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Read Just One Dare Today!

READ JUST ONE DARE TODAY!

More Kingstons! More Dares! More Sexy Fun!

Guess who is Aurora’s baby daddy?

I’m so excited to bring you Aurora Kingston and Nick Dare!

You’ve never read anything sweeter than Leah and Nick meeting for the first time.

What Reviewers Are Saying:

Heartwarming and romantic, with all the feels, Just One Dare will suck you in and not let you go. This surprise baby romance will keep you up way past your bedtime and have you rooting for the characters from the moment they reconnect. My new favorite Carly Phillips story! —Catherine Cowles, author of Tattered Stars

Cinderella steps off the page and into your heart. Just One Dare is my favorite Carly Phillips novel and I’ve read quite a few. Phillips continues to cast her spell with tempting stories of love, heartache and hope that stay on your mind and in your heart long after the last page ends. —Isha, Hopeless Romantic

I loved every single second of this story, no lie, and I was not able to stop reading, even when I went hours past my bedtime on a work night (which is a miracle for me!). —Michelle the Romance Witch

Carly Phillips once again writes an epic love story where she brings the alpha billionaire to his knees.—Nicki, The Overflowing Bookcase

Get your copy today! I hope you enjoy!

Kindle:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareKindle

Nook:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareNook

Apple:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareApple

Kobo:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareKobo

Googleplay:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareGoogle

Amazon Print:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareAmzPrint

Audio Coming June 7th (with apologies, due to illness in family this year’s audios will be later)

Narrated by: Samantha Cook and Jason Clarke

PREORDER TODAY:

Audible:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareAudible

Amazon Audio:  https://smarturl.it/OneDareAmzAudio

Take care and happy reading!

Xo

Carly

 

The post Read Just One Dare Today! appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Just One Dare First Chapter Preview

Chapter One

 

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, Aurora Kingston put the finishing touches on her lipstick and stepped back to look at her handiwork. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her. Five years ago, she’d been pregnant, homeless, and had no idea what the next day would bring.

Now she wore a sleeveless, cream-colored, satin, gown with a strapless neckline, draped corset bodice, and an actual train, sent over by the designer, himself. A limousine waited outside to take her to Lincoln Center for a movie premiere. Aurora had curled her hair in long waves and applied makeup, doing her best to look as glamorous as possible for her evening with famous stars the average person would never meet.

This was her life and there were moments, like now, when she had to pinch herself to be sure she wasn’t dreaming.

“Mommy, look! I’m going with you to the party tonight!” Her five year old daughter Leah stomped into the room wearing a pink, sparkly princess gown from her dress up box, the matching shoes that were too big for her little feet and a handbag dangling from her arm. “Makeup please!” Leah closed her eyes and puckered her lips, making her I’m ready face.

Aurora laughed. Her daughter was such a ham, she thought, as she picked up the tube of gloss and swiped it over Leah’s tiny pursed lips. “All set. You look beautiful!”

“I know!” Leah said with confidence that never ceased to amaze. “So do you, Mommy.”

“Thank you, honey.” Smiling, Aurora reached out and tugged on Leah’s long blonde hair that was damp from her bath and curled around her adorable face.

Aurora saw her own features in her daughter’s smaller ones but she also caught glimpses of Leah’s father’s, at least the unique indigo color of his eyes. It had been a sizzling Florida summer. Nick had been visiting a friend who lived in Miami Beach. It was the same day Aurora had turned eighteen and aged out of foster care. She’d had nowhere to go except the diner where she worked and had been lucky the owners took pity on her and said they would let her stay in the back room.

While serving tables that afternoon, she’d met Nick – they’d exchanged first names only – and they had spent one night together. It had been enough to result in her getting pregnant but at the time? The hours she’d spent with Nick on the beach and later in his hotel room had been an unexpected and sensual escape from the painful reality of her life.

As usual, when she thought of her daughter’s father, a pang of regret hit her hard. Without Nick’s last name, she’d had no way to find him once she’d realized she was pregnant. Although Leah would never know her daddy, Aurora consoled herself with the fact that her daughter had uncles who would stand in as father figures and male role models.

Men she’d never have met if her oldest half-brother, Linc, hadn’t uncovered her existence after their father, the bastard, had passed away. Linc had discovered checks proving Kenneth Kingston had paid to keep Aurora out of his life and in foster care. He’d then traveled to Florida where Aurora had grown up, welcomed her into the family, and remained in town to get to know her, while giving her time to decide whether she wanted to move to New York and be part of their clan.

Leah slid her hand into Aurora’s. “Let’s go to the ball!” she cried out in her high pitched voice, pulling Aurora out of her musings about the past and things she couldn’t change.

“Honey, you know Samantha is babysitting tonight.”

The girl was a high school senior who lived in the neighborhood and occasionally watched Leah so Aurora could get work done.

“I know,” Leah said, and with a dramatic sigh. She released Aurora’s hand, stepped out of the bathroom and began to spin around the bedroom. “But I’d rather meet my handsome prince tonight. Are you going to meet your handsome prince at the ball, mommy?” Ever since they’d watched Cinderella, Leah had been obsessed with the idea of the prince.

She kept spinning, saving Aurora from having to answer. There hadn’t been any princes in her life, handsome or otherwise, since the night she’d gotten pregnant.

Aurora watched as Leah pretended to dance across the ballroom floor. Samantha was going to have a rough time getting Leah to sleep unless a quiet movie managed to chill her out. She twirled around, nearly missing the dresser as she spun.

“Stop before you get dizzy or trip!” Aurora said, too late.

Thanks to the play shoes, Leah’s feet tangled and she ended in a heap on the floor, giggling.

Aurora sighed. “Come on. Up you go.” She helped her daughter stand. “Time to go downstairs and wait for your sitter.”

“I like Samantha. Do you think she’d play Barbies? I want to show her Malibu Barbie and Ken. He promised to take Barbie to the ball tonight, too!”

A grin pulled at Aurora’s lips. “I’m sure she’ll play whatever you want before bed but remember, you promised to be good for her.” Aurora grabbed her purse from the bed where she’d left it and led Leah downstairs just as the doorbell rang.

“Samantha!” Leah barreled the rest of the way down the stairs. Thank goodness she’d left her dress up shoes on the floor in the bedroom.

“Remember, don’t open the door until I get there!” Aurora called out. Leah had a bad habit of forgetting the don’t open the door without a grown up presentrule.

Aurora reached the door where Leah was hopping in excitement but she hadn’t unlocked it or let Samantha inside. “Thank you for listening to directions. “Now what do we do?” Aurora asked.

“Who is it?” Leah yelled loudly.

“It’s Samantha!” the babysitter said back.

Smiling, Aurora nodded at her daughter. “Go ahead.”

Leah reached up, turned the lock and opened the front door. “Samantha! Let’s play!” she said before the girl could even step inside.

The pretty teen laughed and edged her way into the house.

Aurora glanced at Leah. “Let me go over everything with Samantha before I leave. Go change into your pajamas and Samantha will be right in.”

“Okay, mommy.”

“First, give me kiss good night.” Ignoring her gown, Aurora bent down and basked in the warmth and sweetness of Leah’s arms around her neck. “Night, sweetheart.”

“Good night, mommy.” Leah turned and ran for her room.

Samantha stood waiting. “You look pretty, Ms. Kingston.”

“Thank you. It should be a fun night. I’m guessing I’ll be home around one, like we discussed.”

“No problem. I drove my mom’s car.” The neighborhood with free-standing houses was well lit and safe. Samantha lived about four houses down but it was still better to have her car or get picked up instead of walking home after dark. Aurora couldn’t leave a sleeping Leah to drive Samantha home herself.

“Great.” Aurora went over Leah’s bedtime routine and schedule, what she could and couldn’t eat, no matter what she claimed, and confirmed Samantha had Aurora’s cell phone.

She walked out the front door and waited until she heard the lock behind her before heading down the steps and towards the limousine waiting to take her from Long Island to Manhattan.

She’d been a Kingston for the last four years but she’d never get used to the perks that came with being wealthy and part of a famous family. Speaking of her family, she thought about them during the ride.

Linc was the CEO of Kingston Enterprises, a real estate company worth millions, and married to Jordan, his best friend and the woman who’d accompanied him to meet Aurora for the first time. The premiere starred her famous actress, her sister-in-law, Sasha Keaton, and world-renowned actor, Harrison Dare. The film had been acquired by K-Productions, a company owned by Sasha, Harrison, and Xander, Sasha’s husband and Aurora’s half brother. And there was already Oscar buzz surrounding the film and the performances.

Adding to the fairy dust that had been sprinkled over Aurora’s life, the film’s producer, Cassidy Kingston, was married to Aurora’s brother, Dash, the lead singer of the world famous rock band, The Original Kings. Rounding out her family was another real estate mogul, Beck Daniels, Linc’s former nemesis, who was married to Aurora’s half sister, Chloe.

All in all, Aurora had four half siblings and their mother, Melly, had stepped in as a surrogate mom to Aurora and grandmother to Leah.

Not only had she gone from poverty to wealth, she’d gone from being totally alone to being accepted by warm, kindhearted people. Aurora wouldn’t have cared if the Kingstons were dirt poor as long as they’d welcomed her into the fold.

The limousine pulled up to the red carpet and the driver opened her door. She stepped out and as promised, Xander waited for her at the drop-off point to walk her in.

“You look beautiful,” he said, leaning in and pressing a kiss to her cheek.

She looked at her screenwriter brother in his tuxedo and black framed eyeglasses, and grinned. “You look pretty hot yourself. Eyes bothering you? Headache?” she asked, worried whenever he had his glasses on.

During a stint in the Marines, his unit had been hit by an IED. He’d suffered a head injury, leading to issues that resulted in his medical discharge. He only wore his glasses when he worked late or was suffering from dizziness or headaches.

“I’m fine. I was up late writing, that’s all.”

She studied him, taking in his coloring and expression and decided he was telling the truth. “How’s Sasha?” she asked.

“Excited. Gorgeous.” He lit up at the subject of his wife. “I hope this movie is the one that gets her an Oscar.”

“You’re so cute.” She grinned. “Thanks for meeting me.” She didn’t have to walk the red carpet but her brothers had learned her insecurities well and took good care of her.

She entered the room, doing her best not to let her jaw hang open or show her awe of the variety of famous names and beautiful people surrounding her. This was the pre-screening and they’d be ushered into the theater area soon.

“I see Dash and Cassidy,” Aurora said to Xander. “Go find your wife.” She patted his arm and sent him on his way. “Dash, Cassidy!” she called, catching their attention before they could get lost in the crowd.

They turned and she walked over, joining them. Cassidy was nine months pregnant, due any day, and glowing despite her large belly.

“Who’s watching the princess?” Cassidy asked.

Aurora slid her hair over one shoulder. “I have a babysitter who lives in the neighborhood. If Leah doesn’t wear her out and she’s willing to come back next time I need her, I consider it a win.” She was still dizzy from her daughter’s antics while she got ready.

Dash laughed. “Maybe she’ll play guitar for her all night?”

“Funny,” she muttered, at his reference to the last Christmas present, a guitar, he’d bought Leah, for which Aurora had given him hell.

Especially after Leah woke her up at five every morning when she played. Badly. The child did not take after her talented uncle when it came to music, at least not yet. She was young and there was time but until she was older, Aurora wasn’t ready to spend money on lessons. She needed for Leah to have a burning desire to learn, not jump from one thing to another.

She decided to change the subject. “I cannot wait to see the film!”

Cassidy’s cheeks turned red, no doubt because it was her first solo turn at producing. “I’m so nervous,” she said. “I’m not sure if the twisting in my stomach is the baby or anxiety!” She rubbed her lower back and Aurora glanced at her with concern.

“Babe, you’ve got this. They’re already talking Oscar and Golden Globe nominations. I’m so proud of you.” Dash hugged her to his side.

Watching them, Aurora felt a twinge of envy at the relationships her siblings had found. Though she was beyond happy for each of them, Aurora’s life had been one struggle after another until Linc had found her. With her focus on Leah, she couldn’t imagine ever finding a man who’d want them as a package deal. And that’s exactly what they were. Leah would always come first. She was determined to shower her girl with all the love and security Aurora had never had growing up.

“Don’t remind me,” Cassidy said of the potential awards, still holding on to her belly in a way that did not make Aurora comfortable.

“Are you feeling okay?” Aurora asked.

“I am.” Cassidy blew out a breath and seemed to shake off whatever she’d been feeling. “I’m just tired. We made the rounds when we arrived.”

“And that’s why we found a place to hide out in for a little while,” Dash said of the corner where they stood.

Aurora nodded. “I remember how tough it was at the end of my pregnancy. You should get off your feet and rest.”

“She’s right,” Dash said, his growing concern also obvious.

Cassidy sighed. “Soon.” She glanced around the room and her gaze settled on the corner of the room by what was probably the bar. “Looks like Harrison’s family is as close as yours.”

Aurora had met Harrison Dare when Sasha, Xander and Cassidy were in the early days of putting their production company together. Dash and Xander had houses in East Hampton and Aurora, who’d been staying with Melly, had come to visit often. With Sasha and Cassidy’s help, she’d set up her nonprofit to help girls who aged out of foster care with no guidance or help after.

Harrison, who she recognized in the group, was the epitome of a movie star with his black hair, sexy smile that was just short of perfect, courtesy of one side tooth that overlapped another, but added to his appeal. Men surrounded him. One had his back to her. The others were obviously related to one another with similar features.

“The Dirty Dares.” Aurora grinned at the name Harrison had used to describe his family, one gained by their Dirty Dare vodka brand.

“Yes. Their vodka is world famous and extremely good. I wish I could have a drink before I have to sit through an hour and a half of everyone watching the first movie I produced,” Cassidy said on a cute whine.

“The doctor said you can have a small glass of white wine,” Dash said, in a don’t push your luck, tone of voice.

Aurora was about to pull her gaze away from the huddle of handsome men when the one whose face she couldn’t see turned her way. Familiarity hit her in the gut but there was no possible way it was him. She’d been thinking about Leah’s father earlier and he’d been on her mind. That was the only reason she thought Nick stood across the room from her now.

The rationale didn’t stop her stomach from spasming or palms from sweating. Then he looked at her head on, those eyes she’d been musing on earlier, meeting hers.

“Oh, my God.” Her voice shook and dizziness assaulted her.

Cassidy glanced over.

“What’s wrong?” Dash immediately clasped Aurora’s elbow and pulled her toward him, protective as usual.

She shook her head. “Nothing… I… There’s someone who looks familiar but…” It couldn’t be him. What were the odds?

But he’d left the other men and had started towards her. Aurora panicked. She needed … time to think, to breathe, to accept who he was and what it meant.

“I … I need the ladies’ room!” Aurora jerked her arm out of Dash’s grip and bolted for the double doors that led to a hallway where the bathrooms must be located.

“Aurora?” Chloe called out her name as Aurora passed her sister by, not stopping to talk or answer and she felt her sister’s presence as Chloe followed her to the ladies room.

Aurora didn’t care as long as she had a few minutes to process the fact that Nick, her daughter’s father, was here and her entire life was about to change. Again.

 

#

Nick Dare stood with his brothers, killing time until they were let into the theater to see Harrison’s latest movie. He did his best to keep his attention on the conversation around him but it was hard. Yesterday he’d been in L.A. overseeing an issue in one of their California Meridian hotels. Tonight he was in Manhattan, trying to keep his eyes open.

He and his siblings wore tuxedos, all except Zach, who insisted on marching to his own beat, which included his dark jeans, hooded leather jacket, and scuffed, black motorcycle boots. Ever the rebel. The only person missing was his twin sister, Jade, for reasons everyone understood. She suffered from migraines and wasn’t feeling well, though Nick sensed the reason she’d skipped tonight went deeper and he’d talk to her about it tomorrow.

“I thought you were bringing a date?” Asher, his oldest sibling, interrupted Nick’s thoughts. “One of the women you know in the city.” He took a sip of his Vodka as he waited for an answer.

At the question, Nick rethought turning down his own drink but he’d figured the alcohol wouldn’t help his jet lag.

“Umm, no. Last woman I was with used up her three dates,” Nick said.

Harrison groaned. “You really are an asshole.”

Nick shook his head, disagreeing. “If I let a relationship go on despite knowing it doesn’t have a chance, then I’d be the asshole who led them on.” He shrugged. “I know in three dates if something’s going to work out or not. Seems fair to me.”

Zach burst out laughing. “Are you still using that rule?”

“It’s a solid one.” As far as Nick was concerned, true personality wasn’t difficult to discern. Especially when money was involved. Women who were after him for the Dare name or fortune showed their true colors quickly.

He ignored his brothers’ comments and turned to look around. Thanks to Harrison’s talent and fame, Nick was used to premieres, after parties and the celebrities around the room.

His gaze landed on Dash Kingston, lead singer of The Original Kings, and one of Nick’s favorite rock bands. They’d met earlier when Harrison had introduced Dash’s very pregnant wife as the producer of tonight’s film. Beside him stood a blonde woman with a knockout body in a gorgeous fitted gown.

A surge of awareness rippled through him but it wasn’t one of simple attraction, though he was definitely drawn to her. It was something more. He continued to stare until, as if sensing the weight of his gaze, she turned her head.

Her eyes widened and he realized he’d been right. What he’d felt was a renewed connection with the only woman with whom he’d experienced something real. He might have been young then but he’d known.

He was halfway across the room before he registered that he’d moved. People blocked his way and he was lucky he caught sight of her rushing out the double doors. He followed.

He reached the hallway just as she disappeared into the Ladies Room. He had no doubt she’d recognized him but he didn’t understand why she’d run. They’d had one amazing night together. Why would that freak her out now?

Determined to get answer, he propped himself against the wall outside the bathroom door and settled in to wait. Aurora – no last names needed – had gotten away from him once before.

He wasn’t about to let it happen again.

 

#

 

Aurora sat in a chair in the outer room of the restroom, bent at the waist, attempting to pull herself together.

“Breathe,” Chloe said, putting a hand on Aurora’s back.

“Trying.” Aurora couldn’t get past the way her mind and body were spinning out of control from laying eyes on Nick. The man she never thought to see again.

She’d been pregnant and alone. Then Braden and Willow Prescott, who she’d met at the free clinic she’d gone to for prenatal care in Florida, had given her a place to stay. Not long after, Linc had shown up and announced Aurora was a Kingston. But through it all, she’d been a single mother. It was how she identified herself and how she thought she always would be.

Now Leah’s father had surfaced and questions filtered through her brain. Would Nick want to be part of his daughter’s life? Would he fight for custody? Was that possible? She didn’t know him at all. Not his personality or his feelings about anything. One thing she was certain of, things were bound to change. At the thought, she began hyperventilating again.

“Okay enough.” Chloe knelt down on her knees. “You need to tell me what’s going on because I’m starting to panic.”

“I … Okay. I just …”

“Let’s start with why you ran out of the ballroom.” Now that she had Aurora’s attention, Chloe’s voice gentled.

Aurora nodded and pulled in a longer breath. “I saw someone from my past.”

Chloe placed a hand on Aurora’s knee, steadying herself. “Who?”

Tears filled Aurora’s eyes and she refused to let them fall. “Leah’s father,” she whispered.

“Holy shit! No wonder you’re in here hyperventilating!” Chloe pushed herself up. “Sorry I have to stand. This position is killing my knees.”

Aurora glanced up so Chloe didn’t have to kneel in order to talk to her.

“Do you want to tell me how you met him?”

Aurora had never discussed that night with her family. It hadn’t seemed to matter when she couldn’t track Nick down no matter how much money she now had.

“It was my birthday. I had aged out of foster care that day and I went to work at the diner, as usual. I’d already spoken to the owners who had said I could sleep in the back room which was a Godsend.” She began to recall her past. “I waited on a table of guys. One of them, his name was Nick, asked me out for that night. Normally I’d have said no but it was my birthday and I figured I deserved something good that day …” she trailed off, remembering.

She’d been attracted to Nick from the moment she saw him. The other guys around the table had been cocky, prep-school types. Most had blonde hair and sticks up their asses. They’d whistled and winked at her but none would lower themselves to ask her out.

Nick had been different. Kinder. Confident in an innate way. He didn’t have to prove himself or try and act superior. He’d just been a hot, sexy guy who knew what he wanted. She couldn’t believe he’d chosen her.

Chloe waited patiently for her to continue.

Aurora drew a deep breath. “We had dinner, walked on the beach and talked, a lot. We ended up back in his room and … you know the rest. But he used protection.” She waved her hands in the air, as frustrated now as she was then. “It was just one of those freak things.”

She’d never regret having Leah. She adored her child and Leah was her life, but at the time, her fear had been overwhelming.

“Nick and I never exchanged last names. We both knew he was in town for a short time visiting a friend, and would go back to his life. I had to figure out mine.”

“And now he’s out there?” Chloe asked.

“He was standing with the so-called Dirty Dare brothers.”

Chloe narrowed her gaze. “You said Nick.” She pulled her phone from her purse. “Don’t worry. I’m just asking Sasha if there’s a Nick Dare.” Her fingers tapped on the screen.

Aurora blinked. “He looked like Harrison,” she whispered.

A few seconds later, Chloe’s phone beeped and she glanced down. “And we have a winner. Nick Dare is your baby daddy.”

Aurora nodded slowly. A Dare. A cousin to Dr. Braden Prescott and his wife, Willow, who had helped her when she was pregnant. Talk about a small world. Well, that was a coincidence but one she could handle. Nick being here now was harder.

“I have to face him. He needs to know about Leah.” Her insides trembled at the thought.

Chloe sighed. “He does but let’s start with you just seeing him again and go from there. Can you do that?”

“I have no choice.” Drawing a deep breath for courage, Aurora rose to her feet. She’d run like a coward but she’d needed time to get over the shock.

It was time to face her past.

“I’m ready,” she said to Chloe.

Her sister pulled her into a hug. Something that even after four years she was still getting used to after a lifetime of being deprived of affection and physical touch by any adult in her life.

She hugged Chloe back. “Thank you.”

“Don’t be silly. That’s what family is for.” Chloe shot her a look and Aurora nodded.

Chloe stepped towards the bathroom door and walked outside. Aurora followed behind. When she stepped into the hallway, she came face to face with Nick.

 

Kindle: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODKindle

Amz Print: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODAmzPrint

Apple: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODApple

Nook: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODNook

BN Print: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODBNPrint

Googleplay: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODGoogle

Kobo: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODKobo

Audible: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODAudible

Amz Audio: https://www.carlyphillips.com/JODAmzAudio

 

The post Just One Dare First Chapter Preview appeared first on Carly Phillips.

Just One Dare Preorder Giveaway

Giveaway

To celebrate my upcoming release Just One Dare, I’m posting a Fun Preorder Giveaway!

The Kingston Family Books 1-4 signed, $50 Amazon GC, and a Brighton Purse!

Enter Here

Fill out all info on page!

Enter here!Preorder your copy of Just One Dare

Ebook & Print

Kindle

Paperback

Apple Books

Nook

Google Play

Kobo

Audiobook

Audible

Amazon Audio

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Just One Kiss Cover Reveal

It was just supposed to be one fun night of revenge sex.

It turned into a second. Then a third.

Now Mother Nature is having the last word—with a secret baby surprise!

Jade Dare has done everything in her power to overcome her mother’s unstable influence. Changed her name. Became a success. Vowed never to risk passing on the potential for inherited pain. What has it gotten her? One fiancé who wanted her for money. A second who cheated on her with his brother’s wife.

Now she’s sworn off men. Or at least off serious relationships. But when the chance to indulge in a little revenge sex with a man she’s secretly fantasized about arrives, she jumps in. Only to land heart-first into a case of the feels she can’t bring herself to trust.

Knox Sinclair always suspected he liked his brother’s fiancé a little too much, that’s why he kept his hands to himself. But with all ties broken and Jade all too willing, a one-night stand with a side of payback sounds like a damned good idea.

Except one night isn’t nearly enough.. But while Knox is busy convincing Jade they have a chance at forever, the past is planning one last parting shot.

The post Just One Kiss Cover Reveal appeared first on Carly Phillips.

READ JUST ONE SPARK NOW! 🎸

I can’t believe JUST ONE SPARK, rock star, Dash Kingston and Cassidy Forrester’s story is here!

The early reviews have been amazing and I’m so excited for you to read them. I hope you’ll preorder today!

“I loved this story, from the first to the last chapter. The writing was strong, the story fast paced, the characters engaging and easy to relate too. As secrets are revealed will it tear Dash and Cassidy apart once and for all? One click and find out.”

Erin Lewis, Thelma and Louise Book Blog

“Just One Spark was a sweet, funny and hot second-chance love story! Who doesn’t love it when a rock star is brought to his knees by THE woman?! There was much to love about this book…”

Heather, Goodreads Reviewer

“The book is enthralling. It’s a flawlessly written book with characters that make you yearn for such bonds and have such people in your life. It was a read filled with emotions. Books like “Just One Spark” make you realise the most important thing in life is family and friends who genuinely care.”

Neeru Rana, @Reviews_From_A_Bibliophile

“Awesome characters and a beautifully written storyline prove once again that Carly Phillips never disappoints!!”

Nicki, The Overflowing Bookcase

Get your copy today! I hope you enjoy!
Take care and happy reading!
Xo Carly

He’s a playboy rock star living the rock and roll dream…
Until a very real baby scare threatens to bring it all crashing down.

Dash Kingston has learned his lesson and knows his hard-partying lifestyle needs to change. To clean up his playboy image, he needs a fake girlfriend.

There’s just one problem: the perfect woman for the job is a gorgeous blonde who once aroused not just his body but his emotions, sending him running. And leaving her to wake up alone.

For the band’s sake, Cassidy Forrester agrees to play the girlfriend role, but she’s not going to fall for Dash’s charm or sex appeal ever again.

Except this Dash Kingston swears he’s a changed man, and he’s out to win Cassidy over – for good. But only a fool would make the same mistake twice, and Cassidy refuses to let their spark burn her a second time.

READ NOW:

Kindle: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkKindle
Nook: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkNook
Apple: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkApple
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkKobo
Googleplay: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkGoogle
Amazon Print: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkAmzAPrint
Audible: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkAudible
Amazon Audio: https://smarturl.it/OneSparkAmzAudio

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DOGS OF ROMANCELANDIA CALENDAR GET YOURS NOW!

In honor of the late, great Betty White, we bring you a 2022 Calendar starring the DOGS OF ROMANCELANDIA

Size: 8.5″ x 11″
Cost: $19.99 + tax and shipping
Charity: all proceeds will go to one of Betty’s beloved charities:
Guide Dogs for the Blind – https://www.guidedogs.com/
Deadline to Order: Order by January 30th.
No more calendars will be available past that date.

BUY HERE:
https://tinyurl.com/mtva23zc

Owners of Dogs Featured:

Avery Flynn
Carly Phillips
Catherine Cowles
Jennifer L. Armentrout
Jennifer Probst
Kimberly Kincaid
Larissa Ione
Lexi Blake
Melissa McClone
Robin Covington
Samantha Chase
Sawyer Bennett
And
Shannoff Designs

BUY HERE:
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Just One Spark First Chapter Preview

Chapter One

A couple of months ago, Dash Kingston had been living the dream. He’d had women at his beck and call. More money than he’d ever dreamed of earning doing something he loved. Bandmates who were his best friends, and success beyond his wildest dreams. He still had those things, but he also had a huge weight sitting on his chest in the form of an outstanding paternity test, courtesy of one night with a woman he barely remembered and whose name he hadn’t known at the time.

Word had spread over social media, television entertainment and celebrity news, and whatever magazines still showed up in grocery store checkout lines. Instead of talk about the band’s music and their new drummer, Axel Forrester, there was speculation about whether the Original Kings’ lead singer had impregnated a one-night stand.

Talk about a wake-up call.

Dash glanced around his patio, where clusters of people gathered talking. The professionals stood on one side, the roadies and groupies, the women who wanted to fuck a rock star, laughed and partied on the other. His band members were scattered around, all having fun on a hot late-September day in East Hampton, with the alcohol at Dash’s expense.

Whose idea was a party when his entire world might be falling apart? He ran a hand through his hair and decided to head over to his brother Xander’s house, about a mile down the road. Though he could walk, he took his baby, a Ferrari Limited-Edition V12 supercar. Not even the power of the engine or the yellow racing stripe he loved helped his mood.

On the short ride, he thought about the many mistakes he’d made in life and decided he could do better. And though he knew, if the kid was his, he’d step up, he prayed to God he’d dodge this bullet. Panic-induced sweat broke out on his skin, and he pumped up the air conditioner.

When he arrived at Xander’s, his other brother Linc’s car sat in the driveway. So he’d have both brothers to hang out with. Dash let himself inside and heard their voices coming from the kitchen.

He walked into the huge room where Linc and Xander were sitting at the table. “Hey.”

They looked up when he entered. “How are you holding up?” Linc asked.

Dash strode to the refrigerator, opened the door, and took out a can of Diet Coke. “Feeling like shit.” He popped the top and guzzled a long sip.

“How long until you have news?” Xander asked.

“My lawyer should call me any minute. Hour. Day. Fuck!” He raised a hand and caught himself, not wanting to hit anything in his brother’s kitchen. Or break his hand on the granite countertop.

Xander and Linc exchanged knowing looks.

“Come on. Sit.” Xander strode over, hooked an arm around Dash’s neck, and pulled him toward the chairs by the table. Releasing him, which Dash appreciated because he was choking, Xander then braced both palms on his shoulders and pushed until Dash dropped into the chair.

“Look, I’d be as crazy as you are if it was happening to me, but right now the best thing you can do is calm the fuck down,” Xander said.

“I know.” And he did but was it possible? Hell no.

Linc shook his head. “I hope this goes without saying, but once you survive this scare, things need to change.”

Dash did his best not to scowl or punch his brother for thinking now was a good time for life lectures.

“Linc, chill, yeah?” Xander gave Linc a pointed look.

“I’m just looking out for him,” Linc said, leaning back in his chair, always the composed brother.

“I know you are.” Dash got where Linc was coming from. He’d also noticed Linc had said when Dash survived this scare. Not if. Which meant his oldest sibling had faith Dash might get through this unscathed. Not be a father. Dash just hoped Linc was right.

Since their dead father hadn’t been a good parent, Linc had always felt the need to herd the rest of the siblings and make sure they were taken care of. Whether they needed his guidance or not. Dash didn’t blame him. Hell, he appreciated his oldest brother. He just wasn’t in the mood for a lecture.

He was damned lucky the woman in question was willing to do a noninvasive DNA test. A blood sample from Mom, one from Dad, and a fetal cell analysis would provide a result that was ninety-nine percent accurate. The fact that the chick was willing to do one told Dash she wasn’t a money-hungry gold-digger.

If he’d knocked her up, he wouldn’t marry her, but she and the baby wouldn’t want for a damned thing, and Dash would get to know his kid. His stomach cramped at the notion of having a baby with a stranger.

“Are the guys at your place?” Xander asked.

The question shook Dash from his disturbing thoughts. “They were out by the pool when I left.”

Xander folded his arms across his chest. “Any chance I’ll have a houseful of people soon?” he asked, not sounding happy about it.

“You never know.” Dash couldn’t stop the grin lifting the corners of his mouth at Xander’s predictable reaction.

Dash had made it his life’s mission to drive his more solitary brother crazy by showing up uninvited all the time. Xander was uptight and could use a good shaking up. But despite it all, they were close.

Now that Xander lived with his fiancée, Dash had stopped using his key and rang the bell instead. Unless he knew he wouldn’t be interrupting them. Linc’s car in the driveaway had indicated he’d been safe to enter today. He had no desire to walk in on Xander and Sasha doing shit he didn’t need to see.

“Dash! I didn’t know you were here, too.” Sasha flowed into the kitchen because that’s what his brother’s fiancée did. She glided across a room like the actress she was. Good thing she was down-to-earth, too.

“Hello, beautiful.” He winked at her and caught Xander’s glare.

Dash had every reason to suck up to Sasha. He’d crossed a line with Cassidy, Sasha’s best friend and former personal assistant, despite both Xander and Sasha warning him against making a move. Things between them had escalated out of control after Sasha had been hurt by her stalker. Cassidy had needed a shoulder to cry on, and Dash had been admittedly struck dumb from the first time he’d laid eyes on her.

He’d acted with his dick and all his other body parts that were drawn to the California girl. Their one night had blown his mind, and even for a guy who’d had more than his share of women, that was a huge understatement.

He’d woken up as sober as when he’d slid into her the night before. No drunk excuses. Sunlight was streaming into the hotel room, illuminating her silky blond hair, porcelain skin, and delicate profile that would inspire songs in his future, and he’d freaked the fuck out. Instead of acting like a man, he’d dressed and disappeared before she woke up. Things had been awkward since.

“Knock, knock, we’re coming in!” Dash recognized his lead guitarist Jagger’s voice followed by footsteps, letting him know Mac, the bassist, and Axel, the new drummer, who happened to be Cassidy’s brother, were with him. And fuck no, Axel did not know what had happened between Dash and his sister.

“In the kitchen,” Dash called out.

“Really?” Xander asked, eyebrow raised in annoyance.

Sasha squeezed his shoulder. “It’s fine.”

“It’s not. What’s wrong with your house?” he asked Dash. “I love you but half the time it feels like you guys live here.”

Dash lifted his shoulders. “Our road manager came by, called a few friends…”

“There’s a party at his place,” Mac said as the guys filed into the kitchen dressed in bathing trunks and sneakers.

Sasha narrowed her gaze. “Where’s Cass?”

Cassidy used to be Sasha’s personal assistant until the band’s latest one quit. Xander, Sasha, and Harrison Dare, a movie star friend of hers, were creating a production company and had asked Cassidy to be their creative director. With her ad agency background prior to working for Sasha, she was a perfect fit.

But there was time before they’d need Cassidy to start work. Axel had convinced her to lend the band a hand. Again, because Axel had no idea that Dash had fucked his sister and walked out, making certain she understood what one and done meant. Because yeah, when Dash got feelings, he was that much of an asshole.

“She’s at the pool, keeping an eye on shit,” Axel said, wincing under Sasha’s pissed-off glare.

Normally Dash would get the brunt of her anger, but Axel had been the last guy to leave the house. And he was Cassidy’s brother.

“You left her there with your goddamn entourage and the groupies?” Sasha walked over and smacked Dash upside the head.

“Hey! I didn’t do it,” he muttered.

She shot him a look that let him know he’d done other things to earn him that swat, and he couldn’t deny he deserved it. Nor could he fight with her in front of the band.

“Overseeing your parties and babysitting your groupies isn’t part of her job description.” Sasha swiped a set of car keys that sat in a bowl on the counter.

“Where are you going?” Xander asked.

“To save my best friend.” She waved at Xander with a warm smile that Dash had to admit would make any man envious, ignored the rest of them, and strode out of the kitchen.

“Good job,” Xander muttered. “Way to piss her off.”

Dash ran a hand over his face. “Look, I have a lot on my mind!”

Xander looked at him, his jaw tight, and Dash didn’t say a word. Of his two brothers, he could read Xander better. And Xander wanted to give Dash the same lecture Linc had.

When this nightmare was over, Dash needed to get his shit together. ASAP.

*     *     *

Cassidy Forrester sat on the edge of the saltwater gunite pool and dipped her feet into the warm water, ignoring the half-naked groupies hanging on to men who were friends with Dash Kingston, the owner of the East Hampton home.

“I want a raise,” she said out loud to no one in particular. Because she sure as hell wasn’t paid enough to babysit the entourage of the Original Kings, an award-winning rock band, comprised of man-child idiots who did what they wanted, when they wanted, everyone else be damned.

Her actual title was personal assistant to the band, a job she’d taken as a favor to her brother. The four core members had disappeared, leaving her to deal with the people, party, and mess they’d left behind. Nobody else would watch over the house and make sure these guests respected boundaries and stayed outside.

Not that Dash deserved anything from her, but her brother did.

“Hey, Cass,” a familiar female voice said.

Cassidy glanced up, shading her eyes from the sun, just as her best friend, Sasha Keaton, joined her, sitting by her side and also dipping her bare feet into the pool.

“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be home with your hot fiancé?”

Sasha leaned back, her hands behind her on the bluestone patio. “When the guys showed up, I figured you’d want company.”

Cassidy smiled. “And that’s why I love you.”

“Back at you,” Sasha said, tilting her face toward the sun.

Sasha and Cassidy had been based in Los Angeles and traveled to locations where Sasha filmed until a couple of months ago, when Sasha had come to New York for a role. Cassidy, as her then personal assistant, had joined her. Sasha and Xander Kingston, Dash’s brother and the author of the book on which the movie was based, had history they’d rekindled. After filming ended, Sasha had decided to move across the country to be with Xander and, along with him, open a production company with another famous actor, Harrison Dare.

Cassidy eventually planned to work for their new company, K-Talent Productions, a name they’d recently updated, but for now she’d agreed to help the band until they could hire someone they agreed on permanently.

“I came to take you to Xander’s. You don’t need to babysit the house,” Sasha said.

“I take it the band made their way over there?” Cassidy asked.

Sasha nodded. “If they don’t want to be here, there’s no reason for you to be, either. Let’s go hang out at my place.”

Cassidy grinned.

“What?”

“I like that you consider Xander’s house your place. I’m glad you’re happy.” Her friend had soared to stardom, sacrificing her relationship with Xander in the process. But in the end, things had worked out and they both deserved it.

“I want the same thing for you. So while we’re alone, I just wanted to make sure you’re not upset with me,” Sasha said. She lifted her feet out of the pool, and they both stood and reached for towels on the chairs behind them.

“Why would I be?” Cassidy asked while drying her legs.

Sasha did the same before sitting down to buckle her sandals as she replied. “I know you don’t want to be around Dash, but when Xander and Axel asked if the band could borrow your talents for a short time, I couldn’t lie. It’s going to take a while to get the paperwork for the new business going, and Harrison is finishing up a movie. We all have downtime now.”

“I know. And I didn’t have to say yes when Axel asked. This job isn’t your doing. It’s my brother’s and that’s because he has no idea I slept with Dash.” Cassidy winced at the reminder of the best night of her life that had ended in the most humiliating morning after.

“I want to throttle Dash for being such an asshole,” Sasha muttered.

There was nothing Cassidy could say to that since she agreed. And if Axel found out, he’d kill Dash himself.

Cassidy and Axel’s parents had died in a car accident when Cassidy was five and Axel seven. Their grandmother had raised them until she’d passed away, leaving an eighteen-year-old Axel to deal with Cassidy, a sixteen-year-old girl just finding herself. Though Cassidy felt like they’d looked out for each other, Axel had deemed himself her father figure and still acted as such.

Sasha sighed. “Yeah. I’ve seen how overprotective Axel can be. I don’t think he’d take the news well, and the last thing you want is an issue between the band’s lead singer and their new member. They have enough crazy publicity as it is,” Sasha said.

“Agreed.” Neither one of them mentioned Dash’s baby scare out loud.

Sasha probably didn’t want to hurt Cassidy by discussing it. And Cassidy didn’t want to puke into the man’s million-dollar pool. She was aware based on the timing that he’d slept with the woman before he’d been with Cassidy. Not that it mattered. He hadn’t been with her in any way that inspired loyalty or monogamy. But the thought of Dash fathering some skank’s baby made Cassidy want to alternatively be sick and cry. How could she have let herself fall for the proverbial rock star?

A shriek came from the far side of the grass. Cassidy and Sasha turned to see one of the big-breasted women pull off her bikini top and jump into the deep end of the pool. Three men shucked their shorts and followed.

“Oh. My. God.” Cassidy spun away, not needing to see more.

“Come on. Let’s get out of here.” Sasha gathered her things, and Cassidy pulled her cover-up over her bathing suit and slipped into her flip-flops, happy to join her friend and leave this hedonistic nightmare behind.

*     *     *

Dash huddled in the corner of the overly large sofa in Xander’s family room. While grumbling about too many people in his house, Xander had moved the band and Linc to a space with more sitting room. Status quo for his best-selling thriller author brother, whose books were made into hit movies. He liked a more solitary life.

Why Xander put up with Dash and his shit was beyond him. But Dash loved his older brother and always had. He’d pulled the same crap when they were kids, sleeping on the floor of Xander’s bedroom until his mother bought a trundle bed so Dash was more comfortable.

Xander had grumbled then, too, Dash thought wryly. But if his life went to hell, Xander would be there and not say, I told you so. Not much, anyway.

Dash’s cell rang, silencing everyone. He pulled out the phone from his pocket, glanced at the screen, and his heart began to pound harder in his chest.

“It’s the lawyer,” he said to his audience, men he trusted with his life. Men who’d been waiting to hear the news along with him. The band because of the publicity Dash had thrust on them, and along with his brothers, they cared.

Palms slick with sweat, Dash stood. He took the call, putting it on speaker because he didn’t want to have to repeat the news if it was bad. “Peter, talk to me,” he said to his attorney.

“Got the paternity results in my hand,” the man said.

At that moment, Sasha walked in, Cassidy by her side. Because why shouldn’t the woman who affected him on a soul-deep level witness his humiliation?

“Dash, you are not the father,” Peter said without wasting time, and damned if Dash didn’t drop to his knees in relief and disconnected the call.

“Fucking sounds like an episode of Maury,” Axel said. “But you must be relieved. Congrats, man.”

Linc and Xander surrounded him, and he rose to his feet, promising himself that, from this point on, his life would change. No more fucking groupies, no more being too wasted as an excuse.

He blinked, his gaze refocusing until he met Cassidy’s damp stare, her pretty green eyes wet with unshed tears. She’d wrapped her arms around herself and his stomach cramped at the hurt he saw in her expression. Unable to deal with the pain he’d caused when he was still in the process of reconfiguring what he wanted out of life, he turned away.

“I think everyone should go back to your place and send the partiers home.” Xander squeezed Dash’s shoulder. “You stay here and calm down. You can head back when you know it’s quiet there.”

Dash inclined his head. “Sounds like a good idea.” He turned to the band. “Guys? I appreciate the support but I need some time.”

One by one they slapped him on the shoulder and headed out the door, each giving him a word of congratulations as they left.

And when he turned back to face Sasha and Cassidy, the women were nowhere to be found.

*     *     *

Needing space, Cassidy walked into the kitchen of Xander and Sasha’s home. She headed straight to the counter, braced her hands on the granite, and dipped her head, releasing a long-held sigh. Dash was not the father of some groupie’s baby.

Why the hell was she so relieved? After the way he’d treated her, why did she care?

A little over two months ago, she’d met Dash Kingston, and the floor beneath her had shaken as if an earthquake hit, and having been born and bred in LA, she’d experienced plenty of them. Her reaction had been ridiculous. As an assistant to an A-list actress, she’d met more handsome men than she could count. She’d recently been dumped by a man she thought she’d loved. Yet, standing in a club full of people, she’d taken one look at the lead singer of the Original Kings, and it was like no one else was in the room. And damned if he hadn’t stared back at her, looking shaken, as if he felt the same way.

Later that night, when she’d been mistaken for Sasha and attacked by her friend’s stalker, Dash had been frantic. He’d even gone to the hospital and waited there to make sure she was okay. Not the actions of an unaffected man. Which was why, after Sasha had been attacked and Cassidy panicked, she’d given in to the attraction and need.

She’d thought she was different than his other women. The groupies. Until she’d woken up alone the morning after, and he’d never mentioned their night together again. She closed her eyes, trying to rid herself of the painful memory, only to recall the panic on his face when he’d been on the phone with his lawyer. And the sheer relief when he’d heard the paternity results and realized his entire life wouldn’t be upended.

She’d been happy for him. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

“Are you finished with the self-flagellation?” Sasha asked. She’d followed Cassidy out of the room filled with men congratulating Dash and, as a good friend, had given Cassidy a few minutes to pull herself together.

Cassidy stood up and straightened her shoulders only to find Sasha staring, her gaze narrowed.

“What?” Cassidy asked.

“It’s not terrible to still have feelings,” Sasha said, quietly so nobody would overhear.

Cassidy shrugged. “I don’t have feelings unless you count being happy for him that he dodged a bullet.” They both knew she was lying. “That’s what I don’t understand about myself. Why do I care after he was such an ass?”

“Because you’re a good person, Cass. Are you sure you want to work with them?” Sasha asked.

Cassidy nodded. “This week is a radio interview. The first with the entire band since Axel joined them. The focus will turn to music, the guys will hunker down in the studio, and all will be fine.” At least that was the story she was telling herself.

“Okay then.” Sasha glanced at her watch. “I need to take a call, but I’ll drive you back to Dash’s house right after. I shouldn’t be long.”

“I’ll take her. I’m going home, anyway.”

Cassidy jerked, surprised by the sound of Dash’s voice. He stood in the entry to the kitchen. He wore a pair of swim trunks and an open button-down shirt, and his tanned, lickable abs were on display. His jet-black hair had been recently cut and was longer on top, looking like he’d been running his fingers through it in agitation.

Of all the Kingston brothers, Cassidy thought Dash the best-looking, his face lean, his features chiseled. He had full lips and he knew how to use them to give maximum pleasure. At the reminder, she folded her arms across her chest, covering her nipples so he couldn’t see how he affected her.

Sasha glanced at Dash. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Actually, it’s a perfect idea,” Cassidy said. “Dash and I can discuss what he and the band need from me.” She shot Sasha a reassuring gaze. Though Cassidy appreciated the support, she could handle Dash.

“Okay.” Although Sasha’s forehead wrinkled in worry, she walked over and gave Cassidy a hug, which she gratefully returned. Sasha was the sister she’d never had, and Cassidy loved her.

Sasha strode out of the kitchen, pausing to whisper something in Dash’s ear that caused him to wince. A threat to the family jewels if he hurt Cassidy again, no doubt.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

She nodded. She’d left her handbag in the kitchen, grabbed it from one of the chairs, and followed him out, coming to a stop in front of the almost-five-hundred-thousand-dollar sports car. This she knew from her brother and his obsession with them.

“Boys and their toys,” she muttered as he opened the door for her.

Dash chuckled, the sound a low rasp in her ear she was eager to escape, but as she slid into the low-slung seat, she caught a whiff of his familiar, musky scent. She inhaled, and arousal hit low in her abdomen as he shut the door, leaving her in the small interior, surrounded by the heady cologne. Already, she regretted not waiting for Sasha to drive her back.

There was no conversation thanks to the loud engine revving as he drove, but when he pulled into his long driveway, he parked the car and cut the motor.

Before she could find the door handle and escape, he spoke. “Cassidy, wait.”

Her hand froze and she had no choice but to turn toward him.

He’d placed his tanned, inked forearm onto the top of her seat, bringing them together in the small car. She’d already been inhaling his scent and getting worked up enough to squirm in her seat. Now his handsome face was too close for comfort. She’d gone from thinking they should clear things up between them to wanting to get away from his magnetic pull.

“What do you want?” she asked.

“You said we should talk about what the band needs from you,” Dash said.

She rolled her eyes. “I know how to do my job. I just didn’t want to make Sasha go out of her way to take me to my car when you were leaving anyway.” She pivoted toward the door, intending to make her getaway.

“I’m sorry.” His low tone reminded her of the rumbling voice on stage that had women throwing their panties at his feet.

But damn him, his words stopped her from leaving. “You’re sorry. For what?”

If he was going to apologize, she wanted him to spell out what he’d done wrong.

“Look at me and I’ll tell you,” he said.

She turned. The man across from her wasn’t the cocky rock star who strutted around on stage like he owned the world. This Dash Kingston appeared to be a mere mortal, not a rock god. He was a man who’d been humbled by his actions. Although she didn’t kid herself that he’d have apologized otherwise, she couldn’t help but respond to the real person behind the cocky façade he presented to everyone else.

She raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to explain.

A muscle pulled in his jaw. “I shouldn’t have left you the morning after without saying goodbye. That was a shitty thing to do.”

“Yeah, it was.” She blew out a breath, relieved he hadn’t apologized for sleeping with her. She didn’t think she could deal with being one of his regrets.

“I should have dealt with things better.” He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. “Hell, Cass. I should have handled you better.”

Glad he not only recognized he’d treated her like one of his groupies and pleased he’d acknowledged it out loud, she decided to put her night with Dash where it belonged. “Thanks, Dash. It’s in the past but I appreciate the apology.”

Forcing a smile she didn’t feel, at least not in her heart, where somehow this man had gotten to her, she turned and let herself out of the car.

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Just One Dare Cover & Blurb Reveal

Cover and Blurb Reveal!

Just One Dare is coming April 19th!

Carly Phillips’ bestselling Kingston and Dare families merge with the heroes readers have been asking for!

Aurora Kingston gets her story along with one of the infamous Dirty Dares:

JUST ONE DARE

A one night stand with no names exchanged.
Four years later, she comes face to face with her baby’s father again.

Aurora Michaels isn’t the same girl she was that spring night. No longer homeless and living in the back room of a diner where she worked, she’s now a member of the wealthy Kingston family. She has her daughter, a career and has adjusted to her new normal.

Billionaire Nick Dare is a man who takes charge. He runs the hotel arm of the family empire and his life revolves around business and travel. A quick stop at his brother’s movie premier has him doing a double take.

The woman who haunts his dreams is there. He’s been given a second chance and is determined to make the most of it.

When he learns about their daughter, Nick becomes a man on a mission. Aurora and their child are his. Even if he has to knock down Aurora’s emotional walls to prove it.

*Though connected by family, all books stand alone

PREORDER TODAY!

Kindle: https://smarturl.it/OneDareKindle
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Amazon Print: https://smarturl.it/OneDareAmzPrint

Audio Links Coming Soon!
Narrators:
Jason Clarke
Samantha Cook

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Just One Spark Preorder Giveaway

Giveaway

To celebrate my upcoming release Just One Spark, I’m posting a $100 Amazon Preorder Giveaway!

ENTER HERE:
Fill out all info on page!

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Ebook & Print

PREORDER TODAY – available 1/18

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Due to personal reasons audio will be delayed until 2/1

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Chapter 1 Sneak Peek Just One Chance

Chapter One

Xander Kingston woke to the sound of voices in his backyard. His gated, locked pool area and the retreat he valued for its privacy. What day was it again? He’d been up late writing. Tuesday, he remembered. And no good reason for him to be awake yet.

With a groan, he tossed the covers and walked to the sliding glass doors off the family room, pulling on a pair of boxer briefs on the way—but not bothering with pants or shorts. If the overgrown idiots in his pool were going to interrupt his solitude, they could suck up the view.

His golden retriever, Bella, rose at the same time he did, and Xander paused to pet her on the head. “Hang on, girl. Let me just take care of something and we’ll go for a run.”

He opened the door and stepped onto the pool deck, letting Bella rush past the pool to the grass where she did her business.

“Hey! Go home to your place,” Xander shouted at his company.

As he’d expected, his brother Dash and the other members of the Original Kings, an award-winning rock band, loved and beloved around the world, were hanging outside. For Xander, who’d been up late working on his latest thriller, he couldn’t claim the same adoration. Especially since Dash had an equally huge house with a pool and the same amount of privacy a mile down the road.

“We needed a change of scenery to help unlock the muse,” Jagger, the lead guitarist, called from his lounger in the pool.

“Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to wake you,” Dash said. “I just had an idea and had to sing it out to the boys. Listen.” He picked up his guitar and played a riff while belting out an accompanying chorus.

Xander had to admit it was catchy. It also could have happened at Dash’s house.

“I like it. I’m feeling the beat,” Mac, the bass player, said, his hands moving in the air as if he were strumming his instrument.

“Where’s Dominic?” Xander asked of their drummer.

The guys shot each other a look but no one answered.

Xander shook his head. The band wasn’t his problem. At least today’s visit didn’t involve groupies and alcohol. “I hope you brought your own towels,” he muttered, stepping back inside.

He quickly pulled on running shorts, a tank, and socks then laced up his sneakers. After washing up and taking care of things in the bathroom, he headed to the kitchen to find his brother pouring a glass of orange juice, Xander’s morning favorite. He’d already made himself a cup of iced tea.

“Where are the guys?” Xander asked before picking up his drink and swallowing it quickly because he was thirsty. Bella obviously felt the same way, because she lapped at her water, the sound loud in the kitchen.

Dash gestured with his thumb. “They went back to my place.” He took a sip of his drink. “So what crawled up your ass this morning?”

“I was up late.” He leaned against the counter and glanced at his brother. “I didn’t set an alarm and I didn’t expect be woken up by you and the band.”

“Didn’t like being serenaded, huh?” Dash laughed. “Sorry. But you of all people know sometimes a change of scenery helps the creative process.”

“And sometimes you show up because you’d just rather I be the one left with the clean-up.” His brother was incorrigible. Xander supposed it came from their mother allowing Dash to cultivate his artistic talent instead of adhering to structure and rules.

Dash didn’t deny it. “Hey, we still on for the family barbeque?”

“Yeah. Here on Saturday night.” Normally their get-togethers were on Sundays, but since Xander’s movie began filming in the city on Monday, he’d switched up the day.

Xander’s family were a tight group, cared about what was going on in everyone else’s lives, and made it a point to get together often. Linc, the oldest, liked to think he’d taken over the paternal role since their cheating father had been emotionally absent, but the three Kingston brothers, their sister, Chloe, and newly found half sister, Aurora, looked out for each other. Always.

Xander pushed himself off the counter. “I’m going for a run. You sticking around?”

Dash shook his head. “Nah. I think I’ll head back to the guys. See what we can make work in the studio.”

Before Xander could reply, his cell rang and he grabbed it from his pocket. His agent’s name flashed on the screen. “Raye,” he mouthed to his brother.

Raye Douglas, partner at Douglas Talent Management Group, had represented Xander ever since Dash had convinced his manager there to ask the best literary agent to read Xander’s manuscript five years ago. Raye, the daughter of the top agent at the firm, had been curious, poached the script from her dad, and she’d been impressed.

Xander had been equally taken by her unwillingness to settle or take no for an answer. She’d pushed hard for him, and Xander had ended up in a bidding war that culminated in both publishing and movie rights being sold, making him a proverbial overnight success. After a grueling four years in the Marines, that is.

He accepted the call. “Hey, Raye.”

“Good news. We have an actress to play Amanda,” she said of Xander’s protagonist’s love interest.

His military thrillers were focused on a fictional character, Gavin Steele, a Marine in a special unit. In a prior book, Xander had killed off Steele’s wife, and in the current novel and script, the new character of Amanda would be first an adversary, then Steele’s love interest in what Xander planned to be an increasingly larger part.

The original actress slated to play Amanda had backed out at the last minute, and with filming set to start next week, the studio had been scrambling. They didn’t want to settle but knew it would be tough to obtain a big name. Besides, Xander would be around to help her get into character.

“Who’d we get?” He glanced at Dash, who raised an eyebrow, clearly interested as well.

“Sasha Keaton,” his agent said.

And with those words, Xander’s brain short-circuited, and as he processed the news, his heart beat harder in his chest.

“Fuck no.” He didn’t have final say in casting, but he was allowed reasonable input, and he did not want the woman who’d put her career over their relationship and broken his heart working on his movie.

“Who’d they pick?” Dash asked. He knew Xander had been waiting on this news.

Xander held up a finger, buying himself time with his brother before replying.

“Excuse me,” Raye said. “But are you telling me you’re going to let the past dictate whether or not you accept the hottest actress in the country … screw that … in the world playing this role?” His agent asked a rational question.

Xander didn’t have an equally rational answer. Ending things with Sasha had shattered his world as much as the IED that exploded too close to him in Afghanistan had blown up his military career.

“I need you to think,” Raye said in the face of Xander’s silence. “Sasha is a huge get and her signing will boost your desirability. Don’t forget we’re negotiating an option on your new series to a streaming service. You want the biggest names possible bringing in the largest numbers possible on your current project. And her face sells. Tickets, subscriptions, all of it.”

Xander muttered under his breath. He didn’t like it but Raye was right. Before he could acknowledge that fact, she spoke again. “Don’t let your bruised ego stand in the way.”

This movie was due to shoot in Manhattan, and as a consultant, Xander planned to be on set often. “Fuck.” He ran a hand over his cropped hair and groaned. And despite his past with Sasha, he could be professional. “Fine,” he muttered.

Raye let out a relieved, loud breath. “Catch up at lunch soon?” she asked.

“Yeah.”

“Okay, take it easy. Remember, this is a good thing,” she said before disconnecting without a goodbye. Typical Raye.

Xander set his phone on the counter, closed his eyes, and mentally counted to ten and back, the method he used to calm down when stressed. When he opened his eyes, Dash was staring at him with concern.

“You okay?”

Xander shrugged. “Pissed.”

“I got that. Just as I figured from your reaction they want to hire Sasha for the role?”

He ran a hand over the back of his neck and nodded. “Raye reminded me it will only benefit me and the deals we’re negotiating to have Sasha on board.” His gut churned at the thought of seeing her again. “But I’m not planning on dealing with her on set.” He could be cordial and professional but that was it. He wasn’t required to be friends with the actors. He’d just be there to make sure they stayed true to the characters he’d created.

Dash eyed him warily. “Well, I agree with your instinct to steer clear. She was career driven when you met her, and nothing we’ve seen in the last couple of years shows she’s changed.”

Xander nodded. It wasn’t like he could miss learning about Sasha’s life. Not the way she was constantly splashed across tabloids, social media, and the news. He’d wondered if she’d grown up, changed, and found other priorities, but Dash was right.

Every photo showed her hanging out with her male co-stars, every article and caption insinuating she had a tendency to relationship hop, and eventually Xander stopped paying attention.

Dash placed a hand on Xander’s shoulder before dropping it. “I just wouldn’t want her to hurt you again.”

“She’d have to get close to me for that to happen.” But he appreciated Dash’s concern. “I need that run.” He slid his phone into the armband he kept on his counter and velcroed it to his bicep. His Bose earbuds came next.

“You’ll feel better after you pound out that frustration on the pavement.” Dash slapped him on the back. “Hey, if you want to make Sasha jealous, I could introduce you to someone you can bring with you on set.”

“A groupie?” Xander frowned, the idea holding no appeal. His brother’s rock-star lifestyle was not for him, and someday it was going to catch up to his brother. “Thanks but no thanks,” he said, though Dash had raised an eyebrow as if he’d really expected Xander to say yes.

Dash shrugged. “Your choice. Okay, I’m out of here, too. Yell if you need me.”

“Will do,” Xander said and walked out with his brother, Bella trotting alongside them.

* * *

Sasha Keaton folded her favorite sleep shirt and placed it in her suitcase, followed by item after item on her bed. Beside her, Cassidy Forrester, her best friend and personal assistant, sat on the chair by Sasha’s vanity area, her iPad open as they discussed travel arrangements for their trip to New York.

Sasha zipped her piece of luggage closed, ignoring the twisting in her stomach every time she thought about the man whose movie she’d accepted a part in.

“So, we leave tomorrow at nine twenty a.m. and land around six New York time,” Cassidy said, reading off the itinerary. “We’re staying at the Gansevoort, with you in a one-bedroom suite with an outdoor terrace, and I have an adjoining king room next door.”

“Excellent. You’ll have your own space to sleep, and we can hang out in the suite.”

Sasha met Cassidy when she’d answered an ad for a room in a two-bedroom apartment after she’d wrapped a movie in France. She’d returned to LA coming off a breakup she didn’t want to think about now but would have to deal with soon. In Cassidy, Sasha had found both a roommate and a best friend at a low point in her life.

Then, as Sasha’s career exploded, Cassidy had been by her side, using her skills to run Sasha’s personal life and business schedule, something she’d done for her brother, Axel, a drummer, who also lived in LA. But despite Cassidy and Sasha’s professional relationship, their friendship came first, and Sasha felt like she’d known Cassidy forever.

Cassidy left the iPad on the table and joined Sasha, curling a leg beneath her on the bed. “When are we going to talk about it?”

“About what?” Sasha played dumb, but her friend wouldn’t accept her silence about Xander for much longer.

“When I met you, you were pretty broken up about the guy. Now you’re starring in a movie based on a book he wrote and he’ll be a consultant on set? You haven’t said one word about him since taking the part. I thought I’d wait until you were ready, but we’re leaving in the morning so … time’s up.” Cassidy treated Sasha to a pointed stare.

Sasha settled on the mattress near her friend, pushing aside the suitcase and resigning herself to the conversation she’d been avoiding. When she’d moved in with Cassidy, she’d been an emotional mess, and she’d had only herself to blame. She bit down on her cheek at the painful memory. At the time, she’d cried and gorged on ice cream, and Cassidy, even as a new friend, had been there, supporting her.

Sasha had explained everything about her relationship and breakup, and Cassidy had understood. She hadn’t judged her then and she wouldn’t now. Since Sasha intended to see Xander before she walked onto the set, she’d need a plan and some good, solid advice.

She drew a deep breath and slid her hand over the ruffles on her comforter. “You know that when I met Xander, I wasn’t in the right headspace for a relationship. I had goals I wanted to achieve. And I definitely didn’t see anyone like him coming into my life.”

She recalled being at a party at Raye Douglas’ home. Sasha had been invited by someone so low on the totem pole she’d been certain she’d be asked to leave or not allowed in. The house had been huge, a decorator’s dream, beyond anything Sasha had ever seen in her life, and the guests were household names.

She’d felt so out of place, and when the handsome guy with a military bearing strode up to her and began to make conversation, she’d been relieved to no longer be alone. The sparks flew from the moment they’d locked eyes as he’d approached. They ended up in a small corner area, sitting and talking for most of the night. Sasha had grabbed champagne glass after champagne glass off the passing caterers’ trays as they got to know each other.

To her shock, they’d fallen into a relationship, but Sasha had dreams, the main one not to give up herself and her career the way her mother had, to follow her musician father around wherever a gig took him.

And then came Xander.

Knowing she’d gotten lost in the past, she glanced at Cassidy. “I need to see him before shooting starts. To clear the air if nothing else. I can’t show up the first day I have to be in character and have the pressure of dealing with him hanging over me.”

Even if the thought of meeting him face-to-face for the first time since they’d broken up turned her stomach. “Besides, if there’s an author for the story and they’re an on-set consultant, you know I like to get their take on the character I’m playing. It makes it easier to get into their skin.”

Cassidy’s expression grew serious. “Are you over him? Because this can get messy. I worried when you took the role and—”

“I love Isaac Reynolds,” she said of the director. “The last time I worked with him was a dream. They lost their leading actress, and the movie is a guaranteed blockbuster. Every Steele movie is.”

But Cassidy pursed her lips, studying Sasha intently. “You didn’t mention Xander in your reasons, and I don’t believe for a minute that seeing him again didn’t factor into your decision.”

Sasha clenched her hands. “So what if it did?” She’d never forgotten him and had always wanted the chance to make things right.

“There’ll be more Steele movies. This character is a long-term commitment,” Cassidy reminded her.

Sasha’s stomach clenched. “I’m aware.”

“So you wanted to see him again. And again and again?”

Sasha picked up a pillow and tossed it at her friend. “Stop. I just need to know he doesn’t hate me.” And maybe she still wanted him to have feelings for her, too.

She didn’t know and wouldn’t until she saw him face-to-face. Not that it mattered. He wouldn’t want anything to do with her beyond the movie. She’d hurt him badly in so many ways.

The truth was, she’d been all of nineteen, new to Hollywood, wanting to make it big, and had both her agent and her co-star pushing her to do things that would keep the media focus on them. Make them look important. Help them become hot commodities.

It’d been so hard to say no to their ideas and plans. They’d kept her so busy she didn’t have time to overthink her choices or even see Xander often enough to make a relationship work. And she’d also had her mother’s voice in her head, telling her not to make the mistakes she had. Reminding her to follow her dreams, that love was fleeting. And then she’d point out all Sasha’s father’s misdeeds.

And her life wasn’t much different now. Her days were hectic, busy, and she was constantly on the go.

“Hey. What’s going on?” Cassidy asked, interrupting Sasha’s thoughts. “Is it just that Xander stirred up old memories that’s got you thrown?”

Sasha rose to her feet and paced her bedroom. “No. I mean that’s some of it, but I just wrapped up one movie and I expected to have some time off, then this role came up and I jumped at the opportunity.” The chance to see Xander, to work near him, had been impossible to resist. “But if it had been anything else?” She glanced up and shook her head. “I’m tired, Cass.”

Going from one film to the next, moving countries, cities, rarely being here in the home she’d bought and decorated. Her mother lived in a guesthouse on the property, which let Sasha see her when she was around, but it wasn’t often.

Cassidy was in tune with her feelings and obviously sensed Sasha needed to talk, so she remained silent and listened. When the time came for her opinion, Cass never had trouble giving it, even if it was something Sasha wouldn’t want to hear.

“It’s like I’m living a life most people would envy, yet as much as I hate to admit it, I feel … empty. And that makes me feel guilty and ungrateful because look how much I have.” She gestured around to her big bedroom with the most comfortable bed she could own and the décor of her dreams in cream and white with touches of pale pink. She wasn’t living her dreams, she’d exceeded them.

Cassidy rose and stepped over to her. “You set up a charity for kids in the downtown areas. You provide computers to schools and clothes for people who can’t afford it when their children outgrow what they own. You’re doing good with what you have. Stop it with the guilt. But I am concerned about everything you’re saying. If you’re not happy…”

Sasha shrugged and pulled in a deep breath of air. “I’m excited about this role. Whatever happens next, let’s just say we’ll see. Maybe I’ll slow down, take a break, reevaluate.”

“Your agent is not going to take you slowing down well. Neither will your mother.”

Cassidy was correct. Sasha’s mom had already lit into her for accepting a role that brought Xander back into her life, warning her not to get involved with him again, not to let a man derail her career and all she’d worked for. And Rebecca Burton, her agent, was all about keeping up momentum while Sasha was hot.

Sasha groaned, not wanting to deal with their pressure, either. “I’ll worry about them later. How about you? Would you have a problem if I didn’t jump into another movie right away?”

Continue the story:

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