Showing posts with label Avon Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Avon Books. Show all posts

Monday, 5 October 2015

Celebrate the #ForeverMoments in your life with Jennifer L. Armentrout's Forever with You - Tweet and #Win






It's time to celebrate those #ForeverMoments in your life.
 
#‎ForeverMoments all stemmed from Jennifer L. Armentrout's title, FOREVER WITH YOU. Today is all about celebrating and sharing the moments that stay forever with you—and the people who you’ll keep forever with you!
 
There are some amazing friendships in FOREVER WITH YOU, and we want to hear about your #ForeverMoments! So go ahead and share a time when your best girlfriends had your back, or that one moment you know you’ll remember for the rest of your life, a moment that changed you in some way.
 
 
Use the hashtag #ForeverMoments on Twitter and one random winner will be chosen. There's also an awesome giveaway below!
 
 

  Forever With You - Cover

 

 
In the irresistibly sexy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, two free spirits find their lives changed by a one-night stand…

Some things you just believe in, even if you've never experienced them. For Stephanie, that list includes love. It's out there. Somewhere. Eventually. Meanwhile she's got her job at the mixed martial arts training center and hot flings with gorgeous, temporary guys like Nick. Then a secret brings them closer, opening Steph's eyes to a future she never knew she wanted—until tragedy rips it away.

Nick's self-assured surface shields a past no one needs to know about. His mind-blowing connection with Steph changes all that. As fast as he's knocking down the walls that have kept him commitment-free, she's building them up again, determined to keep the hurt—and Nick—out. But he can't walk away. Not when she's the only one who's ever made him wish for forever . . . 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 Praise for FOREVER WITH YOU: 

 “Armentrout packs a powerful emotional punch in her fifth Wait for You new adult contemporary (after Fall with Me)... Armentrout tugs at the heartstrings while delivering an intense, gripping tale.” –Publishers Weekly 

“Armentrout presents an emotional installment in her Wait for You series…[she] does it again, presenting a fast-paced tearjerker that fans will devour.”–Booklist


 
 

MY #FOREVERMOMENTS

I've had so many #ForeverMoments in my life. I've been blessed with being related to some of the most amazing women in the world and each of them has touched my life in one way or another. With fab aunts and cousins who are more like my besties, and my Mom, time spent with them has never been dull. We all share the same sense of humor and no matter where in the world we find ourselves, we are always there for each other. Not to mention the many, many times we have literally peed ourselves with laughter. :D

From using my aunt's ID to get into clubs (she's 5 years older than me, and apparently we look like twins ;P) to the time we pretended to be Irish and then even French, when some D-bags hit on us! Which was hilarious because we totally sucked at keeping our accents and made up a whole lot of gibberish!! Then there was a moment when my cousin and I got drunk on water...seriously!! We just couldn't keep it together and it made for a brilliant memory.

But, one of the most hysterical moments was when we were relaxing by the poolside and all of a sudden Inner Circle's - Sweat came belting out of the speakers. We crapped ourselves! It was so loud and we got such a fright because we thought the pervert neighbor was spying on us...not that he'd scream "I've been watching you..." if he was spying on us!! LOL!!

The amazing woman I share DNA with have been through it all with me. We've cried, laughed and even screamed at and with each other, but without them my life would be incomplete.
 

And don’t miss the previous titles in the Wait for You Series!

 

Books banner

 

WAIT FOR YOU (Wait for You #1)

TRUST IN ME (Wait for You #1.5)

BE WITH ME (Wait for You #2)

STAY WITH ME (Wait for You #3)

FALL WITH ME (Wait for You #4)

DREAM OF YOU (Wait for You #4.5)

 

 

 
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
 
Author Photo--JLA_J. Lynn# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. 

 Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. 

 She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins. 
 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads

 
 
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


 


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Thursday, 1 October 2015

Release Week Blitz: Excerpt + #Giveaway: Forever With You by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Forever With You - RWB banner  

We are so excited to bring you the Release Week Blitz for Jennifer L. Armentrout's FOREVER WITH YOU! 


FOREVER WITH YOU is a standalone New Adult contemporary romance being released on September 29th, and is the fifth book in the Wait For You Series, published by Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. Grab your copy of this incredible addition to Jennifer's Wait For You Series and see what everyone is talking about!


  Forever With You - Cover

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** Kobo


Praise for FOREVER WITH YOU: 

 “Armentrout packs a powerful emotional punch in her fifth Wait for You new adult contemporary (after Fall with Me)... Armentrout tugs at the heartstrings while delivering an intense, gripping tale.” –Publishers Weekly 

“Armentrout presents an emotional installment in her Wait for You series…[she] does it again, presenting a fast-paced tearjerker that fans will devour.”–Booklist

Forever With You - RWB - Teaser 1   



In the irresistibly sexy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, two free spirits find their lives changed by a one-night stand…

Some things you just believe in, even if you've never experienced them. For Stephanie, that list includes love. It's out there. Somewhere. Eventually. Meanwhile she's got her job at the mixed martial arts training center and hot flings with gorgeous, temporary guys like Nick. Then a secret brings them closer, opening Steph's eyes to a future she never knew she wanted—until tragedy rips it away.

Nick's self-assured surface shields a past no one needs to know about. His mind-blowing connection with Steph changes all that. As fast as he's knocking down the walls that have kept him commitment-free, she's building them up again, determined to keep the hurt—and Nick—out. But he can't walk away. Not when she's the only one who's ever made him wish for forever . . . 
 

 

EXCERPT
 
I spotted Roxy and her blue glasses toward the back of the busy restaurant. The walkways between the booths were crowded with racing kids covered in sticky jelly and older people trying to rein them in as I made my way toward them.
            Roxy’s hair was pulled up in a messy bun and her eyes squinted as she glanced up at me. “You seriously went running before you came here. You weren’t lying.”
            “Nope. I try to run every day.” I sat beside Katie, who compared to Friday night was dressed down in a baby blue off-the-shoulder sweater that looked like sequins had thrown up on it. Her blond hair was pulled back in a low ponytail at the nape of her neck. “I have to work out,” I explained, placing my purse between Katie and me. “I eat like five starving guys in college. It’s actually embarrassing how much food I can consume in one sitting.”
            Katie laughed. “I don’t have that problem. I can eat whatever I want and not gain a pound. Actually, I’d probably lose weight.” Her shoulders rose in a shrug. “Sucks to be you all.”     
Roxy scowled at her. “You don’t need to rub it in, you know.”
            “Don’t hate me because I was born this way.” Katie grinned when Roxy rolled her eyes. “Maybe it’s Maybelline. Maybe it’s Katie.”
            I giggle snorted.
            The waitress appeared at our table, clicking the pen she’d pulled out of the pocket of her apron. She took our drink order and then dashed off to fulfill it, her white sneakers squeaking across the floor.
            “I’m glad you came,” Roxy said, propping her elbows on the table. “I was worried I was going to have to search you down and force you to come eat with us.”
            I laughed again. “I’m pretty sure you’d have a hard time doing that.”
            “I’m scrappy.” Roxy grinned. “I could take you.”
            Thinking of the shiner I’d first seen her with, I decided she was probably telling the truth. “I’m glad you guys invited me.” I paused while the waitress returned with our drinks before disappearing again, then I said, “So, I know Roxy works at the bar, what about you, Katie?”
            “At the club across the street from Mona’s.” Katie dumped a packet of sugar into her coffee and then picked up five more, managing to rip the tops off in one impressive swipe. “It’s a strip club.”
            “Oh.” How had I not noticed a strip club across the street from Mona’s?
            Katie dumped the sugar in her coffee. “I strip. I don’t dance. I take my clothes off for a living and get paid damn good money for it, too.”
            I blinked. “That’s cool.”
            Her gaze turned shrewd. “You don’t have a problem with that?”
            “Um, not if you don’t.” I glanced at Roxy, who was busy cleaning her glasses, a small smile pulling at her face. I picked up my soda and took a deep drink.
            Katie tilted her head to the side, studying me. “Really?”
            I lifted a shoulder. “Nope. Honestly. I think it’s pretty cool you have the lady balls to do it.”
            A slow grin appeared. “You should do it. You’d make so much money. Hell, I’d pay to see you—” 
            “Katie,” sighed Roxy, resting her chin in her hand. “Stop trying to recruit rookie strippers. You do this every time you meet someone. No one has agreed yet.”
            I grinned as I pictured the odd blonde roaming the city, looking for women who wanted to take their clothes off. “I don’t think I could do it. I’d get up there and then forget how to take my clothes off.”     
“Taking your clothes off is the easiest part,” Katie replied seriously.
            Roxy looked doubtful. “Those spandex running pants leave very little to the imagination. If I had your body, I’d walk around naked all day.”
            “I have no problem getting naked when it’s—I don’t know, an intimate situation,” I announced, “but doing it in public is a different story.”           
 “That’s good to know,” the waitress said, pen in hand. “Do you guys know what you want to eat?”
            “Awkward,” I murmured under my breath as my eyes widened.


And don’t miss the previous titles in the Wait for You Series!

Books banner

WAIT FOR YOU (Wait for You #1)

TRUST IN ME (Wait for You #1.5)

BE WITH ME (Wait for You #2)

STAY WITH ME (Wait for You #3)

FALL WITH ME (Wait for You #4)

DREAM OF YOU (Wait for You #4.5)

  Forever With You - RWB - Teaser 2      



 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Photo--JLA_J. Lynn# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. 

 Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. 

 She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Novel Goodreads ** Author Goodreads


Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Release Day Launch: Excerpt, Review + #Giveaway: Reluctantly Royal by Nichole Chase

RR RDL Banner

We are beyond excited about the Release Day Launch of Nichole Chase's RELUCTANTLY ROYAL!! 

 

 RELUCTANTLY ROYAL is a New Adult contemporary romance novel being published by HarperCollins Avon imprint and is the third book in Nichole Chase’s Suddenly Series.

 

We love the swoony romance in these books and this one delivers in spades!

 
  Reluctantly Royal final cover

Amazon ** Barnes & Noble ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** iBooks

 
Maxwell Jameson Trevor, prince of Lilaria, hates his royal role. Despising the limelight, he takes solace in his art studio and steers clear of any drama. But when one of the newly discovered royals passes away, Maxwell's brother Alex asks him to break the news to the old man's granddaughter. Though he hates to be the bearer of doom and gloom, he doesn't want the poor girl to find out from the tabloids. For Maxwell knows all too well how devastating that could be.

Coming from a broken home and modest background, newly ordained Lady Meredith Thysmer has seized her chance to make a better life for herself and her son. She's not afraid to use her best assets to get what she wants. But when the unpretentious yet devastatingly handsome Max delivers his news, her plans for the future come crashing to a halt. In the challenging days ahead, Max's compassion, humor, and steadfast loyalty to Meredith and her son win her over. She quickly finds herself doing something she swore would never happen again: falling in love. And yet Maxwell still refuses to completely drop his guard. Somehow Meredith's got to find a way to seduce this reluctant royal.



 RR Teaser 1


EXCERPT

As I turned to leave the room, my eyes fell on a sketch pad and I couldn’t help myself. Sitting back down in the chair I flipped it open and smiled at the drawings inside. Marty had promise for such a young kid. Turning to a blank page, I glanced around and searched for a pencil. Charcoal would be best, but pencil would do.

I started with the lines of his forehead, the curve of his impish nose, the roundness of his cheeks. I was lost in the sketch, enjoying the shadows, the tenderness in his expression, working to capture that moment of utter innocence.

“That’s beautiful.” Her voice was soft.

I looked up from what I was doing, not surprised that she had snuck up on me. When I’m lost in a project, the world disappears; the only thing I’m aware of are the layers of the project I’m working on.

“He’s a good subject.” I turned back to the paper and finished up the shading of the blanket.

“Only because he’s asleep and not moving.” Her quiet laugh sent shivers over my body.

“That does help.” I smiled up at her. “But it’s the contrast. The contrast of him awake versus him asleep. He looks so young right now, so innocent.”

“What do you mean?” She leaned closer to look at the picture.

“He’s so mature, quick-witted.” I whispered the words. “But here he is, looking like the child he is.”

“His teachers say that,” she said. “That he’s quick to pick things up.”

“I’d say so.” I turned and handed her the sketch pad. “I hope you don’t mind that I drew him. The light and shadows were too perfect to resist.” Sort of like her right now. The way the moonlight glinted in her eyes and shone along her hair. Her perfect features would make any artist ache to draw them. Her pixie nose, the heavy eyelashes, the curve of her body hinted at by the oversized sweater she had wrapped around herself. It made my palms itch. Partly because I just wanted to touch her, to see if she would taste as sweet as she looked in that moment.

“Thank you for keeping him entertained.” She stood up. “Can I keep this?”

“Of course.” I stood up and stretched. Her eyes swept over my chest and then back up to my face. Maybe I wasn’t the only one tempted to touch. I hated to admit it, but I had a flare of pride. “I enjoyed hanging out with him.”

I was surprised to realize I meant it. I never would have thought spending time with a six-year-old would have been enjoyable.

“Looks like he did too.” She moved away from the door and I followed her into the hallway.

“Did you get everything settled?”

“I think so.” She frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Her expression worried me.

“Granddad would have hated a large ceremony.” She sighed and headed for the stairs. “But I guess that as a duke there are some things that have to happen.”

“I don’t blame your grandfather.” I followed behind her. “I would want a small ceremony, not to be made into a production.”

“I’m starting to think you don’t like any type of production.” She looked at me over shoulder.

“Not really, no.” I wasn’t going to lie. “I don’t like being the focus, being the center of attention. It makes me uncomfortable.” I wasn’t going to lie, but I hadn’t intended to tell her so much about me.

“And yet you agreed to help me with my grandfather’s funeral.” She turned to me at the bottom of the stairs and set the sketch pad on a table. “Why?”

I stared at her for a minute, enjoying the way her eyes looked up at me, the tilt of her chin, the way her hair cascaded around her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
Unable to help myself, I reached out and touched her cheek with my fingers. Her pupils dilated and she inhaled softly. With one thumb I traced the dip under her plump bottom lip. Her hand reached up to trace my jaw and she took a step closer to me.

“You should be running from me as fast as you can.” She whispered the words. “I’m everything you don’t want.”

“I’m not so sure.”

“I live for the spotlight, it’s my food.” Her eyes were half lidded as she edged closer to my mouth. “And you’ve seen my family. I’m trouble, Max.”
Did I care? I wasn’t sure I was capable of making a real decision as her smell wrapped around my senses. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to taste her, to touch her, to press her against my body. To hear her say my name again.

Dipping my head, I grazed her lips with mine and I was lost. On a sigh, she leaned into me and wrapped her hands around my neck. Tilting her head back, I brought my mouth to hers carefully, softly, tasting. I wanted to deepen the kiss, to hear her moan, to feel the way her body could wrap around mine, but I kept it soft, sweet, and simple. She was in such a hard place, she needed to be protected, treasured by someone.

And right now, I was that person.
 


RR Teaser 2    


 
REVIEW

I've read both the first and second books in this series, and to be honest, I don't really remember Max all that well, but boy...oh, boy, did he make an impression on me in this book.

It was great catching up with some of my favorite characters, whilst getting to know new or previously minor characters. It felt like I'd been away and had come home to Lilaria for a quick visit - to catch up on all the royal gossip.

Max was swoonworthy. I loved how protective he was of not only Meredith, but also little Marty. In fact, some of my favorite and most memorable moments of this story are of the times Max spent with Marty. It was sweet and just showed how amazing Max was. Marty was such a lovable kid and it was easy to see why everyone was so taken by him. It was just a pity that, other than his grandfather, he had no strong male role models in his life and I think that was why it was so fantastic that he and Max bonded so quickly.

I didn't connect with Meredith quite like I did with Sam and Cathy, but that poor women went through so many life changes in such a short amount of time and my heart ached for her. Struggling with the loss of her grandfather and having to put up with an abusive father, she still had to stay strong for her son. I was just glad she had Max, and the rest of the royal family, to lean on even though she was reluctant to reach out to them in the beginning.

This story was a sweet romance with plenty of depth and emotion. The characters had their ups and downs, but with amazing friends and family they were able to pull through, and the love and happiness they deserved. This was a lovely addition to this series.





ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Photo

Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, and several short stories. She is also the instructor of Say What? a dialogue class at the Romance Academy. Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.  
 

Website ** Twitter ** Facebook ** Author Goodreads ** RELUCTANTLY ROYAL Goodreads

 





 
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
 
 
 
 




Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Release Day Launch: Excerpt + #Giveaway: Intoxicated by Monica Murphy

Intoxicated RDL Banner Final  

We are so excited for the Release Day Launch of Monica Murphy's INTOXICATED!!

 

INTOXICATED is a novella in her The Billionaire Bachelors Club Series published by Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. 

 

  It is just $.99 right now!!

  Intoxicated
 
 
New York Times bestselling author Monica Murphy wraps up her sexy Billionaire Bachelors Club series with a wedding to remember. But this time, they’re not bachelors anymore, and the groom … is one of them.

It’s Gage and Marina’s wedding day, but wedded bliss seems a long way off: Ivy’s just gone into labor. Marina’s missing her matron of honor. And Bryn’s giving Matt the silent treatment.

It’s up to Archer, Gage, and Matt to make sure this day goes off without a hitch. But between brides and babies, there’s the not-so-little issue of the million-dollar bet to attend to. If only they can figure out who won … and who’s paying up. Is everyone a winner? Or will someone leave broke—and brokenhearted? 
 


Intoxicated Teaser 1
 
 
EXCERPT
 
 
Our lives are changing completely. It won’t just be me and Ivy anymore. We’ll have someone to take care of. Someone who solely depends on us.
Scary.
“Oh, Archer,” Ivy says, pulling me from my thoughts.
Turning to face her, I see that her eyes are filling with tears and her face looks ready to crumple. I go to her, grabbing hold of her hands and giving them a squeeze. “What’s wrong, baby?”
“I feel bad.” A little sob escapes her as she shakes her head. I tug her in as close as I can, slinging my arm around her waist. “I’m going to ruin Gage’s wedding.”
“No you’re not. It’s going to be one of the most memorable weddings ever. No one will forget this day,” I say, smoothing my hand over her hair. I want her reassured, not worrying about wedding plans. Everything we know is going to change in mere hours.
“Exactly. It’s supposed to be Gage and Marina’s day and instead it’s going to turn into our day. Our child’s day. How selfish are we?”
“We’re not selfish. We can’t help it if you’re going into labor right now. It’s not like we did it on purpose.” I shed the rest of my clothes quickly, throwing on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. “Speaking of labor, we need to get going. Are you ready? Get some shoes on, babe.” I give her a gentle push out of my embrace and toward the closet door across our bedroom.
We? Who’s the one who’s about to give birth?” Ivy mutters as she shuffles toward the closet. A little snort escapes her. “You won’t have anything to do with this labor stuff, Archer. This is all on me.”
“And I think you’re going to do an amazing job. You’re the strongest women I know,” I say.
At those words, my wife promptly bursts into tears.
 
 
 
 
And don’t miss the rest of
The Billionaire Bachelor Club Series!
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
Archer


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
MonicaMurphypic-250x373



New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Release Day Launch: Excerpt + #Giveaway: Recklessly Royal by Nichole Chase

RecklesslyRoyal RDL Banner


We are extremely excited to say that Nichole Chase's RECKLESSLY ROYAL is now available!!
 
RECKLESSLY ROYAL is a New Adult contemporary romance novel being published by HarperCollins Avon imprint and is a part of Nichole Chase’s Suddenly Series.


Recklesly Royal
 
 
Catherine has spent her life being the perfect princess. She’s kept her hands clean, her head down, and most importantly—men at arm’s length. After all, most men are after only one thing, and for Cathy there’s a lot more at stake than her bed; she has to worry about the fate of an entire nation. But at the rate she’s going, Cathy is afraid she’ll give the Virgin Queen a run for her money. She is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. She has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one man who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal. The one man she is tempted by more than any other . . .

When David arrives at the royal wedding of his friend, the newly ordained Duchess Samantha Rousseau, he expected to feel uncomfortable and out of his element, but he wasn’t prepared to be targeted by Prince Alex’s gorgeous younger sister. With Cathy’s giant blue eyes, killer figure, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before he gives in. But when he finds out just how innocent the crown princess really is, will he play the part of knight in shining armor or the dashing rogue?
 
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18103891-recklessly-royal?ac=1

http://www.amazon.com/Recklessly-Royal-Nichole-Chase-ebook/dp/B00DQ859UO/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393519043&sr=1-1&keywords=recklessly+royal+by+nichole+chasehttp://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/recklessly-royal-nichole-chase/1115952070?ean=9780062317483&itm=1&usri=recklessly+royal+nichole+chase
 
 
Read my REVIEW of Recklessly Royal
 
 
 
EXCERPT

I was a bit sloshed, but I wasn’t going to tell Sam that. My legs slipped and I slid the rest of the way to the ground, my head stopping my fall. Maybe I was drunker than I thought. The doorbell rang as I scrambled up from my spot on the floor.
 
“I’ve got it!” Chadwick took off to the front door, his steps a little too loud.
 
Backing away from the pole, I took a running jump and grabbed directly in the middle. I used my momentum to swing my legs high in the air. Making sure I had a good grip on the pole, I spread my legs into a split.
 
“Wow.” A deep voice broke into my thoughts and I looked up. A man was standing next to Chadwick, wearing a backpack and carrying a large duffel bag. His dark eyes ran over my body and I shivered, which was a bad thing. My hands slipped and I fell, crashing to the floor with a loud oof.
 
“Are you okay?” Sam ran over and helped me stand up, but I wasn’t feeling any pain. In fact, I was feeling awesome. Looking past Sam’s shoulder, I smiled at the hottie and waved. He was perfection, from his messy dark hair down to his scuffed boots. And exactly what we needed to end the night with a bang.
 
“Heeeyyooou. I don’t remember hiring a stripper, but boy am I glad you showed up.” I let Sam help me up to my feet and wondered why she was making a choking sound. I slapped her on the back, worried. “Are you okay?”
 
“I’m fine. Fine!” Sam barked a laugh. “That’s not—”
 
“Good! Because it looks like I outdid myself!” I turned her around with a flourish to look at the delicious man standing on the stairs. His shirt strained across his chest as he shifted his feet and I found myself thinking about tracing my fingers across those hard lines. I let my eyes run over him instead, taking in the tight plaid shirt, worn jeans, and work boots. There was nothing polished or metropolitan about him. Everything screamed outdoors. And I liked it.
 
“Cathy,” Sam tried to stop me, but I shrugged her off and skipped up the steps.
 
“What are you supposed to be? A lost lumberjack?” I pulled the heavy bag out of his hands and set it on the ground. “We’ll, c’mon! Someone start some music.” I gyrated my hips a little and wiggled my eyebrows. “Take it off, bab-ay!”
 
“If you insist, gorgeous.” His American accent gave me pause as a dim memory tried to fight through the fog in my brain, but it didn’t last long. His eyes stayed locked on mine as his calloused fingers worked the top couple of his buttons free. I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol, or just his deep brown eyes, but I was entranced. I didn’t even notice when Sam climbed the stairs.
 
I couldn’t look away from him as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and exposed the skin underneath. The need to touch that tantalizing bit of flesh raced through me and my fingers twitched. Hypnotized by eye the color of melted chocolate, I leaned forward. One corner of his mouth turned up into a smirk and it only added to his appeal. Where it might have been a turn off in another man, It simply added to this strippers appeal. I smiled in response, eager for him to continue.
 
“God, please don’t, David. I’ll never be able to look at you again.” She covered his hands with her own and laughed, her cheeks a bright red.
 
“David?” I looked at him, confused, before looking over my shoulder at Jess. She was nodding her head with wide eyes like I was supposed to remember something. “David?” I said the name again, mulling over what that could mean.
 
I looked down at the bag I had taken from him and my eyes landed on his boots. It was then that a moment of clarity surged through my mind like a stampede of wild horses and I covered my mouth.
 
“Oh God.” A wave of nausea hit me. “You’re Sam’s friend.”
 
I promptly turned around and threw up into a potted plant.
 

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 

Author Photo B&W
Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, and several short stories. She is also the instructor of Say What? a dialogue class at the Romance Academy.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, superhero dog, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.
 


 







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