“Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.” That was what my husband’s mistress told me the day I found out about their affair.
I didn’t believe it until five minutes later when mouth-watering celebrity chef Tanner Reese walked up, tossed his arm around my shoulders, and told my cheating husband to take a hike.
Tanner and I couldn’t have been more different. He spent his weekends at clubs, rubbing elbows with fellow A-listers. I spent mine in yoga pants with cheese boards and a glass of wine—or six.
Our relationship shouldn’t have worked, but it did. That is until Tanner proved to me that even though love happens when you least expect it…
So does heartbreak.
AVAILABLE NOW
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I shifted the phone to my other ear and asked her, “Did you just get in bed?”
“If, by bed, you mean carrying a glass of wine out back to swing in the hammock, maybe.”
I bit my bottom lip, my head falling back against the headrest. For most men, this would have been an innocuous statement. But for a hammock connoisseur like myself, this was the normal guy equivalent of her saying that she liked to give blowjobs during halftime.
“You have a hammock out back?”
There was a delay in her response, which was followed by a subtle kiss of her lips on what I assumed was a wine glass. “Don’t knock it until you try it. It’s one of the most underrated luxuries in outdoor furniture.”
“Oh, I’m not knocking anything. Rope or quilted?”
“Mayan, actually.”
“Oh, sweet heavenly baby Jesus, she’s beautiful and knows her hammocks. I’ve never been so turned on in my life.”
She giggled, pausing for another sip. “You know, if you leaked this hammock fetish to the press, you could probably increase demand by five million percent and singlehandedly lower the country’s unemployment rate.”
Okay, so at some point during the day, she’d figured out who I was.
But! Even with this knowledge, she was trying to avoid a date with me and was not elbow-deep in planning our televised wedding. This was a definite plus in my book.
“Yeah, but then, when I talked to beautiful women like yourself, I’d have no idea if the hammock was your idea or a ploy to impress me.”
“Jeez, that’s sad, Tanner,” she said, her sweet Southern accent like a wave rolling over my name.
I’d meant it as a joke, but it was the absolute truth when it came to dating. Early on in my career, I’d done a rapid-fire interview about my personal life. One of the questions had been: What would your ideal woman order on the first date? Truth be told, the only thing I hoped my ideal woman would order was something she wanted. I didn’t factor into that. But I’d been on my last question in my last interview of the last day of a month-long press tour. My face had hurt from fake smiling, I’d been in desperate need of a shower, a smoke, and sleep, and my mind had been mush, so I’d prattled off the first thing that had come to mind: shrimp and grits.
That one little answer somehow made it onto my Wiki page, and after that, every woman I’d taken out ordered shrimp and grits. One of them even had a shellfish allergy and nearly ended up in the hospital. And this insanity was not limited to women outside of the spotlight.
I’d once gone on a date with America’s princess of pop, Levee Williams. We’d hit it off at a charity event. For one of the most famous women in the world, she was a surprisingly nice girl, gorgeous, and funny as all get out. But the first time I took her out? One guess what she ordered.
I was at the end of my rope with dating and lost my freaking mind before storming out like an asshole. That night, as I was reporting shrimp and fucking grits as an error to Wiki, I noticed that her page listed it as her favorite food. I’d never had the balls to contact her again, and I once hid behind a palm tree on Rodeo Drive when I heard the clamoring of paparazzi calling her name. But that’s neither here nor there.
In short, while finding a woman was all too easy, dating was hard.
But that wasn’t about to stop me from trying with Rita.
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
“Sometimes love happens when you least expect it.” That was what my husband’s mistress told me the day I found out about their affair.
I didn’t believe it until five minutes later when mouth-watering celebrity chef Tanner Reese walked up, tossed his arm around my shoulders, and told my cheating husband to take a hike.
Tanner and I couldn’t have been more different. He spent his weekends at clubs, rubbing elbows with fellow A-listers. I spent mine in yoga pants with cheese boards and a glass of wine—or six.
Our relationship shouldn’t have worked, but it did. That is until Tanner proved to me that even though love happens when you least expect it…
So does heartbreak.
AVAILABLE NOW
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA
Originally from Savannah, Georgia, USA Today bestselling author Aly Martinez now lives in South Carolina with her four young children.
Never one to take herself too seriously, she enjoys cheap wine, mystery leggings, and baked feta. It should be known, however, that she hates pizza and ice cream, almost as much as writing her bio in the third person.
She passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a super-sized tumbler of wine by her side.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kendall Ryan comes a new story in her Whiskey Kisses series…
Everything’s bigger in Texas.
And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite.
Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.
When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.
After spending most of his life living in the shadow of his brother, Duke has something to prove, and he’s not about to let this distraction get in the way of his plans, no matter how hot things get.
**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
REVIEW
Good things come in small packages. Hunky Heartbreaker is a novella and it is so stinking funny, sweet, sexy, and romantic. This one is on Duke and Valentina. The first time they met in Duke’s kitchen he was hung-over, with tussled hair, barely clothed and he offered her a breakfast with a healthy portion of “sausages” . Valentina was not impressed. Valentina was called in for a favor to straighten out Duke and his twin brother Luke’s distillery. She has no interest in small town USA or the men in it, regardless of their sausage size Duke loves women. He has been called a player but he is more romantic than what he lets people see. Duke knows what happens with Valentina will be temporary as her life is back in the big city but that did not deter him from pursuing the gorgeous lawyer. They’re all adults, right? Nothing wrong with a little steamy good time in the sac! What happens when the time comes and Valentina has to go? Can Duke convince her that there is something or someone worth staying for? There is a little added drama toward the end that I did feel was disconnected with the story but overall an enjoyable read! Cute, hilarious, insta-love, and sexy as all get out.
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“I’ll drink to that,” I replied, flagging the bartender down for another round.
Just then some movement over Valentina’s shoulder caught my eye. A woman had just walked into the bar, her chin-length, curly brown hair bouncing with every step. Our eyes met, and she smiled like she knew me. I gave her a half smile back, which quickly faded when I realized who she was. Amber, my ex from college who’d moved away shortly after we graduated. Her hair was different, but her face was pretty much the same. The same round cheeks, full lips, pale blue eyes. Eyes that bore into mine as she turned the corner, making her way to our table.
It was then that I noticed she wasn’t alone. She had a boy with her, and when his gaze met mine, my stomach dropped.
That kid could have been my clone.
Brown hair, green eyes, same nose, same chin. He even had my same damn dimples. My heart was beating so hard, I thought it might jump right out from my throat. What the hell?
“Earth to Duke, are you paying for this round, or am I?” Valentina’s voice broke me from my panic just in time for Amber and the little boy to reach our table.
“Hey there, Duke. I was hoping I’d find you here.” Amber’s voice was just as sweet and syrupy as ever, but in that moment, it sounded to me like nails on a chalkboard. She smiled broadly at me, her hands on the boy’s shoulders, while the boy stared blankly up at me.
“Hey, Amber,” I said when I finally found my voice. “What’s it been, ten years?”
“Almost eleven.”
I nodded, my mind still spinning, and that’s when I noticed Valentina. She was sitting up perfectly straight, her lips pulled into a thin, taut line across her face. Her eyes were wide and trained on the boy’s face, her expression unreadable.
“This is Valentina,” I said, gesturing to her, but the moment the words left my mouth, Valentina stood and grabbed her purse.
“I was just leaving,” she said, quickly tucking her chair in behind her and forcing a smile at Amber and the boy.
“Valentina—”
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 1.5 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. She’s a traditionally published author with Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins UK, as well as an independently published author. Since she first began self-publishing in 2012, she’s appeared at #1 on Barnes & Noble and iBooks charts around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine.
Visit her at: www.kendallryanbooks.com for the latest book news, and fun extras
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“Sometimes love happens unexpectedly…”
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K Bromberg, comes CONTROL, a new novella in her Everyday Heroes Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!
About CONTROL:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new story in her Everyday Heroes series…
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
REVIEW:
Control is a standalone novella, a love story between Desi and Reznor. I love this couple and I wish there were more. Since this is a short story, the author does not waste any time introducing us to the sizzling hot chemistry between the lovers. I love Desi’s personality – feisty, fierce, and a bit quirky. Desi is looking to take a self-defense class and she might have sassed her instructor by accident in the waiting room but I think she might have met her perfect match! Reznor is taking a break from his high intensity SWAT officer job. He thought it would be a nice idea to teach self-defense class to women but what he quickly found out is that there is nothing easy about teaching the sassy, sexy new student. Desi might be the toughest challenge yet! Desi has a not so good history with men and she is not interested in any commitment. She will be a tough nut to crack! Is Reznor up for the task? You have to read and find out. Honestly though, Control is quite a fun, sexy and entertaining read. I love the witty banters, the sizzling sexual chemistry, and their swoony romance. Highly recommended!!!
Grab your copy of CONTROL today!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU
Download the Free Kindle App
“K. Bromberg always delivers intelligently written, emotionally intense, sensual romance . . .”
—USA Today
EXCERPT:
Men are on women.
Women are on women.
Grunts and groans fill the air.
There is cheering from the sidelines as bystanders watch them writhe and buck and try to get the other off them.
“It’s like a big orgy in here,” I say to the woman standing beside me. I don’t know her, but she’s standing like we are, back against the gym wall, eyes glued to the men and women fighting for positioning—moving, bucking, defending—on the mats where they’re lying.
She emits a nervous laugh and looks to me. Prim and proper, she resembles a Stepford wife, and all I can think is that her ladies’ club decided to do this together and she’s the only one who decided to show up.
At least I’m not the only one nervous about being here. There could be worse things I guess…like actually needing to use the skills I’m supposed to learn here in Sunnyville Self Defense Class to protect myself.
A group at the far side of the gym erupts in applause, and I stand on my tiptoes to see a woman standing with her foot on the instructor’s throat while he’s lying on the mat. His red SSDC T-shirt matches everyone else standing around trying to look official with a whistle and gym pants on.
“Exactly,” a deep rumble of a voice on the other side of me says.
I glance over and whoa…all my attention shifts from the grunts and groans on the floor to how I wouldn’t mind grunting and groaning with the man on his cell beside me. Our gazes meet for the briefest of seconds—chocolate-brown eyes giving me a passing glance and a curt smile before turning back to whoever is on the phone while watching the action beyond.
Taking my time and trying not to pay attention to HottieMcTotty, I scan the gym. Basic blue gymnastic mats cover the majority of the hardwood floors, basketball hoops hang from the lofty ceiling but have been drawn up, and championship banners hang, partially hiding the painted mural of the Sunnyville High School mascot on the wall at the far end.
But no matter how hard I try to not look back at him, that is where my attention lands. He’s a good six inches taller than I am, has dark hair, and his body beneath his Under Armour workout shirt hints at how ridiculously fit he is. His bicep closest to me stretches the fabric and is covered in a dizzying tattooed array of colors and images I can’t openly look at to decipher. You can only do so much with a sideways stare.
But his voice. It’s like liquid sex with a rasp and a rumble and a whole earth-shattering orgasm in between.
Hello to you, Mister A-Little-Rugged-And-Whole-Lot-Sexy.
I listen to him talk. Not stalkerish-like…well, maybe stalkerish-like, but damn if the background of grunting and groaning only serves to enhance the things my mind is dreaming up.
And then it hits me.
He’s not here as an instructor—no red SSDC shirt on. So that means he’s here as a boyfriend or a husband and therefore completely off limits.
Damn it.
If he were an instructor, I’d make sure to be in his group so he could grind on me for a bit…and I’m talking the pelvis kind of grind…if I’m being truthful.
About K Bromberg:
New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.
She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.
On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled).
Website | Facebook | Twitter
“Sometimes love happens unexpectedly…”
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K Bromberg, comes CONTROL, a new novella in her Everyday Heroes Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!
About CONTROL:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new story in her Everyday Heroes series…
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
Grab your copy of CONTROL today!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU
Download the Free Kindle App
REVIEW
Control is a standalone novella, a love story between Desi and Reznor. I love this couple and I wish there were more. Since this is a short story, the author does not waste any time introducing us to the sizzling hot chemistry between the lovers. I love Desi’s personality – feisty, fierce, and a bit quirky. Desi is looking to take a self-defense class and she might have sassed her instructor by accident in the waiting room J but I think she might have met her perfect match! Reznor is taking a break from his high intensity SWAT officer job. He thought it would be a nice idea to teach self-defense class to women but what he quickly found out is that there is nothing easy about teaching the sassy, sexy new student. Desi might be the toughest challenge yet! Desi has a not so good history with men and she is not interested in any commitment. She will be a tough nut to crack! Is Reznor up for the task? You have to read and find out. Honestly though, Control is quite a fun, sexy and entertaining read. I love the witty banters, the sizzling sexual chemistry, and their swoony romance. Highly recommended!!!
“K. Bromberg always delivers intelligently written, emotionally intense, sensual romance . . .”
—USA Today
EXCERPT:
Men are on women.
Women are on women.
Grunts and groans fill the air.
There is cheering from the sidelines as bystanders watch them writhe and buck and try to get the other off them.
“It’s like a big orgy in here,” I say to the woman standing beside me. I don’t know her, but she’s standing like we are, back against the gym wall, eyes glued to the men and women fighting for positioning—moving, bucking, defending—on the mats where they’re lying.
She emits a nervous laugh and looks to me. Prim and proper, she resembles a Stepford wife, and all I can think is that her ladies’ club decided to do this together and she’s the only one who decided to show up.
At least I’m not the only one nervous about being here. There could be worse things I guess…like actually needing to use the skills I’m supposed to learn here in Sunnyville Self Defense Class to protect myself.
A group at the far side of the gym erupts in applause, and I stand on my tiptoes to see a woman standing with her foot on the instructor’s throat while he’s lying on the mat. His red SSDC T-shirt matches everyone else standing around trying to look official with a whistle and gym pants on.
“Exactly,” a deep rumble of a voice on the other side of me says.
I glance over and whoa…all my attention shifts from the grunts and groans on the floor to how I wouldn’t mind grunting and groaning with the man on his cell beside me. Our gazes meet for the briefest of seconds—chocolate-brown eyes giving me a passing glance and a curt smile before turning back to whoever is on the phone while watching the action beyond.
Taking my time and trying not to pay attention to HottieMcTotty, I scan the gym. Basic blue gymnastic mats cover the majority of the hardwood floors, basketball hoops hang from the lofty ceiling but have been drawn up, and championship banners hang, partially hiding the painted mural of the Sunnyville High School mascot on the wall at the far end.
But no matter how hard I try to not look back at him, that is where my attention lands. He’s a good six inches taller than I am, has dark hair, and his body beneath his Under Armour workout shirt hints at how ridiculously fit he is. His bicep closest to me stretches the fabric and is covered in a dizzying tattooed array of colors and images I can’t openly look at to decipher. You can only do so much with a sideways stare.
But his voice. It’s like liquid sex with a rasp and a rumble and a whole earth-shattering orgasm in between.
Hello to you, Mister A-Little-Rugged-And-Whole-Lot-Sexy.
I listen to him talk. Not stalkerish-like…well, maybe stalkerish-like, but damn if the background of grunting and groaning only serves to enhance the things my mind is dreaming up.
And then it hits me.
He’s not here as an instructor—no red SSDC shirt on. So that means he’s here as a boyfriend or a husband and therefore completely off limits.
Damn it.
If he were an instructor, I’d make sure to be in his group so he could grind on me for a bit…and I’m talking the pelvis kind of grind…if I’m being truthful.
About K Bromberg:
New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.
She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.
On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled).
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Kaine Reynolds wants nothing more than solitude. After an unthinkable tragedy destroys his family, he’s cut off all ties to his former life so he can battle his grief the only way he knows how.W
Alone.
So when Piper Campbell knocks on his door, rambling on about being his new neighbor, he slams the door in her face.
But Kaine’s gruff demeanor doesn’t scare her. She’s set on living in Montana and starting over after a terrible divorce. And she wouldn’t mind having a fling to chase away the pain of her husband’s betrayal. Her handsome, albeit rude, neighbor is the perfect candidate.
Yet what neither of them suspect is that their no-strings affair will result in the surprise of Piper’s lifetime—and Kaine’s worst fear.
MY REVIEW
OMG!!! All the feels! Emotional, heartfelt, beautiful. Simply amazing! Tragic is my new favorite from this author and if you are familiar with this author her books are absolutely fabulous!!! Piper is recently divorced who moved to Montana for some fresh air and more importantly a fresh start. Everything is going seemingly well except for her new neighbor Kaine. The first time they met he slammed the door at her face! Totally rude, grumpy, and infuriating. Why is Kaine this way? Well, Piper is hell bent on finding out the real man behind all the gruffy attitude. My goodness! Kaine’s story really is heartbreaking … so much tragedy, sadness and suffering. I don’t think I have any tears left. Kaine is trying his best but you can tell that he is failing at life. I really love Piper. She is a bit quirky but has a huge heart, sweet, caring, and compassionate. What I love most about Piper is that she is patience and she never gives up on Kaine. Piper is also such a selfless person. She too has been betrayed and hurt by the person she trusted the most. She came to Montana to mend her heart and together Kaine and Piper helped each other heal and find solace.
This book was quite an unexpected surprise. A beautiful story about grief, healing, forgiveness, passion, friendship and love – it sure tugs on all my heart strings. Emotional, heartfelt, intense, angsty, and well … I never turn down a happily ever after romance. Best one of this series in my opinion – beautifully written and a brilliant storyline. This is book # 3 but all can be read as standalone. Cannot wait for Tinsel of course, but tell me who is super intrigued with Isaiah??? I NEED one on HIM. Redemption and second chance please!!!!
AVAILABLE NOW
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READ THE PROLOGUE FOR TRAGIC HERE
Devney is the USA Today bestselling author of the Jamison Valley series. She lives in Montana with her husband and two children. After working in the technology industry for nearly a decade, she abandoned conference calls and project schedules to enjoy a slower pace at home with her kids. She loves reading and, after consuming hundreds of books, decided to share her own stories. Devney loves hearing from readers! Connect with her on social media.
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DIRTY SEXY GAMES (Dirty Games Book 2) by Laurelin Paige
Release Date: November 6th
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer: Laurelin Paige & Tom Barnes
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Amazon: amzn.to/2JHyJRQ
Amazon International: mybook.to/DirtySexyGames
iBooks: apple.co/2LGGB3y
Kobo: https://laurl.in/dsgkobo
Nook: https://laurl.in/dsgnook
Google Play: https://laurl.in/dsg-gp
Start the duet here…
#Free Prologue – Dirty Sexy Bastard
→ laurl.in/DirtySexyBastard
#Read Book 1 – Dirty Sexy Player
→ laurl.in/DirtySexyPlayer
Just a recap: Elizabeth is a gorgeous young heiress but she can’t get her hands on her late father media’s empire unless she is married (daddy’s stipulation). Elizabeth’s cousin is slowly destroying her father’s legacy. Elizabeth is desperate to save her father company but her hands are tied. When Donovan, owner of Advertising Company proposed Elizabeth fake marry one of his co-owner Weston – she jump at the opportunity. OMG! I just love the angst and the love/hate relationship between Elizabeth and Weston. They absolutely cannot stand each other. Elizabeth is gorgeous, driven but inexperience. Weston is smart, confident, successful and the biggest player. They know how to push each other button well and holy moly the sexual tension is off the chart. What happen when fake marriage turned real?
At the end of book one, Weston received some very unexpected news right before the wedding. Just when Elizabeth and Weston finally professed their love for each other for real this time … they might have to be separated!!!!
Book two picked up where Weston and Elizabeth went on their honeymoon. They are determined to get to know each other a lot better. Holly hotness this book. Weston is totally alpha and dominant in the bedroom, Elizabeth couldn’t stand a chance. Talk about STEAMY – panty dropping hot! They were having a great time but Weston is distracted by a secret that he yet to reveal to Elizabeth. Sometimes, I just want to hit Weston in the head with my kindle for taking his sweet time. So many missed-opportunities – I get it! They were too busy sucking face. What happened though when Elizabeth found out the truth about Weston’s past. Newlyweds need time for adjustment but adding secret to the equation will be extremely difficult for the new bride to handle. Elizabeth was hurt and it will take a lot of groveling for Elizabeth to forgive. I really love Weston in this book – sweet, vulnerable, completely head over heal for his new bride. Elizabeth is sweetheart. She is adorable, caring, beautiful inside and out. I love the passion, the chemistry between Weston and Elizabeth. The dialogues are witty and hilarious at times. Laurelin writes incredibly sexy stories. Well written, entertaining and unputdownable. A gorgeous ending to Dirty Games duet!
Add to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39332185-dirty-sexy-games
BLURB
The conclusion of the surprising love story begun in Dirty Sexy Player.
I didn’t have a plan for him.
He was the means to an end, a workaround to the cruel terms of my father’s will that would allow me to inherit his company.
I hadn’t planned to fall for him.
I hadn’t planned to enjoy every minute of our wedding, hadn’t planned to gasp his name so many times that night, hadn’t planned for the sexy games on our honeymoon.
He didn’t plan for his secrets to come out.
And neither of us planned for heartbreak.
EXCERPT
As soon as we were in our suite, the bomb exploded, the bomb being Elizabeth. “We’re alone now, so just tell me straight. You knew I was always going to France. If you wanted to be with me, you had to know it would involve living there. Is that not something you’ll even consider? Is it Sabrina? Is it Reach? Is it Donovan? Because if it’s fucking Donovan who’s keeping you from—”
I grabbed her hands, which were flying in midair as she yelled, and pulled them behind her back at her waist as I cut her off with a searing kiss, my tongue plunging into her open mouth, robbing her of oxygen.
When she was thoroughly kissed, her lips pliable, her body sagging in my arms, I let her go.
“I’m tired, Elizabeth. I’m not discussing fucking anything tonight.” I took off my tuxedo jacket and threw it on the desk. Then I began working on my cufflinks. “What I think we both need now is to release some tension.”
Her spine straightened, her neck growing longer as she stared at me in shock. “You think we’re going to have sex now?”
I loved how she made it sound disgusting, like she wasn’t interested, even when I’d just been kissing her and had felt the lean in her body, had tasted the desire in her mouth.
Two could play the indifference game.
I shrugged. “I’m fucking someone tonight. If you want it to be you, you better take off your dress.”
Her mouth slammed shut, and she only seemed to consider it for two seconds before she was fumbling with the zipper at her back. She struggled with it, but I didn’t help her. It made me stiff to watch her frantically trying to strip down, just because I told her to. Just because she thought I might find a better offer if she didn’t.
Like there was a better offer than her.
Like there was anyone but her.
I didn’t take my eyes off her as I unbuttoned my vest and tossed it to the side with my jacket. I’d loosened my tie by the time she got her dress undone. It fell to the floor and she was left wearing a strapless corseted bra, one that had a low back so it couldn’t be seen with her dress on, and matching lace panties—both in a white ivory so virginal and bridal it seemed dirty.
Jesus, she was a fucking wet dream.
And she was my wife.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With over 1.7 million books sold world wide, Laurelin Paige is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author. She is a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there’s kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn’t seem to complain, however. When she isn’t reading or writing sexy stories, she’s probably singing, watching Game of Thrones or The Walking Dead, or dreaming of Michael Fassbender. She’s also a proud member of Mensa International though she doesn’t do anything with the organization except use it as material for her bio. She is represented by Rebecca Friedman.
CONNECT WITH LAURELIN PAIGE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaurelinPaige/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2knJOrx
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laurelin-paige
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“Sometimes love happens unexpectedly…”
From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author K Bromberg, comes CONTROL, a new novella in her Everyday Heroes Series, brought to you by 1,001 Dark Nights! Be sure to grab your copy today!
About CONTROL:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K. Bromberg comes a new story in her Everyday Heroes series…
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
Grab your copy of CONTROL today!
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon AU
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“K. Bromberg always delivers intelligently written, emotionally intense, sensual romance . . .”
—USA Today
EXCERPT:
Men are on women.
Women are on women.
Grunts and groans fill the air.
There is cheering from the sidelines as bystanders watch them writhe and buck and try to get the other off them.
“It’s like a big orgy in here,” I say to the woman standing beside me. I don’t know her, but she’s standing like we are, back against the gym wall, eyes glued to the men and women fighting for positioning—moving, bucking, defending—on the mats where they’re lying.
She emits a nervous laugh and looks to me. Prim and proper, she resembles a Stepford wife, and all I can think is that her ladies’ club decided to do this together and she’s the only one who decided to show up.
At least I’m not the only one nervous about being here. There could be worse things I guess…like actually needing to use the skills I’m supposed to learn here in Sunnyville Self Defense Class to protect myself.
A group at the far side of the gym erupts in applause, and I stand on my tiptoes to see a woman standing with her foot on the instructor’s throat while he’s lying on the mat. His red SSDC T-shirt matches everyone else standing around trying to look official with a whistle and gym pants on.
“Exactly,” a deep rumble of a voice on the other side of me says.
I glance over and whoa…all my attention shifts from the grunts and groans on the floor to how I wouldn’t mind grunting and groaning with the man on his cell beside me. Our gazes meet for the briefest of seconds—chocolate-brown eyes giving me a passing glance and a curt smile before turning back to whoever is on the phone while watching the action beyond.
Taking my time and trying not to pay attention to HottieMcTotty, I scan the gym. Basic blue gymnastic mats cover the majority of the hardwood floors, basketball hoops hang from the lofty ceiling but have been drawn up, and championship banners hang, partially hiding the painted mural of the Sunnyville High School mascot on the wall at the far end.
But no matter how hard I try to not look back at him, that is where my attention lands. He’s a good six inches taller than I am, has dark hair, and his body beneath his Under Armour workout shirt hints at how ridiculously fit he is. His bicep closest to me stretches the fabric and is covered in a dizzying tattooed array of colors and images I can’t openly look at to decipher. You can only do so much with a sideways stare.
But his voice. It’s like liquid sex with a rasp and a rumble and a whole earth-shattering orgasm in between.
Hello to you, Mister A-Little-Rugged-And-Whole-Lot-Sexy.
I listen to him talk. Not stalkerish-like…well, maybe stalkerish-like, but damn if the background of grunting and groaning only serves to enhance the things my mind is dreaming up.
And then it hits me.
He’s not here as an instructor—no red SSDC shirt on. So that means he’s here as a boyfriend or a husband and therefore completely off limits.
Damn it.
If he were an instructor, I’d make sure to be in his group so he could grind on me for a bit…and I’m talking the pelvis kind of grind…if I’m being truthful.
About K Bromberg:
New York Times bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines, and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.
She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.
On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift), and a novella (UnRaveled).
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Okay so, I feel like this book warrants a few warnings but I can see why the authors did not do it. I cannot reveal any warnings either without spoiling it. I think you just have to go in with an open mind. This story happens in war time and you know war is a total mess. The unimaginable happens, and no one comes out of it the same person ever again. The hero and heroine in this book is FLAWED, BROKEN and DAMAGED physically and emotionally. It’s not an easy book read. It is INTENSE and BRUTALLY HONEST. Some parts I could not stomach and needed a break from reading. I felt sick because I know it is the absolute TRUTH!
Katy and her husband are both soldiers in the military. Katy left her husband and son for a tour of duty in Iraq. There she met a group of people and they bonded. One man Briggs, especially stood out from the group. Briggs is a shameless flirt. He has no problem letting Katy know how he felt and he knows the chemistry that is sizzling between them isn’t one way. Katy fights off her attraction for Briggs until the unthinkable happened. After months of tortuous nightmares and the trauma that Katy and Brigg suffer they finally come home. What they did not expect was that their lives were forever changed. No matter how hard they tried, what they shared on those fateful days in Iraq cannot be forgotten. God, I have to say I am very conflicted about Katy and Briggs relationship but you know the saying “you cannot judge people until you have walked in someone else’s shoes” – that is exactly how I feel. Blame it on the circumstances or whatever … but one thing’s for certain – the heart does not choose who to love. What I love most about Kate Stewart is that she is honest in her story – edgy, controversial, complicated – no APOLOGIES. Like it or not she is who she is!!!
Heartbreak Warfare is so much more than a love story though. It’s heartbreaking, raw, emotional, and haunting. It’s depicting what war can do to people. War is UGLY. It wrecked people, leaves SCARS and CHANGES people!!! It makes me think long and hard about the heroes out there protecting our country while I am in my warm bed at night. It is about forgiveness to others and oneself. I have read reviews that the ending wrapped up what appears to be happily ever after all around but personally I don’t think of it that way … I don’t think anyone can be “fixed” and “cured” after a few rounds of therapy. The hero and heroine are surviving. It will always be a work in progress of getting heathier each day. Am I sad that innocent people got hurt in the process? YES! But in reality, everyone moves on and that is part of life.
Heather and Kate are truly BRILLIANT in both their writing and creating this EPIC love story!
This book CHANGED ME! Thank you!
the day I broke your heart. What you didn’t know was that I was breaking mine
too.
I thought they’d be enough–my husband and my son. That I’d get home and
everything would go back to the way it was . . .
Before the war.
Before the ambush.
Before you.
But, no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the trauma we shared. I can’t seem
to forget the way my heart beat in time with yours.
The truth is I’m lost without you.
I thought the nightmare was over when they pulled us from that hole in the
ground, but nothing could have prepared me for the war I’d face at home.
I know it’s selfish of me to ask, but, please, I have to see you one last time.
. .
All my love,
Scottie
to break my heart,” she declares, wringing her hands nervously. “Give me a
reason to hate you, because wanting you this way is…it’s ruining me. It’s
ruining my life.”
serious.
chin, as if ready to take a blow, her turbulent eyes implore mine. “Tell me
about them. Tell me about all of the women you’ve been with since Germany.”
shake my head. “Hell no.”
Briggs. How long did you wait? A few days?” She laughs sarcastically. “I bet
you didn’t even make it a day.”
coming out guns blazing, and I can see it’s physically killing her to do it.
playing the guessing game? Do I get to ask how many times you’ve fucked your
husband?”
says with a shrug. “We’ll trade. You go first.”
bluffing, and I’m calling her on it.
this, Scottie. You don’t really want to hear about that.”
Briggs.” Her eyes plead with mine. “I need to hear this.”
want the truth?”
honesty?”
bobs her head.
stock-still as I pace the small room, feeling the blood begin to boil beneath
my overheated skin.
back toward her, stopping inches away. “You really want to know that there have
been so many that I’ve lost count? How they’re all blondes with blue eyes? But
the blue, it’s never right, and their smiles—all wrong.”
at the fresh tears that trail down her cheeks as her lips begin to tremble.
Reaching out, she places a hand on my chest, and I know that she must feel the
way my heart is pounding against my rib cage, reaching for her. Always reaching
for her.
myself away and brand that touch to memory.
forty-five seconds, my heart is going to implode. I start ticking them down.
me to tell you all about how I have to drink myself stupid, till their faces
blur enough that I can pretend…” I pause running a hand down my face. “So that
I can pretend they’re you? You want to know how fucking miserable I am? How
when I slide between their legs, I close my eyes, and it’s your face I see? How
I’m always careful not to kiss them because their lips are all wrong. How every
time I finish I want to fucking kill myself, because I can’t stand the pain of
wanting the one woman I can never have.”
seconds.
me yet?”
crumbling, she gasps out a sob, wrapping her arms around her shoulders.
Scottie. Let’s not kid ourselves. I’m still the same prick you hated when we
met. Nothing’s changed. I think we’ve romanticized this situation long enough,
don’t you?”
another step away from her, I tilt my head. “You’re a housewife,” I say
snidely. “Someone else’s wife and I’m a career soldier. This isn’t exactly
ideal.”
flinches visibly, and my heart bottoms out.
hand through the air. “At the end of the day, this was nothing but a big
mistake. And we never would have happened if—”
cries out painfully, “stop, I’m good,” she whispers before rocketing toward the
door just as I reach for her, my fingers curling in the space she just left.
Handle in hand, she looks back at me with the sweep of her eyes until they meet
mine. That’s how we started, and it’s only fitting it’s how we should end. For
the moment, we’re right back there in the place we created, where we are
perfect. Where our souls line up without any visible smudge on the seams. In a
place where there is still so much love, so much that I can’t stop the tear
that slides out before batting it away with the back of my hand.
identical tear runs down her cheek. “Thank you.”
One.
her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy,
angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic
suspense because it’s what she loves as a reader.
rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for
necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.
