Release Day Blitz: Something Reckless by Lexi Ryan

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Lexi Ryan

Adult Contemporary Romance

Release: December 22, 2014

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes


~ Synopsis ~

He talks dirty to me, but I don’t know his name.

He wants to tie me up, but I don’t know his face.

He turns me on, but I couldn’t point him out in a crowd.

I’ve fallen for an anonymous stranger, and tonight the anonymity ends. Tonight I want more than typed secrets and texted promises. I want something reckless. Heat. Passion. The thrill of being entirely possessed.

Because I suspect this anonymous stranger isn’t a stranger at all.

Lizzy Thompson met riverrat69 online through Something Real, a service promising to deliver meaningful relationships by forbidding its users to share names or photos until they’ve reached a certain benchmark. She was looking for love. He was researching an investment. They hit it off. Talked and flirted, hid behind screen names and cartoon avatars.

Now they’re breaking the rules and meeting in person. But Liz is prepared. She’s picked up hints and followed clues.

She’s ninety-percent convinced she’s discovered the identity of her dirty-talking online friend.

She wonders if her ex-lover Sam Bradshaw knows her identity too.

When she rolls the dice on one reckless night, her chance at something real could crumble.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22434551-something-reckless

~ Review ~

5 Stars 

I am absolutely in love with Sam.  He is amazing!!!  He almost made me forget about Max😊

Lizzy is trying to find what her sister and friends have. She wants to settle down and have a family.  She wants someone to love her for her and my just her body.  She has always wanted Sam, but she thinks he only wants her for sex.  Can she finally get Sam?  Or will what happened last summer be her downfall?

Sam wants Lizzy.  Always has and probably always will.  He regrets what he did in college or better yet what he didn't do.  He wishes he could turn back time.  He wants to be Liz, but can he get his family to except her? Especially his sister Della.  Can he finally get Liz to open up to him and realize that it isn't just sex he wants?

This is an amazing series.  I cannot wait to get the conclusion to this series.  You will love Sam and Lizzy.  You will learn that they both deserve to be happy.  But they both need to learn to open their hearts.  And forgive each other for past mistakes.

Lexi Ryan has out done herself again!!

~ Excerpt from Something Reckless ~

“You look amazing in this dress. I’ve been pretending all night that there’s something I want to do more than get you out of it.”

“What would you do with me if you got so lucky?”

“I’d keep you up all night, for starters.” He slides a hand into my hair and traces the side of my neck with his thumb. His groan rumbles through me. “Tell me what you came here for.”

I thought that was pretty clear. “I’m wearing extremely slutty underwear. What do you think?”

His nostrils flare and his breathing goes thready. “I think I’m going to have to up my game, because now I want to see it.”

I have to bite back a smile. “Good,” I say. My heart thumps out a beat, probably Morse code for please and thank you.

“How slutty is this underwear of yours?”

I lick my lips. “Oh, it’s damn near whorish.”

“Let me see it, Liz.”

I lift my chin and prop my hands on my hips. “Seriously? That’s all the seduction I get? Let me see it?”

He steps closer until I have to crane my neck to look at him, and holy hell he smells good. “What game are we playing here, Rowdy?” he murmurs against my ear. “Is this the one where we pretend we don’t want each other and sleep alone . . .” His fingers skim down my shoulder and my eyes float closed. “Or is it the one where I make you come so hard you scream my name and tomorrow you act like you want nothing to do with me?”

“Are those my only choices?” I ask, but I keep my eyes closed, focusing on the feel of his rough fingers dancing across my skin. The truth is, I don’t want to play either game. I’m done playing games when it comes to Sam. I’m done pretending I don’t want him when I do, and I’m done pretending our annual one-night stand is enough for me.

“Tell me you aren’t going to run away in the morning. Promise me you won’t shut me out again.”

I don’t know what that means, and I’m too scared to analyze it. My eyes are still closed when he takes my chin in his fingers and tilts my face up to his, still closed when he brushes his lips over mine and when I open under him because I’m helpless to this man’s kiss.

“Promise me,” he repeats.

“I won’t run away.” Then I unzip my dress and let it fall to the floor in a puddle, and my boldness is rewarded. Sam’s lips part and his breath escapes him in a rush.

He steps back and takes me in. The bra is strapless, black lace demi-cups that lift my breasts until they threaten to spill out. The panties—what there is of them—are a thong in matching black lace. Their fine lace straps sit in a sharp V high on my hipbones.

A ringlet of hair escaped my up-do, and he takes it between his fingers and twirls it around. I deserve a medal for not melting right here at his feet.

He hooks his index finger under the black bow between my bra cups. “Did you wear this for me?” His voice is a husky whisper that I can’t deny.

“Yes.”

His fingers skim my belly, trace over my hip, following the lace of my thong behind me to where the straps meet at the small of my back. My breath catches as he takes the fabric path over the curve of my tailbone and down, his fingers bringing every nerve ending to life as they pass. Electric pleasure whips through me.

“Fourteen months since I’ve touched you,” he says. “Fourteen months since I’ve gotten to hear the way you breathe when you’re turned on, since I’ve gotten to listen to you scream as I make you come. Tell me you haven’t thought about it.”

“I’d be lying.”

“Don’t lie,” he says, eyes hot and intense. “Just tell me you want me.”

Copyright Lexi Ryan, 2014

Adult Contemporary Romance

FREE introductory novella to the SOMETHING RECKLESS

Amazon | Amazon UK | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

  

~ Synopsis ~

“You need a good guy. A long-term guy. One who does dates and romance and emotional strings…I’m just an asshole who wants to tie you up, make you come, and walk away.”

Samuel Bradshaw is a man with a reputation—the kind of reputation that should have me running the other way. Instead, it has me searching for the shortest distance to his bed. I won’t be the starry-eyed girl who thinks she can change a man like Sam, and despite what he thinks, forever is not what I need. I need the things he makes me feel, the way he turns me on, and the promise of pleasure in his eyes. This promises to be SOMETHING WILD.

~ Review ~

5 Stars 

I'm not really sure how I feel about this book.  It was a big time tease.  It will definitely leave you begging to know more.  I'm also not a huge Sam fan, but I know I will eventually love him!!!

Liz has had a crush on Sam for years.  She tried to seduce him and he turned her away.  She has never forgotten what he did, but she still can't help but want him.  Even knowing how big of a manwhore he is.  But can she leave it at just one night?

Sam is a man who doesn't do love. He is content to have his fill of woman.  A new one every night.  He has wanted Liz, but when she tried to seduce him she was a minor.  He couldn't do that to her.  But now when his life is in turmoil he gets a chance at a night with Liz.  But can he turn her down again? Or will he give in and risk hurting her again?

This is a prelude to Sam and Lizzy's books,  and I cannot wait to find out more about them.  I really like Liz and it is heartbreaking to see how she thinks and the pain she is going to go through with Sam, because we know it isn't going to be easy.

~ About the Author ~

New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance author Lexi Ryan’s novels have been described as intense, emotional, and wickedly sexy. A former college professor, she now writes full-time from her home in Indiana, where she lives with her husband, two children, and a neurotic dog. Find her on Facebook or Twitter to chat about books, TV, and her children’s latest antics.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Release Day Blitz: Friction by L.D. Davis

~ Synopsis ~

Noa was trampled and nearly killed by hundreds of horny female fans at a concert for a band she didn't even like, but Alden, the bad boy lead singer of the band, saved her from the trampling tramps. Alden is used to getting what he wants, especially women, but Noa can't stand the cocky, pelvic thrusting rock star.

Noa reluctantly becomes friends with the rocker, under one condition: He promises not to try to have sex with her. But he didn't promise that he wouldn't do other things. Alden's musically talented fingers are capable of playing more than just a guitar...

Reluctantly Noa goes on a fundraising music tour with Alden's band Friction. She soon begins to realize there is more to the rocker than sex, music, and his arrogance. But by spending time with one of the biggest superstars in the world, Noa finds herself in the spotlight, illuminating secrets she thought were hidden forever.

 ~ Blurb ~

“You’ve been trying to control me since the concert,” I said as I snatched my bag off the back of my chair. “You didn’t like that I didn’t like you, so you were going to try to proselytize me into liking you by kissing me.”

Amusement twinkled in his eyes and a corner of his mouth pulled up. “Proselytize?”

“I am not halting my rant to explain to your tiny brain what proselytize means,” I snapped. “While I was unconscious, you went through my phone! You put yourself in my phone, like you assumed that I would ever want to call you.”

Alden sat back in his chair and casually crossed his arms across his chest. I tried not to let my eyes linger too long on the tattooed muscles.

“Do you know how many women would gladly go through what you did to get my phone number?” he asked smugly.

“Trust me, Breck, I’m not one of them.

~ About the Author ~

L.D. Davis lives on the East Coast with her husband and children and two cats. She has been writing since she was in grade school, but had a trail of unfinished works until her first novel, Accidentally On Purpose, was completed in 2012. L.D enjoys reading, alcoholic beverages, and embarrassing her kids in public.

~ Social Media Links ~

www.facebook.com/lddaviswrites

www.twitter.com/lddavis478

l.d.davis478@gmail.com

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Lies Unspoken by Lisa De Jong

~ Synopsis ~

I tried hard not to fall for the bad guy.

My new roommate, Blake, is a jerk—an unemployed artist with a chip on his shoulder. I can’t stand him unless his hands are on me. He makes me desperate for him, and everything he makes me feel.

And then there’s my new boss, Pierce--successful, charming, and extremely good-looking. He goes after what he wants, but what does he see in me?

I try to stay away, but I end up in the arms of exactly who I was hiding from. And when I find out what’s being hidden from me, my heart twists in ways it never should.

I thought I knew him.

I didn't.

The way he kissed me.

The way his hands traveled every inch of my skin.

I thought it meant something, but as it turns out, it was all lies unspoken.  

~ Review ~ 

5 Stars 

 This book was really good.  I am a sucker for a good love triangle.  There were times I hated both guys and times I loved both guys.

Lila is moving out of state to hopefully start over.  She needs to get away from all the memories.  She has a place to live in Chicago so all she has to do is find a job and save money to get her own place.  Everything is suppose to be easy, but she learns really fast that it isn't going to be.  First she realizes she has a jerk for a roommate.  He is rude and never seems to be happy.  But she seems to be drawn to him. She wants to get to know him and fix him.  She gets glimpses of the real Blake, but he doesn't let that side out very often.  Can she help Blake and find love with him?  Or will he break her heart?

She takes her dream job and keeps running into her sexy boss Pierce. She wants him, but doesn't know if she can go for him when she wants Blake also.  She also doesn't want to hook up with Pierce and ruin her job. She wants to make it for herself and not have to work as a waitress the rest of her life.  But can she turn away from his advances?  Will she cave and let Pierce own her heart?

This is a beautifully broken love story.  So many twists and turns I didn't see coming.  Who is the better man?  Who can be what Lila needs?  I cannot wait for book two so I can get my answers!!!

~ Excerpt ~

When the rustling continues, I throw my covers off and roll out of bed. My bare feet pad against the cool hardwood floors as I make my way into the living room. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I focus in on a shirtless Blake standing in front of the stove with his strong back to me. His body is sculpted. Wide shoulders. Waist tapering in at just the right angle … there’s probably not a pinch of fat on the guy.

I quietly walk up behind him, tapping my finger on his shoulder. “We need to talk.”

He spins around, his arm brushing against mine. His hair is mussed—a look he wears well … too well, as much as I hate to admit it.

“I only made enough eggs for me.” He smirks, and two stupid dimples form. He’s cute—stupidly so.

“I’m a cereal kind of girl,” I say, crossing my arms.

His smile widens. “Fruit Loops or Captain Crunch? I’m guessing you like the ones with the cute little cartoon characters on the front of the box.”

“Wheaties. I prefer to stare at a sexy athlete while eating my breakfast.” I stop, moving my hands to my hips. “Look, can we make a rule? No loud noises until at least nine. Some of us need our beauty sleep.”

His brow lifts. “Now that you mention it, your eyes are a little dark and puffy. It’s nothing a little make-up won’t fix.”

“You’re an asshole!”

He laughs, nibbling on a piece of egg at the end of his spatula. “That’s nothing I haven’t heard before.”

“Are you done? Because I’d really like to crawl back into my nice warm bed.”

He looks back to the stove. “Yep, breakfast is served.”

“Good. I’m going back to bed.”

I start to walk away, but his voice stops me. “Hey, Lila?” He says my name with extra emphasis on the second syllable—in a way I haven’t heard it before. I turn around, taking in his dark, hooded eyes. “If you’re going to walk around looking like that every morning, I might be okay with this roommate thing.”

Looking down, I’m suddenly reminded that all I have on is a sleep shirt that reads: “I don’t hate morning people. Mornings have nothing to do with it.” It barely covers my ass, and the wide neck falls off my shoulder. It’s certainly not something I’d want to be caught in by him.

“Definitely an asshole,” I groan as I hurry to my room and slam the door shut behind me.

~ Author Bio ~

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. 

  Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

~ Giveaway ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: VERUM by Courtney Cole

You loved Courtney Cole's NOCTE in all it's dark, twisted, spellbinding, messed-up awesomeness. You can't wait until VERUM (Nocte Trilogy Book 2) releases in February 2015. And now Courtney Cole is going to release an exclusive VERUM excerpt...but only if we can get it to the top 1000 on Amazon!

All you have to do is go to Amazon and pre-order VERUM right now. Go, pre-order, and get all your NOCTE-obsessed friends to pre-order, too. If enough people do it, VERUM will climb up the ranks, and we'll get a sneak peek at the follow-up to what's being called "a haunting psychological suspense" and "the rare kind of story that leaves permanent marks on your heart and your soul."

>> PRE-ORDER VERUM ON AMAZON RIGHT HERE <<

About NOCTE

SAVE ME AND I'LL SAVE YOU....

My name is Calla Price. I’m eighteen years old, and I’m one half of a whole. My other half-- my twin brother, my Finn--is crazy.

I love him. More than life, more than anything. And even though I’m terrified he’ll suck me down with him, no one can save him but me.

I’m doing all I can to stay afloat in a sea of insanity, but I’m drowning more and more each day. So I reach out for a lifeline.

Dare DuBray.

He’s my savior and my anti-Christ. His arms are where I feel safe, where I’m afraid, where I belong, where I’m lost. He will heal me, break me, love me and hate me. He has the power to destroy me.

Maybe that’s ok. Because I can’t seem to save Finn and love Dare without everyone getting hurt.

Why? Because of a secret.

A secret I’m so busy trying to figure out, that I never see it coming.

You won’t either.

>> GET NOCTE ON AMAZON RIGHT HERE << >> JOIN THE NOCTE TRILOGY TEASER AND CLUE LIST RIGHT HERE <<

About VERUM

THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE.

My name is Calla Price and I'm drowning.

My new world is a dark, dark ocean and I'm being pulled under by secrets.

Can I trust anyone? I don't know anymore.

The lies are spirals. They twist and turn, binding me with their thorns and serpentine tongues. And just when I think I have it figured out, everything is pulled out from under me.

I'm entangled in the darkness.

But the truth will set me free.

It's just ahead of me, so close I can touch it. But even though it shines and glimmers, it has glistening fangs and I know it will shred me.

Are you scared?

I am.

>> PRE-ORDER VERUM ON AMAZON RIGHT HERE << >> JOIN THE NOCTE TRILOGY TEASER AND CLUE LIST RIGHT HERE <<

Blog Tour: Breaking Bennett by Anne Jolin

BREAKING BENNETT 

Author: Anne Jolin 

Genre: Romance/Erotica

Series: Rock Falls Series, Book 3 

~ Synopsis ~

Beth Rhodes has always had a game plan. Go to college. Get the perfect job. Get the perfect guy. Get the happily ever after she's always wanted. It is just her luck that everything falls into its precise place in her life. At least it seems that way until her blueprints go up in smoke. She loses the job she loves and her price charming is turning out to be the villain of her fairytale instead. With failures and mistakes piling up on her doorstep, she knows something has to give—or she could very well end up paying for those mistakes with her life.

Braxton Bennett is lethal, both in the courtroom and in the ring. Two sides of him constantly wage war against one another, and to keep the internal bloodshed at bay, he allows himself to indulge in his violent vice. Suit by day and brawler by night aren’t easy dual lives to manage for a man of his status. The only way to do so is by following a strict set of rules—rules he won’t break for anyone. But what if he already has?

On a summer night in the depths of the city, a chance encounter will turn both of their perfectly constructed worlds upside down.

Will they battle together against all odds to break Bennett’s rules? Or will Rhodes tap out to save herself before the fight is over?

Add to Goodreads

~ Purchase ~ 

Amazon | iTunes | Kobo

~ Review ~
4 Stars 

This book is really good.  I really enjoyed learning more about Beth and the secret relationship she had going in the previous book.

Beth is finally starting to see who Kyle really is.  He is a controlling a**hole.  She is made that she didn't realize it sooner.  But after she is rescued she wonders if she can open herself up for love again.  Can she trust her judgement in men? 

Braxton is t looking for love.  He doesn't believe he is worth it.  He also has a huge secret that he will protect at all costs.  But once Beth comes to work for him he has to find a way to keep her quit. What he wasn't expecting was for his feelings to be so strong. He has never felt this way for anyone.  Can he open up to her?  Or will be push the fragile girl away?

This book was missing something for me. And I can really say what I think it is without giving a spoiler away. But I definitely recommend this book and also the first two books in this series!!! I cannot wait for Peyton to get a story!

~ Teasers ~

~ The Rock Falls Series ~

CHASING RHODES

Author: Anne Jolin

Genre:  Romance | Erotica

Series: Rock Falls Series #1

~ Synopsis ~

Hannah Rhodes has just gotten out of a long term relationship, and she isn't looking for a new man in her life. But after a night out with the girls and one too many tequila shots, her plans to stay man free are blown all to hell. She finds herself in bed with the smoldering stranger from a party six months back and immediately knows she's in trouble, big trouble. And the last thing Hannah needs is more trouble.

Her last relationship took her out like an emotional freight train, and she’s trying to piece back the stability her life once had.

Greyson Holt’s biggest fear in life is to end up like his father, like the man who left him as a child, and broke his mother’s heart. He vowed to never be responsible for that kind of carnage. Men could be cruel and that kind of brutality was in his blood. He never allows himself to get too close to anyone, until he meets Hannah.

Something about her makes him want to try, but a man can’t change overnight.

Will Holt be able to catch Rhodes every time he lets her go? Or will their chase end in heartbreak?

Add to Goodreads

~ Purchase ~

AMAZON | B&N

CHOOSING HENLEY

Author: Anne Jolin

Series: Book Two in the Rock Falls Series

Genre: Romance | Erotica 

~ Synopsis ~

Lennon Montgomery is scared. Absolutely scared shitless of love. 

When the floor fell out from underneath her perfect childhood, it shattered her ability to trust. The one man in her life who was genetically programmed to love her left her. Since then, she’s allowed men into her bed and even into her life, but never into her heart. 

Until him. 

Jamison Henley has never wanted a woman for longer than it takes him to make a guitar. He’s content living his life and loving only three things: making guitars, cooking great food, and Martha, his black pit bull. He never chases women, and he’s never had to. 

Until her.

One night together changes everything. There’s no going back to the way it was before. 

She doesn’t want to want him, but she does. 

He knows he wants her, but he can’t have her. 

Will Montgomery take the leap of faith in choosing Henley? Or will her fear cripple their chance at a happily ever after?

Add to Goodreads

~ PURCHASE ~

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iTunes

~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
Anne Jolin

I’m twenty four years old. I was born and raised in Ladner, a small farm town just outside of Vancouver, Canada. I grew up riding horses, shooting guns and riding in trucks. I’ve been married to my handsome redneck husband for a year and we are parents to our chocolate fur baby, Bear. No kiddo’s yet! I am completely and utterly obsessed with country music, you will constantly find me stalking iTunes. If you don’t find me on iTunes, you’ll find me on Netflix because I am a self proclaimed movie junkie. Yes, that means that I quote them constantly in daily conversation and my characters do too! You couldn’t keep me away from a good action movie if you tried. I’m also a planning nut. I love to plan parties, events, trips – you name it! I don’t know if that’s considered a real hobby, but it is for me. 

We were fortunate enough to travel a lot as a family growing up, and I think that helped spark my love of reading. I’m half Viking, my mom is Danish, and her entire side of the family still lives in Denmark. We’d visit them almost once a year, every year and it’s a nine hour flight. That’s a lot of uninterrupted time to read (or in my parent’s case, entertain four children – Yikes!). Somewhere along the way my love of reading, became a love of writing. I wrote short stories when I was younger, and although I majored in Business Management at college, I took as many English electives I could get my hands on. 

During the day I work at my family construction company wearing a variety of different hats and at night, I write! I had never thought about writing books before, but after a few suggestions that I should try, I decided to give it a go. I loved it instantly! Having always been a creative person, it felt amazing to harness all that energy and use it to tell a story. Now, quite frankly it’s all I can think about, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m grateful to have developed my love of reading into a passion for writing. You’ll be seeing many more books from me in the future!

Xo.

Social media links:

Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Website 

Tour Host: HEA Book Tours, PR & More: http://heabooktours.blogspot.com/

Blog Tour: Ripped by Katy Evans

~ Synopsis ~

Every woman wants me--except the one I sing for.

Seattle shakes with anticipation: they call it the concert of the year. They say girls are getting pregnant just thinking about my band being in town.

But when you love a girl, you don't leave her with nothing but a ring and a promise. Any man with half a brain should know.

So what did I expect my girl would do when she saw me again?

Well, for starters, she loathes our music. Particularly the song I wrote about her.

When I sing it, the stadium is in an uproar. Thousands of fans scream my name like I'm a god--but yeah, not her. Crystal clear: the girl's not happy to see me.

Black hair, black boots, a bad attitude, that's her -- Pandora Stone is a freaking man-eater and she's out for my blood.

That's alright.

Let her come at me. Because I'm out for her heart and, this time, there's no way she can stop me.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound

~ Review ~

4 Stars

This book was good. It was actually a lot better than the synopsis made me think.  Also you don't have to read any of the other books in the series before this one.  You will obviously know who each couple is, but you won't know how they got their HEA.

Pandora claims to HATE Mackenna.  She is made that he could so easily walk away from her and never come back.  They were suppose to love each other and run away together.  She doesn't understand why he would lie.  Why he would take off and never return.  But when she sees him again can she still hate him?  Or will she realize she never quit loving him? 

Mackenna is miserable.  He is on top of the world with his music and he has all the female attention that anyone could want.  The one woman he wants won't even give him the time of day.  He knows leaving her was the best thing for them, but he still wants her.  Can he prove to Pandora that he is worthy of her?  Can they end up happy together again?

This book is about second chances.  Forgiving the ones we love most for hurting us.  The people we love most have the best chance at hurting us more because we leave ourselves open to them.  But can Pandora and Mackenna get over all the pain they have caused each other?

~ About the Author ~

Katy Evans grew up with books and book-boyfriends until she found a real sexy boyfriend to love. They married and are now hard at work on their own happily ever after. Katy loves her family and friends, and she also loves reading, walking, baking, and being consumed by her characters until she reaches “The End.” Which is, hopefully, only the beginning…

~ Social Media Links ~

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Easy Virtue by Mia Asher

~ Synopsis ~

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? 

~ Review ~

4 Stars 

I have been waiting forever for another Mia Asher book.  Arsen is my favorite book.  It made me feel so much.  This book had me feeling sad, empathetic, pissed, disgusted and mad.  I really thought I could sympathize with Blaire, but by the end of the book I couldn't stand her. 

Blaire is a sick girl.  Instead of trying to find love she stays away from it.  She becomes a gold digger and doesn't involve feelings in anything.  She will not date a man that can't afford to keep her living the life she has become accustomed too.  She doesn't find herself worthy of love so you goes to the guys she knows only want her body. 

I really felt bad for her at the beginning of this book and I understood she needed to believe in herself before she could believe that others actually saw good in her.  But by the end I was frustrated and disgusted with her.  She also needs to hit rock bottom before she can grow. She needs to get her heart broken to learn that she is worth fixing herself so she can finally have the love she yearns for.

Also I went into this book believing it was a stand alone to realize it is a freaking cliff hanger.  And I hate cliff hangers.  Especially when I am not prepared for it to be a series or trilogy. 

Be prepared for the emotional journey this book takes you on.  There are a lot of twists and turns and make sure you pay attention or you may miss things.  I have a secret theory that I have kept to myself, but I am hoping it comes true!!

~ Excerpt ~

With champagne and caviar inundating my every sense, I slither through the light wooden floors of the Lila Acheson Wallace Wing in The Met. As I walk, I pretend to admire the expensive jewelry being showcased tonight by a famous designer whose name I can’t remember. A multicolored diamond butterfly sparkles to my left and a cobra made out of black stones glistens to my right. Rows upon rows of precious gems twinkle under the soft lights of the room, flooding the space between the walls with the glow of a thousand stars. Furtive glances. Secrets gossiped. Beauty criticized. Lofty music fills the atmosphere as the über rich mingle and pretend to like each other, yet you can almost taste their conceit and derision for one another in the air.

          This is Walker’s world, and I love it.

          Standing across the room, where the crowd is thinner and the music fainter, I spot Walker’s blond head in the corner of the room, talking to a group of his colleagues and their wives. He looks polished and worth every penny of his trust fund in his sleek black tuxedo, perfectly starched white shirt and black bowtie. His long golden hair parted to the side shines like the sun. He is truly flawless.

          I smile because it’s hard to picture that this is the same guy who likes to snort coke off my tits as he fucks me while hardcore porn plays in the background. He looks untouchable and so cool, but his searching eyes, scanning the crowd for me give him up. He’s wondering where I am. He did tell me not to go too far, after all. Soon after we arrived at the party, I gave him some space to talk to his friends and do his thing while I did mine. I hate clingy people, so I avoid being one.

          I grab a third flute of champagne from a passing waiter, and try to decide which of the different displays to check out first when my eyes land on a spectacular piece of jewelry. On a bed of black silk, similar to my hair color, lies an extravagant necklace made of diamonds and rubies—a small heaven within one’s reach as long as you can afford the price.

          I bridge the space between the glass protecting the necklace and me until it’s within my reach, fighting the urge to touch the cool surface. As if under a spell, I observe how the rows of diamonds embedded in platinum form leaves and thorns. At its center is a rose made out of red diamonds almost as big as my palm.

          I feel someone walk up and stand next to me, but I don’t give him or her a second thought as I continue to admire the way the light hits the gems, making them shine.

          “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

          His voice is smooth and commanding, dripping absolute power. I keep my eyes locked on the display. Call it sixth sense, but somehow I know that under no circumstance should I make eye contact with the stranger who speaks like the ruler of the world.

          “Yes,” I say simply.

          “I wonder how much it is?” the man asks.

          “I don’t think it matters … I highly doubt anyone can afford it.”

          He chuckles, and the sound is more delicious than his voice. Lusher. “Oh, but I can.”

          I smile at his self-assurance. I love cocky assholes. “I still doubt it.”

          “You shouldn’t. I only speak the truth,” he retorts coolly. His voice is nonchalant yet his words leave no room for disbelief—a demand and a statement all in one.

          Suddenly, the noises of the room become distant. People talking and laughing amongst friends and the orchestra playing all fade away until all I hear is him speaking.

          And at this moment, that is all that matters.

          “The truth is very subjective, sir.”

          “The truth may be subjective but money isn’t. Money can buy anything.” 

          His answer is like an electroshock, jumpstarting my brain from a champagne-induced haze. My pulse begins to accelerate, excitement making it hard to take a deep breath. Don’t look at him … don’t.

          “Oh really,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. He’s right, though.

          “Of course. I believe everything,” he pauses, “and everyone has a price.”

          Curiosity winning the battle against curiosity, I turn to face him, and what a fucking big mistake that is. When our eyes meet, I feel incapacitated of all sense and movement. The sight of him takes my breath away. This man gives the term “lust at first sight” a whole new meaning.

           In my short twenty-three years, I’ve been with extremely handsome men, perfect even, but to classify the man standing next to me in any kind of category would be a disservice to him, and not really fair to the others. Longish, light brown hair wildly framing his face, vacant eyes the color of dollar bills, a slightly crooked nose, and a mouth that begs to be buried deep within your thighs. His beauty is as harsh as it is stunningly perfect. Dressed in a simple black tuxedo and unbuttoned white shirt, the man exudes innate virility and grace, reminding me of a black panther stalking his prey. And just like a panther, it’s the pure raw and powerful energy emanating from within him that I find most attractive. Because just by standing next to him, I get the sense that his word is always the last spoken and his wishes the first ones to be fulfilled. He doesn’t ask, he demands. He doesn’t hope, he expects.

           He’s quiet for a moment; his uncanny eyes hold me captive as though they are baring my soul to him and I hate it. I tighten my hold on the crystal flute. I want to look away, but I can’t. The way he’s staring at me makes me want to squirm.

          “I wonder … do you have one?” he asks softly before turning to examine the piece of jewelry once more.

          “A what?” I ask, momentarily stunned.

          He smiles. “A price.”

          “For the right amount … I just might,” I say quietly, my heart beating so fast it feels as though it wants out of my chest. As soon as the words leave my mouth, there’s no shock coursing down my body, no rolling waves of shame pulling me down for having said that to a complete stranger—nothing.

          And why should there be? I am who I am.

          I’m staring at his profile, waiting for him to acknowledge my answer, when a breeze of cool air floats past us, making me shiver. About to chase the goose bumps on my arm with my hand, I watch as he slowly turns to look at me, catching me staring at him. Time stands still as I watch him raise his large tanned hand and touch my bare shoulder, his fingertips lightly grazing the temporary small bumps covering it. Then he smiles as if he knows that my skin is tingling from his scalding touch, and looks away.

          “I thought so.”

          We remain standing next to each other for another minute or so, the distance between us almost nonexistent. It would be so easy to reach out and hold his hand. The sound of an incoming call breaks the silence, bringing us back to reality.

          He takes his cell phone out of the inner pocket of his tuxedo jacket and ignores the call after noting the name of the caller. He lifts his gaze to meet my own.

“Sorry about that.”

          “It’s okay. I should go … I’m here with someone,” I reply, not really wanting to leave him just yet.

          “Yes, that’s probably a good idea.”

          I frown. He didn’t have to be quite so blunt. The stranger extends a hand toward me, holding something in his fingers.

          “Here … ”

          I open my hand as I feel the edges of what I assume is his business card poke the skin of my palm. “What’s this?” I ask stupidly.

          “My business card, of course.”

          “Obviously … but why?”

          He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say that I’m an interested buyer.”

          And then he’s gone.

          He turns and walks away from me, disappearing into a sea of colorful gowns and black suits. As the sounds of the party infiltrate my ears once more, I lower my gaze to stare at the simple cream-colored card in my hand. Its simplistic and elegant design draws attention to the name printed in bold black letters on the paper.

          Lawrence Rothschild.

          I smile and let my fingertips trail his name. It depends on what you’re willing to pay, Mr. Rothschild.

Published by Mia Asher

Copyright © 2013 by Mia Asher

~ Author Bio ~

Mia Asher

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?

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