the guys yell at the screen, but the kitchen is on the opposite end of the floor. I promise it’s quiet there.” She was still in the slacks and blouse she’d worn this afternoon. They were casual and comfortable. Certainly not something she would wear on a date. Robert was far better dressed for the occasion. A vision of a private dinner where he was in a suit and she was wearing absolutely nothing floated across her brain. Sir wouldn’t want her in clothes. Sir would want to see nothing but her own skin so he could touch her everywhere, whenever he pleased. They could spend long hours like that. She wouldn’t worry about anything at all but pleasing her dominant partner. “Come on.” He used that deep voice on her she’d heard him use at The Garden. Like her, Robert spent at least one night each weekend playing. She’d seen him paired up with some of her friends, but never had he taken one to a privacy room or up to his flat. She hadn’t indulged herself in sex in a long time. She followed him down the hallway and sure enough, heard someone yelling from the far end about a ref’s call. Poor Rebecca. Robert led her away from it, his loafers making no sound over the carpet. This part of the club was comfortable, much more like a home than downstairs, and it made her wonder if Peter often had guests he put up here. She’d talked briefly to the man and he appeared to be very interested in teaching and training new D/s couples. Were she and Robert going to be a D/s couple? She stopped that line of thinking. This was nothing more than a pleasant way to spend an evening with a man she liked enormously. With a man she might be falling in love with.


About Lexi Blake

New York 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 that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem.


Connect with Lexi

Stay up to date with Lexi by joining her mailing list:

Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Cover Reveal: My Brother's Billionaire Best Friend by Max Monroe



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One minute, I’m a woman trying to find her way in the world, and the next, I’m the sender of six of the most embarrassing text messages that have ever been sent in the history of time—or the cell phone.
Whatever.


My Brother’s Billionaire Best Friend, a hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Max Monroe, is coming July 18th and we have the fantastic new cover!




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Mabel “Maybe” Willis died a virgin at the very young age of twenty-four.
She leaves behind her parents, Betty and Bruce, her brother, Evan, a laptop filled with one too many Jason Momoa memes, and a Kindle library with more books than one human being could ever finish in a lifetime.
Cause of death: a text message.


Okay. So, I didn’t die.
But I may as well have.
One minute, I’m a woman trying to find her way in the world, and the next, I’m the sender of six of the most embarrassing text messages that have ever been sent in the history of time—or the cell phone. Whatever.
We’re talking code red, send a flipping mayday, the apocalypse is coming kind of texts.
And I didn’t just send them to some random person I’ll never see again.
No. That would be too easy.
I sent them to Milo Ives.
The man who played a starring role in all of my teenage fantasies—and my brother’s lifelong best friend.
And, boy oh boy, has he grown up.
He’s hard-bodied, blue-eyed, jawline-of-stone handsome, crazy successful, and has more money in his bank account than my brain can fathom.
Deflower me, please? I said.
Yeah. Send help.


Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/317HY3w


About Max Monroe:

A secret duo of romance authors team up under the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling pseudonym Max Monroe to bring you sexy, laugh-out-loud reads. Max Monroe is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of more than ten contemporary romance titles. Favorite writing partners and long time friends, Max and Monroe strive to live and write all the fun, sexy swoon so often missing from their Facebook newsfeed. Sarcastic by nature, their two writing souls feel like they’ve found their other half. This is their most favorite adventure thus far.


Connect with Max Monroe:

Stay up to date with Max Monroe by joining their mailing list today: https://www.authormaxmonroe.com/newsletter

Monday, June 24, 2019

New Release: Superfan by Sarina Bowen + Review!







Superfan by Sarina Bowen is now available!



A new stand-alone hockey romance from Sarina Bowen!

Sometimes lady luck shakes your hand, and sometimes she smacks your face. Sometimes she does both on the same day.


Three years ago I met the most amazing woman. We were both down on our luck. Then I got that call—the one that tells you to get your buns on a plane to go meet your destiny.
But the girl was left behind. I didn’t have her phone number, and she didn’t know my real name.
While I became a professional hockey player, she became a superstar, with platinum records and legions of fans. And a slick, music producer boyfriend who treated her badly.
But fate wasn’t done with us yet. When Delilah turns up at a hockey game, I can’t resist making contact. The internet swoons when I ask her out on a date.
She might not remember me. But her jerkface ex does. He’ll do anything to keep us apart. 
Good thing athletes never give up. This time I’m playing for keeps.


Buy Links:

Paperback: https://geni.us/SFpaperback 
Amazon: https://geni.us/SFamazon 
Apple: https://geni.us/SFapple 
Kobo: https://geni.us/SFKobo 
Nook: https://geni.us/SFnook
Google: https://geni.us/SFgoogle







REVIEW:

3.5-3.75 stars
***

 This was a pretty good book. Superfan is the third book in the Brooklyn series. This is Silas and Delilah's book. Silas is one of the goalies for the Brooklyn Bruisers pro hockey team. Before he was called up to a pro hockey team, he met an up-and-coming singer in the bar where he was bartending. Delilah was in town performing for a small music festival, hoping to get a music deal. The two have a fun, flirty banter but it never leads to more because of miscommunication. Now, a few years later, Delilah is a big pop star. Silas plays pro hockey and has crushed on Delilah from afar. One day while watching a rival hockey game on tv, he sees her attending the game as a fan. He tweets her about it and ends up asking her out. When the two meet, Delilah is shocked that Silas is the bartender she never forgot. The two have an immediate connection, but circumstances between them make it hard for a relationship to take off. They are both are dealing with a lot and are long distance, but they manage to finally make things work out between them and get their HEA. 

I liked this book, but I did have a few issues with it. The story was cute and interesting. I really liked Silas. He adored Delilah from the minute he met her and never forgot her, following her career from afar. He was such a sweet, fun guy who was all-in with her whenever she gave him any attention. Delilah's character was a bit trickier and more complicated. She had to learn to stand on her own and be an adult before she could be in a relationship.  I felt like she held back from Silas a bit too much. I understood her past, her career, and the long distance made her cautious about getting in a relationship. It was hard to see her hold back for pretty much the whole book when he worshipped her so much. She was too cautious for me to really love her character. It was a little bit hard to believe in Silas and Delilah's HEA because we don't get to see them together and happy for very long, except for in the epilogue, which felt a little too late. The actual book never quite got there for me. 

Also, I found the book a little heavy. There were little happy times, lots of emotional times and "worried about the future" times. Silas and Delilah deserved some happy together and we don't often get to see it. Their blossoming romance was overshadowed by long distance, their busy careers, Delilah's jerky ex who was her music producer, a stalker and more. It was just a lot. Still, I enjoyed the book. Silas was just a doll and his positive energy helped the book so much. I enjoyed that he was down to earth, not egotistical despite that he was a hockey star in his own right. He came off as just a regular, sweet guy. The fantasy of dating a pop star that you have been fangirling (fanguying?) over from afar is such a fun premise. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book in general. Silas and Delilah were really good together once they got everything figured out between them. This story was entertaining and I enjoyed catching up with the rest of the couples from the series. I really enjoy this series and look forward to more from Ms. Bowen in the future! 








New Release: Justified by Jay Crownover + Review!




We are so excited to celebrate the release of JUSTIFIED by Jay Crownover with you today! JUSTIFIED is part of the new Loveless, Texas series and it is available now!




Links to purchase your copy can be found below.



 

Join Jay's Reader Group for Exclusive News!







JUSTIFIED by Jay Crownover

Loveless, Texas #1 | Available Now

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Purchase your copy of JUSTIFIED today!


Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo




 

About JUSTIFIED:


The New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men series delivers a romance about a rugged Texas sheriff who must protect the woman who was once his sworn enemy... 


 Case Lawton comes from a family of criminals. So as the sheriff of Loveless, Texas, he's determined to do everything by the book--until he's called to Aspen Barlow's office after a so-called break-in. The last thing he wants to do is help the woman who cost him custody of his son. But Aspen isn't the heartless lawyer Case remembers, and he starts to question his long-held grudge... Aspen is scared for her life, and Case is her last hope for protection. But to get him on her side, she'll have to reveal the painful truth from all those years ago. Now, as they work together to track down a dangerous criminal, Case and Aspen learn to trust each other. And as the threats escalate, it becomes clear there's a thin line between love and hate... because there's nothing Case wouldn't do to keep her safe.  

 




REVIEW:

3.5 stars
***


 This was a "like it" not a "love it" for me. Justified is the second book in the Loveless, TX series (The first book was #0.5). This book is focused on the second Lawton sibling in the series, Case, who is the oldest and the town sheriff. Aspen is a family lawyer in the town. The two met in high school when Aspen's family moved from Chicago. Case was friendly with her and one of the only people to be nice to her, when many students called her weird because she wore black and was different. Aspen had a crush on him, but he was several years older and had a girlfriend who soon got pregnant on purpose. Years pass and they don't really speak, both marrying others. When Case's relationship with his wife crumbles, Aspen is hired to represent her in their divorce/custody proceedings. Aspen does her job well, resulting in Case hating her and making her life miserable whenever possible. Several years later, Aspen's marriage also ends and she is the victim of multiple crimes. It seems someone has it out for her, and no matter how much Case resents her, he feels it is his job to protect her as a town citizen. As he protects her, they both realize things between them in their past were not what they seemed and the two grow closer, falling for each other. 

I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting and suspenseful. I liked this couple together, once they fixed their misunderstandings and were nicer to each other. I'm not a huge enemies to lovers fan. This relationship is slow burn and I felt the enemies part of the enemies to lovers was dragged out too long. Case was pretty mean to Aspen for a good chunk of the book. Aspen carried over her crush from high school even while he was mean to her, which I didn't love. There was too much pushing away, not admitting feelings between them, and also a lack of chemistry. I didn't feel a big connection between them until 80% of the book, when I finally liked them together and felt like they cared for each other equally. But I did feel the love between them by the end. Also, I found the book a little too slow and dry, with very little humor to balance out the drama. In addition, I found the epilogue to be a very odd ending to this book. I understand it was setting up the next book in the series, but it was depressing and a poor note to end on. Still, I found this book entertaining in general. It is not a bad book, just not my favorite by Ms. Crownover. 

Overall, this was not a bad read. I really liked Case and Aspen together by the end of the book. I enjoyed the small town feel and the side characters, especially Kody, Case's sister. I look forward to Kody's book to come later on in the series. I mostly enjoyed this book and I look forward to more from Ms. Crownover in the future. 






Purchase your copy of JUSTIFIED today!


Amazon | Nook | Apple Books | Kobo



 



   About JAY CROWNOVER:



Jay Crownover is the international and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point Series, Breaking Point Series, and the Getaway Series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road. 


  Connect with her: 




Sunday, June 23, 2019

Blog Tour: Nine by T. M. Frazier + Review!



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"Nine was just as hilarious as it was dark and violent. Just as deep and emotional as it was smoking hot. NINE stars!!!"- BB Easton, bestselling author



Nine: The Tale of Kevin Clearwater, the highly anticipated new standalone from USA Today bestselling author T.M. Frazier is available now!




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Nine lives.
Nine inches.
One chance to make her his.
Preppy's brother is about to live up to the family legacy in more ways than one.
This is the story of Nine, The Tale of Kevin Clearwater.



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Download your copy today!

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/N9NE
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2H5IXJN
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2U1ObOV


Excerpt:


I look up into his dark eyes. “This is a dangerous game of cat and mouse we’re playing.” “More like a game of cat and bird,” he corrects. I straighten my posture, my nipples grazing his hard chest. “And we all know how that turns out in the end. The cat eats the bird.” Nine lightly scrapes his nails over my bare arms before pressing them into my skin. I gasp at the slight bite of pain. “No, the pretty bird swoops down from nowhere and sinks her sharp talons into the cat, marking him for life.” There’s no sarcasm in his voice. I don’t know how to begin to process what it is he’s saying. It takes all of my concentration to get out my next few words. “And...and then what?” Nine picks me up off the floor in one quick motion, flipping me back onto the bed. He crawls over my body, hovering above me, pinning my wrists to the mattress. He grazes his teeth over the sensitive spot behind my ear. He lowers his voice to a deliciously deep rumble that has me vibrating with his every word. “And then he eats her.”


REVIEW:

4 stars
****


 This was a good book! Nine is the story of Kevin, Preppy's brother, and Lenny. Nine had the same mother as Preppy but was raised in foster care and did not know he had a brother until he was grown. One night, while hanging out on a bridge, he meets Lenny, whose parents have just died and who is contemplating jumping. They share an instant connection and he gives Lenny her first kiss, but before anything else can happen, she falls from the bridge and is assumed to have drowned. That night has haunted Nine ever since. Now years later, Nine has found Preppy and gone on to make a life. Lenny survived her fall from the bridge and has gone on to try to have a life as well, but she finds that life crumbling. When tough circumstances bring them back together, they both still feel a connection, but they don't recognize who each other are at first. They don't know if they can trust each other, but their pull to each other is so strong. The connection Lenny and Nine share is undeniable. The two of them realize they share a past and must face their demons together so they can also share a future. 

I adored the way Nine got his name and the way he never forgot Lenny. She was the one person who was perfect for him and could help him get over his bad childhood and sexual abuse. They had amazing chemistry. I loved that they both were quirky and funny, neither taking themselves too seriously. They were both a little innocent about relationships, despite what they had both been through. Nine and Lenny were a really good couple. Sexy, sweet and fun. It was really great to see them both overcome their pasts, grow into themselves and find the happiness they deserved. This book has adventure, suspense, sexiness, emotion and humor. I enjoyed Nine and Lenny's journey to love, as well as catching up with the other characters in the King series. 

Overall, this was a really good read. I hope this series will continue as I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters. I continue to be a big fan of Ms. Frazier's work and look forward to what she comes up with next! 





T.M.FrazierAbout the Author

T.M. (Tracey Marie) Frazier never dreamed that a single person would ever read a word she wrote when she published her first book. Now, she is a five- time USA Today bestselling author and her books have been translated into numerous languages and published all around the world. T.M. enjoys writing what she calls sexy‘wrongside of the tracks romance’ with morally corrupt anti-heroes and ballsy heroines. Her books have been described as raw, dark and gritty. Basically, what that means, is while some authors are great at describing a flower as it blooms, T.M. is better at describing it in the final stages of decay. She loves meeting her readers, but if you see her at an event please don’t pinch her because she's not ready to wake up from this amazing dream.


Connect with T.M. Frazier

Join Frazierland:http://bit.ly/frazierland
Twitter: @TM_Frazier
Stay up to date with T.M. by signing up for her mailing list: http://bit.ly/TMFrazier 
For Text Alerts: TEXT “TMFRAZIER” TO 77948 
*Standard text messaging rates apply*

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Chapter Reveal: Handle with Care by Helena Hunting


Handle With Care, an all-new romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting is coming August 27th, and we have a sneak peek!



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HE WANTS TO LOSE CONTROL.

Between his parents’ messed up marriage and his narcissistic younger brother, Lincoln Moorehead has spent the majority of his life avoiding his family. After the death of his father, Lincoln finds himself in the middle of the drama. To top it all off, he’s been named CEO of Moorehead Media, much to his brother’s chagrin. But Lincoln’s bad attitude softens when he meets the no-nonsense, gorgeous woman who has been given the task of transforming him from the gruff, wilderness guy to a suave businessman

SHE’S TRYING TO HOLD IT TOGETHER.

Wren Sterling has been working double time to keep the indiscretions at Moorehead Media at bay, so when she’s presented with a new contract, with new responsibilities and additional incentives, she agrees. Working with the reclusive oldest son of a ridiculously entitled family is worth the hassle if it means she’s that much closer to pursuing her own dreams. What Wren doesn’t expect is to find herself attracted to him, or for it to be mutual. And she certainly doesn’t expect to fall for Lincoln. But when a shocking new Moorehead scandal comes to light, she’s forced to choose between her own family and the broody, cynical CEO.



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Pre-order your copy today!


Google Play: http://bit.ly/2RRkyh8
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2C9AeCB
Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2FgCXxX


Excerpt from Chapter One

Chapter One

What Have I Gotten Myself into?

Wren I slip onto the empty bar stool beside the lumberjack mountain man who looks like he tried to squeeze himself into a suit two sizes too small. He’s intimidatingly broad and thick, with long dark hair that’s been pulled up into a haphazard man bun thing. His beard is a hipster’s wet dream. His scowl, however, makes him about as approachable as a rabid porcupine. And yet, here I am, sidling up next to him. He glances at me, eyes bleary and not really tracking. He quickly focuses on his half-empty glass again. Based on the slump of his shoulders and the uncoordinated way he picks up his glass and tips it toward his mouth, I’m guessing he’s pretty hammered. I order a sparkling water with a dash of cranberry juice and a lime. What I could really use is a cup of lavender-mint tea and my bed, but instead, I’m sitting next to a drunk man in his thirties. My life is extra glamorous, obviously. And no, I’m not an escort, but at the moment I feel like my morals are on the same kind of slippery slope. “Rough day?” I ask, nodding to the bottle that’s missing more than half its contents. It was full when he sat down at the bar an hour ago. Yes, I’ve been watching him the entire time, waiting for an opportunity to make my move. While he’s been sitting here, he’s turned down two women, one in a dress that could’ve doubled as a disco ball and the other in a top so low-cut, I could almost see her navel. “You could say that,” he slurs. He props his cheek on his fist, eyes almost slits. I can still make out the vibrant blue hue despite them being nearly closed. They move over me, assessing. I’m wearing a conservative black dress with a high neckline and a hem that falls below my knees. Definitely not nearly as provocative as Disco Ball or Navel Lady. “That solving your problems?” I give him a wry grin and tip my chin in the direction of his bottle of Johnnie. His gaze swings slowly to the bottle. It gives me a chance to really look at him. Or what I can see of his face under his beard, anyway. “Nah, but it helps quiet down all the noise up here.” He taps his temple and blurts, “My dad died.” I put a hand on his forearm. It feels awkward, and creepy on my part since its half-genuine, half-contrived comfort. “I’m so sorry.” He glances at my hand, which I quickly remove, and refocuses on his drink. “I should be sorry too, but I think he was mostly an asshole, so the world might be better off without him.” He attempts to fill his glass again, but his aim is off, and he pours it on the bar instead. I rush to lift my purse and grab a handful of napkins to mop up the mess. “I’m drunk,” he mumbles. “Well, I’m thinking that might’ve been the plan, considering the way you’re sucking that bottle back. I’m actually surprised you didn’t ask for a straw in the first place. Might be a good idea to throw a spacer [CD3] in there if you want tomorrow morning to suck less.” I push my drink toward him, hoping he doesn’t send me packing like he did the other women who approached him earlier. He narrows his eyes at my glass, suspicious, maybe. “What is that?” “Cranberry and soda.” “No booze?” “No booze. Go ahead. You’ll thank me in the morning.” He picks up the glass and pauses when it’s an inch from his mouth. His eyes crinkle, telling me he’s smiling under that beard. “Does that mean Imma wake up with you beside me?” I cock a brow. “Are you propositioning me?” “Shit, sorry.” He chugs the contents of my glass. “I was joking. Besides, I’m so wasted, I can barely remember my name. Pretty sure I’d be useless in bed tonight. I should stop talkin’.” He scrubs a hand over his face and then motions to me. “I wouldn’t proposition you.” I’m not sure how to respond. I go with semi-affronted, since it seems like somewhat of an insult. “Good to know.” “Dammit. I mean, I think you might be hot. You look hot. I mean attractive. I think you’re pretty.” He tips his head to the side and blinks a few times. “You have nice eyes, all four of them are lovely.” This time I laugh—for real—and point to the bottle. “I think you might want to tell your date you’re done for the night.” He blows out a breath and nods. “You might be right.” He makes an attempt to stand, but as soon as his feet hit the floor, he stumbles into me and grabs my shoulders to steady himself. “Whoa. Sorry. Yup, I’m definitely drunk.” His face is inches from mine, breath smelling strongly of alcohol. Beyond that, I get a whiff of fresh soap and a hint of aftershave. He lets go of my shoulders and takes an unsteady step back. “I don’t usually do this.” He motions sloppily to the bottle. “Mostly I’m a three drink max guy.” “I think losing your father makes this condonable.” I slide off my stool. Despite being tall for a woman, and wearing heels, he still manages to be close to a head taller than me. “Yeah, maybe, but I still think I might regret it tomorrow.” He’s incredibly unsteady, swaying while standing in place. I take the opportunity for what it is and thread my arm through his, leading him away from the bar. “Come on, let’s get you to the elevator before you pass out right here.” He nods, then wobbles a bit, like moving his head has set him off balance. “That’s probably a good idea.” He leans into me as we weave through the bar and stumbles on the two stairs leading to the foyer. There’s no way I’ll be able to stop him if he goes down, but I drape one of his huge arms over my shoulder anyway, and slip my own around his waist, guiding him in a mostly straight line to the elevators. “Which floor are you on?” I ask. “Penthouse.” He drops his arm from my shoulder and flings it out, pointing to the black doors at the end of the hall. “Jesus, I feel like I’m on a boat.” “It’s probably all the alcohol sloshing around in your brain.” I take his elbow again, helping him stagger the last twenty feet to the dedicated penthouse elevator. He stares at the keypad for a few seconds, brow pulling into a furrow. “I can’t remember the code. It’s thumbprint activated though too.” He stumbles forward and presses his forehead against the wall, then tries to line up his thumb with the sensor, but his aim is horrendous and he keeps missing. I settle a hand on his very firm forearm. This man is built like a tank. Or a superhero. For a moment, I reconsider what I’m about to do, but he seems pretty harmless and ridiculously hammered, so he shouldn’t pose a threat. I’m also trained in self-defense, which would fall under the by any means necessary umbrella. “Can I help?”

Read the rest of Chapter One: http://bit.ly/2ZBt0RL


About the Author:

New York Times 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.

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