Monday, September 16, 2013

Wolf Creek Enforcer


Wolf Creek Enforcer - Mega PROMO Blitz
By Jo Ellen
Paranormal Romance
Date Published: 6/27/2013


 Ian is the head enforcer for his pack. Something is pulling at him until he hits the road, looking for his mate. He finds Melanie, a free spirit hitchhiking in New Mexico. Once he gets her to his home in East Texas, he has to protect her from a wizard who wants her for her magical abilities. Melanie couldn't wait to explore this feeling that led her to take to the highway. Finding Ian was more than she could have hoped for. The difficult part would be telling him of her family's legacy and the job she was entrusted with.



EXCERPT

 “Baby?  Come on, wake up.  I’ve got you.”

Ian maneuvered his body to where he could sit on the shelf.  He didn’t notice the cold mud against his backside.  Holding her in his lap, he ran a finger down her jaw.  She was burning up, her face flushed.  While her body was pale, her face was not. 

Ian stiffened when he saw the bruising on her cheek.  He was going to kill that fucking wizard.  

He had to get her out of there and to a doctor, fast.  Something wasn’t right.  She could not get this sick from a virus so quickly.  Then again, what the hell did he know?  He was not a doctor.  His mind was swimming.  Kill the bastard later, he had to get Melanie to a hospital.

Ian howled for Devlin.  “Tear this den apart so I can get her out of here.”  No way would he take her down into the water. 

While Devlin worked, Ian spoke softly to her.  “You have to wake up, Babe.  I cannot live without you.  Come on, babe, I love you.”  He gently kissed her lips. 

“I’m not sleeping beauty,” Melanie growled.  Her voice was rough with fatigue.  “That’s two, Fluffy.” 

Hearing his pack, he shouted, “Help Devlin tear this den apart, we’re sitting on a shelf above the waterline.”  

The guys made quick work of removing the sticks and debris the beavers had used to build their home. 

Melanie had trouble keeping her eyes open, she felt horrible.  Something was wrong, she could feel it throughout her body.  This was not the common cold virus or flu.  The best description she could come up with was that she felt contaminated.  She was so weak she could barely keep her eyes open.

Feeling the sun on her face, she squinted and saw seven naked men standing in the water.  As weak as she was, she could not leave well enough alone.

“I must be dead, cause I see seven naked men surrounding me.  Cool,” with that, she passed out.


About the Author

Jo Ellen

Jo Ellen is the mother of three, two in college and one in high school. Before becoming a stay at home mom, she worked for a publishing company dealing with trademarks. She has always loved books in almost any genre. Her favorite being romance, but a couple of books she enjoyed were "With Malice Toward None" and "The Right Stuff." She stays busy with her writing and taking care of her family, which, besides her husband and children, includes a dog, two cats, a bearded dragon, and one koi in the backyard pond. Jo Ellen loves baseball, professional and amateur, and of course watching her son play in high school. Breast cancer slowed her down somewhat, but now that her chemo and radiation are finished, she is looking forward to getting her writing back on track. Her Wolf Creek series are contemporary romance, supernatural/fantasy books about werewolves, witches, shifters, mates, druids and wizards. 

Author Links

Buy Links
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Alchemy


"Do you want me to be dangerous?" he asked, his voice husky and low.
I gulped, and for a moment I was incapable of speech. But he was quiet, waiting. "No. I don't."
"Then I'm not dangerous at all," he murmured. His gaze moved from my eyes to my mouth. "You've never been safer than you are at this moment." I shivered as his breath tickled my skin. Our lips were mere millimeters apart when the sky shattered in a kaleidoscope of colored light. 


We didn’t know how much we had to lose until we were infected with magic. Sam was in love, Juliette was the main caretaker for her siblings, and Ana and her dad planned the best parties in New York. But we lost it all when we were shipped to Chebeague, an exclusive school for newly infected mages.

Everyone knows about the mages, those who survive the infection and end up with magical abilities. We’ve seen the power of magic, the high-paying jobs, and the world fame. But we never saw the cost. We didn’t know we’d be forced to give up everything: sanity, family, even the right to talk on the phone.

We didn’t know mage was just another word for prisoner.




Saturday, September 14, 2013

Toni Aleo

Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, Empty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines. When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel. She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Links: Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter Mailing List 










 Interview
1. The first book Rush of Love in your new Rush series is expected to come out in December, is this going to be a hockey series? Will it revolve around a different team? Can you give us any hints on what it will be about?
I am so excited about my new adult hockey series. There is three planned so far but surely there will be more. It will revolve around a Nashville college and have ties with the Assassins of course :) the first book with have the niece of one of the Assassins players and her hero will be a hockey player at the college. They are fun and I know people will enjoy this series. Its younger but it will still have the drama and romance that is in my other books. I was hoping to have it out this Winter but its looking like it wont be till this summer now. The joys of being with a publisher!

2. Blue Lines is also scheduled to come out in December, yes I did cry a little when the release date was changed. How does it work when you have multiple books released at once, do you do separate promotional events and appearances for each book? or do you combine them?

I cried too girl! killed me inside because I do want this book for y'all! but I usually combine the two. Its easier and I just do whatever is needed to make my fans and bloggers happy.

3. Who makes your book trailer videos? Did you make one of them?
I made almost all of them except for the Loveswept one and then my Let it be Me one was made by a friend.

4. You recently went to the Naughty Mafia Rocks Vegas event what were some of your best things about that weekend?
Everything. I swear that weekend was the best weekend of my career. I met so many people, so many fans and I even found me a cover model there. I love the whole experience and I hope to be invited back next year.

5. What is the best hockey game you have ever attended and what happened?
The Preds/Red wings, in the finals. My husband and I talked so much junk to each other the whole time and when my team came out with the win and my favorite player fought his favorite player, I was in heaven. Greatest game ever! lol

6. Have you ever thought of asking Shea Weber is he would pose for the cover of one of your books?
Yes and I have. He just smiled at me and kindly declined. haha, I almost got Linback to do it for me but he said he would get teased a lot for it. haha. made me laugh so hard.

7. How many events/cons are you planning on attending next year?
Well this year was a learning experience for me and I learned that my family does not do well without me, so I am only planning one a month next year. :) Hope to see all of you!!!

Books
  Assassins Series

Elli Fisher has never thought she was good enough, let it be her job, her weight, her love life, nothing. That is until she meets Shea Adler. After doing a promotional shoot for the NHL team, the Assassins, she meets the hunky hockey player who shoots a puck, shattering her world. Shea Adler was tired of the life he was living outside of the rink. The girls, the money blowing, the drinking, everything had to stop and it all did when he met Eleanor Fisher. He had never met anyone like her. She was feisty, witty, shy, and simply gorgeous. When he laid eyes on her, it was as if he was taking the hardest hit of his life into the boards, and he had to have her. Elli is a little skeptical of Shea, but he knows that they were meant to be together, and he needed her in his life. Can Elli throw her insecurities out the window and love Shea with everything inside of her, or will she let a past relationship, and her family ruin any chance of her being happy 
Links: Goodreads Amazon 

 




  In a captivating novel of second chances and healing hearts, the newest member of the Nashville Assassins pulls a power play to make things right with the one that got away. Fallon Parker’s dream has always been to turn her family’s wine company into a runaway success and eventually start a cellar of her own. Since graduating from college, she has worked relentlessly to make that dream a reality, especially after taking a chance on love—and losing. By the time Fallon becomes an official sponsor of the Nashville Assassins, she feels like all her hard work is finally paying off. And then the man who broke her heart skates back into her life. On the ice, Lucas Brooks is the NHL’s leading scorer—at least when he’s not in the box. Off the ice, he’s a mess, with all his anger and misery bottled up inside. He threw away the most important person in his life and has regretted it ever since. But when Lucas returns to Nashville in a trade, he’s determined to convince Fallon that he’s a changed man. The attraction is still there. The tension is electrifying. But the odds are stacked against them—especially after Lucas finds out that Fallon has been keeping a devastating secret. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Taking Shots, Empty Net, and Blue Lines   
 Links: Goodreads Amazon

In Toni Aleo’s third novel in her hot Assassins series, the chiseled men of this Nashville hockey team can make anything happen when they go all out for the women they want—even turn a one-night stand into a happily ever after. Audrey Parker is up against the boards. She’s stuck in a job she hates and pining for a total jerk. Meanwhile, her sister Fallon is moving out and getting married to hockey star Lucas Brooks. Where is Audrey’s Prince Charming? Nothing she does has ever seemed to be good enough for any of the men in her life. Audrey’s about to hit rock bottom . . . until she wakes up next to Tate Odder. The thrill of moving up from the minors to the Nashville Assassins was a welcome distraction. But not even becoming the first rookie goalie to tally three shutouts in the Stanley Cup finals alleviates the pain. With the loss of his parents and sister weighing as heavily on his soul as ever, Tate Odder can’t keep pretending he’s okay. That’s when he meets smart, sexy Audrey. Her gentle warmth and quirky sense of humor make him feel whole for the first time in too long. But to stay that way forever, Tate must find a way to accept his past and learn to live for love.
Links: Goodreads Amazon 

 



  After serving as a dutiful bridesmaid in the wedding from hell, Aynslee Shaw just wants to slink home to Nashville and forget the whole trip. That is, until the hottest guy she’s ever seen is seated next to her on the flight and dazzles her with his easy laugh and killer smile. But just when she thinks things are getting good, he vanishes, leaving Aynslee wondering, was that guy the one? And did she just let him slip through her fingers? Former superstar goalie Jordan Ryan is back on the ice—finally. After a crippling knee injury that had him wondering if he’d ever play pro hockey again, he’s got his full attention on rebuilding his career. So a pretty—okay, beautiful—girl on a plane shouldn’t be a distraction. But Jordan is very, very distracted. And when Aynslee crosses his path again, he’s not sure any job in the world is worth missing his second chance with a woman like her. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from the Loveswept title Empty Net.
Links: Goodreads Amazon 

 


 Opposites do more than just attract in Toni Aleo’s latest Nashville Assassins novel about a very bad boy and the good girl he can’t resist. The instant Piper Allen sees Erik Titov, she wants him—wants his rock-hard body, sure, but the strength and mystery that lies behind that superstar hockey jock demeanor, too. So when he sidles up to her at a bar and slinks his arm around her waist, she’s lost. What follows is the wildest night of her life . . . followed by inevitable heartbreak the next morning. And then, a few weeks later, a very big surprise: two blue lines on a pregnancy test. Only a check to the head could make Erik fall for a nice girl like Piper. But since their crazy-sexy night together, he’s been trying to forget about her alluring body by falling into bed with every woman in Nashville, and it’s not working. So when Piper shows up at his house with a baby-bomb to drop, it doesn’t take much for Erik to suggest the nuclear option: marriage. While it’s supposed to be all for show, the second they say “I do,” the ice between them starts to melt into sizzling steam. Includes a special message from the editor, as well as excerpts from these Loveswept titles: Taking Shots, Trying to Score, and Empty Net
Links: Goodreads  Pre-Order Amazon 



Breakaway (Assassings #5) Expected publication February 2014

Rush Series
Rush of Love (Rush #1) Expected publication ?



Stand Alone

Do you see that woman there? The one with long, wavy blond hair and blue eyes that used to sparkle? That’s me, Violet Moore. Do you see those men over there? One is my husband, Rob. A man who claimed he loved me, but proved his fist loved me more. The other is Tucker McCloud, my savior and confidant. I'm torn between what's right and my own fear. But not anymore. I’m taking my life back now. I will fight back. I will be happy.
Links: Goodreads 







A huge thank you to Toni for the interview, she is a very busy woman and it means a lot to us that she was able to do it. I also have to send out a thank you to Lisa at Tasty Book Tours we signed up to do a tour for one of Toni's books and that is how we found this great author. Lisa you rock doll thank you!!


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Houston Book Rave Giveaway


Would you like to win some signed copies from some of the amazing authors who will be attending the Houston BookRave?

Well, here is your chance!

TrinDee Events is giving away 10 signed copies to three lucky winners. The first winner drawn will get to choose five books, the second winner will choose three, and the final winner gets their choice of two.

Best part? Winners choose off TrinDee Events featured author list.

Check out the attending authors here: http://houstonbookrave.blogspot.com/p/authors.html

All you have to do is help spread the word about the Houston BookRave!

Unfortunately, this giveaway is open to the US only. However, if you live outside the USA and are willing to cover the shipping cost, feel free to enter. If your name is drawn TrinDee Events will contact you with shipping details.

Good luck everyone!





Hussy

Hussy 
3 of 5 stars false 
The Eskimos may have over a hundred words for snow, but that doesn’t even come close to how many words the English language has for “slut”—and Lindsey has been called them all. “Hussy” is Lindsey’s personal favorite, given to her by her own grandmother, who likes to pat her on the hand and whisper, “Don’t worry, dear—a hussy is just a woman with the morals of a man.”
But Lindsey’s not ashamed of her reputation. She knows she’s earned it—and she’s proud of it. After all, you only live once, right? In fact, she goes out of her way to make it known to every guy she comes in contact with, she’s available for the taking—the rougher, the better.
That is until Lindsey meets Lieutenant Zachary Davis, a man who refuses to treat her like the trash she believes she really is.
But can Lindsey change her impulsive ways and learn to value herself the way the Zach does?
Warnings: This title contains graphic language and extreme sexual situations as well as a girl with a slutty attitude bigger than Texas covering a haunted past, and a sweet, hot man in uniform dead set on rescuing her from herself.
Note to Readers: This novel was previously released as “Falling Down.”

Review

****eXcessica Publishing through NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review****
“Don’t worry, dear—a hussy is just a woman with the morals of a man.”
Lindsey has a reputation, a hard earned one she's proud of. She's not afraid to embrace her sexuality and she can usually be seen flaunting it. There is no shame for her in picking up a random man, nor does she have regrets, that is until Zach comes along. Zach teaches her that regardless of the things that have happened to her, she has so much more to offer.

Selena Kitt is my go to for pushing the envelope, taboo, in your face open books. I've come to love her edge and her ability to tell the most twisted stories. However, this one just wasn't a favorite of mine. I may have a little higher than normal expectations for her books than the average author, because she is an amazing writer. I didn't dislike this book or have any problem reading it, it just did not stick with me. I enjoyed the real struggle these characters went through, and the realistic story telling. The story was dirty in all the right ways and got your mind thinking but didn't push it further than that. A good read for someone looking for a quick twist, but not my favorite by her. 

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Friday, September 13, 2013

Illuminati: The Book of Life



Ljluka Vargas, immortal prince and the cool-headed enforcer for the Vargas Dynasty, must go up against his most intriguing enemy, the mysterious Nalini. She intends to beat him to the secret archaeological site of The Book of Life which contains the genetic secrets of their ancient ancestors. In order to escape the cruel domination of her family and gain freedom for her mother, Nalini assumes the role of assassin. In her rival, the sleek and deadly Luc, she finds a different kind of danger. She’s supposed to eliminate him, but that would foil destiny’s plan for them to be together. It’s a race from power-hungry D.C. cabinet rooms through the secret realms of the Vatican, from cloud forests and desert sands to the caverns of the Underworld as mankind hangs in the balance. For whoever possesses the Book of Life has the potential to rule the world, offering or denying immortality to the human race.
 4 of 5 stars false










Review

****This book was part of a blog tour I was received a copy for my honest review****
I normally do a recap of the book before I start my review, however, the synopsis and video for this book do such a great job I am just going to dive right into my review and make it short and sweet. 
Illumanati: The Book of Life was an intelligent book that allows you to get lost in the pages, it is a page turner with a blend of action and information sure to keep you entertained. The writing was very smooth and intricate without becoming boring and excessively fact ridden. Even with fantasy elements the characters and story felt very life like. Both characters as well as side characters were very well developed and you became quite attached. A great book that would appeal to other genre fans, not just romance. 




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Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Devil of Clan Sinclair



The first in New York Times bestselling author Karen Ranney's brand new Clan Sinclair series. It's true love in the Scottish highlands. Virginia Traylor, Countess of Barrett, is in dire straights... Lawrence Traylor's death left his family in a desperate situation. He'd spent his wife's fortune on property that became entailed, passing to his cousin. If Virginia could have an heir before the allotted time was up, the title would remain in the family, but more important they'd have the income from the farms belonging to the estate. Only one problem: Lawrence had never wanted to bed his wife. Who would play surrogate husband? Enter Macrath Sinclair, the self-made Scottish millionaire and the man with whom Virginia had fallen in love before her father chose Lawrence as her husband. Virginia travels to Scotland, becomes pregnant, and gives birth to a boy - who is promptly stolen by Macrath when he realizes he's become a father. Virginia travels to Scotland in a desperate attempt to get Macrath to see reason. He must relinquish his son. The world sees the child as the 11th Earl of Barrett. Another problem: Macrath isn't going to give up his son, and he wasn't all that happy about letting Virginia go, either. Can they put asside their differences and make their new family work








Excerpt
“Do you want this, Virginia?”
She pulled back and gazed up at him. “Yes. For the last year, I haven’t been able to forget you. Yours is the face I saw before I slept. I prayed for you when I should have been praying for my own husband. Perhaps if I had, I wouldn’t be here now.”
“Then we’ll go to perdition together,” he said, “because I can’t be sorry for your husband’s death.”
He pulled her inside his suite, closing the door firmly behind him, striding through the sitting room and into the bedroom to stand beside his bed.
He’d left the lamp on in the sitting room and considered lighting the one on the table beside the bed, dismissing the thought instantly. That would take too long, and he was impatient enough as it was.
He removed her garments one by one, gently set them aside, revealing her like she was a present lovingly wrapped for his delectation. The bow was, perhaps, her bodice with its jet buttons and full sleeves. The paper was her corset cover and the corset he unlaced with deft fingers.
The package was her skirt, shift, and pantaloons, until she stood in front of him naked with only her shoes and black garters holding up her silk stockings.
The contrast of her black stockings against her white skin was yet another present.
He held out his hand and she placed hers on it for balance. Bending, he removed her shoes then her stockings with such speed he was amazed at his own dexterity.
He stood studying her like she was one of his ice machines. He expected her to cover her breasts with her arms. Or shield the curls at the juncture of her thighs. She did neither, merely stood with her hands at her sides, letting him look his fill.
Now he wished he’d lit another lamp.
“You’re as beautiful as I always thought you’d be,” he said.
“You imagined me naked?” Her voice sounded surprised.
He smiled. “Endlessly.”
He had never touched her breasts, never stroked her skin with fingertips that were rough and tender at once. Yet it felt like he had, as if he knew her like he knew himself.
Still, some innate caution whispered at him to pay attention; there was more here than he could see. She trembled, but was it from fear or eagerness



About the Author
Karen Ranney wanted to be a writer from the time she was five years old and filled her Big Chief tablet with stories. People in stories did amazing things and she was too shy to do anything amazing. Years spent in Japan, Paris, and Italy, however, not only fueled her imagination but proved that she wasn't that shy after all. Yet she prefers to keep her current adventures between the covers of her books. Karen lives in San Antonio, Texas, and loves to hear from her readers at karen@karenranney.com



  Tasty Book Tours

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Strangers



3 of 5 stars false
Bereaved bride Abby Clark is tortured by visions of the fatal crash that took her fiancée on their wedding day. She succumbs to a dark existence where loneliness, sadness and nightmares dwell; until handsome, brooding Bryce Holden walks through the door of her favorite coffee shop, wearing the same cloak of despair and grief. Abby discovers in Bryce someone who understands love and loss, and soon their close friendship grows into a deep love. But ghosts make strange bedfellows, and Abby is forced to battle the tormenting images that continue to haunt her, and confront the ethereal presence of a beloved wife to protect her future with Bryce. 

Review

****This book was part of a blog tour I was given an ARC for my honest review****
Abby Clark is haunted by the memory of her wedding day. The day that was supposed to be one of a girl’s best days of her life, until she got the call her fiancé was in an accident and it all changed. Still struggling years later fate intervenes and she meets another lost soul in a coffee shop. Bryce Holden may have known he could lose his wife to cancer but it doesn't make his demons any less than Abby, or things any easier to deal with. Together though, they just may be able to move on.
This book was very realistic, full of heartbreak and second chances. I have to say I never felt that merge with this book though; I never got too attached to the characters or what happened. The writing felt choppy but was still entertaining enough. There is an adequate amount of development in the characters, and I think all the right parts are there it just wasn’t the book for me. The first chapter was catchy and had all the drama and back story to bring you in. This is the perfect book for any romance fans who love to see their characters fight their personal demons and get their happily ever after.




I am just starting in this crazy world of writing and publishing. Lately, however, there are just too many characters in my head begging me to tell their stories...so here I am. Writing, publishing, sharing and, hopefully, entertaining. I love a great love story, but really want to tell a story with an edge; characters who are imperfect, trying to find the perfect love.
Strangers is my debut novel, and will be released on September 6, 2013. I will have another novel, The Return, with an anticipated release date of November 1, 2013. I have been focusing mainly on short stories, but have felt a need to get to know the characters more in-depth, and in turn, tell more of their stories. I have some fairly interesting people living in my head!
I have my own blog (www.parkingitrighthere.blogspot.com), where I review books, and discuss my new projects. I also contribute to www.SheReadsNewAdult.com, dedicated to the emerging new adult romance genre. We have great fun over there...be sure to check us out!
I currently live outside Washington D.C. with my family. We spend many hours exploring the area and the deep history of this beautiful land, while experiencing as much of life's wonders as possible. I have traveled abroad and lived in almost every corner of the U.S., and hope my writing reflects various cultures, people, and places.



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Monday, September 9, 2013

Sisters In Love



Danica Snow has always been the smart, practical, and appropriate sister. As a therapist, she prides herself on making reasonable, conservative choices, even if a bit boring, and as part of the Big Sister Program, she has little time for anything more in her life. Blake Carter is a player. He never gets bored of conquering women, and with his sexy good looks and successful lifestyle, he has no trouble finding willing participants. When his friend and business partner dies in a tragic accident, he suddenly, desperately, wants to change his ways. The problem is, he doesn’t know how to stop doing what he does best. When Blake walks into Danica’s office, the attraction between them is white hot, but Danica isn't the type to give into the heat and risk her career. Danica’s desire sets her on a path of self-discovery, where she begins to question every decision she’s ever made. Just this once, Danica wants to indulge in the pleasures of life she’s been so willingly ignoring, but with her Little Sister in turmoil and her biological sister’s promiscuousness weighing heavily on her heart, she isn’t sure it’s the right time to set her desires free. SISTERS IN LOVE is a light, uplifting work of women's fiction and will resonate with readers who enjoy emotional journeys of the heart with strong heroines and sexy, lovable heroes. Readers of books by Jane Porter and Beth Kendrick will enjoy Danica and Blake's story.






Excerpt 
The line in the café went all the way to the door. Danica Snow wished she hadn’t taken her sister Kaylie’s phone call before getting her morning coffee. Living in an overcrowded tourist town could be a major inconvenience, but Danica loved that she could walk from her condo to her office, see a movie, have dinner, or even stop at a bookstore without ever sitting in a car. Every minute counted when you lived in Allure, Colorado, host to an odd mix of hippie and yuppie tourists in equal numbers. The ski slopes brought them in the winter, while art shows drew them in the summer. There was never a break. Every suit and Rasta child in town was standing right in front of her, waiting for their coffee or latte, and the guy ahead of her had shoulders so wide she couldn’t easily see around him. Danica tapped the toe of her efficient and comfortable Nine West heels, growing more impatient by the second.
What on earth was taking so long? In seven minutes they’d served only one person. The tables were pushed so close to the people standing in line that she couldn’t step to the side to see. She was gridlocked. Danica leaned to the right and peered around the massive shoulder ahead of her just as the owner of that shoulder turned to look out the door. Whack! He elbowed her right in the nose, knocking Danica’s head back.
Her hand flew to her bloody nose. “Ow! Geez!” She ducked in pain, covering her face and talking through her hands. “I think you broke my nose.” Each word sent pain across her nose and below her eyes.
“I’m so sorry. Let me get you a napkin,” a deep, worried voice said.
Two patrons rushed over and shoved napkins in her direction.
“Are you okay?” an older woman asked.
Tears sprang from the corners of Danica’s closed eyes. Damn it. Her entire day would now run late and she probably looked like a red-nosed, crying idiot. “This hurts so bad. Weren’t you looking where—” Danica flipped her unruly, brown hair from her face and opened her eyes. Her venom-filled glare locked on the man who had elbowed her—the most beautiful specimen of a human being she had ever seen. Oh shit. “I’m…What…?” Come on, girl. Get it together. He’s probably an egomaniac.
“I’m so sorry.” His voice was rich and smooth, laden with concern.
A thin blonde grabbed his arm and shoved a napkin into his hand. “Give this to her,” she said, blinking her eyelashes in a come-hither way.
The man held the woman’s hand a beat too long. “Thanks,” he said. His eyes trailed down the blonde’s blouse.
Really? I’m bleeding over here.
He turned toward Danica and handed her the napkin. His eyes were green and yellow, like field grass. His eyebrows drew together in a serious gaze, and Danica thought that maybe she’d been too quick to judge—until he stole a glance at the blonde as she walked out of the café.
Asshole. She felt the heat of anger spread up her chest and neck, along her cheeks, to the ridge of her high cheekbones. She snagged the napkin from his hand and wiped her throbbing nose. “It’s okay. I’m fine,” she lied. She could smell the minty freshness of his breath, and she wondered what it might taste like. Danica was not one to swoon—that was Kaylie’s job. Get a grip.
“Can I at least buy you a coffee?” He ran his hand through his thick, dark hair.
Yes! “No, thank you. It’s okay.” She had been a therapist long enough to know what kind of guy eyes another girl while she was tending to a bloody nose that he had caused. Danica fumbled for her purse, which she’d dropped when she was hit. She lowered her eyes to avoid looking into his. “I’m fine, really. Just look behind you next time.” Not for the first time, Danica wished she had Kaylie’s flirting skills and her ability to look past his wandering eyes. She would have had him buying her coffee, a Danish, and breakfast the next morning.
Danica was so confused, she wasn’t even sure what she wanted. She chanced another glance up at him. He was looking at her features so intently that she felt as though he were drinking her in, memorizing her. His eyes trailed slowly from hers, lowered to her nose, to her lips, and then settled on the beauty mark that she’d been self-conscious of her entire life. She felt like a Cindy Crawford wannabe. Danica pursed her lips. “Are you done?” she asked.
He blinked with the innocence of a young boy, clueless to her annoyance, which was in stark contrast to his confident, manly presence. He stood almost a foot taller than Danica’s impressive five foot seven stature. His chest muscles bulged beneath his way-too-small shirt, dark curls poking through the neckline. He probably bought it that way on purpose. She glanced down and tried not to notice his muscular thighs straining against his stonewashed denim jeans. Danica swallowed hard. All the air suddenly left her lungs. He was touching her shoulder, squinting, evaluating her face.
“I’m sorry. I was just making sure it didn’t look broken, which it doesn’t. I’m sure it’s painful.”
She couldn’t think past the heat of his hand, the breadth of it engulfing her shoulder. “It’s okay,” she managed, hating herself for being lost in his touch when he was clearly someone who ate women for breakfast. She checked her watch. She had three minutes to get her coffee and get back to her office before her next client showed up. Belinda. She’d love this guy.
The line progressed, and Adonis waved as he left the café. Danica reached into her purse to pay for her French vanilla coffee and found herself taking a last glance at him as he passed the front window.
The young barista pushed Danica’s money away. “No need, hon. Blake paid for yours.” She smiled, lifting her eyebrows.
“He did?” Blake.
“Yeah, he’s really sweet.” The barista leaned over the cash register. “Even if he is a player.”
Aha! I knew it. Danica thrust her shoulders back, feeling smart for resisting temptation.



"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"-- Bestselling Author Jennie Shortridge "What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately. This is psychological suspense at its most chilling. I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose Melissa Foster is an award-winning, International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.
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