Saturday, November 9, 2013

Book Blitz: Break You by Jennifer Snyder - Excerpt, Guest Post & Giveaway!


 
 
Break You
A Coldcreek Novel

Jennifer Snyder

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Available at Amazon * B&N

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18468714-break-you?ac=1

Blurb

Blaire Hayes enjoys a quiet life, spending her days as a CNA at the local nursing home and nights studying for exams. She prefers things to be as uncomplicated as possible -- but when her friends drag her to a party and she bumps into her high school crush, the path of Blaire’s life veers in an entirely different direction than what she had planned for herself.

Jason Bryant created a nice life away from his hometown, putting distance between himself and the suffocating sadness of his father’s death. But when he finds out his grandfather’s health is deteriorating, he decides he must return home. Partying was not on his agenda while in town, but it’s how he bumps into Blaire Hayes—the girl he’d always thought of in high school as an unobtainable pass.

Together the two learn there are moments in life that hold within them all the power to break you...

(New Adult: Contains sexual situations, language, mature themes, and alcohol usage.)

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Excerpt

The water was cool. I’d kicked off my sandals long before we made it to the river’s edge and now stood with my toes planted firmly in place as the river’s constant movement slipped over my skin. The moon was low in the sky, nearly full and shedding just the right amount of light down on us. I took a step back, onto a smooth rocky ledge behind me, as the chill of the water soon became too much. The rock beneath my bare feet was still warm from the sun and I let out a little sigh into the night. I tipped my head back to look up at the star-filled sky, taking in all of nature’s uncorrupted beauty that surrounded me.
Jason came up behind me, his sandals shuffling against the smooth surface of the rock. “It’s nice, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice nothing but a whisper.
Glancing over my shoulder at him, I was surprised by how close he was to me. Inhaling, I could smell his guy-scent—a mixture of soap and deodorant of some sort. Whatever it was, it was spicy and male and I liked it. My eyes traveled the length of him and I knew he could feel them on him, but I was too tipsy to care, so I continued checking him out unabashedly while his gaze locked on the sky.
“Look,” he said as he pointed. “Bats.”
My head snapped to where he’d pointed so quickly, the movement jerked my body with it and I stumbled. Losing my footing, I nearly toppled into the river. Jason reached out and steadied me, his large hands gripping my forearms.
“Whoa there,” he chuckled.
His face was inches from mine. His warm hands still gripped my arms. I straightened my stance to a firmer one, but he still didn’t let go. Our stare became fused together as electricity zapped beneath my skin from the contact I’d been craving all night.
“Thanks for catching me.” A giggle built in my chest, but the second I saw his tongue slip out and lick at his bottom lip, it disappeared.
“No problem.”
His hands slid free from my arms only to grip my hips firmly. My heart pounded from their sudden shift in placement. Jason’s jaw moved as he bit at the inside of his cheek. I wondered for a moment if this was a nervous habit of his or if he was simply wondering whether now was the time to take me home.
I didn’t want him to take me home. I wasn’t finished with this night—with him—just yet.
With the courage that came from drinking three Long Island Iced Teas and the yearning that pulsated through my body from his nearness, I did what I wanted—I arched my body into his and kissed him. His lips were warm and soft; his breath tasted of spicy liquor, and I knew I was right where I’d wanted to be a million times in my head—locked in Jason Bryant’s arms with my lips pressed to his.
 
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Guest Post by Author Jennifer Snyder


A genie grants you three writing-related wishes, what are they and why?

Wow, first off genies are wicked cool. I want one! Second, this is pretty hard to answer, because there are so many things to wish for! Here’s my stab at it though…

Wish One: To never have to suffer through the hair-pulling ordeal of Writer’s Block ever again!
Writer’s Block is the one thing that makes me want to scream at my computer curser to stop freaking blinking! It makes me want to open up a new word document and go crazy like a two year old with the computer keys just to feel my fingers moving across the keys of my laptop again. I loathe Writer’s Block, so for that to be gone forever, heck yeah, that’s definitely my wish number one!

Wish Two: For every story I write to be one everyone freaking LOVES!
Yeah, any author would wish for this. Don’t judge.

Wish Three: To be able to have a party and invite all the characters I’ve created over the years.
This would be CRAZY! I don’t think there would be a dry moment the entire night. And the conversations would be insane! There would be grim reapers, werewolves, and witches all tossed in with some pretty cynical humans. Let’s just hope they can all forgive me for the crap I’ve put them through…and the people I’ve killed off…and have a great time! ;)
 
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About the Author
 
Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Find out more about her latest novel by visiting her blog:
http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com

Other ways to connect with Jennifer:
Email: Jennifersnyder04(at)gmail(dot)com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifersnyder
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennsnyder04

Event Wide Giveaway!

 
 

 
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Friday, November 8, 2013

Book Blitz: I Am Just Junco Omnibus by J.A. Huss - Character Interview, Trailer, Excerpt & Giveaway!

 

I Am Just Junco Omnibus
(I Am Just Junco Books 1-3)

J.A. Huss

New Adult Sci-Fi/Dytopian

Available at Amazon * B&N

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18584641-i-am-just-junco-books-1-3-omnibus

Blurb

Clutch~Fledge~Flight – the first three books in the epic science fiction fantasy saga that spans five full length novels and one novella. The final book, RETURN, will be released on December 2, 2013.

Nineteen year old Rural Republic sniper, Junco Coot, has been lied to. Not once or twice, but pretty much everyone she ever trusted is totally full of sh*t. And now her father is dead, she’s on the run, and everyone wants a piece of her—including one winged alien warrior named Tier.

But the truth always catches up and Junco has to choose who she should trust. The people who have lied and trained her to kill since she was a small child? Or the warriors who want to steal her away and use her as the catalyst in a plot to fight the final battle in an ancient war?

It’s a choice that will change her fate forever. And once it’s made—there’s no turning back. Life becomes nothing but brutal killing in the name of vengeance. But everything requires sacrifice—everything has a price. And Junco is about to find out what it means to dedicate herself to saving someone else.

Junco is not young adult. She has a foul mouth and violent tendencies.


Trailer


 
 
Excerpt
 
FLEDGE
“You’re not going to win this game, Lucan.”
“Says the one small girl with no power.”
“I’m just warning you. Don’t be disappointed in the end when I take back every drop of satisfaction you extract from my failures.”
He sighs. It hints at exasperation, boredom even, and I sense I may have miscalculated. “One of these days, Junco, we will have an honest conversation. If it’s Fledge fights you want, girl. Be my guest. Go and kill. But it won’t save Tier. He’s been on his way out for a very long time. Long before he refused orders, long before he waged war on the RR for you, and long before he gave away his genetics to a man who helped him kill more than two dozen Earth leaders.”
Shit.
I look up at him, too quickly, having misplaced that little secret Tier told me out on the rock. Lucan reads my face and smiles. “Ah, I see some recognition there. Don’t worry, Junco – when you testify the drugs will get it all out in the open.” He stops and stares into my eyes, burns into them. I look away, feeling a little beaten already.
But he continues, “So, just remember, when we are at the end, when I am standing over you as you break in half, and I am forced to leave you with nothing, Junco – don’t say I never tried to help. Don’t tell me I made your life a living hell, because you will have done that all on your own.
“And if – this is a gigantic if, Junco – but if you can take back everything you’ll lose by choosing this path, then please know that my satisfaction will come from that, and not from watching you fail.”
He walks towards the door, palms it, and then turns. “By the way, has anyone ever mentioned that your language is filthy?” His voice is pleasant, like he’s pondering the meaning of something quizzical, but he wrinkles his lip like he has a bad taste in his mouth. “I don’t care for it. Cheapens you, Junco.”
He leaves me standing there, facing the emptiness of space scowling, and feeling rather cheap and filthy, if I do say so myself.
But not minding one bit.
 


 
Character interview
 
JUNCO
Character profile:
Junco Abigail Coot
Born: September 3, 2133
 
Physical Description:
OK, I’m short. But don’t underestimate me because that never stopped me from kicking someone’s ass.  Most of the time my hair is auburn brown, my eyes are hazel and my body has a little more muscle than most girls should.  But don’t count on me staying this way forever…I have secrets…secrets that have giant consequences!
 
Actress who could play you in a movie:
Cameron Phillips - the reprogrammed Terminator from Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. She’s awesome.
 
Job:  Professional soldier, assassin, and Seventh Sibling.
 
Favorite gun: Ohhh, that’s a hard one. It’s a draw between the TZi .357 and the RM Elite sniper rifle.
 
Favorite MMA move: Shit, how does one choose? I guess it would be the tornado kick. They never see that coming, plus I got all that acrobatic stuff behind me, so I really catch some air when I make contact.  TMI?  Sorry!
 
Favorite Sibling:  LOL...that question is so unfair, but it definitely isn’t Irin. She’s a total bitch.
 
Favorite member of the 039: Nooooo…I can’t do that to them.  They are all my favorites! 
 
Favorite vaca spot: Well, it’s not a vaca spot, but I do love when Lucan takes me to see the stars.  It’s beyond Heaven.
 
Favorite food: Blueberry pancakes
 
Age: In Clutch, Fledge, and Flight I am 19 (it was a pretty big year for me)…Range takes place when I’m 22.
 
Birthday: September 3, 2133
 
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
 
Favorite Color: Yellow
 
Favorite Song: Road to Paradise by Tat
 
Words to live by: Do the job you’re trained for, and if you’re not trained for the job at hand, shut up and stay the fuck out of the way.
 
Perfect Saturday Night: At home with Tier, or shooting with Gideon, or watching horror screens with Ashur, or letting Selia treat me like a Barbie head, or playing cards with Braun, or…well you get the picture.  I enjoy all of them!
 
Three words that best describe me:
Feisty, powerful, relentless.
 
What did you want to be when you grew up:
A mother.  :)
 
Day or night: DAY!  Although I do enjoy a good stargaze, I could go a million years and never see another nightdog and die happy.
 
 


About the Author
  

J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).

She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.

Author Links:
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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Millionth Book Bash: The Arrangement Series by H.M. Ward - Q&A, Guest Post, & Giveaway!

Millionth Book Bash The Arrangement series by H.M. Ward has sold over one million copies!
 
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The Arrangement is a serial series focusing on the relationship between Sean Ferro and Avery Stanz. To celebrate the Millionth Book Bash, author H.M. Ward is offering a $500 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway AND make sure to stop by for a Q&A with the author on Facebook and character questions to Sean and Avery on Twitter!
 
  Events: From Nov. 6th-13th, the author would love to invite you to participate in the below events! Q&A with the H.M. Ward on Facebook!
YOU can ask questions to Sean and Avery on Twitter!
Guest Posts by the author!
  • Visit other blogs to see guest posts by the author and their answer to our fan question or their personal experience/thoughts/feelings about this series.
Celebration Giveaway
  • Enter to win a $500 Amazon Gift Card from the author!

What is The Arrangement about?
FML is becoming Avery's motto. Just when she doesn't think things could get any worse, they do. When her car stalls out at a busy intersection and she gets out to check under the hood, a guy steals her car. Armed with a dress and a pair of Chucks, Avery runs after the thief. When a hot stranger offers to help, she can't say no. That's how Avery meets Sean Ferro, the totally sexy, totally damaged guy with more secrets than she has time for. Avery doesn't have time for anything anymore. Her life falling apart and it's not just the car. It's everything, and it doesn't matter how tightly she tries to hold on, there's nothing left to hold on to. With the sudden death of her parents, it's only a matter of months until Avery's shot at college is gone, and she's living in a cardboard box. Other students have their families to rely on when things get bad. Avery has no one. But there's one option, one incredibly sexy, morally devoid, option. If Avery takes a job as a call girl, one guy could save her. One client. One time. She just has to say yes.

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Guest Post by Author H.M. Ward
Fun Facts about THE ARRANGEMENT Series
By H.M. Ward 
1)    Avery Stanz: Her last name was inspired by Ray Stanz in Ghostbusters. I was watching it last winter and thought that guy is the just like her father. 
 
 
2)    Sean Ferro: So, most of my books up until THE ARRANGEMENT have a guy with an Irish name that starts with C. I wanted a different Irish/ Italian name so I went with Sean.
 
 
3)    More about Sean’s name: So, I have a type – dark hair, blue eyes, snarky mouth, sexy. You probably noticed. My husband looks like the guys in my stories. So, I chose the name ‘Sean’ and later thought about changing it because it’s my brother in law’s name. Our family is big and I have over 40 titles, so hub’s told me to leave it. No one will notice or care. A little while later my MIL asked why I wrote a book about Sean – a guy with dark hair, blue eyes, etc. So uh, brothers look similar. Totally didn’t think about that part. Embarrassing. Family picnics are gonna be really weird.
 
 
4)    Ferro: Yeah, I was sitting there thinking we need an Italian last name, that sounds expensive and sweet…and I was eating Oreos. Ferrari + Oreos = Ferro. Yum. 

5)    Avery’s personality type is the same as mine. The only other character that I’ve written about that has my personality type is Ivy in Demon Kissed. 
 
6)    I almost didn’t write this series. When I told my editors what I wanted to do, they both looked at me weird and said good luck with that. 

7)    This series is fan driven, which means fans have influenced the story line by voting and telling me what they wanted to happen as the story progressed. Some of the plot points were major and it’s been a lot of fun to interact with the reader like this. 

8)    Sean and Avery have twitter accounts and flirt with each other. 

9)    The spray-start car was real. True story. Car from hell. And the corner where I used to worry about breaking down was on Deer Park Ave. on Long Island.

10)     The series has a lot of locations in the books that locals know and like, such      as Jones Beach, Sunken Meadow, Deer Park Ave., and Cardiac Hill.
 
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About the Author H.M. Ward is the #1 bestselling New Adult author in the world, having sold over 2 million books in 2013. This NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, and Amazon #1 bestselling writer’s series include: THE FERRO FAMILY: DAMAGED, THE ARRANGEMENT, and STRIPPED; as well as SCANDALOUS, TRYSTAN SCOTT, and SECRETS. Ward was recently featured in FORBES, the WALL STREET JOURNAL, and the WASHINGTON POST. You can interact with this bestselling author at: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorHMWard. Don’t want to miss a release date: Text AWESOMEBOOKS to 22828 and get an email reminder on release dates.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter    
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Cover Reveal: Rumor Has It by Elisabeth Grace + Giveaway!

 Cover Reveal
 
 
 
 
Rumor Has It
Limelight #1
 
Elisabeth Grace
 
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Expected Release December 6, 2013
Cover by Mae I Design
 
Blurb
 
 
All publicity is good publicity, right? Unless you’re recent college grad Ellie Wagner and an embarrassing video of you and your boyfriend goes viral. Every man in your life abandons you, but who knew a one-minute clip of your latest doomed relationship would brand you a slut, prevent you from getting your perfect job, and force you to keep doing the one thing you swore you’d never do again…live with your mother.

But staying with mom and her latest boy-toy (is this husband number four or five?) until your life turns around might not be all bad. Especially when you fall – literally – at the feet of a sexy, green-eyed stranger who offers you freedom and a life of luxury on a gold-rimmed platter.

There’s only one little problem – the man of your dreams is none other than Mason Nash, the latest hip-hop star busting up the music charts. Fame and fortune are his calling cards and he’s vying to steal the show on a new reality TV series that will catapult him into mainstream stardom. Hello spotlight.

The man behind the famous persona is perfect for Ellie in every way, but can she overcome the ugly pitfalls that come with Mason's celebrity status? Or will she be forced to choose between the man she loves and the independent life she longs for? After all, fame and fortune aren’t always what they seem and not all publicity is good publicity…

***Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.***
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18517591-rumor-has-it?ac=1
 
About the Author
 

I have a soft spot for romance novels with happily ever afters and a hot spot for alpha males! I currently live outside Toronto, Canada with my hubby and two small children. Life is busy, but never to busy for a good story and to share my love of reading and writing with others.

My debut New Adult Contemporary Romance, Rumor Has It, releases December 6, 2013.

For more of the lowdown on me feel free to visit my author website at http://www.Elisabeth-Grace.com

 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Links:





 
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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Blog Tour: A Bargained For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure - Review & Giveaway!

bargained tour

 
a bargainedA Bargained-For Bride by Marcia Lynn McClure (Novella)

Excerpt “You’re the sweetest girl in Mourning Dove Creek, you know?” Jack mumbled as he paused in kissing Jilly a moment. Jilly smiled. “And you’re the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek, you know,” she flirted in return. Jack smiled. “I do know,” he said. Jilly giggled. Jack Taylor was so predictable—and a little conceited. He really did think he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove—and he was, for the most part. Secretly, however, if Jilly ever allowed herself to be completely honest about it (which she tried to avoid), there was one other man in Mourning Dove who always crossed her mind when the subject of the handsomest man in town arose. Yet there was no lingering on thinking of that man—no sirree! Not for a moment! Not for any reason—ever. And so Jilly just kept telling Jack that he was the handsomest man in Mourning Dove Creek. Besides, it was almost true—being that the other man lived outside of town and not right in town the way Jack did.

 
 
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My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
 
 A Bargained for Bride is a short, sweet novella that will leave the reader smiling. It's so refreshing to read something that's pure and simple, without subterfuge. Just two people finding love in each other.

Jilly is an adorable character. She's definitely naïve, but her spirit and intelligence shines through on every page and in every encounter. Jilly dreams of love and romance like any other girl. Though she's not one to wallow in self-pity when played the fool. I really liked Jilly, enjoyed following along on her journey of self-discovery.

Romantic interest Boone is definitely sigh worthy. Independent, successful, gorgeous, and selfless - who could ask for more. That and he actually cares about Jilly - well that makes him aces in my book. To think, had he not happened along, Jilly would've continued her 'sparking' with that dastard Jack. Well my favorite scene in the novella is when that jackass, Jack, gets his due.

I recommend A Bargained for Bride to everyone middle school and up (for those young voracious readers) that enjoys a sweet romance. It's also a clean romance; just toe curling kisses and no bad language (other than jackass - and Jack really deserves that title).
 
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marciaAuthor Marcia Lynn McClure Marcia Lynn McClure’s intoxicating succession of novels, novellas, and e-books, has established her as one of the most favored and engaging authors of true romance. Her unprecedented forte in weaving captivating stories of western, medieval, regency, and contemporary amour void of brusque intimacy has earned her the title “The Queen of Kissing.” Marcia, who was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has spent her life intrigued with people, history, love, and romance. A wife, mother, grandmother, family historian, poet, and author, Marcia Lynn McClure spins her tales of splendor for the sake of offering respite through the beauty, mirth, and delight of a worthwhile and wonderful story.

Social Media Website Social Media Blog Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Goodreads
 
 
Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/12/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Shadow of Sin by Parker Kincaid - Excerpt & Giveaway!

Shadow of Sin by Parker Kincade
Book #2 in The Martin Family companion series
Release date: November 6th, 2013

A man determined to protect her…

Caleb Martin is no stranger to hazardous situations. He's seen enough bloodshed to last two lifetimes. When an innocent evening takes a dangerous turn, Caleb takes matters into his own hands. If she wants his help, it’s his rules, his way. Period.

A woman who won’t be controlled…

When it comes to relationships, Samantha keeps things casual, unassuming. Safe. Caleb Martin is far from safe. His ‘my way or the highway’ attitude pushes all the wrong buttons, and she’d sworn no man would have that kind of power over her again.

A hunger that won’t be denied…

Protecting Samantha from the man that stalks her shouldn't test his patience—or his control—but her smart mouth and hot Irish temper stoke the fuel of his desire. She is pure sin—a distraction he doesn’t need, a temptation he can’t resist.

Despite their animosity, Caleb has starred in her fantasies for years. His ruthless sensuality proves to be more potent than she ever imagined. As Caleb masters her body, Samantha must keep a tight grip her heart.






   He turned to her. Heat pooled in her stomach as his gaze traveled slowly, deliberately, from her face. He seemed to take in every inch of her before stopping to linger over her bare legs. “I don’t sleep much. I’m sorry if I disturbed you.”
   “You didn’t.” The devil in her insisted she cross her legs, exposing more of her thigh to his view. She enjoyed his eyes on her, as if he saw the woman she was instead of the pain in his ass he’d claimed her to be. She was tempting fate, knowing that any second he’d remember who she was and that look in his eye would change. 
   For now, she’d use any means to distract him from his pain. Her pain would come later, when she was alone again. 
   “Do you want to talk about it?”
   “Talk about what?”
   “Why you’re still up.”
   He chucked a thumb at the windows. “Daytime.”
   She clamped her mouth shut before she said something she’d regret. And he thought she was stubborn. She pulled in a slow, steady breath. “True, but barely. On a normal day, I wouldn’t be up yet.”
   “Exactly. Go. Rest.” He closed his eyes as if to shut her out. 
   She could feel his irritation, but, this time, it wasn’t directed at her. It gave her hope as she pressed on.
   “Are you hungry? I could make us some breakfast. If you don’t mind me searching through your fridge, I’m sure I could find something edible.” In fact, she’d been surprised at the amount of food she’d seen. She’d half expected him to only have beer and water and maybe a stray bottle of ketchup. Like Alec’s fridge.
   “For the love of christ, what do you want? I don’t want to eat. I don’t want to talk.” He sighed, apparently resigned to her company a few minutes more. “What do you want, Samantha?”
   Right now? To slap the shit out of you.
   Hurt invaded her chest as she stared back at him. Gone was the pain she’d seen earlier, as well as the male interest. What remained was the Caleb she knew. Cold, hard, angry. 
   She shoved the hurt away and bit back the sharp retort he deserved. She softened her features, allowing herself to appear vulnerable. It wasn’t much of a stretch. “Can I stay with you?”

* * *

   Caleb jerked, surprised by her request. “That’s not a good idea.” 
   Even as he said the words, his cock came to life. It seemed the lower half of his body thought it was a very good idea. And seeing her in nothing but his T-shirt wasn’t helping. Jesus, he hoped she had panties on under there. A bigger, harder, part of him hoped that she didn’t. 
   Samantha shifted, exposing more of her delectable thighs. “It’s not like I’m asking you to get a root canal. You can wipe that horrified look off your face.” 
   Caleb checked his expression, doing his best to appear calm, bored even. She’d surprised the hell out of him, coming in his room like she had. 
   He was angry. Angry with himself and the past that wouldn’t free him. Angry at her for being here, for looking as if she belonged here. This was his space, damn it. How was he supposed to relax with her prancing around half naked, knowing she’d pleasured herself and called his name?
   He wasn’t stupid. He suspected it was his fault she was awake, and now she was here—checking on him as if he was a child who needed coddling. He didn’t need coddling. His body demanded the satisfaction that would only come from pounding his aching flesh deep into her soft, wet pussy.
   As tempting as that idea may be, he was still trying to wrap his head around how he felt about her. 
   “You’re tired. You don’t know what you’re asking.” And he couldn’t think straight. He was low on sleep and even lower on patience. He shoved his hands into his hair and blew out a breath. “You can’t be in here. Go back to bed.” Before he forgot all the reasons he shouldn’t fuck her silly. 
   “Why did I think… God, I’m such an —” She closed her mouth, her lips drawn into a thin, tight line. Her cheeks flushed as she advanced on him. “I’m sick of you judging me. Telling me what I should and shouldn’t do. If you hadn’t noticed, my night sucked. Hell, the last year has sucked. So, you can shove your overinflated male ego up your own ass. I’m not asking you to have sex with me for chrissake.” She stumbled back and planted her butt on the edge of the bed. “Just for once, Caleb, can’t you set aside your feelings? Forget your stupid sense of responsibility where I’m concerned and just be here for me like a normal person?”
   What the fuck? 
   “My stupid sense of what?” 
   The laugh that escaped her lips made him uneasy. 
   “You heard me, horseman.” She eased back to her feet and sauntered toward him. “You think I don’t know how you feel about me? Let me see … troublemaker, instigator, bad influence.” She ticked off the words on her fingers. “Oh, and my personal favorite … menace. Really, Caleb. Menace? That’s a little strong don’t you think?” She fisted her hands on her hips, her eyes glittering with unshed tears. “I know you don’t like me. If it weren’t for Amanda and Alec, I wouldn’t be here and we both know it.” Her chest rose and fell in rapid succession as she glared at him. “And I’m sick of being your charity case.”
   Caleb fought the urge to look away. She hadn’t lied about the words he’d uttered to describe her over the years, but to have them slung back at him just pissed him off. 
   “You want to know what I’m sick of, Samantha? I’m sick of you pushing my buttons. I’m sick of your stubborn-assed attitude when it comes to your own safety and I’m fucking sick and tired of you calling me horseman!” His shout rattled the windows, but he didn’t care. He was on a roll now, like a fucking train wreck, unable to stop.
   Crossing his arms over his chest, he glared down at her. “If you and Amanda hadn’t decided the woods were the best place to partake in a little underage drinking, the boys and I wouldn’t have had to saddle up to go find your drunk asses before some wild animal made you a snack. Did you ever think of that, Samantha? During your little adventure with my baby sister, did you stop to consider the consequences? Do you ever?”
Samantha made a noise of disgust and stormed from the room. “This is what I get for trying to be nice,” she yelled. 
   Caleb went after her, following her into the spare room. “Nice? Nice?” The floodgates were open, his anger and frustration leaving any sense of self-preservation in the dust. “You think calling us the horsemen of the apocalypse is nice? Is that fun for you? Because all it does is remind me of being scared out of my ever-loving mind that something was going to … that Amanda …” No, he wasn’t going back there. 
   Not. Going. There. 
   “And as for my stupid sense of responsibility, I protect what’s mine, damn it!” 
Samantha’s sharp intake of breath drifted through his angry haze and punched him in the gut. She sank back to the bed and wiped the tear that escaped the corner of her eye. 
   It was like ice water to his soul. 
   This woman tested his restraint. No other woman, save his sister, had ever pushed him so hard. It was infuriating and intoxicating at the same time. She left him off balance, out of control—two things that spelled disaster where he was concerned.
   Caleb ran his hands through his hair, settling his palms on the back of his neck. 
   “Samantha.” 
   His heart skipped a beat as emotion played out on her face. Sadness, regret, and finally … resolve. 
   “Get out.” Her voice was soft. “God, what was I thinking? Just get out.”
   He stood there, unable to move as he struggled to comprehend the vulnerability pouring out of her. His gaze traveled over the delicate features of her face, the line of her shoulders. The rise of her breasts, her slim waist, and long legs. Her feet were bare. Her toenails were painted a rich red that spoke of fire. Passion. 
   She shifted on the bed and winced, making him feel like a total ass. Again. Her night had sucked. With her tough-as-nails attitude, Caleb hadn’t considered she might actually need comforting. 
    He took a deep breath. “I’ll stay.”
   Her eyes, blue and blazing, snapped up. “Of course you will. Because why in the hell would you listen to me?”
   “You asked me to stay.”
   “I asked you to leave.”
   “As you so diligently pointed out earlier, I don’t listen.” And he still had things to say.
   She rubbed her temples, as if their argument had given her a headache. “Fine. Whatever.” 
   “Samantha. Look at me.” When she didn’t move, he crouched in front of her. He tilted her chin until she looked at him. “I don’t dislike you. I need you to know that.” 
   She offered him a sad smile. “The gesture is appreciated, Caleb. Thank you.” She pulled her face away.
Refusing to let her retreat, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and cupped her face. Soft, warm skin greeted his palm. He brushed his thumb across her cheek, amazed by its smoothness. “It’s the truth. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean —”
   She put a finger to his lips and he barely resisted the urge to open his mouth and taste her.
   “Yes, you did. And it’s okay. We may not get along, but at least you’ve never lied to me. Please don’t start now. I’m a big girl, Caleb. I can take it. And I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for not considering your feelings where Amanda is concerned.”
    Her touch rocked him. Revamped his desire to have her wet and screaming his name. “I’m sorry for all that.” He offered her what he hoped was a reassuring smile. “I’m so used to you calling me horseman now, I’m afraid I’d never answer to anything else from your lips.” Those sweet, succulent lips. “What is it about you that makes me so crazy?” he murmured.
   She chuckled. “I’m too tired to fight anymore, Caleb. The best course of action would be to find the evidence I need to bury Matteo. Then we can move on.”
   The mention of her stalker snapped his brain back to attention. He had a job to do. Eliminate the threat and protect Samantha. 
   Best he remember that. 
   Distractions led to mistakes. He couldn’t afford any more mistakes. 
   He forced his voice level, undemanding. “It’d be a lot easier if you’d let us help. Let me help. Trust me to take care of this for you.” 
   Asking for her trust was a long shot. In truth, he probably didn’t deserve it. But, he had to try. Needed to try. He would protect her.
   “Trust you?” She seemed to consider his words. After a moment, she surprised him by nodding. “I can’t promise miracles, but I’ll do my best to follow your lead … until this is over.”
Caleb resisted the insane urge to pump his fist in the air. “So, we have a deal then?”
She caressed her fingers over his jaw. He leaned into her gentle touch, feeling it all the way to his bones. 
   “Oh, now you’re willing to make deals?” She looked him dead in the eye. “All right then, but once Matteo is caught and the threat against me is gone? You’ll go on with your life and I’ll go on with mine, and hopefully, we can stay out of each other’s way. That’s the deal.”
   She dropped her hand to her lap. 
   “After this, Caleb, we’re done.”






Parker Kincade is an award-winning erotic romance author of The Martin Family Series. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

Parker lives in the southern United States with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.  



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