Thursday, February 28, 2013

GIVEAWAY ~ Autograph copy of Beautiful Disaster

 
GIVEAWAY! Signed copy of Beautiful Disaster
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is my March giveaway even though I'm starting now.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Wait For You ~ by J. Lynn ~ Reveal


What do early readers have to say about WAIT FOR YOU?

J. Lynn creates a wonderful cast of characters that will make you laugh, swoon, and cry. Cam stole my heart.” – Cora Carmack, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of LOSING IT

“For the love of all that is Cameron without a shirt on! Wait for You will have you laughing out loud, fanning yourself and anxiously waiting to know what will happen next.” – Molly McAdams, NYTimes and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of FROM ASHES and TAKING CHANCES


"I don't think I have ever read a NA Contemporary novel with as much depth as this one. It really moved me and by the end I was just speechless over how inspirational and uplifting it was as well as being sexy and cute and funny and emotional." - K Books

 
"Wait For You is uniquely different from anything else J. Lynn's written but it might possibly be her best work yet." – Jenuine Cupcakes
 
"For all of you in love with Aiden and Daemon, PREPARE YOURSELVES! Your heart will have to expand a little more for Cam." Total Bookaholic

 
"For the love of all things CAM, this book deserves more than 5 stars." – Mundie Moms

 
"I cannot even begin to explain how much I adored this perfectly crafted contemporary." – Shortie Says

Excited? Ready to see the cover for WAIT FOR YOU?


 
 

Synopsis
Some things are worth waiting for…
Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

 
Some things are worth experiencing…
Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

 
Some things should never be kept quiet…
But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?
And some things are worth fighting for…
 

WAIT FOR YOU  is available now!


Amazon
 J. Lynn, also known as Jennifer L. Armentrout, is the USA TODAY Bestselling author of the adult romance Gamble Brothers’ series, the young adult Lux Series and award winning Covenant Series. She pretty much writes everything—contemporary, paranormal, and fantasy. All of her books have one thing in common no matter the name or genre: kissing… and stuff. When she’s not busy writing, which is never, she’s usually hanging out with dog Loki, watching reruns of The Walking Dead, or procrastinating on the Internet. You can find out more about Jennifer by visiting the following websites:
 
Twitter
Website:

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

GIVEAWAY! Signed copy of Beautiful Disaster

 
GIVEAWAY! Signed copy of Beautiful Disaster
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is my March giveaway even though I'm starting now.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ TIED ~ Fire Born #1 ~ by Laney McMann


TIED ~ Fire Born #1 ~ by Laney McMann
Release Date: September 9, 2013
 Young Adult

Book Blurb....

Normal people don't believe their nightmares stalk them. They don’t fall in love with boys who don’t exist, either.

Seventeen-year-old Layla Labelle, though, is far from normal. Her delusions walk the earth. Her hallucinations hunt her, and her skin heats to a burn every time her anger flares.

Or is that all in her head?

Layla doesn't know what to believe any more because if none of that’s true, Max MacLarnon must be an illusion, and her heart must still be broken.

No matter how much she wants to believe Max is real, doing so would mean everything else is, too. How, then, is that possible?

The answers lie in an age-old legend the supernatural aren’t prepared to reveal, and with a curse that could tear Layla and Max apart forever—if it doesn’t kill them both first.

In TIED, book one in the Fire Born trilogy, learning the truth will mean fighting an arsenal of demons, and being with Max will put Layla on a path toward her own destruction.

Just how far will Layla go to protect the one she loves?

The answer may never be far enough ... away.

URL: http://www.jtaylorpublishing.com/books/31

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Sun Dwellers (The Dwellers #3) by David Estes

The Sun Dwellers (The Dwellers #3) by David Estes
 
This is a young adult dystopian novel (Rated PG-13)
 
♥♥♥♥1/2
(Four and a half Sunny Hearts) 
 
Book Summary
 
Includes a bonus Dwellers Short Story (Anna's Story) and a sneak peek at David Estes' follow up YA dystopian series, Fire Country!

With those she's closest to dying around her, Adele embarks on a secret mission to the Sun Realm to assassinate the President. Along the way she'll uncover secrets about her relationship with Tristan that she might not be ready to face.

Tristan has a secret, too, one that's been eating him up inside ever since he met Adele. Will he reveal all, and risk the loss of friendship and love at a time when he needs it the most?

At the same time, Adele's mother, General Rose, must lead her soldiers into battle to face the sun dweller army in the hopes of holding them off until Adele can complete her mission. Can she outlast the strength of President Nailin's elite fighting force?

There's only one truth in their world: someone must die.
 
 
My Review
 
This series is filled with adventure and mystery and like the two previous books, this is what we get. Finally, the two are together to come to the battle they’ve planned since the beginning. Each has his or her own part to play and the reasons why they’ve come together.
The journey is part of the adventure. And I think I hoped for a bit more between the pair of future lovers. But what we get is enough.
There is no shortage of imagination put into this story. There is a secret revealed for which I predicted. And that’s okay. What does it mean? That this isn’t the last book. If you haven’t read the series, I suggest you do. One of the best dystopians out there.
My book boyfriend Tristan.
  
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


This is a young adult contemporary romance novel

♥♥♥♥♥
(Five I Wish I Could Give It More Hearts)


Book Summary

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.



My Review

The day before yesterday, I read a book by an author whose overuse of metaphors strangled an otherwise good story. I am happy to say that this writer knows exactly what to do. I barely noticed the flowery words and analogies because I was caught up in the beauty that was his words.
So, I bow down and clap silently.

My tears are still falling. My heart is still breaking. Have no fear. For the most part this story is equally weighted between the happy and sad as it should be. But of course this story would lend itself to a tear jerker at some point. It was enviable. And though I do not relish the pain and ache in my heart from the telling, I have no regrets reading other than why did I wait?
I felt every laugh and every tear. I must read more from this author and encourage you to do the same. This is not a hot mama story, although there is it’s time and place in this story. However, it needs none of that. The simplicity of it all just works.

READ THIS STORY.
Audio Review

Kate Rudd does a beautiful job in painting the landscape that is John Green words. She exhales life into her narration. Coloring the story in a way no movie could ever attempt to do. Wonderful.

My book boyfriend Gus. (2 pics artistic and hotness)
 

 
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Monday, February 18, 2013

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi
 
This is a young adult dystopian novel (Rated N-17)
 
 ♥♥1/2
(Two and a half Excellent Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
tick

tick

tick

tick

tick

it's almost

time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.

 
My Review
 
I’m choking, choking, choking on metaphors underneath the surface that is the pool of the words this author’s written trying to breathe, trying to survive to enjoy the wreckage that is this book.
I’d forgotten this because time is like a distant memory shoveled under the barrage of books that I’ve read and built over the memory of the why’s, the why’s, the why’s  I didn’t like the first book.
The laughable compelling story line intrigues me. The undercurrent, the undercurrent, the under tow keeps pulling me under, dragging me down, trying to kill me with the writing style.
This story feels like fan fiction had to be inspired by the X-Men. Add to it that it is depressing dystopian. Top it off like a melting ice cream cone a child holds as it tumbles from his hand, it’s predictable yet sad.
It like a race, a race, a race, a marathon of metaphors stung on each sentence like Christmas lights trying to dazzle, trying to get us in the mood, only succeeding in reminding us they’re there with their over usage.
Let me just say that the strikethrough font is brilliant. It doesn’t bother me although it was weird in the first audio book, but in the second they did a better job. The repeating, repeating, repeating words also didn’t bother me as much in this book as it did in the first. The use of a metaphor, metaphor, metaphor in each every sentence took a beautiful flower and made it into a trampled garden with boot prints that look purposeful in their destruction of what could have been wonderful. And that annoyed made me murderously annoyed.
Juliette got on my last nerve in this book. How do I loathe her? I’ll count the ways below in the spoiler section. But I will say this, I got her in the first book. I tried to sympathize with her in this one despite her mistakes. But one gets to a point when I just can’t.
I am also pissed that the author made Adam so lovable in the first book, that despite Warner’s interest as an awesome villain in the first book, Adam was the guy. Then came the novella. And I knew what she was going to do. She set the stage. And I’m sorry. For me first impressions are lasting. I can understand Warner but that doesn’t change my feelings. And if I heard one more time about how he was better looking than Adam, I’ll claw my eyes out. What are we saying that looks are more important than character???? And if this author pulls an Andrea Cremer, Bloodrose on us, I will add her to a short list of authors I won’t read anything else they write. Adam deserves a HEA even it’s not the one he wants.
Then there is predicable plot. Everything is predictable. Juliette is nothing but Rouge from X-Men, and instead of a futuristic X-Men setting, we are give a Shatter Me, dystopian setting. And did I mention that dystopian apparently means depressing. Gah! Every last one of them.  Then you add the laughable Maury Povich moment (more in spoiler section).
Still, if you haven’t watched an X-Men movies or read the comic books (wonder what the creator would think if he knew about this book) and you don’t mind the over heavy usage of metaphors, you will probably like this one. Not my cup of writing style tea.
In the end, I will most like read the next book. I will probably download the book and not listen, so I can skim. It’s like a train wreck. It’s horrifying but you can’t tear your eyes away. Your mind is filled with questions about how, why and what will they do? So yes, I will painfully read the next and hopefully last.
SPOILERS * Don’t read if you haven’t read the book. But for those who did, this is what bothered me most.
Ode to Juliette, why do I hate thee, let me count the ways.
*Selfish, selfish, selfish girl. She is supposed to interrogate Warner to find out about two guys that have been taken. And instead of even asking one question about it, she wants to indulge him. Answers his stupid questions about her life. These guys could be tortured, yet she asked nothing. And I’m pissed. It is Warner who freely gives her the information later. This could have been handled better.
*Selfish, selfish, selfish girl. I know she is tormented about not being able to touch anyone. I got that from Rouge in the X-Men and I get it here. But really, kissing, touching, let’s have sex with the guy that tormented you, trapped you, tried to get you to kill for him. And like another reviewer said, all of a sudden she’s in love because he held a damn dog. Really. I mean, he shot a man point blank. He nearly torched to death the man you claim to love. These are humans by the way. And I don’t agree with animal cruelty, but his care of an animal over his cruelty to humans has you loving him??? Ready to break the heart of the guy that protected you, would have given his life for you???
*She lied to everyone about Warner. Everyone who has done nothing wrong to her ever. Nothing. But she protects the guy that hurt her and the ones she cares about (Warner). UGH. These are the lessons we are teaching girls. L
*Then really, really, really, the Maury Povich Paternity test. Warner and Adam brothers. Adam all of a sudden can’t touch you but Warner can. How cute to explain her betrayal. And I don’t care if Warner is hot. I don’t care if he is the more interesting of characters. For once, can an author show a little character and have the girl choose the nice guy. Adam didn’t deserve this. And Juliette is dead to me. I smiled, smiled, smiled when I thought she had been killed. I hoped, hoped, hoped, this was the last book and that was it. Unfortunately not. L
UGH! If you want to hear me rant more ask me a question about this one, lol.
MY OWN QUOTES from my own words while reading
*I’m choking, choking, choking on the metaphors  breaking the surface of the pool of words trying to breathe, trying to survive enjoy.
*Shoot me now! Shoot me. Unravel my misery. I’m trying, trying, trying to listen to the last 2hrs, but Juliette is making it almost impossible.
*Slut, slut, slut and I want to strangle her. Shatter her in a million pieces and unravel them in the breeze. Grrrrr.
*Revenge is sweet and best served cold. And I am smiling, smiling, smiling….I’m pretty sure not the response the author was expecting.
END OF SPOILERS
 
Audio Review
Kate Simses captures Juliette’s whinny nature perfectly. She also does a good enough job at keeping the other main characters' voices distinctive that I didn’t have any trouble following.
My UN book boyfriend, Warner.

 
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Friday, February 15, 2013

Crimson Darkness (Crimson #2) by Amos Cassidy

Crimson Darkness (Crimson #2) by Amos Cassidy
 
This is an adult paranormal fantasy novel (Rated NC-17)
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Magnificant Hearts)
Book Summary
 
London is in the grip of an unnatural darkness. Rose is in the grasp of an unrelenting power and Raven and Thistle, along with their supernatural allies, are battling to survive and find a way to restore their home city.

For the fey, the song remains the same. They must return the power to Faerie or die. Unfortunately for them, the task has been superseded by an even more important one - help save Earth or perish along with it!

For Rose, the stakes are even higher as she is forced to make a terrible deal that will damn her if she does and damn her if she doesn’t.

Now enemies must work together as allies if they are to save their worlds from an ancient threat…
 
 
My Review
 
This is book two from a pair of my favorite authors. I read this book before September. I cannot believe that I forgot to post a review. So sorry.
This book is none stop from start to finish. There is action, a bit of romance, heart ache and sacrifice. Everything that happens, I’m crushed by Roman. I shouldn’t blame him, but ah, it hurts. And I’m happy about the introduction of a new character Rune.
The story is well told from start to finish. I was just never bored. If you haven’t read this series and don’t mind a bit of everything in terms of characters, you will love this. Those who love the black dagger brotherhood or merry gentry or anita blake, should enjoy this series. There isn’t even half the amount of sex in this series, still, it reminds me a bit on those lines as those stories filled with rich diverse characters.
Overall, I love this series and can’t wait until book three. New to this one, Book One is Crimson Midnight.
My book Boyfriend, Rune.

  
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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Shattered Edge (An Edge Novel #2) by A.M. Hargrove

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! IT'S ALL ABOUT LOVE!
 
Check this book out.
 
 
 
 
♥♥♥♥♥
(Five Super Sexy Hearts) 
 
 
 
 
Hey, I’m going to be honest with you. I’ve read a lot of books. And in romance, there are only so many ways to tell a love story. What makes one different from another is the character or how the events are compiled.
Well, in this story, when I thought I had it all figured out, the author pulled a fast one on me. I mean, I didn’t see it coming. I would have never guessed. Then, I was thinking how the heck will she pull a HEA out this situation and make it believable. She did it. That’s all I can tell you.
Characters, I love that Terri is strong yet vulnerable. I love that Justin is a great guy with not a lot baggage to make him lovable. He just is. This is straight romance, so there will be times some of you make think it’s cheesy. Me, I thought it was perfect.
Overall, I loved it. I can’t wait to see what she pulls out of her hat for the third book.
My book boyfriend, for my name sake Terri from the book, is Justin.
 
 
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Wednesday, February 13, 2013

The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #3) by Nora Roberts

The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #3) by Nora Roberts
 
This is an adult contemporary romance (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Steamy Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out—with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a tool belt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except apparently Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be—except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the Inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome—and embarrassing—appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…
 
 
My Review
 
 
The book tackles the grumpy Riley and what a treat. The romantic tension in this book is ten times higher than the other two. I think if I had to choose a brother it would still be Beckett but I did enjoy this story slightly more than the other two books.

The one thing I didn’t like as much was the ending. Although it ended on a HEA, I actually wanted more. I wanted more about the future for Riley and Hope, but that’s just me. There was an epilogue. It just didn’t answer all my questions.

Still a solid series and one I really needed at the time. This series was comfort food for me. It hit all the spots at the time I really needed it.

Audio Review

MacLeod Andrews did a wonderful job with the narration. He used very different voices for each character which he carried through the series.

My book boyfriend, Riley.

 
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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The Last Boyfriend (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts

 
The Last Boyfriend (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts
 
This is an adult contemporary romance novel (Rated NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Sweet Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
A new novel of a shared past, a fresh start, and a lifetime of love. #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers—Beckett, Ryder, and Owen—as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.Owen is the organizer of the Montgomery clan, running the family’s construction business with an iron fist—and an even less flexible spreadsheet. And though his brothers bust on his compulsive list-making, the Inn BoonsBoro is about to open right on schedule. The only thing Owen didn’t plan for was Avery McTavish...

Avery’s popular pizza place is right across the street from the inn, giving her a first-hand look at its amazing renovation—and a newfound appreciation for Owen. Since he was her first boyfriend when they were kids, Owen has never been far from Avery’s thoughts. But the attraction she’s feeling for him now is far from innocent. As Avery and Owen cautiously take their relationship to another level, the opening of the inn gives the whole town of Boonsboro a reason to celebrate. But Owen’s hard work has only begun. Getting Avery to let down her guard is going to take longer than he expected—and so will getting her to realize that her first boyfriend is going to be her last…
 
 
My Review
 
This story continues the love affair of the characters. I didn’t like this story as much as the first, but I did enjoy it. Owen is just a really great guy what was there not to love.
What I liked most about this story that although it centered around Owen, the rest of the cast was still in the story and not as back drop. They are there like you would imagine life happens. The other characters aren’t pulled out like they didn’t exist.

Again, I was a bit bothered about the timing of the romance. I know it's possible, but it bothered me again. A bit too convenient.
Still, I wasn’t turned off by this book. I had to take it to its end.
If you are looking for books with HEAs (happily ever afters) this is your author and your series.
Audio Review
MacLeod Andrews did an wonderful job with the narration. He used very different voices for each character which he carried through the series.
My book boyfriend, Owen.
 
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Monday, February 11, 2013

The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

The Next Always (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts
 
This is an adult contemporary romance novel (NC-17)
 
 ♥♥♥♥
(Four Warm Hearts)
 
Book Summary
 
The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. Beckett is the architect of the family, and his social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen.

After losing her husband and returning to her hometown, Clare Brewster soon settles into her life as the mother of three young sons while running the town’s bookstore. Busy, with little time for romance, Clare is drawn across the street by Beckett’s transformation of the old inn, wanting to take a closer look . . . at the building and the man behind it.

With the grand opening inching closer, Beckett’s happy to give Clare a private tour - one room at a time. It’s no first date, but these stolen moments are the beginning of something new - and open the door to the extraordinary adventure of what comes next . . .
 
 
My Review
 
Yes, I’ve been to Boonsboro and I’ve seen the Inn. So when the book went on sale on audible, I had to pick it up. And I wasn’t disappointed of course, I never doubted it.
Nora Roberts delivered a solid contemporary romance with believable characters and a believable plot. I only struggled slightly why Beckett waited until now to make his move. But Nora gives solid reason for that, it was just something that bothered me a bit.
Other than that, I enjoyed getting to know the cast and crew for this series. It drew me in and I had to read them back to back. That tells you something. Why not five stars? Well because it was good, solid, enjoyable, but I don’t have the compelling urge to shout at the roof top. I’ve read too many five star books lately, I have to find something to divide them and other really good books. So another reading may find this a five star read.
Overall, I really enjoyed and would recommend the entire series if you are looking for something were the characters aren’t deeply flawed in order to make you love them.
Audio Review
MacLeod Andrews did an wonderful job with the narration. He used very different voices for each character which he carried through the series.
My book boyfriend, Beckett. *sigh* I really <3 him.
 
 
 
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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Shattered Edge by A.M. Hargrove Excerpt & Cover Reveal


 
Book Blub....
 
Their trial relationship was meant to last six months, but things didn’t quite work out the way they planned...

Justin Middleton, who has left a string of broken hearts across the state of South Carolina, has only one thing on his mind, and that’s winning Terri Mitchell’s heart in six months. That’s all the time she’s given him...six short months.  If he can’t do it by then, they’ll go their separate ways.

Terri Mitchell knows she’s lost her mind when she even suggested this harebrained scheme.  She finally thinks her heart is on the mend from her past encounter with Justin. However, when he shows up at her house late one night looking deliciously sexy and irresistible, her iron will to fight him vanishes and the words tumble from her lips before she’s barely aware of what she’s done. 

Within weeks, both of them find themselves passionately involved, but when Terri’s brother, Preston, shows up, mysterious things begin to happen, turning their blissful world into something dark and dangerous.
 
 
EXCERPT
 





Monday’s weren’t usually our busiest night, but when I arrived at work, I was surprised to hear we were solidly booked.
“We have a huge party in the private room,” our hostess, Katie, said.  “It’s some group with the Medical University.”
“Humph. I was hoping to get out of here early tonight.”
“You still might.  You know how those stodgy doctors can be sometimes.”
“Yeah. But it’s the middle of summer so it might mean a graduation party or an incoming group of fellows.”
“Whatever.”
I headed back to the kitchen to check out the specials for the night. Chef always made us taste everything so we could describe it to our patrons.  It was going to be the crispy flounder and wahoo for seafood.  He also had a pork tenderloin and a seafood over creamy grits special.  I had a difficult time deciding which one I liked best.
I put on my apron and figured I would be the one assigned to that big group.  Sure enough, I heard the floor manager say, “Alexia, you, Joe and Sam will handle the private room. Think the three of you can handle it?”
 “No problem,” I replied. I was quite sure two of us could do it fine.  There would be twenty people.  They would bus the food out to us as well as the drinks so the difficult part was handled.
“Are they all here already?”
“Yeah, they had reservations for six o’clock.”
I laughed.  “They must’ve thought we have an early bird or something.”
The three of us headed over to the private room.  The guys always like to let me take the lead because I had a knack for describing food...or so they said.  I think they just like to weasel out of doing it. I really didn’t mind though because they always gave me a hand when I needed it in delivering my entrees.
I went over each of the appetizer and dinner specials and then we took their drink orders.  I’d been right about the group.  They were first year fellows coming in to do their training in trauma surgery. I smiled tightly at the first few I hit.  I made my way around the group until I got to the fifth person. 
“I’ll have a Grey Goose extra dirty martini with extra olives.”
Okay, first off that was my favorite drink.  Second, his voice sounded like rich waves tumbling over smooth rocks.  I lifted my eyes and they landed on sizzling smoky gray, bedroom orbs that were heavily fringed in onyx lashes.  My gaze drifted south to a mouth defined by full sensuous lips. I stared as his tongue peeked out and ran across his lower lip, slowly, teasingly. I swallowed and lifted my eyes north again to safer ground.  Chiseled face emphasized by high cheekbones wasn’t exactly what I’d call safe either. Then I noticed his dark hair was thick and curled softly around the nape of his neck.  This odd urge overcame me and I had to grip down hard on my pad and pen, for I wanted to brush aside an unruly curl that fell across his forehead.
F****ing gorgeous. What the hell Lex? Get your mind on the game here!
I heard someone clear his throat so I nodded and moved along to the next customer. By the time I finished, I was sweating profusely. 
JC, he put the spell on me! Dayam, he sure had some kind of mojo working there.
I practically threw my order at the bartender and dashed to the restroom.  Grabbing a handful of paper towels, I jammed them into my armpits and dabbed up the unhealthy level of moisture that had formed there.  Who the hell was I kidding?  That wasn’t moisture.  That was pure T flood waters gushing out of my pores.
S***helldamn! How the hell am I gonna wait on him now?
I tossed the towels into the trash, washed my hands, dried them and ran back to the bar to collect the tray of drinks. It was ginormous.  Joe, Sam or any of my runners were nowhere to be found, so I hefted up the tray and headed to my table.
I watched Smoky Eyes as I approached and I could feel his eyes as he was downright staring at me.  I set the tray down carefully and then started handing everyone their drinks.  When I got to him, he took the drink from my hand, briefly touching me with his pinky.  I shivered.
What the hell Lex? It was his damn pinky! Get a grip for Christ’s sake.
My hand was shaking as I reached for the next glass and I knew he saw it. I could feel the heat of his eyes as they bore into me as I moved along the table.  When I finished, Joe and Sam made an appearance with their drinks and then it was time to take their appetizer orders.
I reviewed the specials again, my voice shaking with nervous tension.
“Does anyone have any questions?” I asked.
“I do,” Smoky Eyes said. He grinned at me, and of course, a perfect set of teeth, minus a slight chip on his left front tooth, accompanied the rest of his perfect self.
“Yes?” I countered, as I swallowed around the thickness that had formed in my throat.
“Can you tell me about the oysters?” he purred.
“Um,” I swallowed again, “since it’s July, our oysters are pretty much nonexistent.  We do offer some fried ones, but honestly, I don’t recommend them because they’ve been frozen.”
“I see.  Then what exactly do you recommend?”
His voice was like butter being spread over warm bread.  Smooth, rich and creamy.
“Er, well, our grits cake with tasso gravy is our trademark appetizer.  It’s excellent. Our uptown eggrolls are also very tasty.”
“Hmm. They both sound delicious. I think I’ll try the grits cake please.”
“Excellent choice.”  I moved around the table and completed the order on my end.  I found myself on a mad dash to the kitchen, tossing my order at the chef and heading for the restroom again. At this rate, all the paper towels would be gone in an hour.
Thank heavens my runner was around to deliver the appetizers.  I followed him to make sure each dish was delivered to the correct person and checked to see if everyone was pleased with their order.  Smoky Eyes was purring with delight so I’d made a good call on the grits cake for him.
I took everyone’s dinner order and it went fine...except for you know who.  He had a ton of questions, of course. The corners of his mouth would lift a bit so I knew he recognized the effect he had on me. I was getting annoyed already...not so much with him, but with myself.  How could my own body betray me so badly? Ugh!
“Tell me...”
“It’s Alexia.”
“Of course. Forgive me.  Tell me Alexia.  Is the wahoo moist and tender?”
“Yes. It’s fresh off the boat today.  It’s pan seared and finished off in the oven. It’s quite delicious.”
“Is it juicy? It’s not too fishy is it?”
“No, it’s a very mild white fish.  Not too dense and yes, it’s juicy.  Not dry at all.” I grinned.
Someone at the table said, “Just order the damn fish already Pearce.  It’s only a meal for Christ’s sake.”
“True, but it’s an important meal, isn’t is Alexia?”
I raised a brow and said, “I wouldn’t know.  But, I don’t think the fish will disappoint you.”
He said under his breath, but loud enough for me to hear, “It’s not the fish I’m concerned about.  Yes, then I’ll try the wahoo.”
Thank all the gods in all heavens everywhere.  Smoky Eyes has made a decision.  Hallelujah!
The entire table clapped for him and I snorted.
He gave me a look that sent shivers up my spine.  I moved along and finished taking the rest of the orders.
The rest of their meal went along very nicely.  I remained off the radar except for the few drink orders I had to take and dessert time. Smoky Eyes ordered a very expensive port and followed every move of mine with his eyes.  Damn, he was sexy. 
By the time they all stood up to leave, it was nine thirty.  I was ready for them to get the show on the road.  The restaurant was nearly empty.  I was thinking about heading down the street for a few drinks afterward. 
They all headed towards the door when Smoky Eyes brushed up against me.  He grabbed my hand and thanked me for my excellent service and patience with him.  Then he pushed a wad of bills in my hand and walked out. This was a tip beyond what had already been left with the payment.
I headed back to the restroom and unfolded the wad and saw it was two one hundred dollar bills and his business card.  Smoky Eyes had a name.  I looked closely at the card.  He was a trauma surgeon at the Medical University and his name was H. Pearce Middleton.  On the back of the card he’d written a note: 
Please call me.  I’d love to take you to dinner sometime. PM
Hmm. Middleton was an old Charleston name.  I wondered if he was one of those Middleton’s.  If so, he’d been toying with me big time.  A Charleston Middleton would know what wahoo was and would also know oysters were out of season in July. In any case, it didn’t matter, because I would never call him.  He didn’t need to get involved with me. I was a mess and he was a totally cool, put together guy that was hotter than sin and probably smarter than hell.  What in the world would he do with a strung out slut that partied too hard and ended up in bed with two guys at once that she didn’t even know?  Besides, I wasn’t ready to date anyone. Probably wouldn’t ever be ready to date anyone.

 


And do you want to meet MY JUSTIN. And yes, I did claim him. lol :-)

 
 
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