COVER REVEAL: Big Nick Energy by Lani Lynn Vale #holidayromance

BIG NICK ENERGY

Lani Lynn Vale

December 19, 2023

🎄Amazon: https://amzn.to/3M15SHl

🎄Apple: https://apple.co/46lMhK5

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🎄Kobo: https://bit.ly/3RBLWOv

🎄Goodreads:

Big Nick Energy is a compilation of things that I’ve written as companion pieces to already published novels.

Get updates on your favorite couples during COVID-19. These stories were written in the very first weeks of the Covid-19 Pandemic. You’ll see some of your favorite couples as they navigate that time period. Their coping mechanisms to being locked down can be kind of…flamboyant.

Somethin’ About That Boy: You’ll get some of the ‘rest of the story’ from Banner and Perry’s new life together far away from their family and friends. But don’t worry, big, rich, all grown up and famous Slone and Titus make appearances in their update. You’ll also get the story between Blue and Titus that you’ve been waiting for in Titus’s very own short story.

But don’t despair, Viddy and Trance, as well as their kids, have their own Christmas story, too!

COVER REVEAL: Carved from Wood by Brendan O’Meara #YoungAdult #Dystopian

Carved From Wood
Brendan O’Meara
(Crafting Humanity, #2)
Publication date: TBA
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

James and his team head South after witnessing the BlankZone decimate the city of Midway. Their self-ascribed mission is to explore the most dangerous place on the planet – the new BlankZone border in the Southern Federation.

While conspiracies drive the narrative in the North, James and his team set out to learn about the Federation’s mysterious aggressors. Jump back into the adventure as James and his friends discover new families, build allies, and come face to face with the enemy threatening their existence. Secrets, lies, and manipulation are exposed as James gets closer than he ever imagined to their greatest threat.


Author Bio:

Raised in White Plains, New York, Brendan O’Meara formed a love of stories and books from a young age. He has spent his free time over the last decade crafting his debut novel, Cut From Stone, book one in the Crafting Humanity series.

It began in Philadelphia where he attended college daydreaming about a dystopian reality. With a vivid imagination (as described by his middle school teachers) and a passion for adventure, Brendan’s novels will transport you to a different life and capture you from cover to cover.

Brendan lives in Washington, DC with his daughter, wife, and two dogs. You will find him on the weekends drinking a beer watching the Packers and Notre Dame football games. He is an avid reader with a specific interest in sci-fi, anything dystopian, fantasy, history, and all levels of fiction.

Brendan would love to hear from you, feel free to contact him any time at brendan.omeara@craftinghumanity.com.

Finally, visit craftinghumanity.com and sign up for our email lists for news, updates, and information on the rest of the Crafting Humanity series. We will not spam you!

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Amazon


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RELEASE BLITZ: The Axe by Linda Griffin #suspense

 

Suspense Novella

Date Published: September 27, 2023

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press


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Sweethearts Eric Leidheldt and Desiree Chauveau are spending a weekend at
his uncle’s cabin when they encounter two strangers cutting wood. Eric is
knocked unconscious, and Desi is viciously attacked. The following day two
police officers come to their apartment to arrest Desi. Her assailants are
dead, murdered with an axe, and her fingerprints are on it. She
confesses—but is she really guilty? Eric is determined to stand by
her, but the physical and emotional effects of the attack severely challenge
their relationship.

 

Excerpt

The pickup was a very old, battered Dodge. Beyond it were two bearded men
in plaid flannel shirts. The one with the axe was about forty,
broad-shouldered, and dark-haired. The other one was tall, scruffy, a little
younger, and had red hair. They both turned toward the approaching couple.
The red-haired one stared at Desi in a way Eric didn’t like, but the
other man smiled genially and said, “Howdy, folks. Pretty day,
ain’t it?”

And then he swung the axe.

About the Author

Linda Griffin knew she wanted to be a “book maker” as soon as
she learned to read and wrote her first story, “Judy and the
Fairies,” at the age of six. She retired as fiction librarian for the
San Diego Public Library to spend more time on her writing. She has had
stories of every length from short shorts to novellas published in numerous
literary journals, and The Axe is her seventh book from the Wild Rose
Press.

 

Contact Links

Website

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Purchase Links

Amazon

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COVER REVEAL: Dark Lands (Angelbound Origins series) by Christina Bauer #YAFantasy

Dark Lands
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins, #5)
Published by: Monster House Books
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

***Anniversary Edition With Bonus Story: Xavier and Camilla’s Wedding***

Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis is loving life–she’s a wife, mother, and queen of the demon-fighting thrax. Oh yeah, and being a super-powerful demigoddess who moves souls into Heaven or Hell doesn’t suck, either. In fact, everything is pretty much awesome. Until something craptastic happens.

Her honorary older brother Walker enters the Dark Lands, home to the rule-loving ghouls, and vanishes without a trace.

Now it’s up to Myla to solve the mystery of Walker’s disappearance. Of course, Myla likes interacting with ghouls about as much as elective dental surgery. To make matters harder, everyone thinks that Walker is simply taking a well-deserved vacation. But Myla and her Angelbound love, Lincoln, both suspect that a new criminal called the Viper took Walker in order to release Lucifer, the ex-King of the Angels and a bloodthirsty killer.

Long story short, Myla and Lincoln have only twenty-four hours to rescue their good friend and stop Lucifer from taking over the after-realms. Even for them, this may be a too-tall order, especially when Lucifer’s mysterious past with Myla’s father threatens the very future of the after-realms.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—


Author Bio:

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.
Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

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BOOK BLITZ: City of a Thousand Tears by Pamela Hart #Dystopian #YA

City of a Thousand Tears
Pamela Hart
(Beauty From Ashes)
Publication date: September 5th 2023
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Beulah is a city divided by privilege and poverty, and seventeen-year-old Ellio lives in the poorest district of all—the Downs. Assigned there at birth, even his extraordinary gift with machines isn’t enough to escape Beulah’s rigid class structure.

But the boundaries of his world start to crumble the night he encounters a mysterious young woman.

Kaya is stubborn, impulsive, and volatile. His opposite in every way. Worse, she’s from Aurea, the city’s golden district, and beneath her hardened exterior lies a web of secrets tangled around Retiarius, the city’s elite fighting guild. How did she wind up in the Downs that night? And what’s her connection to Retiarius?

As Ellio and Kaya’s relationship deepens, they defy the boundaries of Beulah’s class system, risking everything to continue meeting in secret. When their forbidden love is put to the test, Ellio will have to decide if Kaya is just another impossible dream, or if some things are worth fighting for—even in the Downs.

If you enjoy dystopian romances like The Lunar Chronicles, Red Queen, and Divergent, check out this story of courage, love, fierce heroines, and underdogs.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

Ellio found a lot of interesting things poking around dumpsters in the Downs, but this was the first time he’d found a foot. Peeking out from under the bin, the glossy black nail polish shimmered from the light of a distant streetlamp. Getting over his initial shock, the young man breathed a sigh of relief when his further investigation revealed that the foot was still attached to a leg. A rather shapely woman’s leg swathed in black biomesh with metal grommets tracing up the seam from calf to thigh.

Falling to his knees, he ignored the water from the puddle now seeping into his jumpsuit and the cold rain that dripped down the back of his neck. He pushed his goggles up into his dark-blue hair. Another, older set dangled from his throat as he leaned down. Ellio peered under the dumpster and was further consoled that the shapely leg was still attached to not only a torso but an entire woman’s body. She seemed to be all in one piece. Choppy black bangs fell in front of her eyes. Her face was flushed and smudged with dirt. Ragged gasps shuddered through her, breath puffing out as little clouds in the chill air. At least she was still breathing. Bodies sometimes turned up in the Downs, but not as often as one might expect.

What on Elorah had happened to her?

The young woman shivered.

Ellio frowned. “Hey, you all right?” He shook her leg gently.

The biomesh cloth of her pants alone was probably worth more than he made in a month. He cringed at the thought of getting grease on them, but then again, the young woman was passed out under a dumpster. Clearly, she had bigger problems. But just to be sure, he wiped his hands along the thighs of his coveralls a few times.

“Hey, c’mon.” Ellio craned his neck underneath the dumpster to see her better. “You can’t stay here.” He gripped her leg more firmly and tugged. The woman’s head lolled back and forth limply; her eyelids fluttered but remained closed.

After getting no response, Ellio partially crawled beneath the rusty trash receptacle. “’Scuse me, lady,” he whispered, sliding his hands lightly underneath her torso and dragging her out from under her makeshift shelter. He was careful not to let her bump her head on the way out.

Ellio kept his hands to respectable areas, but a blush still crept up his neck as he cradled the young woman against his chest. She looked about his age, maybe a year younger. Ellio had just turned seventeen a few weeks back. He couldn’t help noticing she was beautiful, with full pink lips and a cute little nose smattered with freckles. She had golden eyeshadow like wings around her eyes. Ellio swallowed. Brushing her bangs back from her face, he held a calloused hand against her forehead.

“You’re burning up!”


Author Bio:

Pamela Hart is the author of Beauty from Ashes and City of a Thousand Tears. Raised on a steady diet of fantasy, science fiction and anime, she spent most of her childhood failing to acquire a Boston accent. Since then, she has slurped ramen in Ikebukuro, stampeded through flamenco lessons in Granada, and splashed her way across a fishpond for the Milkman Triathlon in Dexter. During her travels, she tends to overpack horrendously, but never regrets cramming her backpack full of books to devour along the way. She wanders the planet with Joe, the love of her life, and her adorably maniacal Boston terriers, Willy and Marvin.

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BOOK TOUR: Honey Mead Murder by Dahlia Donovan #cozymystery #LGBTQ

Get ready for a charmingly quirky romance with a twist of murder mystery in Honey Mead Murder!

Honey Mead Murder

Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries Book 1

by Dahlia Donovan

Genre: LGBTQ MM Romance, Cozy Mystery

Get ready for a charmingly quirky romance with a twist of murder mystery in Honey Mead Murder!

Follow the heart-warming story of George Bernard Sheth, a devoted pug and bee lover, who has been secretly crushing on a local mead brewer. But when a customer dies during a mead tasting, Murphy Baird, the brewer, finds himself at the centre of a police investigation.

As the two navigate the murder mystery, they find themselves falling deeper in love, all while trying to stay alive long enough for their first date. With meddling friends and unexpected plot twists, “Honey Mead Murder” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good MM romance and a thrilling mystery.

Amazon * Apple * Kobo * Smashwords * Books2Read * Bookbub * Goodreads

Dahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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COVER REVEAL: Cry of the Grackle by Lee James #SiFiFantasy

Check out the cover for the upcoming Cry of the Grackle by Lee James!

Cry of the Grackle

by Lee James

Genre: SciFi Fantasy

Let me vanish into the void that bore me. There I will find peace.

Born into the violent confusion of the human race, Rosh is defamed, abused and alone.
Is he destined to save us or die trying?

**Releasing Soon!**

Lee James writes stories of hope and redemption. Whether it’s fantasy, mystery or historical fiction, her beautifully awkward characters traverse a dark labyrinth on their journey to a hopeful end.

She is vehement about the importance of creating and preserving the sanctity of the written word. In that vein, she supports literacy programs and her local libraries.

Most importantly, she supports her fellow writers. When not writing, she enjoys photography, watching The Simpsons, and of course, reading.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the reveal HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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NEW RELEASE: Lord of Fire by Alice Gaines #DarkFantasy

Lord of Fire (Night Lords 1)

A paranormal women’s fiction novella

When Krista Harris’s sixth sense sends her to a hidden cave, she discovers a portal to Underworld that will open only for her.

Alexus, Underworld’s Lord of Fire, awaits her there, eager to show her a land full of sensual delights. He sends Krista’s heart up in flames. The sex is great, but Krista isn’t sure she’s ready to commit to being his mate, no matter how beautiful he and his world might be.

Excerpt

Krista Harris hadn’t bothered to report where she was going to anyone. It was her vacation, after all, but that was still a big no-no. Once they found out she’d gone into a cave without letting anyone know, they’d think she’d suddenly lost her mind. Maybe she had, but something had been compelling her to do exactly that for days now, and she didn’t want anyone following her.

Her coworkers had heard enough about her extra sense. Most flatly didn’t believe her, and the others who had tried understanding were tired of her false alarms. In truth, her feelings failed her sometimes, but this time they’d come to her so forcefully. At first in dreams, and then she occasionally got images while awake. Something or someone was trying to call to her, and the messages had led her to this opening in the rock.

This had to be the right place. She could almost detect a voice in her heart. Distant but male. It whispered almost inaudible words. Come, and what followed might have been to… me.

She was no spelunker, but this forest held several caves. There could be one just on the other side of the entrance. She hadn’t heard of anything of interest here. Tourists flocked to Oldtown Caverns on the other side of town, but nothing indicated past visitors here. Maybe that voice hadn’t called to anyone but her. Even more reason to search for the source.

She eased into the cleft in the rock. She could easily ease back out again if necessary. She had had the good sense to wear a helmet with headlamp and bring a lantern so she could see her way around.

After a yard or two, the passage widened until she’d left it behind. Now standing in more space, she trained the lantern around and toward the ceiling. The light extended quite a distance in all directions. The place had to be very large, indeed.

Now, the sound buzzed in her head, the words she’d thought she’d heard coming through more clearly. Definitely, Come to me.

She’d had psychic experiences before, but none so strong. Her heart pounded. Sensing stuff and hearing voices in her head were two different things. In fact, the latter usually meant you were crazy.

She could return to town and get some professionals to search here. They wouldn’t listen to any sort of fantastic declaration, but people still found caves here from time to time. They would get excited to learn about a new discovery. Especially if it turned out to be spectacular enough to attract tourists.

But that voice was calling to her. It had sent her here, not someone else who could try to take credit for finding this cave. And maybe if she brought other people with her, the voice would go silent. No, she had to follow it.

Come. This time it had direction, so she headed after it.

Another opening appeared, in the rock straight ahead of her. Larger than the first. In fact, it looked like someone had carved a door. A trick of geology? In any case, she was expected to go through it, so she did.

Light greeted her on the other side… a glow emanating from the walls of the new chamber. Some fluorescent insect or moss? Such things did exist. She’d seen it on a nature program, hadn’t she? And the air was warmer than you’d expect. Where had heat come from? Caves, they had here. Volcanoes, no.

But tourists would love this place where you could easily get around and the air was warmed somehow. There also had to be a scientific explanation for the light. But for now, she wouldn’t share it with anyone. This was hers.

No, it wasn’t. It belonged to someone else, and she’d been invited. But yes, it was, too. That made no sense.

Come, Krista.

Shit. Now it knew her name. How in hell could that be true? “Who are you?”

No answer came. Fear coiled in the pit of her stomach, but she wouldn’t go back. If she did, she’d only return until she could learn why she’d been drawn here and whose voice she heard. She had to keep going.

She went deeper into the cave, the light and the warmth never leaving her. Each step drew her closer to whatever waited for her and to the owner of that voice. Eventually, she found herself at the top of a stairway. Torches along the side descended into another chamber below. Her hand on the rock wall beside her for support, she went down slowly.

So, someone had built this and had been around recently to light the torches. It wasn’t her discovery, after all, although few people must know about it. She’d never heard stories about a cavern that had been turned into a fantasy play space. She’d obviously found something cool… whatever it was.

When she got to the bottom, she faced two huge wooden doors. They parted silently, showing what looked for all the world like a royal chamber. A chamber full of fire.

She ran back outside the doors and was preparing to dash back up the steps when the voice called out loudly. “Stop!”

She glanced back inside. The place wasn’t full of fire. The flames rose up on the side walls almost to the ceiling. Self-contained, it didn’t seem to want to spread but rather to frame what went on inside. Still, it was spectacular. And frightening.

“Come in, come in,” the voice ordered.

She went back in and discovered that at the end of a long carpet stood a small dais, complete with a throne. A man rose from it.

“It took you long enough to get here,” he said.

The same voice she’d heard, at first in her head and then leading her through the cave. “That was your voice telling me to come?”

“Commanding you.”

About the Author

USA Today best-selling author Alice Gaines has published several sensuous and erotic works. She prefers stories that stretch the imagination, highlighting the power of love and sex. Alice has a Ph.D. in psychology from U. C. Berkeley and lives in Oakland, California, where she sings in her church choir.

TEASER: Through My Heart by KateHill #romantichorror

Romantic Moments 3

Romantic Horror, Vampire Romance

Date Published: October 01, 2023

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Adrian – I am a vampire whose physical ugliness intensified with my
immortality. For centuries I hunted alone, disguising myself from prey,
preferring illusions to brutal attacks. Others of my kind spurned me. Some
tried to destroy me, and on them I unleashed my wrath. I suffered the agony
of eternal loneliness, and then I met Anna.

Anna – My life was almost unbearable until a tall, black-haired
stranger with fiery eyes and needle sharp teeth drank my blood and swept me
into an unimaginable world. From the night we met, I gave Adrian my heart,
but a lie spun by a jealous enemy drove us apart. I swore I would never give
him the chance to hurt me again, but denying my love for him was harder than
I thought.

Note: Through My Heart is a very short horror romance featuring vampiric
love. It has a spicy heat level, violence, and a HEA. This Romantic Moments
story is the perfect length for a lunch break, before bed, or any time you
want a quick, romantic read.

 

Excerpt

I found her on the streets of Pompeii just days before the fateful eruption
of Vesuvius. Many centuries earlier, I had been thrust into the life of a
blood drinker, changed on the field of battle.

To this day, I don’t know why the blood drinker changed me. Beauty is
prized among our kind, and I was known as the Brutal Beast—a warrior
with the strength of a dragon and the face of one.

I suppose it doesn’t matter why. It might have been a gift, or a curse, or
perhaps it was just her sense of humor. I can still feel her teeth tearing
into my neck. I can taste her blood, as sweet and thick as wine.

I digress. Where was I?

Ah, yes, Pompeii. I had arrived on my merchant ship from Constanta, and
while my servants unloaded cargo, I sought nourishment in the brothels that
were plentiful in the city. Even then, I caught the scent of death emanating
from the distant mountain. I had planned to stay for a while, but just one
night might be too long. Still, I needed to drink before moving on.

A delicious scent teased my nose. It was musky, sweet, and sad. The aroma
of despair. My gaze riveted to a beautiful woman—hair as black as my
own, dark eyes with flecks of gold that my keen vision detected even from
across the street. She was slim and her skin kissed golden by the sun.
Despite the warmth of the air, she shivered and rubbed her bare arms that
were imprinted with bruises from an earlier customer.

I approached, still wearing a hood—blood drinkers are rarely affected
by warmth or cold, unless it’s extreme. The hood, combined with my powers of
the mind, would create the illusion of handsome looks. I didn’t spin the
dream quite yet, though. Sometimes, I indulged in the self-torture of seeing
how they reacted to me.

She glanced at me when I paused beside her, so close that my shadow
darkened her face.

“Welcome. Would you like to come inside?” she asked in a soft
monotone. Her voice, like her scent, emanated despair. She didn’t even look
surprised by my appearance.

“Very much.”

With a sigh, she turned and led me past a tattered curtain, into the small,
candlelit room where she lived and entertained customers.

She gestured toward the stone bed.

I remained standing and said, “We should talk first.”

Now she raised an arched black eyebrow. “About what?”

I pulled down my hood, completely exposing my pale, bony face that was
covered in scars, most from my mortal life, but some sustained after my
change, during fights with other blood drinkers, ones who couldn’t keep
their mouths shut and their weapons to themselves. My eyes, deep-set and
black as midnight pools, intimidated just about everyone who dared lock
gazes with me.

She swallowed visibly and audibly, but didn’t look away.

“Will you still take me to your bed, my lovely?”

 

About the Author

Kate Hill is a vegetarian New Englander who loves writing romantic
fantasies. When she’s not working on her books, Kate enjoys reading, working
out, watching horror movies, and researching vampires and Viking history.
She runs the Compelling Beasts Blog that is dedicated to antagonists,
antiheroes, and paranormal creatures. Kate also writes as Saloni
Quinby.

 

Contact Links

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NEW RELEASE: Beautiful Twisted Things by Lacee Hightower #Menage #EroticRomance

When you’re playing with fire, run for safety … or get burned.

Wyatt McEvoy finds weed, alcohol, and inappropriate reading material in his teenage daughter’s apartment. Not to mention sex toys. Frustrated by her poor judgment, he gives her two choices. Attend a camp for troubled youths or move home for the summer and take a job.

Aiden DiBiase hasn’t the time nor the desire to babysit. His new summer employee is immature, smart-lipped, and defiant. Problem is, she’s the daughter of a personal friend who also happens to be one of his biggest sources of income.

Sophie McEvoy is appalled when her first task is to clean the bathroom, and things only get worse after that. She can’t stand Aiden and his draconian rules. He’s dictatorial, makes her do deplorable things that no respectable person should ever suggest, and looks at her with ice in his gaze. Exasperated, Sophie handles his neanderthal personality the only way she knows how. She’s flippant, defiant, and refuses to comply without a fight.

Kyle Holt’s whole world is Aiden. Their nine-year relationship is committed and unbreakable, and he’ll do anything to keep his partner happy. So when he brings Sophie into the mix by inviting her to their bed for a night of no-strings consensual fun, things get complicated in more ways than one.

Falling into a passionate liaison they can’t forsake no matter the consequences, when Sophie discovers Aiden’s dark secret, will she turn away for good? Or fall deeper?

Be Warned: menage sex (MMF), anal sex, sex toys

Excerpt

“What would make you happy, Sophia?”

“Same as anybody else. Peace. Acceptance. Love.” My eyes warmed as I fought thinking of everything I didn’t want to think or speak of. “Someone who looks at me the way you and Kyle look at each other. And you, Aiden. You and Kyle. That’s what would make me happy.”

 Running his lips along the curve of my jaw, he said, “Do yourself a favor and walk away from this. Forget the motherfucking invitation. Before I won’t let you.”

The velvet rasp of his voice turned my core to liquid. Maybe he was right in that I should forget this whole invitation, but no. I couldn’t and wouldn’t. I wanted to lose myself in Aiden’s hypnotic gaze and the soul-grabbing hunger behind it. Wanted Kyle’s lips trailing down my back while making the moaning noises I’d heard before. I wanted harsh words, domineering demands, soft and hard kisses, and every sexual scenario imaginable between two men and a woman.

I wanted the three of us.

“What if I don’t want you to let me?”

He cocked a brow, then lowered his forehead against mine, his breath heated and heavy. His voice gentler, he said, “This was inappropriate, and I’m sorry.”

“Inappropriate for who, dammit? Stop pretending you don’t feel th-this thing between us because I know you do.”

His gorgeous face was a map of confusion, his stare so intense it sent ice up my spine. “I’m not some gentle lover who leaves flowers by the bedside and sweet notes at the door. I’m…”

“You’re dominant, Aiden. And Kyle is submissive. It’s hardly a secret.”

“Kyle is submissive with me, Sophia. With you, he’d be a different man. The two of us would tear you apart. Now, be sensible and forget about this.”

“I don’t want to forget.”

Equal parts pissed and turned on, I stared at him while he stared right back with tension returning to his body and hardness in his jaw. With his brows drawing together in an upsetting scowl, he said, “Wear different clothes and shoes to work. I don’t need you breaking a leg on my clock.” He turned his back to me and sauntered toward the front area where Kyle continued what sounded like a personal call.

“Fine! I get it, okay?” Red, fiery anger ignited in my chest while frustration rolled through me and the words on my tongue wouldn’t stop. “Deep down you know you aren’t man enough to please me. So, go ahead and continue doing what you do best. Walking away, barking orders, and looking at me like you’d rather have your dick chewed off by a rabid dog than to touch me. You may be dominant in the bedroom, but you sure as hell aren’t anywhere else. You’re nothing but a scared, candy-assed coward. Besides, I don’t need dick in my life, not yours anyway.”

Like I’d lit a live wire, he stopped, the muscles in his shoulders straining. He turned to face me, his pupils like round black dots, and that vein in his forehead thick and erect. Anger bled in his expression, the intent in his gaze ice cold.

Don’t walk away.

Don’t ignore me.

Don’t abandon me.

“You know what? You talk too motherfucking much, you couldn’t handle my dick if you tried, and you’re fully aware that I don’t need pussy.” He trudged my direction, scooped me into his arms like I weighed nothing, then said, “But since you’ve been begging me to turn your ass red, guess what, little girl? You win. Goddamnit to hell, you win! I’m going to show you what a candy-assed coward does when he’s reached his limit. And then, Sophia, we’ll see how you feel when you can’t sit for a week.”

He can’t be serious! I pushed at his chest. “You wouldn’t fucking dare!” As much as I’d read and fantasized about spanking and red rooms of pain, a cold dread of fear lifted up my back.

He released a sigh from deep in his chest, warning me that his patience was wearing thin. “I don’t take kindly to dares.” His voice was a low growl and his fingertips dug into the back of my thighs. “Not only do you run your mouth too much, but you’re rude and spoiled, not to mention disrespectful. You deserve every damn thing you’re about to endure. Before the summer ends, I’ll either work the fucking defiance out of you, or spank it out.”

About the Author

Lacee Hightower lives in Texas where everything is bigger! And better! Writer of heat-filled stories, the sex is smokin’ and the men are strong and alpha.

When she’s not stressing over edits, she can usually be found curled up with a steamy book and a good glass of Pinot.

You can reach her here:

laceehightower.com

laceehightower8786 on Instagram

LaceeHightower on Twitter