A Favor For a Favor by @HelenaHunting #Romance #Reading @jennw23
“Bishop and Stevie’s relationship is pure, raw, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-the-the-page kindle crack. One of my favorite books by this brilliant author.” – LJ Shen, USA Today bestselling author
A Favor for a Favor, all-new standalone slow burn romance from New York Times bestselling author Helena Hunting, is available now!
A new stand-alone romance about trading favors, battling wills, and winning love.
When I joined Seattle’s NHL expansion team, I thought it was the start of something great. But nothing ever goes the way you expect. Take my introduction to my new neighbor. She came rolling in on the hot mess express at midnight, making a racket while she tried to get into my team captain’s apartment. Did I mention that he’s married to a woman who definitely was not her?
Imagine my surprise when I end up with an injury that has me out of the game for weeks, and she’s the one to offer to help me. I should probably add that she’s not the captain’s mistress. She’s his sexy, pastel-haired younger sister.
So we come up with an arrangement: she rehabs me so that I can get back on the ice sooner, and she can add a professional athlete that isn’t her brother to her client list. Seems simple enough. As long as I can keep my hands to myself and my hormones in check.
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Excerpt
She makes me lift my arm and drapes it over her shoulder. She’s incredibly small compared to me. She tucks one arm under my knee and gently grips the back of my calf with the other. “On the count of three,” she orders. I tense up when she hits three. She gets my leg about six inches off the floor, which is when I scream bloody murder again and grab on to her with both hands.
“Okay. That’s not going to work. The angle is too awkward.” She taps her lip and holds her finger up. “I have an idea.”
She ducks out from under my arm and hooks her fingers in the waistband of her yoga pants.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“Calm down. Some bathing suits have less coverage than my underwear. Besides, it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.”
She kicks off her yoga pants, leaving her in a T-shirt and panties. They’re plain cotton boy shorts, which should be a good thing, but apparently my body doesn’t care that it’s not a satin or lace thong. All it cares about is the proximity of almost-naked pussy.
Rook’s sister is standing in my bathroom in her underwear. If I had a sister who looked like Stevie and I knew that she was standing in one of my teammate’s bathrooms half-naked, I would probably kick the shit out of the guy. Thankfully, I have a brother.
I try to keep my eyes averted, sort of, but I catch her reflection in the vanity mirror.
She has fantastic legs. Athletic. Strong. And her ass. Goddamn. She definitely does a lot of squats, based on how round and firm it looks. The ache in my groin turns into that stabbing pain again because I’m getting hard. I think about my grandmother in a bathing suit to counteract the effect of Stevie being partly undressed.
She steps into the tub, and I force myself to keep my eyes down, bringing up the image of that hot chick in the tub who turns into a rotting old lady in The Shining. That helps a bit. At least until Stevie moves into my personal space and starts touching me again. I mutter a string of profanity, especially when I feel her boob pressed against my arm for a few seconds. I have no choice but to latch on to her shoulder as we lift my leg over the edge of the tub. I’m sweating, I’m angry, and I hate my dick.
“I need you to stop touching me!” It’s stupid because I’m still holding on to her, not the other way around.
“Why are you yelling at me?” she shouts back.
“Because you’re half-undressed in my tub, and I’m a guy, and apparently my dick is a fucking sadist. It honestly feels like my balls are on fire right now. A semi has never] been this painful.”
“Well, close your damn eyes and think about dead things.”
“It doesn’t matter if I close them. The image of you in panties is burned into the back of my lids, probably for the rest of my fucking life. It’s all I can see.”
“You’d think you’d never seen a set of bare legs before.” She helps me lower myself into the tub and steps out.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a pair up close,” I grumble.
“Such a surprise, with your warm, fuzzy personality.”
About Helena Hunting
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 writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.
Connect with Helena
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Website: http://www.helenahunting.com/
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Rules of Engagement by @JTGeissinger #NewRelease #SportsRomance @jennw23
Love is a battlefield for a quirky matchmaker and the cocky football star who hires her to find him a wife.
Rules of Engagement, an all-new laugh-out-loud standalone sports romance from J.T. Geissinger, is available now!
As the owner of Perfect Pairings matchmaking service, Maddie McRae earns her living helping others fall in love. Dubbed the Wedding Whisperer due to her success getting couples down the aisle, the sweet Southern belle knows that the foundation of wedded bliss is built on similarities: opposites might attract, but they don’t stay together.
Which is why she’s holding out for her own Prince Charming, a perfect gentleman who will arrive one day and sweep her off her feet with his devotion, kindness, and charm.
Enter Mason Spark.
Rude, arrogant, and notoriously allergic to monogamy, the hottest quarterback in the NFL is Maddie’s polar opposite. He’s also her new client. Her gorgeous, infuriating new client who’s paying her an outrageous sum of money to find him a wife. With his multi-million dollar contract on the line due to his behavior on and off the field, bad boy Mason is willing to pretend to settle down.
But when he starts to fall for the adorkable matchmaker who can’t stand him, the playboy finds himself in the game of his life to keep something he never thought he’d lose—his heart.
Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/36fg0EP
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Excerpt
He jerks his thumb at his mansion. “Don’t you want a tour?”
“Of Hearst Castle? No, thanks.”
His expression tells me how incomprehensible that is. “Everyone always wants a tour. Always.”
“I mean, it’s a very nice place, I’m sure.”
Now he looks insulted. He turns to stare at the house, then turns back to me. “Nice?”
“Please don’t take it personally. I’m not trying to start World War III here. A house like that just isn’t my thing.”
“Your thing?”
“Will you stop repeating everything I say?”
“It’s just that I’m having trouble with the fact that you don’t like my house. Everybody likes it. Everybody. Especially women.”
I sign in exasperation. “Oh, for goodness’ sake, Mason, I could give a flying fig what everyone else thinks. I’ll take my cozy little cottage over this place any day.”
“But why?”
I fold my arms across my chest and turn my torso toward him. “Why are you so upset that I don’t like it when you don’t like it, either?”
He shouts, “I never said I didn’t like it!”
“You didn’t have to. The closer we got to it, the more you constipated you looked.”
“That’s just my face!”
“Baloney. You hate your house. Admit it.”
Wild-eyed and wound up, he stares at me for a long, silent moment. Then he exhales in a huge gust and drops his head into his hands.
He says miserably, “I totally hate it. It’s awful, isn’t it?”
I pat his shoulder. “It’s beautiful, elegant, and absolutely ridiculous. Have you thought about asking the state legislature if they need new headquarters?”
He moans into his hands. “I don’t even have any furniture except a bed. You should hear how bad it echoes in there. And everything is marble, so it’s always freezing cold. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and think I’m sleeping in a mausoleum!”
I can’t help myself. I start laughing again.
He lifts his head and glares at me. “It’s not funny!”
“It’s so funny I can’t stand it.”
“Do you have any idea what I paid for this place?”
“Your gargantuan mausoleum?” I squint at it through the window. “I dunno. Bazillions?”
“Exactly! Bazillions!”
“I’m no financial whiz, Sparky, but I think they saw you coming.”
When he groans and drops his head against the headrest, closing his eyes, I try to reassure him. “I’m sure there’s some oil baron with twelve ex-wives and a hundred kids who’d love to move into it. With all the members of his country club. And their housekeeping staff.”
Mason opens his eyes and glares at me.
I try to stifle another laugh, but fail. “And the entire population of Portugal.”
“Ha ha.”
“Oh, lighten up. It’s not like you can’t sell it.”
Sounding panicked, he says, “But where would I live?”
“You say that like there are zero options between here and a cardboard box.”
“Name one.”
“There’s a house for sale at the end of my block.”
That astonishes him so much it leaves him speechless.
“You’re right,” I say solemnly. “It’s only a three-bedroom. There’s not enough space for both you and your ego.”
He looks away. “I’m just surprised you’d want me living on the same street as you.”
“Are you kidding? Imagine how much fun we could have screaming obscenities at each other over the backyard fences. The neighbors would love it.”
When he glances back at me and sees me smiling, he smiles, too. “Yeah, especially when they hear your PG version of cursing. ‘Dingwaddle’ this and ‘flying fig’ that. They won’t even know what language we’re speaking.”
We smile at each other so long it starts to get uncomfortable. I look away, patting my hair to make sure no stray strands have escaped from my bun.
After a rough throat clearing, Mason says, “I guess I’ll go in, then.”
“Okay. Goodnight. And thanks again for dinner. I love that place.”
When he doesn’t respond, I glance over at him. He’s staring back at me with the same warm look that flustered me at the restaurant. “You’re welcome, Pink. Anytime.”
“So I’ll send you all the information on Stephanie as soon as I vet her file. Okay?”
“Sure. Looking forward to it.”
An awkward silence follows. Finally, Mason breaks it by saying, “Sweet dreams.” He opens the door and starts to get out.
“Wait.”
He turns to me, his hand on the door and a question in his eyes.
“I, um, I need to say something.”
He groans. “You’re killing me, you know that?”
“No, this isn’t anything about you. You haven’t done anything wrong. This is about me.”
Eyes alight, he settles back into his seat. “This should be interesting.”
I search his face before I speak, because I want to be sure I don’t miss any change in his expression. “I’m sorry for teasing you about your ego. It’s not nice. And I don’t want you to think that I think there’s anything wrong with you, because I don’t.”
His face goes through several different emotions before it settles on something I can’t identify. It’s part pain and part pleasure, with a whole lot of ambivalence thrown in.
He says softly, “I know you don’t think there’s anything wrong with me. Which is what makes me assume your parents must’ve dropped you on your head a lot when you were a baby.”
“Oh, for crying out loud. I’m trying to apologize here!”
He grins. “You did. I heard you. And you don’t have to do it again, because I like it when you give me shit.”
When I quirk my lips, he amends quickly, “The business. I meant I like it when you give me the business. Nobody else mouths off to me the way you do.”
“Good to know,” I say, smiling. “Now that I know you like it, the gloves will come off, pal, so you better watch out.”
“I can hardly wait.”
We sit there grinning at each other, until Mason says, “Get outta here. I’ll talk to you next week.”
“Aye-aye, Captain.”
Then it all falls apart in slow motion.
I don’t know what makes me do it. I honestly don’t. One minute we’re smiling and saying goodbye, the next minute I’m impulsively leaning over to give him a kiss on the cheek.
Only he’s turning his head, so my target moves.
Where his cheek was supposed to be, suddenly his lips are there instead.
His warm, soft, beautiful lips, which part when they meet mine.
About J.T. Geissinger
J.T. Geissinger is a bestselling author of emotionally charged romance and women’s fiction. Ranging from funny, feisty rom coms to intense, edgy suspense, her books have sold more than one million copies and been translated into several languages.
She is the recipient of the Prism Award for Best First Book, the Golden Quill Award for Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy, and is a two-time finalist for the RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America®. She has also been a finalist in the Booksellers’ Best, National Readers’ Choice, and Daphne du Maurier Awards.
Her first novel was published in 2012. Since then she’s written eighteen more novels. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, drinking wine, surfing the internet, and daydreaming about all the things she’s going to be when she grows up. She lives near the beach in Los Angeles with her husband and deaf/demented rescue kitty, Ginger.
Connect with J.T. Geissinger
Facebook: http://bit.ly/37Iv1zU
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Website: http://www.jtgeissinger.com
Crisis of Conscience
Marsha Riegert West shares an interesting post on our conscience at the Sisterhood of Suspense #blog today. Stop by and join the conversation, we’d love to hear from you 🙂
The idea for this post came to me while I was speeding along 820 W, the loop that circles Fort Worth. I travel on this road daily and frequently more often. For most of this road the speed is 65 mph. (Does Canada have the same speed limit measures?) Usually, I set my cruise control about 67 or 68. That’s because most of the folks are driving 70-75. Seriously. And I know cars have flown by me going 80.
(I slowed down to take this picture!)
So, Saturday I didn’t have on the cruise control and looked down to see I was flying along at 75 myself, just keeping up with the traffic, you know. After slowing down to closer to the limit, I set the cruise control.
By nature, I’m a rule follower. If the speed limit is 65 mph, that’s what I should be driving. At least very…
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#BookReview- The Last Sister by Kendra Elliot #Mystery
Three sisters’ secrets collide in a shocking novel of suspense by the Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author of the Mercy Kilpatrick series.
Twenty years ago Emily Mills’s father was murdered, and she found his body hanging in the backyard. Her younger sister, Madison, claims she was asleep in her room. Her older sister, Tara, claims she was out with friends. The tragedy drove their mother to suicide and Tara to leave town forever. The killer was caught. The case closed.
Ever since, Emily and Madison have tried to forget what happened that night—until an eerily similar murder brings it all back. It also brings FBI special agent Zander Wells to the Oregon logging town. As eager as he is to solve the brutal double slaying, he is just as intrigued with the mystery of Emily’s and her sisters’ past.
When more blood is shed, Zander suspects there’s a secret buried in this town no one wants unearthed. Is it something Emily and Madison don’t know? Or aren’t telling? And Tara? Maybe Emily can’t bear to find her. Because when Tara disappeared, she took a secret of her own with her.
Biography
***For a free Insider’s Guide to my novels, visit KendraElliot.com.***
Kendra Elliot has sold over 7 million books, hit the Wall Street Journal top ten bestseller list nine times, and is a three time winner of the Daphne du Maurier award.
Her 2017 release, A MERCIFUL DEATH, was a #1 Amazon overall bestseller and has been optioned for TV.
She is an International Thriller Writers’ finalist and a Romantic Times finalist. She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family, three cats, and two Pomeranians. She’s always been fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and can’t wait to wear flip flops every day.
My Review
Secrets from the past collide with a modern day murder in this thrilling suspense novel by Kendra Elliot!
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When restaurant owner Emily Mills goes to check up on a late-for-work employee, she comes upon a shocking crime scene. The woman is dead and her husband is found hanging in the backyard– a déjà vu moment for Emily who found her father the same way twenty years earlier.
A horrible coincidence or is there a mysterious connection?
FBI Agent Zander Wells is brought in to help the local sheriff’s department on a possible hate crime of a young couple, and finds a town steeped in secrecy.
As the investigation delves deep, a desperate criminal amps up his game, threatening Emily and her family. Will the truth cost the Mills girls their lives?
This is a gripping mystery with multiple storylines that all weave together into a surprising conclusion I didn’t see coming (Gotta love a good mystery!), but thought there were several threads left dangling by the end of the book to give it a 5* review. Racism is the leading factor in the storyline, yet the author doesn’t use it as a platform to teach us a valuable lesson- rather it’s sensationalized and then almost forgotten in the subsequent murder/mysteries that take place throughout the story. I feel that was an important moment lost.
Overall, a good story,
I give The Last Sister 4 lovely kisses
“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
Check out all of my book recommendations on BookBub
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Smorgasbord Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update #Reviews – #Paranormal S.A. Harris, #Thriller Carol Balawyder, #Romance #Mystery Jacquie Biggar
Sally Cronin shares some amazing new reviews for authors S.A Harris, Carol Balawyder, and me!
Welcome to the first author update for the authors in the Cafe and Bookstore with recent reviews.
Time to catch up with Sally Harris who has received a great many five star reviews for her debut novel Haverscroft.
About the Book
Kate Keeling leaves all she knows and moves to Haverscroft House in an attempt to salvage her marriage. Little does she realise, Haverscroft’s dark secrets will drive her to question her sanity, her husband and fatally engulf her family unless she can stop the past repeating itself. Can Kate keep her children safe and escape Haverscroft in time, even if it will end her marriage?
Haverscroft is a gripping and chilling dark tale, a modern ghost story that will keep you turning its pages late into the night.
One of the recent reviews for the book on Goodreads
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Meet the Author- @jacqbiggar #Romance #Writer
Meet the Author
You’ve probably heard it said that writing is a lonesome job, but I haven’t found it to be true. My head is filled with the characters I’m creating, the fictional places I’m traveling to and the adventures… ooh-la-la!
Here is part of an interview I recently did with book promoters Itsy Bitsy Book Bits:
Author Interview With Jacquie Biggar by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
How Did You Get Into Writing?
- I’ve been a romance reader since my pre-teen years and developed a dream of writing my own novel then. I didn’t make the fantasy a reality until I was semi-retired and had time on my hands. Now I wish I’d started much sooner!
What’s Your Favorite Genre to Write?
- Romantic suspense- I like the action-adventure thrill of suspense novels.
Is there a genre you’ve always wanted to write in that you haven’t yet?
- Historical. I’m intimidated by the research it would take, though.
Who are some of your inspirations?
- My biggest inspiration is my daughter. She’s a single mother with a Type 1 Diabetic son who is making her way through a masters degree for biology. She’s hands down the strongest person I know.
Do any of your stories have personal experiences in them?
- Most of them incorporate some part of my life, whether it’s a cafe (I owned and operated one for years), dealing with disabilities (my grandson’s T1D, dementia, cancer), or small town life.
Who are some of your favorite authors to read?
- Loreth Anne White, Emma Scott, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, Jill Shalvis, Kristan Higgins.
What’s your writing process look like? (Outline or go with the flow of your character)
- I’m what is termed a linear pantser; meaning I have a general idea for the story and a character in mind, after that it’s one line at a time 🙂
What are some of your hobbies?
- Gardening tops the list, reading, bird watching, walking my cat (yes, you read that right!)
Have you attended any signings? If so, what was your favorite thing about it?
- I’ve been to one signing at our local library, and while the crowd was small, it was a good learning experience for this introvert.
When reading reviews, what is something you love to see written?
- Someone who really gets my characters and has empathy for their story. It means I’ve connected with my reader, which is the ultimate thrill!
If you could spend the day with one of your characters, who would it be and what would you do?
- Tough question: Jared Martin from The Rebel’s Redemption. He’s a tough guy with a heart of gold. I’d love to spend an afternoon fishing with him 🙂
What are you currently working on?
- A romantic suspense set around a female stalker of a NHL hockey player.
What’s your writing routine?
- I do my blog and promo work through the morning and afternoon, then spend the evening writing- approx 4-6 hours a night.
Do you have any superstitions when it comes to writing? If so, what?
- Does three circles around my chair before I start writing count? Jk! No, I don’t have any superstitions.
You can read more of this interview here: https://itsybitsybookbits.com/2020/01/the-sister-pact-home-is-where-the-heart-is-by-jacquie-biggar/
The Sister Pact
Two sisters lose sight of what’s most important- family bonds.
Holly Tremaine is living on borrowed time. A life-threatening illness ends her promising musical career and sends her home in the hope of making amends for the past.
Levi Anderson is on the fast track to a successful year within his profession- the last thing he has time for is his twin brother’s shenanigans. But when it includes the one woman Levi hasn’t been able to forget, his conscience won’t let him avoid the temptation to see her again.
Can remorse heal all wounds? Or will past betrayals continue to ruin family ties, one thread at a time?
Early Reviews:
I seem to gravitate toward the deep family stories lately and the emotions that go with them, this was an amazingly written book and as I said above, not sure why this is my first read by this author, but I can guarantee I have already looked at what else is available and my tbr has grown and I’ll be watching for any and everything from this point on.
AMAZON REVIEWER
This is a story that had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading it. Holly and Levi are likable characters and I found myself wanting them to find happiness. There are moments that tug at your heart and others that had me wondering if the past could be overcome. I highly recommend reading this story.
AMAZON REVIEWER
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081L4SWDB/
International: https://books2read.com/TheSisterPact
Add to TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48920512-the-sister-pact
Recommend on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-sister-pact-home-is-where-the-heart-is-by-jacquie-biggar
Also Available
Everyone Has Secrets; Some More Devastating Than Others…
Everyone Has Secrets; Some More Devastating Than Others…
Presenting a brand new collection of page turning romance and suspense from NINE International USA Today Bestselling, Award-Winning Authors.
Nine stories, nine heart-wrenching soon to be revealed secrets. Can the truth really set them all free?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082GH6X62
International: https://books2read.com/InvincibleSecrets
TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49803837-invincible-secrets
Recommend us on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/invincible-secrets-invincible-women-s-fiction-book-2-by-jen-talty-and-suzanne-jenkins
Sneak Off and Read: Lines all about the topic MYSTERY #RSsos #RomSuspense
Lines with the theme MYSTERY from the Sisterhood of Suspense. Share your favorites with us; we’d love to hear from you!
#OneLineSunday by #RSsos Lines all about the topic MYSTERY
Interested in reading more? Click on the book covers below for information about the novel and the author.
He lifted and dropped his hands. “I’m telling you, to this day, I haven’t a clue how the frog got in your lunch box.”
Vicki Batman
“Single shot to the temple, through and through. Near as I can tell, time of death was sometime between midnight and three a.m., no sign of defensive wounds.” She stopped and gazed at him with world-weary eyes. “Who would do this, Augustus?”
Jacquie Biggar
If seeing her name on a book was all that mattered to her, she could’ve easily published her mystery with their company ages ago.
Marian Lanouette
Given J.D.’s reaction, the gal meant something. That’s the angle he needed to take with the questioning, but first he needed to find out more about this…
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Protests
Charli Mills challenged us to a flash fiction story with the theme PROTEST. Check out the many great takes on the topic!
A protest can be small as the silence of a single person or big as a clamoring crowd. Social injustice, human rights, better conditions for workers can add to suppressed voices. Yet, objections can come from even the protested.
Writers gave much thought to the prompt and explored who and why what was the object of protests.
The following is based on the January 16, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a protest story.
PART I (10-minute read)
Remember the Revolution by Doug Jacquier
Remember causes
and affectations of effect on war
in cities now gone five-star?
Remember social action
sitting in smoke-filled rooms with Nescafe activists
and battered women with no teeth and less hope?
Remember death
when it belonged to rock stars
and people your mother your mother knew?
Remember money
and how it wasn’t going to concern you
until you learnt the golden…
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#BookReview- Heartbreaker by @BJDanielsAuthor #Suspense
He’ll risk everything to rescue her…
Ex-military man Thom Grayson has debts to pay. So when a plane crashes in the mountains near his cabin, he’s hired to find the wreckage—and the kidnapped woman believed to be the sole survivor. But when he locates Geneva, or “JJ” as she insists on being called, she’s not at all what he expected.
JJ isn’t sure she can trust the mysterious man who’s come to her rescue. But she has secrets of her own—secrets she’ll do anything to keep. So she’ll follow his instructions and keep her distance to get off this mountain alive without blowing her cover. As dangerous conditions force them together—and the undeniable chemistry between them ignites—he’ll protect her at any cost. But when the morning light comes, will the truth tear them apart?
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2RKvjj5
Biography
NYT and USA Today Bestselling author B.J. Daniels was born in Texas but moved with her family to Montana at the age of five. Her first home was a cabin in the Gallatin Canyon and later a lake house on Hebgen Lake outside of West Yellowstone.
Most of her books are set in Montana, a place she loves. She lives now in a unique part of the state with her husband and three Springer Spaniels.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to play tennis, boat, camp, quilt and snowboard. There is nothing she enjoys more than curling up with a good book.
My Review
When JJ helps herself to a client’s fancy lake-house for the weekend, she doesn’t expect to be accosted, drugged, and flown into the mountains- and then the plane crashes and the fun really begins!
After Thom loses his wife, he closes himself off and builds a cabin in the woods. But when an old friend comes to him for help, Thom can’t say no. Little does he realize that the spoiled, rich granddaughter he’s supposed to be searching for isn’t the one he finds.
This is a fast-paced romantic suspense with enough twists and turns to keep me turning the pages. The mountainous setting is well-written and adds another layer to what is an adventurous story.
I give Heartbreaker 4 lovely kisses- Fun Read!
“I voluntarily read an ARC of this book which was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.”
Check out all of my book recommendations on BookBub
I love having guests on the blog. If you have a new release, a sale or just want to chat, send me an email via the contact page and we’ll set something up. Hope to see you soon!
Making You Mine by @Melissa_Foster #Romance #Reading @InkSlingerPR
Today we have the release week blitz for Melissa Foster’s MAKING YOU MINE! Check out this fantastic new contemporary romance and be sure to grab your copy today!
Title: MAKING YOU MINE
Author: Melissa Foster
Genre: Contemporary Romance
About MAKING YOU MINE:
Discover the magic of New York Times bestseller Melissa Foster’s writing and see why millions of readers have fallen in love with the fiercely loyal and sassily sexy characters in the Love in Bloom big-family romance collection. Love in Bloom novels are written to stand alone or may be enjoyed as part of the larger series, so dive right into this fun, sexy romance featuring Graham Braden’s business partner, Knox Bentley!
In MAKING YOU MINE…
Knox Bentley never liked the pomp and circumstance that came with being wealthy. He’d distanced himself from his pretentious family and their fortune as a young adult and found his own path to success. But even with the world at his fingertips, he realizes something is missing, and after a long stay overseas, he finally knows exactly what it is. His no-strings-attached hookups with Aubrey Stewart, an exquisite and stubbornly independent blonde, are no longer enough for him. They connect on every level, but Aubrey is a fierce businesswoman with a new movie channel on the horizon and no time for much else. She is the deal he can’t close, the precious jewel even his billions can’t buy. Now that he’s back in the States, he’s determined to show her that what they have goes beyond the bedroom and finally make her his.
**
Love in Bloom novels feature alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They’re flawed, funny, passionate, and relatable to readers who enjoy contemporary romance and women’s fiction. For avid readers of the Love in Bloom series, you may have met sexy and hilarious Knox Bentley, Graham Braden’s business partner, in Trails of Love, and Aubrey Stewart, one of the badass billionaire founders of the Ladies Who Write (LWW), in Anything for Love.
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Also available in audio
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Excerpt
Aubrey opened the gift box slowly, surprised to find a black and gold lipstick container.
“Oh my gosh.” Presley snagged the gift and inspected it. “Yup. Tom Ford’s Original Sin. You’ve got yourself a classy dirty boy.”
“Give me that.” Aubrey grabbed the lipstick and set it on the desk. She lifted another note from the box and read it. “‘Because putting on lipstick usually leads to taking these off.’” She shot a look at her friends. “This ought to be good.” She whipped off the lid, and her body tingled at the sight of a black lace thong and matching bra nestled within the tissue paper.
“Wow. Those are gorgeous,” Libby said. “May I?”
Aubrey shrugged and held out the box for Libby to feel the material.
“That’s Agent Provocateur,” Presley said as she admired the lingerie. “It’s made with French lace. Gorgeous. The man has—”
“Invaded my personal space and my privacy.” Aubrey snapped the lid back on the box, trying to ignore her racy thoughts of Knox tearing them off her.
“And I’m about to invade it even more.”
They all spun around at the sound of Knox’s deep, sexy voice. There he stood, six-plus feet of gorgeousness, clad in a black leather jacket, jeans, and black boots that probably cost more than Aubrey’s desk. A charming smile lifted his lips as he said, “Hello, ladies.”
About Melissa Foster:
Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa’s fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, and the Wild Boys After Dark. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented.
Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.
Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on social media or her personal website.
Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.
Connect with Melissa:
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Enter Melissa’s Giveaway:
Toxic Vengeance by @KayleaCross #NewRelease#RomSuspense @InkSlingerPR
Today we are celebrating the release of a new, romantic suspense title from Kaylea Cross. TOXIC VENGEANCE just went live, and you will not want to miss this series! Be sure to add the book to your TBR pile now and follow Kaylea for exclusive updates about the book and the Vengeance series.
Join Kaylea’s Reader Group for Exclusive News!
Toxic Vengeance by Kaylea Cross
Available Now
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook
Book Blurb:
A past poisoned by lies.
Toxins expert Eden Foster was trained never to get close to anyone. She’s only broken that rule twice, and each time it ended in heartbreak. Her mentor was murdered in front of her, and now the man she was forced to deceive and leave behind has suddenly become a threat. She wants justice, but the only way she’ll get it is by joining forces with the only man to pose a threat to her guarded heart—the CIA contractor tasked with capturing and turning her in.
Risking a second chance could cost them everything.
Zack Maguire has spent his entire adult life serving his country, but this time, he’s torn between duty and his heart. Eden might not be the woman he thought she was, but he refuses to accept that everything between them was a lie. If she’s being hunted, he’s all in. He won’t sit back and do nothing when her life is on the line. As the danger mounts, he’ll do anything to protect her. And when their enemies close in, the only way they’ll live long enough to have a second chance is to let go of the past and learn to trust each other.
Add the book to Goodreads
OTHER BOOKS IN THE VENGEANCE SERIES
Stealing Vengeance
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook
Covert Vengeance
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook
Explosive Vengeance
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook
Beautiful Vengeance – coming March 31
Amazon | Apple | Kobo | Nook
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.
FIND KAYLEA CROSS:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Instagram | Bookbub | Goodreads
Almost Just Friends by @JillShalvis #NewRelease #Romance
New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Wildstone with the touching story of finding your place in the world—and the people who make it home.
Almost Just Friends, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by Jill Shalvis, is LIVE!
Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.
When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.
Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.
Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OtvsWN
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/AlmostJustFriendsJS
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2lOamrb
Nook: http://bit.ly/2kENTg5
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2kDLaDM
Google Play: http://bit.ly/2lMr9v6
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/334gMmi
About Jill:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
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Newsletter: http://jillshalvis.com/contact/
Website: http://jillshalvis.com
#BookReview- Life’s Rich Tapestry by Sally Cronin #Booktalk @sgc58
Life’s Rich Tapestry is a collection of verse, microfiction and short stories that explore many aspects of our human nature and the wonders of the natural world. Reflections on our earliest beginnings and what is yet to come, with characters as diverse as a French speaking elephant and a cyborg warrior.
Finding the right number of syllables for a Haiku, Tanka, Etheree or Cinquain focuses the mind; as does 99 word microfiction, bringing a different level of intensity to storytelling. You will find stories about the past, the present and the future told in 17 syllables to 2,000 words, all celebrating life.
This book is also recognition of the value to a writer, of being part of a generous and inspiring blogging community, where writing challenges encourage us to explore new styles and genres.
I am one of those people who has led an eclectic life. My father was in the Royal Navy so we lived abroad several times and I only really settled down in the UK at age 14. My education suffered a little from switching between seven schools in different countries but I now have a repertoire of swear words second to none!
I trained as a secretary as my parents felt that my dream to be an actress and music diva was probably a little unrealistic! I started well in my first job but a pregnant chair side assistant who developed a phobia to blood meant that I had to step into the shoes of dental nurse, a career I enjoyed before moving to the hospitality industry.
This resulted in me meeting my husband (known as room 40) nine years later and we had a whirlwind courtship over five weeks and married 36 years ago. We still have the whirlwind courtship moving over several continents to reach the final outpost here in on the East Coast of Ireland in a small harbour called Courtown. Luckily with the Worldwide Web it is still possible from this terrific place to keep in touch with all the amazing people we have met off and online.
I have spent a number of years in each of the following industries – Hospitality, Retail, Advertising and Telecommunications, radio and television and had a blast. I love learning new skills and eventually I might even master WordPress!
I have written short stories and poetry since a very young age and when I went ‘Indie’ in 1998 I combined my retraining as a Nutritional Therapist with this love of writing with my first book. I also began contributing columns in the media in the UK and Spain and my own monthly newsletter.
My first health book was Size Matters which told the story of my journey from a very overweight 24 stone – 330lbs to a slimmish and healthier individual.
Over the last 18 years this love of writing has developed into another eleven titles, my blog and also into Indie Publishing in 2004.
Some of my printed books are available from me directly but here are the books that you can buy from Amazon in E-book.
Over the last 13 years I have managed to fit radio and Internet television both in front of the microphone and camera and behind in a producing and directing role. So whilst I never became the UK Esther Williams I did get to perform without getting too waterlogged.
You can find more reviews and follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7979187.Sally_Cronin
Social Media connections.
I would love to connect with you on other sites too and here are my links.
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/sallycronin1
https://www.facebook.com/sally.cronin
Books
https://smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com/my-books/
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/author/sallycroninbooks
Smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/SallyGCronin or you can buy safely direct from my own selling pages.
If you would like to talk to me about guest blogging or to participate in any of the FREE book promotions you can find details at this link.
My Review
Like the threads in cloth, Sally Cronin’s compositions lead us to a more fulfilling life!
Life’s Rich Tapestry is a variety of poetry, short stories and microfiction designed to engage the reader to look at the world in a different light. Whether delving into human emotion, nature, or flights of fancy there is something slightly magical about the author’s turn of phrase.
Here are a couple of my favorite passages:
Romance
When
a man
and woman
reach out and touch
one another’s souls
with open heart and mind,
it draws them into a place
that brings their lives significance,
with mutual empowerment and grace,
enough to sustain their desire through life.
Cronin, Sally. Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words . Moyhill Publishing. Kindle Edition.
Wedding Anniversary September 11th
On
this day
two people
young and in love
walked into the sun
of a September day.
Above them in the blue sky
machines of war flew in combat,
gunfire serenading bride and groom
on what should have been their
most treasured day.
Sixty-one years later on the same date,
an old woman reflects on her life.
Remembering all of the love,
still so strong despite her loss,
and saddened to the core,
that despite the years,
machines of war
in blue skies
still bring
death.
Cronin, Sally. Life’s Rich Tapestry: Woven in Words . Moyhill Publishing. Kindle Edition.
This is a beautiful book and one I would recommend to anyone. I give Life’s Rich Tapestry 5 lovely kisses- thoughtful and intelligent!
Check out all of my book recommendations on BookBub
I love having guests on the blog. If you have a new release, a sale or just want to chat, send me an email via the contact page and we’ll set something up. Hope to see you soon!
The Story of Us by @TeriWilsonAuthr #Romance #Reading @Hallmark @InkSlingerPR
Today we have the excerpt reveal for Teri Wilson’s upcoming romance from Hallmark, THE STORY OF US! Check out the excerpt and be sure to pre-order your copy today!
Title: The Story of Us
Author: Teri Wilson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Hallmark
About The Story of Us:
A box of love letters from the past
may hold the key to the future…
Jamie always adored True Love Bookstore and Café, and now she’s the owner. But businesses are struggling in her small town, and her beloved store is threatened by a new retail development scheme.
Sawyer, Jamie’s former high school sweetheart, startles her when he comes to town for the first time in fifteen years. She soon learns he’s the architect of the proposed development and he’s there to sell local business owners on his plan. Sawyer had no idea that Jamie had bought the bookstore and poured everything she had into it. If he takes it over, he’ll break her heart a second time.
Jamie’s discovery of a box of old love letters and valentines might hold the key to saving her shop. And after all this time, could love be in the cards for Jamie and Sawyer, too?
Pre-Order Your Copy Today:
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Books A Million | Target
Exclusive Excerpt:
Sawyer’s gaze locked onto hers, and as much as Jamie knew she should look away, she just couldn’t. The lines around his eyes were new, as were the sharp angles of his jawline, but those warm brown irises of his were exactly the same. These were the eyes that had seen her at a time when no one else had. She’d been nothing but a quiet, book-loving dreamer, and he’d brought her out of her shell and shown her that the world could be every bit as colorful and vibrant in reality as it was in the novels she loved so much.
Meeting Sawyer O’Dell had changed her. He’d helped her become the woman she was today, because she’d loved the person he’d seen when he’d looked at her with those eyes—interesting, enchanting.
His.
What would it be like to feel that way again? To be loved and cherished by the only person she’d ever truly wanted to build a life with? To have her heart put back together by the man who’d broken it when he’d been just a boy?
The thought was intoxicating. It made her do things she knew she shouldn’t—like step closer to him so that their breath mingled together in the evergreen air, causing her to smile to herself as his gaze drifted slowly, purposefully to her lips. Her breath hitched as he dipped his head. She’d never wanted a kiss so badly in her life— not even when she’d been sixteen years old and he’d bent toward her in the exact same way for the very first time.
His hand was on her waist and his lips were just a whisper away—a heartbeat, a breath, a memory. And Jamie’s heart felt as if it were opening like a favorite book, one whose pages hadn’t been read in a long, long time. She let her eyes drift closed, because she knew this story by heart. The story of Sawyer and Jamie…
The story of us.
But in the sliver of a second before their lips met, someone said Jamie’s name, and the book slammed shut.
“Jamie?”
Her eyes flew open. She and Sawyer blinked at each other, as if they couldn’t quite get their bearings. Then they both turned their heads in the direction of the speaker.
No. Jamie’s stomach tied itself into a knot. It couldn’t be him. What on earth was he doing there?
She bit her bottom lip, still tingling from the missed opportunity. She’d been waiting fifteen years to kiss Sawyer O’Dell again, and apparently, she’d have to wait even longer. “Matt?”
About Teri Wilson:
Teri Wilson is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of romance, women’s fiction and romantic comedy. Three of Teri’s books have been adapted into Hallmark Channel Original Movies by Crown Media, including UNLEASHING MR. DARCY (plus its sequel MARRYING MR. DARCY), THE ART OF US and NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, based on her book SLEIGH BELL SWEETHEARTS. She is also a recipient of the prestigious RITA Award for excellence in romantic fiction for her novel THE BACHELOR’S BABY SURPRISE. Teri has a major weakness for cute animals, pretty dresses and Audrey Hepburn films, and she loves following the British royal family. Visit her at http://www.teriwilson.net or on Twitter @TeriWilsonauthr.
Connect with Teri:
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Enter Teri’s Giveaway:
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Snowmageddon #NFLStorm #SilentSunday
A Parent’s Nightmare- #FlashFictionChallenge #amwriting
This week’s challenge courtesy of Charli Mills Carrot Ranch:
January 16, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a protest story. It can be about a protest, or you can investigate the word and expand the idea. Who is protesting, where, and why? Go where the prompt leads!
I decided to take mine in a more personal direction. This is from a WIP- hope you enjoy my interpretation of PROTEST.
“There’s no easy way to say this—” Matt met the growing horror in Mrs. Carter’s eyes, his heart hurting, “your daughter was murdered last night on the Galloping Goose Trail. We believe she was on her way home at the time.”
The poised woman who’d met them at the door disappeared in a swelling tide of despair. She vigorously shook her head. “No, you’ve made a mistake. Emily was home last night. I brought her home from school myself. It’s not possible.”
“How do you know it’s our child?” Carter asked, his voice gruff. “It could be anyone.”
#BookReview- Eventide by @MaeClair1 #Suspense
The darkness is coming . . .
The old house near Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania is a place for Madison Hewitt to start over—to put the trauma of her husband’s murder, and her subsequent breakdown, behind her. She isn’t bothered by a burial plot on the property, or the mysterious, sealed cistern in the basement. Not at first. Even the presence of cold spots and strange odors could be fabrications of her still troubled mind. But how to explain her slashed tires, or the ominous messages that grow ever more threatening?
Convinced the answer lies in the past, Madison delves into the history of the home’s original owners, only to discover the origin of a powerful evil. An entity that may be connected to a series of gruesome attacks that have left police baffled. No matter where she turns—past or present—terror lingers just a step away, spurred on by a twisted obsession that can only be satisfied through death…
Biography
A member of the Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers, Mae Clair is also a founding member and contributor to the award-winning writing blog, Story Empire. She has achieved bestseller status on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with several of her novels chosen as book club selections.
Mae writes primarily in the mystery/suspense genre, flavoring her plots with elements of urban legend and folklore. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about cryptozoology, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail, and cats.
Discover more about Mae on her website and blog at MaeClair.com
My Review
Read with the lights on good!
When Madison Hewitt buys an old house on the banks of the Yarrow River, she’s looking for a fresh start. Instead, she inherits a century-old murder-mystery and a malevolent spirit who is determined to stop Madison and her friends from finding out the truth.
Meanwhile, a vicious killer is on a murdering rampage in Hode’s Hill and leave the police baffled. Witnesses swear the ‘thing’ isn’t human and the victims’ wounds support their theory, but what else could it be?
This story had me glued to my Kindle!
Mae Clair seamlessly blends past and present timelines, gothic creatures, ghosts and complex characters to create an unforgettable story.
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There were a few edge-of-my-seat moments that left me looking for the nearest flashlight, lol (You’ll have to read the story to see why), and the twist at the end… wow! I didn’t see that one coming!
I give Eventide 5+ lovely kisses- This is going on my re-read shelf!
Check out all of my book recommendations on BookBub
I love having guests on the blog. If you have a new release, a sale or just want to chat, send me an email via the contact page and we’ll set something up. Hope to see you soon!
Carried Wives
So many wonderful variations from the prompt ‘Carry your bride’ by Charli Mills and the Carrot Ranch
Over the threshold, a mud puddle, or in a wife-carrying race, it’s a wonder to consider that wives are carried. But on a deeper dive, consider that partners carry each other in other ways, too — emotionally, in times of troubling circumstances, or with playfulness. What will the writers make of such ideas?
This week, writers explored the various reasons and situations wives could be carried.
The following is based on the January 9, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a carried wife.
PART I (10-minute read)
A Dream Home by Sally Cronin
As a girl she didn’t dream of fairy tale weddings or fancy white dresses. She was an orphan, in and out of foster homes, and all she wanted was a house of her own. They met at the local community centre; a carpenter, his hands worn and callused. He asked…
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The Sister Pact is live- #NewRelease #WomensFic
The Sister Pact is live!
I’m thrilled to introduce my very first women’s fiction about two sisters who lost their way.
Two sisters lose sight of what’s most important- family bonds.
Holly Tremaine is living on borrowed time. A life-threatening illness ends her promising musical career and sends her home in the hope of making amends for the past.
Levi Anderson is on the fast track to a successful year within his profession- the last thing he has time for is his twin brother’s shenanigans. But when it includes the one woman Levi hasn’t been able to forget, his conscience won’t let him avoid the temptation to see her again.
Can remorse heal all wounds? Or will past betrayals continue to ruin family ties, one thread at a time?
What Readers are Saying:
I believe fans of Susan Mallery and Robyn Carr would enjoy this lovely story of a family in crisis.
PaytonPuppy- Amazon Reviewer
A heartwarming story with a blend of family drama, family differences, loyalty, misunderstandings and romance.
B.- Amazon Reviewer
What a well written book about a family and its secrets and how those secrets can destroy and hurt those they love.
Lori- Amazon Reviewer
Order your Copy Today
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081L4SWDB/
International: https://books2read.com/TheSisterPact
Add to TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48920512-the-sister-pact
Recommend on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-sister-pact-home-is-where-the-heart-is-by-jacquie-biggar
Exclusive Excerpt
Holly brushed out her hair and used a white scarf knotted under the heavy length to sweep it away from her face. A light blush to tint still-pale cheeks, a dab of lipstick and she was ready for her great adventure.
Her stomach fluttered at the thought of spending time with Levi. Alone.
She’d carefully blocked out their mistake in judgement, as she preferred to think of it, but the memories were making themselves known now. The day her sister walked up the aisle and said ‘I do’ to the man Holly always thought would be her husband, had turned out to be harder than she could have imagined. Instead of cutting her losses and disappearing into the night, she’d sat through the entire affair—literally, as it turned out—without a clue to how it all would end.
Sleeping with the best man; how cliché.
Worse, in her drunken stupor she’d attempted to pretend Levi was his brother. Until he forced her to say his name in the throes of passion. She should have ended it there, but she didn’t, and now that night was embedded in her brain.
And yet, here she was, butterflies and all, waiting by the front door like a teenager on her first date.
“Why in the world are you hovering like that, and what are you wearing?” her mother asked.
Startled, Holly whirled from peeking out the sidelight window and stumbled over her backpack laying on the floor. “Mom, don’t sneak up on people that way; you almost gave me a heart attack.”
Claire raised her brow. “I don’t consider walking in my home, sneaking. If you didn’t have all of your attention on whoever you’re waiting for, you would have heard me, I’m sure.” She frowned at the door. “Where are you going?”
Holly debated the wisdom of telling the truth, then lifted her chin. “Levi invited me out for the afternoon. He should be here any minute now.” Hopefully.
Claire fidgeted with the glass bowl on the hall table. “Do you think that’s a good idea?” She glanced up, her gaze worried. “It could cause… complications.”
For you or for me, Mom? Aloud she simply said, “It’s just a drive. We aren’t running away to get married.”
“Holly, that wasn’t necessary.” Claire shoved the bowl and the porcelain balls inside clanged together. “Do what you want, then. You always do.” She turned and marched away, her back poker straight.
Holly stared at the misplaced bowl and blinked back tears. Why did her mother blame her for Susan’s mistakes?
