Saturday, April 30, 2016

Best of My Love ~ Susan Mallery ~ NEW RELEASE & REVIEW


An irresistible new love story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool's Gold series, set in a town Library Journal calls "so appealing, readers will want to start scoping out real estate." 

To overcome her painful past, baker Shelby Gilmore goes on the hunt for a friend—a male friend—to convince her stubborn psyche that men can be trusted. But where in a town as small as Fool's Gold will the petite blonde find a guy willing to not date her? 

Dark, charming Aidan Mitchell puts the "adventure" in Mitchell Adventure Tours…and into the beds of his many willing female tourists. Until he realizes he's inadvertently become that guy—the one-night Casanova—and worse, everyone in town knows it. Maybe Shelby's boy/girl experiment will help him see women as more than just conquests so he can change his ways and win back his self-respect. 

 As Aidan and Shelby explore the secret lives of men and women, the heat between them fires up the Fool's Gold rumor mill. If no one will believe they're just friends, maybe they should give the gossips something to really talk about!


Elizabeth's Review


4 Stars - Would Recommend to a Friend


Review copy provided by Author


In Best of My Love, we head to Fool's Gold for the last (?) time and follow Shelby and Aidan, both of whom have appeared in other books as secondary characters. Shelby survived an abusive childhood and has flourished since moving to Fool's Gold, but her life is missing "something." Aidan grew up in the community, but had his own challenges. A bad run in with a former fling has him wanting to change things in his life. Shelby's plan that they be "just friends" so that they can learn about the opposite sex is just too good to be true!

The story that follows takes a fun and sweet look at the idea of if men and women can really be "just friends." I loved watching these two together. From the first awkward attempts to spend time together to the natural progression of a relationship neither of them even realized they had, we had funny and sweet moments. There were also emotionally revealing times as both Shelby and Aidan dealt with the family relationships that colored their views of love.

Best of My Love definitely ends the Fool's Gold series on a high note while also setting up a potential new series for the other Mitchell brothers. If you are new to Fool's Gold, you'll be able to read this as a stand alone and enjoy it. If you have been a loyal Fool's Gold reader, you will love the cameo appearances by several characters we haven't seen in a while.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Keep Me and Keep Her ~ Faith Andrews ~ BRAND NEW COVERS!

KeepMe.Ebook.Amazon   KeepHer.Ebook.Amazon
Cover Design: Najla Qamber/Najla Qamber Designs
 
Synopsis
Keep Me:
Sexy, tatted up, underwear model Marcus Grayson is every girl’s dream—or more likely worst nightmare. He’s a player, a self-proclaimed bachelor for life, and he’s got no problem living up to his man-whore status. But when his older sister’s friend comes back from the past, he may just have the chance to turn some of his adolescent fantasies into reality. Tessa Bradley is a self-sufficient, take-no-bull, single mother—well, now she is. Finally rid of her abusive, alcoholic ex, she’s making a new life for herself and catching up with old friends; the ones she was forced to break ties with because of her controlling husband. When she runs into Marcus, her friend Riley’s once-adorable turned smoking-hot little brother, she has no idea how he’s about to rock her world. KEEP ME is a steamy full-length, contemporary romance. This is book one in the Grayson Sibling Series and can be read as a standalone.  
Keep Her
The Grayson siblings are at it again—guilty of keeping secrets from each other when it comes to who they fall in love with. This time little brother’s best friend is the object of Riley’s affection and their intimate connection is impossible to resist. Riley Grayson—snarky, successful, lonely. She’s looking for Mr. Right, especially now that her younger, reformed man-whore of a brother is living out his happily ever after with her best friend. If Marcus can find true love, why the hell can’t she? Enter Beck Matthews, Marcus’s childhood best friend. He’s lovable, sexy, and oh, yeah—not single. But one night of drunken partying and wild sex with Riley and Beck may be rethinking his future. Has he been planning it with the wrong girl? Although these two can’t stay away from each other, it seems the ghosts of their pasts are holding them back from what they really want. Can Riley and Beck overcome the threat of shocking coincidences and unexpected events that will test their trust in one another? Find out if Beck’s love is strong enough to Keep Her. KEEP HER is a full-length, contemporary romance. This is book two in the Grayson Sibling Series but can be read as a standalone.
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Purchase Links
Keep Me Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/243OuHn
 
Keep Her Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1SBAolL
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Giveaway
 
$10 Amazon Gift Card & 5 Amazon ebook sets of Keep Me & Keep Her
 
 
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About the Author
Faith Andrews is living out her dream right outside the greatest city in the world, New York City. Happily married to her high school sweetheart, she is the mother of two beautiful and wild daughters, and a furry Yorkie son named Rocco Giovanni. When she's not tapping her toes to a Mumford & Sons tune or busy being a dance mom, her nose is stuck in a book or she's sitting behind the laptop, creating her next swoon worthy book boyfriend. Coffee addict, lover of wine and cheese, and sucker for concerts and Netflix, Faith believes in love at first sight and happily ever after.  
Connect with Faith
Newsletter signup: http://eepurl.com/EK9_v
Goodreads Author Page: http://bit.ly/243M8Z9
Goodreads Fan Group: http://bit.ly/1rAaVCU
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1riCekN
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Meet The Author - Anna Harrington and How I Met The Marquess

We are so excited to welcome Anna Harrington to our Meet The Author spot this week! 

Published work: 

The Secret Life of Scoundrels series (DUKES ARE FOREVER, ALONG CAME A ROGUE, and HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS)

ABOUT HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS 
A SHOCKING DECEPTION . . . Josephine Carlisle, adopted daughter of a baron, is officially on the shelf. But the silly, marriage-minded misses in the ton can have their frilly dresses and their seasons in London, for all she cares. Josie has her freedom and her family . . . until an encounter with a dark, devilishly handsome stranger leaves her utterly breathless at a house party. His wicked charm intrigues her, but that's where it ends. For Josie has a little secret . . . . .

LEADS TO AN EXQUISITE SEDUCTION Espionage was Thomas Matteson, Marquess of Chesney's game-until a tragic accident cost him his career. Now to salvage his reputation and return to the life he loves, the marquess must find the criminal who's been robbing London's rich and powerful. He's no fool-he knows Josie, with her wild chestnut hair and rapier-sharp wit, is hiding something and he won't rest until he unravels her mysteries, one by one. But he never expected to be the one under arrest-body and soul . . . 
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VI9YEB 
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Tl4yMz 
iBooks: http://apple.co/1SdsKBw 
Kobo:http://bit.ly/244dlaD 
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1Tl4wnV

What are you working on now? 

I’m so busy right now!! I am currently working on two projects...a novella and a new 5-book series. The novella, due out in the fall, is set in 1842 and is about the romance between Faith Westover, daughter of Kate and Edward from DUKES ARE FOREVER, and Stephen Crenshaw,  the baby in ALONG CAME A ROGUE. Twenty-five years have passed, and Stephen has set his bad-boy sights on the one thing he cannot have—Faith. 
The new series, Capturing the Carlisles, which will be out in 2017, follows the romantic exploits of the Carlisle brothers who were introduced in HOW I MARRIED A MARQUESS. As the “scourge of Mayfair,” the three rogues have finally met their matches—in more ways than one.

 Do you get to write full time or do you also have a “day” job? 

I am a professor of humanities, which I love! I get to share my love of music, art, architecture, and travel with my students. Who wouldn’t want to get paid for looking at great art and listening to amazing music?

Favorite part of being an author? 

Everyone will know that I’m a writing nerd when I say that my fav part of writing is doing revisions. That’s when I get to dive into the whole work and mold it, shape it, polish it...The best part of writing is rewriting.

Scariest part of being an author? 

Coming up with new ideas! I’m always afraid that my plots will be too dull or boring, the conflict too difficult (or non-existent!), the characters unlikable...It’s only when I have the finished draft that I can let go of the worry.

 Who are your favorites to read? 

My favorite Regency romance writers (right now!) are Suzanne Enoch, Sabrina Jeffries, and Judith McNaught, and my all-time fav historical romance is Hoyt’s Duke of Midnight. My all-time favorite writers, however, are the magical realists—Kafka, Marques, Borges—for their courage to break boundaries, Fitzgerald’s Gatsby for the description, and Heller’s Catch-22 for its black comedy.

 If you could have one super power, what would it be? 

The ability to fly! No more TSA checkpoints or lost luggage!!

Who or What is your most interesting muse? 

Architecture. I know, I know—that sounds weird, and maybe it is. But I get my best inspiration from visiting grand old houses and gardens, which makes me wonder about the people who would live in such places and all the stories they would have to tell...The writing flows from there.

One piece of advice to an aspiring writer? 

Write the story you want to read, with the characters you love. (I know, it’s the standard advice, but it’s also the truest advice I’ve ever heard.) If it’s a story that you want to read, then someone else wants to read it, too. Always be true to yourself.

Where can we find you? 

@aharrington2875

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Turn It Up ~ Kim Karr ~ Cover Reveal


Turn it Up is Book Two in The Detroit Duet & releases on
May 16th, 2016

Add Turn It Up to your TBR list on Goodreads!


Charlotte Lane was the tomboy who lived next door.
Eyes the color of the summer sky.
Mounds of curly blond hair.
A little bit of sassy and a whole lot of sweet.
She was my best friend. My confidant. My salvation.
But when circumstances tore us apart, it put more than just miles between us. I hated her. Blamed her for my worst nightmare. And I never wanted to see her again.
Then one wrong turn brought her back into my life and now she’s under my skin. In the midst of all the chaos surrounding us, she’s what’s changing me. Practically bringing me to my knees. Driving me to want to be a better man.
But nothing is ever easy.
And as our worlds begin to crumble…so do we.
Our bond withstood the test of time, but when the future brings the unexpected, it will either draw us closer or tear us apart.
Can we weather the storm?


Set the Pace (Book One) is NOW ON SALE!
ONLY $0.99


Meet Kim Karr 


I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

Stalk Her:  


Sway ~ Adriana Locke ~ Cover Reveal




Title: Sway
Series: Landry Family #1
Author: Adriana Locke
Genre: Contemporary Romance
 Release Date: May 16, 2016



Blurb

BARRETT LANDRY has it all.
Power, prestige, and plenty of women, the dapper politician’s life is pretty phenomenal. But in the midst of the biggest campaign of his life, he needs to focus. The last thing he can afford is a distraction.
 

ALISON BAKER is a work-in-progress.
As a single mother to HUXLEY, she’s rebuilding life on her terms. She’s focused on family, faith, and a future for her son that can’t be taken away. Putting her child first means not being careless, no matter what.


A chance encounter forces Barrett and Alison to redefine what they really want out of life. But everything comes at a cost ... and sometimes, even for love, it’s a price too steep to pay.





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please fill out this FORM





Author Bio

USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.

She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.

For sneak peeks, giveaways, and more, please join Adriana's Facebook Group, Books by Adriana Locke, or her Goodreads group, All Locked Up.



Author Links

Ride Hard ~ Laura Kaye

RIDE HARD - RWB banner

 

The first book in Laura Kaye's hot new Raven Riders Motorcycle Club series, RIDE HARD, is finally here! RIDE HARD is about a new kind of MC with a protective mission. You might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! So read on for a taste and grab your copy of the first book in this sexy new series!

  RIDE HARD - cover

Order on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Add to your Goodreads

    Ride Hard - bonus stry graphic

Get a FREE bonus story from Laura’s Hearts in Darkness world for buying RIDE HARD before April 30!

 
About Ride Hard (Raven Riders #1):
Brotherhood. Club. Family.
They live and ride by their own rules.
These are the Raven Riders…
Raven Riders Motorcycle Club President Dare Kenyon rides hard and values loyalty above all else. He’ll do anything to protect the brotherhood of bikers—the only family he’s got—as well as those who can’t defend themselves. So when mistrustful Haven Randall lands on the club’s doorstep scared that she’s being hunted, Dare takes her in, swears to keep her safe, and pushes to learn the secrets overshadowing her pretty smile.
Haven fled from years of abuse at the hands of her criminal father and is suspicious of any man’s promises, including those of the darkly sexy and overwhelmingly intense Ravens’ leader. But as the powerful attraction between them flares to life, Dare pushes her boundaries and tempts her to want things she never thought she could.
The past never dies without a fight, but Dare Kenyon’s never backed down before…
Raven Riders - Series banner

Don’t forget you can grab HARD AS STEEL, a Hard Ink/Raven Riders Crossover Novella out now and pre-order RIDE ROUGH, book 2 in the Raven Riders Series (out April 25, 2017)!

    RIDE HARD - RWB Teaser 1

 I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of my 25th novel, Ride Hard, the first book in my Raven Riders Motorcycle Club series about a new kind of MC with a protective mission. You might’ve first met the Ravens in the Hard Ink world, but this series stands on its own and is even sexier, edgier, and grittier! I can’t wait for you to get to know Dare, Haven, and everyone in the Raven world! And see down below for a giveaway and a bonus story offer!

One of the things that surprised me about Ride Hard was that food became a major theme throughout the book. Haven suffers from insomnia and baking is one of the things that calms and distracts her, so sometimes she sneaks down to the clubhouse’s kitchen in the middle of the night and bakes whatever sweet thing comes to mind. Cinnamon rolls and peanut butter cookies are two of her favorites (and Dare’s, too!), and she loves leaving these treats for the guys in the club to devour in the morning. Because you might find yourself hungry while reading *winks*, I thought you might enjoy Haven’s recipe for cinnamon rolls—and since I am not much of a cook LOL, I turned to my good friend and fellow author Christi Barth, who is an excellent cook, for her take on cinnamon rolls, very similar to what I describe in the book:


 Haven’s Cinnamon Rolls 


Recipe from author Christi Barth Check out her new Risking It All (Naked Men, Book 1)
Amazon | B&N | iBooks | Kobo
Find Christi at: Website /Pinterest / Facebook/ Twitter / Instagram / Blog

What makes these cinnamon rolls super easy is that they have to sit overnight - which means you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to start cooking for a crowd of hungry bikers.

Ingredients:
1 package quick rise yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup warm water
4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces evaporated milk (I like to use evaporated skim milk - it won't change the texture or flavor, just the guilt you feel for eating a second roll)
1/4 cup water
1 egg

 Filling
1/4 cup softened butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze
1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Dissolve yeast, 1 teaspoon sugar & the warm water in a bowl and let stand for five minutes or until small bubbles foam on the top of it.
In a large bowl, blend flour, 1/4 cup sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and salt.
In another bowl combine 2/3 cup milk, water and egg.
Once thoroughly mixed, add yeast and flour mixture (1 cup at a time) into it until it forms a dough ball.
Lightly flour your counter, and then knead dough on it for about 6 minutes.
Coat a bowl with non-stick spray, put dough in it and cover. Let dough rise until doubled (at least an hour).
Roll dough out to an approximate 10" x 20" rectangle.
Gently spread the butter over the dough, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. If you like nuts, you could add 3/4 cup chopped pecans.
Roll up, starting with the long side. Slice roll (a bread knife works best) into 12 1" thick pieces.
Put in two buttered cake pans, with 1 slice in the middle and 5 ringing it. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in the refrigerator at least overnight, but up to an entire day ahead.
Bake at 375 degrees for 24 minutes.
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk with a fork. Drizzle over rolls while still hot.
Who can say yum????? Enjoy!

   Laura Kaye - author pic
About Laura Kaye: Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books in contemporary and paranormal romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and upcoming Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.      

Website | Facebook |Twitter | Newsletter Sign Up | RIDE HARD on Goodreads

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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Live Me ~ Celeste Grande ~ Trailer

Who's ready to celebrate?! LIVE ME is six-months old today! In honor of this milestone, we're debuting a never-before-seen book trailer! Don't miss out on your birthday cupcake from Blake at the end. Enjoy!
 
Broken… Shattered…
Evangelina Ricci is trapped in a world that’s a never-ending nightmare, a constant ache in which consumes her every breath. Unable to bear the torture any longer, she does the one thing she can to take back control.
Run.
With her best friend Jace in tow, Evangelina attempts to escape her darkened past by leaving for college and diving head first into an aggressive schedule, determined with everything she is to make a name for herself. There’s only one problem—she can’t run away from the demons she struggles with. The demons that’ll forever be there, locked inside, battering her soul. Hiding behind a flawless façade, Evangelina faces her ghosts until her world is turned upside down, invaded by…him.
Blake Turner. Sweet, witty, flirtatious and drop-dead gorgeous, he finds Evangelina at every turn. Scared he’ll uncover the truth she keeps so well guarded, Evangelina tries her best to put on her act, deterring him like she has so many times before—only this guy’s different. He’s relentless. Utterly, absolutely and completely relentless. He sees her and he wants her and won’t stop until she’s his.
Will Evangelina succeed in pushing Blake away? Or will he break down her walls and be the person to make her realize life is worth living?

AVAILABLE NOW on Amazon. FREE on Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT

“Come. Sit.” He patted the vacant area next to him. I sat and turned to face him, noticing the mischievous glint in his eyes. “What?” He reached behind him and pulled out the clear shell that housed the most delicious cupcake in the world, and twisted it in front of me. “Hand it over.” I stuck out my hand. “Uh, uh, uh…not so fast.” He backed away from me. “I told you there’s only one way to eat these puppies. I’ll break you in slowly, but next time you’re getting the full effect.” With hungry eyes, he popped the lid and the sweet smell immediately flooded my nostrils. I closed my eyes, my mouth instantly watering. I had an insatiable sweet tooth, and I couldn’t wait any longer. “Gimme a bite,” I said in a breathy whisper. Still smirking, he raised his eyebrows. “How bad do you want it?” Oh, he was going to play games with me? Well, I wasn’t giving in. Screw the cupcake. I clamped my lips shut and frowned, crossing my arms over my chest. He raised his eyebrows, completing his cocky grin. “Tell me, Angel, or you’re not getting any. I have no problem eating it all by myself.” He swiped his finger through the icing and held it out to me. My lips parted and I inched toward him, waiting to taste the sweet goodness, but then he yanked his finger away and submerged it into his mouth. “Hey!” “Come on. Say it.” He licked his lips, closing his eyes, and savoring the taste. “How bad do you want it?” I slumped my shoulders in defeat. “Bad.” “Doesn’t sound like it to me.” He licked a piece of icing slowly, curling his tongue around the smooth topping and letting it linger there. My mouth itched to suck it off his tongue. I licked my lips and bit down, inching closer to him, my heart racing from a damn dessert. “Come on, gimme a bite. Pleeeease.” I dragged out the word, doing my best puppy dog impression. He shook his head, being just as obstinate as me. Damn him. “Not until I hear you say how bad you want me … I mean it.” The glint in his eyes told me he’d meant for that slip up. Playing his game, I pushed my face as close to his as I could without physically touching him and steadied my gaze. Something flickered behind his eyes, and he took a sharp intake of breath. “I want it.” The corner of his mouth quirked, delighted I was complying. “How bad?” “Bad.” I settled myself closer, fingering his arm. “More than anything I’ve ever wanted. My mouth waters for it. My body aches for it. If I don’t get it soon, I think I’ll die.” I let my eyes settle on his mouth and then trapped my lip between my teeth. I could play the double meaning game too. He began to peel the paper down each side, taking his time. “That bad, huh? Sounds pretty serious. It must mean more to you than you let on.” He looked up at me through his long lashes. “It does. It means … everything to me.” Though I wasn’t sure how or why, I genuinely meant those words and I needed to get my point across. He dragged his finger through the icing once more and brought his finger to my lips, tracing the salivating circle. My tongue slithered to one corner and followed the same path he’d just taken. His eyes widened, not expecting my boldness. Hell, I wasn’t expecting my boldness but it felt good and I wanted to test the normal waters for a change. “Sure you can handle this?” I said through shortened breath. Mouth tipped in a cocky grin, he grabbed my finger, dipped it into the icing and brought it to his parted lips. His eyes seared into mine as he flicked his tongue over the tip, and I gasped. Slowly, he licked the inside of my finger clean. I squirmed, feeling each swipe between my legs. He made a circle around the top before pushing it inside his mouth. I almost fell off the couch. Oh. My. God. His tongue was warm and soft, curling around me. Lost in his ministrations, I wanted to feel it everywhere. A tremor followed my exhale. His voice was husky. “You taste delicious. I’ll bet every inch of you tastes just as sweet.” And then he nipped the tip of my finger with his teeth.
 

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Connect with Celeste

celeste photoCeleste Grande grew up loving words. From an early age, it was easy for her to open her heart through pen and paper and come away with something poetic. She never thought anything more than releasing her emotions would come of it though. A workaholic that can't keep still, in her 'real' life, she's a Certified Public Accountant who dreams of writing sexy books all day long. When she isn't working, she's reading, writing, mommying and being a wifey to the love of her life. She lives in New York, and is still putting pen to paper. Live Me, a new adult romance, is her debut novel. You can email her at AuthorCelesteGrande@gmail.com

Hook ~ Elisabeth Grace ~Blog Tour &Giveaway



Meet Marco Valenti in Hook by Elisabeth Grace!
NOW LIVE!




HOOK (Duplicity Duet #1) 

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

 Escort. Call girl. Prostitute. Hooker. Whore. 

 I'd heard it all. Done it all. 

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

 UNTIL MARCO VALENTI. 

 He'd changed me and I'd naively fed into the fairy tale. 

But Marco wasn't my Prince Charming. 

He had secrets of his own. 

Secrets that would eventually rip away everything I held dear. 

 Add to your TBR: http://bit.ly/1Uy5IqM



Excerpt
Marco leaned into me, his breath fanning across my face, causing goosebumps to race across my skin. “You’re very stubborn for someone who’s paid to provide me pleasure. É una fortuna che mi piacciono le sfide.”
“What was that?” I asked softly.
Good thing I enjoy a challenge,” he replied without blinking.
I cleared my throat, uncomfortable with the level of attention he was giving me. “Why don't we get on with what I'm here for,” I suggested in a sultry voice.
His eyes narrowed. “As you wish. Your madam says you are like a...” He looked off toward the ceiling. “The animal that changes color.”
“A chameleon?”
“That is the one.” He smiled widely, showcasing a dimple in his left cheek, made more pronounced by the dark stubble on his jaw. As sudden as the ferocity had flared up inside of him, it quickly disappeared.
“It's true. I can be whatever you want,” I replied in a seductive voice. I closed the distance between us, placing my hand on his chest. He flinched at the contact like I'd scorched him. Not a lot, but enough that I noticed.
Looking up into the depths of his dark eyes, I said, “Why don't you tell me what you're looking for, and then we can discuss any extras in my payment.”
The smile dropped from his face and he reached for my wrist, pulling my hand from his chest. “What I want from you will be very different than most men.”
My eyes widened and I sucked in a breath. This ought to be interesting. I'd had all manner of things proposed to me before, but the fact that Marco felt the need to warn me set off alarm bells ringing in my head.
“And what is it you want from me, Mr. Valenti?” I whispered.
“Call me Marco.”
“Alright, Marco.”
He traced his thumb along my hairline and stared down at me, intensity pouring out of his gaze like a waterfall. My breathing hitched, and I found myself wanting to lean into his caress to further close the distance between us.
Then the hum of his cell phone vibrating from his pocket broke our connection. He reached into his pocket, glanced briefly at the screen, and stepped back to take the call.
“As always, your timing is impeccable.” The corners of his mouth dipped, and I had the distinct impression that he wasn’t pleased with whoever was on the other end of the line.
Marco listened for a moment while staring out the wall of glass down to the strip below. His hand holding the phone flexed around it for a second at something the other person had said.
“Give me five minutes,” he bit out.
Another pause.
“Well, if you want it to happen tonight, you have no choice but to wait.” Without a goodbye, he ended the call and placed the phone back into the breast pocket of his suit jacket.
With his hands on his hips, he remained facing the window for a moment, drawing in deep breaths of air.
“I must go.”
Not what I was expecting to hear. “Okay...”
He turned and stalked forward until only mere inches separated the two of us. His large hand came to rest at the swell of my hip before he leisurely dragged it across my waist and brushed the side of my breast with his palm. My nipples tightened inside my lace bra.
Marco dropped his hand and leaned into me. My heart picked up pace inside my chest as I waited for his lips to touch mine. He stood solid and still before me while I waited, my anticipation like a live wire setting every nerve ending in my body on fire.
Just when I thought he’d close those final few inches, he brought his face alongside mine and his low voice sounded in my ear, “I’ll get you your money.”
His words were like a bucket of cold water, and I stepped back as if he’d slapped me. It pissed me off that he’d left me wanting.
He stalked back over to the bar and returned a moment later with an envelope. I eyed the cash inside before placing it in my purse. It seemed ridiculous to me that I’d be paid for having a conversation in the man’s room for such a short time, but I wasn’t about to argue with him about it.
“It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Valenti.” I made sure to use his last name since he’d asked me not to. I had a tendency to lash out when I was upset.
An amused grin formed on his face, but he said nothing. I strutted around him to the suite door.
As I unlocked the dead bolt then slid the chain across, Marco’s hand landed on my ass, skimming over it a few times before his other hand pulled my hair to the side to expose my neck.
I hadn’t even heard him come up behind me.
He pressed a kiss to the base of my neck and I shuddered, shivers racing up my spine. I felt his smile against my skin before he removed his lips and stepped away.
Without a backward glance, I turned the door handle and left the suite.
The warm feeling that had invaded my chest remained, but my stomach fell into a nauseous churning. Somehow my body knew what I didn't already. Marco Valenti would be the springboard in my life that caused everything to change.
 

Elizabeth's Review


4 Stars - Worth A Reader's Time

Review Copy Provided by Author

I knew going in that this book was going to be different and it definitely lived up to that expectation! 

Emily/Brandi is a mid to late 20's woman making her life the hard way in Vegas while also caring for her ill son. It's not a traditional life, but it allows her to take care of his needs and be with him during the day. Things rock along until she has a "date" with Marco. Marco is dark and mysterious. He has secrets, but seems drawn to "Brandi." 

I had some trepidation about a book where the heroine is a high paid hooker and had I not been familiar with Ms. Grace's other work, I might not have taken a chance on this one. I would have been missing out if I hadn't read it. While Emily's profession isn't one any mother hopes for her daughter, it's impossible not to like her once you get to know her. The story is written from her point of view, so we get to know her best. Based on her impressions, I liked Marco even though he seemed very stand-offish. 

For the majority of Hook, Emily/Brandi is with Marco and their relationship transitions from a business deal to a real relationship. It made it easier to see them both as real people, especially once her son was in the picture. I really started to like both characters and root for them to have a chance to succeed. Issues in Marco's life rear their ugly head and cause the unthinkable to happen just as this installment of the duet ends. Ms. Grace's excellent effort has me on pins and needles waiting to see what happens next!  

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Author Information

Elisabeth Grace





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