Flash Point by Brooke Blaine
A Standalone Romantic Suspense Novel
Release Date: July 12, 2015
The first time I saw her, I knew I’d have to kill her.
It’s been five years since the brutal death of her mother, and Katherine Shaw still relives the nightmares of that night.
She escaped.
The danger should’ve been over.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
When her father, a prominent judge, receives a chilling death threat, her past comes hurtling into her present.
The warning is clear: They’ve got unfinished business, and they’re coming for her.
Katherine Shaw.
Rich girl? Check.
Spoiled and obstinate? Check.
A beautiful fireball who pushes every button he has? That was not listed on the dossier Jason Garrett receives when he’s assigned as one of her bodyguards. The last thing he ever expected was that his tempting client would prove to be more dangerous than those he’s protecting her from.
Their attraction would be forbidden even under the best circumstances. But as the threat draws near, the tension between the two of them rises, culminating in an explosive flash point that will blindside them both.
© Brooke Blaine 2015
The wind whipped around them suddenly, a ferocious gust that caused Katherine’s long locks to go flying in every direction. She looked a bit like Medusa right then, hair thrashing about like snakes, hypnotic jade eyes blazing, and just as she lifted the hood of her jacket over her head, the wind died down.
“Yeah, that just figures,” she muttered, as she put her hand inside the hood to smooth down her hair.
Jason’s phone buzzed in his pocket, the caller ID reading Thompson. He answered before the second ring. “Sir.”
“Just calling to check in with you, Garrett. I spoke with Kirkpatrick and went over the rundown on our end, and he gave me—”
“Ow, shit, motherfucker—”
A string of curses continued to fly from Katherine’s mouth, her arm caught in an awkward angle over her face. The bracelet on her wrist had hooked onto the jacket liner of her hood, and the more she tried to yank it free, the more it snagged.
Thompson’s voice turned apprehensive. “Is everything okay over there? Is that Katherine—”
“Yes, yes, she’s fine,” Jason said.
“She doesn’t sound fine.”
“Just a little…female issue.”
“Female issue…? Ohhhh. I see. Well, good luck with that. Talk later.” Thompson hung up swiftly, and Jason shook his head. Wimp.
Katherine stomped her foot as she continued to wrench her arm free, and he tried not to smirk at how ridiculous she looked.
I should just leave her like that, he thought in amusement.
“Are you gonna talk on the phone all night or are you gonna fucking help me sometime this century?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?” he asked.
“No, what I want right about now is a chainsaw to free myself and then stick up your ass.”
He shoved the phone back in his pocket. “Sounds like foreplay.”
She stopped struggling for a moment, and he tried not to notice the way her shirt had ridden up to display a few inches of her creamy skin. “Now the sense of humor comes out? Now?”
Stepping forward, he grabbed her wrist with one hand and tried to get her bracelet free with the other, but it was lodged in tight. Her pulse beat rapidly under his thumb, and he stroked over it once before realizing what he’d done. A quiet gasp escaped Katherine’s lips.
“Hold still,” he murmured, tightening his grip. “It might hurt.”
With a quick snap, he ripped the hood away, a chunk of tattered material still clinging to the mangled jewelry. She pulled the bracelet off her arm and rubbed her wrist.
“Thanks,” she said, a bit breathless.
He nodded as he backed away, and she got the hint to keep moving and not mention it.
They walked together in silence, for once, until a cluster of buildings came into view, and Katherine directed them toward it. When he saw her look over at him from the corner of his eye, he braced himself for the next round of questioning he knew was coming.
“So…you never told me your first name,” she said.
“No, I didn’t.”
“Well, that’s rude. I thought we just had a moment there, Jason.”
He stopped in his tracks, and she burst out in victorious laughter.
How the hell did she know that?
“And you thought I was unobservant.” She wore a smug look on her face. “I may be a lot of things, ruiner of jackets included, but give me a little credit here.”
“Where did you hear that?”
She shrugged. “It was a hunch. I’d referred to you as Jason Statham when I was talking to Steven at my father’s house, and I noticed you flinched when I said it. So, either you get that comparison a lot, or it was an involuntary reaction to hearing your name and trying not to react. Thank you for confirming my suspicions.”
Well I’ll be damned. Not just a pretty face, are you?
“Oh,” she said then, taking a step back. “Oh, no. That’s not…a tiny sliver of respect I see in your eyes, is it?”
He grimaced. “No.”
“Thank God,” she said with mock relief as she climbed the stairs to the main doors and stopped just outside them. “I couldn’t take it if you actually liked me.”
He had nothing to say to that, too busy trying to see past the mask she wore that he’d only briefly thought about earlier. She was observant. I wonder what else she’s hiding…
She turned around. “Can I ask you something?”
“God knows you would anyway.”
The Katherine that faced him now wore a serious expression, with no trace of the sarcastic woman he’d had to deal with the past few days. She cocked her head to the side as she studied his face.
“Are you always this much of an asshole with your clients, or am I just lucky?”
Before he could summon an answer, she reached for the door handle but then pulled away so he could enter first. She stayed beside him as she walked them to her class, and he knew she didn’t expect a response. After getting her settled and taking position against the wall nearby, he entertained her question.
Two things he knew for sure: First, he was definitely an asshole. And second, under the current circumstances, he’d never refer to Katherine Shaw as lucky.
You could say Brooke Blaine was a book-a-holic from the time she knew how to read; she used to tell her mother that curling up with one at 4 a.m. before elementary school was her ‘quiet time.’ Not much has changed except for the espresso I.V. pump she now carries around and the size of her onesie pajamas.
Flash Point is her debut solo novel, and she is the co-author of the erotic serial, A Desperate Man, with Ella Frank. The latter has scarred her conservative southern family for life, bless their hearts.
If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find – just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for ten years.
Newsletter Sign-up ♦ Website ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter ♦ Google+ ♦ Goodread ♦ Instagram ♦ Pinterest
Rafflecopter Giveaway:

Black Hills Wolves
Claiming the She-Wolf by Louisa Bacio
When her older brother leaves the Black Hills to go to college, Tala Graystone stays behind, determined to restore their dilapidated home into a B&B for the pack. As more people return to the area, the need for temporary housing increases. Now, if only she can find someone to help with the heavy lifting.
Yas Collins fled Los Lobos as a child with his mother. As he struggles with his wolf and overpowering shifts, a desire for nature and the forest strikes hard. Black Hills, South Dakota, beckons him. With a background in construction, he easily finds work at Tala’s dilapidated B&B, but not everyone in town greets him with open arms.
As the remodel gets underway, Tala and Yas fight their growing attraction. Yas doesn’t trust his wolf urges around beautiful B&B owner. The she-wolf, however, has other plans.
A growl from low in his throat threatened to escape. The rumble started in his chest, and he fought to keep it down.
She turned, looking down at him. “Did you say something?”
“Umm, no. Just clearing my throat.”
He needed to get his base instincts under control. Recent research showed that wolves in the wild killed in order to protect their domains and to get more space. He didn’t want to be ruled by his wolf. He’d grown up in the city, with humans, not out in the forest. His mom had tried to talk to him about shifting, but as a woman, she didn’t have the same experience.
He couldn’t go to a shifters anonymous group for help with his sexual urges. Maybe he needed to start his own support group. He snorted at the idea. At the top of the landing, Tala turned to the right, and he followed.
They entered what had to be the master bedroom suite. It was painted a vibrant lavender color, and the bed had a green floral comforter with an abundance of fluffy throw pillows. White dollies rested on the two nightstands, and a vase of wildflowers called for attention. The feminine room seemed in sharp contrast to his host. She didn’t look frilly.
“This will be your quarters.” Her lips pursed, and she blinked a few times.
The idea shocked him. “What? I’m sorry, but it looks like your room.”
“Well, it has been. But it’s the nicest room in the house, and as a guest, figure you should have it to be comfortable. I’ll move my things into another one.”
He waved his hands in front of him, as if shooing away something physically bad. “No way. No can do. Give me the second best, then. My first job can be fixing it up.”
She smiled. “Well, second best would be my brother’s room, and even though he’s on a trip right now, I don’t feel comfortable moving his stuff. So third best, and we work today to make it more, um, livable?”
Her choice of words made him pause. “Deal.”
A Southern California native, Louisa Bacio can’t imagine living far away from the ocean. The multi-published author of erotic romance enjoys writing within all realms – from short stories to full-length novels.
Bacio shares her household with a supportive husband, two daughters growing “too fast,” and a multitude pet craziness: Two dogs, five fish tanks, an aviary, hamsters, rabbits and hermit crabs. In her other life, she teaches college classes in English, journalism and popular culture.
Website § Email § Facebook § Twitter
“Claiming the She-Wolf” Blog Tour
(1) Heart Moon Necklace (either turquoise or black heart)
Black Hills Wolves Swag Pack (includes a Black Hills Wolves T-shirt and keychain).
(2) Black Hills Wolves Swag Pack (includes a Black Hills Wolves T-shirt and keychain).
(3) $5 eBook gift card
(4) Electronic copy of a backlist book
The giveaway ends at the end of the book tour on Aug. 5, 2015. Winners will be chosen randomly from the entries. Mailed entries open to U.S. entrants, and gift cards are open internationally. Not valid in areas where such contests are not legal. No purchase necessary in order to win.

Title: Protector (The Brannock Siblings #4)
Author: Jessica Wilde
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Release Blitz: July 20, 21, 22
Hosted by: Always Behind A Book

Isabelle Brannock was adored by her children in every possible way. Her ability to love reflects in each of them and to this day, they remember the never ending happiness she and their father, Liam, shared. However, life wasn’t always beautiful and their magnificent mother kept her dark secrets buried away so her children would always remember that family is the most important thing.
Liam Brannock has watched his children find that same happiness he knew so well and, as a father, he couldn’t be prouder. Knowing that the struggles each of them endured were worth the sacrifices they made to find the love of their lives, he finally feels content with revealing the secrets Isabelle worked so hard to keep.
Liam tells his children the story of how he met their mother and the secrets they never suspected would be possible for a woman who lived each day showing her children that love conquers all.
For readers 18+ due to sexual content.
Note to readers:
This is Liam and Isabelle’s story as well as updates on Ash, Con, and Gus.
This cannot be read as a standalone.
Series Order:
Book 1 – Leverage (SALE FREE)
Book 2 – Conned (SALE 99¢)
Book 3 – Missing (SALE 99¢)
Book 4 – Protector


He walked out the door, glancing back at his aunts once more. Both of them were smiling his way, waving and watching him like a bunch of hawks. He started toward the gardens feeling Maggie’s eyes on his back until he was out of her view.
It wasn’t long before he came upon the grove, but his quest was soon forgotten.
For the second time in his life, he was brought to a standstill by the beauty in front of him. He caught sight of that long brown hair flowing over a creamy shoulder… that was shaking.
The air in Liam’s lungs caught and he felt that tightness in his chest from before, when he heard a sniffle and saw the woman wipe under her eyes.
She was crying. This stunning, flawless woman was sobbing and he felt that tightness twist and pull until he couldn’t just stand and watch any longer. Liam looked around to see who had hurt her, but no one else was in the grove. He was angry for her and heartbroken that a woman like her would ever have a reason to cry like that.
She was so wrapped up in her world that she never even heard him step into the grove. His footsteps on the grass were silent, but surely she would have heard him crashing through the trees. He watched her a moment longer, debating on whether to sneak away and leave her in peace or find out what was making her so sad and fix it for her.
His mouth decided for him.
“Tears don’t belong on a face so beautiful.”
She startled and immediately stood and backed away from him. Smart woman, but it was still frustrating to see that it was out of wisdom, not instinct. She regarded him warily before looking around to find that they were completely alone. The trees surrounding the grove were covering them from anyone who might be watching.
Liam normally wouldn’t allow this type of situation to occur. He would have left her alone and gone to fetch Maggie to help. But this wasn’t a normal situation and Liam couldn’t help but feel drawn to the woman standing before him, looking like she was about to run.
“You don’t need to be afraid of me, bird. I’ll not harm you.”
Her shoulders sagged for a moment of brief relief before she lifted them straight and jutted out her chin. Her show of strength was impressive, but Liam could see the unease in her eyes so he stayed where he was and let her have her space.
She cleared her throat and crossed her arms over her chest. “I am sorry if I am trespassing. Maggie told me to come here and it was just a beautiful place to sit and think.”
Her voice sent a jolt of electricity straight into his gut. A husky sound that vibrated all the way down his spine and he couldn’t stop himself from studying her lips as she spoke.
Good Lord, help me.
She quickly wiped the tears from her face and sniffed a few times before gaining her composure and lifting her chin once more. Liam had been right the day before, she was stunning up close. Tear stains on her cheeks, eyes red rimmed, nose red, lips red. If she was this beautiful crying, he was doomed when she was smiling.
The very idea of her was… impossible.
Her yellow dress didn’t cling to the curves he knew would be there, but it gave a hint of a graceful womanly figure and the exposed skin of her chest beckoned his eyes. His lips thinned, cursing himself for being disrespectful and he looked down at her legs.
That didn’t help at all.
Eyes, Liam. Look at her eyes.
After clearing his throat, he said, “You are not trespassing. It is a garden for the public, but no one comes in anymore.”
“Well, that’s a shame. It’s breath taking,” she said and dropped down to the small bench to sit once more.
Apparently she decided that he was harmless and he sighed with relief. Liam kept his distance, hoping he wouldn’t startle her anymore than he already did. She turned her head to look at him with a sad grin.
“This is a nice place to sit and think. Feels secluded even though it isn’t.”
That voice. Raspy yet feminine. It sent another shock to his veins and his blood pumped harder. If she kept speaking, he would pass out from his suddenly improved circulation.
Liam stepped closer and caught a glimpse of the freckles running across her nose. A ray of sunshine crossed over her face as she found a comfortable position on the bench. She was not only breath taking, but she glowed with an aura that he had never seen before. She was sad, of that he had no doubt, but her presence exuded happiness. Like being this close to her could make everything in the world right again.
I should send her up north and see if that solves all these troubles, Liam thought to himself.
Those freckles. He needed to get closer and get a better look at them.
“Do you mind?” he asked, gesturing to the small spot of bench beside her.
Her eyes narrowed, red rimmed and only slightly puffy.
It felt like hours instead of seconds before she sniffled and nodded her head, a shy grin pulling at her lips. “Please. There isn’t anywhere else to sit unless you favor the grass.”
“Aye, I do, but I favor a beautiful woman more,” he replied.
Her blush was devastating and it spread across her cheeks like the red of a summer sunset. Poetic, Liam. Very poetic.
GRAND PRIZE: Entire Brannock Siblings Series signed paperback set! AND (2) Signed Paperbacks of Protector

Leverage (The Brannock Siblings) Book 1
Currently FREE for a Limited Time


Conned (The Brannock Siblings) Book 2
Currently on SALE for 99¢


Missing (The Brannock Siblings) Book 3
Currently on SALE for 99¢

I live in Morgan Utah with my husband, daughter, and dog, Kolo. I write as often as my active daughter will let me and my husband has the patience of a saint. I find inspiration from dreams, people I meet, and life experiences. When I write, I usually end up drinking one too many cans of Peace Tea, eating three too many Fruit by the Foot fruit snacks, and accidently kicking my pup and best buddy, Kolo, too many times since he loves to sleep under my desk at my feet.
I started writing as a teen, but my fear of the unknown won out every time and I threw everything out. After becoming a mother and deciding to stay at home to raise my beautiful little girl, I tried again when I couldn’t stop thinking of ideas. I loved every minute, every hour of sleep lost, and every character that came to life in my mind.
It’s strange, but my favorite moments are when I have writer’s block because I can turn to my husband and find inspiration through him by just doing what we do best together. Talking, laughing, and just being in love. He doesn’t like to read, but he never stops encouraging me to keep going.
Writing has become an important part of my life and every book has a special place in my heart.



Title: Finding Sunshine (A Pinetree Novel, #1)
Author: Rene Webb
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 14, 2015
Synopsis
Ex-con, Aaron Masters, is searching for redemption.
Young aspiring photographer, Nina King, is searching for a place to belong.
It’s time for the Valentine’s Day Date Auction at the exclusive Boston nightclub St. Andrews, and Aaron would rather be anywhere else. That all changes when he catches a glimpse of Nina, the woman he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about since their recent chance encounter. When they met her smile—for a precious moment—warmed the darkness inside. Now he’ll stop at nothing to make her his woman, keep her, and protect her from the truth of his rough past.
Nina hasn’t been able to get a certain handsome man, with long hair and gorgeous blue eyes, out of her thoughts—or her dreams. The goddess is smiling down on her when she sees him again at a charity date auction. As her professional internship has recently ended, she’s now out of work and trying to find herself while struggling to build a viable career.
Aaron and Nina’s relationship soon heats up, but not everyone in their lives are excited about this new development. Under the guise of friendship, some attempt to destroy what the two have built together.
Can these two lost souls find a future together?
Note: this story takes place 3 years before A White Hot Christmas: Novella
Buy The Book
Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | I Books
Smashwords | Google Play | All Romance Ebooks
Excerpt
“One more taste,” Aaron whispers. Leaning in, he gently cups my face in his hands. He gives me a gently sucking, nipping kiss that leaves me wanting more, and my hands gripping his arms are not wanting to let go. Ever.
“Do you want to go somewhere?” I breathe out. “I’d invite you in, but I have a roommate.”
“Yes.” His breath is tickling the hairs around my face as he chuckles.
I smile brightly releasing him from my hold. I’m craving more of what I know this man can give me.
Gentle dominance, and honest affection.
“But not tonight,” he says, smiling and shaking his head. Then, with his thumb and forefinger, he takes my chin and admonishes, “Don’t pout.”
“But—”
“Not tonight,” he says sternly, then leaning in, he runs his nose along my neck and whispers, “there’s always tomorrow.”
I shiver.
“Okay,” I say softly, though every pulse point in my body is pounding in anticipation.
There is no way I’m going to be able to sleep tonight, without taking the edge off first. At least now I wouldn’t feel as sketchy, like I’m violating him in some way, when I imagine Aaron as I power up Mr. Satisfaction tonight.
Thank goodness I remembered to buy batteries today!
“What time are you done with work tomorrow night?”
Work. Right, that thing you go to where you earn money. Which, I don’t exactly have. Because I’m a loser, who has no real skills and is supported by her parents.
“I don’t have to work tomorrow,” I say, suddenly uncomfortable.
“Good, I’ll pick you up at five when my shift is over. Make sure to dress warmly. I don’t want you getting cold during your surprise,” he says, smiling brightly.
“Okay.”
“Goodnight, Sunshine,” he draws me close, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple.
“Goodnight,” I say, exiting the truck. Walking towards the building, I turn to see him watching me. Waiting for me to get inside safely. Underneath that rough exterior, he really is a gentleman.
Text Copyright © 2015 Rene Webb, All Rights Reserved
About The Author
Rene Webb, a former Catholic schoolgirl and child of the ’80’s, is a recovering Soap Opera addict who grew up watching General Hospital. She became weary with the relentless drama and sought out stories with happy endings that lasted. Now, Rene is an erotic romance author, where there is always a happily-ever-after!
Growing up in New England, Rene spent her childhood playing make-believe, acting out stories with her Barbies, Legos, My Little Ponies, and Playmobile. She has since taken to writing down the dramas that invade her mind.
Authors such as Jane Austen, Kristen Ashley, Cherise Sinclair, Sierra Cartwright, Donna Fletcher, Jennifer Ashley and Bianca Giovanni have inspired her. They all create strong female characters, swoon-worthy men, and stories that leave their readers with the hope, that you, too, will find your own H.E.A.!
Rene also enjoys reading, baking, seeing movies, going to museums, and spending time with her friends and family.
Rene lives in Washington DC.
She is also known as Kitty Bennet, on the book blog, Lit. 4 Ladies, which she runs with her sister.
Website | Facebook | Twitter |Newsletter | Goodreads | Amazon
Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Billionaire’s Game (Book Four)
________ღ☆ღ_________
☆ [] NEW RELEASE [] ☆
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ღ☆ღ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
Blurb:
Eleni Litras recognized a kindred spirit when she saw one. Damon loved to have a good time, was allergic to commitment, and was honest to a fault. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant raising a few eyebrows. She loved that about him. In fact, she feared she may be falling in love with him. But her tragic upbringing taught her trust was a filthy four letter word.
Damon Starkis partied like a rock star most of his life, with little regard for consequences. That was one of the many advantages of being born to a billionaire. But when he got news that rocked his world, he had a choice… grow up or risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Change didn’t come easily, but he was proud of his new life and the man he’d become, except for one little problem. The secrets and lies were piling up and if Eleni found out, she’d never forgive him.
Buy Links:
ⷡ® Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Mg6GjY
ⷡ® B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damon-cheryl-douglas/1122198617?ean=2940151992725
ⷡ® Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/553353
ⷡ® Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/damon-starkis-family-2
ⷡ® iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/damon-starkis-family-2/id1011979047?mt=11
About the Author
When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back!
I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber.
It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’
I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me.
When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.
Website: http://cheryldouglasbooks.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheryldouglasbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CherylDouglasNN
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5761770.Cheryl_Douglas
Presented by:

Sometimes the past bleeds into the future.
Bess, a wild party girl running from herself, literally falls victim to her demons when she collapses in the most unexpected of places.
Lane, a tightly wound, up-and-coming CEO who can’t seem to stop enabling his brother, doesn’t know what hit him when Bess falls at his feet and into his life.
It was a night she doesn’t remember, and one he can’t forget.
But rather than stay and help the needy college coed, Lane decides to teach his brother a long overdue lesson––a decision that later comes back to haunt him and only adds fury to the transgressions of his past he is already fleeing from.
Years later, Bess and Lane meet again. She doesn’t know him, and he doesn’t share that he knows what happened on that ill-fated night when she almost died. After all, he has a web of complicated lies from his own youth to protect.
Both are seeking salvation in the arms of others and ignoring the truth—that the only road to redemption lies in confronting your past.
When the past and present collide, is there any chance at redemption?
“Redemption Lane is a complex story with even more complex characters, but then, that’s what I love about Rachel Blaufeld’s work. She makes you think and feel and as you read their stories, you can’t help but fall in love with these imperfect characters as they try to overcome their struggles.” ~ Bookaholics-Not-So-Anonymous

Amazon US Amazon UK Barnes and Noble Kobo IBooks


“Happy holidays, Bess,” he said as he moved closer and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
When did this totally inappropriate flirting and touching start?
“Umm, Mr. Wrigley, I’m not sure I’m understanding you exactly. What are you really doing here? In Pennsylvania? Back at the WildFlower after your deal was closed? On Christmas by yourself? And who let you back here?” The pitch of my voice rose a little with each question until I was practically squeaking as I flailed a bit, waving my hand up and down the staff corridor.
But I wasn’t quite finished because then, boldly and out of left field, I asked, “Why me? Why are you back here talking to me?”
He leaned back on his heels, a tiny glint in his eye as he said, “Let’s see. I came back to Pennsylvania to see my brother for the holiday, except he had plans to go skiing up here. So, I came up with him and his lady friend. We had dinner last night, but today was their day on the slopes, which left me all alone.”
Licking his lips, he ran his hand through his dark hair and leaned close once more. “As for why I’m back here with you, I can’t really say. I only know I haven’t been able to get you out of my head since our unbelievably boring dinner in the tavern, or the coffee we shared in the back room the morning after.”
His expression softened. “There’s just something about you, Bess. You’re sweeter than the aroma of the blueberry muffin I devoured with you, prettier than the sun setting over the ocean back home, and tangier than the lemons you squeeze into your water. Something I can’t put my finger on pulls me in and makes me want to be close to you, probably the same thing that makes you want to run. Hell, it makes me want to flee so fucking fast, but I’m not. So, just don’t.”
He stopped talking and looked intently in my eyes. I stared back, studying the blue of his irises. They were so blue, but more a cornflower shade than ocean. There was something untouched and innocent about them, which was probably misguided to think on my part, considering that standing in front of me was an extremely successful, well-traveled, worldly, and probably well-fucked man.
My throat dry, I choked out, “I’m not sure what to say. Actually, I don’t think any of this is appropriate, and we should probably just part ways.” Completely unnerved, I pinned my lower lip between my teeth, and could almost taste a tinge of coppery blood as I bit down on it.
And then I got lost in his eyes, like blue skies floating above me. My mind drifted, barely registering the arms that reached out and framed me against the door. The sky came closer. It was so, so blue, not a cloud in it. And then he kissed me. Lane’s lips touched mine softly, and I braced myself against the wall. I was falling or floating, I didn’t know which.


![]() |
![]() |
| Add to Goodreads | Add to Goodreads |
Edge of Your Seat Romantic Suspense & Hot Romance Reads. From My Mind to the Page.
Sharing book news & reviews
Sharing a Passion for Reading!
Writing messy, ugly love stories.
Eat, write, yoge
Erotic Fiction
We Won't Tell If You Won't...
indie author of sweet and sexy contemporary romance
Writing Opens The Window To My Soul...
Reader of YA, Romance, Erotica, Paranormal, and whatever else catches my eye.....
Where epic love meets epic adventure.
Dear Teddy
The Online Home of D.S. Williams and her alter-ego Leah Dempster