Falling Ashes By Annie Anderson ♥

Standard
Falling Ashes Front Cover - Final

Book: Falling Ashes (Ashes to Ashes #2)
Author: Annie Anderson
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: 21st March


Falling Ashes Full Wrap Cover Final
Synopsis


Mena Constantine is pissed off.

Finally freed from her fifty-year imprisonment by a maniacal leader, she is desperately trying to recover and get her life back. Problem is, the life she had is long gone. Struggling under the weight of her memories and healing from the wounds of her captivity, she can’t seem to catch a break. Every waking moment, death seems like a relief she would welcome.
Asher Crane is a dead man.
As a Guardian to the King, his only purpose in life is to keep the King alive. And he’s failing. Miserably. With the King ill, the Queen dying, and zero plans for a successor, he’s pretty much screwed. Because if the King dies, the law says Asher dies, too.
As these two wounded souls collide in a series of bloody and unfortunate events, they will clutch to the last shreds of life before death beats down their door.
Pre Order Link
Author Bio

Annie Anderson is a military wife and United States Air Force veteran. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she is a southern girl at heart, but has lived all over the US and abroad. As soon as the military stops moving her family around, she’ll settle on a state, but for now she enjoys being a nomad with her husband, two daughters, and old man of a dog.

Social Links
Other Books In the Series

Scattered Ashes (Ashes to Ashes #1)

NOW ON SALE – 99c

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}

Scattered Ashes

Synopsis

Aurelia Constantine is having a rough century. 
Plagued by visions of murder, death and destruction, she has resigned herself to the nightmare her life has become. When an enemy from her past comes to her rescue, she must let go of old wounds and heal the breach so she may survive the evil poisoning her mind.
Rhys Stevens is guilty.
Murder. Betrayal. Treason. Take your pick; he’s guilty of them all. On the path of redemption, he must beg for forgiveness from the one person he fought to save – the woman he has always loved.

Thrown together in the trenches of war, they must work as a team to stop a monstrous puppet master from pulling their strings.

Ashes, ashes. We all fall down.
Get ready to burn.

Giveaway

v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}

/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:”Table Normal”;
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:””;
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;}

 

Stolen Kisses (The Barrington Billionaires) By Ruth Cardello ♥ Release Blitz

Standard
Stolen Kisses

Dax
Marshall isn’t the type of man a woman takes home to meet her parents.
He’s a business shark who has never let anything as insignificant as
caring stop him from taking over a company. Some call him heartless, but
he doesn’t see the value of caring about anyone or anything until he
meets Kenzi. 



Her happiness becomes his obsession. 



Kenzi
Barrington has tried to be the person her family needed her to be, but
she doesn’t want to lie anymore. When she can’t hold a dark secret in
another day, she turns to the one man she knows is strong enough to hear
the truth. 



What starts as a simple attraction becomes a friendship that changes how they both define love. 



Book 1: Always Mine 

Book 2: Stolen Kisses 

Book 3: Trade It All (Coming Soon)

Purchase Links

Amazon  ~ IBooks

Book One Also Available

Always Mine

Synopsis 

     

When it comes to getting what he wants, Asher Barrington is a hammer who is known for crushing his opponents. From the moment Emily walks into his office and challenges him, winning takes on a whole new meaning.   The only thing standing between Emily Harris and her goal to open a museum for the blind is an arrogant, sexy as hell billionaire, who thinks sleeping with her will not complicate the situation.   He won’t change. She won’t back down.  But together they sizzle.   

**This is book one of a spin off series from The Legacy Collection and The Andrades. You fell in love with Dominic Corisi and Gio Andrade—come meet the rest of the family. All new couples with cameos from many of your favorite characters.   

Love reading books set in the same world? Watch for Jeannette Winters release, One White Lie. Her series will mirror this series time line. It won’t be necessary to read hers to enjoy mine, but it sure will enhance the fun 

Purchase Links

Amazon UsAmazon UK ~ ITunes


 



 

About Ruth Cardello 

Ruth Cardello was born the youngest of 11 children in a small city
in northern Rhode Island. She spent her young adult years moving as far
away as she could from her large extended family. She lived in Boston,
Paris, Orlando, New York–then came full circle and moved back to Rhode
Island. She now happily lives one town over from the one she was born
in. For her, family trumped the warmer weather and international scene.
She
was an educator for 20 years, the last 11 as a kindergarten teacher.
When her school district began cutting jobs, Ruth turned a serious eye
toward her second love- writing and has never been happier. When she’s
not writing, you can find her chasing her children around her small
farm, riding her horses, or connecting with her readers online.
Her fourth book in the Andrade Series, Somewhere Along the Way is now available for pre-order!
Email Notice of New Releases: http://www.RuthCardello.com/Signup
You can find her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/RuthCardello
Follow her at Twitter @RuthieCardello
If you’d like to email her directly, you may contact her at Minouri@aol.com
Lone Star Burn Series (Montlake Romance)
Book 1: Taken, Not Spurred
Book 2: Tycoon Takedown
Want to hear the song Charles proposed to Melanie with? https://youtu.be/SGZT5nVKfMs
The Legacy Collection
Book 1: Maid for the Billionaire (FREE on Amazon!)
Book 2: For Love or Legacy
Book 3: Bedding the Billionaire
Book 4: Saving the Sheikh
Book 5: Rise of the Billionaire
Book 6: Breaching the Billionaire: Alethea’s Redemption
The Andrades:
Book 1: Come Away With Me (FREE on Amazon)
Book 2: Home to Me
Book 3: Maximum Risk
Book 4: Somewhere Along the Way
Book 5: Loving Gigi

The Temptation Series:

Book 1: Twelve Days of Temptation

Book 2: Be My TemptationOther Works:

Taken By a Trillionaire

The Rebirth Of Sin By Courtney Lane ♥ Blog Tour

Standard

The Rebirth Of Sin blog tour banner

 

The Rebirth of Sin

The Wicked Trinity Series, Book #2

By Courtney Lane

Dark Erotic Thriller

Cover Artist: Courtney Lane

Blog Tour February 22 – 28

Continue reading

Pub Fiction Series by Gillian Jones ♥ Book Tour

Standard
Pub Fiction BANNER - TOUR

 

 
Pub Fiction Series by Gillian Jones
My Mind’s Eye (Pub Fiction #1)
Ryker & Kat’s story


Limited Time 99c SALE


BUY LINKS:
Synopsis

 

 



My Mind's Eye  COVERRyker


She is the epitome of the girl next door, but with a feistiness that makes my dick throb.
I’m drawn to her like no other. She stirs things in me I have no desire to feel, makes me long for things I shouldn’t.
This is my game. I choose the players. I never play for keeps.
I don’t believe in fate. I make my own destiny. I work hard and play harder. Luck is for pussies, karma for idiots. Me, I make shit happen.
Meeting her fucked up my plan. Threw me off my game.
I’m now face to face with my karma. Her name is Kat Rollins.


Kat


Ryker Eddison is the epitome of a player. You know the type: Mr. Get In and Get Out.
He’s all about the chase, wanting just one night. Everyone knows this, I know this. Still, I find myself craving him, my greedy body betraying what my heart and mind already know: he will only bring me pain.
He’s the guy that girls like me should avoid. I’m smart, I know better. But when I’m with him, I feel things I’ve never felt before. Things I never knew I wanted.
I can’t deny it … I like the chase. The high is explosive but I’m afraid if I give in, I may end up losing more than I can handle: my heart.

 

 

*****
On the Rocks (Pub Fiction #2)
Levi & Braun’s story
 
BUY LINKS:

 

Sysnopsis
On The Rocks COVER

Braunwyn
Four years ago, losing the love of my life almost destroyed me.
Years of being labeled and looked upon with disdain by everyone in my hometown almost wrecked me.
Four years ago, I became a mother and together we were enough… until I met him.
He wanted to rebuild my broken —I just didn’t know how to let him.
This is my story, of how one man’s love changed everything I thought I knew about life, love and myself.
Can Levi Eddison prove to be my restoration?

 

Levi

 

Everything in my world changed the day Braunwyn Daniels walked into my pub.
She was a woman of many contradictions. I recognized the happiness and sorrow each fighting its way to the surface from deep within.
I was drawn to her immediately.
Behind her long legs, chestnut brown hair and beautiful eyes lay a damaged soul.
I needed to change that —I just didn’t know how.
This is my story of how I met a broken girl and vowed to make her whole.
In the end, it turns out I knew nothing about true happiness until Braunwyn Daniels let me love her.

 

On The Rocks Teaser 02
*****
Coming Soon in 2016
One Last Shot (Pub Fiction #3)
(Claire & Matt’s Story)

Synopsis
My name is Claire Knox.
People say I’m the female version of a player, a boyslayer…if you’re fluent in urban dictionary speak.
I hate long term relationships. I’ll never commit to sticking around long enough to get attached to the notion of love, marriage or the proverbial two point five kids.
No siree. Not this girl.
There’s no way I’ll let myself get hurt by losing someone I love ever again.
Been there, felt that.
Consider me damaged goods if you will; but I’m happy.
Or so I thought…until my path crossed with his again.
Add to your TBR:
 
Author Bio
I’m a wife, mother, and a crazy Canadian, living in Ontario with the loves of my life–my amazing hubby and sweetest little boy. I’m Admittedly addicted to… my friends, red wine, shoes, handbags, and laughter. My biggest addiction, however, is reading. That shit runs deep in my veins, I’m a lover of alpha males, hot sex, with a side of angst all topped off with the perfect happy ever after.
Author Links
 
Giveaway

 

2x Set of signed paperbacks. 


2x $10.00 Amazon gift cards. 


4 winners.

 

 
 

 

Pub Fiction Banner

 

Desecration Solomon II By Lucian Bane ♥ Blog Tour

Standard

Presenting

Desecrating Solomon II

Inspired By True Events

By Bestselling Author Lucian Bane

Desecrating Solomon II

Synopsis

On the seventh day, of the seventh year… she desecrates

Solomon and Chaos find themselves in the hands of evil. Tortuous days in the old asylum are no longer a thing of the past. The church is looking for redemption in the form of Solomon Gorge. And the deranged spirits of the past, beckon Solomon to come… come and see the secrets hiding in the walls of the asylum.

Deserating Solomon II Asylum Tease out now

Excerpt

Solomon’s wheezes turned to loud heaves as four people unbound him. “Don’t… don’t do this,” he said, thrashing once he was free.

“Nooooooo! Noooooooo!” Chaos shrieked while the crowd began their terrifying chanting, unreachable and lost to any other reality.

The coffin with the straps was opened to reveal shiny black satin. Solomon screamed and twisted in panic, kicking his legs in every direction. When he got to the box, he braced both feet on the side and shoved with all his might. The mob holding him jolted back as the coffin skidded several feet.

More monsters came to help cram him inside the coffin. Solomon repeatedly grabbed hold of something, only to have them pry his fingers off. “No, no, please!” he roared when they finally got him in. He shot his legs and arms over the sides while they used a long stick to jab him back inside.

The lid suddenly shut and he screamed, banging his palms on the inside of it, fighting to breathe. Light shimmered through holes along the top and sides. “Pleeeeeeease!” he screamed. “Please don’t,” he choked, looking around as much as he could, his mind searching for anything to use as a weapon, a sliver of hope.

The coffin began to move, and he peered through the holes, straining to see. He was being lifted up. He caught a glimpse of the large black structure that got closer.

The covering was being removed.

Terror jolted through him at seeing a water tank.

 

Deserating Solomon II Mask Tease out now

 

 

 

Book Links

AMAZON MOBI 12459506_1662848920651815_663246717_n 12459670_1662848930651814_73483601_n apple ibooks icon Inktera-150x150 icon175x175 24 symbols icon

From The Author

Hello, Lucian here. I’m a husband, author, and Christian who loves writing tales—paranormal erotic romance, contemporary erotic romance, fantasy romance, dark erotica and romantic thrillers– about men who honor, cherish, and protect the women they love. Also stories that are real enough to form a sort of how-to bridge for the readers, teaching them “how to” add heat and passion to their marriages and relationships; teach them how to build life-long commitments–like I have with my own beautiful wife–and build strong families; all of which serve as a healthy foundation in society.

I think there are many men like myself, and I hope my writing will be a map for them. A map for women as well, to teach them how to bring out the strength that exists within the men they call boyfriend or husband. Teach them how to dance out their fairytale romance in a world that isn’t kind to the happily ever afters we all hope to achieve.

You know, when I was younger, I submitted to my inner reckless and tireless desires, but when I gave myself to God and conformed my will to His, the transformation made me into what I am today. A man that believes and endorses Forever Love. Something we could stand a lot more of in our times, don’t you think?

Lucian

 

 

Deserating Solomon II like the queen teaser

 

 

 

More of this series

Desecrating Solomon (Book I)

AMAZON MOBI b&N NOOK apple ibooks icon 12459670_1662848930651814_73483601_n 24 symbols icon Inktera-150x150 icon175x175

Keep up with Lucian

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

GoodReads

Desecrating Solomon II Master BAD QUESTIONS TEASE

 

The Fragile Line by Alicia Kobishop ♥ Cover Reveal

Standard

TheFragileLine-PartOne

Synopsis 

Recommended for ages 18+ due to strong language and sexual content.


Chloe McCarthy thought she had found the perfect guy. Someone just as detached as her when it came to love and commitment. Someone who never pressured her for more than just sex. But when she gets a little too comfortable with their arrangement and he rejects her for someone else, it triggers heartbreaking memories that leave her questioning her resolve for a commitment free life. In a moment of self-pity, she calls on the one person who she knows will make her smile.

Matt Langston lives a drama-free life and he wants to keep it that way. Chloe McCarthy? All drama. Which is why he needs to stay away from her. A mechanic by day, and bouncer by night, he tries to focus on work but the more he tries, the more she creeps into his thoughts, and his dreams, until he realizes that he needs to get her out of his system once and for all.

The Fragile Line is a spin-off to The Fine Line, told in an addicting three part romance novella series, with each part building on the last. The series may be read alone, however, reading The Fine Line first will only enhance the reading experience.

 

The Fragile Line T1

 

 

Book Links (Release Day, March 15th): 

 

Alicia Kobishop

 

Author Bio: 

Alicia Kobishop is a contemporary romance writer who lives in Milwaukee, WI, USA with her husband and two children.

Before trying her hand in writing, she worked her way up in the field of administrative healthcare with experiences ranging from working within a large local healthcare organization, to smaller independent physician practices.

In early 2013 her life took a change of course when she re-evaluated her passions in life, and sought out to try many new things.  She reclaimed her childhood passion for reading, and after reading tons of fictional novels in a short amount of time, and loving every moment of it, she became absorbed with the idea of taking her experience with books to the next level, and decided to write one.  Nine months later, her debut novel, The Fine Line was published.

Alicia loves connecting with readers.  Feel free to reach out to her through email or social media.

Author Links: 

The Fragile Line t2

($10 Amazon Giftcard)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Louis’s Story (Dial A Stud) By J.A. Melville ♥ Release Blitz

Standard
Dial A Stud Release Banner
✦Release Blitz✦
 
Title: Louis’s Story
Series: Dial A Stud 
Author: J.A. Melville

Illustrator: Bianca Eberle

 
Dial A Stud 2
 
✦Synopsis✦
 

What do you do when nobody wants you…..?

Harry was tired of being used, abused and taken for granted by men. Surely he deserved better than to be cast out like last night’s leftovers?

All his life he’d been treated like that. When he’d come out to his parents about being gay, they’d reacted by throwing him out, not wanting to acknowledge a homosexual son. They even went so far as to pay him a monthly allowance to keep him out of their lives.

What was wrong with him? Why didn’t anyone want him?

One night at the club after being dumped by his boyfriend, he thought he might find the answer in the bottom of his wine glass, or at the very least, drown his sorrows in it.

They say when one door closes another opens or something like that…….

Enter Louis; tall, handsome, confident and sexy. Louis makes Harry feel like he’s never felt before.

 
He also makes him want to break all his own rules, deciding a one night stand with this stunning man is a good way to get over a broken heart or distract him from it at least.

The attraction between them is instant, their passion intense and Harry realises every sexual encounter he’s ever had is insignificant in comparison to how Louis makes him feel.

Louis is older, wiser, so much more experienced than Harry. He also has a wild past, a past Harry can only imagine.

The emotions he feels around Louis both give him strength and bring out his insecurities. He can’t think around him, so powerful is the hold this man has over him.

Maybe he should listen to the advice of his best friend Nora and stop overthinking things. Advice that sounds great in theory, but….

That might have worked until Harry discovers Louis is keeping secrets from him; secrets that will drive them apart if Louis can’t open up to him.

When the truth finally comes out, Harry is left reeling. He’s also left with an important decision. Cut Louis from his life and have his heart broken or stay with him and help him face all that troubles him, knowing that in the end, everything that matters to him may be lost.


Dail A Stud 2 Teaser 1
 
✦Buy Links✦
 
 
Author Bio
For as long as I can remember, I’ve
loved to write, poetry, short stories just about anything. My English teachers
in school kept telling me I should write and it took me a lot of years to finally
get around to it. 

I spent too long worrying about failing as a writer before
I realized that living with the regret of never trying was
worse.

I live in a sleepy country town in Tasmania, Australia with my partner and our
three children, who aren’t so little anymore, plus a whole assortment of
animals. 

Natasha’s Awakening is my first book but I have no intention of stopping now
and will continue to live my dream of being a published author. I have just
published Taming Eric which is his POV to Natasha’s Awakening. 

My interests are writing of course, reading, watching movies and hanging out at
home with my family, our six cats and one dog. 

You can find me on Facebook under my author page J. A Melville and my book’s
page Natasha’s Awakening.


Dial A Stud 2Teaser 2
Links
 

 

Hard by Emily Minton & Julia Keith ♥ Cover Reveal

Standard
Hard Ebook
Goodreads

Synopsis
***NO CLIFFHANGER. THE BEAR CHRONICLES OF WILLOW CREEK ARE WRITTEN SO THAT EACH INSTALLMENT IS A COMPLETE STORY AND CAN BE READ ALONE***
Eli Artair thought his cousin was crazy when he decided to marry a human. When he said he loved her only a few days later, Eli knew his cousin had totally lost his mind. There’s no way a shifter could fall in love so easily, especially with a human.
He changes his mind when he meets Liza…
Liza Calder thought her sister was crazy when she married a man sight unseen. When she called a few days later to say she was in love with her husband, Liza knew her sister had gone totally loco. No one can fall in love that fast, especially with a stranger.
She changes her mind when she meets Eli….
Can two people that don’t believe in love at first sight discover it in each others arms?
Hard is an erotic shifter novella. If you don’t like insta-lust that turns into insta-love, a sex starved bear shifter, a heroine that craves her mate, or tons of smoking hot sex this is not the book for you.
Hard Teaser
The Series

ONLY 99¢!!!

Rough Ebook (1)

AMAZON * AMAZON UK

About the Author
Emily Minton
Emily
USA Today Best Selling author, Emily Minton is a Kentucky native. She is proud to call the Bluegrass State home. She claims she bleeds blue–Wildcat Blue! She has been married to her husband, David, for over twenty years. They share two wonderful children. Emily loves to read and has more books on her kindle than most people could read in a life time, but she intends to read every single one. She has published nine books, but there are many more are floating around in her head. She hopes to get them all on paper before long.
Julia Keith
Julia Keith
Julia Keith is a UK native based out of Bradford England but she loves to go back to her family roots in Scotland whenever possible.
Although Trapped With An Alpha is her first published novel, Julia has been a part of the Romance community for years through blogging and reviewing.  Her love of Paranormal Romance inspired her to start some of her own stories and after sharing one with her now Co Author Emily Minton, she decided it was time for the world to meet the characters she had grown to love so much.
Hard Teaser 2
Hosted By:
The Hype PR Logo

Louis’s Story (Dial A Stud) By J.A Meville ♥ Cover Reveal

Standard

Louis's Story Banner

 

✦Cover Reveal✦

 

Title: Louis’s Story

Series: Dial A Stud 

Author: J.A. Melville

 

Louis' Story Cover

 

✦Synopsis✦

 

What do you do when nobody wants you…..?

Harry was tired of being used, abused and taken for granted by men. Surely he deserved better than to be cast out like last night’s leftovers?

All his life he’d been treated like that. When he’d come out to his parents about being gay, they’d reacted by throwing him out, not wanting to acknowledge a homosexual son. They even went so far as to pay him a monthly allowance to keep him out of their lives.

What was wrong with him? Why didn’t anyone want him?

One night at the club after being dumped by his boyfriend, he thought he might find the answer in the bottom of his wine glass, or at the very least, drown his sorrows in it.

They say when one door closes another opens or something like that…….

Enter Louis; tall, handsome, confident and sexy. Louis makes Harry feel like he’s never felt before.

 

He also makes him want to break all his own rules, deciding a one night stand with this stunning man is a good way to get over a broken heart or distract him from it at least.

The attraction between them is instant, their passion intense and Harry realises every sexual encounter he’s ever had is insignificant in comparison to how Louis makes him feel.

Louis is older, wiser, so much more experienced than Harry. He also has a wild past, a past Harry can only imagine.

The emotions he feels around Louis both give him strength and bring out his insecurities. He can’t think around him, so powerful is the hold this man has over him.

Maybe he should listen to the advice of his best friend Nora and stop overthinking things. Advice that sounds great in theory, but….

That might have worked until Harry discovers Louis is keeping secrets from him; secrets that will drive them apart if Louis can’t open up to him.

When the truth finally comes out, Harry is left reeling. He’s also left with an important decision. Cut Louis from his life and have his heart broken or stay with him and help him face all that troubles him, knowing that in the end, everything that matters to him may be lost.

 

 

 

Author Bio

For as long as I can remember, I’ve

loved to write, poetry, short stories just about anything. My English teachers

in school kept telling me I should write and it took me a lot of years to finally

get around to it.

 

I spent too long worrying about failing as a writer before

I realized that living with the regret of never trying was

worse.

 

I live in a sleepy country town in Tasmania, Australia with my partner and our

three children, who aren’t so little anymore, plus a whole assortment of

animals.

 

Natasha’s Awakening is my first book but I have no intention of stopping now

and will continue to live my dream of being a published author. I have just

published Taming Eric which is his POV to Natasha’s Awakening.

My interests are writing of course, reading, watching movies and hanging out at

home with my family, our six cats and one dog. 

You can find me on Facebook under my author page J. A Melville and my book’s

page Natasha’s Awakening.

Links

 

 

Booty Call By Ainsley Booth ♥ Chapter Reveal

Standard


Booty Call Chapter Reveal Banner

 

We are delighted to bring you an excerpt from Booty Call (Forbidden BodyGuards  #2) by Ainsley Booth. Sit back and enjoy the hotness.

 

Pre-Order it now for a special price, only 99c!

 

Amazon US  Amazon UK  Amazon CA  

 

goodreads-badge.png

 

Booty Call

Ardent Prose Synopsis

 

I know what I’m doing when I text Scott at four in the morning.

He knows what I’m doing, too.

That’s why he shows up twenty-three minutes later, freshly showered with a condom in his pocket and a barely dissolved breath mint on his tongue.

I smirk as he looms over me. “You are such a dirty old man.”

“We need to stop doing this.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re twenty and I’m not. Because I want to take you on a f***ing date and you won’t. Because we wind up yelling at each other half the time.”

“But the rest of the time you’re inside me and it feels so good, right?”

His eyes darken and I don’t need to look down to know he’s hard for me.

*** THIS IS A STANDALONE BOOK, CONNECTED TO THE HORUS GROUP SERIES ***

Ardent Prose Excerpt

 

—one—

FEBRUARY

Alison

Happy birthday to me.

I’m supposed to be having an epic shop-a-thon with my sister in SoHo, but now we’re stuck at the Apple store because Hailey needs someone to fix her phone. Her fiancé Cole will have a fit if she’s off the grid.

God forbid. It’s not like she isn’t being shadowed everywhere by her bodyguard—big, brooding Scott Mayfair, of the dark, dirty looks and annoyingly consistent hands-off-Alison attitude—for our “girls weekend”. But her phone stopped working at lunch, so now Hailey’s waiting for a so-called genius to help her fix it.

Me?

I’m going to take advantage of the fact that Scott can’t leave Hailey’s side and go buy myself a present.

“I’m just heading around the corner,” I murmur to my sister. She knows where I’m going. Every time we come to the city, I visit the Mercer Street Agent Provocateur. It’s become my little ritual.

Alison Dashford Reid, all grown up and secretly wearing something naughty beneath her studious university student uniform of yoga pants and hoodies. Although that’s not what I’m wearing today—while it works for Washington…New York City, not so much. Not at the level that Hailey and I are playing at this weekend.

I’ve got my Jimmy Choo fuck-me boots zipped over my skinny Sevens, and a wool jacket over a silk camisole, because it’s February and there’s only so much cold my nipples can take in the name of fashion.

I sling the skinny strap of my purse across my body and join the flow of Saturday afternoon shoppers. New York is unlike any other city in the world, and SoHo might be my favorite neighborhood in my favorite city.  Narrow shops and cobblestone streets. It brings out the girly girl in me, and I indulge that lucky bitch with pretty underwear.

Inside, Agent Provocateur is glossy black lacquer and sparkling crystal chandeliers. A sea of silk and lace. Black ribbons and satin cups. It oozes feminine power and celebrates all things sexy.

My private collection of lingerie is one step in the direction of claiming more of that attitude for myself.

One day soon, I’m going to be this woman.

I sigh. Maybe not soon. I have to keep my head down until I’m done school and can leave Washington. Leave the toxic world of my parents behind and just be myself.

Be Alison, girl with silk panties. Girl with an easy, breezy attitude toward sex and men and life.

“Can I help you?” A smiling salesgirl approaches, and I’m glad I dressed up. I look the part of the rich socialite, and all afternoon I’ve been getting that treatment. Not normally something I care about one way or the other—and if pushed, I lean toward other. Because seriously, being rich just gives people the excuse to be depraved fucks.

And then have children, and ruin their lives with the depravity.

I shudder inside.

But on the outside, I just smile at the salesgirl. “I’m going to look around a bit. First time in a while since I’ve been in the store.”

First time since all the weird shit went down with my sister last year. Now I can’t just get on the train and come to New York for the weekend. Now when I suggest a girls’ trip, it’s a full-on thing, complete with Scott tagging along if Cole is busy.

We made that mistake once in the fall. Ugh. Totally un-fun, although it did beat a totally awkward family Thanksgiving.

This trip wasn’t my idea, even though it’s my birthday weekend. But Hailey’s got a gleam in her eye about a wedding dress, which means Cole’s finally won their non-stop battle over whether or not to get married.

Well, not that there’s a battle over getting married. Just a battle over the actual “getting hitched” moment. As in, Hailey doesn’t want a wedding. Not one our mother can ruin.

So I bet they’ll elope, which is totally fine.

After all the shit she’s been through, Hailey deserves to be happy.

And if she wants to buy a non-wedding dress for a secret wedding that she’s not telling me about just yet, I’ll suck up a totally un-fun trip to the big city.

After all, when I get bored, I can always ditch the bodyguard and sneak into a lingerie shop.

I smirk to myself—which of course is when karma decides to punish me.

“Something funny, Miss Reid?”

Damn it. I sigh and roll my eyes to the sparkly chandelier, keeping my back to Scott. My sister’s bodyguard. My secret crush. My totally off-limits, no-fun babysitter for the weekend, apparently, since he’s followed me, and not for any fun, dirty reasons. “How did you find me? Do I have a tracking device implanted under my skin?”

Scott laughs quietly and circles around the display until I’ve got face full of cotton dress shirt and black suit jacket. Both fitted and stretched across strong shoulders.

A wide chest.

Probably a hard set of abs, but I’ve never gotten close enough to test that theory.

I don’t look up at his face. Instead, I pretend to look at the panties on the far side of the table, right in front of his hips.

His package is pretty substantial, too. Definitely stretching the fabric there.

I blush, but I don’t duck my head further.

I’m totally fine with Scott knowing that I’m thinking about his cock.

He’s not fine with it, but that’s his problem.

He clears his throat and crosses his arms, swinging a collection of our shopping bags in front of his body to hide what I hope is a monster reaction to me. “Your sister suggested I might find you in here.”

“And you left Hailey alone to come find me?”

“Cole showed up. Turns out he had business in the city after all.”

Of course he did. Which meant that our girls’ weekend just turned into me being a third-wheel on a romantic getaway.

Fuck.

“Then I might head back to D.C.” I say quietly. I’m not trying to hide the fact I’m disappointed. It’s my birthday. I can be fucking disappointed if I want.

I can swear like a fucking sailor and pretend I’m not a Dean’s List, finishing-school Good Girl, because it’s my twentieth birthday and I can’t even buy lingerie without my sister’s drama intruding.

And since that drama won’t let me check him out… yeah, I’m pouting.

“You can head home. If you want.” His voice is…is…

I jerk my eyes up to his face.

He’s mocking me.

Outrage surges through me, unexpectedly, at the barely contained laughter in his voice. I can feel my face turning red, twin dots of heat burning on my cheekbones. I pick up a complicated thong, with bonus straps that do nothing but torment the person looking at the wearer, probably, and I hold it up between us. “You don’t think I should do that, Scott?” I put my own mocking spin on his name. “What should I do instead? You think I should stay here in the big city, and buy these panties, maybe wear them out tonight under a little black dress? Knowing full well there’s not a chance in hell I’ll get peeled out of them at the end of the night by a hot guy? Happy birthday, Alison. Here’s to another year of bodyguard-enforced virginity.”

I’m being a whiny brat. I don’t care. It’s been months of this rock star treatment, and seriously, it’s overrated. We grew up in a wealthy family, so having private security isn’t totally out my realm of understanding, but Hailey’s relationship with one of Washington’s top crisis management guys—and getting tangled up in a human trafficking ring—has taken shit to a whole new level.

It actually doesn’t affect my everyday life. I go to school. I even have my own apartment now, having moved out of my parents’ estate at Christmas time because there’s only so much fucked-up drama one can handle and still stay on the Dean’s List.

But it does affect every “sister thing” I want to do with Hailey.

Including celebrating my birthday.

So I stare at Scott, daring him—fucking daring him—to tell me that I can do anything I want, of course I can.

Because I can’t.

He stares back, his face unreadable.

“I don’t think Cole is planning on going out for dinner with you two, if that’s your concern,” he finally says gruffly, but I’m still pissed off. Anger sizzles under my skin and now I’m just thinking shit that’s not fair and doesn’t really matter. But that’s the thing about feelings, right? Once you have them, you can’t just un-have them.

Tears prick at the back of my eyelids, and no, that is not happening. I pinch the inside of my palm with my fingers and slowly roll my eyes back to the ceiling, exhaling as I tell myself to pull it together.

Let him think I’m a haughty bitch. I don’t care.

“Miss Reid,” he starts, and I drop my gaze, staring past him as I twirl the panties on the tip of my finger.

“I’m not a child. You can call me Alison, or Ms. Reid. Or nothing at all. That would be my preference.” I swing past him and hold out the lace and ribbon scrap of nothing to the sales girl. “I’ll take these with a matching 32C bra, please.”

I shake my head when she asks if I’ll need to try anything on.

While the thought of making Scott sit outside a change room would usually make me achy and wet, right now I’m not in the mood to play the tease. Not when it’s not going to get me anywhere.

I’m not a child. I told him that. I told my parents the same thing when I moved into my own apartment.

One of these days, I’m going to start believing it for myself.

And until then, I’ll fake it.

I’ve been doing that my entire life. I’m a pro.

After I pay for my purchases, I head for the door. Scott stands back, letting me move past him, but even though he hasn’t said anything, I still feel unsettled. Like maybe I haven’t had the last word.

He doesn’t get to do that to me.

I am not a child. I won’t be handled.

I stop and meet his gaze head-on. “Call the restaurant and change our reservation. Cole can join us. And you can, too.”

“I’m fine at the bar…Ms. Reid.” His jaw clenches, but that’s the only reaction.

“I understand that.” I lift my bag and wave it in the air. “But since my future brother-in-law won’t let me wear this for anyone else, tonight I’m wearing these for you. Whether you like it or not.”

Watch the trailer : https://www.facebook.com/ainsleyboothwrites/videos/1724315431125771/

 

Sexy man and woman in a provocative embrace

ID:45056344

 

Sexy man and woman in a provocative embrace

ID:45056344

Sexy man and woman in a provocative embrace

ID:45056344

 

Ardent Prose About The Author

 

Mom by day and filthy romance writer by night, Ainsley is super grateful for caffeine, banana and blueberry muffins, and yoga pants.  

 

Author LInks

 

Twitter  Facebook  Web  Amazon page  Goodreads  Instagram

 

Ardent 4