Carver's Book Cravings: Blog Tour and Giveaway: After This Night by Lauren Blakely

~ Synopsis ~

This is the conclusion of Julia and Clay's story that began in the New York Times Bestseller Night After Night.

"Why do you like me tied up sometimes?"
"Because the way I feel for you is so out of control that this is one way for me to feel in control again."

Their world was passion, pleasure and secrets.

Far too many secrets. But Clay Nichols can't get Julia Bell out of his mind. He's so drawn to her, and to the nights they shared, that he can't focus on work or business. Only her. And she's pissing him off with her hot and cold act. She has her reasons though-she's trying to stay one step ahead of the trouble that's been chasing her for months now, thanks to the criminal world her ex dragged her into. If only she can get out of this mess, then maybe she can invite the man who ignites her back in her life, so she can have him-heart, mind and body.

He won't take less than all of her, and the full truth too. When he runs into her again at her sister's wedding, they have a second chance but she'll have to let him all the way in. And they'll learn just how much more there is to the intense sexual chemistry they share, and whether love can carry them well past the danger of her past and into a new future, after this night...

Please note: This book is intended for 18+ due to dirty talk, light bondage, and lots of sexy scenes.

~ Review ~

5 Stars

OMG what an ending to this serial series. I love Clay! Where can I find one of my own? And I need a Purple Snow Globe!!

Julia is trying to find a way to have Clay in her life and keep her secret! Things are coming to am end. She was given a deadline and now she either pays up or gets severely injured. She still doesn't want to open up to anyone. What will she do? Lose Clay? Or finally confess her secrets?

Clay needs Julia, but hates liars. He tries to forget her, but her can't. She is never far from his thoughts even though she is clear across the country from him. Will he pursue a relationship with her even though he thinks she is like his ex? Or will he open his heart and find real love?

This is an amazing series. I instantly fell in love with Clay and Julia and wanted them both to have their HEA!! I cannot wait for more books by Lauren Blakely!! She is becoming one of my go to authors when I need to get out of a book slump!!

~ Excerpt ~

Then he saw a new email land in his inbox. From her. The subject line gave nothing away: Hi. But Pavlovian response kicked in, and he opened it before he could think. Because seeing her name still felt like a damn good thing, still held the promise of a sexy note, a naughty line, or a sweet nothing. But more than any of those options, it held the promise of her.

from: purplesnowglobe@gmail.com

to: cnichols@gmail.com

date: April 25, 4:08 AM

subject: Hi

Clay,

Hi. I’m lying awake in bed thinking of last night. How only 24 hours ago you were here with me. How much better it was to sleep with your arms around me, all safe and warm and snug. How much I would love to have you here again. But I know that won’t happen. And I understand. I truly understand. If I were you, I would hate me too. If I were you, I’d be suspicious as hell. And I probably wouldn’t trust me either. So I get 100 percent where you’re coming from and I wish there were another way. I want you in my life so badly that I can feel this ache where you’re supposed to be. But I know I can’t have you, and I’m sorry I can’t be open right now. You deserve more than this. More than me. All I will say is this sucks, and if I could turn back time and do certain things over there’s a lot I would change.

But I wouldn’t change a second with you.

Wow. I just re-read my note. I think that’s the mushiest I’ve ever been with anyone. Damn, you did a number on me, and I’ve got it bad for you. I’m hitting send while I still have the guts in me to do so, even though I will probably regret it. Except this is all true.

Xoxo

Julia

He dropped his head in his hand, and cursed. A wave of frustration and longing rolled through him, and he knew he should turn the damn phone off and ignore her. But this woman, she was under his skin. He hated lies but he’d be lying to himself if he pretended he’d forgotten her in a day.

from: cnichols@gmail.com

to: purplesnowglobe@gmail.com

date: April 25, 7:12 AM

subject: Hi

I don’t hate you. The farthest thing from it.

He hit send before the regret washed over him, as it eventually would, he was sure.

~ Author Bio ~

Lauren Blakely writes sexy contemporary romance novels with heat, heart, and humor, and her books have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. Like the heroine in FAR TOO TEMPTING, she thinks life should be filled with family, laughter, and the kind of love that love songs promise. Lauren lives in California with her husband, children, and dogs. Her novels include Caught Up In Us, Pretending He’s Mine, Playing With Her Heart, and Trophy Husband. She also writes for young adults under the name Daisy Whitney.