Excerpt ☆ Lauren Blakely ☆ The Sexy One

The Sexy One

by

Lauren Blakely

“Your language skills are better than your French-braiding skills,” she teases as she shuts her iPad.
I pretend to be insulted. “So not true. I can do French braids with my eyes closed.”
She shakes her head. “Somehow, I doubt that.”
“I’ll prove it to you.”
She tilts her head, and her hand freezes on her purse. “Prove it?” she asks quietly.
Somehow I’ve thrown a gauntlet I didn’t realize I was tossing. I do the only natural next thing—follow through. “Sure. Got one of those hair tie things?”
She nods slowly. “Yes, but . . .” Her voice trails off. Then she resumes the thought. “You really learned to French braid?”
I nod. “Hayden insisted on it,” I explain then study her face. Her pupils are dilated, and she blinks. Ah hell, I’ve made her wary with my remark. “I don’t have to prove it. I was just teasing,” I say, giving her an out. Mildly flirty comments are one thing—hands in hair are another.
A small grin spreads on her face, as she dips her hand into her purse and produces a black elastic band. “No, I insist. You were horrible last time. Have at it.” 
She drops to the floor, scoots over to me, and with her shoulder, she nudges my right knee.
Hello, slippery slope. Funny to see you again so soon.
Her other shoulder bumps my other knee. There’s no need to think—I widen my legs more and let her settle in between them. I’m seated on the couch, she’s on the floor, and she waits for me to braid her hair. 
As I stare at her lush, blond locks, the breath escapes my lungs. For a moment, it’s as if I’m hovering in a state of suspended want. Like this is the real line we’re crossing. Not me bringing her dessert, or touching the corner of her lips, or gazing at her face longer than I should. Not even sending texts about a pair of wild birds or making comments about showers and nudity.
But this.
Touching her hair.
Fuck, I love her hair.
I slide the tie over my wrist, then gather up some strands near the top of her head. “Confession,” I say in a quiet voice. “I watched a few YouTube videos after you taught me.”
She leans back, and I can feel her smile. “Like I said, prove it.”
“It’s on.” I focus on the task of separating her honey-blond hair into three sections, running my fingers through them like a comb. I lift the first strand and lay it over the middle one, then the left, gathering more hair into the next section.
After I failed at her first French braid lesson, I took it upon myself to learn. I don’t like not being able to master basic skills. A man should be able to braid his daughter’s hair.
And his woman’s hair.
“How does it look?” Her voice sounds a little breathy.
“Like it was braided by a man who learned by watching YouTube videos,” I answer.
She laughs lightly and leans into me more, inching closer. My hands still for a moment. I feel like I’m in high school again. Like I have a crush on a girl, and I don’t know what to do, where to go next, what to say.
The thing is, I do know. I just don’t know that I should. But I know what I want. There’s no doubt in my mind. I want to touch her, to kiss her, to feel her body press against mine. Even the chance to touch her like this is intoxicating, a rush of blood to the head. Her waves of hair are soft, and they feel spectacular falling through my fingers. I can’t picture a single thing besides running my hands through these strands as I kiss her, as I touch her, as she moves beneath me.

From NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a swoony new standalone romance…

THE SEXY ONE!

Want a romance guaranteed to make you melt? Get ready to fall in love on October 17th! 

Pre-Order NOW!

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Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move…

1. She works with me every single day.

Did I mention she's gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?

2. She works in my home.

Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means…

3. She's the nanny.

And that makes her completely off-limits…But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.

***

The other nannies in this city don't call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around. 

I can't risk my job for a chance at something more…can I? But I don’t know how to resist him much longer either…

**The audiobook will release the same day as the eBook on October 17th and will be narrated by 

Sebastian York and Andi Arndt!**

Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With eleven New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than sixty times. 

Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK, MISTER O and WELL HUNG, which were instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she'll release THE SEXY ONE, a swoony contemporary romance. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter at laurenblakely.com/newsletter.

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Release Blitz ☆ Review ☆ Sawyer Bennett ☆ Sugar Free

Sugar Free 

(Sugar Bowl, Book #3)

Sawyer Bennett 

Release Date: October 11, 2016

Sela and Beck’s deliciously sinful tale of sex, lies, and vengeance reaches its explosive conclusion in the final chapter of Sawyer Bennett’s Sugar Bowl trilogy, which began with the novels Sugar Daddy and Sugar Rush.

For years Sela Halstead dreamed of revenge, but the quest for payback has been anything but sweet. Now, once again, she finds herself at the mercy of Jonathon Townsend, his hands crushing the very breath from her body. And even though she escapes with her life, Sela fears she may never recover. In desperate need of shelter and comfort, she runs to the one man she can trust. Beckett North has stood by Sela since the beginning. But can he handle the brutal truth?

Beck will do anything to protect what is his—and make no mistake, Sela belongs to him, heart and soul. The passion between them runs hot, even as their world begins to unravel. With the legacy of his ruthless business partner hanging in the balance, Beck stands to lose everything: his fortune, his family, his freedom. But each touch of Sela’s mouth on his skin, her nails down his back, makes it harder to let her go—and it might not even be his choice to make.

Purchase Sugar Free (Book #3)

The Sugar Bowl Series is a romantic suspense trilogy, and cannot be read as standalones. Get the first two books of the series here:

 Sugar Rush (Book #2) ☆ Sugar Daddy (Book #1) 

:

Since the release of her debut contemporary romance novel, Off Sides, in January 2013, Sawyer Bennett has released more than 30 books and has been featured on both the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists on multiple occasions. 

A reformed trial lawyer from North Carolina, Sawyer uses real life experience to create relatable, sexy stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From new adult to erotic contemporary romance, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone. 

Sawyer likes her Bloody Mary’s strong, her martinis dirty, and her heroes a combination of the two. When not bringing fictional romance to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to a very active toddler, as well as full-time servant to two adorably naughty dogs. She believes in the good of others, and that a bad day can be cured with a great work-out, cake, or a combination of the two. 

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Sugar Free

Sugar Bowl #3

by

Sawyer Bennett

Argh, it's so hard to write spoiler-free reviews! If you haven't read the first two in this series I urge you to do so. It cannot be read out of order. 

Shutting this book is bittersweet. Saying goodbye to Beck and Sela after their journey was sad but knowing that we left them in a good place was exhilerating. The last installment of the Sugar Bowl series will challenge your moral compass in ways you haven't considered before. At least I haven't. It makes you ask yourself "what would you do?", "what is your hard limit, how far would you go to protect the one you love?"

Don't ever doubt that you are mine and this pussy is mine and that I'm never giving it up. I'm going to do whatever it takes to protect what's mine

We are back where we left off at the cliffhanger from book 2. The lies and deception that follow the aftermath of JT's fate are spinning a web Sela and Beck have a hard time breaking free of. Beck goes to great lengths to make sure the woman he loves is safe, resorting to whatever it takes even if he tarnishes his own soul. The end justifies the means after all, right? There is a shift in morals on both accounts of our main characters but there is never a question of doing what it takes to ensure their future versus what's right. 

I've done bad things and screwed up a few times over the past few months. I've contemplated killing someone, bribed another and eventually covered up a murder.

Beck is again to-die-for gorgeous. He is fierce and holding on tight to Sela. The love and care he feels for his woman is tangible at all times.

What you and I have, Sela...no one will ever comprehend it. No one will ever come in between it. But it's real and it's ours and I'm never letting it go.

Yes, Sela tries to protect the love of her life as well but she fell a tiny bit short for me in this installment. I was missing the strong yet vulnerable woman in parts of this book. There is no question that the things she went through are nothing short of traumatizing yet she was a little bit too whiny in the last of this series. She also makes a singular stupid decision I didn't expect from this generally intelligent woman.

I was actually already convinced that this would be a four star read, then the last 20% happened and the wonderful epilogue that brought the rating up another half star. There are sweet moments throughout the book but that epilogue...LOVED it.

With this series Sawyer Bennett went out of her comfort zone and took a risk. I think it really paid off and she delivered a tightly knit, thrilling and exhilerating ride. I really, really hope that we will get Dennis' story. I think there is enough demand for it. He is intriguing to say the least and I'll be definitely reading his journey if Sawyer Bennett decides to write it.

Quotes are taken from the unpublished book and are subject to change

. 

5 STARS ✮ EMMA SCOTT ✮ ALL IN

ALL IN

Full Tilt #2

by

Emma Scott

Hello epic book hangover. That's it. I'm done. 
This series has captured my heart and wrecked it, yet I can't help and want to start at the beginning right now. I'm in love with the whole lot of main and secondary cast and I just missed them ten minutes after closing the book. I'm trying to keep this review as spoiler-free as possible but if you haven't read Full Tilt yet...what are you waiting for?

Theo is angry at the world for having his brother taken away. Despite it all, he shoulders the tasks of taking care of his frail mother, going back to school for a business degree and dealing with his father's displeasure about his choice of career. Six months ago he made his brother Jonah a promise. Two weeks later this promise slipped away and he hasn't been able to locate Kacey since, the feeling that he has failed Jonah always present. Until a well-meaning bartender tracks him down and asks him to take care of his late brother's girlfriend.

Kacey's escape from the place with too many memories was silent. She drove all the way down to New Orleans only to play her songs about Jonah at bars. Booze back on the menu she drinks herself into oblivion. Day after day, night after night, not being able to function without being numb. She sees the gaping abyss in front of her but can't pull away. When she sees Theo again after six months the reunion isn't joyful. She is full of shame, guilt and regret but Theo gives her a reality check and she knows she has to get her life back on track. 

Teddy finds solace and comfort in his brother's legacy at the exhibit so he ventures there to talk to his brother whenever he feels unsettled. He is the kind of person who tries to carry the weight of everybody's problems, being the rock everybody leans on to. 

Theo wasn't only there for Jonah during the worst moments of his life. He was there for a lot of other people, too. Taking their pain, listening to it, deconstructing it. Turning it around and giving it back to them as a piece of art. Uniquely their own, just as pain is unique to the person who bears it. 

Where Jonah was light and love, Teddy is something else entirely. He is fierce and passion and not as open. He has walls in place but when they crumble he is magnificent.

Kacey is such an endearing heroine. I adore her. She is sweet, soft, strong and her love for her friends and adopted family beams from the pages. The way she pulls herself out of the black hole with Teddy's help had my emotions all over the place and I admired her so much for it. 

"Live in the stars, baby. Okay?" My voice cracked but didn't break, and I smiled through my tears. "You're free. You made me free."

The development of their relationship is stunning, heart-wrenching and devastatingly beautiful. It's a deliciously slow burn  and you can't help but root for them. Their dance and their first time together are one of the most erotic scenes I've read.
While you may think at the beginning that their love is unthinkable at some point you will see that these two are perfect for each other. That there was never another choice than for them being together, the love for the person they both lost the common denominator. With their friendship comes acceptance, with their love healing. I know I said Jonah was perfect in my review for Full Tilt. But Teddy? Glorious. Best book boyfriend EVER. 

On and on we danced and in the back of my delirium, I knew I'd been right about Theo: if you had him, you had all of him. His kiss was the purest essence of himself: intense, fiery, devoted, entirely in the moment. This close, he was my entire world, with no place for anything else. His body pressed to mine, his hands on my body, his sweat, his mouth...

I think Emma Scott upped the ante with this one. Full Tilt was already amazing but damn. This book did Jonah's story justice if that makes any sense. He was present in every word and thought. His love was shining through the loves of his life and while I thought Jonah's and Kacey's love can't be topped, this author did just that without diminishing it. Kacey and Theo? Utter bliss. 

...I love you and that's it. I love you. I love you however you are. No strings or conditions. I love you, and that's it. 

Again, the writing is gorgeous, the secondary cast fantastic. At the end there were tears, yes, but they were a mix of a bit sad and a big junk of happiness, enough humor to help you through the sad parts. My emotions are still clogging up my throat. Rarely have I read a story that made me feel so much like the Full Tilt duet, it is hands down one of my top 10 favorites. 

Dear Emma Scott, please consider writing novellas about these two. I hate to leave Kacey, Theo and Jonah. They are so deep under my skin and hold a special place in my heart. 

"He was right about everything," she said. "We have so much love in us. No end to it."

Cover Reveal ☆ Suanne Laqueur ☆ An Exaltation of Larks

An Exaltation of Larks

by

Suanne Laqueur

"We're so alike, you and I. It's no wonder we kept finding each other."

September 11, 1973: Eleven-year-old Alejandro Penda watches from his apartment window as Santiago, Chile falls to a military coup, destroying his family and his childhood. Arriving alone in America, he’s taken in by the Larks: a prominent family in the town of Guelisten. Though burdened by unresolved grief for his disappeared parents, he becomes fiercely loyal to the Larks, eventually marrying one of their daughters, Valerie.

September 11, 2001: Javier Landes watches from his apartment window as New York City falls to terrorism. As one of Manhattan’s top-paid male escorts, this professional lover has never lacked for company and is loyal only to himself. But in the wake of 9/11, Jav is named guardian for an orphaned nephew in Guelisten and must open his carefully-guarded heart to pain he's long suppressed.

Alex, Valerie and Jav meet first in their twenties, with a sudden attraction each finds strange and compelling. When they meet again in their forties, they discover not only is their bond still strong, but their life experiences are strangely similar. All have been shaped by separate 9/11's, and their unfinished business from the past will change everything they know about love, loyalty and friendship.

"Life has rules. You cannot come in the middle of the night and take what we agreed isn't yours."

Across three decades and two continents, Suanne Laqueur's fifth novel explores the unpredictability of sexual attraction, how family ties are forged, torn and mended, and how love's downfall can turn to exaltation.

Preorder Links

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Release Blitz ☆ Helena Hunting ☆ Pucked Under

Pucked Under 

by 

Helena Hunting 

Series: Pucked 4.5
Release Date: October 10, 2016
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Randy Ballistic and Lily LeBlanc are head-over-heels, bed-breakingly, screaming orgasmically in love. But even they have their challenges, mostly outside of the bedroom.

With the off-season coming to a close and the boys gearing up for training camp, one more weekend of fun is the perfect way to welcome the new season.

The entire crew piles into vehicles and drives to Alex and Violet’s Chicago cottage for a few days of relaxation―and hopefully a chance for Randy to shake the anxiety that’s been plaguing him.

Accidental wardrobe malfunctions, typical Violet inspired overshares, and a whole lot of private time round out the perfect weekend getaway.

But the moment they return to the city all of Randy’s angst resurfaces with the arrival of a surprise houseguest.

Buy Links:

Amazon Paperback US ☆  Amazon Paperback UK ☆  Audible ☆ iBooks ☆ B&N Paperback: 

About the Author:

NYT and USA Today bestselling author of PUCKED, Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She's writes contemporary romance ranging from new adult angst to romantic sports comedy.

Instagram / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook Fan group / Website Never miss an update! Subscribe to Helena's mailing list: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f4p1t7

Blog Tour ☆ L.H. Cosway ☆ Thief Of Hearts

We're celebrating the release of 

THIEF OF HEARTS 

by 

L.H. Cosway! 

Check out the review and giveaway below!

Title:

Thief of Hearts

Age Group: 
Adult

Genre: 
Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Release Date: 
October 4, 2016

iBooks ☆ Smashwords ☆ Kobo ☆ Nook

Amazon US ☆ Amazon UK ☆ Amazon DE ☆ Amazon CA ☆ Amazon AU

Book Description:

Seduce the teacher.

Meet the cousin.

Make a deal.

Steal the painting.

Andrea Anderson has no clue of the thoughts churning around in the dark and dangerous ex-con’s head as he enters her classroom. In fact, she’s momentarily lost for words. Not in her entire teaching career has she had a student who looked quite like Stu Cross.

A widow at just twenty-eight, love is something Andie hasn’t considered a part of her life for a very long time. However, when lingering touches turn to whispered words and hot, searching stares, she begins to wonder if maybe she should take a leap of faith.

But Stu is in her class for a reason, and it has nothing to do with love. He’s there to burrow his way into her life and repay a debt, otherwise his family will suffer. Andie is the first person to show him true kindness since he left prison, and though he doesn’t want to mislead her, he doesn’t have another choice.

Before long, Stu can’t tell whether or not he’s acting anymore, and his feelings for Andie could throw all of his carefully crafted plans into complete and utter disarray.

**Can be read as a stand alone.

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L.H. Cosway lives in Dublin, Ireland. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories. L.H. is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

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4 ARTISTIC STARS

I am a huge fan of the first three installments of this series so I was looking forward to getting my hands on this one. We met Stu in Hearts of Blue for the first time. He is Lee's brother and supposedly not the brightest bulb in the box. I remembered this little fact when I started to read Thief of Hearts and was a little bit nervous - I don't want my heroes to be dimwits! 

Andrea works as a teacher for adult education. She loves her job - there is nothing more fulfilling than helping other people. She married her high school sweetheart, had a couple of happy years with him when he passed away. The treatment expenses have left her with a mountain of debt. The last thing she needs in her life is a student who rocks the James Dean look and gives her seductive glances. 

After getting out of prison Stu has only one goal - protect his family, no matter what. Going back to school, seducing his teacher and executing the task he has been given is his focus. That he has to deceive the one person who shows him kindness and sees his potential makes him feel more guilty with every day. Add to that the growing attraction and feelings makes it more complicated to follow through with every day. Will she ever forgive him if she finds out?

"Everyday you're deeper under my skin, and I have no cue how deep I'm under yours."

Andrea is a very kind, upstanding, no-nonsense character. I have to admit, I struggled a little bit in the beginning with her . She was a little bit too teacher-like, to me she had something dry and bland about her in the first chapters. That changed when Stu started to make serious moves on her and feelings came to the surface - she turned into a sweet and sensual woman who bloomed under Stu's attention. Farther along I struggled with her again, I can't really give away too much since this would be a major spoiler However, it does involve her fast jump into a proposal, damn the moral dilemma - while this might be explained with her level of desperation the way she presented herself to me I thought she'd rather face the consequences of declining. In my mind this wasn't in character. She also got mad at Stu at some point, which was understandable but since she couldn't present an alternative way to handle this particular situation I thought her grudge was a little bit too strong. 

Stu...what a cheeky, funny and smart guy. I loved that he had a different kind of intelligence. He was in no way dumb, kudos to L.H. Cosway for making me see past that impression. 
Those who know me, know that I usually go easier on the heroes. Yes, I'm a tramp. Sorry, not sorry. So I was able to see past his faults and took his side. 

"Nobody's ever seen me like you do."

See where I said I'm a tramp? I loved how he made Andrea uncomfortable with his naughty and cheeky approach, he forced her out of her shell. And boy does he have a dirty mouth on him. 

Don't get shy on me now, luv. You stole my post-prison virginity cowgirl style."

We get to see Lee, Trevor, Reya, Karla and even Alexis and her son. Loved to catch up a little bit with them. Andrea's cousin Alfie is a very special and lovable person, he made me want to hug him and hold him when he had one of his bad times.

L.H. Cosway gives us again a very unique story with twists and turns and adorable characters. She really took me by surprise a couple of times and I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for Trevor and Reya in the last installment of this series.

4 Stars ✮ KL KREIG ✮ BLACK SWAN AFFAIR

Black Swan Affair

by

KL Kreig

Going blind into this book is the best way to read this so I won't recount the plot, all you need to know is in the blurb. So this review will be a little bit different.

KL Kreig has created a story with deeply flawed characters. It is told in a dual point of view and switches between past and present. This has the potential of becoming confusing and also a bit annoying but in this case it was masterly done. The story combines different tropes: there is the triangle trope, friends-to-lovers and a revenge aspect.

Maverick is a radiant woman, proud, loyal and also a very caring friend. What she isn't is honest. She struggles with her feelings and I want to mention here that for the most part I admired the hell out of her for how strong and steadfast she stood.

Kael is a swoon-worthy, dreamy, protective and magnetic character. He adores Maverick, his love is in every word. His mouth is also incredibly dirty. And he is one of those characters who see more than they admit.

Killian is Kael's brother and for most of the book I didn't like him very much. He plays mind games and doesn't respect the boundaries Maverick sets. He expects Maverick to understand why he married her sister without giving her any explanation. Sometimes, however, you see a bit of the vulnerable man underneath the veneer.

The story line winds around lies and deception and as it is with all lies at some point they blow up in your face and let me tell you, I didn't see it coming. In the aftermath the heroine does something I have a moral dilemma with but she managed to get back in my good graces. Eventually she did make the right choice (although there wasn't any other option, really). Maverick's determination to get over Killian is strong but the question all along was if her love for Kael would be stronger.

One thing I'd like to mention, because it puzzled me in hindsight after all the revelations. The first chapter (and in between one or two more) didn't really make sense to me after I was done with the story. The way Maverick talked and lashed out didn't add up with the way things panned out in the end.

Overall this  was a highly enjoyable unusual ride and for the most part I loved the main characters. The story shows us that love comes in all flavors and shapes and isn't constant. It shifts and transforms as you grow and make room for change.

One thing I'd like to mention, because it puzzled me in hindsight after all the revelations. The first chapter (and in between one or two more) didn't really make sense to me after I was done with the story. The way Maverick talked and lashed out didn't add up with the way things panned out in the end.

Overall this  was a highly enjoyable unusual ride and for the most part I loved the main characters. The story shows us that love comes in all flavors and shapes and isn't constant. It shifts and transforms as you grow and make room for change.

There are different kinds of love.
There's the dreamy kind you always thought you wanted.
And then there's the steady one you never understood but the second you let yourself feel it, it's nothing like you could have imagined in your wildest dreams.

K.L. Kreig's writing style is flawless. She creates a complicated story and makes it seem effortless. If you love a story with a ton of steam and a twist that has you glued to the pages you should give this a try!

Excerpt ☆ Emma Chase ☆ Royally Screwed

     

ROYALLY SCREWED

by 

Emma Chase

Release Day: October 18, 2016

Emma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled Series & Legal Briefs Series, returns with the first of three sizzling standalone books about a family of racy, irresistible Royals. 

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka “His Royal Hotness”, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant—hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you. 

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn’t bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants. 

***
Dating a prince isn’t what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.

There’s a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they’ve traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces and haven’t chopped anyone’s head off lately—the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia—Nicholas is worth it.

***
Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is, but more importantly, who he wants to be: a King... or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.

Preorder:

iBooks | Amazon Print | Audible 

B&N | IndieBound | BAM!

        

The next week is blissfully uneventful. I address Palace business during the day, and spend my nights with Olivia—which are so much more than blissful.

While I work, she relaxes like I want her to. She walks the grounds and has found a friend in Franny. They’ve had lunch together a few times, which doesn’t exactly thrill me, but at the very least, I know she’s safe with Simon’s wife. 

Franny, and her forked tongue, will protect Olivia from the Lucy-types looking to wound her with their half-truths.

On the rare occasions my brother is sober, he becomes increasingly agitated—like he’s unable to sit still, to stand his own company, or any sound that resembles silence. Finally, he decides to throw a welcome home party for himself.

I’m in my bathroom preparing for his royal yacht party, just showered with a towel around my hips, scraping the last of the shaving cream off my jaw, when Olivia appears in the doorway.

I thought she was lovely from the first moment I saw her. But here, now—her bare, soft skin wrapped in a pink silk robe, her face glowing with well-rested happiness…she’s magnificent.

“So…do you guys have like a gift shop or a convenience store around here?”

I laugh. “A gift shop?”

She holds up a light blue disposable razor. “I’m out of razors. This one’s so dull I could run it over my tongue without drawing blood.”

“Let’s not test that theory. I like your tongue too much.” I wipe my chin with a towel. “I can have the staff bring one to your room.”

The devil on my shoulder—and the angel too—smack me upside the head. And they whisper a much better idea.

“Or…I could help you out.”

Her brows draw together. “Help me out? I can’t use your razor.”

“No, definitely not—you’d cut yourself to ribbons.” I finger the sharp, heavy straight blade. “What I mean is…I could shave for you.”

Her eyes darken, the way they do when she’s right on the edge—right before she comes. And she moves closer to me.

“Do you…want to do that?”

My gaze drags down, down, over every sumptuous inch of her body.

“Oh, yes.”

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

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All the Stars in the Universe for Emma Scott's Full Tilt

Full Tilt

(Full Tilt #1)

by

Emma Scott

I didn't think I had it in me still but this book...GOD! This book brought out the ugly crying  and it's nice to find out that I'm not dead inside. I have no words to say how much my heart aches for Kacey and Jonah.

Jonah is an industrial artist who lives for his work. He creates intricate beautiful things with glass. He keeps to a carefully crafted routine to make it to the deadline of the exhibit of Jonah's legacy and masterpiece. He doesn't let anything get in the way of his goal.

Kacey is a musician, on the brink to success...and sick and tired of the scene. Drowning her sorrow in alcohol and meaningless sex is her coping mechanism,  not only with the superficial world of music business but also with the lack of love in her life. One day when she has one drink too much, wrecked one bar too many, she ends up on the couch of her limo driver.

Jonah's and Kacey's connection is instant and while there is also a budding sexual attraction in the beginning their friendship is as innocent as it can get. They love to spend time together, making each other laugh comes naturally to them. A connection like this can't be contained though and soon feelings start to grow and turn into something else, something more. Yet, Jonah needs to keep Kacey at arms' length so he can meet the deadline of the exhibit. He offers her every part of his soul except the one piece that they both crave.

"I want to be able to kiss you if I feel like it, and I think you want that too. Like our first kiss at the casino. It was everything to me. Everything."
"It was for me too. I want to kiss you again. I want to kiss you so bad I can't breathe. I want to be with you every second of my life..."

Jonah is one of the most beautiful souls I've read in any book ever. He is kind, sweet, patient, lovable in every way. He has come to terms with the fact that he will never experience being in love and his courage in the face of his condition is nothing short of amazing. With Kacey he has found his perfect match. She is his light, sweet, funny and with the same kind of courage. She teaches Jonah that focusing on the journey gives you more happiness than living only for the goal. He teaches Kacey that his love is unconditional and all encompassing. Their love is pure, life changing even. Together they create magic.

This was in no way an easy read for me. While the story was peppered with humor and light moments there was always an undertone of sadness which made me dread coming to the end. I am glad that Jonah didn't experience a miracle healing, it would have taken away from the sincerity of Jonah's and Kacey's journey. That their potentially once in a lifetime love was cut short by a cruel fate, however, hurt so much. 

"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." I looked at Kacey sitting beside me. She is  not merely an ocean. She is an entire universe.

Emma Scott's effortless and gorgeous writing only adds to this beautiful pain. I haven't cried like this in years over a book. The secondary characters were endearing and I loved the big brother - little brother relationship between Jonah and Theo. They had a very special connection. 

Even days after reading this book I'm still stunned how much fictional characters make us feel, how we can grieve for them days after closing the book. This book is easily in the top three of this year's favorites, I would even go as far as to say it's one of my top 10 ever. I can't wait to read Kacey's and Theo's way to healing and hope that Jonah's legacy will be done justice and his life will be celebrated. What I'm left with is a pile of snotty tissues and the urge to rub the spot above my heart.

I want to close this review with two quotes from an actor who left this life too soon, yet impressed me with his wisdom beyond his years:

"Immortality is to live your life doing good things, and leaving your mark behind. The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering."

"Because we do not know when we will die, we get to think of life as an inexhaustible well. And yet everything happens only a certain number of times, and a very small number really. How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, an afternoon that is so deeply a part of your being that you cannot conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four, or five times more? Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless."

- Brandon Lee