Magan Vernon's Blog, page 28

The First Five Pages of The Only One

Chapter 1 The sugary drink burned going down my throat. I hoped it wasn't because the guy who poured it out of the cooler roofied it. At least it drowned out the scents of sweat and stale beer. I didn't know how Monica talked me into an Alpha Mu Halloween party. A horde of girls clad in skimpy costumes pushed past me like I was nothing more than another one of the paddles on the paneled wall. I tried to steer away from them, but my face hit a hard set of pecs. I gasped as I watched my entire drink soak through my sweater and onto my skin. I looked up from my soaked sweater, all the way past a chiseled six pack to cool blue eyes. “Maybe you should just take it off up in my room and I can help you get dry.” He leaned in, his full lips right on my ear. “Or make you wetter.” My breath caught in my throat, rendering me speechless. Luckily my best friend Monica jumped between us, pushing the guy back so I got a full view of him and realized he was only wearing a loincloth and a large smile. "Down, John Boy." She scowled at him and then turned to me, almost knocking her beret off. "What the hell happened to you?" "I-I-I spilled my drink." Monica's eyes narrowed as she looked down at the red liquid soaking through my gray sweater. She whipped her head around to the loincloth-clad guy. "Was this your fault? Are you trying to get my friend naked?" He held up his hands, a cockeyed grin on his face. "Purely an accident, Lib." Ah, now I knew where I’d seen him before. He had come into the coffee shop we worked at a few times. I don’t think he even glanced in my direction more than to hand me his student ID to pay, but was always calling Monica ‘Lib.’ I’m guessing because she was an extreme liberal. Monica's boyfriend, the governor's son Trey Chapman, pushed through the crowd. Usually when I saw him he was polished in dress pants and a dress shirt, but his Halloween costume was nothing more than a pair of American flag boxers, a dress shirt, and some gray hairspray. He looked ridiculous. The Clinton and Lewinsky costumes had been Monica’s idea. "Hey, I’ve been looking for you." He slipped his arm around Monica's waist. "What's going on here?" "John Boy spilled a drink on Melanie to try and get her naked." "Hey!" John Boy yelled. "It wasn't his fault," I piped in. "It’s crowded here and he ran into me. It’s fine." "Fine?" Monica raised her eyebrows. "That Hermione costume you've been wearing since middle school is covered in Everclear and Kool aid. That’s not fine, Mel." "I haven't worn this since middle school!" Okay, truth was, it was my go-to costume. I’d bought it for the first movie's midnight showing and had worn it for every movie opening and Halloween since. "Whatever." Monica turned her head to Trey and tugged on his shirt. "You can just wear Trey's shirt." He shook his head. "I’m not walking around here just in my undershirt. The boxers are bad enough. Why don’t you give her yours?" She looked down at the blue shift dress that we coated with white out. "Then I’ll be down to my bra and underwear." "Not much more than a lot of the girls here are wearing anyway," I muttered. Trey either didn't hear me or chose to ignore me and nodded his head in John Boy's direction. "John Boy, do you have an extra shirt that Monica's friend can borrow?" The grin spread wider on John Boy's face before he ran his hand through his spiky brown hair. "I was just offering her the same thing." His eyes flitted to mine and an electric charge ran down my stomach. "What do you say, Melanie, care to come up to my room?" I swallowed, hard. I didn't usually get propositioned by guys, especially guys with bodies that looked good in nothing but a loincloth. Every part of me was hyper aware of the curves of his muscles and I had to keep from staring at where his treasure trail stopped. "Great, we're coming with." Monica grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the stairs. I glanced back to make sure John Boy was actually following and he was. When he saw me look at him, he shot a wink in my direction. "I can’t believe you were just about to go upstairs with him alone!" Monica hissed in my ear, forcing me to face forward. "I was not," I whispered. "Ugh, I knew this party was a bad idea." Trey squeezed her side and she squealed. "You think everything is a bad idea." "Eavesdrop much, Mr. Chapman?" "Only when you don't try and give things a fair chance, Miss Remy." I rolled my eyes, even though they couldn't see it, because they spent the rest of the way up to the second floor going on with their banter. My friend, the fierce liberal, loved picking fights with the uber conservative. It was like they rarely had a normal conversation, but she loved it. Every time she talked about him her whole face lit up. He’d finally brought her out of the dark clouds she first sat under when she transferred, and now they were inseparable. I, on the other hand, was not taken and would have been just as happy sitting at home and not having something sticky that smelled like licorice on my costume. I’d have to ask Trey who he used for a dry cleaner. We reached the second floor, where a few couples were making out and some girls were taking duck face photos with their phones. Ugh. Trey turned to the right and stopped at the first door. John Boy sauntered in behind us, his loin cloth still perfectly in place. Not that I was hoping for it to have shifted. "And welcome to Chez John Boy, where the magic happens." He pushed open the door and I was overwhelmed by the smell of dirty socks mixed with cologne. The room was small, with an unmade twin bed in one corner, a futon opposite that, and a sole window across from us. Piles of clothes littered the floor and there were posters of half naked women and beer advertisements on the walls. "I can’t believe any girl would actually screw you after seeing this place." Monica curled her upper lip, walking into the tiny room and dodging the piles of clothes. “Some girls prefer things a little out of order. What do you think about it, Red?” John Boy winked. “Red?” My hair definitely wasn’t red and I wasn’t one of those redheads who were in denial, like Monica, who claimed her hair was auburn. No, my hair was dirty, bottom of the sink brown and just as curly as the steel wool used to wash that sink. “Yeah, you know, because of what’s soaking through that lovely sweater.” His eyes trailed down to the now giant red splotch across my shirt. My cheeks heated up and probably turned just as red as my shirt. “Okay, can you stop trying to spit your game at Melanie now and get us a shirt?” Monica groaned. Trey stood in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest, shaking his head. “Keep your hat on, Lib, I’m getting it.” John Boy took a few strides over to the small closet and opened it. There were only empty hangers and a dresser inside. He opened the top drawer and pulled out a dark green shirt, tossing it in Monica’s direction. She caught the shirt and unfolded it, holding it out in front of her before curling her upper lip. “Seriously? You expect Melanie to walk around wearing this?” “What? That’s a nice one. Usually girls have to do a lot more than just get a drink spilled on them to get one of my shirts.” I looked over Monica’s shoulder and raised my eyebrows when I read the shirt. “Alpha Mu: We’ll make you smile like a donut.” I didn’t get it at first and then I noticed the picture. It was of a girl with her mouth as a donut, making a giant O shape. Great, a blow job shirt. “If you want me to make you smile, Red, I’d be happy to oblige.” John Boy sauntered back over, his full height looming over me. In the light I could actually see just how built he was. He looked like one of the MMA fighters from TV with his rippling chest and the tattoos on each of his pecs and his biceps. I just thought he was a big moose of a guy. He never actually said too much to me and now he was using every cheesy line he could. Monica sidestepped between us. She was always overprotective when it came to guys. The only time I ever saw her calm down was when she was sleeping. She went through a lot of crap before she transferred to Central College. Trey and counseling made it a lot better, but I didn’t put it past her to deck John Boy. Even though I’m not sure it would have made an impact, looking at the size of his arms. “Just back off, okay? Thanks for the shirt and I’m sure Melanie will give it to Trey to return to you.” “She can keep it. I’m sure it looks much better on her than me. It compliments those mesmerizing green eyes of hers.” A large grin spread across his face and I could feel my own definitely heat up. I was used to blending in with the crowd and even though he probably wasn’t sincere, it was nice to get a little attention once in awhile. I didn’t even know he knew my eye color. It seemed as if the guy was actually looking at more than my chest. Before I could respond, Monica ushered me out of the room and back down the hall. “You could try and be a little nicer, Mon, John Boy was helping you out.” Trey followed behind us as we squeezed past the people lining the hallway. “Yeah, well, he didn’t have to get all swaggery on her.” Monica took my hand and led me up to the third floor. It was basically empty with a few doors on each side and to our left was a small blue bathroom that smelled even worse than John Boy’s room. “I’ll stand guard at the door while you change.” Monica ushered me into the small bathroom and I shut the door behind me. A bunch of Playboys littered the floor next to an old toilet that must have been white at one time but now looked yellow. Across from that was a small, subway-tiled shower and in front of me was a giant mirror in which I saw the giant red blob crossing my sweater. I’d never be able to get the stain out. Monica and Trey’s muffled voices came from beyond the door, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Quickly, I peeled off my sweater and white tank top. The sugary drink had soaked through and left a giant red mark on my skin. I turned on the water and it hissed before spraying a very small trickle. It would have to do. I couldn’t find a towel, or even toilet paper so I put my shirt under water, letting it soak onto my sleeves and then scrubbed at my stomach, which did nothing more than aggravate my skin. “Ugh.” I gave up and picked up the horrendous donut shirt, slipping it over my head. It was way too big for me and on my five-foot frame it went down to my knees. John Boy had to be over a foot taller than me, like 6’5” and built. Very built. I shook my head, trying to get the thoughts of him out. He wasn’t really interested in me. Sure, I probably wouldn’t have any problem getting a quick lay out of him, but that wasn’t what I wanted. At least I didn’t think I did.


So...anyone else excited to read more John Boy. You got the first five pages because I had 300 adds on GoodReads. Get me to 400 adds and I'll post the next five pages.

Add it to GoodReads !

Cover Reveal: Watercolor by Leigh T. Moore

In Dragonfly , they were friends who shared a growing attraction... In Undertow , her heart was broken and he was waiting to pick up the pieces... In Watercolor , Anna & Julian say Yes. But the past and its secrets are creeping closer...
Book #3 in the Dragonfly series: Watercolor, coming Oct. 3!  Need to catch up? Get Dragonfly for only #99CENTS, Aug. 21-25!


Add it on Goodreads today! Watercolor by Leigh Talbert Moore Finishing senior year is supposed to be the best time in a person’s life.Finishing senior year as Julian’s girlfriend should’ve been the icing on the cake.Knowing the secret that could change everything for him is the only thing threatening to spoil it all. Until Jack returns. Anna and Julian are together at last, and it’s as hot and happy as they knew it would be. The only problem is The Secret. And Jack. But while Anna is determined to fight for the guy she loves, she could still lose Julian when he discovers the truth she’s been helping to hide. Exclusive excerpt: “I just want you to touch me.”  I took his hand and put it at my waist, under my shirt. I pressed my mouth to his and chills followed as his fingers slid lightly over my skin. I was drowning again and I reached over to find the edge of his jeans. I pulled up the soft fabric and lightly touched his bare stomach.  Suddenly he was gone. My lips were still in a pucker, and he was down at the water away from me. I watched as he stripped off his t-shirt and slipped out of his jeans before diving into the dark Gulf waters.  I fell forward, laying my head on my forearm in the sand. “I’m going to kill your parents,” I sighed.
* * *Readers are swooning for Dragonfly (#1):
On Amazon "I was so thrilled with the way Leigh T. Moore wrote this! I actually threw up my hands and said YES!" --Asheley Tart, Into the Hall of Books "I truly enjoyed this one! I thought the characters were intriguing, the mystery and story were interesting and definitely have ME WANTING MORE!!!!!!!" --Mandy, The Romance Bookie "Angst, longing, jealousy, mystery, secrets, love triangles, sexy scenes! Could you even ask for more? Well you can because it is also very well written and fast paced. ...I STRONGLY suggest you invest in some sunscreen as well as a copy of Dragonfly." --Nichole, Book Addicts Not So Anonymous
Now only 99 cents, 8/21-25!  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | KoboRaving about Undertow (#2):
On Amazon "An incredibly powerful sequel to Dragonfly. I found myself riveted to the last page by the depth of feeling, loss, tragedy, and love in this gorgeously woven story. This is a definite must-read." --Jolene Perry, author of Out of Play "Undertow pulled me under and left me gasping for air and wanting so much more. I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters, and now I’ll never be able to get a shirtless Bill Kyser out of my head."  --Magan Vernon, bestselling author of The Only Exception "My heart shattered into a million tiny pieces, rebuilt itself and then melted over and over again with each flip of the page." --Roxy Kade Reviews
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | KoboPick up your copy today and get swept away~

Breaking The Reins Release Blitz

Breaking the Reinsby Juliana HaygertRelease Date: 08/19/13
Summary from Goodreads: Horses, mansions, tea parties, and lies are twenty-year-old Hannah Taylor’s life. To others, her family and her relationship with Eric is perfect. But she knows the truth. She lives it.

After a fire takes her grandma's life and kills her horse, Hannah's immaculate life spirals out of control. Her father disapproves of her decision to run her grandma’s ranch instead of focusing solely on learning the family business; Animal Control brings her Argus, a mistreated horse that she can't turn away even though she's not ready for another horse; and her boyfriend, Eric Bennett, a world famous polo player, becomes possessive and authoritarian. Despite her best efforts to disguise it, Hannah grows wary of him.

Then, Leonardo Fernandes struts onto the polo scene. A cocky rookie with a messy life of his own, he’s drawn to Hannah and isn’t afraid of showing it, even when Eric makes it clear she is his and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Hannah suffers for Eric’s jealousy. The abuse only gets worse when Leo steals the title of best polo player in the world from Eric.

But the title isn’t enough for Leo. He wants Hannah too, and she can’t deny her attraction to him either. Somehow, she must find a way to break free from abusive Eric before he breaks every bone in her body.

**New Adult Contemporary Romance Novel**

Available from:  

Praise for Breaking the Reins: “Breaking The Reins by Juliana Haygert is a real treasure. It’s a sexy, heartbreaking and romantic ride you won’t want to miss.” —Sawyer Bennett, USA Today Bestselling author of Off Side, Off Limits, Off the Record, and Off Course.
“A breath of fresh air in the New Adult market. Juliana Haygert’s new contemporary novel is one not to be missed!” —Magan Vernon, international bestselling author of The Only Exception

“A swoonworthy love interest and a fantastic backdrop make Breaking the Reins a New Adult read you don’t want to miss!” —Alyssa Rose Ivy, bestselling author of The Crescent Chronicles, Clayton Falls Series, and The Hazards of Skinny Dipping.
About the Author:New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy. Author Links:
       

***GIVEAWAY***2-ebook copies of Breaking the Reins (INT)1-ebook copies of Destiny Gift (INT)
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Book Blitz hosted by:

Letters to Nowhere by Julie Cross: Blog Tour

  Author: Julie CrossTitle: Letters To NowherePages: 360Publication Date: August 1st 2013Publisher: Julie CrossGenre: Mature Young Adult Contemporary
 
Synopsis
 Her family may be shattered, but her dreams aren't...

 From the International Bestselling Author of the Tempest series

 A Mature YA contemporary set in the tough world of Elite Gymnastics. Grief, love and pursuing dreams are at the forefront of this emotionally powerful coming-of-age story.

 Seventeen year old Karen Campbell has just lost both her parents in a tragic car accident. Grief stricken and alone, her gymnastics coach opens his home to Karen, providing her a place to live while she continues to train, working toward a spot on the world championship team.

 Coach Bentley’s only child, seventeen year old Jordan is good-looking and charming enough to scare away a girl like Karen—someone who has spent ten times more hours on balance beams and uneven bars than talking or even thinking about boys. But the two teens share a special connection almost immediately. It turns out Jordan has a tragic past of his own, grief buried for years.

 As Karen’s gymnastics career soars, her nightmares and visions of the horrible accident grow in strength. She can only avoid facing her grief for so long before it begins to surface and ultimately spin out of control in a very dangerous way. Can discovering love and lust (simultaneously) help with the grieving process or will it only provide a temporary distraction while waiting for reality to hit full force.

Excerpt:




And Jordan could be this whole person lying beside me and pushing my shirt up higher, kissing my stomach and laying his cheek against it. I didn’t even know there were so many body parts that could be kissed and we were still working above the waist.
“Still planning on helping me with my paper?” I asked, in between kisses.
“Damn, I forgot. We should go soon.” He scooted away from me and lay flat on his stomach, pressing his face into the blanket. “Just give me a minute . . . or five.”
I laughed at him before sitting up. At times like this, I was more than grateful to be a girl and not have to hide the fact that I was turned on.
“What’s your technique?” I pulled my sweatshirt over my head and sat cross-legged on the blanket.
“What technique?”
“You know, like Finn on Glee. He always thinks about the mailman hitting his windshield.”  
He laughed into the blanket. “First off, I don’t watch Glee so I have no idea who Finn is, and right now I’m thinking about Mrs. Garrett in her nightgown.”
“Is it working?”
            He turned his head to the side and smiled at me. “It might if you would stop talking.”
            I mimed zipping my lips and sat perfectly still until Jordan finally pulled himself up off the blanket. I folded it neatly and held it to my chest. “So . . . ?” I prompted him.
            “So . . . what?”
            I turned my back to him, heading toward the car. “Was I right? About the size difference?”
            Jordan hooked an arm around my waist and lifted me off the ground. He spun around a few times. “Is it even possible for you to get dizzy anymore? All those giant swings around the bars . . .”
            He set me down and tried to kiss me, but I leaned back and lifted my eyebrows.
            “Fine,” he said with a sigh. “You were right, the left one is smaller.”
            I kissed him before climbing into the passenger seat. “Thanks for being honest,” I said once he had gotten in the car, too.   
            “Now you’re not going to let me see anything, are you?”
            I shrugged. “I’m not sure yet.”
            “Let me know whenever you decide.”

 
 
Author Bio
 I live in central Illinois with my wonderful husband and three kids currently between the ages of 7 and 12 (the kids not the husband). My writing journey began in May, 2009 with a short story in a notebook.

 Within a year, I had written seven (some good some God-awful) young adult novels. Not being a college graduate and having spent the previous fifteen years teaching gymnastics and working as a YMCA Program Director for Recreational Gymnastics, professional writing wasn't in my plans. Not even close. But ever since the day I started that short story, I haven't been able to stop. It was love at first sight.

 After about a year of writing, I had a three book deal with St. Martin's Press, and a film option with Summit Entertainment. Crazy, right? I know. It wasn't until August of 2011 that I quit working full time in order to be at home with my kids more and of course, write more. My young adult time travel debut novel, Tempest, released on January 17, 2012. The rest of my personal story remains unwritten.

Links:Website:  http://www.juliecrossbooks.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FansOfJulieCross?fref=ts
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Juliecross1980
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3429117.Julie_Cross
Goodreads Letters To Nowhere: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18046135-letters-to-nowhere

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Daughter of Isis Cover Reveal

Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis, #1)by Kelsey KetchRelease Date: 10/26/13Cover Designed by: Steven Novak
Summary from Goodreads: “Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”
Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.
The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.
Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.
The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls. *Note: Content for Upper YA*
***Excerpt***There was a crash and a loud gasping moan. She turned to the door next to her and stepped into the room. Her eyes widened as two entangled bodies jumped in the dark; the light shining from the hall streamed over the couple. She recognized the tall, copper haired upperclassman from the parking lot; the boy who had sent her the enchanting smile. Now he was completely shirtless, his fly clearly unzipped, and a brunette held tight in his arms. The girl glared at Natti. She struggled a little against the boy’s grasp, trying to cover herself with her bra. Natti blinked in complete shock. “Okay.” She finally glanced at the empty room. “This is obviously not American Literature.”“No duh!” the brunette snapped.The young man smiled and turned to the girl in his arms. The brunette’s cold demeanor melted away once her eyes met his. He stroked her cheek, sending visible shivers through her body. Natti rolled her eyes, ready to gag.“Now, now, Charlotte.” The honey-sweet voice made Natti freeze when she was just turning to leave. It gave her a dizzy feeling; a fog creeping at the back of her mind. “We shouldn’t be rude to our guest.” The boy’s eyes traveled Natti’s curves again. His grin widened. “Perhaps she’d like to join us. Maybe we can all get to know each other a little better.”He motioned Natti to come inside. She unconsciously took a step forward; a strange force compelled her to join them. Her hands were reaching to pull her shirt off. It was as if she was no longer in control. What the hell . . . ? Natti shook her head, finding the strength to resist through a familiar heavy sensation that rested against her chest. It was one she often got when someone lied to her. She was born with it. A gift, her grandmother called it, which could tell her when something wasn’t right. And as much as her body suddenly wanted to be next to the boy, feeling the skin of his lean, muscular chest, her gift was telling her something was off. His intentions were not pure.
She lowered her hands to her side, taking a step back into the hall. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “I don’t do threesomes.”
About the AuthorDuring her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.
***Author Links***      

Cover Reveal Organized by:

The Strange Case of Kai Rowe

So there was this little book I wrote back in 2009 when no one wanted my New Adult title. It was called Life, Love, & Lemons about a girl named Bentley and a guy named Kai.

If you look back, as far as 2010 on my blog I was talking about this book and about Malakai Rowe.

I was originally going to publish it in April, 2012, but long story short, some other things got in the way and it was put on hold.

But in 2013, I decided it was time to dust this book off, re-edit and put it out there. By this time another Kai Rowe had emerged.

I didn't think it was that big of a deal. I had Malakai Rowe and she had Kaiden Rowe. Then I started getting bombarded with emails and nasty comments on GoodReads.

I'm use to bad reviews, it comes with the territory, but I really didn't expect people to be so outraged by this.  After the whole Jordin Williams plagiarism thing, I didn't want people to think I was doing the same to Wendy Higgins or anyone else for that matter. Life, Love, & Lemons is a contemporary fiction work. The punk boy next door is completely human. It's a fluffy YA book that you can read in one sitting. It's not erotica. It's not paranormal, just something for a good laugh. It's completely original and came out of my own twisted mind.

I'm sorry if I offended anyone by using the name Kai Rowe. He has now become Kai Stone. I did love the name Malakai Rowe. I loved it even when my critique partners thought it was stupid because when you say it out loud it sounds like "Cairo."

I was supposed to have eARCs ready by now, but this conundrum has pushed me back a little bit. I promise you that I will get this book out into the world and I can promise you that I'm real. That I would NEVER plagiarize anyone and I'm sorry that me and Wendy Higgins are so awesome that we came up with the same characters names.

I hope y'all don't think any less of me and I hope that you can find a place for the new Kai in your shelf of book boyfriends :)

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Now and Then by Brenda Rothert

    
Now Emmaline Carson has settled into her career as a graphic designer, though she’d rather be painting or shopping with her sister Layla. But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla.
Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma.
Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then.
 
If the blurb didn't get you, this smexy excerpt may!


The red traffic light gave Cole a chance to admire the way Emma’s long, bare legs looked against the dark leather of his passenger seat. Her black dress was riding up on her from sitting, allowing him an ample view of her creamy skin.
She looked stunning, with dark, smoky eye makeup and her hair falling loose and wavy over her shoulders. The open back of her dress exposed lines of her he’d never seen before. He didn’t think just a kiss would be enough tonight.
“You really don’t mind eating after?” she asked. “It might be pretty late.”
“No, I’m used to late dinners. Is that the place up ahead?”
“That’s it.”
He maneuvered into a small parking lot and tried to hurry around the car to open Emma’s door after he parked, but she got out too quickly. He leaned toward her to push her door closed, picking up on a clean, exotic scent that sent his pulse into overdrive.
“You left your sweater, do you want it?” he asked as he locked the car.
“I’ll be okay, it’s warm tonight.”
“I think you should grab it.”
Emma looked at him, puzzled.
“I’ll be fine,” she said.
There was a flash of excitement in her eyes as he stepped closer to her, and it made him want to jump back into the car and take her straight to his place, where he’d have that dress off within fifteen seconds.
“You smell so fucking good, Em,” he said, forcing her back against the car as he pressed his body against hers. Her tiny moan let him know she didn’t mind. He pressed his face against her neck, taking in her scent up close, and brushing his lips gently over her collarbone.
Her ragged exhale made him want more of her, and he slid a hand up the side of her thigh, under her dress. His lips lingered in front of hers, and he reveled in the sensation of her warm breath against his mouth. It was Emma who initiated the kiss, with another moan as he returned her passion.
He didn’t care who saw, and it drove him crazy that she didn’t seem to, either. He ran a hand into her thick, silky hair, wanting to feel it against his bare chest. Though he didn’t want to move fast with her, there was something about her that made it hard to hold back. Literally.
“Mmm, Cole,” she said softly, reaching between his legs, “I can’t take you in there like this or some other woman will make off with you.”
He laughed, though the feel of her fingers on him was pure torture.
“Okay,” he said, backing off. “I’ll do my best to lose the hard-on if you’ll cover up that sexy back so some guy doesn’t make off with you.”
She smiled and the light flush he found so erotic spread across her cheeks. As she leaned into the car to get her sweater, he craned his neck to watch her dress creep up in the back. Realizing that wouldn’t help him get rid of his erection, he turned to watch the cars passing by instead, exhaling deeply as he adjusted himself.
“I’m so glad you’re with me tonight,” Emma said as they made their way toward the gallery.
“Me, too,” he said, placing his hand against her lower back and working it underneath her sweater. Her skin was soft and warm, and he had a deep craving to feel every inch of it.

Add Now and then to your GoodReads now because it comes out in August!

Brenda Rothert lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three sons. She was a daily print journalist for nine years, during which time she enjoyed writing a wide range of stories.
These days Brenda writes New Adult Romance in the Contemporary and Dystopian genres. She loves to hear from readers by email at bjrothert@sbcglobal.net .

Cover Reveal for The Only One

***The companion novel to The Only Exception. This is NOT a sequel, but takes place two weeks after Monica and Trey's debate and is Melanie's story.***

Honor student, manager at the campus coffee shop, owner of an impressive sweater collection – Melanie Wilder has it all together. Then John “John Boy” Walden strolls into her life wearing nothing more than an impish grin and all-too-revealing loin cloth.

Soon, make-out sessions replace homework, lust triumphs over work. And to further crumble her perfect world, an unexpected phone call threatens to take away everything she’s worked for.

Now, as Melanie struggles to pick up the pieces, she realizes that John may be the only one to put her life back together…unless he shatters it first.


And the full wrap



You can add it to your GoodReads NOW. But I'm guessing you need more convincing? Okay, how about a teaser of the first chapter?





I looked around the basement, sipping whatever concoction some guy poured out of a cooler. He called it a ‘magic potion’ and I hoped that didn’t mean he rufied it. I don’t know how Monica talked me into this.
A horde of girls clad in nothing more than lingerie pushed past me as if I were nothing more than another one of the paddles on the paneled wall. I tried to steer away from them, but then I came face to chest with a set of abs and felt all of the magic potion cascade down my cardigan.
I gasped once the cold liquid soaked through both layers and hit my skin.
“Too bad, that was such a nice sweater…” a deep voice said.
I looked up, all the way past the chiseled six pack to cool blue eyes. “Maybe you should just take it off up in my room and I can help you dry off.” He leaned in, his full lips right on my ear. “Or make you wetter.”
My breath caught in my throat, rendering me speechless. Luckily my best friend Monica jumped between us, pushing the guy back so I got a full view of him and realized he was only wearing a loincloth and a large smile.
"Down John Boy." She scowled at him and then turned to me, almost knocking her beret off. "What the hell happened to you?"
"I-I-I spilled my drink."
Monica's eyes narrowed as she looked down at the red liquid soaking through my gray sweater. She whipped her head around to the loincloth clad guy. "Was this your fault? Are you trying to get my friend naked?"
He held up his hands, a cockeyed grin on his face. "Purely an accident, Lib."
Ah, now I knew where I’d seen him before. He had come into the coffee shop we worked at a few times. I don’t think he even glanced in my direction more than to hand me his student ID to pay, but was always calling Monica ‘Lib.’ I’m guessing because she was an extreme liberal.
Monica's boyfriend, the governor's son Trey Chapman, pushed through the crowd. When I usually saw him he was polished in dress pants and a dress shirt, but his Halloween costume was nothing more than a pair of American flag boxers, a dress shirt, and some gray hairspray. He looked ridiculous. I still don't know how Monica talked him into the Clinton and Lewinsky couples costumes.
"Hey, I’ve been looking for you." He slipped his arm around Monica's waist. "What's going on here?"
"Your big brother here spilled a drink on Melanie to try and get her naked."
"Hey!" John Boy yelled.
"It wasn't his fault," I piped in. "It’s crowded here and he ran into me. It’s fine."
"Fine?" Monica raised her eyebrows. "That Hermione costume you've been wearing since middle school is covered in ever clear and Kool aid. That’s not fine."
"I haven't worn this since middle school!" Okay, truth was, it was my go-to costume. I bought it for the first movie's midnight showing and wore it for every movie opening and Halloween since.
"Whatever." Monica turned her head to Trey and tugged on his shirt. "You can just wear Trey's shirt."

About The Author


Magan Vernon is a Young Adult and New Adult writer who lives with her family in the insurance capital of the world. When not writing she spends her time fighting over fake boyfriends via social media. You can find her online at www.maganvernon.com. 

Cover Reveal for Keeper by Surprise by Laurie Larsen

Looking for my NAmazing Race post? Click here ! I know that The NAmazing race is going on, but I couldn't pass up the chance to reveal my friend, Laurie Larsen's new cover remodel. Probably because I convinced her to do the re-reveal and I actually know her in real life and know that if she needed to she could TP my house if I didn't...Anywhooo....Keeper by Surprise by Laurie Larsen
Publication Date: September 2012
Genre: NA Romance
Synopsis:College life provides the reprieve Keith Hanson dreamed of while growing up in his father's strict household.  Now, he concentrates on keeping his grades up (just enough to get Dad off his back), and loving his girlfriend Carly.   He never knew life could be this good.  Until a terrible accident leaves his parents killed, and Keith named as guardian over his three siblings.  Although only 20, he's the one now who has to earn money to support the family and take care of the kids.  Including the discipline, something his teenage sister Dana is totally lacking.

Brand new social worker Lisa Carle has a lot to prove to her boss about her ability to do a good job.  But it's hard to focus on professionalism when she's falling in love with the client.  Can the two of them help each other?  And will their budding relationship survive screaming twins, a teenage runaway and an unethical boss?
I'd keep his surprise...I'm just saying...You can add this book to your GoodReads now! Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15990188-keeper-by-surprise?ac=1

The NAmazing Adventure

Welcome to my stop on the NAmazing Adventure, a blog hop featuring over 60 New Adult authors, and prize packs that include ARCs, signed books, gift cards, swag, and more! If you're not sure what the NAmazing Adventure is, please click here  to start from the beginning and read the complete rules on the NA Alley website. Now let's get this journey on the road!



Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor’s son, Trey Chapman.
No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.







Got that jotted down in your quest scroll?Great, because you’ll need it for the quiz at the end of this quest! And remember, you must complete ALL SIX quizzes to be eligible for a prize pack.

But what...you want something else you say? Oh...I guess I can sweeten the deal and do my own giveaway. How about an international giveaway of this bracelet? That's right INTERNATIONAL and you just enter below to get this sweet charm bracelet made by Oh Whimsical Me. I also have, so we can be twinsies. 


a Rafflecopter giveaway






Thanks for stopping by. Ready to move on?Click HERE to go to the next stop on your adventure!