Category: May I introduce

#BlogTour “The Girl from Silent Lake” by Leslie Wolfe @wnovels @SDSXX

Detective Kay Sharp Book 1
by Leslie Wolfe
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
“Wow!!!! It simply took my breath away so much that I finished this book in one go! Literally took my breath away! I simply couldn’t put the book down. Unputdownable.” Tropical Girl Reads Books, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Her daughter, with emerald eyes and the sweetest smile, is everything to her. Her whole world. “Mommy,” the little girl says, touching her mother’s face with trembling fingers before she’s torn away. “Don’t cry.” Will she ever see her again?
When single mother Alison Nolan sets off with her six-year-old daughter, Hazel, she can’t wait to spend precious time with her girl. A vacation in Silent Lake, where snow-topped mountains are surrounded by the colors of fall, is just what they need. But hours later, Alison and Hazel vanish into thin air.
Detective Kay Sharp rushes to the scene. The only evidence that they were ever there is an abandoned rental car with a suitcase in the back, gummy bears in the open glove compartment and a teddy bear on the floor.
Kay’s mind spins. A week before, the body of another woman from out of town was found wrapped in a blanket, her hair braided and tied with feathers. Instinct tells her that the cases are connected––and it won’t be long until more innocent lives are lost.
As Kay leads a frenzied search, time is against her, but she vows that Alison and little Hazel will be found alive. She works around the clock, even though the small town is up in arms, saying she’s asking too many questions. Then she uncovers a vital clue – a photograph of the blanket that the first victim was buried in.
Just when Kay thinks she’s found the missing piece, she realises she’s being watched. Is she getting too close, or is her own past catching up with her?
With a little girl’s life on the line, Kay will stop at nothing. But will it be enough to get inside the mind of the most twisted killer she has ever encountered, or will another blameless child be taken?
A totally gripping and utterly pulse-pounding crime thriller series for readers who love Lisa Regan, Robert Dugoni and Kendra Elliot. This twist-packed page-turner gives “unputdownable” a whole new meaning!
**Only .99 cents!!**
Leslie Wolfe is a bestselling author whose novels break the mold of traditional thrillers. She creates unforgettable, brilliant, strong women heroes who deliver fast-paced, satisfying suspense, backed up by extensive background research in technology and psychology.
Leslie released the first novel, Executive, in October 2011. It was very well received, including inquiries from Hollywood. Since then, Leslie published numerous novels and enjoyed growing success and recognition in the marketplace. Among Leslie’s most notable works, The Watson Girl (2017) was recognized for offering a unique insight into the mind of a serial killer and a rarely seen first person account of his actions, in a dramatic and intense procedural thriller.
A complete list of Leslie’s titles is available at https://lesliewolfe.com/books/.
Leslie enjoys engaging with readers every day and would love to hear from you.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$50 Amazon

#BookTour “Operation Amethyst” by Leesa Wright @InkSlingerPR @LeesaAuthor

Today we have the excerpt reveal for Leesa Wright’s Operation Amethyst! Check it out and be sure to grab your copy of this gorgeous historical romance today!

Title: Operation Amethyst
Author: Leesa Wright
Genre: Historical Romance

About Operation Amethyst:

Operation Amethyst takes the reader on an immersive historical journey with chilling twists and turns through war-torn Vietnam at the height of the War.

A trail of secrets, in a faraway land could shatter the fiery American Prima Ballerina’s glamorous lifestyle.

Captain Elijah Corrington’s mission: To keep the American prima ballerina, Elyse Booker, safe from North Vietnamese Army and the auction block.

He quickly learns she’s not going to make this the easiest mission he’s ever faced.

A family’s legacy of serving in the Marines Corp. The war-hardened marine, Elijah, is used to having his orders followed without question. She is fiercely independent and, at times, mischievous. Elyse, oblivious to the danger she’s facing is not about to take orders from some arrogant, handsome, stubborn marine.

Three tours of duty could not prepare the Captain for the toughest battle of his life.

Or for the Promise of Passion and Love. . .

For the lovers of Ellen Marie Wiseman’s, The Orphan Collector, Leesa Wright has brought her love of history to life in this new 20th Century Historical Fiction Romance.

OPERATION AMETHYST is available now. Come and be swept up in this romantic saga set in the midst of the Vietnam War.

Get Your Copy Today!

Exclusive Excerpt:

When they came to another stream, the Captain and Sarge pulled out the map to get their bearings. Once assured of their direction, the team entered the stream to cross. Without warning the Captain lifted Elyse into his arms and stepped into the stream.

“I can cross on my own, Elijah. Is it alright if I call you that?”

He liked the sound of his name on her lips and he nodded his head. “I’m hanging onto you till we cross, since I don’t want a replay of

yesterday’s antics.” They were mid-stream now. “And we know you can’t follow orders.”

“Again, you forget yourself, I don’t take orders,” Elyse replied.

Nodding his head, he gave her a long cool look. “Is that so?” He dropped her right into the stream.

Elyse initially came up sputtering, snarling, and ready for battle but, instead, she refused to give him the satisfaction. So, she gave him her back and finished the crossing, struggling up the embankment on the other side. She made it up with a helping hand from one of the team, all of whom struggled to squelch their laughter before turning back to glare at the Captain.

Elijah had just climbed up the embankment himself and was teetering on the edge. He gave her a wolfish, appreciative smile as his gaze touched on the wet shirt clinging to her curves with her twin peaks enticingly pushing through the thin fabric.

Elyse realized the show she was giving him, and with a snarl and a side kick to the chest, she sent him sprawling spread eagle back into the stream. Ignoring the looks of the other men, she strode angrily away, trying desperately to pull the shirt away from the contours of her body.

A soaking wet Elijah climbed back up the embankment and stood glaring at Elyse. She turned to face him, and with a sweet smile, said, “Blackbelt.”

He pointed his finger at her. “You… I’m going to haul you back and throw your sweet ass back into that ditch.”

About Leesa Wright:

Leesa makes her home in the Twin Cities metro area with her husband and her two dogs Rosie and Jax.

When she isn’t writing she enjoys gardening, painting, and reading romance novels. She and her husband also enjoy movies, traveling, and entertaining their two grown children along with several beautiful grandchildren.

Leesa’s favorite romance authors are Kathleen Woodwiss, Christine Feehan, and Johanna Lindsey.

The book’s inspiration came one night from a dream about the characters, a song, and the story around them.

Connect with Leesa:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email | Twitter

#BookBlitz “Heartthrob” by @RobinBielman @SDSXX

Heartthrob
American Royalty Book 1
by Robin Bielman
Genre: Contemporary Romance
*** 2021 Romance Writers of America Vivian Award Finalist ***
He likes a challenge…
Here’s the deal: I’m the best center fielder in the major leagues. I’m also the guy who cost his team the championship game and acted very unsportsmanlike. So, when the team hires a social media manager to repair the damage to my reputation, I don’t argue. But then I meet Chloe Conrad, and I suddenly understand what people mean when they say they have an instant connection to someone. Which means I’m in serious trouble. Chloe’s a smart, sexy distraction I can’t afford, but one date can’t hurt, right? Only she turns me down. And just like that, it’s game on.
She’s sworn off love…
Finn Auprince is the hottest player in the major leagues. Look up “It Factor” in the dictionary and there’s his handsome face. He’s also my biggest client and I don’t care how easy it is to talk to him or how fun it is to manage his social media accounts, I will not give in to his charms. Then one drunken night, I tell him about my curse: all my previous boyfriends have found their soul mates while dating me. One more heartbreak, and I’ll never recover. But Finn doesn’t believe in curses—he believes in me. Professionally and personally. He sets out to prove the universe isn’t against me, and that his one true love isn’t waiting around the next corner.
The problem is…can we play the game of love and both come out on top?
USA Today bestselling author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and her very cute dog, Harry. She writes both sweet and sexy contemporary romances with one goal in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop, she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops. She loves to stay in touch. Visit her at robinbielman.com or on Instagram: @robin_bielman.
Follow the blitz HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$75 Amazon giftcard OR Paypal

#Celebrate my #Citizenship #FREE — “Their Bond Through Jade” —#KindleBargain #kindledeals #AmazonDeals #MFRWAuthor

 I became an Australian Citizen last week and I wanted to celebrate this wonderful occasion with you by giving away copies of one of my books. There’s no favourite book, but “Their Bond through Jade” does come close ♥

Come on over, do the “one click” and let me take you to the wonderful country of New Zealand ♥♥

~~  Their Bond Through Jade ~~ by Iris Blobel

AMAZON US: http://amzn.to/2yZPHSL

♥♦♥  BLURB ♥♦♥

Pikorua, the Maori name for the symbol, is a twist that is said to symbolise the strength of the bond between two people. Mat is certain there is something between Tiffany and him.

When Tiffany Cahill opens the door to the police, memories flood her mind of the previous year and a relationship gone bad. Frightened, she calls her friend, Steve, for help, but instead a stranger answers the phone. Little does Tiffany know how much this New Zealander is going to impact her life, especially after she is assaulted only a few hours later.

Mat Apanui, the owner of a helicopter tour company in New Zealand, can’t ignore the worry in Tiffany’s voice when he answers Steve’s phone. Before he knows it, he is spending most of his business trip to Melbourne with her. Desperate to keep her safe after an attack, he invites her to stay with him in Queenstown, NZ.

With her safety at risk, how will Tiffany overcome her reservations and trust the sexy stranger enough to fly across the Tasman Sea?

♥♦♥  EXCERPT ♥♦♥

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When Tiffany Cahill opened the door and laid eyes on the police officers, memories flooded back of the horrid day the year before when she’d been dragged to the police station. Everything inside her tensed as she checked the lever for the screen door to make sure it was locked. She rubbed her damp palms against her pants.
“Miss Cahill?” the male police officer asked, his dark brown eyes focussing on her.
Scared, she wasn’t able to find her voice, she bit her lip and simply nodded.
“Miss Tiffany Cahill?” the female, and younger, officer asked.
Tiffany nodded again. If she focussed on the officer’s flaming red hair beneath her cap, she wouldn’t have to meet her eyes. But she allowed herself a cautious peek at the officers’ faces.
Their expressions were unreadable, which was worrying.
“I’m Senior Constable Jones. This is Sergeant Harris.” The officer paused for a moment. “We would like to ask you a couple of questions in regard to Thomas Terrill.”
“Who?” Tiffany asked, hardly above a whisper. Her whole body shook, and she knew she had to sit down soon or she’d faint.
“Thomas Terrill,” Jones repeated. “He was up on charges last year for the possession of drugs. The file states you were involved—”
“There’s no way I’ll come with you.” Her voice was louder than intended, panic rising within her. “You can’t make me—”
“Miss Cahill,” Jones said with a calm voice.
“We’re not here to take you with us, but to ask you a few questions,” Sergeant Harris explained, pulling out a little notepad from his shirt pocket, opening it with an expert snap. “Is there anybody with you at home?”
Tiffany frowned as she shook her head. Anxiety raced through the pit of her stomach, and she had to resist the urge to step back to shut the door.
“Anybody you can call?”
His voice was soothing, and when Tiffany met his eyes through the screen door, she noticed something that conveyed trust. And there was a need inside her to trust him, yet every fibre in her told her to not open the door. Never again would she let the police take her to the station and treat her like a criminal.
She bit her lip again, desperate to figure out whom to call, when she replied, “My brother.”
Harris nodded. “Thomas Terrill was charged with possession of drugs last year. You are noted as a witness.” He paused, checked his little notepad, and continued, “He’s also known as Hudson Ford.”
Leaning her head against the door, Tiffany took a deep breath to steady herself.
“Are you okay, Miss Cahill?” Harris asked.
“Please open the door,” Jones requested.
Holding up her hand, Tiffany replied, “I haven’t seen him since last year. I have nothing to do with whatever trouble he’s in.” Her entire body trembled, anxiety rushing through her like a tidal wave. She took another two deep breaths before standing straight to meet Harris’ gaze.
He searched her eyes before he assented with a nod and held out a business card. “We need to talk to you. I can assure you you’re not in trouble, but we need your help.” He squeezed the card into the small gap of the doorframe. “This is my number. Please call in when you have somebody with you, and we can have a talk.”

Social Media Links: Click here to subscribe to Iris’ Newsletter Facebook  ♠  Twitter  ♠  Goodreads  ♠   Bookbub  ♠  Instagram

#BlogTour “THE DO-OVER” by Melissa MacKinnon @M_MacKinnon @InkSlingerPR

THE DO-OVER by Melissa MacKinnon is out now! Check it out and be sure to get your copy today!

Title: The Do-Over
Author: Melissa MacKinnon
Genre: Contemporary Romance

About The Do-Over:

After years in the grueling California dating scene, Maggie Kelley has finally agreed to marry her Mr. Right Now. But there’s just one teensy problem…the county clerk lets her know that she’s technically still married to her Vegas fling: the best three days she ever had…and can’t actually remember. The moment she sees her very hot husband after eight years, with his works-well-with-his-hands attitude, she’s sure their wedding night must have been explosive.

The absolute last person Finnegan Garrity expected at his door is Maggie—his ultimate “one who got away.” Yet here she is in his small-town boat shop, looking just as adorable as ever…and wanting a divorce. Yeah, he has no intention of letting that happen. Now he’s got one week to convince Maggie that they’re still perfect for each other.

But he’s going to need more than just a do-over: he’s going to need a miracle.

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | AppleBooks

About Melissa MacKinnon:

Melissa spent her childhood exploring the coast of down east Maine without parental supervision and immersing herself in any book she could get her scrappy little hands on. Although she pursued a career in theater, the written word is her true calling. She leads a full life with her husband and six children traveling the country to wherever the Army sends them in her very large twelve passenger van, in what she lovingly deems “organized chaos”. She finds time to write in her “spare time”, somewhere in between soccer practices and nap time with coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. She loves creating unforgettable romance, and enjoys writing and reading everything from sexy, sword-toting heroes to spit-out-your-coffee funny romantic comedies… as long as she doesn’t get the book wet. She leaves that up to the characters.

Connect with Melissa:

Email | Melissa MacKinnon | Facebook | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Goodreads

#BookTour “The Book of Carraig” by Andrea Matthews @AMatthewsAuthor @SDSXX

The Book of Carraig
The Cross of Ciaran Series Book 2
by Andrea Matthews
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Almost a year after waking to find himself in twentieth-century New York, fifth-century Celt Ciarán Donnelly has finally returned to his childhood home, but Ireland is nothing like he remembers it. The realization is overwhelming and taking a toll on his relationship with archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell as well. Keeping his secret from her has been no easy task. Due to some quick thinking on the part of her Uncle Mike, however, Ciarán has managed to conceal the fact that he and the Celt that mysteriously disappeared from a local museum the previous year are one in the same.
 
Ciarán intends on keeping it that way, at least for the time being. Right now, there is another more pressing issue. He longs to locate the grave of his fifth-century wife. Her only crime was daring to love him, a guardian of the goddess, and for that he can never forgive himself. Even more urgent, he needs to figure out a way to wake his brother, Aodhán, and free him from the Dublin museum, where he continues to exist in the same centuries’ long sleep Ciarán had. At least, Ciarán hopes he does.
 
Of course, things never go according to plan. When a serial killer starts stalking the countryside, Ciarán may be the only one who can stop him. To do so, however, he’ll need to risk his own life, as well as that of his brother, thus revealing his secret and exposing the truth. But can he even defeat such a ruthless monster? Only the Book of Carraig holds the answer, but first, Ciarán needs to find it.
 
 

The Cross of Ciaran
The Cross of Ciaran Series Book 1
When a fifth century pagan priest is unearthed in Ireland fifteen hundred years after being entombed, archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell is convinced it’s the find of the century. The body is in perfect condition, right down to the intricate tattoos adorning the Celt’s skin. In fact, if scientific data hadn’t proved otherwise, she would swear he hadn’t been interred more than a few hours.
 
Eager to discover more about the mysterious Celt, Caitlin accompanies the body back to the New York museum where she’s employed, but before she has time to study him, the priest disappears without a trace. Rumors surrounding the event begin to circulate and result in the excavation’s benefactor pulling the plug on the entire expedition.
 
The rumors are not far off the mark though. After being buried alive for betraying his goddess and his priesthood in the dawning age of Christianity, Ciarán wakes to a strange new world. Alone and frightened in an unforgiving city, he stumbles upon the only thing familiar to him and seeks sanctuary within the church walls. With the help of the parish’s pastor, Father Mike, Ciarán slowly grows accustomed to his surroundings, though he’s plagued by dark dreams and the disturbing sensation that an evil from his past has followed him into the future. But a more immediate danger lurks on his doorstep.
 
Caitlin is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery concerning her missing Celt, and when she meets her Uncle Mike’s new handyman, Ciarán Donnelly, she’s convinced the handsome Irishman knows more about the theft than he’s letting on. Yet, even she can’t deny the attraction between them, simmering below the surface and blurring the lines between her personal and professional life. But will Ciarán’s secrets draw them together or shatter their future forever?

Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. In fact, it was while doing some genealogical research that she stumbled across the history of the Border reivers. The idea for her first novel came to mind almost at once, gradually growing into the Thunder on the Moor series. And the rest is history, as they say.
 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
$15 Amazon giftcard,
ebooks of Book 1 and 2 of my other series Thunder on the Moor
– 1 winner each!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Such a Good Girl” by Willow Rose @madamwillowrose #Mystery #Suspense #Thriller



Such a Good Girl
Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Book 9
by Willow Rose
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller


FBI-profiler Eva Rae Thomas faces a devious plan in bestselling author Willow Rose’s blood-rushing thriller of murder and revenge.
A girl falls from the penthouse floor of an apartment in Washington, D.C.
Media Mogul Richard Wanton owns the apartment and is seen standing on the balcony when the girl falls.
He is accused of killing her, but the FBI is struggling to find enough solid evidence to convict him.
They have a witness, someone who was in the apartment when it happened, but she doesn’t want to talk to them.
She’ll only speak to one person, ex-FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas. The problem is, Eva Rae Thomas has no interest in talking to her.
As a matter of fact, she’d rather see this woman dead than have to face her.
But Eva Rae Thomas isn’t someone who can leave a case alone, especially not when she starts to ask questions and things aren’t adding up.
As she digs in deeper—with the entire world watching—she soon finds herself in too deep and realizes she can’t trust anyone’s motives.
But by then, it is too late, and the killer is already tracking her down.

**Only 99 cents June 25th – 29th!!**
Goodreads * Amazon



Willow Rose is a multi-million-copy best-selling Author and an Amazon ALL-star Author of more than 80 novels.
Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than six million books all over the world.
She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.
Willow’s books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won’t see coming. That’s why her fans call her The Queen of Plot-Twists.
Willow lives on Florida’s Space Coast with her husband and two daughters. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watching the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.


Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$50 Amazon

#BookTour “Two Kinds of Us” by Sarah Sutton @SarahMaeSutton @SDSXX

Love in Fenton County Book 5
by Sarah Sutton
Genre: YA Romance
DIAMONDS MEET ROCK ‘N ROLL AND SECRETS MEET THEIR END.
In a life of diamond bracelets and country clubs, I’m the perfect daughter. I get all the right grades, volunteer at all the right organizations, apply to all the right colleges.
And I hate every second of it. At the rate my life is playing out, under the strict rule of my parents, politicians and housewives will be my future.
Until I meet Harry.
Harry’s a singer in a rock band with a voice so beautiful that I actually feel hypnotized. Doesn’t hurt that he’s hot either, and with the kind, flirty personality to match, it’s the perfect trifecta. And even better, he sees the me I want to be. He sees me as the girl who can break free of the life she’s trapped in, who can control her own future.
The only problem? He knows me as Stella, my fun, carefree alter ego—so drastically different from Destelle, the girl who is trapped in the life her parents rule.
But as we get closer, I realize Harry’s keeping a secret of his own, something related to the dark past that he’s trying to move on from, and when I find out, everything we’ve built could come crashing down.
This is the fifth book in the Love in Fenton County Series, but can be read as a standalone. Check out this Opposites Attract + Hidden Identities Romance today!
Sarah Sutton is the author of YA Contemporary Romance books from a tiny town in Michigan. These standalone novels can be read in any order and are sure to leave you swooning. She’s always loved the idea of falling in love; capturing the fall through words and heart-melting kisses is one of her passions! Meet-cutes? She’ll take all of them! Accidental touches? She lives for them! First kisses? Yes, please!
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$25 Amazon

#BookTour “Dandelion Dreams” by Penny Harmon @PennyH_Author @SDSXX

Dandelion Dreams
Cove’s Port Series Book 1
by Penny Harmon
Genre: Women’s Fiction

A dream can change more than once in a lifetime!
Madelyn “Maddie” Jones loves Jimmy Choos, fancy restaurants, and the city life she worked so hard to create. With a promotion on the line, she can’t let anything get in her way. Not staying out late. Not partying. Not friends. And definitely not love!
But when a phone call sends her life spinning out of control, she has no choice to put everything on hold and move to Maine.
Dandelion Farm isn’t what she expected. With five dogs, a slew of farm animals, and Kyle, her aunt’s adopted son with special needs, Maddie has her work cut out for her.
Will Lincoln Davies, Kyle’s social worker, drive Maddie away? Or worse-convince her to stay?
Penny Harmon began writing at an early age and developed a great love of words over the years. After her children were grown, she took her writing more seriously and has published in both newspapers and magazines. In January of 2016, her first novella, Complicated Inheritance, was published and in March of 2016, the first book, I Saw Him First, of the Rocky Isle Romance series was published. Five more books in the Rocky Isle Romance series have since been published.
In 2017, Penny branched out with her first women’s fiction novel, Dragonfly Wishes and, soon after, published Love’s Song with Sweet Promise Press. Love’s Song is not available at the moment, but will be re-released with a new title.
Her book Dandelion Dreams just released on June 3, 2021.
Penny lives in Maine with her long-time partner, Dan, three grandchildren, three cats, and one dog. She enjoys spending time with all nine of her grandchildren and enjoys working on DIY projects, especially those of repurposing.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$25 Amazon

#NewRelease “MISCHIEF AFTER MIDNIGHT” by @Jen_Bernard -@InkSlingerPR

MISCHIEF AFTER MIDNIGHT
by Jennifer Bernard
is out now! Check out the gorgeous new contemporary romance and grab your copy today!

Title: Mischief After Midnight
Author: Jennifer Bernard
Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Mischief After Midnight:

A sizzling “brother’s best friend” standalone in the Lost Harbor, Alaska series

Bartender Toni Del Rey is the quick-witted queen of the Olde Salt Saloon, famous for trading barbs with grizzled fishermen and putting rowdy customers in their place. Independent and fearless, she’s only ever lost her cool over one man—the childhood crush who got away. These days she sticks to the F’s: friends, fun, and fu…well, you know. But now Bash is back, and more crush-worthy than ever. Worst of all, he just bought the Olde Salt, which makes him her brand-new boss.

Bash left Lost Harbor long ago to become a professional fighter—and to forget his nightmarish childhood. He’s only back to return a favor, but when he sets eyes on Toni, he may never want to leave again. His best friend’s little sister has gone from tomboy to tempting, from mischievous to maddening—a fact he can’t ignore while they work side by side at the Olde Salt. But between Toni’s fierce independence, his reputation as “Bad News” Bash, and a few deep dark secrets, they’re hardly suited to anything lasting.

Then again, you never know what a little mischief after midnight will lead to…

Order Your Copy Today:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | GooglePlay

Exclusive Excerpt:

Trembling between anger and vulnerability, she’d never looked more beautiful to him. Her wide eyes seemed to take up half her face, her thick lashes damp with tears. She’d been through a terrible twenty-four hours, after all. And now he’d added to it, which was the last thing he’d ever want.

“You can jab me with that cactus if it’ll make you feel better.”

She looked at it as if she’d completely forgotten it was in her hand. “Excuse me? That’s no way to treat a perfectly innocent plant.”

He smiled, hoping that her joke meant she was feeling better. “Are cactuses innocent, though? With all those spikes?”

“It’s cacti, not cactuses, and don’t you dare disrespect mine. I’ve always related to this little guy. We have so much in common. There’s the liquor connection. The South American origins. The prickly exterior.” Her voice caught and he couldn’t bear it any more.

He strode toward her and caught her in his arms—gingerly, because she still held that cactus. “Toni. I’m really fucking sorry I ever made that bet. I’d rather gnaw my arm off than hurt you.”

She trembled against him. He felt her long, fine-boned legs press against his thighs. His brain hazed over, and all he knew in the entire world was her. Would she believe him? Know he was being real? That he wasn’t playing some kind of game with her?

“Really?” she muttered from behind her cactus. He lowered his head so he didn’t miss a word. “Do you mean the right one with the really great uppercut? Or the left one that sometimes drops and leaves you exposed?”

He looked down at her, then took the cactus from her hand and set it on the desk. Cupping her head in his hands, he scanned her face. That Toni bravado undid him. Even when she was injured, hurt, confused—she kept her sense of humor.

His heart gave a slow, helpless somersault, an upside down roundabout turn that left him somewhere very different when it was over. It left him at her mercy. Completely and hopelessly.

“Both my arms. And my legs. All the damn body parts. You can have them. Just tell me you’re okay. Tell me you forgive me.”

She blinked at him, looking a little stunned. “It matters to you that much?”

“That much. Yes.” Was all his pent-up emotion showing on his face? He didn’t care. He wanted her to know how much this meant. Cautiously, braced for rejection, he tilted her head and lowered his mouth to hover above hers. “Are we okay?”

“I’m still quitting the Olde Salt,” she whispered. The movement of her full lips riveted him. He wetted his own lips because his mouth had just gone dry.

“I don’t care about that,” he said harshly. “I just want to know that we’re okay. You and me.”

He caught her rough swallow, the shift of the muscles in her slim throat. Then another soft whisper.

“We could be better.”

“How? What can I do? Just tell me.”

“Take me to bed,” came her answer.

About Jennifer Bernard:

Jennifer Bernard is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. Her books have been called “an irresistible reading experience” full of “quick wit and sizzling love scenes.” A graduate of Harvard and former news promo producer, she left big city life for true love in Alaska, where she now lives with her husband and stepdaughters. She still hasn’t adjusted to the cold, so most often she can be found cuddling with her laptop and a cup of tea. Sign up for her newsletter for book news and fun exclusives.

Connect with Jennifer:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Reader Group | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon | Bookbub | Goodreads