Sophia Whittington is the girl next door. And Dillon Cunningham hates her with the fire of a thousand suns... Only, it's not hate as much as... something else
How to Lose a Girl in 10 Texts, an all-new sweet and laugh-out-loud rom-com from USA Today bestselling authors Delancey Stewart and Marika Ray is now available!
And Dillon Cunningham hates her with the fire of a thousand suns... Only, it's not hate as much as... something else.
The things that happened between them in high school, coupled with the loss of his dad, are a big part of what drove Dillon to decide that a future for him would be far, far away from Solano Creek, his family, and especially, Sophia.
So when his brother Boston's wedding brings him back to his hometown, and circumstance throws him together with the girl he once thought might be THE ONE, he does everything in his power to avoid her.
But Sophia Whittington has a plan too. Her lingering feelings about Dillon have gotten in the way of everything else she's tried to do with her life.
She's going to banish him from her heart for once and for all. And it will only take ten texts.
About Delancey Stewart I'm USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart, and heat. It's a guarantee.
I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there'd be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)
I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher... I'm not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don't hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don't forget to join my newsletter!
About Marika Ray Marika Ray is a USA Today bestselling author, writing steamy RomComs to brighten your day. All her books come with a money-back guarantee that you’ll laugh at least once with every book. Marika Ray spends her time behind a computer crafting stories, walking the beaches of southern California scoping out the lifeguards, and making healthy food for her kids and husband whether they like it or not. Prior to writing novels, Marika held various jobs in the finance industry, with private start-up companies, and then in health & fitness. Cats may have nine lives, but Marika believes everyone should have nine careers to keep things spicy.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
Jingle Bell Hell, an all-new awkward meets sexy rom com from New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank and USA Today bestselling author A.R. Casella is available now!
She’s a sexually repressed control freak. He’s a muscular ex-con with heavier baggage than Santa’s toy bag. They’re everything each other never wanted.
Mary I’m usually the first person on my block to decorate for Christmas. This year? Humbug.
My six-year-old son, Aidan, just had a meltdown after learning some hard truths from a drunk Santa impersonator, and I can no longer deny we both need help. Change is hard for Aidan, and right now he’s dealing with several big ones, including A) his father abandoning us, B) our move to Asheville, and C) the Santa snafu.
And me? I’m a control freak, and my life is more out-of-control than a sled on ice.
That’s why I agree to let Aidan join Butterfly Buddies, a group that matches kids with adult mentors.
It’s also why I agree to a mentor of my own—terrifying, pink-haired Nicole, who wants to help me live life on the wild side. Her advice is strangely compelling, especially after I meet Aidan’s new “buddy,” a gorgeous tattooed hunk of a man who makes me wish there weren’t cobwebs in my...well, you know.
********* Jace
Mary O’Shea is sexy as hell, but she doesn’t know it.
She also doesn’t know I’m an ex-con, and if she finds out that I served three years in prison, extenuating circumstances won’t matter to her.
The last thing I should do is get attached to her kid...or her, but I didn’t get in this position by making good decisions.
Jace reaches toward my face, and my heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest as his fingers near the soft flesh of my cheek. When he tucks an escaped lock of hair behind my ear, I almost melt into a puddle.
“You’re a good mom,” he says. “And you were probably right. It might not be a good idea for Aidan to get too attached to me, and me to him, given that you and I are attracted to each other.”
Shock roils through me. It’s as if I’ve opened my eyes and found myself on a different planet, where the ground is as solid as a bounce house and left is right and right is left.
No, it’s not possible.
I gawk at him, taking in his sparkling eyes, the golden ends of his hair, and that short beard that shouldn’t look good, but oh God, it looks really good…
“Did you just say…?” I start.
It’s then that Aidan bursts through the door, holding something in his hand. He thrusts it out in front of him, scrunching his nose. “Did you get me this, Mom? It came in the box with my game. It was in a container, but I took it out.”
Shock renders me mute and still, like a pillar of salt. Especially since I can feel the intense scrutiny of Jace’s eyes. There’s no way Aidan knows what he’s holding, but Jace must know.
No, no, no, no, no, this can’t be happening.
The vibrator wasn’t supposed to come until tomorrow. Why would they pack it with a children’s board game?
A twisted sense of humor? A lack of reasonable bathroom breaks in the warehouse?
Aidan waves the bright pink vibrator around.
“There’s a little rabbit on it. Is it some kind of toy for Christmas? The package says it’s a magic wand that’s supposed to make people moan, but they spelled magic with a k, and it didn’t come with a spell book or anything.” He pulls a face. “I guess I can just use it with the Harry Potter spells. It does vibrate like it’s doing magic, and it can whirl in circles too.”
A short laugh sputters out of Jace.
My face is so red, it might as well be a fire truck. Magik wand. At least the name offers a reasonable explanation. For a six-year-old. God help me, I can’t bear to look at Jace.
I make a grab for the vibrator, but Aidan evades me.
“Why’d you get it in pink, Mom? You know green’s my favorite color.”
Jace clears his throat, but nope, I still can’t look at him. He’s not laughing anymore, but I know he probably wants to. Who wouldn’t? If he did feel some sort of passing attraction to me before this, he certainly doesn’t now.
“Aidan,” Jace says slowly, his voice husky. “There are toys for adults too. That’s probably something your mom got as a treat for herself, although I’m sure she’ll get you a Harry Potter wand for Christmas if you want one. Let her have it.”
Aidan does, which is what I wanted, but then I have a vibrator in my hand.I think for a moment and then stuff it into my bag. The tip instantly pops out, unmistakable.
What is happening to me?
“It must be some kind of mistake,” I say, finally forcing myself to meet Jace’s gaze. “I didn’t order this. I wouldn’t…”
I thought I’d see laughter there because he’s only human, but all traces of it are gone, and now he’s looking at me like I’m the last slice of birthday cake at an office birthday party. No, like I’m the first.
About Denise Grover Swank
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states, and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and a smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in her own mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.
A.R. CASELLA is a freelance developmental editor by day, writer by night. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and a variable number of fish. Her pastimes include chasing around her toddler, baking delicious treats, and occasional bouts of crocheting. Any Luck at All, co-written with New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank, is her first book.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
But when my neighbor and number one menace to my safe plans showed up in Vegas, I did what every adventurous (not!) woman would do.
Takedown, an all-new accidental marriage romance by Evelyn Sola is coming October 29th and we have the dreamy cover!
MELLIE
I was not a gambler. No way. I’ve built an existence free of risk and adventure. From my career to a small life with my closest family. I was not going to do anything to jeopardize my heart. But when my neighbor and number one menace to my safe plans showed up in Vegas, I did what every adventurous (not!) woman would do. I got drunk and married the man.
ADAM
What happens in Vegas is supposed to stay in Vegas. Then, I went and married Mellie Dupree. That woman I’ve been chasing for two years is now my wife. She claims she doesn’t remember our wedding, but I was there, and I know she’s not telling the truth. Then again, neither am I.
About Evelyn A Boston native, wife, mother, and wine enthusiast. If she's not writing, thinking about writing, you will find Evelyn with a book in her hands. While a new publisher, she's been writing for years, and she will continue to write for many years to come. Evelyn is obsessed with assertive and confident men who will stop at nothing to get their woman. Her stories are filled with love, passion, and humor. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and two daughters.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
I refuse to stand by and watch the universe play with our lives any longer.
With every moment that passes, Ansel falls further into the darkness that beckons him, and the world I love is being ripped away from me.
The Universe may punish me for my defiance, and the shifters might hate me for the price it costs, but it will be a cold day in hell before I give up and give in.
Because my beautiful beast is worth fighting for, and embracing the very thing we’ve been told to fear, might be the only thing that can actually save us…
BEAUTIFUL BEAST, the final novel in the Alpha Scorned trilogy by paranormal romance author Linsey Moon. This is a high heat, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a rejected mate storyline.
To celebrate the release of BEAUTIFUL BEAST by Linsey Moon, we’re giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open internationally. One winner will receive a $25 amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by BookMojo on behalf of Linsey Moon. Giveaway ends 10/31/2021 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About the Author
LINSEY MOON writes dark alphalicious romance. Her heroes are hot, brooding, and always alpha; and her heroines are smart, badass women who don’t take shit from their arrogant mates.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
The Spark Between Us, an all-new small-town standalone romance from author Stacy Travis is coming on September 20th and we have the incredible cover!
When I move to small-town Carolwood, I don't expect to run into a hot-as-sin firefighter with smoldering gray eyes and eight-pack abs. Literally. With my car. Doesn't help matters that Braden Michaels is my brother's best friend. And my new roommate.
He’s too busy putting out blazes and igniting them in the hearts of women to pay much attention to me. I’m just here for work—six months of nerding out at a world-renowned science lab, then going home to a nice promotion and the boring men in my comfort zone.
I’m not here for a rescue fantasy, a fire station pole dance, or a romantic walk in a vineyard. I’m certainly not here to fall in love.
Until one earth-shattering night when we collide in a ball of white-hot sparks, and everything changes. We’re no longer just roommates. I don’t know what we are. But edging open Braden’s complicated heart knocks something loose in mine. All my plans and scientific facts start to pale in comparison with feelings I can’t control.
My time here has an expiration date and neither one of us wants to get hurt. Rushing into a burning building seems less risky than chasing the spark between us. Maybe it’s smarter to walk away. Or maybe I've found the one reason to stay.
We'll either fall in love or we'll go down in flames.
The Spark Between Us is Sarah and Braden's story in the Berkeley Hills series and is an opposites attract STANDALONE novel.
About Stacy Travis It’s a rough world out there, and we all sometimes need a good, romantic beach read, even if we can’t make it to the beach. I’ve spent many lazy days walking the streets of Paris and other gorgeous European cities, and if I’m doing it right, I’m bringing you a dash of romance and a vacay fantasy. I can’t sit still, so when I’m not hiking, biking or running, I’m playing a very average game of tennis. Background music for writing undoubtedly features some U2, Lizzo, Billy Joel, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Led Zeppelin. Not necessarily in that order. And if I could only eat one food group, it would be cheese. Or wine. Or bread. Are those food groups? Whatever.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
Dare Me, the swoon worthy second book in the Dare to Try Trilogy from USA Today bestselling authors Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine is now live!
The moment Bash “Miss Razzle Dazzle” Vogel sashayed into Lieutenant Kieran Bailey’s life, both their worlds were turned upside down. What started as an easy friendship quickly morphed into sizzling chemistry that neither one could deny. But what Kieran knows better than anyone is that when a fire burns this hot and heavy, someone’s bound to get burned. Do they dare to risk being together? Or will the flame of this hot match consume them both?
Dare Me is book two of the Dare to Try trilogy, which must be read in order.
Grab your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
About Ella Frank Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust, and is the co-author of the fan-favorite erotic serial, Sex Addict. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction.
Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.
About Brooke Blaine Brooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance that ranges from comedy to suspense to erotic. The latter has scarred her conservative Southern family for life, bless their hearts. If you’d like to get in touch with her, she’s easy to find - just keep an ear out for the Rick Astley ringtone that’s dominated her cell phone for years. Or you can reach her at www.BrookeBlaine.com.
If you’d like to be the FIRST to know about a new release, sale, giveaway, or upcoming signings & events, make sure to join Brooke’s mailing list: http://www.BrookeBlaine.com
Thank You For Visiting Today
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
Dirty Diana, an all-new billionaire bully romance from January James, is available now!
My name is Diana.
I’m a small-town English girl in Manhattan, being eaten alive by an all-consuming job in a city that never sleeps.
Everything I once loved now suffocates me, but long-kept secrets mean I can’t go home.
The day I was invited to join the exclusive Decadence Club was the day my life was saved. Finally, I could be anonymous; I could be anyone I wanted for one night only; I could live out my fantasies without anyone knowing.
There were only three rules:
Don’t reveal your real name
Don’t give out personal information
Never meet the same member twice
I broke all three. Then he turned up at my office.
The best lay of my life is otherwise known as Jude Peyton-Harris, notorious ball-breaking business ‘fixer’, and my new CEO. He knows my secret and he wants my job gone.
My appetite had vanished and, without sleep, I felt light-headed as I walked along the corridor to Jude’s office. I’d been in that office hundreds of times to meet with Alex, the former CEO. We’d all been told he resigned, but now I suspected he’d been pushed—that hiring Jude had been a calculated and premeditated move on the part of the board and shareholders.
I still couldn’t believe Jude—the man whose body I knew intimately—was sitting behind that door. My heart thumped as I approached it. I knew how my body would react as soon as I saw him. I would melt into a pool of lust, right there on the floor, while my brain battled to realign itself to the new reality—a reality in which he and I would be enemies. Because we wanted two very different things. He wanted me out, and I wanted nothing of the kind.
I hesitated at the door, hoping I might summon some inner strength from somewhere, but my heart still thumped, loudly and erratically. He’d said six pm prompt, and it was six pm. I had to go in. I knocked twice and waited. After a long pause I heard, “Come in”.
I pushed the door and held my breath as he came into view. It helped, holding my breath. I considered, in that moment, making it the basis of my coping strategy. I could just stop breathing. Then I realized that nothing was going to help, not even self-imposed suffocation.
My heart racketed around my chest the moment I set eyes on his dirty blonde hair softly curled around his ears; his dark blue eyes staring back at me, warily; his large form standing rigid behind his desk. It reminded me of when I’d emerged from the room during my first night at the club. He was tense all over, as though he was trying to repel something.
“Take a seat,” he said, his voice hollow and sounding nothing like it had when he’d stroked the contours of my thigh less than twenty-four hours earlier.
I did as he instructed, swallowing my nerves. He slowly sat down himself, in the seat opposite me; the same seat I’d seen my previous CEO sit in many times before. The air in the room was different to how I remembered it. It was cold—the air con had been cranked right up—and it smelled of fresh body odor and worn leather, as though there had been a lot of pacing around.
“I understand you have some concerns about my appointment,” he said, sitting back in his chair, the full width of his cotton-covered chest exposed as his jacket fell open. My breath hitched.
“That’s an understatement,” I replied, getting straight to the point. If he thought I was going to go along with this, without even acknowledging our relationship, he was sorely mistaken. “Did you know I worked here?” I knew the answer would be no; he would never have made any of those plans to see me if he had. But I wanted answers—any answers.
“No, of course not.”
“Do they know about your role at the club?”
“Yes. I’m on the board of several organizations and I disclosed all of them.”
“You’re still on the board of Decadence, then?”
“Resigning from a board takes time, Miss Delaney.”
I baulked at his use of my surname. He’d already been through our employee records, I guessed.
“And that’s still your plan?”
He took a measured breath. “I can’t discuss that with you.”
His robotic dryness was beginning to get on my nerves.
“Can I ask you one thing?”
He didn’t reply, but the tick of his jaw suggested he knew what was coming.
“Did it mean anything to you? What we had?”
Had. I was already speaking about our relationship in past tense and it made a little piece of my heart ache. He stared at me, almost incredulous. His voice was quiet, and more akin to the Jude I thought I knew.
“Of course it did,” he replied. “Don’t you think I’m in as much shock as you are? You were the last person I expected to see in that room.”
“You acted as though I was nobody.”
“I had to,” he said. “You have to be no different to anyone else here. I have to treat all of you the same, no favors.”
“I’m not a child,” I grimaced. “I know how these things work and I don’t expect any favors. Why did you keep me waiting until six to meet?”
He dropped his head.
“I wasn’t sure what to say to you,” he said, quietly. “I still don’t know. It wasn’t even yesterday when I had everything planned out—how you and I might be able to start seeing each other.” He stretched his arms up and behind his head and faced out of the window, then he gave a small, hollow laugh. “Fuck. I was even planning where to take you at the weekend.”
My stomach plummeted another inch as it hit me again what was being ripped away. It was like someone was pulling a table cloth, leaving everything intact on the foundation beneath. Only, in my case, even that was turning to rubble.
As he stared out the window, something to my left caught my attention. The usually pristine white, unscathed wall of Alex’s old office had a massive dent in it, right across from where Jude was sitting. I looked back to the hands resting at the back of his head, the head I had held when we kissed for what I hadn’t realized would be the last time. The knuckle of his right hand was purple.
I stood and walked around the desk, his eyes following me nervously.
“When did this happen?” I asked, taking hold of his battered hand. In one glance I knew he couldn’t lie about it. We were in bed together only hours earlier and this bruise had not been there then. And while I’d been immersed too deeply in shock in the boardroom to have looked at his hands, I somehow knew the injury had happened since, and that dent in the wall had something to do with it.
“Nine twenty-three,” he replied, in a whisper.
I mentally rewound. He’d walked out of the boardroom at exactly nine twenty and it would have taken him three minutes to walk back up the stairs and along the corridor to here, his office. I raised his hand to my lips and gently kissed his bruised knuckle. Tears pricked my eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
“You haven’t done anything wrong,” he said, his voice cracking.
“I know. But that’s how I feel,” I closed my eyes to focus on the broken skin of his hand against my lips. “I just feel sorry; about all of this.”
He turned his chair towards me and pushed himself to his feet. His hand turned over in mine, then it cupped my face.
“Diana…” he started. I looked up into his eyes and saw liquid. He tilted my chin up towards his and brought his lips down to mine. The metallic taste of dried blood gave way to the sweet tang of his mouth and I allowed myself to drown in him. I knew it could never happen again. He moved deliberately and meaningfully around my mouth, stroking my tongue with his, teasing it across my lips. It was no ordinary kiss; he was leaving his mark on me, because he knew he could never return.
I reached my hands up and pushed my fingers through his soft curls, tugging him further into me. In turn, he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his body. I felt him thick and firm between us and almost cried knowing I would never feel him inside me again. A sob passed from my throat to his and it seemed to remind him where he was.
“Fuck, fuck!” He groaned, dropping his hands and pulling away. He turned his back to me and rubbed his bruised hand across his face, wincing slightly.
“Diana… you have to forget that happened. It can’t happen again.”
“I know,” I whispered behind him. “Don’t worry. I won’t expect it again, but I can’t promise I’ll forget.”
He hit his forehead with the heel of his palm. Then again, and again. I reached forward and held his arm. “Stop it, please...”
He turned to face me and his eyes were ringed red.
“I wish I hadn’t been their only option,” he whispered, almost to himself.
“What do you mean?”
“The board. Your board.”
“Why were you?” I didn’t follow; surely there were plenty of people available who did the kind of job Jude had been hired for.
“This,” he waved his arm, referring, I presumed, to Empirical Records, “is a much-loved brand. The acts are international darlings. The choices I’m going to have to make will be deeply unpopular. I’m expecting the usual—hate mail, death threats, broken windows, the lot. Not many people are willing to walk into a situation like that.”
“So, why you?” I frowned.
“Because…” he laughed again, bitterly, “I don’t care. I have no fucking feelings.”
He scrubbed his face again. “Supposedly.”
“I don’t get it,” I said, shaking my head. Because I didn’t. The Jude I knew had feelings. Feelings of lust, desire, need.
“All my life I’ve been numb,” he said, bitterness on the edge of his tongue. “I’ve had no problem walking into a business like this and shredding it to pieces. I can make any company a lot of money, by doing the work they’re too soft to do themselves. I’ve never known any of the employees I’ve had to fire, let alone slept with them several times or agreed to start up a relationship with them.”
He walked to the other side of the room, shaking his head.
“This is justice, it has to be. I deserve this. I’ve been ruthless until now, and this is payback. No one gets away with being such an asshole for so long.”
“That’s rubbish,” I said, understanding he wasn’t actually talking to me; he was having this conversation with himself and I was simply witness to it.
“I deserve it,” he said, quietly, facing out of the window.
I stood there, at a loss for what I could say to make him understand it wasn’t his fault—none of this was. Then, as though a switch had been flicked inside him, he seemed to transform into the Jude I saw in the boardroom—blank, callous and abrupt. He turned sharply from the window and strode purposefully towards me.
“I can’t continue this conversation,” he said, suddenly business-like. “It stops now. And I have a job to do.”
I stepped back in surprise at the sudden change in his tone.
“You’re going to try and force me out, aren’t you?”
The least he could do was tell me the truth; what I could expect.
“Yes. Your division is a drain on the business.”
I almost choked. The way he said it, so blunt, so matter-of-fact; it threw me off balance.
“It makes no financial sense to keep it,” he continued, twisting the knife. “And your acts are peanuts compared to big hitters elsewhere in the group. If anything, Phoenix Music is a distraction, an indulgence. It’s the music industry equivalent of those little hobby shops set up by rich housewives as something to do with their time.”
I gasped. His sentiment was venomous but his tone was even, and deadpan, like his face.
“I’m not going to roll over for you,” I spat at him. “You can’t get me out that easily.”
He smiled, thinly, almost regretfully. “That’s what they all say.”
I straightened, now hating this man with every fiber of my being. “I will fight you tooth and nail, all the way, Jude Peyton-Harris.”
He reached out once more and curled his bruised fingers around the curve of my chin. He closed his eyes and shook his head, lightly.
“You have no idea who you are fighting, Diana Delaney. They all lose. And so will you.”
Meet January
January James lives in the smallest cottage in East Sussex with her husband, daughter and imaginary cockapoo (she will get one, one day!)
Until recently, she inhabited the fast-paced, adrenalin-fuelled workplaces she writes about as a communications professional. Now she spends her days dreaming up new characters and stories and trying her best to avoid indoor soft play.
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This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me.
Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own."
FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored.
My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
~ Please Leave Some Comment Love While You Are Here
This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
Every time Ansel and I get a little too close to each other—all hell breaks loose.
Literally.
The last time we kissed, it caused an explosion so massive that I was thrust into the heavens, far away from my mate.
As if fate’s sick joke isn’t cruel enough, Roscoe isn’t done with us yet.
And this time, he isn’t after me.
Now, I only have one chance to save my dark wolf before the shadows claim him forever…
BITTER BEAST, the second novel in the Alpha Scorned trilogy by paranormal romance author Linsey Moon. This is a high heat, enemies-to-lovers romance featuring a rejected mate storyline.
To celebrate the release of BITTER BEAST by Linsey Moon, we’re giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open internationally. One winner will receive a $25 amazon gift card. This giveaway is administered by BookMojo on behalf of Linsey Moon. Giveaway ends 9/30/2021 @ 11:59pm EST. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!
About the Author
LINSEY MOON writes dark alphalicious romance. Her heroes are hot, brooding, and always alpha; and her heroines are smart, badass women who don’t take shit from their arrogant mates.
~ Please Leave Some Comment Love While You Are Here
This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
Love & Vengeance, an all-new dark and gritty new adult romance from bestselling author J.A. Owenby, is available now!
My light is a man who’s strong and loving … yet he’s wrestling with his own haunted past. He’s kneeling at my feet, asking me to marry him. Hendrix is everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I thought I didn’t deserve.
My cake has been ordered. My wedding dress is ready. But that darkness of my past is back once more. I’d never let anything happen to ruin our special day, then a letter finds its way to me. A letter written behind prison cell walls. Its promise: to shatter my world. Three days before my wedding, he’s striding through the gates of prison … Vowing he loves me more than ever before.
Can I hold on when my entire life starts to crumble? Will love be enough when I stand before evil himself?
Love & Vengeance is a dark, gritty, and emotional new adult novel. It’s recommended for readers who enjoy darker romance. May contain triggers for some readers.
Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
I picked up my phone, fumbling it in my shaking hands. It dropped to the floor, and I swore under my breath while I retrieved it.
“Hey,” I said, trying to disguise the fear in my voice.
“Where are you?” Pierce asked.
Mac waved at me to hurry up.
“Hang on a second.” I tapped the mute icon and rolled my window down. “I have to take this call. Why don’t you go in and grab us a table? I’ll be in shortly.”
Her gaze narrowed at me. “Something has been a little off with you today. What’s going on?”
“It’s about the wedding. I just need to focus.”
Mac placed her hand on her hip, her toe tapping impatiently against the pavement. “Are you sure?”
“I swear.” I attempted a smile. “Get a booth in the back corner if you can.”
“Okay. I’ll see you in a few.” She headed in the direction of the entrance and glanced over her shoulder at me, her forehead creasing.
I rolled up the window and unmuted the phone. “Sorry. Mac was with me. She had questions, and I needed to pacify her so we can talk. She knows something is off with me. I’m having a difficult time hiding it.”
Pierce chuckled. “Give her a hug for me.”
“I will.” An uncomfortable silence filled the line while I waited for him to continue.
“Gemma, it’s not good.”
I gulped over a sudden lump in my throat as I lifted my head, glancing out the window at the Spokane River. “Just say it. Please.”
“Brandon will be released three days before your wedding.” Pierce’s voice was low. Haunted.
“Dammit.” I white-knuckled the steering wheel and drew in a deep breath in order to contain the turbulent emotions that had erupted inside me. Fear, my forgotten friend, settled in next to me and wrapped her frigid fingers around my heart.
“You need to tell Hendrix tonight. I’ll assign bodyguards to everyone. You guys are my family and top priority.”
My head throbbed as I tried to absorb the news that the son of a bitch would be free again. “I have to wrap my head around this before I tell Hendrix.”
I imagined Pierce rubbing his face, determination settling into his handsome features. “Would it help if we met with Franklin tomorrow morning? Let’s see what legal rights you have and put a restraining order into place. Then we can talk to Hendrix.”
I hesitated. “I need to tell Hendrix. He’s not going to be happy that I hid the letter for a few days, but I had to know the truth first,” I said, my voice cracking. I nervously played with an imaginary string on my shirt. “Text me what time to meet with you and Franklin. Right now, I have to pretend nothing is wrong and have dinner with Mac.”
“I will. And Gemma?”
“Yeah?”
“We have almost four weeks to prepare for his release. Try to breathe.”
“Thank you. I need the reminder.” I rubbed my temples, teetering on a full-blown headache.
“I’m going to speak to Franklin and fill him in. I’ll text you in a little while.”
“Dammit, he’ll call Hendrix. Before you say a word to him, make him promise he’ll wait to talk to Hendrix until after we meet tomorrow. Please, Pierce. Franklin is going to flip his shit.” My chin trembled with my words.
My stomach growled in agreement. “Okay. Thank you. I’ll talk to you later.” My head swam, and my breathing came in short bursts as I battled with my anxiety. Gritting my teeth, I willed myself to calm down. Regardless of how I felt inside, I had to be strong.
About J.A.
J.A. Owenby lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and cat.
She's a published author of six short stories, and she is currently working on her ninth full-length novel. She also runs her own business as a professional resume writer and interview coach--she helps people find jobs they love.
J.A. is an avid reader of thrillers, romance, new adult, and young adult novels. She loves music, movies, and good wine. And call her crazy, but she loves the rainy Pacific Northwest; she gets her best story ideas while listening to the rain pattering against the windows in front of the fireplace.
~ Please Leave Some Comment Love While You Are Here
This post may contain affiliate links: If you purchase through my link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products/services that I approve of. Purchasing through my links allows me to continue to provide unique content and pursue my business dreams. Thank you for supporting me. Disclaimer: "All opinions are 100% honest and my own." FTC Guidelines: In accordance with FTC guidelines regarding endorsements and testimonials for bloggers, I would like my readers to know that many of the books and products I review are provided to me for free by the publisher, author of the book, company in exchange for an honest review. If I am compensated for any reviews on this site I will state that post has been sponsored. My Chaotic Ramblings and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. The giveaways on this site are in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site.
