Tag Archives: cowboy

Hard Loving Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch #3) by A.J.Pine-Review and Giveaway

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HARD LOVING COWBOY (Crossroads Ranch #3) by AJ Pine-Review and Giveaway

HARD LOVING COWBOY
Crossroads Ranch #3
by AJ Pine
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, cowboy, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE March 26, 2019

This cowboy’s handsome, sexy, and definitely off limits . . .

Walker Everett spends his days at the Crossroads Ranch wrangling cattle-and steering clear of anything that would complicate his already too-complicated life. Until Violet Chastain, the ranch’s newest employee, asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for her parents’ anniversary party. She’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever met and needs his help. How can he refuse?

Violet isn’t about to fall for a brooding bad-boy cowboy, no matter how sizzling their chemistry. But she also never expected Walker to go along with the charade. Before long, he’s charming her parents at their weekly dinners and kissing her way more than necessary. Spending so much time together tests the limits of their “just friends” relationship, but what happens when their game of pretend becomes all too real?

••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD LOVING COWBOY is the third instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is twenty-five year olds, rancher and wood worker Walker Everett, and sommelier Violet Chastain’s story line. HARD LOVING COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed when necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Violet and Walker) HARD LOVING COWBOY follows the building relationship between twenty-five year olds, rancher and wood worker Walker Everett, and sommelier Violet Chastain. Violet is the new sommelier at Crossroads Ranch new Crossroads Winery, a position that brings her face to face with brooding and secretive Walker Everett, a man struggling with demons from his past.But a case of mistaken belief forces our couple into a fake relationship, a relationship that will turn into something more.What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Violet and Walker, and the fall-out as Walker’s past continues to haunt and control his present.

Violet Chastain is on a mission to make enough money to help her mother. With a potential end date to her time at Crossroads Winery getting involved with Walker Everett is all kinds of wrongs. Walker Everett doesn’t do relationships, in fact he struggles with the family he loves and adores but Everett’s history is dark and damaging, and in this, our hero continues to battle memories of the past.

The relationship between Walker and Violet begins as employee and employer but both Walker and Violet’s time at Crossroads Ranch comes with an expiry date, a date neither one has revealed to the other. Walker tries to keep his distance from the woman with whom he will fall in love but one night of fear and anger threatens everything Walker has struggled to overcome. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting characters including Walker’s siblings Jack and Ava (Second Chance Cowboy #1), Cash and Olivia (Saved by the Cowboy 1.5), Luke and Lily (Tough Luck Cowboy #2), and Walker’s Aunt Jenna. We are introduced to Violet’s parents Gabriel and Camille Chastain.

The world building continues to focus on the Everett family dynamics; the siblings struggle to move on from the past, a past tainted by abuse, neglect, addiction and loss.

HARD LOVING COWBOY is a story of family, struggle, hope and dreams. The premise is captivating and entertaining: the characters are energetic and charismatic; the romance is seductive. HARD LOVING COWBOY is an emotional and heart breaking story of one man’s struggle to move on from the past, and one woman’s battle to prove said man is worthy of love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Second Chance Cowboy
Saved by the Cowboy (novella)
Tough Luck Cowboy
Hard Love Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

AJ Pine’s publisher FOREVER ROMANCE is graciously offering the complete paper set of CROSSROAD RANCH Series to ONE (1) lucky commenter.

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My Favorite Cowboy (Heart of Texas #3) by Donna Grant-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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MY FAVORITE COWBOY (Heart of Texas #3) by Donna Grant-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

MY FAVORITE COWBOY
Heart of Texas #3
by Donna Grant
Release Date: February 26, 2019
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, cowboy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

About the book: Release Date February 26, 2019

Audrey Martinez is a veterinarian who has devoted her whole life to the care and protection of horses—even if doing so leaves her little time for meeting a man. Who would have thought that a strange case of criminal horseplay would lead her to falling deeply, wildly in love? If only the man who makes her heart race faster than a wild mustang would let his guard down, that is. . .

Caleb Harper is no ordinary cowboy. Sure, he wears his hat, boots, and jeans like a second skin, and displays an easygoing charm that comes from years of working on the ranch. But with his military background, and Army buddies at his side, he is tried-and-true Texas tough. Audrey knows she can trust a man like Caleb to help her save horses. But can Caleb trust himself to resist his attraction to Audrey—or will the sparks of their desire end up getting them burned?

•••••••••••

REVIEW: MY FAVORITE COWBOY is the third instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult HEART OF TEXAS erotic, romance series. This is rancher and former Green Beret Caleb Harper and veterinarian Audrey Martinez’ story line. MY FAVORITE COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives including Caleb and Audrey MY FAVORITE COWBOY follows the building relationship between rancher and former Green Beret Caleb Harper and veterinarian Audrey Martinez. Audrey Martinez struggles to identify the recent illness of several horses, unexplained and strange illnesses that point to a potential crime of poisoning. An attack against Audrey’s sister Maddy leaves our heroine vulnerable and alone forcing neighbour and rancher Caleb Harper, and his former army buddies to make it their responsibility to protect the woman with whom Caleb will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Caleb and Audrey, and the potential fall-out as Audrey is targeted by someone from her past, and Caleb is unable to accept the woman in his life.

Caleb Harper knows rejection first hand, and in this our hero is unable to let go of the past. Falling for Audrey Martinez meant falling for someone who could break his heart someone he was about to push out of his life. Audrey Martinez, along with her sister Audrey know love and loss first hand following the death of their mother, and the subsequent disappearance of their grieving father. Meeting Caleb Harper gave Audrey a chance at her own happily ever after, a happily ever after threatened by someone from her past.

The relationship between Audrey and Caleb is one of immediate attraction but Audrey is struggling to uncover the truth behind the recent series of equine illness, and the attack against her sister meant to send a message regarding Audrey’s investigation. Caleb refuses to leave Audrey to fend for herself but miscommunication and memories from the past begin to interfere in their growing love. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Audrey’s sister Maddy; Clayton and Abby Harper (The Christmas Cowboy Hero #1), Naomi and Brice Harper (Cowboy, Cross my Heart #2), Brice and Caleb’s friends Jace Wilder, and Cooper Owens; and local sheriff Danny Oldman. The requisite evil has many faces.

MY FAVORITE COWBOY is a story of family, friendship, vengeance, suspense and love. The premise is intriguing; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, strong-willed and dynamic but both struggle with issues from the past. I did have a couple of problems accepting the reasons behind the attacks against Audrey, her sister, and the horses-motivations that seemingly come out of nowhere; as well as both family histories resolving in the same story line, resolutions that are too quick and convenient.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Christmas Cowboy Hero
Cowboy, Cross My Heart
My Favorite Cowboy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Damn.
It was the first thought that went through Caleb’s mind as he stared at the fine ass before him. He’d gotten enough of a look that morning to recognize the woman as the same one he’d spotted when they arrived at the auction house.
Audrey Martinez.
If he’d known what a fine specimen she was, Caleb would’ve made her acquaintance years ago.
He found himself smiling when he caught Audrey’s whispered retort to her sister in Spanish. Caleb glanced over at his brother and Clayton to see both of them star- ing at him.
That wiped the grin from his face. He shot them a con- fused look and mouthed, “What?”
Neither said a word as they returned their attention to the women.
Caleb adjusted his cowboy hat atop his head as David ambled up. The strain around the older man’s eyes had only intensified as the day progressed. He’d asked them not

26 DONNA GRANT

to tell anyone they were trying to fix the cameras, which had seemed like an easy request.
Until some of the employees asked what Brice and Ca- leb were doing. They were quick to come up with an expla- nation, however.
Audrey pushed away from the stall and turned to them. Her gaze landed on Caleb first but quickly slid to Clayton. Caleb tried not to be annoyed that his brother-in-law had been granted a smile.
But he was irritated.
“Hello,” Audrey said as she walked up to Clayton and held out her hand. “I’m Audrey Martinez.”
Clayton clasped her hand briefly. “I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Martinez. I’m Clayton East.”
“Please, call me Audrey.” Then large, dark eyes wid- ened. “East? As in the East Ranch?”
David chuckled and slapped Clayton on the back. “The very one. I’ve sold a lot of horses for both Clayton and his father.”
“And we’ve bought a lot of them from you,” Clayton added with a grin. He then motioned to Brice and Caleb. “These are my brothers-in-law, Brice and Caleb Harper.”
Audrey’s gaze moved to Brice, who tipped his hat to her. “Ma’am.”
Caleb waited until her eyes were on him before he reached up and touched the edge of his hat. “Nice to meet you.”
He found himself awestruck, though he couldn’t put a finger on why. He drank in her golden-brown skin, dark eyes, and black hair that denoted Audrey’s Spanish heri- tage.
Her oval face was covered in a light sheen of sweat that

My Favorite Cowboy 27

gave it a beautiful glow. He wanted to wipe his thumb over her wide, full lips before he kissed her.
Because he was going to kiss her.
Caleb had never walked away from someone he was attracted to, and he certainly wasn’t about to start now. Audrey didn’t just have a stunning face, she also had the hourglass figure that always brought him to his knees.
Audrey licked her lips and glanced away. Caleb nearly groaned at the sight of her pink tongue. Then he remem- bered that they weren’t alone. And they were dealing with a very serious situation.
But once everything was in hand, he was going to pur- sue Audrey.

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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A Rancher’s Bride (Heart Falls #4) by Vivian Arend-a review

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A RANCHER’S BRIDE (Heart Falls #4) by Vivian Arend-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2018

Welcome to Heart Falls, where there’s more at stake than the future of the Silver Stone ranch.

With the ranch teetering on the brink of disaster, accepting an invitation to the gala of the year is a top business priority for Luke Stone. Having a significant other on his arm isn’t merely a good idea, it’s a necessity. Doesn’t matter that he’s currently single—there’s a logical solution. Kelli is easy company, a vital part of ranch operations, and willing to sing Silver Stone’s praises all day long. She’ll be perfect.

Kelli James has kept a lot of secrets over the eight years since she boldly walked onto the ranch. Her biggest challenge, though, has been hiding her crush on the sexiest cowboy she’s ever laid eyes on. When Luke informs her they’re headed to the mountains for a week-long, work-related event, she’s not sure what to expect.

That he signed her up to play the part of the perfect rancher’s bride-to-be wasn’t it…

••••••••••

REVIEW: A RANCHER’S BRIDE is the fourth instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult HEART FALLS erotic, romance cowboy series focusing on the Stone Siblings of Heart Falls, Alberta-Caleb, Luke, Walker, Ginny and Dustin. This is thirty-something, rancher Luke Stone, and twenty-three year old, ranch hand Kelli James’ story line. A RANCHER’S BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficult. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. The HEART FALLS series is a spin off from the author’s SIX PACK RANCH series, but you do not have to have read the original series to follow or understand the current story lines.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Luke and Kelli) A RANCHER’S BRIDE follows the friends to lovers relationship / fake fiancé trope between thirty-something, rancher Luke Stone, and twenty-three year old, ranch hand Kelli James. Eight years earlier, lost and on the run, Kelli James found her way to Silver Stone ranch in the hopes of procuring a place to live, and a much needed job. Meeting Luke Stone stirred something deep within the young teenage girl but Luke was about to enter into another relationship that forced Kelli to watch from the sidelines as the man with whom she would fall in love, fell in love with someone else. Fast forward to present day wherein Luke, now single and desperately trying to save the Silver Stone ranch, invites Kelli to the Triple Crown Gala, where the who’s who of horse breeders gather to schmooze and set up deals. What ensues is the building romance and sexual relationship between Kelli and Luke, and the potential fall-out as their time together draws to a close when the gala comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Luke and his brothers are desperately trying to save the Silver Stone ranch since the death of their parents years before. An invitation to the Triple Crown Gala meant the possibility of saving the ranch, and securing a financial windfall but the hosts were all about ‘family’ meaning Luke needed Kelli to pose as his fiancé in order to put up a united front. What they never expected was to fall in love, or have their future relationship threatened by someone from the past.

The relationship between Kelli and Luke is one of friends to lovers; a fake fiancé / employee and boss arrangement between two people desperate to find something more. Luke’s previous relationship ended in disaster, and Kelli was in no position to become the rebound lover but offers herself up for their time away. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Caleb and Tamara (A Rancher’s Heart 1), Walker and Ivy (A Rancher’s Song #2), Hannah Lane (A Firefighter’s Christmas #3), youngest brother Dustin; veterinarian Josiah Ryder; Tamara’s sister Lisa Coleman : Ivy’s sisters Tansy and Rose; Silver Stone ranch foreman Ashton Stewart; Triple Crown gala attendees Jack and Diane, and Timothy Carlyn. Josiah and Lisa’s story line is next in The Cowgirl’s Forever Love, the first instalment in the author’s new spin-off series The Colemans of Heart Falls.

A RANCHER’S BRIDE is a story of family and friendship; romance and love. The premise is engaging, heart warming and inviting; the characters are spirited and moving; the romance is seductive. THE RANCHER’S BRIDE is a delightful romance between two people who deserve their own happily ever after.

Reading Oder and Previous Reviews
A Rancher’s Heart
A Rancher’s Song
A Firefighter’s Christmas Gift
A Rancher’s Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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All I Want For Christmas Is A Cowboy by Jessica Clare-Review and Giveaway

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ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY by Jessica Clare-Review and Giveaway

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY
by Jessica Clare
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, Christmas, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2018

Christmas may be coming, but it’s just another day at the ranch as far as Eli Pickett is concerned. Someone has to take care of the herd and that means no holiday vacation for him. But that’s just the way he likes it–it’s not like he has a woman to spend time with anyways. Most women don’t want the ranch life, or the surly, silent cowboy that comes with it. Fine with him. He’d rather have the quiet of a roaring fire and the company of his dogs.

Cassandra Horn is trying to make it to her parents’ winter cabin in Wyoming before the blizzard hits. She desperately needs a vacation from the chaos of Manhattan…and her boss’s boyfriend, who is making her life miserable. But Cass never makes it to the cabin.

A raging snowstorm causes her car to crash, where she’s found unconscious by Eli. When Cass wakes, she has no memories of who she is. Eli takes one look at Cass’s big blue eyes and dark curls, and like a Christmas miracle, falls head over heels in love. But while the attraction is mutual, can she give her heart to this cowboy if she’s not sure it’s hers to give?

•••••••••

REVIEW: ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY by Jessica Clare is a stand alone, contemporary, adult Christmas romance story line focusing on Wyoming rancher Eli Pickett, and PA Cassandra Horn.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Eli and Cass) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY follows the building relationship between Wyoming rancher Eli Pickett, and PA Cassandra Horn. A few days before Christmas Wyoming rancher Eli Pickett, during a raging snowstorm, stumbles upon a single car accident, and the lone occupant of the car is an unconscious woman. With no help in sight, Eli brings the stranger back to the house, and it will soon become obvious that their attraction to one another is immediate and swift. But Cass Horn doesn’t remember what happened, or who she is, including the reasons she went to Wyoming, or her previous life. What ensues is the building relationship between Cass and Eli as the winter storm rages outside, and the potential fall-out as some of Cass’s memories return leaving our heroine with an incomplete look into her previous life.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS has a little bit of everything including light humor, instant attraction, forced co-habitation, and temporary amnesia. Eli Pickett is a bit of a loner and ‘volunteered’ to remain at the ranch over the Christmas holidays –someone had to feed the chickens, keep track of the herd, and wait on the impending birth of a litter of puppies. Cassandra Horn was desperate to get out of New York but in doing so found herself caught in the middle of a snowstorm with no memories of the who, how or why, memories that will slowly return leaving our heroine conflicted and more confused.

The relationship between Eli and Cass is one of immediate attraction but Eli takes his time under the circumstances. Cassandra’s injuries necessitate a slow building romance but our heroine is the first to make her intentions known. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY is a sweet and easy read. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the characters are sassy and flirty; the romance is spirited and tender. There are some questionable situations and events but such is the nature of a fictional story line.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Jessica’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS A COWBOY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Racked and Stacked (Blacktop Cowboys #9) by Lorelei James-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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RACKED AND STACKED (Blacktop Cowboys #9) by Lorelei James-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

RACKED AND STACKED
Blacktop Cowboys #9
by Lorelei James
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, cowboy, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: August 7,2018

Growing up with three older brothers, Larissa “Riss” Thorpe defines the term tomboy–a moniker that never mattered to her until she crossed paths with sexy cowboy playboy, Ike Palmer. His declaration that he prefers his women soft and feminine is the one benefit to becoming his business partner. Since Riss is obviously not his type, there’s little chance they’ll mix business and pleasure when they’re in close quarters on the road together.

Former cattle broker Ike Palmer was ready for a new chapter in his life when he partnered with Riss, a contrary redhead who lords her mechanical abilities over him at every turn. Ike raised his three younger sisters; he knows a thing or three about how women work. The problem is…Riss is unlike any woman he’s ever met.

With the odds stacked against them, Riss and Ike will have to choose between the stubbornness that keeps them apart and the fiery attraction that could lead to something more.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: RACKED AND STACKED is the ninth full-length instalment in Lorelei James’ contemporary, adult BLACKTOP COWBOYS erotic, cowboy romance series. This is thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer’s story line. RACKED AND STACKED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Riss and Ike) RACKED AND STACKED focuses on the contemptuous relationship between thirty-year old, truck driver Larissa ‘Riss’ Thorpe, and forty-year old, former cattle broker Ike Palmer. Ike Palmer is the bane of Riss Thorpe’s existence since the day, two years earlier, Ike supposedly got her brother Lloyd fired. For the upcoming wedding of Tobin and Jade, Ike and Riss have agreed to call a truce in their mutual disdain for one another until an accident finds Riss in need of round the clock care, and Ike offers up his services for the foreseeable future. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Riss and Ike, and the potential fall-out as a distinct lack of communication, snark, misunderstanding, and risks to one another’s independence threatens the growing love and limited peace that as developed throughout the weeks.

Larissa Thorpe is a bit of a ball-buster; a hard-nosed, stubborn, in your face heroine who refuses to ask for help especially where is concerns any threat to her long-fought independence. Finding herself laid-up for close to twelve weeks is a slap in the face for both her financial and personal life but coming face to face with the man who was once the target of every nasty word and thought pushes our heroine into a friend zone that slowly develops into something more. Ike Palmer raised his three younger sisters, and didn’t think anything about helping Larissa Thorpe on her long road to recovery but Ike never expected to find himself falling in love with the foul-mouthed red-head who was currently starring in his fantasies and dreams.

The relationship between Ike and Larissa is an enemies to friends to lovers romance that struggles with misunderstanding, a lack of communication, and Riss’s fear of losing her independence. Ike’s fear of failure pulls him closer to the brink of bankruptcy and unemployment, and Riss’ downtime forces her to confront the direction of her life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, intense and seductive but I dislike the use of a certain four-letter word I found unnecessary in a romance story line.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Larissa’s brothers-Lou, Lonnie and Lloyd, as their Aunt Beatrice; Ike’s sisters Lea, Jen and Kay, as well as Tobin and Jade (Hang Tough #8).

RACKED AND STACKED is a story of family, friendship, misunderstanding and forgiveness. The premise is energetic and encouraging; the characters are lively and animated; the romance is fated and sassy. RACKED AND STACKED is an engaging and delightful addition to the Blacktop Cowboys series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy 

 

The doorbell rang at nine a.m. the next morning.
Louie answered the door. “What are you doin’ here?”
Riss immediately shot upright to see who it was and winced in pain when she remembered she wasn’t supposed to do that.
Then Ike Palmer stepped into view.
Ike?
Wow. This was some weird-ass dream.
Wasn’t it?
“I didn’t say you could come in, Palmer,” Louie snapped.
“Yet here I am inside,” Ike replied.
Whoa. Not a dream.
Ike sauntered over with the cowboy swagger that both irritated and fascinated her.
She brazenly took his measure. A bright blue wool cap covered his blond head, drawing attention to his vivid blue eyes, which were studying her with equal scrutiny. He wore a light tan leather and shearling coat that added bulk to his lean frame, accentuating his broad shoulders. Dark jeans and boots completed his outfit. The man could’ve stepped out of an advertisement for rugged western wear.
His stride stayed confident even if his plastered-on smile hinted at nervousness.
Ike “the Charmer” Palmer nervous? Get out. She had to be seeing things.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Aw, sweet cheeks, I missed you too.” Then he was right in her face. “Seventy-eight days we’ve been together. And yes, I kept adding to the total even after that stupid postwedding fight when you demanded I give you some space. But finding out from Jade that you had a serious accident that resulted in surgery and a hospital stay? Five days after it happened? I’m so goddamned mad I can barely see straight. I may never let you out of my sight again, understand?”
No. She didn’t understand. Not at all.
Ike read her confusion and put his mouth on her ear. “Play along.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m bein’ spontaneous and breaking you outta this jail.”
“Ike—”
“You dared me to create an alternate reality the next time I got the chance, so I’m doin’ it.”
Riss fought the urge to argue. Or laugh.
But the look on Ike’s face when he was nearly nose-to-nose with her? Those striking blue eyes weren’t twinkling with amusement, but were seriously intense.
Seriously hot.
Seriously sexy.
Ike curled his hand around the side of her face and pressed his mouth to hers. At first just a tease, a brush of his pillowy soft lips across hers. Almost . . . chaste and achingly sweet. Then his tenderness vanished and he was kissing the breath out of her in a tongue-dueling, head-shifting, hungry, openmouthed kiss that sent her head spinning, her reason fleeing and kick-started her libido from idle to full-speed-ahead, pedal-to-the-metal lust.
She whimpered and arched closer, only to have him freeze mid-kiss.
Then, clearly shocked by the chemistry that had ignited between them, Ike retreated, abruptly changing the tenor of the kiss to sweet and flirty.
Holy fuck.
She couldn’t believe Ike Palmer, her nemesis, could kiss like this. She never imagined his laid-back persona masked such extraordinary passion. Being charming was one thing, but that trait didn’t necessarily translate into sexual potency. But the self-assured way his mouth took hers—owned hers—left no doubt in Riss’s mind that the man would be a dominating force in bed.
He rested his forehead against hers, his fast breaths fanning across her damp lips. After whispering a reminder to play along, he backed off, and then, loud enough for Louie to hear, he said, “I’m sorry I wasn’t here for you. But I’ll make it up to you.”
Riss blinked at him. Jesus. That life-changing liplock was Ike . . . acting? That soul-stealing kiss meant nothing to him?
“Been a while since my kisses gotcha so het up you can’t even speak, baby,” he teased. 


 

Lorelei James Publisher and The Reading Cafe are offering a paper copy of RACKED AND STACKED to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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All Night With the Cowboy (River Ranch #2) by Soraya Lane-Review and Giveaway

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ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY (River Ranch #2) by Soraya Lane-Review and Giveaway

ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY
(River Ranch #2)
by Soraya Lane
Release Date: May 29, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, cowboy, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 29, 2018

BACK IN THE SADDLE. STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. . .

At the Ford family ranch, getting thrown from a horse is a part of growing up. But one cowboy is still learning the ropes when it comes to falling in love.

Tanner Ford has been riding bulls and busting broncos his entire life. So when he takes a hard spill—and sustains serious injuries—he refuses to believe his rodeo days are behind him. He’s determined to restore his body and revive his career. There’s just one problem: the finest physical therapist in town just happens to be the only woman he’s ever loved.

Lauren Lewis knows she made a huge mistake when she walked away from Tanner. But she was young, ambitious, and focused on her medical career. Now, after all these years, Tanner’s back—and, in spite of his injuries, looking better than she allows herself to admit. She agrees to work on Tanner’s big bruised muscles until he’s back in bull-riding shape again. But how can Lauren resist the smoldering attraction between her and her old flame. . .and find a way to live without him?

•••••••

REVIEW: ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY is the second instalment in Soraya Lane’s contemporary, adult RIVER RANCH cowboy, romance series focusing on the Ford siblings. This is professional bull-rider Tanner Ford, and physical therapist Lauren Lewis’ story line. ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. The RIVER RANCH series is a spin off from the author’s TEXAS KINGS series. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow the current time line. Some of the characters cross over for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Tanner and Lauren) ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY follows the second chance romance and relationship between professional bull-rider Tanner Ford, and physical therapist Lauren Lewis. Twelve years earlier, Lauren Lewis walked out of Tanner’s life. High school sweethearts, Tanner and Lauren had promised one another the world but Lauren was forced to choose between her career and love, and ultimately her career won out. Fast forward to present day wherein Tanner Ford’s bull-riding days have come to an abrupt stop with possible career ending injuries inflicted during the last World’s Finals. Enter Lauren Lewis, physical therapist, and the woman Tanner can’t stop hating for breaking his heart. What ensues is the acrimonious rebuilding relationship between Tanner and Lauren as they are forced together on a tropical island, and the fall-out as Tanner is unable to let go of the past.

Successful, rich and stubborn, Tanner Ford struggles with his attraction to the woman who destroyed his heart. Together, Tanner and Lauren must ignore the elephant in the room, focusing on healing the numerous injuries, in preparation for Tanner’s return to the bull-riding circuit but working together brings with it the memories of the past, and the overwhelming grief and memories of losing the only woman Tanner would ever love.

Throughout the story there is a definite push and pull between our leading couple. Hurtful words are spoken in haste, only to be compounded by the emotional fall-out of the truth. Maturity level is questionable; Tanner’s bitterness and bellyaching about the past is adolescent forcing Lauren out of his life once again-his constant reminders about how she broke his heart, got old, pretty fast. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful and energetic secondary characters include Tanner’s siblings Angelina, Mia and her husband Sam, Cody, and their father Walter Ford; Lauren’s sister Hannah, their father, and mother Julie.

ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY is a story of second chances; a rekindling romance that suffers in the face of Tanner’s inability to let got of the past, a hurt inflicted upon his eighteen year old soul that he had never, truly gotten over. The premise is captivating; the romance is heart breaking but passionate; the characters are prickly, spirited and animated.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one COWBOY STOLE MY HEART

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Facebook / Website Goodreads / Twitter

As a child, Soraya Lane dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as “the best career in the world”, and she hopes to be writing romance for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze. She is the author of The Devil Wears Spurs, Cowboy Take Me Away, and I Knew You Were Trouble.

St. Martin’s Press  is graciously offering a paper copy of ALL NIGHT WITH THE COWBOY  to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Cowboy Stole My Heart (River Ranch #1) by Soraya Lane-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Cowboy Stole My Heart (River Ranch #1) by Soraya Lane-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Cowboy Stole My Heart Banner

COWBOY STOLE MY HEART
River Ranch #1
by Soraya Lane
Release Date: January 2, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, cowboy, romance

Cowboy Stole My Heart

Amazon / Barnes & Noble/ BAM /IndieBound / Powells

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 2, 2017

t takes true grit to build a billion-dollar dynasty like the Ford family ranch. But when it comes to finding love, all it takes is one handsome cowboy to steal a woman’s heart…

SHE’S RIDING SOLO

As one of the heirs to the River Ranch fortune, Mia Ford is practically Texas royalty. But that doesn’t mean she’s some pampered princess. She can saddle up and ride a horse as well as any man, even a hard-working cowboy like Sam Mendes. For years, she’s harbored a crush on the strong, silent horseman. But how can she make a move when she’s his boss?

HE’S TAKING THE REINS

Sam Mendes is through with love—or so he thought. Still recovering from a breakup, he’s doing everything in his power to resist Mia Ford. It’s bad enough she’s the kind of beauty who drives men wild with desire. It’s even worse she’s got him so worked up, aching to kiss her lips, when he’s supposed to be working her ranch. Is this lovestruck cowboy willing to risk losing his job—and breaking his heart—to win the girl of his dreams?

•••••••••

REVIEW: COWBOY STOLE MY HEART is the first instalment in Soraya Lane’s contemporary, adult RIVER RANCH cowboy, romance series. This is heiress and horse jumper Mia Ford, and horse whisperer/trainer Sam Mendes’ story line. The RIVER RANCH series is a spin off from the author’s TEXAS KINGS series. You do not have to have read the original series to understand or follow the current time line. Some of the characters cross over for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mia and Sam) COWBOY STOLE MY HEART follows the building relationship between horse trainer Sam Mendes, and show jumper Mia Ford. Mia Ford is an independent young woman whose recent acquisition of a troubled stallion finds our heroine in desperate need of a horse whisperer, when her father calls in a favor from one of the most talented trainers on the horse riding circuit. Enter Sam Mendes, rancher and horse trainer, and the man with whom Mia will fall in love. What ensues is the building ‘friends with benefits’ relationship between Sam and Mia, and the fall out when Mia is hoping for something more.

Mia Ford knows loss including the death of her mother, and that of a friend on the horse jumping circuit. With the arrival of Tex, a beautiful but mean-spirited stallion, Mia struggles between her head and her heart knowing the horse may be too far gone for the likes of Sam Mendes. Sam, on the other hand, has never met a horse he couldn’t tame but there is something else about Tex that gives our hero pause. Four weeks to turn Tex’s life around is all that is takes but four weeks may be too long when the heart wants something it cannot allow. Sam doesn’t do relationships; there are personal demons in his past-demons he is unable to let go including a trouble childhood and a relationship that destroyed what was left of his heart.

The relationship between Sam and Mia is one of immediate attraction but Mia is technically Sam’s boss. The sexual energy is palpable between our leading couple but Sam has made it known that their relationship is only physical, with a four week expiry date.Their initial meeting is met with preconceived notions that do not bode well for their working relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense with the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Sam’s best friend Nate and his wife Faith, Sam’s sister (Texas Kings #3); Mia’s brother Tanner, and their father Walter Ford, as well as Mia’s best friend and local veterinarian Kat.

COWBOY STOLE MY HEART is a sexy and passionate romantic story line. The premise is inspiring and emotional; the characters are determined, spirited and energetic; the romance is sensual and captivating. COWBOY STOLE MY HEART has a little bit of sexy fun and romance; conflict and angst; family and friendship, and just enough sassy cowboy to get the heart pumping and the blood heating.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

CowboyStoleMyHeart_FBCover_presaler1

excerpt

Mia disappeared and he talked to the horses, wandering down the line to look at all of them. He’d only seen her ride the one, her favorite mare, but he had a feeling she was full of surprises, and her horses all looked impressive. When she didn’t reappear, Sam went looking for her, wondering what the hell was taking so long.
“Hey, do you need a hand back there?” he called out. He squinted in the half-light, dark compared to the full sun glare outside when he ducked through the doorway and into the tack room.
“Oh, shit, sorry, just give me a sec.”
He stopped. Sam stood in the middle of the small room, saddles and bridles covering every inch of wall space, and Mia pressed into one corner, her tears impossible to hide. “Hey,” Sam murmured, striding over to her. Hell, he hadn’t expected her to be crying. He’d thought she might need a hand carrying some gear out, but . . . he didn’t know what to do.
“I’m fine, please,” she said, holding one hand up to her face, the other stretched out in front of her as if trying to push him away before he was even close.
“You’re not okay,” he said, knowing how gruff he sounded but unable to help it. “Come here.”
She shook her head. “Please, I’m fine,” she managed, voice cracking.
“Your mom, huh?” he asked, knowing that there was no way in hell he’d managed to say anything to upset her this much. She was still grieving, he could see that from a mile off.
She nodded, dropping one hand, the other still covering her face. “Yeah,” she whispered. “It’s just I haven’t talked about her for a long time. She’s been gone twelve years so I shouldn’t be reacting like this.”
“Come here,” Sam said, not taking no for an answer this time as he opened his arms and pulled her in.
He held her, tight, letting her cry. She sobbed once, loudly, a noise that made his heart lurch for her, feeling her pain, before she went silent and relaxed in his arms. It had been almost a year since he’d held a woman like this; comforted a woman and held her and felt something for her. He stiffened. Only that woman had played him, ripped his heart out when he’d have done anything for her. Anything.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I’d tell you it’ll get easier, but I doubt it will.”
He didn’t sugarcoat things, even this type of thing, but he did feel for her. She’d tried to talk about her mom all nonchalant to him, laughing about her beautiful stables, when in reality it had torn her in half and left her crying all on her own. She’d lost her mom and her best friend as well; no wonder she’d been prickly when he’d tried to muscle in and take over with the one thing she did have— her horses.
Mia pushed back and he wished she hadn’t. He’d liked the warmth of her against him, the tickle of her long hair catching in his stubble as he’d inhaled her shampoo or whatever it was on her that smelled so damn delicious.
“Sorry,” she murmured, her hands to his chest as she stepped back. “I don’t ever let anyone see me cry.”
He believed it. She didn’t strike him as the type to let anyone see her vulnerabilities.
Sam glanced down at her, at her hands against his chest, at the way she was looking up at him, her eyes wide. Her mouth parted, tear-stained cheeks making her look so vulnerable that it tugged at something inside of him he’d thought was long buried.
“You’ve got nothing to apologize for,” he muttered, slowly raising a hand and brushing his thumb gently across her cheeks to blur the tears away.
Mia stayed still, her palms still planted against him, head tilted. He looked at her mouth, fought the urge to rub his thumb across her soft pink lips. Instead he dropped his hand, skimming past her long blonde hair on the way past. Sam bent a little, eyes on her mouth, imagining what her lips would taste like. He wanted to kiss her so damn bad, wanted to push her up against the wall behind her and kiss the hell out of her. But he didn’t.
He’d sworn off women for a reason, and sexy or not, he wasn’t about to take advantage of his boss up against a wall. Even crying she was beautiful, but he wasn’t going there. He couldn’t go there.
Dammit!
Her eyes were dancing, her lips were parted, her hands were slowly dropping away from his chest. But instead of closing the distance between them, instead of hungrily tasting her lips against his, he took her hands, stepping back and squeezing them.
“You take all the time you need,” he said instead, hearing the husky note of his own voice. “I’ll be out here.”
He walked out, ducking back through the door and out into the bright sunlight again. Goddamn it! What the hell had he just done? He’d always prided himself on being able to keep his shit together, and he’d let himself get way too close to Mia.


 

Copyright © 2018 by Soraya Lane and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Press.

About the Author

Soraya LaneFollow: Facebook / Website Goodreads / Twitter

As a child, Soraya Lane dreamed of becoming an author. Fast forward more than a few years, and Soraya is now living her dream! Soraya describes being an author as “the best career in the world”, and she hopes to be writing romance for many years to come.

Soraya loves spending her days thinking up characters for books, and her home is a constant source of inspiration. She lives with her own real life hero and two sons on a small farm in New Zealand, surrounded by animals and with an office overlooking a field where their horses graze. She is the author of The Devil Wears Spurs, Cowboy Take Me Away, and I Knew You Were Trouble.

giveaway

Soraya Lane’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of COWBOY STOLE MY HEART  to ONE (1) commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Soraya Lane on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

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9. Giveaway runs from January 7-11, 2018

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Cowboy Up (Coming Home #3) by Harper Sloan-Review and Excerpt Tour

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Cowboy Up (Coming Home #3) by Harper Sloan-Review and Excerpt Tour

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COWBOY UP
Coming Home #3
by Harper Sloan
Release Date: December 19, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, cowboy, romance

Cowboy Up

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /Amazon.uk /Amazon.au / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /ibooks /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 19, 2017

As the eldest of the Davis clan, Clayton has always tried to lead by example. Along with taking his job as head of the family business seriously, he is also determined to keep his brother and sister in line. Clay is known for being serious, silent, and stoic—completely in control of his life. And with the way he grew up, coupled with a disastrous end to the last relationship he was in, he’s just fine with his quiet, solitary life.

What he hadn’t counted on was Caroline Michaels. She’s the proverbial woman next door—the town next door, that is. Caroline hasn’t lived an easy life, but after escaping from an abusive relationship, she’s finally living for herself and no one else. The last thing the quirky, shy bookstore owner expected was a steamy one-night stand with Clay Davis.

When Caroline and Clay meet, the connection is instant, both falling into one heated night of passion before parting ways—both driven by their own reasons to deny what they clearly wish didn’t have to end. It isn’t until Caroline falls on hard times and Clay comes back into the picture that they realize just how impossible it will be to stay away from each other.

Will Clay be able to give up his rootless existence in favor of finally settling down? And, more important, will Caroline want him to?

••••••

REVIEW: COWBOY UP is the third (and final?) instalment in Harper Sloan’s contemporary, adult COMING HOME erotic, romance series focusing on the Davis siblings- Clayton, Maverick and Quinn Davis. This is thirty six year old rancher and eldest sibling Clayton Davis, and thirty year old book store owner Caroline Michaels’ story line. COWBOY UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Clayton and Caroline) COWBOY UP follows the building relationship between Clayton Davis, and Caroline Michaels. A one-night stand between strangers had our leading couple fantasizing about that night two months earlier only to discover that Clayton Davis was Caroline Michaels’ one-time, best friend’s oldest brother, and the high school crush she apparently forgot. After an invitation to Quinn Davis’ baby shower, our heroine will come face to face with the man with whom she will fall in love. Enter Clayton Davis, rancher and eldest Davis Sibling. What ensues is the building romance between Clayton and Caroline, and the potential fall out as both of their pasts collide in a game of jealous revenge.

Caroline Michaels left the town of Pine Oak, Texas immediately after high school to escape the gossip mills and rumors, and the mother who made her entire life a living h*ll. Her return to Wire Creek, Texas to open up her dream bookstore comes with ambivalence and a yearning to be free of the past-a past that almost destroyed our heroine’s life. Clayton Davis doesn’t do relationships in light of heartbreaking childhood and the fractured family dynamics of the Davis clan, as well as the bitter memories of a woman who continues to demand and push Clayton into a second chance.

The relationship between Caroline and Clayton is one of immediate attraction; a one –night stand that turns into something more when Caroline and Clayton bond over past betrayal, broken hearts and parental rejection. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting characters including Maverick and Leighton (Lost Rider #1), and Quinn and Tate (Kiss My Boots #2). We are introduced to Caroline’s best friends and bar owners Luke Hazel, and his twin sister Lucy, as well as Caroline’s ex John Lewis; her mother Misty Michaels; and Clayton’s ex Jess.

The world building continues to focus on the Davis family-their growing love and support for one another, once destroyed by the very people meant to bring happiness and peace. There are two epilogues that fast forward the story line approximately one year, and another that looks fifteen years into the future.

COWBOY UP is a story of family and friendship; romance and love; betrayal, jealousy, revenge and obsession. The premise is heart warming and tearful; the characters are colorful, charismatic and welcome; the romance is passionate and seductive. COWBOY UP is an amazing tale about two people, one family and the struggle to move forward from demons of the past.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Lost Rider
Kiss My Boots
Cowboy UP

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Cowboy Up Teaser

 

Excerpt beige

I push my hands from his shoulders and palm his jaw as his stubble prickles against my fingers while my hands wander up to his hair. His hat falls to the ground with a thud and I know he’s just as lost in me as I am in him, because he doesn’t even make a move to pick it up. He lets out a deep grunt when I mold myself against his body, seeking some sort of friction. The next thing I know, my back is against the door and he’s gripping my bottom. His mouth hits my jaw with a bite of his teeth, making a squeak of pleasure shoot up my throat, and his deep rumble of laughter reaches my ears as he presses me harder into the door with his hips. The heavy bulge of his erection against that spot makes me so desperate for him that I whimper in relief when his mouth finally closes over mine in a wet tangle of tongues.
I’ve never been kissed so thoroughly.
This is the kind of kiss that sets the bar for any that might follow.
The kind that shows you everything you’ve been missing and everything you never knew you wanted. I’m going to be comparing every kiss I ever have to my dark cowboy’s, even though I know there’s a good chance no one will ever compare. The sounds coming from my mouth, the ones being swallowed by his, are nothing short of needy. My hips move in tandem with the thrusts of his, and even though we’re both fully clothed, I know it won’t take much more of this for me to go off like the town’s fireworks on the Fourth of July.
“Fuck, you taste just like apple pie,” he whispers against my lips, breaking away with a gasp.
“Huh?”
“Goddamn, I love apple pie,” he says before his mouth is back on mine, this time with a whole new kind of hunger deepening his kisses.
I’m held captive, enraptured. Then his hands move from my bottom to glide up my torso. He lifts his hard chest off mine and suddenly those delicious fingers are at my breasts. Even if I had big boobs his hands would dwarf them, I’m sure, but as it is he covers both with a firm grasp before adjusting his hold with a deft twist of the wrists. His mouth continues to feast on mine while his huge hands learn my body with slow movements. I tear my mouth from his with a breathy moan when he pushes my shirt up and slips his fingers into the cups of my bra to tweak my nipples.
“Oh, God,” I moan when he does it again.
“I can’t get enough of you,” he rumbles.
“Please,” I beg, not with the slightest clue as to what I’m begging for.
His hips dig even harder into mine as he leans back, supporting me against the door with that connection alone as he pulls my shirt off. The darkness makes me feel more confident than I normally would be, almost half naked with a man—no, a stranger.
“Yours too,” I tell him as his fingers move to unclasp my bra. “I want to feel your skin on mine,” I breathe, taking over the task so he’ll hopefully give me what I want.
I fumble in my haste to feel more of this dangerous arousal he’s creating in my body, but the second my bra is free and dangling toward the floor, his naked chest collides against mine, pushing me into the door with a force that sends the air rushing out of my lungs.
His mouth hits my collarbone at the same time his hands grasp my bottom, sliding me up the door until I feel the wet heat of his breath against my breast.
Then he stops.

About The Author beige

Harper SloanHarper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

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