He wasn't going to be scared off, as she might have been. He wasn't going to do anything but accept her. The realization was like a breath of fresh air.
Her Sexiest Mistake by Jill Shalvis
Standalone
Release - November 5, 2013
Genre - Contemporary Romance/one night stand
Multiple POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 (semi-descriptive and frequent)
Format/Source - ebook purchase
Length - 324 pages
Publisher - Forever Yours
Trusting the heart is the most sensual risk of all
With a fab career, a salary that keeps her in her favorite designers, and her own condo, Mia Appleby has everything she dreamed of as a poor little girl gazing out the window of her mom's trailer. Her old life is completely gone. That is until she has a one-night stand with her handsome new neighbor, Kevin McNight. She ends it before she totally falls for him. But Kevin isn't like other men and won't let Mia off that easy. And neither will her runaway Goth niece, Hope, who inconveniently shows up at her doorstep with hopes for a new life. Now, Mia must keep her new fan club at a safe distance-before they burst her fairytale facade.
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It all started with a one night stand. Mia doesn't do repeats and Kevin wants more. She gives him the brush off, he likes her fire. She never goes back and yet, she's constantly finding herself darkening his doorstep. She doesn't do feelings, and yet he evokes in her sensations she can't recognize, much less acknowledge. She can't get enough of him, he can't get enough of her, but there are issues, which only made the story more entertaining.
I didn't like Mia, but I don't think I was supposed to. Initially, she was selfish, self-centered, rude, controlling, and had a huge chip on her shoulder. She covered every vulnerability with a falsehood, her attitude projecting a facade that hid the truth. At first it was a bit off-putting, but once I realized that she needed this in order to protect herself, that she had no idea what it was to have true interpersonal relationships, the ice around my heart for this character began to thaw.
Now Kevin, he was great book boyfriend material. He was patient and kind, sweet and sexy, compassionate and understanding, and for all that he had going for him (such an amazing personality!), of course he was confident, self-assured and charming! Kevin was the greatest part of this story for me and I only wish that he were a bit more assertive when it came to Mia. She walked all over him for the most part and each time he would tell himself 'not again'... Yeah, you guessed it. It would happen again. I wanted him to either stick to his guns by showing her that she couldn't always have her way or give her a bit of a brush off. Tell her no and see how she likes it.
In the end, I really enjoyed this story. I loved the dynamic relationship that developed between Mia, Kevin and Hope. I loved the vulnerability of the characters and the situations they allowed themselves to be in. I loved how this author created a character I could love and hate with the same breath (I'm looking at you, Mia). If this story is what I can come to expect from this author, I'll definitely be reading more :)
With all sorts of wicked thoughts swimming in his gaze, he’d smiled, and she’d involuntarily put a hand to her heart as her pulse leapt.
In turn, his smile had widened and she’d melted on the spot. Clearly, he was a bit of a rebel, a bad boy, which meant he was a man after her own heart, and therein lay the problem.
She didn’t like a man after her heart. She didn’t like anyone to get that close, to get beneath her carefully polished façade. But truth be told, if anyone could have, it would have been one sexy, sharp, smart-mouthed Kevin McKnight.
Oh, she knew his name. First and last. And if she was being honest, she’d never forgotten it.
But this morning, only an hour after she’d left his bed, his bike was gone.
Just as well. After the things she’d said to him, he wouldn’t be smiling at her again, wicked or otherwise. Stinky feet. Snoring.
God.
She’d been really frazzled to lose it so completely if that was the best she could come up with. She really wished he’d just kicked her out at two in the morning when he’d finished with her. And anyway, why hadn’t he been happy she wanted to get away? Weren’t men supposed to like that sort of woman, one who didn’t cling and carry on about relationships?
What was wrong with him?
With a sigh, she drove the freeway with the precision of an air force bomber pilot. The skill was required in LA, especially at nine in the morning in rush-hour traffic. She thought about work and crossed her fingers for the day ahead, as she’d been working her ass off to get the new Anderson account, a hot new national beverage corporation, and she wanted it so bad she could taste it. She’d designed the campaign from start to finish, with the help of a great creative team, of course, and could already see the media and public scooping up everything she dished out.
As the air was already getting warm, she turned on the AC. She listened to traffic and news as she transitioned to the 5 south, and when she got downtown she pulled onto Sixth and into her building’s parking structure.
By the time she entered the thirty-five-story glass-and-steel building that housed the advertising firm where she worked, she was ready. And when she stepped out onto the top floor, she smiled.
Oh, yeah, she had it all: a fabulous career, an office overlooking all of downtown, a beautiful house in the hills—absolutely everything she’d ever dreamed of as “Apple,” sitting in a single-wide and looking out at the neighbors fighting on their porch while her mother and Sugar made plans to devour some man or another.
No one in her life from that time would recognize the woman she’d so carefully become. Sophisticated, elegant. Cool, calm ice.
Just as she’d always wanted.
Gen, the receptionist, waved at her. All around, the office buzzed. Phones rang; people moved, talked, wheeled, and dealed. Mia knew there’d been rumors of layoffs, that the powers-that-be wanted to downsize, but she loved the place this big and crazy and hoped it stayed that way. She strode toward her department. Assistant Tess Reis sat at her cubicle in front of the three offices of ad executives she worked for, her fingers pounding her keyboard, either for the slimeball Ted or the more even-keeled but insanely competitive Margot—Mia’s equals.
Unlike Mia, Tess wasn’t average height. Tess wasn’t average anything. She was a tall, willowy, creamy-skinned twenty-seven-year-old who resembled one hell of an expensive collectable porcelain doll. She could have been a model, should have been a model, except for one thing.
She didn’t like to be the center of attention.
What she did like was organization, a fact that Mia was thankful for every single day of her life since Tess had come into it.
At every turn Tess mothered, bossed, and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. “Listen,” she said before Mia could even open her mouth. “It’s a good news, bad news sort of day.”
As they were good friends as well as coworkers, Mia trusted Tess as much as she trusted anyone. “Good first.”
At that moment Margot walked up to the desk, sleek and professional in her smart black Chanel suit and blond chignon. Never one to pull punches, she eyeballed Mia while handing Tess a stack of files.
Mia lifted a brow.
“Bee-yotch,” Margot said.
Adrenaline suddenly pumped through Mia. “I got the Anderson account?”
“I’m assuming so, by the huge delivery that came for you this morning.” Margot shook her head. “Damn it. I’ll congratulate you when I can say it without spitting.”
She was so excited she couldn’t hear. “Delivery?”
“A big-ass plant, which I’m sure you’ll kill pronto like all the others.” Turning on her heels, she walked away.
Huh. The world kept spinning on its axis. Behind them a trio of assistants, all twenty-something and young and silly, were tittering over a computer screen. Fifties jazz came out of the sound system, fitting right in with the art deco theme of the office. The office had the scent of hip success and coffee, Mia’s favorite combination.
She felt like yelling Woo hoo! but that seemed rather high school, so she settled for a shit-eating grin instead.
Tess bent down out of sight and came back up with a huge, lush green plant in a beautifully hand-painted clay pot. “Well, now you know the good news. Do you think I should keep the plant out here? You know, to protect it?”
Yeah, yeah, so she’d killed every single plant she’d ever had, not to mention every goldfish…
She’d gotten the Anderson account. Everyone in the free advertising world wanted the Anderson account. She’d fought long and hard—and she’d won.
All around her the carefully controlled chaos continued, and though she’d have liked to burst into song and do the happy dance, she just continued to grin. “This is definitely good,” she said in grand understatement.
Tess laughed and set down the plant to hug Mia.
“Does everyone know?” Mia asked.
Tess’s grin widened as she pulled back. “Oh, yeah.” She shifted close. “It’s said that Dick actually smiled at the news that it landed in-house.”
Dick Sterling was Mia’s boss. “So give me the bad news,” Mia told her. “Not that anything can be bad today.”
Tess’s smile faded. “You’re not going to like it.”
“Never start out with that sentence.”
“Ted is waiting for you in your office.”
Mia’s eye twitched. “What does he want?”
“There’s no telling.”
“Why don’t you tell him that at the moment I’m out of my mind, but he can feel free to leave a message.”
Tess smiled tightly. “He says he has a beef with you, but we both know he really has a beef for you.”
Mia wrinkled her nose. “Don’t, I just ate breakfast.”
“You don’t eat breakfast.”
“Yeah. Damn.” She inhaled deeply and concentrated on the Anderson account. “All right. I can handle him.”
“Like you handled—what’s that guy’s name on twenty-five?”
“Phil.” Mia had gone out with tall and hunky Phil one night after they’d met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. But he’d been a piss-poor kisser, not a promising sign. “I told you, that didn’t work out.”
Tess sighed. An eternal optimist always looking for “the one,” she worried that Mia had commitment issues.
“Speaking of things working out. Did your sweet little old lady neighbor enjoy the cookies I baked yesterday?”
“Uh huh.” Mia reached for her stack of phone messages.
Tess nabbed them first, holding them out of reach.
Mia, knowing what was coming, sighed. “What?”
“Talk to me.”
“Yes, thank you, the cookies worked wonders. Look, I just got the news of the year. Trying to remain excited here.”
“Do you think I can’t tell when you’re lying through your teeth?”
“I am excited.”
“The cookies, Mia.”
“Fine. The cookies were a huge hit,” Mia said with great exaggeration, waggling her fingers for the messages.
“By—let me guess now—a man.”
“Does it matter that they weren’t for the exact neighbor you thought?”
“No, except I would have charged you double if I’d known you were going to use them as a seducing technique.”
“What? Why?”
“Why? Because I made them thinking you were being kind to old ladies. Because I made them so you’d remember to give me a raise next month when I’m due for review. But, damn it, all that’s really going on here is you’re getting laid and I am not.”
“I’m always kind to old ladies, and you know I’m going to recommend you for a raise. It’s well deserved. Except, of course, when you hassle me. And FYI, to get laid, you have to stop waiting for your prince and date.”
“Fine change of subject.” Tess let out a long breath. “Just lay low on any destroying of hearts at the moment, okay? Especially with this impending Ted disaster.”
“It won’t be a disaster.”
“Says Hurricane Heartbreaker Mia Appleby.”
Unconcerned, Mia eyed her messages. “I have a creative team meeting, and then a research review for that last campaign we did for Sorvenson Foods. Busy day, as you know all too well. Can I have my messages now?”
But Tess continued to hold the messages hostage. “Was he cute?”
“Who?”
“Whoever gave you that glow.”
Though Mia appreciated men, she did not sleep with them that often. She had her standards, after all, and besides, being a serial one-night-stander was simply too dangerous in this day and age. Last night had been her first…break, as she thought of it, in a while. “He was gorgeous.” Again she reached for the messages.
“Are you going to see him again? Wait a minute, why would I ask such a stupid question?” Tess smacked her head. “Of course you’re not. You don’t repeat.”
“Unlike some people who shall not be named. I’m not looking for a husband.”
“Good, because you’re not going to find him in the sack.”
“I’ll have you know, Kevin was quite amazing in the sack.”
“Kevin.” Tess nodded. “I’m impressed. You got his name.”
Mia tried to snatch her messages, but Tess hugged them tight. “I’m just worried about you. You never attach. It’s not good for you.”
“I’m attached to you. Though I’d be more attached if you gave me my messages.”
“I’m talking about the person you’re going to grow old with. Get gray hair with. Sit on the porch swing and tell stories about the good old days with.”
“I’m never going to get gray hair, thank you very much. And I don’t like swings. Messages?”
“How could you not like swings? Tell me the truth. You’re not human, right? You grew up in a pod and were placed here on earth when you were twenty-two. Fine. Take your damn messages.” She slapped them into Mia’s hand.
Mia looked at her, amused. “Grew up in a pod?”
“Well, that’s just a guess since you won’t talk about yourself before college. It’s all a big mystery.”
Some of her amusement vanished. “Nothing before matters.”
“Mia.” Now Tess gave her one of those patented maternal expressions, full of worry and concern and, damn it, affection. “Of course it matters, it—”
“Stop. Okay? Just stop. You worry far too much. Thanks for the messages.” Mia grabbed the plant.
“Don’t punish the poor plant!”
Mia just shook her head and headed for her office door, passing by the cubicles of the four members of her creative team, Janice, Tami, Steven, and Dillon. They were all at work on various projects, so she waved and moved on. So she didn’t want to talk about her humble beginnings. So what? No reason to feel that twinge of guilt—no reason at all—just because Tess gave everything of herself, no holding back, whatever Mia needed at all times, including cookies.
Damn it, Ted Stokes was in her office, lounging in her chair as a matter of annoying fact, leaning back, feet up as if he owned the place. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, he’d been blessed with a face that women everywhere thought of as California beautiful. He was strong and tan, and when he smiled he flashed baby blue eyes and a dimple, melting hearts and dampening panties everywhere.
But Mia wasn’t fooled by him. Beneath that fun-loving exterior beat a cold, purposeful heart. She set down the plant and gathered her bitchiness around her like a Gucci coat.
He smiled at her, that I’m-an-asshole smile, which really bit into her superiority over getting the Anderson account.
“Ah, a new plant to kill,” he noted.
She smiled through her teeth. She was going to keep the damn plant alive if it was the last thing she did. “I hope you brought coffee to this unexpected party.”
Ted lifted a steaming mug. His own, of course.
“What do you want, Ted?”
“Interesting question.” He smiled again, batting those long lashes over his baby blues.
She did not smile back.
“You’re a tough nut, Mia. I’m trying to flirt with you, in case you didn’t notice. And don’t say you don’t flirt, because—”
“I don’t flirt in the office. With coworkers.”
“We could be more than coworkers. What do you say?”
“How about never? Does never work for you?”
In turn, his smile had widened and she’d melted on the spot. Clearly, he was a bit of a rebel, a bad boy, which meant he was a man after her own heart, and therein lay the problem.
She didn’t like a man after her heart. She didn’t like anyone to get that close, to get beneath her carefully polished façade. But truth be told, if anyone could have, it would have been one sexy, sharp, smart-mouthed Kevin McKnight.
Oh, she knew his name. First and last. And if she was being honest, she’d never forgotten it.
But this morning, only an hour after she’d left his bed, his bike was gone.
Just as well. After the things she’d said to him, he wouldn’t be smiling at her again, wicked or otherwise. Stinky feet. Snoring.
God.
She’d been really frazzled to lose it so completely if that was the best she could come up with. She really wished he’d just kicked her out at two in the morning when he’d finished with her. And anyway, why hadn’t he been happy she wanted to get away? Weren’t men supposed to like that sort of woman, one who didn’t cling and carry on about relationships?
What was wrong with him?
With a sigh, she drove the freeway with the precision of an air force bomber pilot. The skill was required in LA, especially at nine in the morning in rush-hour traffic. She thought about work and crossed her fingers for the day ahead, as she’d been working her ass off to get the new Anderson account, a hot new national beverage corporation, and she wanted it so bad she could taste it. She’d designed the campaign from start to finish, with the help of a great creative team, of course, and could already see the media and public scooping up everything she dished out.
As the air was already getting warm, she turned on the AC. She listened to traffic and news as she transitioned to the 5 south, and when she got downtown she pulled onto Sixth and into her building’s parking structure.
By the time she entered the thirty-five-story glass-and-steel building that housed the advertising firm where she worked, she was ready. And when she stepped out onto the top floor, she smiled.
Oh, yeah, she had it all: a fabulous career, an office overlooking all of downtown, a beautiful house in the hills—absolutely everything she’d ever dreamed of as “Apple,” sitting in a single-wide and looking out at the neighbors fighting on their porch while her mother and Sugar made plans to devour some man or another.
No one in her life from that time would recognize the woman she’d so carefully become. Sophisticated, elegant. Cool, calm ice.
Just as she’d always wanted.
Gen, the receptionist, waved at her. All around, the office buzzed. Phones rang; people moved, talked, wheeled, and dealed. Mia knew there’d been rumors of layoffs, that the powers-that-be wanted to downsize, but she loved the place this big and crazy and hoped it stayed that way. She strode toward her department. Assistant Tess Reis sat at her cubicle in front of the three offices of ad executives she worked for, her fingers pounding her keyboard, either for the slimeball Ted or the more even-keeled but insanely competitive Margot—Mia’s equals.
Unlike Mia, Tess wasn’t average height. Tess wasn’t average anything. She was a tall, willowy, creamy-skinned twenty-seven-year-old who resembled one hell of an expensive collectable porcelain doll. She could have been a model, should have been a model, except for one thing.
She didn’t like to be the center of attention.
What she did like was organization, a fact that Mia was thankful for every single day of her life since Tess had come into it.
At every turn Tess mothered, bossed, and stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. “Listen,” she said before Mia could even open her mouth. “It’s a good news, bad news sort of day.”
As they were good friends as well as coworkers, Mia trusted Tess as much as she trusted anyone. “Good first.”
At that moment Margot walked up to the desk, sleek and professional in her smart black Chanel suit and blond chignon. Never one to pull punches, she eyeballed Mia while handing Tess a stack of files.
Mia lifted a brow.
“Bee-yotch,” Margot said.
Adrenaline suddenly pumped through Mia. “I got the Anderson account?”
“I’m assuming so, by the huge delivery that came for you this morning.” Margot shook her head. “Damn it. I’ll congratulate you when I can say it without spitting.”
She was so excited she couldn’t hear. “Delivery?”
“A big-ass plant, which I’m sure you’ll kill pronto like all the others.” Turning on her heels, she walked away.
Huh. The world kept spinning on its axis. Behind them a trio of assistants, all twenty-something and young and silly, were tittering over a computer screen. Fifties jazz came out of the sound system, fitting right in with the art deco theme of the office. The office had the scent of hip success and coffee, Mia’s favorite combination.
She felt like yelling Woo hoo! but that seemed rather high school, so she settled for a shit-eating grin instead.
Tess bent down out of sight and came back up with a huge, lush green plant in a beautifully hand-painted clay pot. “Well, now you know the good news. Do you think I should keep the plant out here? You know, to protect it?”
Yeah, yeah, so she’d killed every single plant she’d ever had, not to mention every goldfish…
She’d gotten the Anderson account. Everyone in the free advertising world wanted the Anderson account. She’d fought long and hard—and she’d won.
All around her the carefully controlled chaos continued, and though she’d have liked to burst into song and do the happy dance, she just continued to grin. “This is definitely good,” she said in grand understatement.
Tess laughed and set down the plant to hug Mia.
“Does everyone know?” Mia asked.
Tess’s grin widened as she pulled back. “Oh, yeah.” She shifted close. “It’s said that Dick actually smiled at the news that it landed in-house.”
Dick Sterling was Mia’s boss. “So give me the bad news,” Mia told her. “Not that anything can be bad today.”
Tess’s smile faded. “You’re not going to like it.”
“Never start out with that sentence.”
“Ted is waiting for you in your office.”
Mia’s eye twitched. “What does he want?”
“There’s no telling.”
“Why don’t you tell him that at the moment I’m out of my mind, but he can feel free to leave a message.”
Tess smiled tightly. “He says he has a beef with you, but we both know he really has a beef for you.”
Mia wrinkled her nose. “Don’t, I just ate breakfast.”
“You don’t eat breakfast.”
“Yeah. Damn.” She inhaled deeply and concentrated on the Anderson account. “All right. I can handle him.”
“Like you handled—what’s that guy’s name on twenty-five?”
“Phil.” Mia had gone out with tall and hunky Phil one night after they’d met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. But he’d been a piss-poor kisser, not a promising sign. “I told you, that didn’t work out.”
Tess sighed. An eternal optimist always looking for “the one,” she worried that Mia had commitment issues.
“Speaking of things working out. Did your sweet little old lady neighbor enjoy the cookies I baked yesterday?”
“Uh huh.” Mia reached for her stack of phone messages.
Tess nabbed them first, holding them out of reach.
Mia, knowing what was coming, sighed. “What?”
“Talk to me.”
“Yes, thank you, the cookies worked wonders. Look, I just got the news of the year. Trying to remain excited here.”
“Do you think I can’t tell when you’re lying through your teeth?”
“I am excited.”
“The cookies, Mia.”
“Fine. The cookies were a huge hit,” Mia said with great exaggeration, waggling her fingers for the messages.
“By—let me guess now—a man.”
“Does it matter that they weren’t for the exact neighbor you thought?”
“No, except I would have charged you double if I’d known you were going to use them as a seducing technique.”
“What? Why?”
“Why? Because I made them thinking you were being kind to old ladies. Because I made them so you’d remember to give me a raise next month when I’m due for review. But, damn it, all that’s really going on here is you’re getting laid and I am not.”
“I’m always kind to old ladies, and you know I’m going to recommend you for a raise. It’s well deserved. Except, of course, when you hassle me. And FYI, to get laid, you have to stop waiting for your prince and date.”
“Fine change of subject.” Tess let out a long breath. “Just lay low on any destroying of hearts at the moment, okay? Especially with this impending Ted disaster.”
“It won’t be a disaster.”
“Says Hurricane Heartbreaker Mia Appleby.”
Unconcerned, Mia eyed her messages. “I have a creative team meeting, and then a research review for that last campaign we did for Sorvenson Foods. Busy day, as you know all too well. Can I have my messages now?”
But Tess continued to hold the messages hostage. “Was he cute?”
“Who?”
“Whoever gave you that glow.”
Though Mia appreciated men, she did not sleep with them that often. She had her standards, after all, and besides, being a serial one-night-stander was simply too dangerous in this day and age. Last night had been her first…break, as she thought of it, in a while. “He was gorgeous.” Again she reached for the messages.
“Are you going to see him again? Wait a minute, why would I ask such a stupid question?” Tess smacked her head. “Of course you’re not. You don’t repeat.”
“Unlike some people who shall not be named. I’m not looking for a husband.”
“Good, because you’re not going to find him in the sack.”
“I’ll have you know, Kevin was quite amazing in the sack.”
“Kevin.” Tess nodded. “I’m impressed. You got his name.”
Mia tried to snatch her messages, but Tess hugged them tight. “I’m just worried about you. You never attach. It’s not good for you.”
“I’m attached to you. Though I’d be more attached if you gave me my messages.”
“I’m talking about the person you’re going to grow old with. Get gray hair with. Sit on the porch swing and tell stories about the good old days with.”
“I’m never going to get gray hair, thank you very much. And I don’t like swings. Messages?”
“How could you not like swings? Tell me the truth. You’re not human, right? You grew up in a pod and were placed here on earth when you were twenty-two. Fine. Take your damn messages.” She slapped them into Mia’s hand.
Mia looked at her, amused. “Grew up in a pod?”
“Well, that’s just a guess since you won’t talk about yourself before college. It’s all a big mystery.”
Some of her amusement vanished. “Nothing before matters.”
“Mia.” Now Tess gave her one of those patented maternal expressions, full of worry and concern and, damn it, affection. “Of course it matters, it—”
“Stop. Okay? Just stop. You worry far too much. Thanks for the messages.” Mia grabbed the plant.
“Don’t punish the poor plant!”
Mia just shook her head and headed for her office door, passing by the cubicles of the four members of her creative team, Janice, Tami, Steven, and Dillon. They were all at work on various projects, so she waved and moved on. So she didn’t want to talk about her humble beginnings. So what? No reason to feel that twinge of guilt—no reason at all—just because Tess gave everything of herself, no holding back, whatever Mia needed at all times, including cookies.
Damn it, Ted Stokes was in her office, lounging in her chair as a matter of annoying fact, leaning back, feet up as if he owned the place. Luckily, or maybe unluckily, he’d been blessed with a face that women everywhere thought of as California beautiful. He was strong and tan, and when he smiled he flashed baby blue eyes and a dimple, melting hearts and dampening panties everywhere.
But Mia wasn’t fooled by him. Beneath that fun-loving exterior beat a cold, purposeful heart. She set down the plant and gathered her bitchiness around her like a Gucci coat.
He smiled at her, that I’m-an-asshole smile, which really bit into her superiority over getting the Anderson account.
“Ah, a new plant to kill,” he noted.
She smiled through her teeth. She was going to keep the damn plant alive if it was the last thing she did. “I hope you brought coffee to this unexpected party.”
Ted lifted a steaming mug. His own, of course.
“What do you want, Ted?”
“Interesting question.” He smiled again, batting those long lashes over his baby blues.
She did not smile back.
“You’re a tough nut, Mia. I’m trying to flirt with you, in case you didn’t notice. And don’t say you don’t flirt, because—”
“I don’t flirt in the office. With coworkers.”
“We could be more than coworkers. What do you say?”
“How about never? Does never work for you?”
Jill often travels to reader weekends & conventions where she LOVES getting to meet and hang-out with readers. The only problem being she tends to get lost in her hotels. So if you ever see NYTimes Bestselling author Jill Shalvis roaming the halls, someone please return her immediately.
For more about this author and her books, visit her website: https://www.jillshalvis.com/
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Over thirty of your favorite USA Today and bestselling authors have come together to create an epic collection of forbidden, dark romance stories.
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stalk·er
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This collection was full of all kinds of darkness. From heroes to anti-heroes, from 'romantic' stalkers to full-fledged run-for-your-freaking-life stalkers, it literally had it all. Some were winners, some not so much. I have to say that quite a few new-to-me authors surprised the heck out of me and I will DEFINITELY be giving them a second look in the future. All in all, if you like your romance on the dark side, then come take a walk with this anthology!
Okay... so here's where I break down what I thought of each story...
Infatuation by Jessica Ames (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
Fury is sick and he knows it. There's just something about sliding his knife into someone that really speaks to him. He doesn't like to be touched and he finds it hard to fight the impulse to hurt people. Then Amalia enters his life and what he feels for her is something he's never felt before. It's not love, it's obsession. While I didn't really get the chance to know these characters in this short, I'm interested enough to find out more about them in Fury's upcoming book.Devious Obsession by Erin Trejo — 3 stars
Devious is the president of his MC. Harley is the daughter of the president of a rival club. Whatever they want to happen, can't happen. Or can it? After stalking each other, they both know that nothing that grows between them can go anywhere, but when her life is in danger, how far will Devious go to claim his girl? This ended up being entertaining and I only wish it could have been longer. I have no idea who these characters are, but I would like to.Always Second Best by S. Firecox (new-to-me author) — 3.5 stars
Camilla married the wrong brother. Warren and Kaiden were twins and couldn't be more different. While Warren would brutalize her, Kaiden would be the one to make her flourish. Unfortunately, Warren was older and, in their dystopian society, he was the one to get the marriage contract. But Kaiden isn't content to watch from the sidelines and this story takes on a life of its own. I really enjoyed this story and I was thrilled to see that it will be a full-length story in the future. I will keeping my eye out for it :)I Can See You by D.S. Wrights (new-to-me author) — 2.5 stars
This story actually had a lot of potential. Kate was a woman who was often ignored and unwanted. At least she felt that way. When the opportunity comes to get noticed, she's the one doing the noticing. She's inexplicably drawn to Hiroshi Tanaka and starts stalking him. Or is she? Who's really doing the stalking around here? The game these two played was a lot of confusing fun and I think this would have been a winning story if it had the chance to be fleshed out more.Ensnared by Ryleigh Sloan (new-to-me author) — DNF
Raine was a hot mess of epic proportions and for the most part, she was allowed to be. For what she had lived through as a young girl, she had every right to be messed up. However, it all proved to be too much for me to wrap my brain around and I wasn't willing to suffer through it.Karolina by Yolanda Olson (new-to-me author) — DNF
Nope. No. Not gonna. This story wasn't written in a way that I would want to read it. Which sucks because the premise seemed interesting.Take You by Brianna Hale — 3.5 stars
I'm still trying to figure out why I thought this story was hilarious! The author keeps you guessing as to who is taunting her heroine, Alaina. Someone is obsessed with her and is scaring her out of her wits. She ends up turning to the one man who always makes her feel safe - Rhys. Now a homicide detective, he's just the man to catch a stalker and get the girl. Definitely worth the read.Veil by M.A. Foster — DNF
It starts out with the hero being blown away at his first sight of the heroine. Cannon wants Makayla, but she's already got a man. This wouldn't be a problem for me if the author didn't then go ahead and give us a descriptive sexual scene between Makayla and her man. And then what? Cannon is supposed to... what? I'll pass.Daisy Chains by Petra J. Knox (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
Historical tone, hippies, flower children, free love and cults. This story was a mixed bag and I quite enjoyed it. After serving in the Vietnam War, Sonny decides to honor a dying soldiers wish that he watch out for his daughter. And watch her he does. Across the country into some questionable situations. It all works out, but wow!Venor by Emery LeeAnn (new-to-me author) — 2 stars
I really liked the concept of this story. It is not a romance. It's about a killer, a hunter, a depraved human being. There are no happy endings, but yet I still enjoyed it for the most part.Needs by Cole Denton (new-to-me author) — 2 stars
Well, this story didn't turn out as I expected. Or did it? Again, not a romance. At. All. Riley is emulating his hero and has built up an obsession. I mean, seriously obsessed here. And by the end, things turn upside down and sideways and I think I'd be more interested in what happens next than what I just read.Claimed by C. Firecox (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
Another story that was all sorts of messed up. I'm just figuring out that this author is linked to the one above, S. Firecox because the world their characters live in is the same. While the earlier book covered the Elite Brides program, this one covers the Elite Maidens. What happens when Hawk, the best tracker for the Elite, falls for one of his intended targets? Women are being kidnapped left and right, forced into sexual servitude, left broken. Ouch! The author did a great job of bringing this depravity to life.For His Eyes Only by Abigail Davies (new-to-me author) — 2 stars
While this story had some potential - an MMA champion obsessed with the poor girl working at the burger joint - it fell flat for me. I think it had more to do with the length, stunting the story's growth, than the writing itself. The writing was actually good!Monomaniac by Faith Ryan (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
Tate is looking for love. A true romantic, he keeps putting himself out there, hoping to find the one. However, he's also got a stalker who doesn't mind getting their hands dirty if it means one less guy to worry about. Lucky for Tate, he's got a best friend in Corvin, a man who would protect him with everything he's got. A man who is desperately in love with him. With a shocking twist, this M/M story was a delight to read!Blossom in the Dark by Ally Vance (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
This was a non-romance that left chills down my spine. The more I read from Zach (a real sicko), the more I was captivated. I have no idea where this story is going, but as it serves as a prequel to something new, I'm sure I'll find out. Bravo to the author for giving me the creeps!Dearly Departed by Michelle Pace (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
I've gotta say, I wasn't expecting that ending. I thought it was all about Murray getting his groove on funeral-style. I'm glad I was surprised. And I enjoyed the way the author did it!Sinful Addiction by Kara Dawson (new-to-me author) — DNF
It led me to believe that it was a forbidden student-teacher romance. But I was in the guys head for way too long as he repeated himself over and over again about how what he felt was wrong and he needs to stop. Five pages of that and him pointing out the many ways he noticed things about 'her' and I was done.I Got You by Sam Destiny (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
I really shouldn't find this story hilarious, considering it's about a girl being stalked and violated, but I couldn't help it. It was funny! Okay, so Maddie has a best friend, Dim, who she's in love with. He's coming home on leave (military), staying with her, and she's ready to take the leap. Luckily he catches her because he's in love with her too. But there's this intense stalker situation that needs to be dealt with. I'm still laughing!Peek-a-boo by Shannon Youngblood (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
This story was so gross it was ridiculous. It had me laughing so freaking hard! Annie is insane. Seriously. She got murderously mad when she thought her best friend, Leon, had turned on her. She ended up killing her parents because they just didn't understand her and she killed Leon by lighting her house on fire with him tied up in it. And then the story got strange. I mean, really strange. So strange that I had to pause and ask myself 'Are you still gonna keep reading this?' Which I did. So maybe I'm a bit strange. There is something so twisted when the girl getting screwed by her victim's chopped off leg (which she chopped off) is the most mundane of all the craziness.Playing with Fyre by Logan Fox (new-to-me author) — DNF
I'm always down for a forbidden love story, and at first, I was intrigued by what was developing between Charlotte and Gideon. But then I wasn't. I couldn't stand being in either of their heads for a minute longer. Repetitive and droning... Nope.Limerence by Alice La Roux (new-to-me author) — 2.5 stars
This story was a bit basic, but still entertaining. Rebecca/Ruby is a cam girl. She gets off for a live audience. Carter is the camera guy. There are sparks between them, but he keeps fighting it. When he finally gave in, the story had a neat little (bloody) twist, which I liked.What He Doesn't Know by Kat T. Masen — DNF
I was disappointed with this story. I've read and enjoyed this author before, but this didn't live up to my expectations. Dominic is stuck in a marriage of convenience and is obsessed with his mistress. When he decides he wants more with his girl on the side, she quits and finds a new man who becomes her husband. That doesn't stop Dominic's obsession or the pointless tripe that was his internal monologue. Yawn!Born Sinner by Cora Kenborn & Catherine Wiltcher (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
Sam and Lola were two kids caught up in the middle of cartel war. They were playing at grown ups, but were in over their head. That didn't stop them from making whatever mistakes were necessary to be together. This story was super short so things happened quickly and then it was done. It was sorta cute. It also serves as a prequel to something so I might dive back in for more.Sacrilege by N. Isabelle Blanco (an old favorite) — 4 stars
I won't even lie, this story was one of two reasons why I even wanted to read this anthology. There is just something about Blanco's writing that grabs me by the guts and I enjoy myself every time. This read was no exception. I couldn't help feeling sorry for Father Logan and his impossible dilemma. Here he is, a man of God, being tempted in the worst way. What sane man could resist Thali? I'm still unsure what happened (because so much happened - all of it good), but I know that I need more!! Seriously, you need to read this author's Ryze series.Make Me Yours by Claire C. Riley — DNF
I couldn't get into this one. I've decided (after a couple of tries of her other work) that this author's writing might be for a lot of people, but it isn't for me. And that's okay.Prey by Raven Amor (new-to-me author) — DNF
I couldn't get into this one either. Which sucked because it did seem to have a good premise.Right Side of Wrong by A.K. Macbride (new-to-me author) — 3 stars
This one had a decent revenge plot and I think if it had a bit more length, it would have made for a solid story. Santiago lost his sister to a man with no scruples. Bent on revenge, he decided the best way to hurt this man would be to take his sister from him too. He didn't count on the connection he would feel with Becca, but his thirst for revenge couldn't be forgotten. It would just have to come by other means instead. I liked the writing and would probably read from this author again.Deviant by Cassia Brightmore (new-to-me author) — DNF
I simply couldn't get into this story. Try as a might, I struggled to make it through the first chapter.Scent by Ker Dukey (an old favorite) — 4 stars
Dukey gives the darkness with her unique flair and I am hungry for more. Lola was a survivor of extreme horror and Detective Nick Adams is the man who helps her dispel all of her demons. Their bond is unorthodox and hot and everything a lover of depravity would enjoy!
From New York Times Bestselling Author Sawyer Bennett comes the Chronicles of the Stone Veil, a five book urban fantasy/paranormal romance series. A departure from contemporary romance, the Chronicles of the Stone Veil is a return to fantasy/paranormal romance, where Sawyer started her fiction publishing journey. Readers can expect to find all the elements they love from Sawyer’s books—strong heroines, alpha heroes, and an epic romance—with a fantastical element to add to their reading experience. You can get the first book in the series, The Revelation of Light and Dark, now!
Details for the Chronicles of the Stone Veil series are below:
Go to Sawyer's website for details: Click here to learn more about The Chronicles of the Stone Veil series
The Revelation of Light and Dark is available now:
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---------------
The Revelation of Light and Dark
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #1
An Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Series | AVAILABLE NOW
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Book Blurb:
I always knew I was different.
From a young age, my mind has been plagued with things only I could see. Some hauntingly beautiful, others completely terrifying. Never knowing if these visions were real or just hallucinations, I learned how to lock them down and ignore them. I learned to take solace in the relative anonymity of city life and find peace in the rainy days my city of Seattle is known for.
But just when I think my life is getting on track and my dreams are achievable, a moment of weakness causes me to learn a hard and fast lesson.
My entire existence has been a lie.
Now I’m faced with a new reality that’s as implausible as it is fantastical. Filled with realms and veils, light and dark, fae and daemons, gods and angels—things I don’t understand but am forced to acknowledge. It doesn’t help that the man teaching me about my unique gifts is the gorgeously handsome Carrick Byrne, one of Seattle’s richest and most powerful men. He intimidates, annoys, and intrigues me all at the same time. I don’t trust him and yet there’s no one else to help me.
No longer certain who to put my faith in, what to believe, or how I fit into it all, one revelation is clear…
The world as I know it will never be the same again.
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Finley is a woman with a particular set of skills - she can see beyond the veil. What does that even mean? Well, she seems to be the only human who can see past the glamour of the fae. Light fae, dark fae and daemons alike aren't safe from her unearthly talents. But what is she to do with them? And how does Carrick factor into everything? He seems to be the only one who has an inkling of what is going on with her. Is he helping her for altruistic reasons or is something bigger at play?
As the first volume in the Chronicles of the Veil series, The Revelation of Light and Dark was steeped in mystery and magic. From the creatures that exist among us to the worlds created around us, I am now left more questions than answers. And Carrick? He's got to be the biggest mystery of all. His enigmatic character leaves with the impression of confidence, arrogance, competence, honor and determination. I am so infinitely intrigued by this man and I'm looking forward to learning all there is to know about him.
Sawyer Bennett has created such an engrossing introduction to this new series and I'm absolutely hooked!
COMING SOON IN THE SERIES
A Discovery of Secrets and Fate
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #2 | Coming March 2, 2021
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The Evolution of Fae and Gods
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #3 | Coming March 23, 2021
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A Battle of Blood and Stone
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #4 | Coming April 13, 2021
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The Rise of Fortune and Fury
Chronicles of the Stone Veil, book #5 | Coming May 4, 2021
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RELEASE WEEK GIVEAWAY
Sawyer Bennett is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite, a $50 Amazon Gift Card, and a signed hardcover to one lucky reader. Fill out the form to enter to win.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN
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AUTHOR INFORMATION:
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.
A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.
If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).
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"There won't be anyone else. You're..."
"You're it for me, too," I interrupted her thoughts. "There won't be anyone else."
How could there be, when I was so in love with Beckham Spurlock that I couldn't even think about being with anyone else?
Conjugal Visits by Lani Lynn Vale
Standalone - Souls Chapel Revenants MC #2
Release - February 23, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance/second chance
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5/frequent
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 236 pages
Publisher - Indie
Don’t ever, ever, ever go near that boy. Not unless you want to be a single mother at seventeen. That boy is Bad with a capital B.
The words that my father spoke to me when it came to Trouper Aoki didn’t scare me like they probably should.
In fact, they only made me intrigued all the more.
When it came to Troup, there was just no resisting fate when it came to the two of us.
Even at eighteen, when we went our separate ways with the promise to come back to each other once we were done pursuing our careers, I knew he would always be it for me.
And color me surprised when eight years after making that pact with Trouper, we were once again reunited. Only this time in an undercover FBI investigation—me, the FBI officer, and Troup call sign ‘State’ as a military liaison.
Trouble always finds him. You’d do better to run far, far away.
Truer words had never been spoken.
From the time Troup was a young boy, he’d been in some kind of trouble.
So it only goes to show when he winds up in the FBI investigation with none other than Beckham Spurlock, his high school sweetheart, things are bound to go wrong.
Only, he has no idea how wrong until things go bad. Really, really bad.
All it takes is saving her by hurting another for him to see the wrong side of a jail cell.
To make matters worse, he has to live the next fifteen years in prison knowing that his son will grow up without him. And the woman he loves will likely move on to a man that isn’t so much trouble.
Troup was literally the bad boy next door. The one Beckham's father (Foster) wanted her to have nothing to do with. The one who didn't quite fit in but fit so well with her. From high school and beyond, what they had is what everyone should aspire to have. Shoot, not even prison could keep these two apart. They needed each other like one needs air, food and water. What they had was so freaking beautiful and their love, their story, deserves all of the stars!!She was it for me, and I was it for her.
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I flipped on the lights when she paused about halfway into the living and she gasped.
I knew what she was seeing.
The entire place was bare.
Sure, there was furniture, but there was no real 'life' to the space.
When you moved around a lot, you didn't really like to gather a lot of extra 'crap'.
Extra crap just meant that you would have to pack it and move it.
But there were a few personal items over my mantle, right underneath where I'd mounted the television.
Sometimes, during commercials, or hell, even during my shows, I'd find myself looking at the photos and not the television.
She walked to the photos and stopped in front of the most recent one that we had taken together.
The photo of us on Easton's graduation night.
Easton had taken it for us outside the restaurant that we'd gone to with his mother.
Even after an awkward as hell dinner, we still managed to have a good time.
And I knew that the woman that was the love of my life was the reason for that.
She could make any situation, good or bad, better just by being there.
That particular night it's been windy.
Beckham's hair had been flying all over the place.
The photo was of her hair flying, and her hands at her hair to try to hold it in place. Her eyes were shut, and there was a huge smile on her face as she laughed openly.
Then there was me, staring down at her in awe.
Love was plain to see on my face, and it was more than obvious that she was it for me.
She was my one and only.
I knew what she was seeing.
The entire place was bare.
Sure, there was furniture, but there was no real 'life' to the space.
When you moved around a lot, you didn't really like to gather a lot of extra 'crap'.
Extra crap just meant that you would have to pack it and move it.
But there were a few personal items over my mantle, right underneath where I'd mounted the television.
Sometimes, during commercials, or hell, even during my shows, I'd find myself looking at the photos and not the television.
She walked to the photos and stopped in front of the most recent one that we had taken together.
The photo of us on Easton's graduation night.
Easton had taken it for us outside the restaurant that we'd gone to with his mother.
Even after an awkward as hell dinner, we still managed to have a good time.
And I knew that the woman that was the love of my life was the reason for that.
She could make any situation, good or bad, better just by being there.
That particular night it's been windy.
Beckham's hair had been flying all over the place.
The photo was of her hair flying, and her hands at her hair to try to hold it in place. Her eyes were shut, and there was a huge smile on her face as she laughed openly.
Then there was me, staring down at her in awe.
Love was plain to see on my face, and it was more than obvious that she was it for me.
She was my one and only.
You can find out more about her and her amazing books on her website: https://lanilynnvale.com/
When they were together, they could be themselves.
The Cyborg's Secret Baby by Cynthia Sax
Standalone - In the Stars Romance
Release - September 25, 2018
Genre - SciFi Romance/secret baby/cyborg/second chance
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4 out of 5
Format/Source - Kindle purchase
Length - 177 pages
Publisher - Indie
A fierce cyborg warrior and his curvy human female share a no-longer-so-little secret.
Stealth, a K Model cyborg, knows his passion for Zebrina, the commander’s human daughter, is forbidden, yet he can’t resist the curvy female. He craves her touch, cherishes her sounds of pleasure, would do anything to keep her safe.
When he’s faced with the choice of protecting his fragile human or living to see the next sunrise, he chooses her, always her, sending Zebrina halfway across the universe to safety. He doesn’t realize their stolen moments had consequences neither of them believed possible.
After hearing her warrior died in battle, Zebrina focuses on the last gift he gave her. Doing what is right for their child is her sole priority. She will put their son’s happiness first, even if that means choosing another male over the love of her life.
The Cyborg’s Secret Baby is a STAND-ALONE story loosely connected to the Cyborg Sizzle series.
It is also a Second Chance Cyborg SciFi Romance set in a dark, gritty, often-violent universe.
A couple of years later, Zebrina is raising their son alone, separated from the other colonists due to heavy amounts of discrimination, and desperately clinging to the hope that Stealth is still alive. When he finally reaches her, they not only get the chance to rejoice in their reunion, but they have to learn each other again and figure out how to work as a family.
I enjoyed the fact that this story explored speciesism and didn't shy away from how ugly it could be. I loved how fierce these characters were in the face of such ignorance and irrational hate, how compassionate they were despite the negativity, and how their love grew so strong in the midst of it.
This was such an easy read. There is just something about Cynthia Sax's writing and the cyborgs she creates that I can't get enough of! Her stories are special, her characters are a wonder, and she's definitely earned her place on my must-read list.
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He had a smile on his face.
Being a K Model cyborg, he loved to fight. His brutal masters, the Humanoid Alliance, had manufactured him for that purpose. He and his brethren remained enslaved to them and couldn’t choose their opponents, but they could defeat them with zeal.
That wasn’t the reason for his joy.
After ten planet rotations of separation, he would finally return to the Humanoid Alliance base with his brethren. He would see his female, the one being genetically compatible with him.
From the moment, Zebrina, the commander’s daughter, had arrived on Ahki, he had been hers. He’d been standing outside with his fighting batch, being inspected for damage. She’d skipped down the ramp, her generous curves jiggling, her black curls bouncing against her brown cheeks.
His female had been a vibrant beam of hope in a gray and dismal world. Everyone, including himself, had been drawn to her.
Then her delectable scent filled his nostrils and that attraction multiplied exponentially. His circuits surged. His heart pounded. A part of him that had been deactivated came online. It had taken all of his willpower to keep his expression blank.
She said hi to everyone, her light, bubbly tone belying the keen intelligence in her big blue eyes. Stealth and his fellow cyborgs had been included in her greeting, much to their delight.
The commander, a harsh human she referred to irreverently as Daddy, told her not to talk to the machines. Zebrina giggled and said they looked like her dollies.
She then brushed her fingers across Stealth’s right shoulder, a light touch he felt to his metal frame, and he knew the attraction was mutual. Their relationship was doomed. She was human, the daughter of his tormenter, and he was a cyborg, designed to die fighting.
Every moment with her was a gift, a reward for having survived as long as he had.
She lives in a world filled with magic and romance. Although her heroes may not always say, “I love you,” they will do anything for the women they adore. They live passionately. They play hard. They love the same women forever.
Cynthia has loved the same wonderful man forever. Her supportive hubby offers himself up to the joys and pains of research, while they travel the world together, meeting fascinating people and finding inspiration in exotic places such as Istanbul, Bali, and Chicago.
To find out more about Cynthia Sax and her books, visit her website: http://cynthiasax.com/
When he'd intercepted that package, he'd been searching for revenge.
He'd been delivered salvation instead.
Forbidden Flame by Alison Aimes
Standalone - Ruthless Warlords #1.5
Release - February 8, 2021
Genre - SciFi Omegaverse Romance/revenge plot
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 4.5 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 138 pages
Publisher - Indie
He's out for revenge. She's out to escape. Neither intends to fall in love.
His instructions are simple: do not open the bag. To escape exile and enact revenge, crime boss Magnus Avitus agrees to play the part of errand boy. But when the volatile package he’s been tasked with delivering begins to squirm, he has to take a peek. He never expects to come face-to-face with her. Or to have everything inside him roar "mine."
Her plans are simple: escape the bag and those intent on using her. But when omega Amora Rose's prison is unpacked before she can free herself, she is claimed by ferocious, scarred warlord who makes her heart whisper "mine."
Except she has a secret that’s about to send all their simple plans up in flames.
I'm seriously in love with everything I've come across from this author. And again, Alison Aimes has delivered a must-read romance I have to recommend! I was in a huge book slump and this story was not only unputdownable, but easy and fun to read... oh and it was very, very hot!
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During all her abductions -- and there'd been plenty -- she'd never encountered an Alpha like this one before. He was bigger and stronger than any she'd ever come across. More savage and wild too. He could really hurt her.
But it was hard to hold on to that worry when each of his rumbled commands only made her burn hotter.
Because he was also the most mouthwatering, sexy Alpha she'd ever seen.
Too much more of his scent and dirty promises, and she'd be in heat.
Then they'd both be in real trouble.
But it was hard to hold on to that worry when each of his rumbled commands only made her burn hotter.
Because he was also the most mouthwatering, sexy Alpha she'd ever seen.
Too much more of his scent and dirty promises, and she'd be in heat.
Then they'd both be in real trouble.
Find all of her information and other books on her site: https://alisonaimes.com/
"Pain and pleasure." His voice was a dark rasp against her ear. "That's how you know you're alive, fighter girl. That's how you know you've got something left to give."
Trapped by Alison Aimes
Standalone - The Condemned #1
Release - March 1, 2016
Genre - Dystopian SciFi Romance
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat - 3.5 out of 5
Format/Source - ebook purchase
Length - 236 pages
Publisher - Orchid Publishing
“Convicts don’t ask. They take.”
Marooned on a primitive prison planet , Bella West has one chance for survival until rescue arrives: trade her body for protection.
The ripped hulk who claims her is more beast than man. Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, ex-soldier Caine Anders has lost his humanity after eight grueling years on a hazardous planet of dirt, rock, and treacherous inhabitants.
He looks out for himself and never grows attached. So, when the bold female offers him pleasure in return for protection, he takes the deal without hesitation. He never expects her touch to alter him. Or to feel something beyond lust.
But caring for someone on Dragath25 may be the greatest hazard of all. And, as the dangers multiply, it’s no longer certain whether she’ll be the key to his salvation or his destruction....
The first book in the Condemned Series, TRAPPED is a stand alone, action-packed, sexy sci-fi romance with a HEA, a strong heroine willing to do what it takes to survive, and a scorching hot, broken alpha hero you can’t help but fall in love with.
"You're everything to me, fighter girl. I'd die for you."
It's the year 9015 and Earth is destroyed. Desperate to find new resources to replenish all that has been lost, Earth has sent scientists and soldiers to their prison planet to see if there's anything there that can help. After their ship crashed, killing most of the crew, Bella makes the sacrifice that enables their survival - anything Convict wants, he can have. And oh how quickly obligation turns to love!
"I don't know what the future holds, but I do know nothing has ever felt as right as your hand in mine."
Her body to preserve the lives of her friends seems like a noble sacrifice. Dragath25 is a danger zone and she needs someone who knows the terrain to keep them going until rescue can come. However, surviving soon turns into thriving and Convict may just be the most honorable, most kind, and most amazing male she has ever met.
He liked her spirit. Her courage and the way she looked out for her colleagues and her siblings. He liked her toughness and her tenacity. Her resilience and her sense of fairness. Even her fierceness when he was being an ass.
Okay, so this story was steamily interesting and reaffirmed my love for all things Alison Aimes. I'm still new to reading from the scifi romance genre, but she has quickly earned a spot on my must-read list!
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She whirled and discovered small bubbles on the surface of the water. An inky cloud of red and brown streamed in all directions followed by foamy white. Then a dark head broke the surface and he was standing before her, waist high in the water, a mud man no more.
Her mouth opened on a tiny o.
Without the dirt, dark, thick hair, shorn close to his scalp, was now visible. Along with olive skin, a wide forehead, low brows, firm lips, and a square jaw. Tiny droplets left his long lashes spikey while rivulets of water tracked over chiseled cheekbones down his sculpted chest and abdomen to a small trail of dark hair that snaked from his belly button to disappear into the water. Scars of various length and width tracked across miles of pure, hard muscle.
My God, mud man was a flesh and blood man—an incredibly masculine one. If she’d met him at the Academy or the barracks on Earth, she would have been unable to stop staring. He was that beautiful.
Then his hand shot out and her daze shattered.
With a hiss, she stumbled back.
One dark eyebrow rose. “Here.”
She looked down to see a small white bar in his hand.
“It’s soap.” His tone was brusque. “The drones dump trash from Earth. Use it.”
“Thank you.” It took all her courage to reach out and take the bar from his hand. “I—I’ve never used it before. The Academy only allows lasers for cleaning. The use of water was banned a long time ago.” She stopped short.
Of course, he knew that. He wasn’t from some distant galaxy. He was from Earth. He just wasn’t welcome there anymore.
His lips flat lined. “I’ve been here a while, but not as long as that.”
Was that a joke? His expression offered no clue.
“Of course.” Hands shaking, she took the soap and rubbed it against her arm. The blood stayed put. She rubbed harder.
She hadn’t expected this…this talking. Or the kindness of a bath—with soap. It was confusing.
“You need the water to make it work.” Rough hands reached out and took the soap, dunking it under the water, making that same foamy circle she’d seen before.
“Turn around.” His voice had gone husky again.
That overworked heart of hers started up double time once again. Her feet remained planted where they were.
He waited for longer than she would have expected before he spoke again, his jaw locked tight. “Anything?” It was a reminder. A reproach. A challenge.
And her last chance to change her mind.
Her eyes sunk shut. I can do this. I need to do this.
She whirled around, bracing for a grab. A strike. But the deliberate slow glide of a calloused fingertip down the bumps of her spine slammed through her with more force than any blow.
Find all of her information and other books on her site: https://alisonaimes.com/
The Young & the Sinner by V.T. Do
Standalone - The Entangled Past series
Release - February 15, 2021
Genre - Contemporary Romance/age gap
Dual POV - 1st person
Heat - extremely slow build/4 out of 5
Format/Source - eARC provided by the author
Length - 469 pages
Publisher - Indie
Mason:
Olivia Williams is everything I’m not supposed to want. Pure. Sweet. Young.
I know better than to seduce an innocent. I know better than to fall for my brother’s ward. There is just something about her that I can’t get enough of. Something I can’t stay away from.
I tried to resist her in the beginning. Tried to leave her alone—let her heal from her family’s mistake. Let her grow up in that happy existence she is trying so hard to build with my brother.
Then tragedy strikes, and I find I can no longer stay away from her. I want to protect her from every hurt in this world, protect that innocence in those deep, brown eyes. But can I protect her from myself? What happens when you’re the reason the girl you love is hurting? What happens when you are the villain in her fairy tale? Can she ever forgive me for my past sins? And more importantly, would she want to when all of my hideous secrets come to light?
Olivia:
Mason Kade is everything I’m not. Dominant. Confident. Beautiful…
Sinner.
I know better than to fall for that enigmatic smile of his. I know better than to fall for my guardian’s brother. There is just something about him that makes me want to sink in a little deeper each time. He is the one temptation I can’t abstain from. Even when he tries to resist us, I see the truth in those bottomless blue eyes of his. He wants me. And I will do whatever it takes to keep him.
I should have listened to his warning instead. I know better than to build my hopes and dreams on a fairy tale. Yet, I naively thought he would be my happily ever after.
That’s my mistake.
This read more like a coming-of-age romance than anything else. It took a long while for the relationship to build and to be. I think my biggest issue with this story was that it was too long. There was so much time spent on Olivia's repetitive thoughts and emotions that it felt like it took forever to get to the meat of the story. Slow build would be an understatement, however, when it finally came, it was hot and sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the writing, the main characters, and even the side characters proved to be interesting. I loved Max the most though. I know, I was surprised too. With someone like him in your corner, you can't help but be the best you can be. He was awesome!!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tr8SSr
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