{Cover Reveal + Excerpt} Black Iris by Leah Raeder

I am so freaking excited and honored to have been given the chance to reveal to you the cover of Black Iris by Leah Raeder. I am an insanely huge fan of Leah and I am seriously just dying to read this book. I hope you love this cover as much as I do!

Title: Black Iris

Author: Leah Raeder

Publisher: Atria

Publication date: April 28th 2015

Pre-order the book: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

It only took one moment of weakness for Laney Keating’s world to fall apart. One stupid gesture for a hopeless crush. Then the rumors began. Slut, they called her. Queer. Psycho. Mentally ill, messed up, so messed up even her own mother decided she wasn't worth sticking around for.

If Laney could erase that whole year, she would. College is her chance to start with a clean slate.

She's not looking for new friends, but they find her: charming, handsome Armin, the only guy patient enough to work through her thorny defenses—and fiery, filterless Blythe, the bad girl and partner in crime who has thorns of her own.

But Laney knows nothing good ever lasts. When a ghost from her past resurfaces—the bully who broke her down completely—she decides it's time to live up to her own legend. And Armin and Blythe are going to help.

Which was the plan all along.

Because the rumors are true. Every single one. And Laney is going to show them just how true.

She's going to show them all.

BLACK IRIS by Leah Raeder

     April is the cruelest month, T.S. Eliot said, and that’s because it kills. It’s the month with the highest suicide rate. You’d think December, or even January—the holidays and all that forced cheer and agonized smiling pushing fragile people to the edge—but actually it’s spring, when the world wakes from frostbound sleep and something cruel and final stirs inside those of us who are broken. Like Eliot said: mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. In the deepest throes of depression, when sunlight is anguish and the sky throbs like one big raw migraine and you just want to sleep until you or everything else dies, you’re less likely to commit suicide than someone coming out of a depressive episode. Drug companies know this. That’s why antidepressants have to be marked with the warning MAY CAUSE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS.

     Because what brings you back to life also gives you the means to destroy yourself.

About the author:

Leah Raeder is a writer and unabashed nerd. Aside from reading her brains out, she enjoys graphic design, video games, fine whiskey, and the art of self-deprecation. She lives with her very own manic pixie dream boy in Chicago.

You can stalk find her here:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Goodreads

Also, if y'all are interested, join Leah Raeder's fangroup, the Raeder Readers! You'll get all sorts of exclusive stuff (giveaways, excerpts, boobies, and more)! Just click the photo below to be a part of something rainbowy and amazing.

Big thanks to Leah Raeder and Atria for organizing this cover reveal!

{Cover Reveal + Excerpt} The Librarian Principle by Helena Hunting

We are so excited to unveil the cover of Helena Hunting's The Librarian Principle! It is one of our most anticipated reads of 2014 so we're really looking forward to this one.

Title: The Librarian Principle
Author: Helena Hunting
Publication date: December 21st 2014



Annaliese Harper knows that one tiny mistake can jeopardize a career before it’s even begun. Letting your boss find the extensive collection of porn on your personal laptop is one way. Sleeping with him is another. Liese manages to do both.

As the new librarian at a prestigious small-town private high school, Liese is drawn to her sexy, charismatic principal, Ryder Whitehall—an attraction she refuses to acknowledge given their relationship and her recent liberation from a delusional ex-boyfriend.

Liese is certain Ryder’s flirtation is the product of her sex-deprived imagination—until he discovers her digital porn stash during working hours and demands a private meeting. Behind closed doors, their attraction explodes into a dangerous, passionate affair that not only threatens their jobs and reputations, but most of all, their hearts.

     Liese was in the middle of adjusting her skirt when her phone chimed. She rummaged around inside her purse and found Marissa had sent her a message. Against her better judgment, she checked it. There was no text, only a photo, and it was too small in the message window to adequately discern the content. She clicked the image, and it expanded on the screen.

     A noise that sounded vaguely like a cat dying escaped her. Marissa had done it again. Ryder's head was superimposed onto the body of yet another well-hung porn star, and this time the image also included a woman—superimposed with Liese’s face—sprawled out over a desk, much like the one she stood in front of now.

     “Hi there.”

   Liese screamed, caught completely unaware. She turned to find Ryder standing in her office doorway, leaning against the jamb, his coat thrown over his arm, briefcase in hand. His suit jacket was unbuttoned, giving him a more relaxed look than usual. And sexier. If that was possible.

    “Sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you,” he said. “You seemed rather invested in whatever you were reading just now.”

     Liese hit the button on her phone, and the screen went blank. “It was my girlfriend,” she explained.

     Ryder stared at her, unblinking.

     At his lack of reaction, she elaborated. “My best friend—she's expecting me later this evening. She was just checking in.”

     “Oh.” He sounded relieved for some reason she couldn't fathom. “Am I keeping you? We can reschedule for next week if you need to go.”

     “No, no, it's fine. I'm happy to meet with you, unless you have another engagement.” Liese slid her phone back into her purse, turning off the volume as she did so.

     “I have no prior engagements.”

     They stared at each other for a few interminable seconds before Liese realized they were on her territory, and she should invite him in. “Would you like to work in my office or out there?” Liese gestured to the empty library beyond.

    He glanced over his shoulder and then surveyed their current surroundings. “I think your office would be more private.”

     “Sure. Right.” Liese nodded, clutching the back of her chair.

     “Unless you'd be more comfortable working out there,” Ryder supplied, watching her speculatively from his spot in the doorway.

     “What? Oh, no. Not at all. I'm perfectly comfortable with you in me.”

     His shock formed a counterpoint to her horror.

     “In my office! I'm perfectly comfortable working with you in my office.”

About the author:

Helena Hunting lives on the outskirts of Toronto with her incredibly tolerant family and two moderately intolerant cats. She’s putting her degree in English Lit to good use by writing contemporary erotic romance. She is the author of Clipped Wings, her debut novel, and Inked Armor.​

You can find her here:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

{Cover Reveal + Excerpt} Easy Virtue by Mia Asher

I really enjoyed Mia Asher's Arsen (my review here) so I am very excited to reveal the cover of her upcoming novel, Easy Virtue.

Title: Easy Virtue

Author: Mia Asher

Publication date: December 3rd 2014

Love is selfish…

My name is Blaire.

I’m the bad girl.

The other woman.

The one who never gets the guy in the end.

I’m the gold digger.

The bitch.

The one no one roots for.

The one you love to hate.

I hate myself too.

Everyone has a story. Are you ready for mine?

Part I

Innocence

Past

     What is love?

     I don’t know.

     I’ve never had it.

     Is it even real?

     No, I don’t think so. I mean, how can I believe in love when I’ve never witnessed it? When it seems to only exist in books and films, or in the lives of more fortunate people than me? Trust me, I know.

     Love is my personal chimera.

     I am gazing at brown eyes, admiring the richness of the color, the beauty of the man to whom they belong to.

     “You’re so beautiful, Blaire … so wet,” he murmurs, his hand going between my legs as he begins to rub me. His fingers spread me open to their soft invasion, tuning my body to his wants and needs, preparing me to be taken as the hot friction of his touch lights a wild fire within my body. It’s not the first time he has touched me like this, but each time feels better and better—the sensations all-consuming and heady.

     One finger.

     Two fingers.

     One finger.

     Two fingers.

     Over and over again.

     His invasion is fast and slow, deep and shallow. His touch is soiled heaven.

     As I open my legs wider for him, I wonder if it feels this good because of him or because I’m taking something that doesn’t belong to me and making it mine.

     “Oh God … I love you, Blaire. I love you … I love you …” he pants in my ear.

     “Don’t stop … it feels so good,” I breathe.

     Okay, maybe it’s because at this moment in time this man thinks he loves me and no one else but me, however false his proclamation may be.

     I close my eyes as his lips land on mine. He kisses me softly as if I’m made out of gold, kissing me with that familiar mouth I’ve seen smile tenderly at me so many times before. The assault of his tongue debilitates me but doesn’t incapacitate me.

     “It’s four dollars, gorgeous,” the cute barista says, smiling at me.

     I’m about to pay for my cappuccino when I hear a deep, manly voice say, “Let me get that for you.”

     A man wearing a beige suit comes forward, standing next to me as he hands the barista some bills.          “I’ve seen you around … you’re Paige’s friend.”

     I smile, licking my suddenly dry lips. “Thank you, and yes … I know Paige.”

     The smile on his handsome face seems to freeze as his gaze follows the tip of my tongue, the spark of hunger brightening his eyes. Inwardly, I smile because who knew it was so easy to make men desire me, particularly when I went without attention for so long.

     “My pleasure. Are you,” he coughs, “here with someone else?”

     I shake my head and look at him through fluttering eyelashes. “No, I’m here all by myself.” I pause, touching his arm invitingly, and smile. “Would you like to join me?”

     He looks around the coffee shop, probably considering if he should, if it’s proper to do so, but less than five seconds later, he’s staring at me once again. “Sure.”

     Yes, just like that.

     The beige walls are spinning.

     The clock is ticking.

     The bedsprings creak as the moon cries outside the motel window.

     And the man above me kisses me while he fingers me, preparing me for him. Gotta love such a thoughtful man.

     I can taste his sweet saliva mixing with mine, and I love it.

     “Please,” I beg against his lips, reaching for his hard cock and wrapping my fingers around it. “I’m ready.”

     I feel his mouth leave mine as he begins to make his way down my partially dressed body. “Are you sure, Blaire? Are you sure you want to do this with me?”

     I open my eyes to witness what I think I want him to do. No, what I’m sure I want him to do. I can’t help the smile I feel playing on my lips as I see him struggling with his conscience. He asks me if I’m sure when he has already fucked my mouth with his cock countless number of times, when his fingers have filled every orifice of my body. Should I laugh? No … I decide to take pity instead.

     “I’m sure, so sure,” I say, letting my arms land like dead weight on the bed, the cheap fabric rough against my skin.

     “All right.”

     When I feel the bed dip between my legs, I instinctively open them for him and watch as he brings a condom package to his mouth. As he rips it open with his teeth, I admire his perfect full lips that emphasize how masculine he is.

     I feel pleased with myself.

     So fucking pleased because he wants me.

     Mr. Callahan wants me. Me. Can you believe it? Chubby Blaire. Ugly and awkward Blaire.

     Unlovable Blaire.

     I guess I’m not that ugly anymore. My body? What was considered fat as a child is now called boobs and ass. Guys want it. They want me. They want to touch me, grope me, feel me … they want to screw me. And it feels good to be wanted … so good. It makes me feel powerful, and like a potent drug spreading inside your bloodstream, I want more.

     I need more.

     “Hurry up,” I say, not bothering to be shy or coy about it. I mean, he brought me here to have sex, right?

     “Fuck, give me a second, Blaire. Trying to get the damn condom on my dick.”

     As he rolls the rubber on his stiff dick, his eyes wonder over my bare chest, my face, my spread legs. Shaking his head as if trying to clear his mind, he mutters, “You’re so beautiful. I want you so much.”

     That’s not the first time I have heard those words come out of a man’s mouth. Josh tells me all the time how beautiful I am, how perfect I am, how much he wants me, how much he loves me. But he’s my friend with benefits. The words kind of lose their meaning when it’s the same person saying them to you over and over again.

     “Show me.”

     Those two words are all it takes for him to spread my legs wider with his hands and finally enter me with his throbbing dick. Pain shoots through my body, and a groan escapes my mouth when he covers my body with his. I feel his whole length inside me in one deep thrust.

     “Christ, you’re so tight.”

     He lifts both my legs, wrapping them around his lean waist and starts to thrust. Hard. It hurts. But I like the pain. It sobers me.

     And that’s when reality comes crashing down on me. It hits me with the speed and blinding power of a torpedo, making me realize what I’m doing. What I’m giving away and the man doesn’t even know it.

     What the hell am I doing?

     Proving that you are your mother’s daughter.

     Making her proud.

     The room is filled with the noises of the man grunting his pleasure and the wet slapping of our skin; it makes me want to gag. I want to throw up. Maybe it’s the alcohol I drank.

     Maybe it’s self-disgust.

     The initial pain is gone and now I just feel sore. And strange.

     His beautiful face lowers, his lips about to connect with mine, and I feel the bile rise inside my throat. I turn my face to the side, his kiss landing on my cheek. My eyes watch the way the lights in the bathroom illuminate all its used and dirty ugliness.

     “Oh God, I’m going to come … I’m going to come … I’m going to come,” he continues to pant in my ear, pumping in and out of my body. Before I know what’s happening, he half-screams and half groans, his body going tense on top of mine.

     And just like that it’s over. In less than five minutes I’ve managed to kill a part of me.

     Our breathing evens and he pulls out, moving to stand up. I push myself up on my elbows to see him inspect his condom. It still glistens. By the time he lifts his eyes, connecting with mine, I’ve already wrapped my body with the duvet cover.

     Confusion, shock, and pleasure reflect in those brown eyes. “I-I didn’t know … I …” His hands go to his hair as we stare at each other. “I didn’t know you were a virgin.”

     I shrug my shoulder carelessly, causing the duvet to slide down, exposing my bare breasts to him. His eyes immediately flare with lust. “It doesn’t matter … I wanted it to be you.”

     And that’s the truth.

     “But—”

    “But nothing. If it bothers you, then forget it happened. I already did,” I say, ending the conversation.

    This is my body. I will have the last word. Not him. Not anyone. This is my life. This is my decision.

    Without giving myself a chance to doubt my next words, I turn to look at him in all his naked beauty, the gold wedding ring on his finger catching my attention. “Don’t worry, Mr. Callahan … I won’t tell your daughter that you fucked her classmate.”

     And with that, I seal my destiny.

About the author:

My name is Mia Asher.

I'm a writer, a hopeless romantic, a wanderer, a dreamer, a cynic, and a believer. And, oh yes…I might be a bit crazy - but who isn't?

You can stalk follow her here:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

{Cover Reveal} Excerpt: His Reverie by Monica Murphy

We are so excited to unveil the cover for Monica Murphy's His Reverie! His Reverie is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance novel!

Title: His Reverie
Author: Monica Murphy
Publication date: July 28th 2014



I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers.

The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.

Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine.

“Thirsty?”

I jump at the sound of a soft female voice, my hand jerking so the hose splashes me right in the face. Muttering a curse, I drop the hose and reach out blindly, wrenching the faucet off with one hand as I swipe at my eyes with the back of the other. I hear the girl laugh and I whirl around, fully prepared to find some bratty preteen Hale daughter mocking me.

But she’s not a preteen. Not even close. More like around my age. She’s tall and slender, her long blonde hair falling far past bared tan shoulders. She’s wearing some sort of sundress or whatever you call it and she’s pretty much covered since it hits just above her knees, though her arms are exposed since the dress is sleeveless. The sun catches her just right though, shining through the thin fabric of her skirt so I can see through it.

My gaze drops and all I can see is long, long legs through the shadowy fabric. Damn. Those sexy legs are endless. She clears her throat, like she knows exactly where I’m looking and what I’m thinking and I jerk my gaze up guiltily to meet hers, feeling like a jackass.

That’s when I notice her eyes are blue. As blue as the sky above us, and she’s so damn pretty, with delicate features and pink, pink lips, that I can’t seem to form words.

“Who are you?” she asks curiously. Her voice washes over me, sweet and melodic and now it’s my turn to clear my throat to get the lump out so I can freaking speak.

“Who are you?” I ask back like an idiot.

She smiles shyly and my entire body reacts, a bolt of electricity seeming to go through me. “I asked first.”

“Are you Hale’s daughter?” If she is, that sucks because holy hell she’s hot but yeah.

She’s completely untouchable if she’s a Hale.

“What if I am?” She kicks at the ground with her sandaled foot, her cheeks coloring the faintest pink. Innocence radiates from her. She looks like a damn angel and seems a little uncomfortable with me.

Despite her seeming discomfort, I think she might be trying to flirt with me.

“Well, I’d make sure and be extra polite to you since I work for your dad.” I go with the truth because I don’t want any problems from this girl. I probably shouldn’t even be alone with her. She could say anything, accuse me of something terrible and I’d have no defense. Her word against mine.

And her word would win every single time.

Another laugh escapes her and she slowly shakes her head. “I like your honesty.”

I like everything about her so far but I keep my lips clamped shut. I’ve already said enough to make myself look like a total loser.“So I’m guessing you’re definitely Hale’s daughter?”

About the author:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

You can find her here:

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Author Goodreads

{Cover Reveal} Flat-Out Celeste by Jessica Park

We were introduced to Celeste in Flat-Out Love and readers wanted more! Well, more they shall have! Look at this amazing cover and take a peek inside FLAT-OUT CELESTE! Yes, I love both Celeste and the cover! So excited to see her all grown up and to finally see things from Celeste's point of view.

COMING SOON!

Title: Flat-Out Celeste (Flat-Out Love #2)
Author: Jessica Park

Whether you were charmed by Celeste in Flat-Out Love or are meeting her for the first time, this book is a joyous celebration of differences, about battling private wars that rage in our heads and in our hearts, and—very much so— this is a story about first love.. 

For high-school senior Celeste Watkins, every day is a brutal test of bravery. And Celeste is scared. Alienated because she’s too smart, her speech too affected, her social skills too far outside the norm, she seems to have no choice but to retreat into isolation. 

But college could set her free, right? If she can make it through this grueling senior year, then maybe. If she can just find that one person to throw her a lifeline, then maybe, just maybe.

Justin Milano, a college sophomore with his own set of quirks, could be that person to pull her from a world of solitude. To rescue her—that is, if she’ll let him. 

Together, they may work. Together, they may save each other. And together they may also save another couple—two people Celeste knows are absolutely, positively flat-out in love.

     There was a knock at the door and Matt leaned in, swinging a brown paper bag in her direction. “I heard Mom made stuffed peppers tonight. Last time she made those, I nearly died from flatulence. I assume she stuffed them with her usual repulsive ground chicken, quinoa, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate seed mix?”

Just the sound of Matt’s voice made Celeste relax. She smiled at him. “Based on the smell, I believe you’re right.”

“So you didn’t eat then? I was right!” Matt flopped onto her bed and lay down, his long body scrunching up the neat white comforter that she spent ten minutes arranging before she’d gone to school this morning. “I thought I’d take a break from studying and bring you something edible.”

“It smells like a burger from Mr. Bartley’s,” she said as she got up and took a seat next to Matt. “Hand it over, thoughtful brother.”

He tightened a hand around the top of the bag. “You have to guess which kind I brought you first.”

“How am I supposed to know?”

“Close your eyes.”

She did as instructed and felt him move the bag under her nose. Sweet, spicy... a bit garlicky. “Aha! Boursin cheese and bacon! The Mark Zuckerberg burger!”

“And sweet potato fries and a bottle of iced tea, but you win. A burger named after ‘the richest geek in America,’ as the restaurant calls him.”

“You will be the richest geek in America after you finish your Ph.D. Program,” Celeste said through a mouthful of fries.

“If M.I.T. doesn’t land me in a psych unit first.”

“You only have this year left to endure. And you will hardly find yourself in need of psychiatric care, Matthew. You are doing stupendously.”

“I’m scraping by.” Matt reached into the bag and grabbed a handful of fries and opened her iced tea.

“You are not ‘scraping by.’ You are assistant teaching classes, excelling in your own, and in all ways performing to standards that exceed even the high ones our mother set for you.” She frowned as he chewed on the fries. “Did you not eat?”

“I did. A Big Papi burger and a Fiscal Cliff. But you can never have enough sweet potato fries.”

“I have a finite amount of my own from which you are stealing. But I shall not complain because this was very kind of you.”

Matt chewed and studied her. “Are you okay?”

“Why do you ask?”

“No contractions. When you’re stressed out, they disappear.”

“I know. But most days I do not care to use them. If it is an effort, then I do not push.”

“Okay. I get it.” He chewed for a minute. “I heard your presentation went well. Did your friends like it?”

“It went marvelously. My friend Dallas took me aside to share quite the flow of compliments.”

“That’s great, Celeste.” He was downing half her iced tea.

“And then I bitch slapped her.”

Matt choked on the drink and desperately tried to clear his airway. “I’m sorry. You did what?”

She cocked her head. “I bitch slapped her.”

“That... that can’t be right,” he sputtered. “I mean, I hope it’s not.”

“I slapped my hand against her hand. Up in the air.” She looked at Matt blankly. “Is that not the right term?”

“Thank God, no, it’s not. I think you mean a high-five.”

“If you say so. Well, either way, it happened. You know I have trouble with colloquialisms, so I resent your shocked reaction.”

“I do know that about you, and I apologize.”

“Since we are on the subject, there is something else I would like for you to clarify.”

“Shoot.”

“What is meant by ‘nut bag’? Is that a testicular reference or merely the identification of a satchel of cashews or pecans?”

Matt groaned. “This conversation has gotten really weird. Could we just talk about— Wait a minute. Why are you asking me this? Did someone say that to you?” He looked angry.

Celeste picked at her fry. “No. Certainly not. I heard the term and had a natural curiosity.”

“Okay then...” Her brother crumpled up the paper bag and then smoothed it out in his hands. Then crumpled it again. “It’s the same as ‘nuts.’ You know, crazy.”

“Thank you for the definition.” She took the last bite of her burger and wiped her hands on one of the paper napkins. It shouldn’t matter what her classmates thought of her. Celeste would just be strong about this. She would move on.

PURCHASE-- FLAT-OUT LOVE and FLAT-OUT MATT on Amazon. FLAT-OUT LOVE at Barnes and Noble.

About the Author:

Jessica is the author of LEFT DROWNING, the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (and the companion piece FLAT-OUT MATT), and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.

Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessicapark and Twitter @JessicaPark24.

{Cover Reveal} Excerpt: Changing Forever by Lisa De Jong

We are super excited to be unveiling the cover of Lisa De Jong's newest novel, Changing Forever (the second book in her Rain series). And trust us, it's absolutely gorgeous... (We also have an excerpt for all of y'all!)

Title: Changing Forever (Rain #2)

Author: Lisa De Jong

Publication date: June 24 2014

I’ve always let my past dictate my future, letting it paint a picture of exactly what I don’t want to be. Where I don’t want to end up.

Drake Chambers is as arrogant as I am stubborn. A college quarterback, a national star. I thought he was just another one of those guys … the type every girl should stay away from, but he’s carrying more than the weight of the football team on his shoulders.

He unravels the feelings and beliefs I’ve held onto for so long.

I thought we had it all figured out. Two people who’d finally found their happily ever after, but the past always has a way of sneaking into the present.

With one decision, everything changes … forever.

     Scanning the room again, I see her standing with Cole Dillon, laughing at whatever he’s saying. Cole’s one of the few guys on the team that I don’t consider to be a complete dickhead, at least when it comes to the way he treats girls. He’s one of the only guys who doesn’t disappear into a bedroom every Saturday night at these parties. He’s also the type of guy Emery deserves which makes watching this that much more difficult.

     I stay in put, trying to convince myself she needs her space. I’m not good at this, and it all goes out the fucking window when he puts his hand on her arm. My jaw clenches as I walk to where they stand, ignoring the crowds of people I pass. Just as I reach them, Emery throws her head back in laughter again, and Cole looks at her with a loving glint in his eye. At this point, he’ll be lucky if I throw the ball to him at all next Saturday.

     When Emery finally sees me, she stops, putting her hand on Cole’s forearm. “Why didn’t you tell me Cole was so funny?"

     My cheeks are probably bright red, because my face is fucking burning. “I guess I didn’t realize Cole was a comedian off the field.” There’s a venomous bite to my voice. The way his expression changes tells me he heard it.

     “He was telling me stories about the team’s road trips. I’m surprised any of these guys have girlfriends.” She smiles, bumping her shoulder against his. If she’s trying to irritate me, she’s doing a great job.

     I clench my fists at my sides, trying hard to hold myself back. “I think it’s time for us to go,” I say, staring straight at Emery.

      “But I’m just starting to have fun. Besides, you didn’t really want to come here together anyway. I’m sure Cole will give me a ride home.” She looks up to Cole again, and I swear to God I saw her wink.

     I can’t do this anymore. I know she’s mad about what happened earlier, and if she’s trying to get back at me, she’s succeeding. I can’t remember the last time I wanted to punch somebody, especially someone I like.

     Grabbing her free hand in mine, I walk to the door, giving her no choice but to follow. At first she drags her feet but I’m almost double her weight. She’s not going to win this battle.

     “Drake!” She tries to pull her fingers from mine, but I win again.

     “We’re leaving,” I say, not bothering to look back.

     Before I can take another step, Cole’s in front of me, eyes blazing. “I don’t think she wants to leave with you.”

     “She came with me. Now, get out of my way, Dillon. She’s fine,” I seethe. I just want to get the fuck out of here.

     He glances back at Emery, and even though I can’t see it, something must pass between them because he steps out of my path allowing me to walk past.

     “Are you sure you don’t want to leave with Olivia?” I hear her faint voice behind me.

     I stop, looking back. “What?”

    I expected pissed on Emery, but she looks hurt. Genuinely hurt. “I saw you with her earlier. She must be good enough to be seen with here.”

     Something snaps inside me. We continue the to fight our way through the crowd, but before we reach the door I change the plans. She tries to pull away from me but I don’t let her. Maybe it’s the two drinks I’ve had or the emotion I’m drowning in, but I find myself pulling her into the half bath off the living room. The look on her face when my eyes catch hers again is one of shocked surprise.

     When we’re both inside, I push the door shut, reaching behind her to lock it. She doesn’t take her eyes off me, and I can’t take mine off her. This girl … I don’t know what she’s doing to me.

     “You’re good enough, Emery. In fact, you’re too fucking good for me. Don’t you get it? I want you so bad right now, but I’m fighting it because you should be with someone like Cole. He can be what you need … I can’t.”

     Her eyes widen as she stares at me. “He’s not the one I want.”

     Grabbing her hips with my hands, I pull her body so it’s flush against mine. She trembles in my hold but the hungry look in her eyes begs me to continue.

     I run my fingertips up her sides, feeling the smooth texture of her t-shirt against my skin. Her chest heaves as my lips move toward hers. She’s hesitant; I feel it. I see it. This isn’t the first time I’ve done this to her, or the second.

     I stop when my lips are so close to hers that one could debate whether or not we’re actually touching. Her warm breath tickles my skin, making it impossible to think. “I’m going to kiss you.”

About the author:

Lisa De Jong is a wife, mother and full-time number cruncher who lives in the Midwest. Her writing journey involved insane amounts of coffee and many nights of very little sleep but she wouldn't change a thing. She also enjoys reading, football and music. She is the author of When It Rains, After the Rain, Plastic Hearts and Glass Hearts.

You can find her here:

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{Cover Reveal} Breathe with Me by Kristen Proby

We are so excited to be unveiling the cover of Kristen Proby's Breathe with Me, the seventh book in the With Me in Seattle series! I have legit read all the pubbed books in this series and I loved every single one of them so I am very excited to finally read Mark's story. I knew there was a hidden side to the guy. So without further ado, here is the cover of Breathe with Me (so gorgeous!)...

Title: Breathe with Me (With Me in Seattle #7)

Author: Kristen Proby
Publication date: June 24th 2014



Sometimes you meet the right person at the wrong time…

Mark Williams has loved Meredith since he was seventeen. A successful man with a strong family, he’s worked hard to move on from Meredith breaking his heart all those years ago. When his path crosses with the only woman he’s ever loved again years later, Mark knows there is nothing he won’t do to keep her in his life. But when the going gets tough, will Meredith stick around or will he lose her again?

…But true love has a way of finding its way back.

Meredith Summers is a dancer. One of the first things she learned in following her dreams is that timing is everything. She has spent the past ten years following her dream touring with mega-stars while trying to forget the high school sweetheart she left behind. Now she’s back in Seattle, running a successful dance studio with her best friend Jax and determined to move on from her gypsy past. Until the day she sees Mark Williams and time stands still. It’s as if no time has passed at all when Meredith finds herself in Mark’s arms again. The chemistry, the bonds and the love are as strong as ever and hearing Mark whisper breathe with me in her ear is a balm to her wounded soul. But will she grab onto this second chance at love, or is the timing all wrong for them again?

Don't miss catching up with the Montgomery and Williams clans in this latest installment of the With Me In Seattle Series from New York Times bestselling author, Kristen Proby.

“There were days that I would have exchanged a year of my life to just touch you one more time.” –Mark Williams

About the author:

Kristen is the author of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves.

Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

You can find her here:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads