Thursday, April 30, 2015

Beyond the Seduction (Reluctance #3) by M.A. Stacie

 Beyond the Seduction
Book 3 of the Reluctance Series
by M. A. Stacie
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Release Date: April 23 , 2015
Genre: FICTION / Romance/Erotica ISBN e-book:    978-1-61213-379-9
Available from: Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and TWCS PH

 

He held out his hand between them. “Take it. I can be the one. I wasn’t lying when I said I’d catch you. You just have to let me.”


~~SUMMARY~~
Beyond-the-Seduction-3D-Paperback-eReader
For a man who thought he had everything, Trace Jacks sure had nothing now.
After one letter blows his life apart, Trace is clueless how he can move on. He stumbles through the days, never accepting the grief that flows within him, and finding it easier to bury his loss. To him, if he doesn’t think about it, then it never happened. Burying the hurt, he continues with his new life. Hiding from the truth becomes a lot easier after he takes his niece to her dance class, striking up an interesting conversation with her teacher.
Shae Bennett is happy to keep things fun, enjoying Trace’s seduction and his spontaneity. She’s reluctant to get serious with anyone; she has enough going on in her life. With him she can forget about her concerns for her mom, her tumultuous relationship with her father, and stress of running the dance studio. With him she can be herself, and it becomes all-consuming.
When the fun begins to slip, when reality starts to encroach in the worst possible way, their relationship unravels at an alarming speed. Neither one is willing to end what they’ve come to need so deeply, but each of them has issues that can only be dealt with alone.
Can Trace and Shae unhook the chains that hold them back? Is their newfound love strong enough to battle back to one another?
~~EXCERPT~~
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“Shae?” he called out, but his words got lost in the music as he descended the stairs. He didn’t say her name again, because the moment he saw her he was transfixed.
Shae was dancing.
She’d pushed the couch against the far wall, leaving space in the center of the room to move. Instead of yesterday’s clothes, she now wore a pair of tight black shorts and a loose gray tank. Her feet were bare. They hit the floor with a small slap.
Being careful not to disturb her, Trace lowered himself and sat on a stair, still watching her every movement. He doubted she’d hear him even if he did make a noise. Shae was locked in her moment, oblivious to the world around her.
The music was haunting, conveying her sad-ness, and as she pirouetted, he saw it on her face, too. Shae was crying. He expected it, though the fact that she was doing it while dancing made it harder for him to see. Dancing had bonded Lisbeth and Shae, and now it was all she had left of that. Trace couldn’t bring himself to disturb her.
Her arms swirled, her body swayed, each movement graceful and smooth. She covered the floor in three quick steps, followed by a deli-cate jump. It amazed him that she kept her poise during the leap, enough to point her toes. When she repeated the move, he watched her fingers this time, and smiled when she pointed those.
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This book was just wow; in this book we catch up with Dale's brother (remember book 1) Trace and his love drama and we also meet Shae, who is also going through her own ordeal. Trace and Shae form this I need you but I can't be with you really relationship, that of course blows up in their face.

I loved that Trace is able to get his head on straight quickly and rescue Shae from herself. What I did not like was that we only get a reference to the confrontation between Trace and his ex; I mean really, she messed him up bad and we don't get to read about a final showdown, that right there cost this book a whole point. Plus, even Shae got closure with her dbag of a father.

Rating 4 out of 5
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~~ABOUT THE AU-THOR~~
MA Stacie
M. A. Stacie is never without a book or her eReader. A voracious reader, with a love of sexy yet angst-ridden novels, she adores getting lost in new worlds. Her need to write did not grip her until after her second son was born, when her previous rambles became fully fledged stories.
She describes herself as one huge contradiction, and though not the most conventional of hobbies, she counts getting new tattoos as one of hers. Running keeps her sane, along with knitting and listening to loud music.
M. A. Stacie lives in the UK with her husband and three sons.
~~CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR~~
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Praise for Beyond the Seduction
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"Trace Jacks we met in book 1 of the Reluctance series, he was the brother of Dale and worked at the Metro. In book 3 we find out more about this lovable character other then him being Big brother to Dale, we get to delve deeper into his life and I for one was truly excited!
Trace is having a rough time of it, this is the understatement of the century! He just found out his girlfriend had cheated on him - multiple times!! Not only that but his daughter isn't really his. Needless to say he is one messed up dude and needs to stay as far away from the female population as possible.
Until he meets Shae his niece's dance teacher who for the first time in weeks has made him crack a smile. Click to read More... - Melissa
~~OTHER TITLES IN THE SERIES~~
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Escorting the Billionaire (Escorting the Billionaire, #1) by Leigh James

25253863This is the first part of a three part serial and it was a great starting point for the series.

James Preston's brother is about to get married and he has been chosen as the best man, the only thing worse that seeing his whole family at a wedding is showing up SOLO!


So what does a super rich good looking man do? No, he does not ask someone out, he buys an instant girlfriend.


To keep her handicapped brother in a good facility, Audrey Reynolds has turned to escorting, when she is assigned this client, she is ecstatic, this will give her enough money to ensure her brother is set for a long long time.


But when James meets Audrey, he sees more that just some escort he sees beneath her facade.


The story is great, think Pretty Woman (it's a classic) that's how good it is. The cliffhanger will definitely have you running to the next book.

Rating 4 out of 5

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Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Woodstock: Master of Disguise by Charles M. Schulz

22716048Some might say this book doesn't rate that high, but keep in mind it's aimed at children and it's a collection of cartoons focusing on Snoopy and Woodstock.

Full of color and funny adventures kids and adults, because come on who doesn't love Snoopy, will have a lot of fun reading this one.

Woodstock of course will also keep you laughing with cute birdy antics; you'll have a lot of fun with this one. Enjoy!

Rating 5 out of 5
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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Cocktails in Chelsea (#Love London #4) by Nikki Moore

25056639The story was a fun short read; Sofia Gold is in Chelsea meeting with the daughters of her mom's friend and she is not having a good time (after the age of ten mom's should so not arrange play dates). 

On a bar hopping outing, Sofia meets Nathan Black, a good looking bartender who takes an immediate dislike to her. Nathan sees all the socialite party girls that come to the bar and he thinks that Sofia is just like that.

After a little sparring back and forth and a nice stand up from Sofia the two finally get to know each other a lot better.

The story wasn't long, but it was very enjoyable. Sofia and Nathan both have a bit of misconceptions but they're able to spend some time together. I would have given the story a higher rating except I wanted more, maybe an extra chapter. I would love to see more of these characters in Ms. Moore's future stories. 

Rating 4 out of 5
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Monday, April 27, 2015

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 31 by Various

24000252This is the second book in this series that I read and just like the first I was thoroughly impressed.

I first received Volume 30 and although I lagged it on the reading once I started I got hooked, so when Netgalley had Volume 31 available I was like "definitely getting this one" and I must say I was again impressed.

You get great short stories and amazing art that really has you wishing you were in it. The stories like always keep your imagination revved up and flipping to the next page; it's a hard book to put down.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Sunday, April 26, 2015

Black Rainbow by J.J. McAvoy

25182342Imagine engaging in a one week, no holds fling with a super sexy musician / lawyer (double threat right there) who'm you are to never see again at the end. Then BAM, suddenly the first day of class and who should the professor be? Yeah, it's Mr. One Week only.

Thea Cunning has some serious baggage and traumas, she doesn't have time for relationships, especially when she needs to keep her focus to save her father from death row. Now back in school, the last things she needs is to see that Levi Black aka Mr. One Week Only is her professor and worse, they're both still insanely attracted to each other.

Levi doesn't know what it is about Thea, but he just knows that she is special and wants to keep things going, but with all her issues Thea keeps pushing him away.

The characters were great, you rarely see male characters that are impressive throughout the whole book, granted there was one scene that I was like "how could you?", but reading the next paragraph things its like "oh okay, I don't hate you". Thea you sometimes want to strangle, but after reading her storyline, you understand why she is the way she is. The story is also great because you get the perspective from both sides, it's not just Thea's point of view, it's also Levi's.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Friday, April 24, 2015

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 30 by Various

20695297Talk about a great book, in this volume you get short stories by various up and coming authors. This was the first time I've ever reviewed any from this collection.

I enjoyed some stories more than other, but they really kept me captivated and hooked. This is great for fans of the sci-fi (not syfy) and fantasy genre. What's best is you get a lot of adventures and not just one.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Thursday, April 23, 2015

Glance Backward by Tony Sandoval

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This was sad, but good read. The story follows eleven year old Joey, who one day gets sucked into the walls of his home. While searching for a way out he learns and reflects on loneliness and love. By the time he finally finds his way out, we learn that his father has recently died and the person he thought would understand and offer him support is not there for him.

The art was good and the story is very metaphoric in the conveyance of its message and story.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Hate Fuck: Part Two (Hate Fuck #2) by Ainsley Booth

24974411In part one we got one hell of a cliffhanger and we got addicted to seeing Cole and Hailey's love-hate relationship. 

In part two things are even more dramatic, but things finally take a turn for the best for Cole and Hailey. Of course what kind of part two ends on a happy note, just when things are good we get a twist and the most insanest of all cliffhangers.

Throughout the whole book you're like OMG, OMG, OMG and then at the end you're like where is part three. That ending really gets you, lovers of drama will enjoy this one.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Hate Fuck: Part One (Hate Fuck #1) by Ainsley Booth

24308483This story comes in three parts and yes, they do have to be read in order, otherwise you miss all the drama.

This story follows Cole Parker, professional fixer and Hailey Dashford Reid, good-girl heiress. Cole and Hailey have an I hate you but I want you, but I still can't stand you non-relationship.

Cole was hired to do damage control for Hailey's father and then her skanky older sister, he doesn't want to be attracted to Hailey, but he can't help her. Hailey doesn't like Cole because she sees him as the guy that cleans up the messes for rich jerks, but she still can't help being attracted to him.

Just when looks like things are getting somewhat good between the two a dramatic twist comes along to mess everything up.

The story is engaging, it reminded me of Scandal, so, if you like Scandal you'll find this story a fun, drama riddled read.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Monday, April 20, 2015

Big Nate: Say Good-bye to Dork City by Lincoln Peirce

22716058It's another adventure for our favorite sixth grader Nate Wright as this little man with the big ego tries to navigate middle school with all the flair and coolness he can muster and for Nate that is a lot.

This collection of cartoons will keep you laughing like there's no tomorrow. It's perfect for children of all ages, from 4 to 100.

Nate as always is a little full of himself, but hey, the confidence works, just not so much on the ladies as he'd wish. Although, it does get him a lot of detention.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Sunday, April 19, 2015

Hard Ride #1: A Novel in Three Parts by Opal Carew

25218621This novella is published in three parts and follows Shock as he gets a second chance with the girl that broke his heart in college.

Shock is a rich guy that now rides with Steele's (remember him from Riding Steele if not you should read it) motorcycle gang and during one of the outings with some guys from the crew he runs into the one that got away, Olivia "Liv" Hughes.

A long time ago, Liv suffered a horrible trauma and after that she pushed Shock away. In part one these two reunite and now their adventure continues.

For its genre this book delivers, except it needed a little more, but hey, they can't put everything in the first part of three part story.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Thursday, April 16, 2015

Monster by Fracette Phal

20871425I'm not sure how I feel about this one, this story follows an abusive sociopath and a woman with the strength to walk away, even if for a little while.

Eden Mercer became a trophy wife out of desperation and Dominic Armstrong was the orchestrator of her despair.  

Eden had been working slowly on her escape plan from her abusive marriage, but when she found out she was pregnant she moves up her timeline.

After leaving Dominic, Eden is finally living a good life, she has a good job, a nice place to live and her beautiful baby, Liam. But, after almost two years, Dominic has finally found her and he intends to get his "wife" back and he'll do by less that scrupulous means.

This time around Eden isn't the same desperate girl she once was, this time she fights back. 

Dominic is even more attracted to this new Eden and despite his reservations about having children, he quickly warms up to his cute little baby, Liam. 

The story was dramatic, Dominic wasn't likable at all, until maybe closer to the end, where we begin to learn what made him the cruel, horrible person he was. Eden was young and desperate and I'm glad she left Dominic and fought him when he returned.

What I did not like was that in one of his musings Dominic makes references to causing the financial difficulties that ultimately forced Eden to accept his offer yet he never apologizes. What I did like was that as the book progresses, you see an improvement in Dominic's character and his attempts to improve himself. This story may seem a little dark, with the abuse and all, but it was a descent read. 

Rating 2.5 out of 5
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

When Things Go Wrong by Lacey Silks

24689035Julia is on a vacation from hell, I mean cougar mom playing tongue twister in public with her boy-toy (eww). 

When a surprise encounter brings her to her old high school friend Scar, that she hasn't seen in five years, things get a lot more fun.

In this prequel to the upcoming Cheaters Anonymous we get a the reunion and a glimpse at the background of these two commitment-phobes. 

Scar and Julia both come from broken families, this book is a short quick entertaining read that must be read with the upcoming book.

Rating 5 out of 5
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Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Beneath the Surface (Reluctance #1) by M.A. Stacie

17856148Kyran Reese is drowning, he has a horrible father (who can't even see his own flaws), a brother with so many addictions and a company to run. To let off a little steam, Kyran likes to go to an underground MMA club and fight.

Enter Dale Porter as his brother's new assistant, from the moment he meats her he becomes captivated; she see's him and understands him. Soon Kyran develops a sex-only relationship with Dale that immediately turns into more. However, what kind of romance/drama story doesn't have a stupid guy who gets freaked out by a little four letter word (L-O-V-E) and runs. 

Fortunately, a few punches in the ring knock some sense into Kyran and he runs off to confess his feelings. I do wish his grand gesture would have been a little better, but still it got the job done.

Now, I know as you read, you will want to know what happens with Kyran's no good brother, but don't fret; book two in the series follows Taylor's story.

The story was entertaining and the characters are so dramatic and the whole fight club thing, now that was fun.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Monday, April 13, 2015

Edward Scissorhands Volume 1: Parts Unknown by Drew Rausch

24013985I'm not sure how I feel about this one; the art was okay, but the story left something to be desired.

This "story" takes place years after the movie, you know the one that has Johnny Depp rocking ultra-goth duds with some wicked scissors and show cases more of Tim Burton's incredible talent. 

Well in this book the protagonist Megan (Kim's granddaughter) is out to prove her grandma wasn't crazy, while Edward is out to find himself an friend in The Inventor's other creations.

Like I said, the art was okay but the story lacked something. Throughout most of the book everyone denies the existence of Edward and then all of a sudden a little boy goes missing and they're like "grab your pitchfork and torches and let's get the monster". I have a feeling this series might improve in following issues.

Rating 2.5 out of 5
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Friday, April 10, 2015

Full Contact (Redemption #3) by Sarah Castille





21991208About Full Contact: 
Ray wraps his arms around me and holds me tight as if something terrible has happened and he doesn’t want to let me go.

Full Contact. This is how Ray speaks when his emotions overwhelm him. I melt into his stillness. His body is hot and hard, his breath warm on my neck. He smells of leather and sweat, sex and sin. Nothing can tear me away.

When you can’t resist the one person who could destroy you…
Sia O’Donnell can’t help but push the limits. She secretly attends every underground MMA fight featuring The Predator, the undisputed champion. When he stalks his prey in the ring, Sia is mesmerized. He is dominant and dangerous and every instinct tells her to run.

Every beautiful thing Ray “The Predator” touches he knows he’ll eventually destroy. Soft, sweet and innocent, Sia is the light to Ray’s darkness-and completely irresistible. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he’s going to have to put his dark past behind him to win her body and soul.

Get your print copy at: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Chapters Indigo | Book Depository | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

Download your ebook: Kindle | Nook | iTunes | Google Play

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What did I think?

This story was WOW! It was intense and dramatic and the characters were really something. Although it's book three in the series, it is a stand alone and follows Ray "The Predator" Black (by the way we don't learn his last name until almost the end of the book) and Sia O'Donnell. Ray is super mysterious, think James Bond but with tattoos and Sia is your good girl gone rocker/goth; both characters have their traumas and are a bit around the edges, but together they make each other better.

The supporting characters were great, I loved Jess, she was an awesome best friend; however, Sia's older brother Tag really got on my nerves, way too overprotective. 

So, why a four and not a five? Well, they constantly hit that Ray may be a CIA agent but we never know for real and we get a secondary romance (take a guess, I did mention them) and we don't get enough details (I'm expecting either a book or a supplemental novella) to quench us. Those were my only issues, Sia as a character was incredible, she does have her self doubts but you see her grow as a person. You'll definitely enjoy this one, plus the fight scenes are super cool; come on ladies, guys aren't the only one that love a little MMA action.

Rating 4 out of 5
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Full Contact, the third standalone book in the Redemption fighter romance series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Sarah Castille is now on sale!

"Castille continues to introduce characters who are both intense and vulnerable. The females are more than a match for the men in their lives, and these guys are worth their efforts.” --RT Book Reviews on FULL CONTACT

Castille's follow-up to the excellent Against the Ropes doesn't pull its punches."—starred review and Best Summer Book, Publishers Weekly on IN YOUR CORNER

 “Fifty Shades of Grey meets Fight Club.”--RT Book Reviews on AGAINST THE ROPES
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EXCERPT: Consumed by fire (Words 467)

My gaze drifts below his belt, to the bulge in his jeans. He is fully erect, his shaft straining against his fly. A naughty thrill of excitement shoots through my veins. He’s aroused because of me.

“Um...do you want to take a break before I apply the stencil?”

He shakes his head, then leans forward and sweeps his hand through my hair, letting the strands slide through his fingers. A sigh escapes my lips as delicious sensations sweep through my body. I am on fire. And although I’ve been with men before, I’ve never been immobilized by a single touch.

“So soft.” He runs his hand over my hair again, this time trailing his fingers along my shoulder. His thumb glides over my throat and he curls his hand around my neck. “So fucking delicate.”

I am burning. Consumed by fire. A burst of need drives a whimper up my throat, and I choke it back as his thumb circles the sensitive hollow at the base of my neck. Firm. Unyielding. Dominant. With one squeeze, he could break me. The way I was broken before. The way he broke the butterfly. And yet nothing could tear me away from this moment.

“Sia.” He says my name softly, drawing out the last syllable in a gravelly murmur, almost like a prayer.

My brain fuzzes with lust, and I surrender to the thrill of his touch, the pounding of my pulse in my veins, the desire that has haunted me since I first saw him in the ring. My head falls back, my lips part, and I drown in the depths of an azure sea.

With a low groan, Ray turns sideways in the chair, dropping his legs to the floor. With his hand still cupped around my neck, he pulls me between his legs, the casters on my stool squeaking in gentle protest. I circle my arms around his neck and my breasts rub against his bare chest. The press of his erection against my stomach sends a rush of moisture to my sex.

“Jesus Christ.” His voice drops husky and low. “You’re killing me.”

He leans down and sweeps my hair behind my shoulder, then nuzzles my neck. Sensation sears through my body and I tilt my head to the side to give him better access. So unprofessional. What if Slim comes out? Overcome with the fulfillment of a year’s worth of longing, I can’t bring myself to care.

He feathers kisses over my cheek and I lick my lips in anticipation. This is really happening. He’s going to kiss me again. A real hands-on- the-body Predator kiss.

A bell tinkles behind me. Damn front door. Damn customers who come after hours. I’m not turning around. I want my kiss.

Ray glances up and stiffens. “Holy shit.”

EXCERPT: I don't want to lose you (Words 585)

Ray grabs my wrists and pins them to the mat over my head, his body angled over me. My breath catches in my throat, and I steel myself for the memories, the black rush, the heart-pounding fear, but it doesn’t come. Instead, a red haze settles over my vision, and I press my lips together and buck my hips, throwing him slightly forward.

Bad plan. Now his groin is only inches away from my face. He’s still wearing his jeans, which means that bulge isn’t a cup.

“Ray...”His face softens. “I hurt you.”“Yes, you hurt me. Keeping secrets hurts me. It makes me feel like you don’t respect me. And it makes me feel like I can’t trust you. So maybe you could return to your proper seat now. Tray table up.”

He shifts down, settling his weight over my hips, but he doesn’t release my hands. “I hurt you. Means you care.”

I swallow hard and meet his gaze. “You hurting me means I was being stupid. Things were going where I didn’t want them to go. Now I’ve had a wake-up call. You have secrets you can’t share. You need to protect your secrets. I need to be with someone I can trust, and I need to stand on my own two feet. It’s just not going to work between us.”

His gaze darkens, searing me to the core. “You want to be done? Or are you scared and trying to push me away?”

The air shifts between us, electrifying, tightening my nipples and heating my blood. I am hyperaware of his thighs tucked against my hips, carrying most of his weight as he sits astride me in a dominant MMA position. My wrists, hot under his palms, press against the cool mat, restrained in a way I could never have imagined allowing them to be restrained. My chest rises and falls twice for every one of Ray’s breaths, and my core tightens. The innuendo isn’t lost on me. God, yes. I want to be done in the carnal sense of the word. But only by Ray. And I don’t really want to let him go.

“I don’t want to lose you.”

Ray’s hands tighten on my wrists, and he leans down and brushes a kiss over my lips. “I don’t want to lose you either, but I live in a dangerous world. I’ve got stuff in my life that would make your head spin. I need to protect you from that, and I’ll do what it takes to keep you safe, even if it means you hate me for it, because for the first time in my life, I want something more than doing my duty. I want a life and I want you in it. I’ve got one bad guy to catch and then I’m free. And after I’m done and after what went down this evening, you’ll never have to worry about being safe again.”

Finally, he releases my hands but I don’t move. Heat sweeps through my belly. I feel both vulnerable and curiously safe lying beneath him. My gaze shifts from his intense gaze to his sensual lips, and my breasts swell, remembering the touch of his hands, the gentle press of his lips. He wants me. Not just today, but tomorrow and the tomorrow after that.

“You make it sound like I don’t have a choice about being with you.”

“You don’t.” He leans down and kisses me with a savage fierceness that takes my breath away.
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About Sarah Castille: 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Sarah Castille, writes contemporary erotic romance and romantic suspense featuring blazingly hot alpha males and the women who tame them. A recovering lawyer and caffeine addict, she worked and traveled abroad before trading in her briefcase and stilettos for a handful of magic beans and a home in shadow of the Rocky Mountains. 

Sarah loves to connect with readers. Sign up for her newsletter to hear about new releases: http://bit.ly/LgFZlb

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