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Saturday, April 30, 2016

REVIEW TOUR & 4 STAR REVIEW: After We Fall (Take the Fall #3) by Marquita Valentine


Join us in celebrating the release of AFTER WE FALL by Marquita Valentine!


Title: After We Fall (Take the Fall #3)
Age Group: Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 26, 2016
A tough cop with an even tougher past, Hunter Sloan has never let anyone stop him from getting what he wants—and he wants Evangeline Ambrose bad. With her gentle curves and raw vulnerability, Hunter’s beautiful, mysterious new neighbor awakens his protective side. Determined to do right by a woman who’s gone through hell and back, Hunter could be the one to take away the pain—so long as his own secrets don’t sink their relationship before it begins.

Having escaped an abusive marriage, Evangeline simply wants to start over in the small, quiet town of Forrestville. She’s also avoiding all contact with the opposite sex, because she just can’t trust her instincts when it comes to men—not even with the sinfully sexy cop next door. So why can’t she stop thinking about him? Hunter has darkness in his soul, and yet no one ever made her feel so safe. For all her best laid plans, Evangeline didn’t count on choices this hard—or temptation this hot.











My Review

I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 

We were first introduced to Evangeline in When We Fall. She was a resident in the women's shelter where Piper worked and Hunter was the police officer that brought her there. It is now six months later and Evangeline is transitioning out of the shelter and into her own apartment. And that apartment just happens to be right across the way from Hunter. She tries to play off the fact that they have met before, but Hunter isn't having it. 

Hunter has this overwhelming urge to protect Evangeline and he can't really explain it. 
It’s been six months since I last spoke to her. One hundred and eighty days since I last saw her battered and bruised face. Four thousand, three hundred, and twenty hours since I last touched her vulnerable body. Not that I’m counting. I shouldn’t count. I shouldn’t think of her at all.
Yet . . .
Over the years, I’ve escorted countless women to shelters, but none have affected me on the same level as she did. Not a single one. I can’t get her out of my head. Can’t stop wondering if she’s safe, if she’s back with her sadistic husband , or if she’s lying dead on the side of the road. 
When he discovers that she is now his neighbor, he finds that this may be the perfect time to get to know her better. Of course Evangeline is wary of him. Not only because he saw her at her worst, but she knows she is not ready for another relationship. She is just now slowly getting her life back together. Evangeline gets a job at the local animal shelter where she forms a friendship with her other neighbor Saylor (whose book is next!). But Hunter and Evangeline do become friends. Luckily for her, Hunter shows up at times when she needs another person to help her through and their friendship slowly becomes much more than that. 

I loved Hunter and Evangeline. He completely understood why she was so wary to be anything more than friends and he was willing to stick around until that changed. He was sweet, caring and there for her on more than one occasion when she needed a friend and only a friend. But eventually their relationship does turn romantic and it turns out Hunter is exactly what Evangeline needed. 

I look forward to reading Saylor's story. She was such a quirky character and was a great friend to Evangeline. She gets paired up with Hunter's friend Hayden and I can't wait to see how that unfolds. 









ALSO AVAILABLE!

TAKE THE FALL
Google Play: http://bit.ly/22QCJyb

WHEN WE FALL
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1AWFAgG 
Marquita Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Holland Springs and Boys of the South series.

Since first taking the plunge in July of 2012 to self publish, Marquita Valentine has sold over a quarter of a million books around the world. She's appeared on the Top 100 Bestselling Ebooks Lists on iBooks, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes&Noble. She's been called "one of the best new voices in romance" (Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews) and her books have been accused of being "a sexy, fun, and slightly addicting contemporary read" (The Book Queen).

When she's not writing sexy heroes who adore their sassy heroines, she enjoys shopping, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. Married to her high school sweetheart, Marquita lives in a seriously small town in the south with her husband, two kids, and a dog.

Friday, April 29, 2016

RELEASE WEEK BLITZ: The Wedding Pact (O'Malley #2) by Katee Robert



The Wedding Pact by Katee Robert
Date of Publication: April 26, 2016



New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katee Robert continues her smoking-hot series about the O'Malleys-wealthy, powerful, and full of scandalous family secrets.

Carrigan O'Malley has always known her arranged marriage would be more about power and prestige than passion. But after one taste of the hard-bodied, whiskey-voiced James Halloran, she's ruined for anyone else. Too bad James and his family are enemy number 1.

Hallorans vs. O'Malleys-that's how it's always been. James should be thinking more about how to expand his family's empire instead of how silky Carrigan's skin is against his and how he can next get her into his bed. Those are dangerous thoughts. But not nearly as dangerous as he'll be if he can't get what he wants: Carrigan by his side for the rest of their lives.








EXCERPT

James had thought he'd imagined the fear in Carrigan's voice when she called. If she was in actual trouble, she sure as hell wasn't going to call him—no matter how much he liked the idea of being the one to swoop in and save her from her problems. He liked the idea too much.

But then she walked into the quiet little pub where he was waiting and he realized he hadn't been wrong the first time. There were faint bruises beneath her eyes, like she'd been sleeping even less than he had, and she held herself like a woman who'd been beaten for the first time. He was on his feet before he made a conscious decision to move. "Who hurt you?"

"No one."

"Don't play that martyr bullshit with me, Carrigan. Who the fuck put that look on your face?" She'd gone through hell and back because of him and it hadn't put that haunted expression in her green eyes. He clenched his fists, trying and failing to get control of his temper. She wasn't his to protect. Hell, even if she was, he had a pretty shitty track record of keeping people in his care safe. There was no reason why she'd be any different.

Except that he wanted her to be different.

She brushed past him, drawing his attention to her clothing. "What the hell are you wearing?"

Carrigan spun and glared. "I don't need your shit right now."

"You called me, lovely, so my shit is exactly what you're going to get." She looked like an angel—one that had had its wings clipped. He wasn't sure what gave him that impression, but the long white dress was opposite of everything he'd found the woman to be in the short time they'd known each other. She was wild and impulsive and free. She wasn't…this virginal almost-bride. He didn't like the change. He didn't like it one bit. "Sit your ass down. I'll get us drinks, and then you're telling me what the fuck is going on."

"Don't hold your breath on that."

He wouldn't have to. She might be prickly as all get out, but she wanted to talk. She wouldn't have called him otherwise. The bartender met him halfway, a nervous little mouse of a guy. James made an effort to speak softly because the man looked half a second from pissing himself at the idea of a Halloran in his bar. "Whiskey for me. Dirty martini for the lady."

He made his way back to where Carrigan had picked a booth. Ignoring the empty side, he slid in next to her.

The bartender appeared with their drinks, and James waited for him to scurry away before he spoke again. "Talk to me. I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong."

"No one can help me."

The raw pain in her voice made him want to comfort her, but that was one skill James had never learned. Maybe if his mother had lived…But there was no room in this world for "what if" and "maybe." So he did the one thing that he knew how to do. The single thing guaranteed to distract her.

He kissed her.

Carrigan went rigid for half a second, but he waited, his lips on hers, and let her choose. That hesitation was all it took for her to melt, turning to fire in his arms. He wanted to haul her against him, to let this feeling consume him until none of the bullshit mattered anymore. Right now, in this moment, there was only her. They could be the last two people in the world for all he gave a fuck. Hell, part of him hoped they were. As her tongue stroked his, a small, treacherous thought wormed into his brain and took root.

With this woman by my side, I'd be content to let the rest of the world burn.













Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa's knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back.

Though she dabbled in writing, life got in the way-as it often does-and she spent a few years traveling, living in both Philadelphia and Germany. In between traveling and raising her two wee ones, she had the crazy idea that she'd like to write a book and try to get published.

Her first novel was an epic fantasy that, God willing, will never see the light of day. From there, she dabbled in YA and horror, before finally finding romance. Because, really, who wouldn't want to write entire books about the smoking-hot relationships between two people?

She now spends her time-when not lost in Far Reach worlds-playing imaginary games with her wee ones, writing, ogling men, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.






Hosted by: 

COVER REVEAL: Lovestruck by Lane Hart

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Lane Hart’s newest release drops on May 31st!


Pre-order Lovestruck at:



Finding love just got a little easier…

What if I told you that there’s a magic potion that could lead you to the man of your dreams?

Would you drink it?

Josie Carter swore that there was no such thing as a “love potion” and that the crazy lady selling it at the hippie festival was a complete sham.

But a tiny little thread of hope is what made her try a sip.

A sip that caused a series of unfortunate events to unfold, wreaking havoc in her life but leading her to a man who just might be everything she’s been missing.

Before time runs out she’ll have to figure out if it’s true love, or if it’s all just too good to be true.


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About the Author

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New York Times bestselling author Lane Hart was born and raised in North Carolina. She continues to live in the south with her husband, two daughters, and several pets named after Star Wars characters.

When Lane's not writing or reading sexy novels, she can be found in the summer on the beaches of the east coast, and in the fall watching football, cheering on the Carolina Panthers.



Stalk Her:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: Dirty Little Secrets by Clare James



About Dirty Little Secrets
Title: Dirty Little Secrets
Author: Clare James
Genre: Erotic Romance, Romantic Comedy
Release Date: April 29, 2016
Publisher: Independent
Format: Digital eBook


DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by Clare James
Fun, fast, and at times, filthy. Take home the entire Quick and Dirty Series now.

Ready to get Dirty one last time?  Then get ready for DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS by Clare James. The Quick and Dirty Series is great for fans of The Cocktail Series by Alice Clayton and The Tangled Book Series by Emma Chase.



Synopsis

Change becomes the mantra for Stevie Sinclair and Gabe Shannon in the last book in the Quick and Dirty Series. 

And it’s a wildly entertaining, hysterical, and smoldering trip as they prepare to walk down the aisle. 

Trouble is: Stevie wants nothing more than to impress the Shannon family, but things don’t go exactly as planned. What kind of trouble has Stevie Sinclair gotten herself into this time? 

Find out in Dirty Little Secrets… 

Available for Pre-Order   
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble  |  iTunes  |  Kobo


EXCERPT

You’ve been neglected, and I’m sorry.”

“I’m better now,” I told him.

“Yes, but you must be so wet. I can smell how badly you want it, and it’s making me so hard.” He gripped my backside and hauled me up against the long length of his body—and other things. He was not lying.

His hands skirted around my hips and headed down between my legs.

“Mmm.” Just his hands on my skin felt better than anything. I wanted to stop time.

Until he found the peephole.

“Fuck,” he groaned as he located the opening in my panties. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”

“No.” Maybe.

He dropped to his knees then, and I didn’t hear another word for some time.

Praise for the Quick and Dirty Series

"5 stars -Wow! This book was just amazing. The heat between Stevie and Gabe is fantastic, and the scenes between them are scorching." -Eat Sleep Read

"Ms. James uses Venus (the club) to engage all of the senses and I couldn't help but think that Stevie is one lucky bitch. Kudos, Ms. James, you've set a new daydream standard." - Love Between the Sheets

"5 Stars. I love Clare James! She certainly knows how to write something that has the pages steaming and your panties melting! Actually...Gabe had my panties melting...more than once!" -Romance Addiction

"If you're into some hot erotic moments then you MUST read this. It kept me hot and bothered all the way thru  it." -Books 2 Fashion

"5 Star Review- OMG, I devoured this book. Steamy and erotic doesn't fully describe the action that takes place under the sheets." -Rusty's Reading

"Wow Clare James knows how to bring the heat. Grab it today." -Stephanie's Book Report 



Books in the Quick and Dirty Series




DIRTY LITTLE LIES

Twenty-nine-year-old Stevie Sinclair has just lost everything: her boyfriend, her apartment, even her ugly bird named Free. (Yeah, she knows it’s a stupid name, so don’t start.) But most importantly, Stevie’s lost herself.

As she shuffles through her days in worn-out Hello Kitty PJs—eating ice cream, sipping wine, and contemplating her next move—a magazine article catches her attention. Blaring black letters read: “How to Get Your Sexy Back in Six Easy Steps.”

Stevie studies the article in the trashy magazine like the good student she is and immediately knows what she has to do. With the magazine article in hand, and a bottle of red in her bag, Stevie embarks on a journey to reclaim her life and win back her ex.

Until she meets Gabe Shannon. Gorgeous, single, and on a quest of his own, Gabe introduces Stevie to a lifestyle that is sure to help get her sexy back and then some. If she doesn’t chicken out … (Oh, you know where this is going.)



                                                       




DIRTY LITTLE TRICKS

In this second book in the Quick and Dirty Series, beloved characters Stevie Sinclair and Gabe Shannon navigate through the ups and downs of their grown-up—albeit kinky—relationship.

And while Stevie’s thoroughly enjoyed every mind-blowing sexperience with Gabe, she worries she’s not enough to keep him satisfied for the long term.

So it’s back to the drawing board for Stevie …

First stop?

Club Venus for the annual Halloween masquerade party.

What follows is one insanely hot and filthy night of mayhem where nobody is who they appear to be … ah, you get the idea.

Dirty Little Tricks is the seductive continuation of Stevie and Gabe’s story and the very beginning for one lucky couple at Club Venus.






DIRTY

Gabe Shannon has just been schooled … in the art of kink, that is.

After a heartbreaking loss, this broken man spins out of control until a whirlwind friendship with a stripper named Tash takes over his life.

With Tash at his side, the two embark on a crazy tour of Chicago’s underground world of pleasure. Yes, he’s gone into a deep, dark, and dirty (make that D.I.R.T.Y.) world that he never really knew existed. And surprisingly, he discovers he likes it. Quite a lot.

But the reserved entrepreneur soon realizes that hanging from the chandeliers every night is not all it’s cracked up to be. Well, it is … but it’d sure be a lot more fun if it meant something.

This erotic tale can be read as an introduction to the Bestselling Quick and Dirty Series, or to learn more about the gorgeous Gabe Shannon anytime during the series. DIRTY is not a mandatory read, but you may enjoy the series more after you roam around in Gabe’s head a bit.

DIRTY tells the story of how Gabe started exploring his dirty side, came to own Club Venus, and met the crazy beautiful Stevie Sinclair.







Clare James writes contemporary romance and new adult novels with spunky heroines and sexier-than-sin heroes. Her books have made several best-selling lists including the tender love stories in the Impossible Love series; the steamy romantic comedy Dirty Little Lies; and the touching family drama Wednesday. Her new title, Caught, is the first in a series about the women of Elite PR and their very naughty clients. It will be published with Entangled Publishing’s Brazen line in June 2015.
A former dancer, Clare still loves to get her groove on – mostly to work off her beloved cupcakes and red wine. She lives in Minneapolis with her two leading men – her husband and young son – and is always on social media chatting with readers.




GIVEAWAY

Follow the release day blast on April 29th! Three grand prize winners will receive a receive a digital copy of a Clare James backlist title of their choosing (Open Internationally).

Follow the blitz!

Book Loving Pixies Spotlight + Excerpt
Cuz I’m a Nerd Spotlight + Excerpt
Em & M Books  Spotlight + Excerpt
EskieMama Reads  Spotlight + Excerpt
 Got Fiction?  Spotlight + Excerpt
Happily Ever Chapter  Spotlight + Excerpt
 Jen’s Reading Obssession Spotlight + Excerpt
JJ’s Kinky Books Spotlight + Excerpt
Just Booked Spotlight + Excerpt
Kimmy Loves To Read Spotlight + Excerpt
My Book Filled Life  Spotlight + Excerpt
Naughty Book Eden Spotlight + Excerpt
Nice Ladies, Naughty Books Spotlight + Excerpt
OMGReads Spotlight + Excerpt
Positively Book Crazy  Spotlight + Excerpt
Read Love Blog  Spotlight + Excerpt
Southern Yankee Book Reviews  Spotlight + Excerpt
Sultry, Steamy Reading Spotlight + Excerpt
Tantos Livros Tão Pouco Tempo Spotlight + Excerpt
Underneath the Covers  Spotlight + Excerpt


a Rafflecopter giveaway

DUAL COVER REVEAL: Keep Me & Keep Her by Faith Andrews

KeepMe.Ebook.Amazon   KeepHer.Ebook.Amazon
Cover Design: Najla Qamber/Najla Qamber Designs
 
Synopsis
Keep Me
Sexy, tatted up, underwear model Marcus Grayson is every girl’s dream—or more likely worst nightmare. He’s a player, a self-proclaimed bachelor for life, and he’s got no problem living up to his man-whore status. But when his older sister’s friend comes back from the past, he may just have the chance to turn some of his adolescent fantasies into reality. Tessa Bradley is a self-sufficient, take-no-bull, single mother—well, now she is. Finally rid of her abusive, alcoholic ex, she’s making a new life for herself and catching up with old friends; the ones she was forced to break ties with because of her controlling husband. When she runs into Marcus, her friend Riley’s once-adorable turned smoking-hot little brother, she has no idea how he’s about to rock her world.

KEEP ME is a steamy full-length, contemporary romance. This is book one in the Grayson Sibling Series and can be read as a standalone.  

Keep Her
The Grayson siblings are at it again—guilty of keeping secrets from each other when it comes to who they fall in love with. This time little brother’s best friend is the object of Riley’s affection and their intimate connection is impossible to resist. Riley Grayson—snarky, successful, lonely. She’s looking for Mr. Right, especially now that her younger, reformed man-whore of a brother is living out his happily ever after with her best friend. If Marcus can find true love, why the hell can’t she? Enter Beck Matthews, Marcus’s childhood best friend. He’s lovable, sexy, and oh, yeah—not single. But one night of drunken partying and wild sex with Riley and Beck may be rethinking his future. Has he been planning it with the wrong girl? Although these two can’t stay away from each other, it seems the ghosts of their pasts are holding them back from what they really want. Can Riley and Beck overcome the threat of shocking coincidences and unexpected events that will test their trust in one another? Find out if Beck’s love is strong enough to Keep Her. 

KEEP HER is a full-length, contemporary romance. This is book two in the Grayson Sibling Series but can be read as a standalone.   


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Purchase Links
Keep Me Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/243OuHn
 
Keep Her Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1SBAolL
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Giveaway
 
$10 Amazon Gift Card & 5 Amazon ebook sets of Keep Me & Keep Her
 
 


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About the Author
Faith Andrews is living out her dream right outside the greatest city in the world, New York City. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, she is the mother of two beautiful and wild daughters, and a furry Yorkie son named Rocco Giovanni. When she's not tapping her toes to a Mumford & Sons tune or busy being a dance mom, her nose is stuck in a book or she's sitting behind the laptop, creating her next swoon worthy book boyfriend. Coffee addict, lover of wine and cheese, and sucker for concerts and Netflix, Faith believes in love at first sight and happily ever after.  
Connect with Faith
Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/EK9_v
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/243M8Z9
Goodreads Fan Group: http://bit.ly/1rAaVCU
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1riCekN


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Thursday, April 28, 2016

BOOK TOUR, 5 STAR REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Hook (Duplicity #1) by Elisabeth Grace

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Meet Marco Valenti in Hook by Elisabeth Grace! 

NOW LIVE! 






Blurb
Women loathed me without even knowing my name.
Men coveted the very idea of me.


Escort. Call girl. Prostitute. Hooker. Whore.


I'd heard it all. Done it all.


Over the years I'd felt a lot of things about my occupation...but not regret--never regret. I had my reasons for doing what I did and nothing and no one had ever made me question them.


UNTIL MARCO VALENTI.


He'd changed me and I'd naively fed into the fairy tale.
But Marco wasn't my Prince Charming.
He had secrets of his own.
Secrets that would eventually rip away everything I held dear.


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My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

First of all...reader beware! This book ends on a cliffhanger. Like a REALLY big one. So if that's not your thing, wait until the next book comes out in July and read them one right after another. Because you really should read it...it's SO GOOD.

This book literally starts out with a bang. We meet Brandi when she is with one of her regulars. She is a Las Vegas Escort and she is one of the best. She has a young son with muscular dystrophy to take care of and by being an escort, she is able to properly care of her son. You can tell right away that this is just a job for her and at this point when she is with a client, she just goes through the motions. But then she meets Marco Valenti. 

Marco is an extremely charming and gorgeous, Italian businessman who hires Brandi. It doesn't take her long to realize that he's not only successful, but also that his business dealings are with some of the most important and dangerous men in Las Vegas. Pretty much from the moment Brandi met him, she knew that Marco was different. He treated her with the utmost respect and never once judged her. As Brandi and Marco spend time together and get to know one another, they start to develop real feelings. As their relationship progresses into a genuine thing, Brandi and her son's safety comes into question and they move into the hotel with Marco.

I just fell in love with Brandi and Marco as a couple. Sure, the way they got together was unconventional, but their feelings for each were the real deal. Marco not only loved Brandi, but he also admired her for doing what she had to do to support her and her son. The scenes between just the two of them were not only ridiculously hot (seriously, you will need a cold shower and a panty change), but also very sweet. Marco loved to tell (and show) her how amazing she was and he never once did he let her doubt his feelings. And I also loved that Marco accepted her son with no questions asked. The two of them form quite the bond that even Brandi didn't see coming. 

I CANNOT wait to read the next book. Never mind the whole cliffhanger thing (I mean yes, that is important too), but I am ready for more Marco. Marco speaking in Italian and teaching Brandi's son how to say some phrases. Marco being sweet. Marco being rough. Marco at the opera (which I have been doing ALL WRONG). Marco in a speedo. Marco just being Marco. I NEED MORE MARCO!







EXCERPT


Marco leaned into me, his breath fanning across my face, causing goosebumps to race across my skin. “You’re very stubborn for someone who’s paid to provide me pleasure. É una fortuna che mi piacciono le sfide.”

“What was that?” I asked softly.

“Good thing I enjoy a challenge,” he replied without blinking.

I cleared my throat, uncomfortable with the level of attention he was giving me. “Why don't we get on with what I'm here for,” I suggested in a sultry voice.

His eyes narrowed. “As you wish. Your madam says you are like a...” He looked off toward the ceiling. “The animal that changes color.”

“A chameleon?”

“That is the one.” He smiled widely, showcasing a dimple in his left cheek, made more pronounced by the dark stubble on his jaw. As sudden as the ferocity had flared up inside of him, it quickly disappeared.

“It's true. I can be whatever you want,” I replied in a seductive voice. I closed the distance between us, placing my hand on his chest. He flinched at the contact like I'd scorched him. Not a lot, but enough that I noticed.

Looking up into the depths of his dark eyes, I said, “Why don't you tell me what you're looking for, and then we can
discuss any extras in my payment.”

The smile dropped from his face and he reached for my wrist, pulling my hand from his chest. “What I want from you will be very different than most men.”

My eyes widened and I sucked in a breath. This ought to be interesting. I'd had all manner of things proposed to me before, but the fact that Marco felt the need to warn me set off alarm bells ringing in my head.

“And what is it you want from me, Mr. Valenti?” I whispered.

“Call me Marco.”

“Alright, Marco.”

He traced his thumb along my hairline and stared down at me, intensity pouring out of his gaze like a waterfall. My breathing hitched, and I found myself wanting to lean into his caress to further close the distance between us. Then the hum of his cell phone vibrating from his pocket broke our connection. He reached into his pocket, glanced briefly at the screen, and stepped back to take the call.

“As always, your timing is impeccable.” The corners of his mouth dipped, and I had the distinct impression that he wasn’t pleased with whoever was on the other end of the line.

Marco listened for a moment while staring out the wall of glass down to the strip below. His hand holding the phone flexed around it for a second at something the other person had said.

“Give me five minutes,” he bit out.

Another pause.

“Well, if you want it to happen tonight, you have no choice but to wait.” Without a goodbye, he ended the call and placed the phone back into the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

With his hands on his hips, he remained facing the window for a moment, drawing in deep breaths of air.

“I must go.”

Not what I was expecting to hear. “Okay...”

He turned and stalked forward until only mere inches separated the two of us. His large hand came to rest at the swell of my hip before he leisurely dragged it across my waist and brushed the side of my breast with his palm. My nipples tightened inside my lace bra.

Marco dropped his hand and leaned into me. My heart picked up pace inside my chest as I waited for his lips to touch mine. He stood solid and still before me while I waited, my anticipation like a live wire setting every nerve ending in my body on fire.

Just when I thought he’d close those final few inches, he brought his face alongside mine and his low voice sounded in my ear, “I’ll get you your money.”

His words were like a bucket of cold water, and I stepped back as if he’d slapped me. It pissed me off that he’d left me wanting.

He stalked back over to the bar and returned a moment later with an envelope. I eyed the cash inside before placing it in my purse. It seemed ridiculous to me that I’d be paid for having a conversation in the man’s room for such a short time, but I wasn’t about to argue with him about it.

“It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Valenti.” I made sure to use his last name since he’d asked me not to. I had a tendency to lash out when I was upset.

An amused grin formed on his face, but he said nothing. I strutted around him to the suite door.

As I unlocked the dead bolt then slid the chain across, Marco’s hand landed on my ass, skimming over it a few times before his other hand pulled my hair to the side to expose my neck.

I hadn’t even heard him come up behind me.

He pressed a kiss to the base of my neck and I shuddered, shivers racing up my spine. I felt his smile against my skin before he removed his lips and stepped away.

Without a backward glance, I turned the door handle and left the suite.

The warm feeling that had invaded my chest remained, but my stomach fell into a nauseous churning. Somehow my body knew what I didn't already. Marco Valenti would be the springboard in my life that caused everything to change.





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USA Today Bestselling author, Elisabeth Grace, has a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a hot spot for alpha males! She currently lives outside Toronto, Canada with her hubby and two small children. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share her love of reading and writing with others.