Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Review: Living in Sin by Isabel Lucero


Title: Living in Sin (The Escort Series, #1)
Author: Isabel Lucero 
Release Date: January 1, 2014
Genre: Erotic, Contemporary Romance


Jace Jamison is every woman’s fantasy. He’s a mysterious businessman willing to sweep you off your feet, a tattooed bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and a sexy friend you want to take that next step with. Jace is everything and anything you want him to be. He’s a highly paid escort.

But nobody knows who Jace really is; the man whose dad abandoned him, whose brother was killed, and who had to take care of his mom at a young age. At the age of nineteen, he was living in Sin City, ready for a life away from stress and struggle.

Adrienne has been having a sexual drought since she broke up with her boyfriend. Even then she wasn’t getting fully satisfied. Being an event planner, she’s constantly working at numerous events. Several times she’s seen a man she can only refer to as the God-like creature at her work functions. He’s devastatingly handsome, tall, and has beautiful eyes, but he’s always with a different woman. The last thing she needs is another player in her life.

After a few chance encounters with Jace, her best friend convinces her to just get some good sex out of him and not worry about who she’s seen him with. But what happens when she finds out that he isn’t dating these women because he wants to, but because he’s paid to?

Keeping his job a secret from Adrienne seems easy at first, but when she begins meeting people he knows in his escort life, and they begin getting closer, he knows he has to tell her before someone else does.

When their worlds entwine, and confessions are made, will they be able to work through it? Will she be able to push aside his sins and focus on the good in him? Will Jace get what he’s never had? A woman who wants him despite what he’s done. Or will living in sin cost him what he never knew he wanted?


Buy Links


My Rating: 5 of 5 ♥'s

My Review

This book was such an awesome read and I'm very thankful that I was one of the few ladies to get to read an ARC of Living in Sin. I've never read a book about male escorts before so I wasn't sure what to expect but I have to say I ABSOLUTELY loved it. The Author wrote a fun, erotic romance novel with a lively and lovable set of characters. There is rotating POV's in the book, switching flawlessly between Jace and Adrienne. The love scenes were (fan yourself) hot and steamy. The writing was spot on. I have nothing bad to say about this book what-so-ever.

Ladies, you have to come meet the highly paid male escort, Jace Jamison, in this first book of The Escort Series. He is hot, tattooed, confident, rich and he's very skilled in bed. You will not be disappointed in this book!

There are more yummy male escorts awaiting us in upcoming books in the series, so keep a look out for future works from this fabulously talented Author.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Tall, Dark & Alpha by Various Authors

Cover Reveal button talldarkalphaflat
Book Title: Tall Dark and Alpha 
  Author: Various Authors 
  Genre: Romance Anthology, IR Multicultural 
  Release Date: March 10, 2014

Synopsis
He makes your heart pound and melts your resistance away. He promises you a world of passion and you find it impossible to resist his dark charm. When he catches your eye across the room, you know he means business. He could be an executive, cop, shape shifter, or a bad boy looking for a little fun. Once he has you in his sights, you can't get away—and after one sizzling night in his arms, you won't want to. He’s Tall, Dark & Alpha. The alpha male is the ultimate indulgence…the richest dark chocolate…and we’re offering him to you in abundance. Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience. giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Review: Silent Echo by J.R. Rain

 
Title: Silent Echo
Author: J.R. Rain
Release Date: December 1, 2013
 
Synopsis

Not much could drag Jim Booker out of a peaceful, if lonely, retirement and back to late nights, crime scenes, and chases. Jim Booker is done with detective work and would just like to enjoy a cup of coffee on a sunny day. But when an old friend shows up with a case about an old flame, Booker can’t say no.

What starts as a missing persons case soon delivers more than he bargained for, and when Booker’s own past offers clues, it’s clear that no one else can solve this mystery. But there’s a catch: Booker was given six months to live eight months ago.

Author J.R. Rain shows us that when it seems there’s nothing left to live for, there’s also nothing left to lose. His characters will take a chance on danger, doubt, even an unlikely romance—as long as they get a cup of coffee first.


 
My Rating: 4 of 5 ♥'s

My Review

Jim Booker is a retired PI and he's also on his death bed.  He was given 6 months to live 8 months ago so he's on borrowed time, which you can't forget for as often as we are reminded of it in the book. When someone is killed that he used to be really close to, he realizes that it is eerily familiar to another case from his childhood, he can't help but want to solve one last case. 
With him being extremely sick he needs plenty of help to get around...enter Numi, his gay friend and caregiver.  Numi had me teary eyed a couple of times because of the way he treats Jim.  Jim is so mean to his friend and caregiver and knows it and we are constantly reminded of this throughout the book too.  It's a little bothersome but considering this book is written in 1st person from Bookers POV...I can overlook the redundancy and repeating of this because his mind is not what it once was being as sick as he is. 
I was guessing all the way through the book who the killer was. I'm glad it wasn't made to obvious because it just wouldn't have been a good read then.  I was cheering for him towards the end of the book because of the love he found and the acceptance that his friends and family finally showed to him.
I've read a lot of J.R. Rain's books and this was just ok compared to his other books/series, but still a good book and you should give it a try.

Release Day Blast & Giveaway: Backward Compatible by Sarah Daltry and Pete Clark

 
Title: Backward Compatible
Author: Sarah Daltry & Pete Clark
Genre: Geek Romance
Release Date: December 12, 2013
 
 
 
Blurb
 
Not too long ago,
in a town that,
depending on your current location,
is either not super far
or actually quite close...
 
It is a time of chaotic hormones.
Two nerdy gents
home for winter break
have discovered a female gamer
at a midnight release.
 
During the break,
the gamer trio manages
to reveal the game's secret boss,
a hidden enemy
with enough power to destroy
anything in its path.
 
Pursued by other gamers
who want to be the first
to beat this boss,
George and Katie race to level up,
and, in so doing, restore decency
and sexual activity to their personal galaxy...
 
 
 
Excerpt


    “These graphics suck,” George says and I look back at the screen. We’re standing in the middle of the Estate, colorful orbs quivering ahead of us. We each have to choose our starting advantage. Waterfalls shimmer in the distance and the sunlight streams over multicolored stones in the courtyard.

    “Amateurs,” Lanyon concurs. “I mean, they couldn’t have five waterfalls?”
 
    “Your ironic wit is mind blowing, but choose your damn orbs,” I tell them. I consider. Magic, defense, offense, stealth, and charisma. I always go for magic as a black mage, but I wonder if a druid needs something else. Screw it. I need charisma in real life, too.
 
    “Charisma?” Lanyon asks. “No one ever picks charisma.”
 
    “We’re a party of a thief, druid, and a bard. We’re screwed regardless.”
 
    “You two underestimate the mighty power of my lute,” George argues.
 
    “Did you start with charisma?” Lanyon asks.
 
    “Hell, no. I have charisma in spades. I started with stealth.”
 
    “Great. A stealthy bard,” I sigh.
 
    “She’s right,” Lanyon concedes. “We’re screwed.”
 
     However, it actually isn’t bad at all at first. We power through the Estate and make it to the Yobanaria Dale with no resurrections and all at level ten. I’m impressed. George hasn’t actually fought anything, but he has some pretty awe-inspiring charm mastery already. I think I might have a serious crush. He seals the deal when he buffs my hailstorm spell without even being asked.
 
    “Can you guys watch El Thiefelo? My mom wants me to eat supper,” Lanyon says.
 
    “Yeah, we’ve got it,” I tell him. “The first boss is in the elven ruins anyway, so we should grind a bit. I think he’s a twelve.”
 
    George and I explore the Dale, taking out bats and Joba spores. It’s fairly quiet, except for when we combo with his charms and my spells and he yells out, “Eat lute, bitch,” but it’s nice. We work well, almost inherently understanding each other. I’ve never been able to play this effectively with anyone. I try not to think about his eyes. Stupid boys, being cute and stuff.
 
    By the time Lanyon comes back, we’re all at level 12, although Lanyon leveled up just by standing by a door while we played. Still, we are ready to take on Balsa the Proud. As a black mage, it took me about nine seconds. Trees don’t like fire. However, druids don’t have the same level of black magic and all elemental magic is weakened by the need to draw from the elements nearby. Sadly, trees seem to avoid storing fire runes in their villages. I expect this to be a little more challenging. It might even take fifteen seconds.
 
    “First boss. Also known as the freebie bitch to sucker the young folks into a false sense of security,” Lanyon announces as he runs into the center of Balsa’s lair. The cinema plays and then, in a moment of pure absurdity, El Thiefelo is squished as Balsa steps on him.
 
    “Can someone revive me?” Lanyon whines.

Playlist
 
 






Dream Cast






Buy Links
 
 
About the Authors
 
Sarah Daltry:

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn't as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.

Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.

When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.

She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, and the Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.



Pete Clark:

Pete Clark likes writing, animals, potato chips, and cheese. Midnight Riders is his first published novel, although he can also proudly say he finally finished Helix Crashing, the fantasy novel he has been working on for over a decade. In addition, he has written Across the Barren Landscape, a collection of linked Western short stories. He also writes plays, both dramatic and comedic.

When he is not writing, Pete tends to ignore everyone around him and obsess over sports.


Social Media Links

Sarah’s Website: http://sarahdaltry.com

Pete’s Website: http://punchmyselfintheface.wordpress.com

Sarah’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahDaltryAuthor

Pete’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PeteClarkAuthor

Sarah’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahDaltry

Pete’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeteClarkBooks


 
 
Sarah’s Favorite Video Games:
1.      Borderlands 1 and 2
2.      Fallout 3
3.      Persona series
4.      Eternal Darkness
5.      Silent Hill series
6.      Final Fantasy series
7.      Skyrim
8.      Dragon Age series
9.      Mass Effect series
10.  Fable series
11.  Bioshock series
12.  Magic: The Gathering
13.  Perfect Dark
14.  Heavy Rain
15.  LA Noire
16.  Parasite Eve
17.  Catherine
18.  Zuma


 
Pete’s Favorite Video Games:
1.      Bioshock
      2.      Resident Evil 4
3.      Uncharted 2
      4.      Eternal Darkness
5.      Goldeneye
6.      Ms. Pac Man
7.      Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood
8.      God of War III
9.      Dead Space
10.  Silent Hill 2
11.  Infamous 2
12.  Portal
13.  Defender
14.  Super Metroid
15.  Mass Effect
16.  Castlevania
17.  Call of Duty 4
18.  Dragon Warrior
19.  Perfect Dark
20.  Arkham Asylum
21.  Limbo
22.  Rogue Squadron 2
23.  Medieval
24.  Parasite Eve
25.  The Walking Dead
26.  Metal Gear Solid
27.  Team Fortress 2
28.  Kagero: Deception 2
Giveaway
 
On 12/12 Sarah Daltry will be giving away a Nook only at http://sarahdaltry.com.  The contest is open to anyone with an order number.


Monday, December 9, 2013

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Living in Sin by Isabel Lucero

 
 
 
 

 

Title: Living in Sin

Author: Isabel Lucero

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 1, 2014

 

Synopsis

 
Jace Jamison is every woman’s fantasy. He’s a mysterious businessman willing to sweep you off your feet, a tattooed bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks, and a sexy friend you want to take that next step with. Jace is everything and anything you want him to be. He’s a highly paid escort.
But nobody knows who Jace really is; the man whose dad abandoned him, whose brother was killed, and who had to take care of his mom at a young age. At the age of nineteen, he was living in Sin City, ready for a life away from stress and struggle.
Adrienne has been having a sexual drought since she broke up with her boyfriend. Even then she wasn’t getting fully satisfied. Being an event planner, she’s constantly working at numerous events. Several times she’s seen a man she can only refer to as the God-like creature at her work functions. He’s devastatingly handsome, tall, and has beautiful eyes, but he’s always with a different woman. The last thing she needs is another player in her life.
After a few chance encounters with Jace, her best friend convinces her to just get some good sex out of him and not worry about who she’s seen him with. But what happens when she finds out that he isn’t dating these women because he wants to, but because he’s paid to?
Keeping his job a secret from Adrienne seems easy at first, but when she begins meeting people he knows in his escort life, and they begin getting closer, he knows he has to tell her before someone else does.
When their worlds entwine, and confessions are made, will they be able to work through it? Will she be able to push aside his sins and focus on the good in him? Will Jace get what he’s never had? A woman who wants him despite what he’s done. Or will living in sin cost him what he never knew he wanted?
 

Excerpt

 
 
It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve had the best sex of my life. I thought fucking him would settle a craving, and I’d be good to go for a while. Instead, it awakened a sexual beast that I had living inside of me. It’s all I think about now.
Sex.
I want it.
I need it.
I fantasize about Jace and his huge hands doing wonderful things to my body. I can still remember the way his tongue felt as he slid it into my pussy, and the warmth of his mouth as his lips encircled my clit. I was sore for days. My entire body ached from the pounding he gave me. I’ve used my fingers and my vibrator, and neither one will do. I crave his body like a pregnant woman craves pickles and ice cream.
How can I tell him that I want to use his body for my own pleasure? What would I even say to him? I’ve never had to chase after a guy. I haven’t asked anybody out on a date, haven’t initiated the first kiss, and certainly haven’t asked anybody if they want to be fuck buddies. I just can’t do that. Plus, I have no idea how to get ahold of him. I only know where he lives, and I definitely won’t be showing up to his suite like some sort of stalker psycho.
I groan and force myself to get out of bed. Before I make it to the bathroom, my phone vibrates on my nightstand. It’s Em.
“Hello?”
“Wake up, we have plans,” she says excitedly.
“Ugh. No. I can’t deal with your happiness right now.”
“Too bad. Get up because we have places to be.”
“How come I never know about our plans until the last minute?”
“I don’t know. I’m on my way over. It’s already ten, so stop being a lazy bum.”
The phone clicks and I go use the bathroom, brush my teeth, and pull my hair into a messy bun on top of my head. I put on some shorts, flip flops and a white tank top. By the time I’m dressed, I hear Em banging on the door like she’s the cops.
“Hey! Why are you trying to break my door down?” I say as I pull the door open.
She gives me a shrug. “I thought maybe you had gone back to sleep, so I was prepared to wake you up.”
“Well, I proved you wrong. I’m ready and everything, see?” I say, extending my arms and showing her that I’m dressed.
She eyes me with a disgusted look on her face. “If that’s what you call ready. It doesn’t matter anyway. We’re going to go get pampered. Nails, hair, waxing.”
“Waxing?” I say, interrupting her. “I think I’ll pass. Last time you convinced me to get waxed, my hoo-ha was sore for days! No thank you.”
“Stop being so dramatic,” she laughs. “I’m sorry. Last time the chick was new. This time, it won’t be the same one. I promise. We need to go get prettied up, go out to dinner with these two, hopefully-not-lame bitches, and then hit a club up and find some sexy men to dance with. That’s the plan.”
She says the last part with finality, flips her hair over her shoulder and walks towards out door.
“I guess I could use a few drinks,” I say, following her down the hall.
“Still not over the king?” she asks with a laugh.
“Oh shush,” I say, playfully pushing her.
“Hell, from what you told me, I wouldn’t be over him either. I’d be scaling the building trying to get to him.”
A loud and embarrassing laugh escapes my throat. A few people nearby all turn and look in our direction. Ignoring the stares, I continue to laugh. “Oh my gosh, Em. You’re too much. I picture you climbing the building like Spiderman and shit. Oh God, that’s too funny,” I say, unable to stop my laughter.
“You think I’m playing. I’d be camped out on that balcony waiting to pounce him.” She lets out a small laugh at herself. “I think you’re crazy for not wanting to be with him again. You said yourself he was amazing in bed…and huge! It’s not like you’re getting any elsewhere.” She gives me a pointed look.
“Well, thanks for reminding me,” I say and roll my eyes. “I don’t know what you think I’m supposed to do. I don’t have his number, and showing up to his place would be desperate and sad. I won’t do that.”
Emilie lets out a dramatic sigh. “Whatever. Guess you’ll have to find you another man tonight. He probably won’t be God-like, or be as good in bed, or have a huge…”
“Okay!” I say, interrupting her sentence. “I get it. Let’s just go.”

About the Author


Isabel Lucero is a military wife who has been lucky enough to travel the world, and see some amazing sights. She has been married to her best friend for ten years, and together they have two of the most beautiful children in the world. She and her husband are Junior High Sweethearts, a couple who are truly meant to be together. One day, their love story might make it into a book.
Isabel is the middle name of the author, and Lucero is her maiden name. Together they create her pen name. She was born in a small town in New Mexico, and was more than happy to move far, far away.
She is a collector of high heels and tattoos, and is highly obsessed with both. She owns a crazy, little Miniature Pinscher who thinks he’s a Doberman. His name is Tyson. Isabel has always been an avid reader, able to devour books in a day or two. With her now focusing on writing, the reading has slowed, but her love for reading is still there.
Something noteworthy is that Isabel loves to hear from her readers. Never hesitate to get in touch. She’s always willing and ready to talk about anything. If you enjoy this book, she encourages you to not only let her know, but let the world know. Goodreads, Amazon, book blogs, groups, etc. She understands that word of mouth is the best form of promotion.
 
 

Connect with Isabel

 
 
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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, December 5, 2013

New Release: Bitter Fruits by Sarah Daltry

 

Title: Bitter Fruits (Eden's Fall, #1)

Author: Sarah Daltry

Release Date: December 1, 2013

Publisher: Escape Publishing

 
 
 

Blurb

 
For fans of dark urban fantasy comes a novel that questions why forbidden fruit is always the most tempting...
A vampire-themed masquerade party isn't really her scene, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars.  When she meets Alec, the appeal suddenly becomes clear.  It's obvious that they've been struck by the same intense mutual attraction, but Alec keeps his distance.  Intrigued despite herself, Nora pushes a little deeper - and discovers Alec's unimaginable secret...
 
Nora is not afraid of following Alec into the darkness, but the choice is soon taken from her.  Someone is hunting her - someone tied to the secret and desperate to see it play out.  But when Nora finally meets her aggressor, she finds herself hopelessly drawn to him.  She needs to make a choice between the two men, but can she save both, knowing one is destined to die?
 
Praise for Bitter Fruits:
"This book is one of the best paranormals I've read, and I've read a lot.  Five stars hands down!  I am proud to pass it on to all of you.  But this book, devour it and enjoy."
 
 
 
 

Excerpt

 
       He sits in front of me and brings me to his chest.  Our flesh is hot and sticky where it touches and I can't stop the ache between my legs.  His breathing is ragged and he tightens his grip on the back of my head as he tries to slow it.  I am hurt or angry or frustrated, but I don't know which.  He runs his hands along my entire body and I push against him, needing him and not knowing how to accept his denial.
       ‘I want you, Nora. I have wanted you since I saw you. You are gorgeous. However, there are secrets that... Please understand, the steps that you want to take will reveal things. This cannot end well for either of us. I don’t want to make you suffer, but I am fated to suffer. Don’t make me bring you with me into the darkness. I can’t bear to lose you.’   
        I sense the pain that grips him. The darkness that he speaks of sounds frightening, but I don’t feel fear when I face him and meet his eyes. ‘I will follow you anywhere. Dark or light. Stop trying to make my choices for me.’
       Our lips meet again, but it is with doubt. Neither of us knows what will happen if we are to move forward, but I want to have a chance to find out.
       My body is still crying out for him but now my mind is calm. I want him, but I want him when he knows that I’m ready for whatever that means. His hands touch me and his caresses are soft. We both slow our breathing and I try to let my will match his. When he pulls away, he gathers the picnic and looks at me with longing and a hunger I do not recognize. It’s not sexual, but desperate. Almost as a dying man looks in the last moments of his life.
     ‘In three days,’ he says, ‘I will meet you again at the church where we first met. In the meantime, I want you to look something up — and if you do not appear at the church, I’ll know that what you found changed everything.’
     ‘Okay,’ I say warily. I’ll do anything he asks, but his fear scares me. What kind of secrets can he possibly hold? Little right now could stop me from going to him in three days.
     ‘Find the name Charles Samuels. He was an Oxford student in the 1960s. And then we shall see how much of the darkness you are willing to face.’
     ‘I’ll look him up, but Alec, I’m going to be at the church in three days,’ I say.
     ‘For your sake, Nora, I hope that you’re not.’




Playlist






 

 

 
 

Buy Links

 

About the Author

Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives.  She's written works in various genres - romance, erotica, fantasy, horror.  Genre isn't as important as telling a story about the people and how their lives unfold.  Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she's been known to shake it up.  Most of her stories are about relationships - romantic, familial, friendly - because love and empathy are the foundation of life.  It doesn't matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britian, or a fantasy world in the future - human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others.  This is the principle behind all of Sarah's stories.
Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at high school and college level.  She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.
When Sarah isn't writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.
 

Sarah's Media Links







Thursday, November 28, 2013

Release Day Blast: A Home For Christmas by Ann Vaughn



Title: A Home For Christmas

Author: Ann Vaughn

Release Date: November 28, 2013

 
 

Synopsis

 
Single mom, Jenna Blackwell wasn't having a very good start to the Christmas season; her purse got stolen on Black Friday.  She's cursing her luck and herself for even being out in the Black Friday madness when the store manager brings in Riley Stanton, a former Navy SEAL who chased down the thieves and recovered her purse.  Jenna is blown away by Riley; his looks, his smile, the fact that he ran down the purse snatchers, everything.
Riley Stanton had no idea when he chased down the kids who stole a few purses that he would walk into a room and have his life changed forever.  He looked into the eyes of Jenna and saw a strength in her that he found intriguing.
Riley soon learns that Jenna is everything he ever wanted in a woman.  He falls for her and for her son harder than he expected to.  Jenna is cautious but welcoming and hopes that she and her son can give Riley the one thing he hasn't had in years, A Home for Christmas.
 
 



Excerpt

 
Riley came over every evening after work.  He helped Cam with his homework.  He got there before she did on Wednesday and he and Cam had dinner ready by the time she got home.  Jenna had to fight tears as she sat at the table.  It had been so long since someone had cooked for her.  To be honest, other than her mother, she didn't think anyone ever had.  Wade, her ex, certainly never did.  Watching Cam work so closely with Riley, having Riley there filling the role that Wade had abandoned, even sitting at a table with candlelight and roses and food she hadn't had to prepare...it was a lot for her to handle.  She was barely hanging on by a thread and when Riley had initiated the blessing, she lost it.  "Mom?" Cam asked, uncertain of what was happening.  Jenna covered her face with her hands, silently crying.  She heard the scrape of a chair and then suddenly Riley was there, his arms around her, lifting her from the chair.  She heard him say something to Cam and then he carried her from the room.
He sat on the sofa and cradled her in his lap and just held her while she cried.  After several minutes, when her tears had subsided somewhat, Riley reached down to cup her chin in his hand and lift her head so he could look into her eyes.  "I'm sorry," she whispered.  "Nothing to be sorry about," he said, smoothing his hands over her cheeks to wipe her tears away.
"Mom?" Cam asked again, drawing her attention.  "You OK?" "I'm good, bud, I'm sorry."  Riley looked up at Cam and made eye contact with him.  Jenna wasn't sure what passed between them, but Cam got up and left, leaving her there with Riley.  "Look at me," he said, softly.  When she raised her eyes to meet his gaze, he lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles.  "What's going on?"  She took a deep breath.  "It's just...no one's ever done something like this for me before."  "Like what?  Take care of you?"  She nodded.  "Better get used to it, babe.  I'm not going anywhere."  She squeezed his hand, tears falling down her cheeks again.  This time, Riley leaned forward and kissed them away before touching his lips to hers.  For the first time, Jenna didn't hold herself back.
Maybe it was because Cam was just down the hall and she knew it couldn't get out-of-control.  Whatever the case, she turned in his arms and wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.  "Thank you, Riley," she whispered when they pulled apart, pressing her forehead to his, and placing her fingertips against his lower lip.  He nipped her fingertip lightly, then ran his tongue around her finger.  "Anytime," he replied, "and I mean that.  You don't have to do it all alone any more."  "Riley," she whispered, kissing him, "please don't make promises you can't keep.  My heart is fragile enough, but Cam..." He kissed her back.  "Quit while you're ahead.  Don't piss me off."  She smiled and combed her fingers through the hair at his nape.  "I'll try."  "Good.  Let me take care of you, Jenna.
You and Cam."  She took a deep breath.  "Tell you what.  You're still here by Christmas?  We'll talk," she said, giving him a final kiss then sliding off his lap.  He watched her walk down the hall to Cam's room.  Closing his eyes and letting his head fall back on the couch, he reached down to adjust himself in his jeans.  For the first time since leaving the Navy, Riley felt like he wasn't just spinning his wheels.
 
 
 
 

Dreamcast

 
 
 

Playlist

1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams
2. Trenches by Pop Evil
3. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark by Fall Out Boy
4. Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk
5. Coming Home for Christmas by Jim Brickman
6. O Holy Night by Celtic Woman
7. I'll Be Home for Christmas by Amy Grant
8. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland
9. To Get Me To You by Lila McCann
10. Winter Wonderland by Kenny G
11. All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey
12. Auld Lang Syne by Jim Brickman
 


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Check out Ann's previous novels

 
 
Release Date: August 7, 2013
 
Shane McCanton and Tessa Kelly were childhood enemies.  Everything was a contest to them and Tessa always seemed to show Shane that nice guys finished last.  Things change, however, when hormones take over and Shane begins to see the perpetual thorn-in-his-side as more than just his childhood nemesis...
Tessa had never meant to set into motion events that led to their childhood rivalry, but once it started, she embraced it with gusto...until her world started to fall apart and she realized that Shane was the one constant in her life, her rock who would never leave her and help her find her Long Way Home...
 
 
 
 
 

 Release Date: November 4, 2013
 
Colt Harris wasn't on the hunt for love when he looked up from his lunch and spotted Sarah.  As clichéd as it was, time stood still - all he could see was her.  Hearing her laugh sealed his fate; he knew his life was about to change.
Sarah Sauter was used to being along.  She lost her parents when she was eighteen and after a really bad love affair, had given up on ever finding love.  Since then, her life had been all about simply surviving.  Little did she know that when she went to lunch with her co-workers, she would have a chance encounter with a man who would literally turn her world upside down.
When Colt steps into Sarah's life, he finds that things with her aren't exactly as they appear to be.  Secrets hidden deep in her past begin to surface, dropping Colt and Sarah in the middle of a nearly twenty-seven year old mystery.  It will take all of Colt's strength, patience and resolve Find Home for Sarah.
 
 
 
 

About the Author

 
Ann Vaughn is a Native Texan now living in Oklahoma.  She's been writing since the seventh grade(many Many moons ago) when she and her friends were obsessed with the Sweet Valley High series.  Back then, access to books wasn't as easy as it is now, so to tide her over between SVH releases, she began writing her own, Texas versions of SVH, full of lots of Texas Friday Night Lights and pitfalls and perils of teenage life in the 80's.  Writing has always been a comfort and a release for her, though she never expected to be published.  It wasn't until a conversation with her husband about the rise of eBooks that she decided to try her hand at self-publishing.  It was scary and exciting and ever since the release of her first book, Long Way Home on August 7, 2013 she has been on a wild roller coaster ride that she wouldn't trade for the world.
 
 

Contact Ann

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