February 22, 2019

Release Day Launch | Best Laid Plans | Lauren Blakely

 
 

What happens when the nice girl wants to give naughty a go?

Find out in BEST LAID PLANS, the brand new, sexy friends-to-lovers, lessons-in-seduction romance from #1 New York Times bestseller Lauren Blakely! And these lessons come with a twist!

Lessons in s-e-x-ploration

Friends falling hard

A charming, cocky, confident hero & a smart, clever heroine

A quirky small town full of fabulous characters

BEST LAID PLANS has it all! Get your copy of BEST LAID PLANS now!

 

✮✮✮BEST LAID PLANS is here! Grab your copy today! ✮✮✮

That time I had the brilliant idea to ask my good friend for lessons in seduction… Awkward? Maybe. But how else is a good girl going to find out if she likes being naughty? I might be sweet as cherry pie, but I'm also bold and damn curious. And Gabe is charming, trustworthy, aces at seduction (or so I hear) and—bonus!— willing to give me lessons. But to guarantee it won’t ruin our friendship, I have some specific requirements for his instruction. I want these classes to be hypothetical more than hands-on. So what if he’s hella sexy? I can handle that, no problem. *** I have it bad for Arden. She's bright, brilliant, insanely fun, and I want to take her home and spend all night together—and then spend the day with her, too. When she asks for my help, I see my chance to win her sweet heart by showing her how much fun we can have getting spicy. Trouble is, she has a different idea of what “bedroom exploration” should mean. Now I’m going to have to get really clever to win her over. Good thing I know exactly how to upend her best laid plans.

 

ORDER YOUR COPIES HERE! Kindle US https://amzn.to/2EnvRGn

Kindle CA https://amzn.to/2DV9CWE

Kindle UK https://amzn.to/2Sh6F8b

Kindle AU https://amzn.to/2EkJSV6

Kindle Intl http://blkly.pub/KindleBest

Apple https://blkly.pub/BestLaid-AB

Kobo https://blkly.pub/BestLaid-KB

Nook https://blkly.pub/BestLaid-NK

Google Play https://blkly.pub/BestLaid-GP

Audible https://adbl.co/2BDDTJO

Amazon PB https://amzn.to/2QZi1Oc

       

✦The audiobook is narrated by Joe Arden and Erin Mallon! ✦ Audio ➜https://adbl.co/2BDDTJO


     

ADD IT TO YOUR GOODREADS TODAY!

 

“Best Laid Plans is hands down my favorite. This book is funny, sensual and has a heart of gold. It brought the friends-to-lovers trope to a brand new level.” - Becca at Wicked Quests of a BookNinja

Excerpt
~ARDEN~ I’m most definitely a planner, but I never planned to be a good girl.  Honestly, I didn’t even think twice about good girls versus naughty ones. I always figured with sex and love, you could have it all.  That’s what we’re taught as women, right?  You can be prim and proper during the day and wild and daring at night. Or the other way around. Whatever floats your banana boat. But somehow over the years, I inadvertently landed on the “nice” half of the divide, so squarely in the good-girl camp I’m practically the poster child of oh-so-sweet, and I can’t seem to get a crack at the other side.  Only, I keep peeking over the fence, peering, wondering.  What if the grass is greener? What if I’m missing out on something better in the bedroom and, by extension, something better in life and love?  There’s only one way to find out.  Ask.  The trouble is, when it comes time to woman up and make a request for what I want to try at the ice cream stand of sexual flavors and favors, I wind up with so much more than I bargained for.  More than I’m ready for… And with so much more to lose than I ever expected.  Guess I’m about to learn if it’s better to be naughty or to be nice. 
   

“A fabulously sweet, sexy, funny and hot friends to lovers story.” - Melissa at Booked All Night

 

“This is my favorite Blakely book to date. I loved absolutely EVERYTHING about this story!!” -LittleJen on Goodreads

 

 

✮✮✮Let us help you plan your day with this BEST LAID PLANS giveaway! ✮✮✮

The Ultimate Reader Package including a Kindle Paperwhite, $50 Gift Card to your Favorite Book Retailer,and a $50 Gift Card to your Favorite Beverage Retailer (wine, coffee, soda, etc.)!

https://laurenblakely.com/the-ultimate-reader-package-giveaway/

  About Lauren Blakely: A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She lives in California with her family, including her smoking hot and hilarious husband and her two brilliant and kind children. She has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs -- she might have four dogs, or maybe five. If she's lucky, she'll soon have six dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she's sold more than 3 million books. In February she'll release BEST LAID PLANS, in March THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR, and in May THE DATING PROPOSAL. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

Cover Reveal | Trust The Push| Kaylee Ryan





Title: Trust the Push
Author: Kaylee Ryan
Genre: New Adult Romance
Cover Design: Perfect Pear Creative Covers
Release Date: March 19, 2019



Blurb

I’m making strides in the world of dirt late model racing.  With back to back championships under my belt, I’m determined to win a third and be the youngest driver in history to do so.  I’m going to make it happen my career is my focus.  That is until the ultimate distraction in the form of a redheaded bombshell drops into my life.

I know nothing about racing, but when my boss comes to me with a special assignment, I take it.  Now, here I am traveling from city to city engrossed in this new world.  I never would have dreamed that this project would lead me to new friendships and ultimately finding love.

We made a deal, our time together would expire, and we would part ways.  The only problem with that is I’m not so sure that’s what I want anymore. She’s pushing at my walls, and I’m trusting her, letting them fall.

It’s a shame we put an end date on our time together.  I knew I would fall for him, but I never dreamed that those feelings would run this deep.  The plan was to walk away, that’s what we agreed to, it’s just going to be harder than I thought.  I need a new plan one that helps me move on without him.







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Trailer




Author Bio

Kaylee Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.  When she’s not spinning tales of happily ever after, she’s reading or spending time with family.  Born and raised an Ohio girl, Kaylee resides in Cincinnati with her husband and their son.


Author Links

February 20, 2019

Cover Reveal | F-Bomb (Bear Bottom MC,#9) | Lani Lynn Vale


    You murder a man, and all of a sudden people are scared of you. Slate Solis went from being a guy that people went to in times of need to an ex-con that people crossed the street to avoid being too close to. He knows he’s done wrong, but out of all of his sins, only one really bothers him—coveting thy neighbor’s wife. Harleigh Belle—the cute little lady that never gives him a second glance. After seeing her for the first time while he was in prison, she’s stayed on his mind for three long years. Each time she comes in to visit with her friend on family day, he can’t help but stare. Then the day comes that he’s set free, and he’s almost disappointed that he’ll never see her again. Except fate has different plans. He hasn’t been back in his house for more than three hours when he sees her. Harleigh Belle in all her glory…oh, and her husband that is everything Slate isn’t. He tells himself that her being fifty feet away from him, all day every day, is a complete coincidence. One that he shouldn’t take advantage of. The more time passes, the harder it gets to stay away. Until one day, and one very ill-timed thunderstorm, ruin everything. Who knew that baby-making-weather was a real thing?      

PREORDER NOW

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    Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub  

February 18, 2019

Cover Reveal | Make Me Bad | R.S. Grey


R.S. Grey's next romantic comedy, MAKE ME BAD, releases March 7th! Check out the cover and find out more about MAKE ME BAD below!

 

About MAKE ME BAD (available March 7th)

I was issued a warning: stay away from Ben Rosenberg.
As Clifton Cove’s resident “king”, he thinks he’s entitled to anyone and anything.
The trouble is, I’ve spent my whole life following the rules and playing it safe. I know what it feels like to be the good girl. I’m the police chief’s daughter and a librarian—for adorable children, no less. My wardrobe consists of colorful sundresses and baggy jeans. I might as well have a Post-it stuck to my forehead that reads: Yup, she’s a virgin.
An all-nighter with a fictional hunk is about as exciting as my life gets, until one day, fate decides to take pity on me and shove me straight into the path of Mr. Off-Limits himself.
Oof.
Just as I suspected, every inch of him promises to be my demise. Up close, he’s tall, menacing, dangerously handsome—the type of man who’s never spent a single moment worrying about the opinions of others. A well-behaved girl would do as she’s told and avoid him at all costs, but I’m overdue for a little rebellion.
No more Friday nights sprawled out on the couch in my comfiest pajamas. No more wishing I had the courage to misbehave.
Everyone thinks Ben is going to ruin me.
They think he’ll chew me up and spit me out.
Well, Ben…go ahead.
Tempt me. Taunt me.
Make me bad.
Add MAKE ME BAD to your Goodreads list here!

MAKE ME BAD releases March 7th - you'll be able to preorder your copy for .99c starting March 3rd!

Keep an eye on R.S. Grey's Facebook page for the link!
 

 


 

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

February 15, 2019

Cover Reveal | Hollywood Prince | Natasha Madison


    Behind the "lights, camera, action" of Hollywood lies a world of deception, love, and seduction. Are you ready for Hollywood Royalty? Carter A blonde, a brunette, a redhead…he can have his pick of them all on any given night and he knows it. They wait, hoping he looks up and gives them his signature smirk, choosing them over the others because that’s his game. Except now he's signed the contract of a lifetime, one with a pesky little clause that says his zipper must stay up and his playboy image has got to tamp down. It'll be fine—a piece of cake, even—he can do this and he’s almost convinced himself of that … and then she walks in the room The new PR girl whom they’ve hired to change his image, she's the star of all his dreams, but there’s one tiny little problem … she can't stand him and all of his player ways. He knows he only has thirty days to show her why they call him Hollywood’s Prince. He’s up for the challenge, so game on. ADD TO GOODREADS  

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          When her nose isn't buried in a book, or her fingers flying across a keyboard writing, she's in the kitchen creating gourmet meals. You can find her, in four inch heels no less, in the car chauffeuring kids, or possibly with her husband scheduling his business trips. It's a good thing her characters do what she says, because even her Labrador doesn't listen to her... FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK READER GROUP | FOLLOW ON AMAZON | FOLLOW ON BOOKBUB | SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER

February 13, 2019

Cover Reveal | The Feel Good Factor| Lauren Blakely


 

That inked bad boy who’s been striking sparks with me since he rode into town? Turns out he’s my new housemate, which adds up to a super-complicated living situation and chemistry so hot it should be illegal.

THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR, a sexy new standalone romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, will be releasing on March 25, 2019 on all retailers! A roommates-to-lovers romantic comedy, don’t miss the stunning cover below, and pre-order your copy today!

 
Photography by Wong Sim. Model is Sahib Faber. Cover Design by Helen Williams.

About THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR (Coming 3/25/2019):

I have a fantastic family, great best friends, a job I love…and now I’m up for a promotion to police sergeant. I need total focus—not a flirty, dirty, irresistible, tattooed hottie riding into my town on his motorcycle. Can I arrest him for being too good-looking? When he kisses me senseless in the back of a waffle truck, it’s criminal, the things he makes me think about hot syrup and melted butter. One order of hot, fluffy hookup to go, please.

But the next time I see him, it’s not for our date with benefits. He’s the guy who just rented the room above my garage.

I need the rent to pay my bills, not a man like Derek, who I soon discover to be strong, caring, generous, good with kids, and kind to puppies… If I’m not careful, he’ll be moving into my heart as well as my house.

***

A no-strings-attached fling with the fiery redhead who revs my engine? Why, yes, that does sound like a delicious perk of my new job in this new town, thank you very much. I’m coming off a bad relationship, and I have zero interest in anything serious. I’ve got all the serious I need helping my sister take care of her three little kids while her husband is deployed.

Except, surprise! Perri isn’t just my future fling. Turns out she’s my sexy, sassy landlord.

A lease definitely counts as “strings attached,” and as much as I’d like to get tangled in her sheets, I can’t let myself get tangled up in a relationship.

But as soon as we put the cuffs on our escapades, I learn over late-night conversations in the kitchen, that my landlord is so much more than the sexiest woman I’ve ever met– she has a quick mind and the biggest heart.

Once I’m in, I’m all in. And to convince her that we should see where this goes, I plan on turning up the heat—and not just in the kitchen.

   

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦Amazon PB ➜ http://blkly.pub/AmazonFG

✦Apple Books ➜ http://blkly.pub/AppleFeelgood

✦Kobo ➜ http://blkly.pub/KoboFeelGood

✦Nook ➜ http://blkly.pub/NookFeelGood

✦Google Play ➜ http://blkly.pub/GoogleFeelGood

✦Kindle LIVE alert (via Lauren's newsletter) ➜ https://laurenblakely.com/newsletter

✦Goodreads ➜ http://blkly.pub/GoodreadsFeelGood

     

Love Audio Books? Get ready for one amazing listen with two Audie-nominated romance narrators!

Joe Arden and Erin Mallon team up to bring you Lauren’s latest standalone rom-com The Feel Good Factor!

And that’s not all! This audiobook also includes the bonus short story, STRONG SUIT!

Get the latest audio news from Lauren Blakely here: http://www.subscribepage.com/LaurenAudio


  About Lauren Blakely: A #1 New York Times Bestselling and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's sweet, sexy and witty. Her heroines are strong and smart and her heroes have hearts of gold and fantastic funny bones. She lives in California with her family, including her smoking hot and hilarious husband and her two brilliant and kind children. She has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs -- she might have four dogs, or maybe five. If she's lucky, she'll soon have six dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she's sold more than 3 million books. In February she'll release BEST LAID PLANS, in March THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR, and in May THE DATING PROPOSAL. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter  

February 12, 2019

Release Blitz | It Happens (Bear Bottom MC, #6) | Lani Lynn Vale

 
     
Zee + Annmarie and Tan + Jubilee. Forever. No exceptions. They were to have the picture-perfect life together. Everything was all planned out. Jubilee was to marry Eitan and Ezekiel was to marry Annmarie. That’s how it was always supposed to be from the moment that they met. Textbook, right? Wrong. Eitan and Annmarie die in a freak accident that never should have happened, leaving the two survivors reeling. Sixteen years later, Jubilee and Zee can’t even be in the same room with each other before things begin to deteriorate. Too many memories. Too much pain. Not enough forgiveness. They’re like hellfire and holy water, and neither one of them is willing to admit that they’re wrong. Then one day things change, and all of a sudden, they’re looking at each other like maybe they aren’t each other’s enemies after all.    

 

AMAZON | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA |AMAZON AU |

B&N | KOBO | APPLE

   

 Review | 4.5 stars

I loved this book compared to some of her recent books. I just loved Jubilee and Zee. I loved them together. This book was just so much fun to read. I flew through it. 

 

And of course it wouldn't be a Lani book without a little suspense, would it? I really loved that part of the book. Lastly it seems like there hasn't been really any suspense in her books, but i liked how she done this book. 

Overall, definitely recommend this book. I loved the characters. Zubilee and Zee were great together. I totally shipped them together. And of course, there's some suspense in the book as well. 

    Lani Lynn Vale is a USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading. Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub  

February 7, 2019

Release Blitz | Make Me Bad | R.S. Grey


R.S. Grey's newest romantic comedy, MAKE ME BAD, is available now! Find out more about it below and pick up your copy today!

 

About MAKE ME BAD

I was issued a warning: stay away from Ben Rosenberg.
As Clifton Cove’s resident “king”, he thinks he’s entitled to anyone and anything.
The trouble is, I’ve spent my whole life following the rules and playing it safe. I know what it feels like to be the good girl. I’m the police chief’s daughter and a librarian—for adorable children, no less. My wardrobe consists of colorful sundresses and baggy jeans. I might as well have a Post-it stuck to my forehead that reads: Yup, she’s a virgin.
An all-nighter with a fictional hunk is about as exciting as my life gets, until one day, fate decides to take pity on me and shove me straight into the path of Mr. Off-Limits himself.
Oof.
Just as I suspected, every inch of him promises to be my demise. Up close, he’s tall, menacing, dangerously handsome—the type of man who’s never spent a single moment worrying about the opinions of others. A well-behaved girl would do as she’s told and avoid him at all costs, but I’m overdue for a little rebellion.
No more Friday nights sprawled out on the couch in my comfiest pajamas. No more wishing I had the courage to misbehave.
Everyone thinks Ben is going to ruin me.
They think he’ll chew me up and spit me out.
Well, Ben…go ahead.
Tempt me. Taunt me.
Make me bad.
Add MAKE ME BAD to your Goodreads list here!

Get your hands on MAKE ME BAD now: https://amzn.to/2tPWs8R

 

 


 

About R.S. Grey

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels, including THE FOXE & THE HOUND. She lives in Texas with her husband and two dogs, and can be found reading, binge-watching reality TV, or practicing yoga! Visit her at rsgrey.com

February 3, 2019

ARC Review | Drawn into Love (Fluke My Life, #4) Aurora Rose Reynolds

Title: Drawn into Love

Series: Fluke My Life, #4

Author: Aurora Rose Reynolds

Publisher: Montlake Romance

Release Date: January 29, 2019

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Synopsis

From New York Times bestselling author Aurora Rose Reynolds comes a flirty romantic comedy of big love and second chances. Courtney Williams wanted forever. She got six years of empty promises, a divorce, and a well-deserved settlement that’s paid her way to Manhattan. She has a new home under renovation, a new job, and a do-over as a happy “single in the city”—until she meets an architect with designs on more than her beams. He’s also a devoted single dad, a great cook, and has dark lashes to die for. Too good to be true. Now all Courtney can do is whisper, Oh no, not again. Divorced Lucas Fremont isn’t looking to get swept away. But how can he not with a woman this sweet and sexy? She’s making his broken heart beat fast. His sister-in-law, Fawn, says go for it. But as cautious as Courtney is, Lucas has to do more than that. He has to fight for it. Now all he can do is think, Don’t let this one get away.   But Courtney comes with a secret. And Lucas comes with a bitter ex. If love is to stand a chance, they’re going to have to take a chance.

Review | 4 stars | ARC provided by Publisher 

I enjoyed this book. I love single father books. Luckily, Lucas was just that and divorced. I loved how Lucas was with his daughter. He was so sweet and patient with her.

Now, for the heroine I did like her too. I would say I felt sorry for her ( in a way I did) but if this hadn't of happened then she would of still been with her ex and I didn't like him. So I'm glad he cheated on her. She totally belonged with Lucas. They were adorable together. 

Overall, it's a cute story. I loved the scenes with all 3 of them together. Courtney was a good "step mom". She was great with Lucas's daughter. 

Purchase on Amazon

 

Others in the series...

Book 1

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Book 2

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Book 3

 

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ARC Review | Armed 'N' Ready (Federal K-9, #2 | Tee O'Fallon

Title : Armed 'N' Ready

Series: Ferderal K-9 ,#2

Author: Tee O'Fallon

Publisher: Entangled Amara

Release Date : February 25, 2019

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Synopsis

Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Nick Houston is as tough as they come, and he and his K-9, Saxon, are hot on the trail of a major illegal gun dealer. But his best lead—the beautiful owner of the Dog Park Café, Andi Hardt––is not cooperating. Doesn’t matter how sexy she is, or that his dog seems to be in love with her. She’s a suspect and he won’t cross that line. Ever.

Andi Hardt sank everything into her dream business—the Dog Park Café, a restaurant catering to dogs as much as people. Now everything is in jeopardy because of one extremely frustrating, incredibly hot state trooper. Like it or not, she’s in Nick’s crosshairs, and he’s calling the shots. Her only option: cooperate, or lose everything she’s worked so hard for.

Nick and Andi are catapulted straight into the danger zone, forcing them to make life-altering choices, and face their desires. Risking his life for Andi is the easy part. Risking his heart is the toughest assignment Nick will face.

Review | 4 stars | ARC Copy from Publisher

I honestly really enjoyed this whole series. This book in particular I loved. I loved how the hero was so moody. I love the broken guys. I love reading about when the hero falls for the heroine. And I loved the hero's dog. 

I really liked the heroine. She was fabulous. She wasn't winey or anything. I loved the scenes between the two main characters. I really enjoyed their banter back and forth.

The suspense was great. I love when a book is half and half. Half suspense and half romance. Sometimes it's hard to find books like that, usually their either romance with like 10% suspense or their 90% suspense with 10% romance. I'm glad I can say this book was 50/50. 

Overall, I love this series. If you like romantics suspense books with 50/50 (romance/suspense) then this book would be right up your alley. Definitely recommend it.

Safety--> SWE
(view spoiler)

Others in the series...

Book 1

Add to goodreads

January 22, 2019

Release Blitz | Shattered Vows (Crimson Point, #3) | Kaylea Cross


  She’s his best friend’s widow. Molly Boyd’s entire world unraveled when tragedy turned the man she loved into her greatest threat. Her ex-husband’s death has left her pregnant and alone, struggling to put her shattered life back together—and her confusing feelings for his best friend aren’t helping matters. For years Jase has been a solid, steady source of comfort and friendship. Now she can’t stop seeing him as something more. And just as she’s wrestling with her shifting feelings, a new danger from her ex’s past threatens everything—including her and her unborn child’s lives. But she’s always been the one. Jase Weaver is an expert at unrequited love. Years ago he stood by and watched his best friend marry the woman of his dreams, and he’s endured his suffering in silence ever since. But when Carter’s self-destructive tailspin threatened Molly, Jase stepped in to make her safe. And when Carter died, Jase stepped up to be her rock. Now he can’t stay silent any longer. He’s wanted Molly forever and it’s time she knows it. So when a new threat against her emerges, Jase will put his own life on the line to protect her, no matter the cost.  

AVAILABLE NOW

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Prologue
Molly Boyd clamped her teeth together to keep them from chattering and hunched into a tighter ball in an effort to keep warm, but it didn’t help. She was cold all the way to her bones, her sodden clothes sticking to her skin. A summer rainstorm pounded down outside the shelter of the culvert she huddled in—hiding from her ex-husband.
Shock kept advancing and retreating, trapping her in an emotional fog. She’d never imagined she would end up like this. Not even after everything she and Carter had been through.
The left side of her face throbbed. Her cheek was bruised, her eye swelling slightly, and her lip burned where Carter had backhanded her. Her bare feet stung from the scratches she’d sustained in her flight to this lonely culvert at the side of the road.
All of it was eclipsed by the pain in her heart.
She closed her eyes, fought to hold off the memory of him breaking into the house and coming at her with that terrifying, predatory expression on his face. The memory of escaping the house, slamming that branch over his back and running for her life through the darkened woods.
Tears threatened. She shook them off, refusing to give in. If she started crying now, she might never stop, and she had to stay alert because she was still in danger with Carter looking for her.
What am I going to do?
She shivered harder, tucked her knees up tight to her chest and leaned her forehead on them as she fought to keep from spiraling into the black pit of despair yawning at the edge of her consciousness. Jase was coming. She’d called him and he was coming. He would find her, help her, and he’d alerted the cops. He would make sure she was safe—even if it was from his former best friend.
At the faint sound of an approaching vehicle, her insides tightened in fear. She lifted her head, her gaze darting toward the road, dreading the moment the familiar black pickup came into view again. Carter had driven up and down this road earlier, shouting her name through his open window for endless minutes. He would never stop looking for her.
Headlights cut through the gloom. She turned her face away and squeezed her eyes shut, willing Carter away. The divorce papers had set him off, even though he must have known they were coming.
She sat perfectly still, heart hammering against her ribs as she waited, hardly daring to breathe lest the slightest motion give her hiding spot away.
“Moll?”
She flinched at the male voice all but drowned out by the thundering rain, her heart rocketing into her throat. Shit, she was trapped here. Carter was former Special Forces and the waterlogged ditch was too steep. She’d never be able to climb out and escape him if he found her this time.
“Moll. It’s Jase.”
Jase. The fear receded instantly, the cold inside her thawing under a tide of relief as she turned her head toward him. She trusted him. Trusted that he would protect her and keep her safe, no matter what.
He was wading toward her through the flooded ditch, a tall, strong silhouette, his jeans soaked to the knees. She couldn’t move, couldn’t call out. Her muscles were too weak and shaky to obey her.
Gathering her courage as he came nearer, she forced her gaze up to meet Jase’s. The instant their eyes connected, she almost lost the battle to keep the tears at bay.
Frowning in concern, he quickly climbed into the culvert and knelt down beside her. Before she could find her voice, he reached out and gently grasped her chin in his warm fingers. His jaw was tight, his aqua eyes burning with outrage. “Did he do this? Did he hit you?” he demanded, voice vibrating with horror and anger.
Molly’s fading composure crumbled. All the emotions she’d been holding back crashed over her like a dark wave, taking her under. She leaned toward him just as the dam broke.
Jase made a low sound and reached for her, wrapping his strong, warm arms around her as she laid her head on his shoulder. He ran a comforting hand up and down her back gently. “Are you hurt anywhere else?”
Just her heart, now shattered into a thousand jagged pieces.
She shook her head, her entire body trembling while she choked back the sobs trying to claw their way free of her throat, the humiliation all but strangling her. This was a nightmare. Only she wasn’t dreaming.
“All right, let’s get you out of here.” Jase slid one arm beneath her knees and lifted her, keeping her close to him as he carried her out of the culvert and through the water-filled ditch.
Molly ducked her head against the pelting rain and curled into him. She didn’t know what to say. Was ashamed to tell him what had happened.
“I’m gonna boost you up, then come right behind you.” He lifted her toward the steeply sloping side and helped her scramble over the edge before climbing up the side. Before she could even get to her feet, he scooped her up again, ignoring her mumbled protest as he strode for his truck, parked close by at the edge of the road.
Molly curled against him, still trying to come to terms with everything that had happened. As well as something…something that was still happening inside her right now.
Jase opened the front passenger door and carefully placed her on the leather seat. The interior was warm. Almost hot compared to outside.
“Hang tight.” He disappeared for a moment, opened the rear door to grab something and came back with a jacket. He tucked it around her, did up her seatbelt because her hands were still shaking and shut the door. Once he had climbed into the driver’s seat, he cranked the heat to high and reached over to aim the vents at her.
Molly sighed in relief as the warm air flowed over her. The numbness was retreating, leaving a sapping exhaustion in its wake.
Still leaning toward her, Jase reached up to stroke her wet hair away from her face, his eyes worried. “Moll, do you need to go to the hospital?”
“N-no. I’m okay.” You’re not. And you’ll never be okay again.
“What happened?” he asked, turning the truck in a tight circle and starting back up the road.
She huddled beneath his jacket and told him about Carter breaking into the house and attacking her in as few words as possible, her voice hitching due to the little gasps still jarring her lungs.
Jase was silent as she finished, his stubbled jaw clenched tight. He shook his golden-brown head, and a deep, terrible shame engulfed her, almost worse than the pain of Carter hitting her.
But there was more to her story. So much more. She didn’t want to hide the rest from him and had intended to tell everyone anyway. Just not like this.
“And it gets worse,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper.
He looked over at her sharply.
She didn’t speak for a long moment, staring out the windshield into the gloom. “I’m pregnant,” she finally said, her voice breaking.
     


NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylea Cross writes edge-of-your-seat military romantic suspense. Her work has won many awards, including the Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence, and has been nominated multiple times for the National Readers’ Choice Awards. A Registered Massage Therapist by trade, Kaylea is also an avid gardener, artist, Civil War buff, Special Ops aficionado, belly dance enthusiast and former nationally-carded softball pitcher. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her husband and family.

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