Catherine Edward's Blog, page 13

Book Review: The Heart That You Break

The Heart You Break


 "Don't ever jump between me and a bullet again, understand? That's not your job."
Actually it was.
"The Heart You Break" is the fourth book in Wilde ways series, a romantic suspense series by Cynthia Eden. I love the cover theme for all these books in this series. 

First of all, I read anything and everything by Cynthia. She's my go to author. I was so excited when she announced this title and she didn't disappoint. I loved Julia and Bran.

This story sports a rock star Bran Copper, who has stalker. When his life is threatened, his manager sort out the help of Wilde Securities. Eric enlists Julia Slate to take the case, who after a slight persuasion agrees. The catch, Bran shouldn't know the real identify of Julia. Because he doesn't want a bodyguard.

When Julia shows up on a stormy night at Bran secluded cabin, where he stays to write his new songs, Bran is helpless. No matter what others say about him, he couldn't sent her away alone. One night, he says to himself when he lets her in. 

However, the attraction is almost immediate. Both are shocked by the intensity of it. Julia's secret is threatened when the stalker strikes again. Only this time, he was hurting the ones close to her. 

Bran hates liars. What happens when he learns that the woman he starts to care for isn't what she seems to be? Betrayal once again cuts his heart. But the is closer than they thought and he likes to explode things.

Bran is bad boy with a soft heart. I loved it when he goes all protective and possessive over Julia. There were many 'Aww' moments between these two, especially before he learns her secret. Bran is sexy and handsome...ahem...my new crush. Right. Now, over to Julia. She packs a lot of surprises. We meet her in book one "Protecting Piper." She appears small and delicate, but appearances are deceiving. 

Also, Bran is an intelligent character. He has a quick presence of mind and connects dots faster. The initial sexual tension is nice. The cat and mouse chase between the couple and the stalker will keep the readers at the edge. One thing about this author's books is that, readers always know that the villain is a person known to us. But the revelation and the backstory is all what holds surprises.

The climax and a few scenes reminded me of few other books by the same author. Overall, another interesting book from Cynthia. If you're looking for a sexy book with toe-curling romance, which is also a page turner, go for it.

Review: An Affair in Winter

An Affair in Winter by Jess MichaelsMy rating: 4 of 5 stars



I quiet enjoyed this read. This is the first book I read from this author and I'm definitely checking out her other books.

Rosalinde is a widow forced to take shelter in an inn because of a snow storm. She meets a stranger Gray and the two enjoys each other's company during dinner. When it was time to retire, she finds a tree branch had broken her window and her bedroom couldn't be used.

Rosalinde and Gray shares the room and they decide to pursue their attraction for each other. One stolen night to remember for the rest of their lives before they're on the road the next day.

However, life has other plans. When they depart, Rosalinde realizes one night with him isn't enough. To her horror she meets him again and learns he's none other than her sister's would be brother in law.

What follows is the emotional drama of uncertainty and desire, which keeps the reader entertained throughout. I liked the writing style and there's quite drama to keep us hooked. Rosalinde comes off as an innocent yet the one who follows her heart without fear. Gray is hard headed with a soft spot for the lady he met in the inn.

There are other characters who are quiet likely. We don't see much of them since the story mainly revolves around Rosalinde, Gray and the wedding. The ending can be somewhat guessed, but that doesn't discourage us from reading. I'm looking forward to read the next book in this series.

View all my reviews

Review: The Bounty

The Bounty by Beth Williamson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Bounty starts with Tyler Calhoun accepting advance from Owen Hoffman to bring in an outlaw, who's on the run for 3 years. Little does he know that it was a woman he's after. When he learns the bounty was a female, he contemplates his decision to accept the offer. Then in the end money is money. Owen is ready to double the payment if needed. It's just a woman. How hard it's gonna be?

Tyler realizes his mistake soon enough. Nicki Malloy isn't just a woman. He follows the bread crumbs to a wretched place and finds himself at the hands of danger. Injured and weak, he's awestruck when a woman frees him that night, kisses him with a fierce need and leaves him to his devices.

When he finds her again, he ties her and loads her to the horse back, starting a long journey to Cheshire, her home town. There's desire that burns with him. And Nicki makes it her mission to irritate him by talking his ears off. Despite their initial differences, there's thick sexual tension in the air. Tyler is torn between his personal desire toward the outlaw and his duty as a bounty hunter.

The rest of the story holds the answers to questions like, why did Nicki become an outlaw? Why is Owen Hoffman after her? etc.,

This is an enjoyable read with a fast to medium paced story. I loved the writing style and the sexual tension in initial chapters was great. But there were certain things I couldn't connect with. Especially, there's a scene were Nicki is taken by two thugs. Tyler is too far and Nicki pleads in her mind for him to come and rescue him. And for some reason, Tyler hears her voice in his mind. If this was a fantasy/paranormal genre it would have made sense. That stood out for me. Then there were a few other things I couldn't connect with.

If I overlook these things, this is a good read.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour: The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland

The Unmaking of Ellie Rook by Sandra Ireland

COVER REVEAL: The Guarded Heart by Blair LeBlanc

Title: The Guarded HeartAuthor: Blair LeBlancGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: July 19, 2019
Cover Design: Okay Creations
Photography: Joseph Sinclair


Cassian.He’s my silent shadow. A cold, unfeeling giant with a voice that’s all grit. A man of few words who undresses me with his bedroom eyes. Whose rare smile makes my heart backflip.He’s thirty.I’m nineteen.He’s my bodyguard. I’m the daughter of a senator. He’s my first. I’m one of his many conquests.He’s distant as the moon, but I’m hopelessly falling for him.He’ll protect my body, but shatter my heart.Because Cassian isn’t made for white picket fences. He’s built for pleasuring a woman. Protecting her.No matter how safe I feel in his arms— It won’t last.A scandal might ruin my father’s campaign. It wasn’t what I planned, but Cassian seized me— heart, body, and soul.I can’t let him go.I’ll see this through the bittersweet end.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Concession stands filled the air with salt and sugar. A food truck beckoned me with roasting meat, the warm breeze carrying a dozen scents. I moved from the walking path and headed toward the line of trucks standing on the green, and then a flash of purple stole my attention. A woman in cutoffs and a blouse patterned with small, blue anchors burst into giggles. She held a hand to her deep red lips, trying to stifle her mirth as the man beside her grinned.
Rain was with Nick.
Warmth leeched from my skin as she turned bright red with the effort of not laughing, giving Nick a playful punch. He absorbed the blow, his face rapt with admiration.
It looked real. 
They weren’t close enough to be confused as a couple, but what worked venom through my veins was her laughter. He made her happy, and it riled my insides. Their faces tipped to each other as Nick removed a blossom from her hair. She smiled. It was polite, not the heavy-lidded stares she gave me, but I hated seeing them together.
I made a beeline for them, bulldozing into their discussion. "Hey."
"Cassian!" Rain brightened when she noticed me. "You’re up and about! That’s—"
"—weird," Nick finished.
"I was going to say, unexpected." Rain toyed with a purple strand as I closed the distance. 
I pulled her into a one-armed hug, smirking at Nick over her shoulder. As I disengaged, a fierce blush burned her cheeks. She wanted me, not Nick. The asshole knew it, and wouldn't leave her alone.
Why?
I ignored Nick, facing Rain. "Want to get lunch?" I wasn’t planning on a date, but I wanted to crush whatever he was trying to start. "It’s an hour until my shift."
"I’d love to!” she said. “Is that allowed?"
Nick forced a grin. "Not really."
"Oh. Maybe we all could go."
"Three’s a crowd." I didn't care how this looked. I needed her away from him. "Don’t bother following us, bro. I’ve got it covered." 
I took Rain's arm, but she resisted. "Nick and I were in the middle of a conversation."
"It’s all good," Nick relented. "I’m sure we’ll hang again."
Fuck off.
Her smile dropped as he melted into a crowd of senior citizens with floppy hats and walking sticks.
"Geez. He looks mad."
"At me," I said. "Not you."
Wind played with her hair, obscuring her widened eyes. I pushed it behind her ear. We were in plain sight, but I couldn’t stop myself. I brushed petals off her shoulder, and her blush darkened. 
"Why is he upset?"
"Because I blocked his cock."
"Cassian." Rain's expression was torn between exasperation and amusement. "Just because you and I fooled around doesn’t mean I belong to you." 
"Then I’m making it a rule," I growled. "You’re mine while I’m fucking you."
"Technically, we haven’t done the deed."
"You’re mine."
"That’s awfully possessive from a guy who doesn’t do relationships."
I palmed her back, the only part of her I could touch while standing in the heart of D.C. "Rain, I am not big on sharing—and that's putting it lightly."
"No kidding. You wouldn't even share a pie. You think I have a crush on Nick?"
"He’s doing everything to win you over."
"I'm a virgin, Cassian. Put yourself in my shoes. You're new and overwhelming." Her husky voice cracked like it always did when she went quiet. "You're all I can handle. And the only man I want."
Rain tipped her head as though she expected a kiss. Her presence draped me like a warm blanket, and I was half-drunk with it. 
People flooded the Mall. Among them, there might've been a photographer, but I didn't give a fuck. Rain leaned into me, palms sliding up my armor to anchor at my shoulders. She plastered a clumsy kiss on my chin before I dipped to meet her, warmth spiraling in my chest as our mouths touched. She sighed, giving into the passion and wrapping her arms around my neck.
I circled her waist and gripped her tiny curves. She dragged her fingers through my hair. I devoured her red pout. My tongue lashed her. She moaned, digging her nails into my skin. I pushed her behind the row of food trucks where generators hummed, drowning her sighs. She backed against the truck, purple strands fanning against gold paint. 
We made out like two teenagers at school, but only one of us was nineteen. Where the hell was my restraint? Dead on the ground, somewhere. 
I kissed a senator’s daughter on the National-fucking-Mall.
Rain's tits pressed into me. She fluttered air as she gasped for breath. She pulled me close and kissed me as though she couldn't stop.
But… someone had to be the adult.
I took her wrists, hoping she didn't feel my goddamn erection. 
"This is insane." My heart hammered. "Insane."
And yet, I couldn’t let her go.
She breathed hard, looking equally startled. "What are we doing?" 
I didn’t know.
Whatever it was, it was headed for a spectacular crash.

Blair LeBlanc is an author of Contemporary Romance and lives in Seattle with her two ill-behaved cats.
Before she settled in Seattle, she lived in Northern California where she studied English Literature at San Jose State University. She pursued a career in medicine before making an about-face to write full-time. She also pens psychological thrillers as Rachel Hargrove.
She enjoys beer tasting, live music venues, and singing her heart out at horrified bar patrons.


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My experience with Limitless Publishing!

My experience with Limitless Publishing!

I get many messages on social media and emails asking about the process and my experience with Limitless Publishing. So, I thought I’ll share it here.
My publishing with them went extremely smooth.
I had a very understanding editor, Lori Whitwam. It was a great pleasure to work with her. She perfectly understood me and pointed out the major mistakes I was unconsciously making. She didn’t hesitate to teach me a few basic and important things with editing, which had helped me a great deal. All in all she was very patient during the editing stage. She was always available to clarify any doubts I had and is very sweet. (She also offers freelance editing services. Check her website.)
It was the same way with the other teams as well. Authors are given a detailed walk through about their process at the time of signing contract. I didn’t face any trouble during the entire process.  Here, I have shared the submission and publishing process in general. There may be a slight variation depending on the genre you submit, but this should cover it all.
Submission:
This is a crucial step. It’s very important to follow the guidelines of the publishing house. The process is so simple, yet you have to follow the rules.
Before submitting your manuscript, read their guidelines carefully. Check if they accept the genre you write.Some publishing companies would have mentioned the word limit and so on. Check if your book fits their requirement.Prepare the sample as mentioned in the guidelines.The majority of the publishers will ask you to format the script in 12 pts. Times New Roman. Include Author Bio, Social media links, website, publishing history and your marketing plans.
If you go to the Limitless Publishing website, they have a set of clear instructions to follow. So, you won’t miss anything. Just follow it to the dot.
Review Time:
You’ll receive an email from them saying they received your manuscript. Usually they respond within two weeks. Wait till you get their response. Limitless has one of the fastest response times for emails. And they always respond J. No tension there.
Acceptance/Rejection:
They always email you, whether your script is accepted or rejected. And do not worry if it’s rejected. Their emails are purely professional and nice. They don’t take a dig on the author or the script. It’ll contain a reason on why they can’t accept your script this time with a message to submit your other scripts in the future.
Many authors who spoke to me are worried about the rejection. There’s nothing to worry. Really… They’re sweet.
Contract:
If your script is accepted, you’ll be expected to sign a contract. The term is usually 5 years. Read through carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications if you have a doubt. Like I said, Limitless team is very professional and sweet. Remember, you may consult with your lawyer or a family member, but shouldn’t share the contract with someone else.
Editing:
Once you have signed the contract with Limitless you’ll be assigned to an available editor. Once again, Limitless has the fastest editing process I have ever seen. So, buckle up and free your schedule during this time. And one good thing about the team is that, they’ll discuss the dates in advance and if the dates aren’t convenient do not hesitate to inform them. Communication is the key. They always understand.
Do not say yes and then falter on the dates because it’ll affect the entire publishing process.
Publishing:
You don’t have to do anything on this. But when you receive the manuscript for proofreading, make sure to read everything, since this is your last chance to correct the errors. Also, remember you can’t edit something because you think it will sound better. This round is only to spot errors. They accept suggested edits within reason, like plot jumps.

For example: There was a gap in one particular scene, I didn’t notice before. So, when I filled it, they accepted the explanation I gave them.
Marketing:
This is a sole responsibility of the author. However, the marketing team of Limitless will walk you through the process. They’ll guide you with any doubt you may have, but you have to do it on your own.
If you’re running a social media promo or Blog tour make sure to inform the marketing team in advance. You are free to get in touch with them for any doubts or clarification you may need.

Getting Over Him is free on Kindle! Limited Time!

Hey peeps,Celebrate this independence day with a copy of Getting Over Him!It's free from July 3rd to 7th. Only on Amazon!!! (Link in Bio!)Don't forget.Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2RDvkYd
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2LVxZXS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2TBLONL
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2Cc1XlV
Amazon IN: https://amzn.to/2se6lMO

Blurb:
Falling in love for the first time should be the most amazing feeling in the world. For me, it was the exact opposite. See, the guy I fell in love with turned out to be a cheat. The best part, the real doozy? He cheated on me with my very own twin sister. The entire debacle left me with enough wounds, and knives in my back to last me a lifetime. I was convinced I’d never fall in love again. Ever. Until I ran into my past. Orlando was my first crush. My friend. But he’s not the Orlando I remember. He’s changed. Now he’s the silent, brooding type. The type I should avoid while nursing a broken heart. I know I shouldn’t risk it. I know I should keep my distance.
But here’s the thing…I can’t.

Review: Murder at Macbeth [Excerpt Included]

Murder at Macbeth by Samantha GoodwinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars


Scroll down for a short excerpt...(provided by the author)
Goodreads / Amazon
Murder at Macbeth is a treat for crime and mystery lovers. 

It starts with stage actress Nikki, stabbing herself while hundreds of audience watching. When the scene ends, claps drown the theatre. Only behind the closed curtains, Nikki pleads unsuccessfully to her colleagues with her eyes before losing consciousness.

The director and everyone first thinks that she got too much into the character. But when she doesn't move even when it's time for the next scene, to their horror they realize what had happened.

Nikki is rushed to the hospital and the detectives get to work, slowly unraveling the knots of mystery. The more they dig more politics and propaganda comes out. The anticipation only keeps on building from there on.

They are led on a tail chase as they follow each bread crumbs, so are the readers. The success of this author lies in the factor that readers are led on to suspect anything and everything they come across. The story is well plotted that readers don't narrow down their suspects for at least 90% of the story.

Even if a few had succeeded in guessing the killer, there is still a suspense that you never expected. Like I said, this crime drama is a treat to crime and mystery lovers.

When I started reading I felt a wave of nostalgia. I grew up reading crime mysteries. And this book reminded me of my childhood days when I was first introduced to books. Such a good old memories.

The book sucked me in, taking me to London along with the characters. It's a while since I got lost into a story so religiously.

Author Samantha had done an great job in her debut novel, which only increases the expectation of the readers for her next. Highly recommend this read.

View all my reviews

Excerpt:


Chapter One
The Way to Dusty Death

Friday 23rd March
Nikki Gowon was dead. Neil Hillton was sure of it. Dumbfounded, he stared blankly down at the young woman’s lifeless body. A crimson stain had blossomed on her white dress like a macabre flower and a pool of blood was seeping out from beneath her, discolouring the wooden floorboards. Her dark, tangled hair resembled a spider running across the stage. The sharp knife had clattered to her side, where it lay forgotten, the blade glinting ominously red.A hushed silence had fallen backstage, punctuated only by Megan’s intermittent sobs. A sense of complete and utter panic was setting in fast. Beyond the red velvet curtains currently obscuring the stage, Neil could hear the distant murmuring of the impatient audience waiting for the next act of the play to commence. Of course, they could never have guessed the real reason for the delay. What exactly was he meant to say? Oh, so sorry for the temporary setback but our lead actress has just been killed. I do apologise for the inconvenience.As a seasoned London theatre director, Neil had experienced his fair share of live disasters over the years, but tonight’s current predicament made all those previous quandaries fade into insignificance. He couldn’t foresee how the old showbiz adage ‘it’ll be alright on the night’ applied here.It most certainly will not be, he thought bitterly. Everything will definitely not be alright in this scenario.Neil was painfully aware he should have already sprung into action. But he felt rooted in position, rigid in shock. He was at a loss to explain the circumstances leading to this horrific moment. All he could think about was the motionless body of the beautiful young actress slumped across the stage. His stage.He was vaguely aware of the other cast members milling around him in equal states of shock and confusion. A grief-stricken Jimmy knelt on the floor unmoving, staring down at Nikki’s still body in disbelief. His trembling hands were pressed against the ugly stab wound in her abdomen in a vain attempt to stem the gushing blood flow. Neil regarded the desperate lover grimly. It was already too late for such heroics. Ben stood awkwardly to the side of Jimmy, hand placed stiffly on his shoulder as though it offered some semblance of comfort. Standing behind them was Violet, frozen still as a statue, silent tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. Eyes wide, deep blue pools of despair. The teenage girl frustrated the hell out of Neil. Sure, she served her purpose and had proved eager to offer her help and assistance as a dutiful stagehand. But recently she had taken to following him around like a lost puppy, as though she was afraid to be left alone. It had been driving him crazy. An inconsolable Megan started wailing hysterically. Clutching her boyfriend, Peter, she sobbed as he gently stroked her hair in a futile attempt to calm her. Neil had half a mind to berate her for crying so loudly the audience might be able to hear, but he restrained himself. While the audience’s opinion was usually paramount, this was hardly a run-of-the-mill night.

Release Blitz: Fairy Tale Lies by DK Marie

Title: Fairy Tale LiesAuthor: DK MarieGenre: Contemporary RomanceRelease Date: June 3, 2019Cover Design: Creative Paramita

Greta and Jacob aren’t looking for love, but when they meet their attraction is white hot, melting away all self-restraint. Both times.

The first is a stormy spring afternoon, spent indulging in each other’s bodies. They parted ways convinced they’re nothing more than an erotic chapter in the other’s life. However, when they unexpectedly meet again, Jacob isn’t willing to let Greta slip away. He convinces her to give them a chance.
Lust turns to love, but resentments fester. People close to Greta repeatedly interfere until Jacob’s convinced Greta will never see him as anything more than a blue-collar nobody. A temporary indulgence. Greta fears she isn’t strong enough to stand against both her family’s scorn and Jacob’s growing anger.
As tempers flare and passions deepen, Greta and Jacob have to decide if their love is strong enough to shatter the cynicism and misconceptions of what it means to be each other’s fairytale ending.






Chapter 3

“You want the last strawberry?” Without thinking, she popped it whole into her mouth.She froze before biting down, realizing her faux pas.Amusement played over his face, and he gave her a wicked smile. “As a matter of fact, I do.”He was having way too much fun at her expense. Straightening her spine, she stared him in the eyes and pushed the berry out with the tip of her tongue. She raised her brows with a come-and-get-it look.Disbelief flickered across his face, giving her a burst of satisfaction. Seconds later a wave of lust replaced it, and his eyes pinned her with a promise of paradise.“With pleasure.” He leaned in slowly and bit off the tip of the berry, brushing his lips softly across hers. After swallowing the small piece, he ran his tongue gently along the bottom of her lip, capturing a small bead of juice. He tasted of strawberries, desire, and sin.The erotic playfulness of his mouth was the hottest thing she’d ever experienced while fully clothed, heck, maybe even naked.“That was one hell of a sweet strawberry,” he hummed, running a thumb along her bottom lip.She swallowed the fruit and resisted the urge to suck his finger into her mouth. “Maybe it wasn’t the berry,” she said, with surprising boldness, relishing the way he fixated on her mouth.“Maybe not.” His voice was laden with desire. “I’ll need another taste to be sure.”He leaned in, pressing his lips tentatively as if waiting for her to pull away. When she didn’t, he explored her mouth with a little more heat. His tongue brushed against hers, like the sweep of a match before tossed in a can of gasoline and just as hot.She grasped his shoulders then ran a hand to the back of his neck and slid her fingers into his hair. His hand traveled up her thigh while he ravished her mouth with delicious expertise; the myriad of sensations was exquisite. The brush of his lips and the scrape of his rough stubble against her sensitive skin sent a coil of need between her legs. He made her simultaneously melt and ignite with need.His hands snaked around her waist. “Come here,” he rumbled.The desire in his voice matched her own, and it didn’t even occur to her to resist. She moved to sit sidelong on his lap.Maybe later she’d regret her impulsiveness. Right now, all she wanted was to lose herself in the warmth of his muscular body and sensual touch.Her hands returned to his hair, and this time she dug her fingers around the thick locks and tugged him closer. A deep moan escaped him, thrilling her to the core and emboldening her.Breaking the kiss, she slid off his chair and stood on shaky legs. His fingers gripped her waist, urging her back toward him. Straddling him, her dress slipped farther up her thighs. He ran his calloused hands around and cupped her lace-covered bottom. She couldn’t resist rocking against him.“Greta…you’re killing me,” he growled against her mouth.He gathered the material of her dress in his hands and skated it up her body. They separated long enough for him to pull it off. Tossing it to the floor, he cupped her breasts and ran his tongue over the tops of them, sending shivers of ecstasy throughout her body.Needing more contact with his skin, she tugged at the hem of his shirt. He took the hint and leaned back, yanking it off. His naked torso was a sight to behold. Even the tattoo covering most of his upper left chest and shoulder was appealing.She ached to touch him everywhere, to run her tongue along every inch of him. She settled on running her fingers lightly along the design of an intricate Raven, beak starting at his collarbone and the body moving to his chest.As she traced along the wings to a broken clock on his bicep, she murmured, “Why a Raven?”He didn’t answer, and Greta glanced at his face. His concentration riveted to the trail her fingers were making. Maybe he sensed her gaze because he looked into her eyes and gave a small shake of his head.“They represent renewal, reflection, heal--” His words cut off when her fingertips circled one of his nipples. He sucked in a sharp breath then captured her lips in a kiss so hot she swore her blood might set fire. He ran his mouth along her jaw to her neck, not stopping until he reached her breasts.He pushed down her white lace bra, placing his mouth on her nipple and breast. Using his lips and tongue, he teased and tasted her, bringing her close to climax. The part of her that could think was amazed. Orgasms were few and far between for her, and to be teetering on the edge of one when he hadn’t even touched her below the waist was a miracle.“Fuck, you taste good. I want to lick and taste you everywhere, not just your breasts but your arms, your stomach, your thighs…between your thighs,” he rasped against her flesh, never stopping his heavenly assault.His explicit talk should shock her, be a turn-off. Instead, she loved as much as his touch. She tried to slip her hand between them, to his slacks but was distracted when his mouth trailed back her neck and bit. The pressure was perfect, a little pain and so much pleasure.“More,” she pleaded.A clap of thunder reverberated through the house, followed by a flash of lightning. The power flickered then went out. Jacob didn’t seem to notice, and she wouldn’t have cared if a tornado carried them off to Oz.All that mattered was he didn’t stop.His hands slid under her bottom and picked her up. “Where’s the bedroom?”“Down the hall, last room on the left.”He stood, supporting her with his hands under her bottom. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and as he carried her, he continued to ravish her with his lips, tongue, and mouth.They somehow made it to the bedroom, though she would’ve let him take her in the hallway. She’d never desired a man as she did him.He stopped at the side of the massive oak bed, sitting on the edge with her on his lap. She readjusted her legs from around his waist and crouched on her knees, his body inches from hers. Resting her palms flat against his strong shoulders, she pushed until he lay against the scarlet duvet.The storm had turned the day dark, but the window over the bed let in enough light for her to take in his magnificent body. Her gaze took in his perfect chest and torso, following the enticing trail leading into his gray work slacks. Her eyes widened, taking in the impressive bulge straining to break free.With shaking hands, she trailed her fingers down his body and stopped at the button of his pants. She bit her bottom lip, hesitating, then ran her palm along his erection.A gratifying shudder passed through him. “Your touch is a mixture of sweet bliss and torture,”“Torture?”She glided down his body, removing his slacks and boxer briefs. Standing, she stared. Stark naked he was even more gorgeous than she’d imagined.“Yes, torture,” he grated, scooting to the center of the bed. “You look like you want to devour me. Come here.”She did as commanded but stopped at the edge of the mattress. Placing shaky hands on his ankles, she slid them up his body. His muscles went taut at her touch, and, by the time her hands reached the junction of his thighs, most of her timidity had evaporated. She kneeled between his legs and took his hot, pulsing erection in her hand.He arched toward her touch, a guttural growl escaping.In the face of his sensuality and obvious pleasure, her inhibitions fled. She wanted every inch of this beautiful man. With her hand grasping him, she leaned down and took him in her mouth.His hand buried into her hair and her name rasped from between his lips. His words sounded like both a plea and a prayer.The way his back arched off the bed and sounds of him rapidly unraveling, and knowing she was the cause, gave her a high she’d never experienced.“Greta…Greta, you need to stop…have to stop. I’m not ready for this to end.”His short, choppy breaths told her he was close.Suddenly, he gripped her under her arms and drew her up his body. When she was flush against him, he rolled over and glided down her, deftly removing her panties. Coming back, he stopped at her waist and bit her hip. She bucked at the unexpected pleasure, and he grasped her bottom, covering her sex with his mouth.Greta tried to press her knees together. Her ex had disliked the act, and, in turn, she now shied away from its pleasures.Jacob pushed her legs apart. “Don’t you dare.”She hesitated, peering at him through her uncertainty and apprehension. Hunger stared back at her. Desire was etched on every hard plane of his face. He wanted this, wanted her. Her insecurities vanished and she relaxed her legs.He conquered her with his mouth. Within minutes, he had her writhing and whimpering with complete abandonment. Then he did something incredible with his tongue, and all coherent thought escaped as she was engulfed in a wave of pleasure. Her legs tightened around him, but he continued to lave her with his mouth, not stopping until her spasms had subsided.She relaxed and released the death grip she had on his hair, hoping he wouldn’t rebuke her for the loss of control. He made his way up her body, placing soft kisses along the way, with the last one on his neck. She prayed they weren’t done. His erection pressing against her thigh suggested they weren’t.Thank God.Her climax had been pure bliss, yet she wanted more. This new insatiable side was thrilling and scary.“I don’t have any condoms.”“What?” Her lust-fueled brain didn’t want to comprehend his devastating words.“No condoms. Your touch, your mouth, it drove me crazy. I only remembered two seconds ago.”“Really?” She huffed in consternation. “Aren’t guys required to carry them?”“Believe me, had I known…”An old memory jolted her. Months ago, her sister, Cindy, had jokingly given Greta condoms as a breakup gift when she’d left Blake. “I have a couple in my purse, on the kitchen table. Would you—”Jacob out the door before she finished her sentence, returning in record time, purse in hand. He was a vision of pure male satisfaction as he strode toward her, without a hint of shyness.Why would he be? He had the body of a Greek god and a wicked countenance to match, one that promised naughty and delightful times.“You have any idea how good you look lying there rumpled and sexy?” He slid in next to her.He leaned over, kissing right under her ear. He moved to her jaw, to her mouth and stayed. Kissing and nibbling her into a frenzy, all the while removing the condom from its wrapper.Once on, to her surprise, he didn’t immediately push inside her. Instead, he rested on his forearms and leaned in to nuzzle her neck.Did he want her to beg? She would.“Please, Jacob.” She rocked her hips, needing everything he had to give.He looked into her eyes. “Are you sure?”“God, yes,” she breathed. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she brought his mouth back to her lips.He entered her slowly; desire stamped on every strained muscle and every shallow breath.She gasped at the pure ecstasy of it.He immediately stilled. “Are you okay? Want me to stop?”“Don’t you dare.”He let out a low, sexy laugh against her neck. “Thank God. It might’ve killed me.”Driving in deeper, he filled her completely and groaned. He rocked his hips, slow and steady, transporting her to a paradise where only touch and need existed.She met him thrust for thrust, each one becoming more powerful and urgent than the previous. Rapidly, her body tightened as another powerful orgasm built.“Greta, you feel incredible,” he grated through his clenched jaw. He looked like a man trying to hold back a violent storm, and barely able to contain it.Without warning, another orgasm ripped through her body, and she splintered into a million pieces. She bit down on his shoulder, hoping it would hold her together; instead, he groaned her name as his body shuddered with his own release.Later, rain drummed against the window, tapping on her conscience, reminding Greta she was entwined with a stranger.She tried to care but couldn’t. Her body was too languid and satiated.Jacob smiled and kissed her temple before leaving the bed to dispose of the condom. As he shut the bathroom door, Greta’s phone chimed inside her purse. It was her mother’s ring tone.
So much for the afterglow.





DK Marie’s a voracious reader. Her number one love is romance and devours any and all of its genres, but also enjoys thrillers, horror, and non-fiction. Basically, if there are words on a page and a spectacular story, she’s diving in, heart and soul.

However, there’s one thing she loves even more, and that’s writing her own steamy contemporary romances. They’re a mixture of heart, heat, and humor. Brimming with confident heroines and kind heroes, all living, loving, and lusting in and around her hometown of Detroit, Michigan. 
When not falling in love with her characters, DK Marie is laughing, relaxing, and planning her next adventure with her family. Okay, and also drinking boatloads of coffee, chatting on social media, and dreaming about her next travel destination.

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Release Blitz: Just Friends by K.S. Marshall

Duet Title: Just FriendsAuthor: K.S. MarshallGenre: Friends to Lovers Taboo Romance

Title: If You Were MineRelease: June 13, 2019

Having Ryan Sterling for a best friend has always just worked....until he fell in love and married someone else.
I shouldn't want him, but we can't help who we fall in love with... right?
I never meant to do anything, but one thing changed everything.