Release Day Blitz: "Catch Your Breath" by Shannyn Schroeder

Today we have the release blitz for CATCH YOUR BREATH by Shannyn Schroeder! I am so excited to share this sexy new romance with you—check out the release festivities and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: CATCH YOUR BREATH

Author: Shannyn Schroeder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: O'Leary's, Book 4

About Catch Your Breath:

As kids they steered clear of one another. That was then—this is now. As a dedicated reporter, Moira O'Leary has access to Chicago's swankiest affairs. With her confidence and style, she blends right in with the elite crowd. But when her childhood crush starts popping up at posh events, she struggles to keep her cool. After all, he's always ignited something in her. Undercover cop Jimmy O'Malley has always tried to avoid his best friend's little sister. Something about Moira spelled trouble. But watching her navigate Chicago's most elaborate galas with ease, Jimmy knows he needs her help to crack a case. Just as their chemistry ignites, Moira gets dangerously close to his investigation. Now, it's up to Jimmy to keep her safe. Can childhood crushes lead to breathless desire?

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Exclusive Excerpt:

He finally caught sight of Moira again and followed. If she was working, she had an odd way of doing her job. She stopped to pet every dog that walked in her path. By the time he caught up with her, she was crouched on the ground nose to nose with a beast of an animal. The dog looked big enough that it could easily maul her, but she cooed and giggled when the thing licked her face.

Jimmy tucked his hands in his pockets and watched for a minute. Moira interacted with the dog like she’d found a long lost best friend. She laughed and played and looked completely out of place with all of the other women. She sighed and stood, taking a moment to brush dog hair off her dress.

When the dog walker moved on, he sidled up next to Moira and tried to hold on to his anger. If he let the gooey look on her face affect him, he’d be useless. “We need to talk.”

She looked up at him, using one hand to shield her eyes from the setting sun. “I thought we already did. Do you want to set up that interview now?” Her eyes held an evil glimmer, as if she knew what he’d said to Stan about the interview.

He grabbed her elbow and guided her away from the crowd, around the back of the tent that held the auction items. Fighting to keep his voice low, he said, “Why the hell would you tell everyone I have a wife?”

She eased her arm from his grasp and narrowed her eyes. He’d expected the sweet fuck-you smile she liked to throw out when she caused trouble. “You have no idea who you’re hanging out with, but I do. Those four are all married. They bring their wives to every function and event. Or I should say their wives bring them. They stand around and ogle every female in sight.”

“Yeah, I got that.”

“The thing is, if you want in, the wives are going to have to approve. The wives like Mayor Park since he’s such a good wholesome guy, so they’ll be inclined to accept you, but in their world, having a wife makes you safer.”

“Safer?”

“Less likely to bring a bunch of single women around, making it easier for their husbands to cheat.”

“They’re surrounded by women at these events.”

“I didn’t say it made sense. Their friendship extends beyond attending fund-raisers. The wives are here to keep an eye on them, but they don’t follow them everywhere. At least I don’t think they do.” She shifted so his shadow blocked the sun and looked up at his face. “I’m not trying to screw things up for you. Trust me. I understand these people.”

He believed her, but it didn’t make the truth any easier. “Where the hell am I supposed to get a wife?”

She huffed out a breath. “Am I supposed to do everything for you?”

Her irritation wouldn’t last. She had a hot temper, but once it blew, she went back to being sunny Moira. And she wasn’t even pissed right now, so when she turned to walk away, he followed.

He walked beside her, as if they were there together, which he knew he shouldn’t, but since she’d talked about interviewing him, he figured he could get away with it. She waved to various people and stopped to chat with others.

With Moira, though, it wasn’t bullshit small talk. She asked real questions. She knew details about people’s lives, and they respected her for it. They opened up around her, which would be a huge asset for her job. An asset he’d have to avoid.

When they were walking a stretch alone, he asked, “Why doesn’t it bother you?”

“What?”

“The way Stan Decker talks about you.” Remembering the comments made him angry again. “I know you heard him, but you acted like it was nothing.”

She shrugged. “Because it was nothing.”

He stopped and touched her arm to halt her. “That’s not true. No one should talk to you like that.”

“He wasn’t talking to me. It’s not his fault I have excellent hearing.”

Jimmy thought back. In truth, Stan had been respectful, at least in his words while talking to Moira. “He stares at your chest.”

She laughed so hard her shoulders shook. “Really?” She spread her hands in front of her chest. “He’s far from the only man to do that. It happens so often, it doesn’t faze me anymore.”

Jimmy made a point of looking into her bright blue eyes. No sign of anger or hurt. It would make him nuts if he saw men staring at his woman’s chest instead of her face.

But Moira’s not mine.

“Doesn’t make it right.”

About Shannyn Schroeder:

Shannyn Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series and the For Your Love series, contemporary romances centered around large Irish-American families in Chicago and the Hot & Nerdy series about nerdy friends finding love. Look for her new series – The Dating Challenge in 2019. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies.  

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"Only A Breath Apart" by Katie McGarry - Release Day Giveaway!!!

 

Would you dare to defy destiny? Are our destinies written in stone? Do we become nothing more than the self-fulfilling prophesies of other people's opinions? Or can we dare to become who we believe we were born to be?

“A gorgeous, heartfelt journey of redemption and love” (Wendy Higgins), ONLY A BREATH APART is a young adult contemporary novel from critically acclaimed Katie McGarry. “Haunting, authentic, and ultimately hopeful” (Tammara Webber), ONLY A BREATH APART is now available!

 

About ONLY A BREATH APART:

They say your destiny is carved in stone. But some destinies are meant to be broken.

The only curse Jesse Lachlin believes in is his grandmother’s will: in order to inherit his family farm he must win the approval of his childhood best friend, the girl he froze out his freshman year.

A fortuneteller tells Scarlett she's psychic, but what is real is Scarlett’s father’s controlling attitude and the dark secrets at home. She may be able to escape, but only if she can rely on the one boy who broke her heart.

Each midnight meeting pushes Jesse and Scarlett to confront their secrets and their feelings, but as love blooms, the curse rears its ugly head…

 

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“Gritty and real, Only a Breath Apart is a story of hope conjured from pain, strength drawn from innocence, and love earned from self-respect. Beautiful, poignant, and fierce.” ―Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

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Add it to your Goodreads today!

    

EXCERPT: 

 ~SCARLETT~ 

A scraping of a chair, a tray full of food and I glance over with my practiced smile in welcome. It’s not Camila, Evangeline, or anyone else from the group. It’s green eyes, red hair, a familiar mischievous smile that used to be reserved only for me, and my blood pounds with excitement as if someone lit a sparkler in my chest. Then I frown because I’m not supposed to feel this way. Not with him. Not with anyone.

Jesse Lachlin winks at me as he sits across from me like no time has passed from when we climbed trees together. “What’s up, Tink?”

Another thrill runs through me but then my muscles tighten. Stupid, antiquated reaction belonging to a dead past. “What are you doing here?”

Jesse pops a fry into his mouth, chews, then picks up another as if he has no intention of answering. I scan the cafeteria. Several people are watching us, curious as to why Jesse Lachlin is sitting with me, or is event at lunch, or even at school.

From the lunch line, Camila’s and Evangeline’s eyes are bugging out of their heads.

What is going on? Camila mouths.

I raise my eyebrows to inform her I have no idea. Jesse digs into his corn with his fork and that’s crossing a line. “Maybe you didn’t hear me, but I asked what you’re doing here.”

He lifts his eyes to meet mine and there’s a glimmer in them that causes my lips to flatten. Fantastic. He’s here to make my life a living hell.

“It seems obvious,” he says.

If he remembers anything about me, he should recall I was never known for my patience and that he should be speaking, and speaking soon. “Just answer the question.”

“I’m eating lunch.”

I honest to God groan in frustration. “There’s no room at the inn.”

He surveys the table, takes in the empty seats, my books, and then gives me a good look. A slow look. As if he’s trying to memorize every inch he’s drinking in. My cheeks redden because that somehow feels a little too intimate for lunch. Feels a little too intimate for someone I’m no longer friends with. It feels too intimate if we werefriends.

I glance away, but I sense him still staring at me. God help me, I want to stare back.

   

 

Katie McGarry Bio: Katie is the author of the PUSHING THE LIMITS series, THUNDER ROAD series, SAY YOU’LL REMEMBER ME, and the upcoming YA novel, ONLY A BREATH APART. Her novels have received starred reviews, critical acclaim and have won multiple awards including being a multiple Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for YA Fiction, multiple RT Magazine's Reviewer's Choice Award Finalist for Best YA Fiction, including a win in the category, and she was a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick.      

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"Only A Breath Apart" by Katie McGarry - Excerpt Reveal!

   

Would you dare to defy destiny? Are our destinies written in stone? Do we become nothing more than the self-fulfilling prophesies of other people's opinions? Or can we dare to become who we believe we were born to be?

 

“A gorgeous, heartfelt journey of redemption and love” (Wendy Higgins), ONLY A BREATH APART is a young adult contemporary novel from critically acclaimed Katie McGarry. “Haunting, authentic, and ultimately hopeful” (Tammara Webber), ONLY A BREATH APART will be available on all retailers on January 22, 2019!

   

About ONLY A BREATH APART:

Jesse dreams of working the land that’s been in his family forever. But he’s cursed to lose everything he loves most.

Scarlett is desperate to escape her “charmed” life. But leaving a small town is easier said than done.

Despite their history of heartbreak, when Jesse sees a way they can work together to each get what they want, Scarlett can’t say no.Each midnight meeting between Jesse and Scarlett will push them to confront their secrets and their feelings for each other.

 

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“Gritty and real, Only a Breath Apart is a story of hope conjured from pain, strength drawn from innocence, and love earned from self-respect. Beautiful, poignant, and fierce.” ―Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series

---

 

Add it to your Goodreads today!

      Excerpt:

SCARLETT I’m defying my parents by attending a funeral. Reckless and adventurous teenage behavior, I know. Most seventeen-year-olds lie to their parents so they can go on a date with a forbidden boy or attend a party where there will be questionable behavior. Me? I’m outright lying to my dad, and it’s because Jesse Lachlin’s grandmother died. 

The entire way here I’ve questioned my sanity, but I don’t know how I’d live with myself if I stayed home. Jesse Lachlin used to be my childhood best friend. We were inseparable. We had the type of friendship people strive to have, and then, a few years ago, he cut me so deeply that I still bleed. But ten-year-old me would have never abandoned a hurting Jesse. So today I’m not only honoring the memory of Jesse’s grandmother, but also the memory of our dead friendship. 

On my way to the funeral, the high grass of the field swats at my legs, but I don’t mind the sting. I love walking barefoot in grass, I love the smell of the earth and I love that brief feeling of freedom open spaces can provide. 

It’s the dog days of August. The type of hot that starts when the sun rises and makes you sweat through your clothes within minutes. While my skin and palms are on fire, the pads of my feet are cool against the dirt. The heat is unwelcome, but the sky is deep blue and the sun is bright, and for that, I can be grateful. 

Walking out of the field, I stop short of crossing the one-lane road to slip on the flats that dangle from my fingertips. My mother would be mortified if she knew I was entering a church in a cotton daisy-print sundress. It’s not one of the dresses with stiff fabric and impossible back zippers she would have picked for me at an overpriced department store. It’s the type that’s machine-washable and breathable. The type of dress Jesse’s grandmother would have given her stamp of approval. 

I can practically hear my mother heavily sigh and mumble my name, Scarlett, as if it were her personal, private curse word. Mom believes there’s a certain way to dress and behave, and I’m breaking all sorts of her rules today. Watch out, world. I’m officially rebellious. I smile to myself because I’m the opposite of rebellious. For the last few years, I’ve followed every rule. I’m the teacher’s pet and the girl with straight A’s. I’m the poster child of perfection, and have earned every snarky ice princess comment Jesse’s friends whisper about me in the school hallways because he and I no longer speak. 

There are only six cars in the parking lot of the white church, and that makes me frown. I thought more people would have wanted to attend. Jesse’s mud-covered pickup is there, and so is an unnaturally clean black Mercedes that belongs to his uncle. This ought to be interesting. Jesse and his uncle have a mutual hate for each other that runs deeper than any root of any tree. 

Movement to my right and I slowly turn my head. Shivers run down my spine at the sight of Glory Gardner. Even though I’m seventeen and too old for ghost stories, I still can’t shake the ones regarding this woman. Girls would whisper over lunch boxes that Glory was a witch. As I grew older, I understood that witch meant con artist. She claims she can read palms, tarot cards and “sees” spirits from beyond the dead. All for a glorious fee. 

She’s a beautiful woman—long dirty blond hair that’s untamed, even in a bun, and she has an eclectic taste in clothing. Today she wears a white peasant shirt and a flowing skirt made of material that shimmers in the sun. 

Glory watches me like I watch her, with morbid curiosity. I knew her as a child, back when Jesse and I ran wild in the fields near her home, but we haven’t talked in years. 

She stands under the shade of a towering weeping willow. There are lots of those trees around here. Mom says it’s because there is too much water in the ground. I say it’s because the people in this town have cried too many tears. Mom doesn’t like my answer. 

I tilt my head toward the church, an unspoken question if Glory will be joining me. She shakes her head no. I’m not shocked. According to rumors, Glory will go up in flames if she enters the house of God. But who knows? Maybe I will, too. 

The church is one of those picturesque, historical, one-room school buildings squeezed between a cornfield on one side and a hay field on the other. A huge steeple with a bell attempts to reach the heavens, but like anything created by a human, it falls tragically short. 

The foreboding wooden door makes no noise as I open it, and I’m able to slip in without a huge, squeaking announcement. Orange light filters in through the dark stained glass windows, and its struggling beams reveal millions of dancing particles of dust. 

On the altar, there’s no casket, but there is an urn. My heart dips—Suzanne is dead. I used to wish she were my grandmother, and many times, she treated me as if I belonged to her. Suzanne was the epitome of love, and the world feels colder now that she’s gone. 

Choosing a spot in the back, I drop into a pew, and as I scan the church my stomach churns. How is it possible that this place is so barren? 

Besides the Funeral Brigade, or the FB, as I like to refer to them, there aren’t many people here. The FB are the older group of woman who attend every funeral in our small town even if they didn’t know the person. Attending funerals isn’t my idea of fun, but who am I to judge? 

The FB sit directly behind the one person the town believes to be the lone sane member of the Lachlin family, probably because he isn’t blood related—Jesse’s uncle. 

On the left side of the church is Jesse. Only Jesse. And that causes a painful pang in my chest. Where are his stinking friends? The anarchists in training who follow Jesse wherever he goes? Where is the rest of the town? Yes, Suzanne was polarizing, but still, where is any respect? 

Quietly, so I don’t draw attention to myself, I slip from the right set of pews to the left. Someone should be on Jesse’s side, and it’s sad it has to be me. 

A door at the front of the church opens, and the pastor walks out from the addition the church build on as a small office ten years ago. I would have thought any pastor assigned to this place would be as ancient as this church. Sort of like an Indiana Jones Knights Templar scenario where he lives forever as long as he stays inside. But no, he’s the youngest pastor from the main, newer church in town. His name is Pastor Hughes, and he’s a thirty-something black man with a fit build who is just cute enough that he should be starring in a movie. 

The pastor looks up, and he flinches as if startled. I peek over my shoulder then sigh. Clearly, he’s surprised to see me. Flipping fantastic. 

His reaction, and the fact he won’t stop staring, causes every person to turn their heads. Lovely. I’ve had dreams like this where I enter a room and become the center of attention. Only in my dreams it’s at school, it’s my classmates and I’m naked, but still, this is disconcerting. 

Eventually, the FB and Jesse’s uncle return their attention to the front, but Jesse doesn’t. He rests his arm on the back of the pew, and it’s hard to ignore that he’s made me his sole focus, but I do my best to act as if I don’t notice. 

To help, I concentrate on what my mom taught me as a child—to make sure the skirt of my dress is tucked appropriately so that my thighs don’t show. I then fold my hands in my lap and straighten to a book-on-head posture. I can be the ice princess people claim me to be. 

Five pews separate me and Jesse, and it’s not nearly enough. My cheeks burn under his continued inspection. Jesse has done this a handful of times since our freshman year. Glance at me as if I’m someone worth looking at, someone worth laughing with a little too loud and smiling with a little too much. Then he remembers who I am and snaps his gaze to someone else. 

But he’s not looking away now. 

  

 

Katie McGarry 

Bio: Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan. Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.

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Release Day, Excerpt and Giveaway! "More Than This" by Shannyn Schroeder

It’s the release day for Shannyn Schroeder’s MORE THAN THIS! Check it out and grab your copy of this sexy new release today!

Title: MORE THAN THIS

Author: Shannyn Schroeder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About More Than This:

A sexy bartender stirs up a daily lesson plan for an adventurous teacher... When she discovers her ex-husband is about to be a father, Quinn Adams is on a mission. Determined to get pregnant without the commitment of a man, Quinn sets out for her own adventure. But everyone seems to think she need to focus on herself first. With a list of challenges compiled but her sister and their friend, Quinn embarks on some life-altering fun. Her first challenge is to go on five dates within two weeks. After a few disastrous attempts, Quinn’s ready to give up—until sexy bartender Ryan O’Leary offers his assistance. Ryan is the go-to person for everyone in his large family, so it’s natural for him to want to help Quinn. However, as they get to know each other better, friendship with Quinn isn’t enough for him. Now, it’s time for him to show her how serious the Irish can be. Will the bartender quench Quinn’s thirst by mixing up more than she ever imagined?

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Quinn stood outside her loft, wishing that she’d been smart enough to meet this guy at the restaurant, if that’s what you could call it. It had barely been a step up from fast food. Now he stood in front of her, still talking about himself, when all she wanted to do was curl up on the couch with a good book. This is what she got for picking a guy based on his online profile. Next time she’d make sure she had at least a phone conversation before making a date.

Jeff suddenly stopped his rambling and asked, “So, I think we really hit it off tonight, right?”

She stared blankly at him. Lying had never come easy to her. “I had a pretty good time.”

He stroked her arm, and she locked her knees to stop herself from pulling away. He wasn’t a bad guy. He didn’t give her the creeps. Jeff was even kind of good-looking: tall with dark hair and brown eyes, a little on the skinny side. But something turned her completely off.

When his hand stopped stroking her arm and his fingers interlocked with hers, the sweatiness of his palm was apparent. Eww. How was she supposed to disengage without seeming like a bitch?

“I’d like to see you again.”

“Maybe. Why don’t you send me an e-mail and we can set something up?”

“Can I have your number?”

She shifted slightly to the left, nearer to the door. “I don’t like to give out my number to too many people. This was just our first date and all.”

“But definitely not our last.” He leaned in to kiss her.

She saw it coming, thought she’d get a little peck on the cheek, but his mouth crashed into hers. When she didn’t immediately open her lips, his tongue poked and prodded. It was slimy and gross. When she tried to step back, he pulled her closer. The quick move startled her and in her shock, she inadvertently opened her mouth.

That was one hell of a mistake. He jabbed his tongue so far into her mouth, it was like he wanted to inspect her molars. And he was a sloppy kisser too. Saliva everywhere.

Her stomach started to churn just as he pulled away. “How about we take this upstairs?”

Not in this lifetime. “I don’t sleep with guys on the first date.”

“There’s a lot of territory between a kiss at the door and sleeping together.” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

Like she wanted to dry-hump that? “No, thanks. I should be getting in. It’s late and I have work tomorrow.”

“Oh, okay.” He really sounded disappointed. “Maybe we can get together this weekend.”

She slid toward the door, hoping he’d get the hint and not try to swoop in for another kiss. “I’ll be pretty busy this weekend. End of the school year stuff. But send me an e-mail. Good night.”

She didn’t wait for him to respond. She practically ran for the door. After scrubbing her mouth twice and then throwing her toothbrush in the trash, she called Indy. She plopped on the couch and put her feet up on the table. While Indy’s phone rang, she stared at the green nail polish on her toes. What a waste of a perfectly good pedicure.

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A Good Time

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Something To Prove

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About the Author:

Shannyn Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series and the For Your Love series, contemporary romances centered around large Irish-American families in Chicago and the Hot & Nerdy series about nerdy friends finding love. Look for her new series – The Dating Challenge in 2019. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies.

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Release Day Launch! "Tempting Brooke" by Kristen Proby

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby, comes TEMPTING BROOKE, a new novella in her Big Sky Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!

 

About TEMPTING BROOKE:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Proby comes a new story in her Big Sky series…

Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. The beautiful, innovative flower shop is trendy, with not only gorgeous flower arrangements, but also fun gifts for any occasion. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.

So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Hustle is Brooke’s middle name, and she has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile — and body — is.

 

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EXCERPT: 

The bell dings, and I reach for my small handbag and answer the door.

  Brody’s eyes start at my face and slowly meander down my body to my sandal-covered feet, and if I’m not mistaken, his jaw clenches.

Just friends, Brooke.

  “Hey.”

  I can’t help but take my own perusal of the man standing before me. Jesus in a basket, he fills out a suit nicely. His shoulders are broad, and his arms muscular.

Yes, this does things to me.

  “Can I come in?” he asks with a small smile on his lips.

  “Of course.” I step back and he walks inside my small house.

  “This is nice,” he says, but his eyes are still on me.

  “Thanks. I’ve been here for a couple of years.” I glance around, wondering if Brody and I have the same tastes, and then I glance back to him and bust out laughing.

  “What?” he asks.

  “Turn around.” He complies, and I reach up to pull the tag that’s poked out of the neck of his jacket. His hair is soft against the back of my fingers, and I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like as I fist it while he does amazing, sexy things to me.

  I take a deep breath and hand it to him with a laugh. “Wear it every day, my ass.”

  He tucks the tag in his pocket. “I didn’t bring a suit to Montana. I had to improvise.”

He bought it just for me.

  And according to the tag, it wasn’t cheap.

  Now I feel bad. I shouldn’t have pushed the issue. He spent a bunch of money that he didn’t need to, all because I gave him a hard time.

  “I thought we could eat at Ciao tonight,” he says as he leads me out of the house to his rented convertible. The sun broke out a couple of hours ago, and it’s the perfect temperature now. But     I just did my hair.

  I think about asking him to put the top up, and then decide, fuck it.

  I reach into my handbag and pull out a hair tie, twist my hair on top of my head, and grin as I sit in the fun car.

  “I could have put the top up.”

  “And that would have been a waste on a day like today,” I reply smoothly and have to physically restrain myself from reaching over to brush my fingertips through that soft hair at the nape of his neck.

  We drive through town in silence. Rather than park in front of the restaurant, he drives past, and I frown over at him.

  “Having second thoughts?”

  “No.” He sends me a smile. “Before we go in, I’d like to know why you got so quiet.”

  I bite my lip and look out my window, then turn to him and say, “Did you buy that suit just for me?”

  “Seems I do a lot of things for you lately,” he replies with a grin. “It’s not a big deal, Brooke.”

  “I’m sorry,” I reply. “I was just goofing around this afternoon. I didn’t mean for you to have to do all of this.”

  “All of what?”

  “Buy that gorgeous suit, take me to dinner. I feel like I hijacked your day, and I feel bad.”

  He pulls over, whips his seatbelt off, and turns to me.

  “Look at me.”

  I comply. He drags his knuckle down my cheek again, and that’s all it takes to set my body on high alert.

   

About Kristen Proby: New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle and Love Under the Big Sky series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong, humorous characters with a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen lives in Montana, where she enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.      

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Release Day and Excerpt! "Strong" by Kylie Scott

 

 

 

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series… When the girl of your dreams is kind of a nightmare. As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line. Martha’s had her sights on the seriously built bodyguard for years. Quiet and conservative, he’s not even remotely her type. So why the hell can’t she get him out of her mind? There’s more to her than the Louboutin wearing party-girl of previous years, however. Maybe it’s time to let him in on that fact and deal with this thing between them. **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**    

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Excerpt:

“I don’t believe this,” I bitched. “My Valentino boots are actually sticking to the floor. That’s how gross this place is.”

Lizzy just smiled. “Told you to dress casual.”

“I am.”

The smile widened.

“Jeans and a tee is casual.”

“A tee? It’s velvet, Martha.” She held a bottle of beer up to her lips, taking a sip. “I said we were going to a dive bar. You have only yourself to blame for the fashion faux pas.”

“But velvet is in!”

“Would you two quit talking? I’m trying to listen,” said my brother, Ben. The big hairy idiot was slouched back in his chair, bopping his head in time to the music.

Lizzy shuffled closer all conspiratorial-like. “I know why you’re all dressed up.”

I said nothing. There was nothing to be said.

Next her gaze went to the man standing at the end of the bar across from us. No, no, I would not turn my head. I would not fall prey to her bullshit. After all, I’d managed to successfully avoid him for the forty-eight or so hours since my not so triumphant surprise return to the West Coast. Even with us both being in the same house. A very big sprawling house, but still.

On the other hand, it should probably be mentioned that he looked awfully good tonight in jeans and a white T-shirt with a leather jacket. Samuel Rhodes, otherwise known as Sam. Not a pretty man with his harsh features and bull-like neck, but something about him appealed to me. As always, his head was shaved and his body was built and my idiot fingers itched to explore.

Okay. So I guess at some point I must have turned my head. And shit, he caught me looking.

The corner of his lips rose just a little, just enough to mess with me, before he returned to doing his job by casually surveying the packed room. My heart did not speed up due to anything done by him. Clearly, I hadn’t totally caught my breath from when we’d walked in half an hour ago or something. That was all. Interesting to note, he did none of the checking me out typical of a heterosexual male who might have been into me. In fact, he didn’t really give me any signals at all. Ever.

   

  

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013 & 2014, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet. You can learn more about Kylie from http://www.kylie-scott.com/ FACEBOOK | FACEBOOK FAN GROUP | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS 

Release Day Blitz: "Lawbreaker" by Kat & Stone Bastion

It's LAWBREAKER Release Day!

We're so excited to share Kat & Stone Bastion's LAWBREAKER release news with you!

Be sure to read to the end for details of Lawbreaker Release Celebration Giveaways! And their latest book comes with an advisory label... Reader Warning: You'll need to buckle up and load up on snacks and energy drinks, because this baby clocked in at 112,000 words. But the heartwarming story is filled with adventure, dry humor, quick-witted banter, a touch of mystery, and a hard-earned happily ever after. :)

Experience what early reviewers are raving about... Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AU iBooks | NookBooks | Kobo

 

About LAWBREAKER: Raised on the streets, Shay Morgan yearns for a real family, where love is unconditionally offered—even when trust doesn’t come easy. Before that day arrives, she trespasses and steals in order to provide for the few people who’ve gone out of their way to protect her. Born to privilege, Ben Bishop loathes his family for the despicable things they’ve done, and not done. He vows to be different, play by the rules, do the right thing. Building a thriving nightclub with those who share his values dominates his world. One explosive night at his bar, Loading Zone, changes everything. For both of them. Forever. A dance of opponents commences as they thwart with suspicion, start to trust, then sidestep to protect themselves from a fatal blow. Until they soon wonder if they’ve been fighting for the same side all along. As they begin to open their hearts, they up the stakes with a one-week pact. She shows him the power in breaking the law. He demonstrates the virtue of following it. Then a far-reaching crime is suddenly exposed—that his family committed. And for one chance moment, Shay and Ben hold the key to right the wrong, correct the injustice. But at what cost? Will they be able to return from the other side together? Or will their differences tear them apart? Flirting with danger...has never been so tempting. 

***LAWBREAKER is a standalone, full-length new adult romance told in dual POV. Due to mature themes and adult language, this book is for those 18 and older.***

Exclusive LAWBREAKER Excerpt:

The rumble of the idling V8 engine vibrated through the truck.

Faint gasoline fumes wafted in through the cranked-down windows, then blew out just as fast on the crosswind.

But none of those distractions fazed Shay.

Her attention had fixed solely on me. “Why do you like me?”

“More than like you.”

She didn’t say anything to my clarification. Instead, those expressive green eyes searched mine. Her chest rose with a measured inhale, fell on a slower exhale.

Her slender brows twitched down for a split second. “But why?”

A million reasons came to mind.

But in that moment, one echoed with more force than the rest.

“You live loud...without saying a word. When you’re around, you drown out all the noise. When I’m with you, there is nothing else.”

Silence filled the cab.

We sat on opposite sides. Lap belts held us securely down.

But she flattened her small hand over the worn leather of the bench seat, into the space between us.

I bridged the remaining gap, spread my fingers wide, until my larger pinky touched hers, knuckle to tip.

Long seconds drifted by.

The engine rumbled.

The crosswind blew.

But we didn’t move away from our fragile connection.

We stared at each other...and saw through every defense we’d built. As we inhaled and exhaled, breaths coming faster, shallower, I got the sense that we breathed common air for the very first time.

We’d come from different worlds, but we occupied the same space in that moment. In spite of our differences. Maybe because of them.

But on her next quick breath, her brow furrowed. Her hand twitched away.

Whatever she struggled with had broken through. That spiky armor clamped back around her.

Moment over.

And yet, she still stared at me. Gaze fierce. Jaw set. “When I’m with you, I become someone else. I forget who I am. And I can’t let that happen. You make me believe I can trust again. And that terrifies me.”

I stared back at her, undaunted. “I will never let you forget who you are. Become someone else with me, someone better. Get terrified; we’ll only grow stronger.”

After a long beat, she sucked in a deep breath. Then she pursed her lips and blew it out, nice and slow.

She remained silent. Committed to nothing.

But then I felt her pinky press against mine. Tentative, at first. Then firmer, solid.

She’d spoken, in her own way. And I’d heard loud and clear: I’ll become someone better, I’ll get terrified...just as long as you don’t let me down.

I gusted out a relieved sigh. “Well, hell. No pressure there.”

She didn’t laugh. Her eyes narrowed.

I reached farther and slid my hand over hers. “I won’t let you down.”

Nothing in the world could make me blow this...even though the weight of our world rested on my shoulders.

Including lightening the mood. Now. Before she changes her mind and bolts from your truck.

 

Read Ben and Shay's romance for yourself... Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CAN | Amazon AU iBooks | NookBooks | Kobo

 

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About Kat & Stone Bastion: Kat Bastion won several awards for her bestselling debut novel Forged in Dreams and Magick. Kat and Stone Bastion’s bestselling first novel No Weddings and the No Weddings series were named Best of 2014 by multiple romance review blogs. When not defining love and redemption through scribed words, they enjoy hiking in vivid wildflower deserts and ancient tropical forests.

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