Excerpt

Blog Tour & Review: Morgan by Riley Hart

Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before

Morgan, an all-new friends to lovers, small town, M/M romance from bestselling author Riley Hart is now available!

When I left Birchbark angry and heartbroken, I vowed never to return.

Fate had other plans.

The father I hate had a stroke, so now I’m back in the Upper Peninsula to take care of him. The locals treat Dad like royalty, while Dad vacillates between open anger and flat-out ignoring me. Throw in my messy relationship with my brothers, and being in Birchbark becomes unbearable.

The only saving grace is Dusty, my childhood best friend. He’s always had my back, save for one night ten years ago that changed everything.  Despite my endless family drama, Dusty becomes my solace, and it’s not long before our emotional connection becomes more. Dusty worships my body in ways no man has before, but more importantly, he’s stolen my heart. Except Dusty’s home is here, and mine is in Santa Monica, as far away as I can get.

While I’m battling it out with Dad and trying to hold the family together, my every impulse is to leave the first chance I get. But I can’t leave Dusty behind. Not again. If I want a chance at real happiness, I’ve got to work through this anger and grief…even if the hits keep coming.

Morgan is a small-town, friends-to-lovers romance with all the feels, heat, and character development you expect from a Riley Hart novel. It deals with themes of grief, loss of a parent/sibling (off-page), and toxic family relationships.

Jenn Review

4.5 Stars

I am really excited about this series and I loved Morgan! This book just hit me in the feels right from the start and I really didn’t want to put it down. I love a second chance story and this one really hits all the marks for a really good one – you’ve got best friends, a big misunderstanding, a ten year grudge, dysfunctional family and two men who’ve been in love with each other for their whole lives who may just finally get their chance to find happiness.

Morgan is returning to his hometown after his father has a stroke, it’s not something he wants to do because everything there is bad memories and pain but he’s said he’d come home to help for the summer. That means dealing with his brothers and his father but it also means Dusty, the man he ran away from 10 years ago. But, no matter what happened, these two still have deep deep feelings for each other and that’s evident from the first time they see each other again. There is a lot of pain that these two have to work through, but there’s so much love between them that once they start working through things they both very much want to make it work this time around.

I really loved Morgan and Dusty together, they are just the definition of meant to be! Morgan has lived a very lonely, closed off life since moving away and having Dusty back makes him see what real happiness looks like. And while they find each other pretty quickly, it’s not an easy journey, Morgan still has to work through his relationships with his brothers Rhett and Easton as well as his father. There’s a lot that unfolds for this family, some absolutely heart wrenching and some heartwarming.

I really did love this book and loved seeing Morgan and Dusty find the true love and happiness they’ve always deserved! I am looking forward to more in this series and really hoping we get all of the brothers’ books! A definitely must read!

Start reading today!

FREE in Kindle Unlimited

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Keep reading for a look inside Morgan!

Easton is thirty minutes late. This is the first time in two months, so I try not to get too frustrated, but it’s hard. Because Morgan spent so much time taking care of his family, I spent a lot of time with them too. In many ways, Easton feels like a little brother to me. While people on the outside know what the Swifts have been through, I saw it from the inside. I felt it through Morgan, as much as someone other than a Swift could feel it. So yeah, I have a bond with Easton. I care about him a whole hell of a lot, but this is also my place of business, and being professional is important to me. “Sorry I’m late,” the tattooed blond in question says as he comes in through the shop’s heavy metal door. Dusty’s Collision Repair is my baby. I’ve always loved putting cars back together—not the fixing of mechanical parts as much as the body work. It’s really all I’ve ever wanted, which is why Easton not taking it as seriously is like sandpaper against my skin. Leaning against the wall, I stare at him a moment. Sometimes it’s hard to believe he’s the same little kid who was the first diaper I ever changed, hard to believe he’s Morgan’s little brother. As far as I know, my ex-best friend doesn’t have any tattoos, and Easton is covered in them. He’s the only Swift who didn’t go to college or who has a record. I guess it’s possible those things have changed with Morgan in the last ten years, but I doubt it. “East, we talked about this. You know your shit—you’re probably the best apprentice I’ve ever had—and it’s clear to me how much you love it.” I’m not sure East has ever loved anything the way he does auto body work, much to Mayor Swift’s dismay. “But I can’t keep letting you get away with—” “Morgan’s back,” he interrupts, making my heart drop to my gut. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, not with Gregory’s stroke, but then I know how Morgan feels about his dad, and about Rhett—and clearly about me since he left town and never spoke to me again. I wasn’t sure my goddamned heart would ever recover. Sometimes I’m still not sure it has. Case in point, my words are still lost to me after the two simple ones East spoke. Morgan’s back. I clear my throat. “And you were with him?” Easton shakes his head. “Haven’t seen him yet. Just thought you might want to know. I won’t be late again.” Cleary done with the conversation, East heads over to the SUV we’re fixing after it was rear-ended, and he gets right to work. I shouldn’t let him get away with that. I should say something, any-fucking-thing, but I don’t. Morgan is back. I’ve often wondered how much Easton or their dad know about our loss of friendship. Rhett is at the center of it, so he knows. Plus, he and I struck up a friendship after Morgan left. Rhett and Morgan went years without talking at all, but now they call each other when it has to do with the family. Rhett wanted to tell him to call me, but I nipped that in the bud. No good would come of it. All it would do is make Morgan pull away even more. The idea of Rhett going to him about anything would get him all up in his head, automatically on the defensive. The Swifts are all tangled in so much family drama, so much pain, that none of them can see any of it clearly. Not my problem. None of it is my problem. But I’ve sure as shit done a good job keeping myself entangled with them my whole damn life. First through my friendship with Morgan, and then in the way it was blown to hell. “Fuck,” I groan to myself before heading to the paint stall, where I have a Honda waiting for me, hoping it will keep my mind off the Swifts, but knowing it won’t.

For more information about Riley Hart and her books, visit her website:

https://www.rileyhartwrites.com

Excerpt Reveal: The Surrogate by Penelope Ward

Title: The Surrogate
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Age Gap/Widower/Found Family
Forbidden/Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Release Date: February 26, 2024
BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward comes a new, STANDALONE novel…

ABBY:
I’m falling for the father of the baby I’m carrying.
The problem is: it’s not my baby.
And the broody widower is not looking for a long-term partner.
As a surrogate, the deal was that I’d only be in England long enough to give birth.
At first, the man seemed as pretentious as his name: Sigmund Benedictus.
He and I butted heads.
Sig challenged my intentions, accused me of just wanting to do this for the money.
Gradually, he learned to trust me.
He even became protective.
Over time, our heated animosity turned into fiery chemistry.
I was falling in love with him.
But my time here had a limit.
I needed to protect my heart from the devastatingly gorgeous older man who’d end up breaking it.

SIG:
When my in-laws told me they wanted to use my dead wife’s eggs to conceive a grandchild, I wasn’t immediately on board.
They swore that on her deathbed Britney told them it was what she wanted—but only if I fathered the baby. Her parents insisted they would be the ones to raise it.
Against my better judgment, I agreed.
I vowed to keep my heart out of it, though.
I’d continue to pretend it wasn’t happening and live the empty, single life I’d become accustomed to the past five years since Britney died.
And despite the fact that a certain younger American named Abby Knickerbocker had awakened things inside me that I thought were long dead…
I most certainly wouldn’t fall in love with the surrogate.

PRE-ORDER LINKS
**No Amazon e-book preorder.
Both the Kindle version and man-cover paperback will go live on/around release day. 
The current paperback preorder is for the special-edition cover only.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

AGE GAP

WIDOWER
BRITISH HERO
FOUND FAMILY
SLOW BURN
FORBIDDEN
ENEMIES-TO-FRIENDS-TO-LOVERS
EXCERPT
Copyright © 2023

By Penelope Ward
My phone rang, and I looked down to find it was Lourdes, a woman I’d hung out with over a year ago. She’d been texting me lately to get together, and I’d been ignoring her messages. I silenced the ringer.
“Who was that?” Abby asked.
“Someone named—none of your business.”
“A woman? Is that why you’re in such a rush to get back to London?”
“Trust me, I haven’t met anyone worth rushing anywhere for.”
“Well, excuse me, Mr. Picky.”
I rolled over a bit to face her, resting my chin on my hand. “You think it’s odd to be selective?”
“I don’t think you’re being selective. I think you’re closed off to everyone. There’s a difference.”
“You seem to have me pegged, but what about you? Why are you single?”
“I had a bad experience, as I think I’ve mentioned, and haven’t felt like having my heart toyed with again.”
“How long ago was that? The guy who broke up with you…”
“Nearly three years now.”
“But you’ve dated since that breakup.”
“Yeah. There’ve been a few brief…”
“Hookups?” I arched a brow.
“I guess I can admit that now that you’re not actively assessing my character.”
“Why would I judge you for that? Sex is natural—necessary for survival, if you ask me.”
“You just don’t want to have anything to do with the women after.”
Unable to deny it, I shrugged. “There haven’t been that many women since Britney. At least nothing compared to when I was younger. Most of the time, I meet someone and decide not to go through with anything. But of the encounters I have had, yeah, it’s never mattered whether I saw them again.”
“What was different about Britney? I mean, when you met her? How did you know she was the one?”
My chest constricted. “I’d love to be able to give you a less cliché answer—because I hate clichés—but I just knew. After about an hour together, I never wanted to be apart from her.”
“Fair enough. They say that’s what happens sometimes. You just know.”
“You’ve never experienced that?”
“Nope.” Abby shook her head. “Still waiting for it to happen to me.” She smiled. “Anyway, for the record, I don’t just hook up with people randomly, like some people.” She elbowed me. “I have to know them first.”
“Knowing you, Abby, I can’t imagine you not asking someone a million questions before you sleep with them.”
“Well, yeah. I need to know who I’m dealing with. I’m not going to waste my time with anyone who’s not a good person—even if I’m wildly attracted to them.”
“Sometimes less is more,” I mumbled.
“This from the man who interrogated me the first time he met me.”
“Well, I need to know a bit more about someone who’s going to be carrying my child than I would someone I’m merely going to…”
“F*ck?” She finished my sentence.
The word on her tongue gave me an unwanted thrill. I wouldn’t have minded hearing her say it a few more times, which probably meant I needed my head checked.
“You wanna go?” she asked.
Somehow I’d forgotten my urgency to leave. I’d become pretty comfortable in this spot on the hay. It wasn’t about the hay at all, though, was it?
“Well, now you’ve made me lazy. You’re a bad influence, Knickerbocker.”
She leaned her head on her hand. “Why don’t you just sleep at the inn tonight? Lavinia loves your company.”
“She’ll be conked out by the time we get back there, but I suppose you have a point. At this hour, I might as well just drive into London with you in the morning.”
“You keep work clothes at The Bainbridge, right?”
“Yes. I have everything I need in my room.” I looked out through the barn door. It was now completely nightfall. “Now that it’s dark, you need to be careful driving back.”
“You’ll be behind me anyway, in case I run into trouble, right?”
“Well, you won’t find me driving in front of you ever again,” I teased.
“Good one.” She laughed as she stood and brushed off her dress. “Can you turn around for a minute?”
I narrowed my eyes but did as she asked. “Okay…why am I doing this?”
A few seconds passed. “All good now.”
“What was that all about?” I asked.
“You promise not to make fun of me?”
“No. But tell me anyway.”
“I had a piece of hay stuck in my underwear.” She flashed a goofy smile.
And then…I laughed for what felt like the first time in years.
AUTHOR BIO
Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over forty books. Her novels have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
AUTHOR LINKS
OTHER BOOKS BY PENELOPE WARD
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Cover & Excerpt Reveal (and Giveaway): BROKEN ICE, MENDED HEARTS by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

BROKEN ICE, MENDED HEARTS

Bethesda Barracudas Hockey #6

by Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood

Cover & Excerpt Reveal

Release Date: March 20, 2024

Cover Design: Story Styling Cover Designs
Photo: Wander Aguiar Photography
Model: Tristan

Genre: M/M Hockey Romance Standalone
Trope: Second chance, age-gap, found family, college professor/student, HEA


Synopsis

PIERRE (“GAGS”)

My life is complicated.

Hell, I’m complicated.

I don’t know a life beyond how I’m perceived. After a devastating divorce, it looked like I never would.

Can a hockey fight change your life?

I may not understand my attraction to Sven Holmer, but I can tell you my obsession with kissing him started in the middle of a fight. When we met again, the conversation was easy, the banter effortless. Once stolen glances gave way to secret touches, I was more confused than ever. How the hell am I supposed to handle it when everything I’ve always believed about myself no longer fits?

Things are great… until they aren’t.

Our connection deepens with every minute we spend together, but like me, Sven is no stranger to betrayal and heartache. Between my stubbornness, his reservations, and the start of a new season, how can we survive months apart?

When tragedy strikes, all bets are off. I just hope it’s not too late.

Broken Ice, Mended Hearts features two thirty-something hockey players hardened by heartbreak. This compelling, angsty book includes a bisexual awakening, hurt/comfort, found family, first times, high heat, and a hard-earned HEA. Though it is part of the Bethesda Barracudas Hockey series, it can be read as a standalone.


Add to your TBR List!

GOODREADS LINK


Excerpt

PROLOGUE

Gags

The sharp grind of skates cutting through the ice blended with the thunderous roar of twenty thousand Barracuda fans, drowning out all but the adrenaline-fueled rush toward the goal. Todd Cleever, my D-partner, had the puck, and his breakaway had caught everyone off guard. Twenty feet from our goal, a Congressman had tried to send a pass to his teammate, but Cleevs intercepted the puck and streaked away toward the Congressmen’s zone.

Sven Holmer, one of the Congressmen’s defensemen, had been shadowing Cleevs, and he proved to be the only player able to keep up with him. I chased our center, Nick Johnson, down the ice, hoping to give him cover. After crossing the blue line, Cleevs banked left toward the goal, giving Holmer the angle he needed to block his way. Nick and I approached from the opposite side, and when Nick called for the puck, Cleevs turned to make the pass. Holmer, recognizing the threat, changed course and headed in our direction.

Nick caught the pass and unleashed a shot on goal. Before the crowd could react to the puck finding the net, Holmer crashed into Nick. As the horn sounded, my vision turned as red as the goal light. I pushed off with mayhem on my mind, and by the time our teammates caught up with Nick for the celly, I was already in Holmer’s face. “You dumb shit,” I yelled. “He’d already made his shot.”

“Fuck you! I was doing my job.”

“Your job’s gonna get somebody hurt.” I shoved him backward. “Maybe you.”

“Motherfucker!”

“Eat shit, dumbass!”

He dropped his gloves and lunged at me, but the momentum nearly toppled him, and he grabbed me to keep from falling. As we teetered, I flung off my gloves and wrapped my arms around him to steady us both. When I was sure we weren’t going to fall, I let go with my right hand and pulled my arm back. I landed a powerful punch, and the impact resonated with the sickening thud of flesh against flesh. Intent on retaliating, Holmer struggled to break free, but his strategy shifted after I punched him again. Clutching me with both arms, he refused to let go.

“Get off, you son of a bitch,” I yelled, unable to break his vise-like grip. When we were on the verge of toppling over, I had no other option but to wrap both arms around him again. Locked in an awkward, hateful hug, we balanced each other as our enraged curses colored the air. While the crowd bayed for blood, I desperately tried to break free.

When we inevitably crashed to the ice, I found myself on top of him, poised for the advantage. I clenched my fist, ready to deliver another blow. My focus shifted abruptly when his brilliant blue eyes captured my attention. They shimmered under the unforgiving arena lights, looking as deep as the ocean. The fight’s urgency waned, and I froze in place, staring down at him. While I struggled to decide the exact shade of blue in his eyes, the game receded into the background.

His scent enveloped me, an intoxicating blend of sweat and testosterone, and I leaned closer. As I lowered myself, he molded his body against mine, the sensation reminiscent of a lover’s embrace. I tore my gaze from his eyes, only to be entranced by his pouty, pink lips, stained with a telltale hint of blood from one of my punches.

He ran his tongue over them, sending a surge of desire rippling through me. Incredibly, I longed to kiss him and relish the lingering traces of our battle. As he angled his head back and moved his hips against me, my dick thickened inside my cup. Shit, please tell me I’m not getting hard in the middle of a game.

Drawn by an inexplicable force, I lowered my head, grappling with the reality that I was about to kiss a man on national TV. My heart raced as he smirked—a daring challenge or an invitation to continue?—and a wisp of his hot breath caressed my cheek. Holmer’s eyes widened when a ref began tugging on my jersey and calling our names. We clung to each other, not wanting the moment to end.

“Break it up, guys. On your feet.”

We didn’t budge, and the officials struggled to lift me off him. After they dragged us both upright, a ref passed sentence: “Five minutes each. Fighting.”

Our eyes met again, and Holmer quirked an eyebrow. Just before a linesman swiveled me toward the sin bin, Holmer worked his lips into a small smile.

My heart hammered the entire time I was in the box. What the actual fuck? That was the damnedest fight I’ve ever had. One thing’s for sure, I need to get laid tonight.

BROKEN ICE, MENDED HEARTS: Copyright © 2024 Ryan Taylor & Joshua Harwood. All rights reserved.



Pre-Order Link

Amazon Universal ~ https://geni.us/BIMHPL



Giveaway

One of Five eARC’s for Broken Ice, Mended Hearts
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ENTER HERE


About the Authors

Ryan Taylor met his husband and co-author, Joshua Harwood, in law school. They live in a suburb of Washington, DC, and share their home with a big, cuddly German shepherd. Ryan and Josh love to travel. In addition, Ryan also enjoys swimming, and Josh likes to putter in the garden whenever he can. They began writing to celebrate the romance they were so lucky to find with each other, and the sharing soon developed into a passion for telling stories about love between out and proud men.

Connect with Ryan & Joshua

Website: https://www.ryanandjoshth.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://bit.ly/3vSo7Xe

Facebook Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3dkRpr5

Ryan’s Goodreads Author Page: https://bit.ly/3bGFAuV

Joshua’s Goodreads Author Page: https://bit.ly/3BQtHNH

Twitter: https://bit.ly/3dd55nT

Instagram: https://bit.ly/3AaHZHA

TikTok: https://bit.ly/3zK1TYz

Ryan’s Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3BTIoiL

Joshua’s Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3p4XBWM

Ryan’s Bookbub Page: https://bit.ly/3bIPVGE

Joshua’s Bookbub Page: https://bit.ly/3dl2f03


Excerpt Reveal: THE REASON I MARRIED HIM by Meghan Quinn

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new marriage of convenience romantic comedy. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers small town standalone delivers the perfect happily ever after. Releasing February 6th in all formats, check out the excerpt below and pre-order your copy today!

https://mybook.to/TheReasonIMarriedHim

About THE REASON I MARRIED HIM (Coming 2/6/2024):

He proposed . . . and I said yes.
Normally a jovial occasion for a couple in love, but this proposal has a very different feel.
Because the man that I’ll be calling my husband blew into town with one thing on his mind . . . to make my life a living nightmare.

So why did I say yes?

Well, because we both need something from each other.

Namely, I want the farm land he currently owns, and he needs a wife in order to inherit his family cabin in his grandfather’s will.

So as he so eloquently put it, my hand, for his land.

At first, I thought the idea was nuts.
Who really gets married out of convenience?
Apparently, I do.

And now we have to sell our relationship to the town. Meaning, we’re holding hands, he’s pinching my cheeks . . . upper and lower. We’re even forced to share the one-bedroom guest house on the farm where his monstrous body is taking up a large percentage of the bed.

But we’re so persuasive about our farse, that now I’m starting to think he actually might like me. Especially when he grabs me by the wrist and teases the shell of my ear as he whispers, “Mine.”

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://mybook.to/TheReasonIMarriedHim

Read the Excerpt Here!

I peek a look over at Wyatt, and he does the same. When our eyes meet, he keeps them locked for a few seconds before they drop to my mouth and back up again. 

I do the same. 

And when our eyes lock, I can feel it, this electric energy bouncing between us. It’s worrisome but also exciting. It shouldn’t be happening, but oh my God, I can’t stop myself from leaning into him, letting him touch me, stare at me, and make me feel unlike anything I’ve felt before. 

He was right. I avoided him for a reason today, and that was because I felt something. Something toward him. Something I shouldn’t be feeling, but I can’t help. 

I’ve grown accustomed to having him around. 

I look forward to him holding me at night. 

And I crave his witty comebacks that provoke an eye roll from me. 

But tonight, tonight it feels different, and I don’t know why. 

Tonight, it feels like something’s going to happen. Someone will break, and I just hope it’s not me. 

 

Stella Hunter and Aaron Shedlock narrate in duet this sexy, marriage of convenience romance. THE REASON I MARRIED HIM will be released on February 6th in a live release on Audible!

ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

 

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Cover Reveal & Excerpt: THE REASON I MARRIED HIM by in Meghan Quinn

1

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new marriage of convenience romantic comedy. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers small town standalone delivers the perfect happily ever after. Releasing February 6th in all formats, check out the cover and sneak peek below and pre-order your copy today!

https://mybook.to/TheReasonIMarriedHim

2

About THE REASON I MARRIED HIM (Coming 2/6/2024):

He proposed . . . and I said yes.
Normally a jovial occasion for a couple in love, but this proposal has a very different feel.
Because the man that I’ll be calling my husband blew into town with one thing on his mind . . . to make my life a living nightmare.

So why did I say yes?

Well, because we both need something from each other.

Namely, I want the farm land he currently owns, and he needs a wife in order to inherit his family cabin in his grandfather’s will.

So as he so eloquently put it, my hand, for his land.

At first, I thought the idea was nuts.
Who really gets married out of convenience?
Apparently, I do.

And now we have to sell our relationship to the town. Meaning, we’re holding hands, he’s pinching my cheeks . . . upper and lower. We’re even forced to share the one-bedroom guest house on the farm where his monstrous body is taking up a large percentage of the bed.

But we’re so persuasive about our farse, that now I’m starting to think he actually might like me. Especially when he grabs me by the wrist and teases the shell of my ear as he whispers, “Mine.”

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://mybook.to/TheReasonIMarriedHim

3

Get your sneak peek here!

“See,” he says as he turns toward me. “I am helpful on the farm.”

“Never said you weren’t helpful,” I reply as I cast the room into darkness by turning off my light. “Just that you don’t have to be on the farm every day.”

“What if I like being on the farm every day?” he asks as his fingers dance down my arm, creating a wave of goosebumps.

“Well, I mean . . . that’s, uh . . . that’s up to you,” I say as a blast of nerves hit me all at once . . . because I know what’s coming.

I know what we’ve been developing over the past few nights.

The intensity has grown.

The countdown in my head until I can slip into bed with him has kicked up.

And today, when I was washing my face and getting ready for bed, I realized that this light, airy feeling in my chest was the anticipation of how he might kiss me tonight.

“Well, I like being on the farm.” He dances his fingers down to my wrist where he encircles it and then slowly lifts my hand over my head and pins my wrist to the pillow. “I saw you looking at me through the office window.”

“What?” I say breathlessly as he lowers his head. “No . . . no, I wasn’t.”

“Darn,” he says with a devilish grin. “I was hoping to catch you. You didn’t watch me at all?”

“I, uh . . .” He brings his face so close our noses are nearly touching. “I was, um . . .” I wet my lips. “Working.”

“Maybe next time,” he says and then whispers. “Well, good night, Aubree.”

“G-good night,” I say just before his mouth descends on mine.

At first, he’s soft, exploratory, just like last night, but when I think he’s going to pull away, he applies more pressure as his mouth opens.

His body leans into mine.

And his mouth opens and closes along with mine, causing my mind to reel and my body to sing.

It’s so good.

His kisses are so delicious.

So addictive.

I cup his face softly and mold my lips against his, parting my lips as his tongue connects with mine.

Oh yes.

My grip intensifies as I take a chance and slip my tongue against his.

He mutters something as he pulls away and stares down at me, his chest heavy, his eyes searching.

I run my tongue over my lips as I keep my gaze on his. “That . . . uh, was that okay?”

“Yeah, more than okay,” he says right before he brings his mouth back to mine. This time, his body sinks into my side, the heaviness of it now falling into me like a weighted blanket. He parts my lips again, and his tongue dances across my tongue, tangling and twisting, our mouths opening wider.

He’s so good at this.

His command, his pressure, the feel of him holding me in place but also treating me as if I’m fragile. It’s unlike any kiss I’ve ever experienced. And I don’t want it to end.

It’s why I move my hand to the back of his neck.

It’s why I shift, making more room for him.

It’s why I continue to run my tongue over his, causing him to groan softly as he returns the stroke.

This is unexpected, but it’s also what I thought might happen tonight. Because the tension every night has been building. The kisses have grown. And now that he has me pinned against this bed, making out with me, using his tongue, making me feel things I don’t think I’ve ever felt, I’m slowly starting to melt.

To accept this.

To be okay with it.

To want it.

4

Stella Hunter and Aaron Shedlock narrate in duet this sexy, marriage of convenience romance. THE REASON I MARRIED HIM will be released on February 6th in a live release on Audible!

meghan2 (1)

ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Book Blast & Review: The Hot Mess Prince by Emily Spady

BOOK BLAST

Book Title: The Hot Mess Prince

Author and Publisher: Emily Spady

Cover Artist: Morganically Sourced

Release Date: October 13, 2023

Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance

Tropes: royals, prince/assistant, opposites attract, romantic comedy

Themes: redemption, self-acceptance, family

Heat Rating: 3 flames

Length: 57 795 words/ 205 pages

It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Goodreads

Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited

Universal Link | Amazon US | Amazon UK

A sweet, snarky m/m romance with kittens, cheese festivals, royal gossip, and a guaranteed HEA.

Blurb

Neel Batra is good–no, great–at his job. A consummate professional despite all the chaos of managing one of the most notorious party boy royals in Europe, he never lets Prince Thibault get under his skin. Well, almost never. And he certainly doesn’t entertain any thoughts or feelings that are less than professional. Especially after an image rehab campaign sees Neel and the prince working in closer conditions than ever.

Prince Thibault d’Archimbault may be a disaster, but even he knows certain things–and people–are off limits. Even if he can’t help noticing his assistant’s pretty eyes, and how fun it is to annoy him. Can he practice self-control for once in his life and stay out of Neel Batra’s way, even while they work together on cleaning up Thibault’s reputation? Or will things get distinctly … messy?

Jenn Review

4 Stars

This was a fun and charming story, I’ve been in a bit of royal mood lately so I was definitely excited about this book and I did really enjoy Thibault and Neel. They are a great combination – high strung personal assistant meets charming, party-boy wild child prince, but there really is a lot more to both of these men and behind the drama they find a real connection.

Neel is used to cleaning up Prince Thibault’s messes both behind the scenes and to the public and there have been many. He works very hard to be successful and has always made a point to keep his personal life just that – personal. But there’s something about Thibault that gets to him, makes him feels and that’s dangerous for him, especially as the two start spending more time together and he starts to see a different side to the prince. Thibault comes across as very shallow and vain, living his life one party to the next, but behind his party boy façade is a man dealing with a lot of loneliness and abandonment issues. It’s easy for him to be the flippant wild child than to admit how he really feels. When the Queen demands that he clean up his image he comes up with a plan to show his interest in his community and plans events visiting local businesses and exploring the area. Those plans include having Neel right by his side.

 I really liked these two together, their connection feels very deep and genuine and despite their differences they bring out the best in each other. They are very easy to root for! But, even though they’re definitely growing feelings for each other, Neel is determined to keep whatever is happening between them a secret, he’s not out and has no plans on changing that. I really felt for him because it’s easy to see how much these two care about each other. Of course, life doesn’t work that way though and their secrets are exposed and it will test everything both men are feeling.

There was a lot I liked about this book, especially the building of the relationship between Neel and Thibault. I loved seeing them both soften and open up to each other, I felt like it was healing to them both. I struggled a bit with the drama side and the separation that seemed to go on too long a bit for me and then the reunion, while it made my heart happy felt rushed. But, overall, I really enjoyed their story and loved seeing them getting the love and happiness they both deserved.

Excerpt

“I don’t have a car.” Three years working for the prince, and the man knew nothing about him. Typical. “I rode my bicycle.”

“Of course you did. Doing your duty, right? Protecting the environment and all that.” Thibault had a smug little smile on his face, like Neel had completely failed to surprise him. “Doesn’t it ever get tiring?”

“What gets tiring is lack of sleep. Which is why I’m leaving now,” Neel said, making no move to get up.

“Stay here for a bit. Have a drink with me. I’ll get Viola to drive you home if you’re worried about biking under the influence.”

“Absolutely not. You shouldn’t be out here, either.” Neel pointed a finger at him across the hot tub. “We’re starting your twelve-step plan or whatever it is tomorrow and you need your sleep, too. More than I do. You’ll be the one in the photos, and we can’t have you looking all gray and hungover.”

Thibault shrugged. His chest was flushed from the heat, his hair curling into his eyes. “Honestly? I couldn’t sleep either. I’m… I’m trying to take this seriously, Batra. Whether you believe me or not. And it’s making me nervous.” He poured a refill into the glass and held it out. “Come on. One drink. Just stay and… talk to me. Until I feel sleepy.”

The glass was sweaty with condensation as Neel took it from his hand. “I’m only drinking this so that you won’t,” he warned, and finished it in one gulp, before he could have any foolish thoughts about how Thibault’s mouth had been on the glass, his pink, pouty, irritating mouth–

“You, er,” said Thibault.

“We’ve all been to university, your highness,” Neel said archly.

“Yes, but you probably weren’t shooting 100-year Ankenbrandian pear brandy.”

Neel shrugged, feeling the red bloom of alcohol in his stomach, the tension beginning to seep out of his shoulders, his neck. “So, I’m to tell you a bedtime story now, is that it? Don’t recall it being part of my job description. But who knows what my job is at this point.”

Thibault took a swig from the bottle, then refilled Neel’s glass. “I guess I was just hoping that you had some plan for tomorrow. You’re so good at plans.”

Neel really ought to sip this one slowly, but he was enjoying how the over-excited clock in his head had finally started to tick down, and the stars were bright overhead and the mountains gleamed in the distance and Prince Thibault was glistening across from him like some male siren that had just emerged from the Aegean sea, and it was time, wasn’t it, that Neel told him exactly what he thought about all of this nonsense?

You are the one who came up with all of this. There is no plan. You’re petting kittens, for fucksake.”

“Right, but, what should I wear?”

Neel waved his hand in the air dismissively. “Something casual but expensive that shows off your chest. Do you really need me to tell you all this? Just pet the kittens and look cute. Why did you choose all of these things if you don’t even want to do them?”

Thibault ran a hand through his hair. “Well, I knew I needed to tell grandmother something. And they are things I wanted to do. Most of them. Some I chose because I knew they’d annoy you.”

“I thought so. Pour me another drink.”

“You sure you’re going to be all right? The water’s really hot, and you’ve had like four shots. I’m a heavy pourer.”

“You owe me, Thibault.”

The prince slid across the hot tub, and Neel flinched at the sudden hand on his forehead. “Hm, yeah, I don’t think so,” Thibault murmured. “You’re really warm.”

“Don’t pretend you care,” Neel said, holding himself as still as possible so he wouldn’t melt. “Don’t pretend to be responsible.”

“I’m not,” Thibault said. “But you are, and you’re going to be hating yourself if you’re too hungover to get a perfectly adorable picture of me and those cats tomorrow. C’mon, Batra, let’s get you up.” He hoisted Neel onto his feet. “Out we go. We’ve got a date with some baby kittens.”

“‘Baby kittens’ is redundant,” Neel said, and fainted.

About the Author

Emily Spady lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States with her husband and cat. This is her first novel.

Author Links

Blog/Website | Instagram

Hosted by Gay Book Promotions

New Release & Review: Family First: A Railers Christmas Novella by RJ Scott and V.L. Locey

Family-first-rectangle1-400x280_jpg

cover

Authors:RJ ScottV.L. Locey
Series:RAILERS HOCKEY, Book 13
Genres:Christmas RomanceHockeyRomance

An injury threatens to end Stan’s career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? 

Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy.  However, after a heart-wrenching game ends with a disastrous hip injury, Stan faces the most challenging obstacle of his career: surgery, an extensive recovery, and the looming threat of retirement. It’s now that he has to decide which path to take: the one that will lead him back to the game he adores or the one that will see his jersey lifted to the rafters.

Erik and Stan, once invincible with the Railers, have always skated through life’s challenges hand in hand. Their love story, cemented by a shared passion for hockey and the joy of raising their children, has been their shield against the world. But when their son Noah’s life is changed forever by a medical diagnosis, this forever love is put to the test. Erik turns to his husband for support, but Stan is consumed with guilt, overwhelmed by decisions, and retreats into himself when his family needs him the most.

More info →

Get the book here – rjscott.co.uk/read-familyfirst

GLBTQ, MM, Hockey Romance – Trope: retirement vs family, injury, family, operation, Stan being Stan, Erik being patient, all the children, and the dogs
Released: 8 December 2023
Publisher: Love Lane Books Ltd
Series: Railers, Christmas Novella
Length: 29000
Cover Design: Meredith Russell
eBook Links can be found here: rjscott.co.uk/read-familyfirst
Available – Wide Release
ISBN ebook – 9781785644696
ISBN paperback – Not in individual paperback
Jenn Review

4 Stars

Stan has always been one of my favorite Railers so I was very excited to see he was getting this holiday special novella and RJ Scott and V.L. Locey didn’t disappoint! I feel like I love Stan and Erik and their sweet family even more now!

I will say that it wasn’t quite the holiday story I expected, but it is packed with a lot of emotion and feels, there’s quite a bit going on for this family! Stan is injured on the ice during a game and it’s one that requires a major surgery and long recovery. And during that time away from the sport, and the pipes he loves so much he starts to question his future in hockey. It doesn’t help that Erik has also been doing some major soul searching about his career and has made some big decisions. Then their son Noah is also experiences some major life-changing health challenges and yeah, there’s a lot for this family to deal with.

I really enjoyed how this story unfolded and this family comes together, it’s really touching journey and although it has difficult moments, it’s so filled with love, support and of course some humor. It’s really about facing those challenges life throws at you, embracing your loved ones and figuring it out together. And I really loved that that is exactly what we saw with Erik and Stan. As I said, I love them even more now, Stan and his pipes will have a forever spot in my heart! A really great addition to this series with an epilogue that ties everything together so beautifully for this family! If you’re a fan of the Railers this is a must read!

Excerpt 

“Williams dishes off to Prescott as they break into the Railers zone. Fetcher moves in for a scorching shot that Lyamin has to stretch to block, the shot going up into the netting to stop play yet again.”

“Lyamin is not getting up, Dusky. He’s still face down on the ice. That didn’t look like that hard of a move for the Railers goalie to make. Play is called as the Railers trainer heads onto the ice. Dang, you hate to see this. Lyamin is still down on the ice, his teammates gathered close to the crease as Paul Iman, the Railers head trainer for the past few years, tends to the net minder.”

“Let’s see a replay of that shot from Prescott and maybe we can see…Oh, oh, okay, see that extension Lyamin makes to move from the left of his crease to the right? I’m wondering if he didn’t pull another groin muscle on that move, Heller.”

“Hmm, could be, Dusky. The butterfly technique that so many of today’s goalies use transfers some big pressure to the hip joints. Hopefully it’s just a tweak and—”

“Looks like Bryan Delaney is gearing up. That is not good news for the Railers. I’d personally like to see Lyamin get to his skates and leave the ice on his own volition but he’s still not moving much other than his head, which is now free of his famed Elvis mask, and his hands. He seems to be in some real pain.”

“Yeah, they’re calling for the stretcher for him. Lyamin is the spirit of this team while Rowe is the heart. Let’s hope the problem is a minor one for our beloved goalie…”

Series Overview

Family First is not a standalone read – it’s very much part of the Railers series and contains spoilers for nearly every book in the series!

RJ Scott

RJ Scott, author of M/M romance. Writing love stories with a happy ever after – cowboys, heroes, family, hockey, single dads, bodyguards
USA Today bestselling author RJ Scott has written over one hundred and fifty romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.
She lives in beautiful countryside outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing. The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

RJ’s Social Media Links in full


VL Locey

V.L. Locey loves worn jeans, yoga, belly laughs, walking, reading and writing lusty tales, Greek mythology, the New York Rangers, comic books, and coffee. (Not necessarily in that order.)
She shares her life with her husband, her daughter, one dog, two cats, a flock of assorted domestic fowl, and two Jersey steers.
When not writing spicy romances, she enjoys spending her day with her menagerie in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania with a cup of fresh java in hand.

VL’s Social Media Links in full

Website – http://vllocey.com
Facebook MM Hockey Romance – https://www.facebook.com/groups/mmhockeyromance

Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Secret Guncle by Andrew Grey

Title: Secret Guncle
Author: Andrew Grey
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance/Holiday
Romance
Release Date: Nov 16, 2023
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Blurb/Synopsis:
Veterinary student Dutton Glenroth isn’t on
speaking terms with his sister, Mary, but he isn’t
about to let his niece and nephew suffer because of
it. He knows they have very little, so for the holidays,
he makes up a basket of gifts for them and leaves it
outside their door.
But the kids are getting older, and this year Dutton
finds it difficult to pick out their gifts. When he asks
for help at Foster’s Toys, he runs into Randy Grant,
his high school crush, who even volunteers to wrap and deliver the gifts with Dutton.
Suddenly Dutton’s normally lonely holiday has a spark of Christmas cheer. Will this be
the year he gets the holiday he’s always longed for?
Book Links
Jenn Review
4 Stars

This is such a sweet holiday read and will definitely get you in the holiday spirit! It’s a quick, easy read to just make your heart happy and I really loved Randy and Dutton!

Randy and Dutton knew each other in high school but weren’t really friends. Now Randy is back in town and while he may have noticed shy Dutton in high school, he really catches his attention now. Dutton is surprised by Randy’s attention but he certainly welcomes it and when Randy steps up in a big way to help him bring Christmas to his niece and nephew it just solidifies his attraction to him.

Again, this is a quick read with very low angst, it’s very sweet and both men are so wonderful and endearing so it does have a lot of feels. Dutton life is a bit on the lonely side with his sister’s bizarre behavior and refusal to allow him to see his niece and nephew so Randy is the wonderful and loving addition that he really needs. I loved seeing them together and seeing how kind and thoughtful Randy is when it comes to Dutton. I would have loved a little more to their story, especially when it comes to Dutton’s sister and the kids, but I still really enjoyed these guys and getting to see them both find happiness and love together. It’s very much a heartwarming story that will make you smile!

Excerpt

“You got a date or something?” Uncle Foster asked.

Randy smirked. “I do. You remember the guy I got the blocks for last

weekend? I helped him get his gifts wrapped, and tonight we’re going to get

him a tree.” He was a little bouncy at the thought.

“Dutton… something.”

“Glenroth, yeah. He and I went to school together.”

Uncle Foster nodded. “There’s a Mary Glenroth renting a house near

your cousin Rachel’s place. The kids play with Rachel’s.”

“That would be his sister,” Randy said. “Apparently they don’t talk.

But Dutton still gets gifts for the kids and has them delivered so his sister

doesn’t know where they came from.” Randy thought that was about the

sweetest thing he ever heard. “He’s afraid if she did, she wouldn’t let the

kids have the presents.”

Uncle Foster shook his head as Randy broke down the last empty

boxes. It was getting close enough to Christmas that the stock room was

nearly empty, and almost everything they had was on the sales floor.

“Sometimes family is just too weird.”

Dutton grinned, and Uncle Foster snickered. “Cousin Wendel,” they

said together, sharing a laugh as a couple came in. Randy left his uncle to

help them and carried the boxes into the back, where he put them in the

recycling. He went through what else was there. All they had was a few

items left over from the summer, but with a section on the side wall empty,

he carried them out and set them up. People went on winter vacations to

warm places, and it was better than having empty space.

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Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then, he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.

Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Author Links
 
Facebook
Group
All the Way with Andrew Grey
Twitter
@andrewgreybooks
For Other Works by
Andrew Grey
(Please Be Sure To
Stop by His
Website
to See
All of His Works)
 

 

Excerpt Reveal: HE’S NOT MY TYPE by Meghan Quinn

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new roommates-to-lovers, standalone sports romance featuring the hockey men you can’t get enough of. This steamy, friends-to-lovers romantic comedy will bring all the laughs while making your cheeks blush at the same time.

Releasing November 28th in all formats, check out the excerpt below and pre-order your copy today!

https://mybook.to/HesNotMyType

About HE’S NOT MY TYPE (Coming 11/28/2023):

Word to the wise, never become roommates with a girl you’ve been pining over for the better part of a year. 

You’re probably wondering why I would do such a thing? Well, I didn’t. 

It was my teammates. 

The moment they found out Blakely White was single, they took it upon themselves to play cupid and instruct me on how I should win her over.

Don’t wear a shirt around her.
Make her dinner.
Lightly touch her shoulder when you say goodbye. 

I’m so flustered, so overwhelmed, so madly in love with this woman who barely notices me, that I lose control of the situation and make one huge mistake: I offer to be her fake date for a wedding so she can make her ex jealous. 

That means, for one whole night I get a free pass with her. I get to hold her, dance with her, kiss her…stare at her from across the room like she’s my entire world because she has been for months now. 

But when the night comes to an end, I’m faced with two options: bring her back to my bedroom and show her how I really feel, or let her walk away, succumbing to the fact that I very well might not be her type.

 

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

https://mybook.to/HesNotMyType

 

Read the Excerpt Here!

“Heck, tonight is going to be rough without you though. Are you staying to watch?” Silas asks as he leans back on the bench.

“No, going to watch from my apartment. I actually asked Blakely to watch with me.”

He slowly turns his head and faces me. Whispering, he asks, “Did you tell Posey this?”

“No, why?”

“He’s going to be so freaking obnoxious that I don’t think I can bear him knowing.”

“What do you mean?” I ask. 

“He’s seemed really chill in the Frozen Fellas group, but he’s been bragging up a storm in a separate text about how he’s the best matchmaker to ever walk the planet. Of course, Pacey let him have it last night and said he shouldn’t be celebrating while our center is laid up with a bad ankle. We haven’t heard from him since but if he knows you have a date planned—”

“It’s not a date.”

“Oh, he’ll call it that. Like man, he’s been insufferable. It’s almost as if he’s trying to avoid something in his life so he’s incessantly involving himself in ours.”

“That’s probably the case,” I say just as OC walks into the locker room. 

“Oh crap, man, how are you doing?” he asks, coming up to me and taking a seat. 

“Good. Slightly in pain, but just got done with treatment.”

“I can’t believe you rolled your ankle fighting over an air mattress.”

“Yeah.” I pull on my hair. “I need to come up with a better story, because it doesn’t sound great.”

“To me it does,” Silas says with a smirk. 

“How was everything last night?” OC asks. 

“Good.” I glance around the room. “Don’t say this to Posey, because his head might explode, but I shared my bed with Blakely last night. Nothing happened but this morning, she said it was the best night’s sleep she’s had in a while. She said it was probably because she felt comfortable sleeping next to me.”

“Dude.” Silas slaps my chest. “That’s huge.” 

“She really said that to you?” OC asks. 

“Yeah.” I can’t hide my smile. “It was the first sign I’ve gotten from her where I thought . . . maybe there could be something there.”

“There’s definitely something there and, now that you get to spend all of this time with her, Posey was right, this is the perfect chance to make your move,” Silas says. 

“Yeah, I think it is, but I’m going to take it slow. Feel her out and then, maybe when the time is right, I’ll ask her out.”

OC shakes his head. “I swear, if this all works out and you end up marrying this girl, Posey will never, and I mean never let us live it down.” Crap, he’s right. But if I were to end up with Blakely, nothing would overpower the utter happiness I’d feel. I’d have my girl . . . something I still can’t even imagine. 

“I think that’s a risk I’m willing to take,” I say.

 

Erin Mallon and Connor Crais narrate this sexy, roommates-to-lovers romance in duet with a full cast including Jason Clarke, Teddy Hamilton, JF Harding, and Kelsey Navarro! HE’S NOT MY TYPE will be released on November 28th, and you can pre-order it now!

https://mybook.to/HesNotMyType

ABOUT MEGHAN QUINN:

USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.

 

Connect w/ Meghan:

Website: https://authormeghanquinn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanquinnbooks/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn

Excerpt Reveal: The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Title: The Rules of Dating My One-Night Stand
Authors: Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 12, 2023
Excited about Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland’s 
upcoming release, The Rules of Dating 
My One-Night Stand? 
Check out this SNEAK PEEK!
“Can I ask you something?”
“What?”
“Were you jealous that I was out with another woman?”
Devyn looked away. “No.”
My lip twitched. “No, huh?”
“I wasn’t jealous.”
It was difficult to keep a straight face, because she was so clearly full of sh$t. But…if she wasn’t jealous, a few details wouldn’t bother her, right?
I sipped my wine and watched Devyn’s face. “Tarryn asked if I wanted to take her back to my place.”
Her eyes narrowed. “That’s nice.”
“We’ve had sex before. So I don’t think she wanted to sit on the couch and watch TV.”
Devyn’s face flushed red.
I couldn’t help myself. I wanted to see her get pissed—admit she was damn jealous.
“Yeah, that Tarryn’s a real wild woman in bed. Last time she visited, we broke a lamp. Knocked it right off the end table from the bed bouncing around so much.”
I watched the muscle flex in her cheek, the same cheek that was turning a lovely shade of crimson. Yet she still wouldn’t look at me.
“Devyn?”
Her lips pursed as she stared straight ahead.
“Devyn?” I said louder.
“What?”
“Look at me.”
Her head whipped to face me, and she stared with daggers in her eyes.
I smiled. “It wouldn’t bother you if I…fu¢ked Tarryn?”
That did it.
She broke.
But she didn’t yell at me like I expected.
Not at all.
Instead, she smashed her lips against mine.
It caught me so off guard that I took a few seconds to catch up. By the time I did, Devyn was hoisting herself over, climbing me like a freaking tree.
Fu¢k yeah.
This.
This was the chemistry we’d had from the very start.
I grabbed her a$s with one hand, lifting her higher, and guided her legs around my waist, so lost in the moment that nothing existed in the world except this kiss.
Which was probably why I didn’t hear the door open…
PRE-ORDER LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
BLURB
Rule number one for having a one-night stand: Don’t fall for the girl.
After a lengthy dating slump, I finally met someone who sparked my interest.
Well, first the sparks flew when we argued. Later in the evening those sparks ignited into something more.
I was drawn to Devyn, in a way I hadn’t felt in a really long time.
Needless to say, I was disappointed when she abruptly left after our amazing night together.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her. But she hadn’t even given me her number.
In a city with eight-million people, I figured I’d never see Devyn again.
So imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door of an apartment in the building I lived in, and none other than my one-night stand stood on the other side.
If I thought Devyn didn’t want anything to do with me before, that was nothing compared to how she felt after finding out I was the landlord and she was about to be evicted…
And that was just the first surprise that would rock my world when it came to the mystery woman in apartment 410.
PENELOPE WARD


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance. 
She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.
With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
VI KEELAND
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
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ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT & AUDIO
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