SPOTLIGHT TOUR: BREAKING KATE BY D. KELLY (EXCERPT)

Michael Matthews has been in love with Katherine Moore since the second grade. In Michaels mind there is absolutely nothing that will ever be able to keep the two of them apart. The night Michael is set to propose to Katherine the evening is interrupted by an unexpected tragedy that tears the two of them apart for good.

Three years have passed since that fateful night when Katherine, now known as Kate meets Daniel. After an awkward start sparks fly between them. Daniel and Kate fall hard and fast into the most passionate and intense love affair of their lives. In three years a lot can change, Michael knows he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left Katherine and he will do anything to get her back. Asking his best friend Daniel for help is his first step in righting the wrongs he made so many years ago. Unfortunately, neither of them realizes that Michaels long lost love Katherine is Daniel’s true love Kate.

While attending the engagement party of a mutual friend, all of their paths collide. How is Kate supposed to choose between the two men that mean the most to her in the world? Kate has to push past her heartache and put some serious thought into what comes next. One wrong choice and not only could she lose them both but Daniel and Michael may never recover their friendship.

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We only talked a few days ago about the possibility of me putting myself out there again and he’s presumptuous enough to think he can fix me up on my first date in ages? Of course he is; he’s Connor fucking Houston. As pissed off as I am, I have to admit a bit of morbid curiosity as to who it might be.

Over the past year, I have heard all about his best friends Daniel, Jake, Mike, and April. I have yet to meet any of them in person, although I sort of feel like I already know them from Connor’s stories. Connor Houston is HOT! Scott Eastwood hot. Melt in your mouth hot. ‘Yes, you can fuck me right here, right now, in this room full of people just because you looked at me with come fuck me eyes and I don’t even know your name’ kind of hot. I can only begin to imagine what his friends look like.

Jess glares at me and I know I overstepped—she’s upset. “Kate, I’m going to try and ignore the fact that you basically just called me superficial because you and I both know that nothing could be further from the truth. I met the guy two seconds ago and he is HOT, and you, my friend, need to get laid. You haven’t had a relationship in over three years. I want to see you happy. I want to go on double dates. I want to swap sex stories with someone who is actually getting some, but most of all, I want to see that sparkle that has been missing from your gorgeous eyes for the last three years. I know how broken you’ve been, and you have every right to grieve your losses, but it’s time to move on. My god, Katie Grace, you met the man all of ten minutes ago and have already decided he’s a jerk. Maybe he’s nervous. If I were you, I would give it an open mind and see where it goes. If it’s awful, well, you wasted a night. But if he’s great? God, Kate, if he’s great maybe you can be happy again. Besides, I don’t think Connor would set you up with a jerk. He’s way too over protective of you to put you in that kind of situation. When they come back, I’m going to ask Connor to show me around and you need to play nice with Daniel, if for no other reason than to do me a favor. Can you please do that for me?”

His lips are almost brushing against mine, so close I can feel his breath caress my lips… it’s intoxicating. Daniel places one hand on the back of my head, pulling me forward to close the small gap between us as his perfect lips meet mine for a gentle, yet utterly heart-stopping kiss. This is the first kiss fairytales are spun from. My heartbeat is still rapid, my pulse is still racing, and I can’t for the life of me figure out why I have waited so long to find him. This man was obviously made just for me. Daniel stops kissing me, resting his forehead against mine.

I reach up and run my fingers through his hair, and I feel him suck in his breath as he slowly he moves his lips to mine. Gently kissing me, he parts my lips with his tongue, making his way into my mouth. When his tongue caresses mine I feel butterflies in my stomach. What the hell? The feeling is exceptional; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. I’m lost in it and to it.

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I'm a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I'm also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids biggest fan in anything that they do. I love to write, so when my career suddenly derailed I turned back to my love of writing. I married my high school sweetheart... how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is a bitch who slaps back hard and that mean people suck. I'm California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. Breaking Kate is my first novel and is part of The Acceptance Series.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LEFT DROWNING BY JESSICA PARK

Title: Left Drowning

Author: Jessica Park

Print Length: 399 pages

ISBN: 1477817158

ASIN: B00BJQR23C

Publisher: Skyscape (July 16, 2013)

Retailers: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. | B&N

Goodreads

Check out our 5 star Left Drowning review
HERE

Synopsis:

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.

*This book is intended for mature audiences due to strong language and sexual content.

Note: due to mature content recommended for Ages 17+

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

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

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: FULL STEAM AHEAD BY VALERIE CHASE

Is anybody else with us in wishing we were on a cruise RIGHT NOW! Winter is dragging long...so check out this book in the spotlight today all about fun in the sun and cruising the seas looking for love! 

About Full Steam Ahead---

Seven days aboard a luxury cruise.
The perfect getaway from it all.
At least, that’s what Georgia Cantwell was hoping for.

Georgia wishes she could run away from the nightmare that has consumed her life—but she can’t. With her inbox filling with menacing emails, all she can do is try to get through her sorority’s winter break cruise without anyone realizing how wrecked she is. So she really doesn’t need Jace McLaren, a green-eyed womanizer, seeing through her tacked-on smile when no one else seems to notice.

Growing up with a father in jail and a barely there mom, Jace knows from experience that if you’re going through hell, there’s no way out but through. He has always steered away from girls like Georgia with her ice-queen attitude, but she’s in real trouble, and despite himself he pushes past her walls.

As much as Georgia tries to ignore it, Jace won’t let her pretend with him. But she can’t risk telling him the truth. Her past would ruin his trust, her family, her future—everything.

But out on the open ocean, there’s nowhere to hide. And when Georgia’s secrets come tumbling out, it might take more than Jace to save her.

Read the first chapter here!

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N

Author Bio

Valerie Chase writes New Adult romance in the suburbs of Washington, DC.

When she isn’t typing away on her laptop or dreaming up swoon-worthy kiss scenes, she loves sipping hot tea, taking long walks by her house, and getting lost in indie bookstores. (You’ll probably find her in one right now.) Full Steam Ahead is her first book.

Social Media LinksFacebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Subscribe to Val’s Mailing List

ExcerptThe club stops spinning for a moment. Jace’s mouth is soft, much softer than I’d have thought given the roughness of his jaw under my fingertips. He doesn’t move for a heartbeat, and it’s like we exist in a bubble outside of this dance floor, outside of time.
But he pulls away from me. “What’s gotten into you?” He breathes, our mouths only inches apart. “I thought—”
I kiss him again. I need to forget about those emails, forget about my parents, forget about Hunter and Kelsey. I need to lose myself tonight, and Jace hooks up with lots of girls, so I’m sure he’ll know how to take my mind off of my problems. I’ve seen how he looks at me, so I know he’s interested. We’ll have some fun, and both get what we want.
My tongue traces along Jace’s mouth and then I gently bite his bottom lip, tugging it teasingly. I dip my thumbs into the waistband of his jeans and feel the warm skin of his stomach, so hard and smooth. I moan before I can stop myself.
Whatever I’m doing must be working, because Jace starts to kiss me back. His hands settle at my waist, trailing down toward my hips. Our kiss deepens and his tongue circles around mine, once, twice. Soft as a whisper. I’m lost in a rush of feeling, and I wrap my arms around his neck to draw him closer. I need him closer.
I push us toward the outskirts of the crowded room.
The lights move dizzyingly in the dark, and the music throbs through my limbs. Jace and I reach an empty spot by the wall. Here, we’re hidden from the dance floor by a tall potted fern decorated with white twinkling lights. The tiny lights reflect in Jace’s eyes, which take me in hungrily.
His hands move over my tank top to the bare skin of my shoulders, and I shiver as heat spikes through my limbs. My own fingers roam across his skin again eagerly: his waist, his back, across his hard abs that tighten at my touch… It has the temperature of a fever.
Jace dips his head to kiss my neck, and those dangerous lips make my whole body tingle. My thoughts go wild as I imagine him kissing down my belly, past my hips, and lower still. For a while we are a whirlwind, hot and spinning, and I haven’t felt so alive in months. Maybe years. I can’t help but think that it never felt like this with Hunter—this heat, this need. Not even when we first started dating.
I had no idea what I was missing.
And I don’t want it to stop.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: BREAK AWAY BY ELLIE GRACE

Title: BREAK AWAY

Author: Ellie Grace

Release date: February 10, 2014

Age Group: NA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: WordSmith Publicity

Links to the book: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads 

Book Description:

When Olivia Mason catches her fiancé cheating, her life gets turned upside down. With no family and no real place to call home, she heads south for a fresh start in Charleston, South Carolina. Determined to gain her own independence and protect her heart, the last thing she needs is a sexy, tattoo-covered guy to cross her path and test her resolve. Just as she’s beginning to put her life back together, she uncovers a piece of her past that shakes up everything.

Dex Porter has his own demons. A former Marine, he’s haunted by the past and uses whiskey, women and fighting to drown the pain and guilt that consume him. When Olivia arrives in town, he finds himself drawn to her immediately and is surprised by his desire to get to know her. She’s unlike anyone he’s ever met but he knows he can’t get close to her without exposing the part of himself that he keeps hidden. 

As Dex and Olivia strike up a friendship and fight their attraction to one another, they begin to chip away each other’s walls and help each other heal. However, the past is never far behind and they soon learn that no matter how fast they run, it will always catch up with them.

  

About the Author:

Ellie Grace is an avid reader, chocolate lover and caffeine addict. When a story popped into her head that she couldn’t seem to shake, she decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a writer. When she’s not writing, she’s usually curled up with a book by one of her many, many favorite authors.

Author Social Media Links:
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To see other stops guest posts, and excerpts click here or the button below.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT - EXCERPT + REVIEW: CAKE BY NICOLE REED

 

 

Would you be willing to make a mess of your life to get exactly what you want?

Kylie Lord has known Trent Moss and Dray Savage since college. Trent, the smart and kind-hearted humanitarian has had her heart from the moment they met, but someone else always has his. Dray is an arrogant professional football player who happens to be Trent’s best friend and Kylie’s nemesis “with benefits.”

Five years after graduation, Kylie is commanding the world with a new image and a successful business; however, she lacks the one thing she wants and the one thing she can never have. That is, until one fateful night when Kylie decides to go after all of her forbidden fantasies and risk everything.

Two men, completely different and poles apart, but together they are her idea of perfection. One can only offer her tonight and the other forever, but can Kylie settle for just one man, or can she have her cake and eat it too?

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AMAZON CA / AMAZON UK

Our Review---

Cake. Let her eat cake. Immediately brought to mind I think of the phrase "Have your cake, and eat it too." So that should tell a lot just out of the gate. Having read about certain brothers with the name of Walker recently, I really didn't know WHAT direction that could go, but we were definitely intrigued by the idea of Kylie being best friends with two guys from college, and possibly being with one or both of them. 

To get it out of the way, the beginning was kind of rough. There was a lot of information to be given to get the story going, so it was understandable on one hand, and meh, on the other. The writing smooths out quickly enough, because it is a very quick read. (Shel, what did you think about pace, because I might be the wrong one to ask about that?) I thought after the initial set up of information, the novel flies. Time moves in weeks and months and moves the action along quite rapidly.

Kylie, Trent and Dray (I freaking loved the name Dray) are friends from their Freshman year of college. Kylie has loved Trent from afar for over seven years, so it was painful for her to rehash that because we're complete cynics. We wanted her to give up on him early because how many times do ya want to be kicked when you're down girl! She had a lot of growth to do. A lot! And be happy to know that you get it. Even if I was seriously prepared to throw my device across the room to endure it. Yeah I had many palm to face smacks with Kylie. I mean. How long you gonna waste your life for someone who just uses you..in the nicest possible way but, really, just uses you. Thank goodness she had Madison there to speak some truth (although sometimes her logic was a little screwy).

I, and I know Shel did too, had a lot of emotions to contend with during the reading of this book. I felt giggly and happy and laughed a lot in the beginning to middle. There are lots of funny one liners in this one. I love a book that makes me laugh! Needed a fan for a large portion, because there are some smoking hot scenes...and a lot of rage and anger about each character's behavior and motivation even if they made complete sense. Yep, yep, and yep. Hot scenes and lots of anger about some dumbass foolishness!

In all of that, I did really like the story. I like (now...then, not so much) the emotions that it provoked, and the fact that Shel and I have now exchanged phrases like Penis Genius in our bizarre whacko conversations. Fun times had by all, and I really would like to know if there is going to be another book (not about these people, Thank God, this story resolved itself beautifully...though each person will decide for themselves if that is a good or bad beautiful) about Kylie's best friend Madison and who she ends up with! Need to know this information! Ditto!

Courtney: 4 Stars
Shelley: 4 Stars

“Do you feel that, Kylie?” He continues to caress my arm with his hand. “That’s power running between you and me. I never imagined it would be so strong, so intense. Can you even conceive what my body rubbing against yours well feel like? Please unlike either one of us has ever experienced. Sex in its greatest form.”

His words hypnotize me, seduce me, and demolish my inhibitions so that even my common sense agrees with what he is saying. I’ve never wanted sex as much as I want it with Dray at this moment. In my head, I can see images of us entwined together, his dark against my light skin. The sight, in my mind’s eye, so clear, so erotic, that my breathing becomes erratic just with the thought. Closing my eyes, I feel his fingers glide to my breasts, circling the tip through my clothes. My clit throbs in tune with his movements almost as if he is touching me there. Dray grasps my nipple tightly as he pulls and squeezes. The dual motion overwhelms my senses, and an orgasm overcomes me, rippling up and through my body. Clenching my legs together, I moan as I ride it out. My body shakes, tingling with the aftermath of what just happened, and what I need to be happening again; however, sanity returns with me still sitting on the side of the couch. Opening my eyes, Dray stares at me like he knows my every thought. At least now, he has a supreme satisfied smile on his mouth and his shorts are in a superior tent out front.

“Damn girl. That is about the hottest sight I’ve ever seen. Had you been butt-naked, I think I would have exploded right along with you.”

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I love angst….I thrive on it, but only the fictional kind. I adore a story that grips the reader from the beginning and doesn’t let go…EVER. I’m an avid reader who just recently discovered my love of writing. My favorite things in life include my three wild & crazy kids, Reese’s Pieces, and every genre of music. I reside in the Deep South.

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: THE DEVIL'S REVENGE BY JENNIFER LOREN

The Devil´s Revenge ( # 2 The Devil´s Eyes ) by Jennifer Loren

The argument for my bail begins, and I lower my head until the doors behind me crash open with a thunderous roar. A vibration rushes through my body, I look up at the judge as his eyes widen and a cold silence takes hold of the room. It’s him. I know it’s him. It can be no other. Before I can turn I whisper his name and feel the energy of him blaze up my body as if the simple whisper of his name makes it true, makes him true. As hard as I fight my own curiosity I can’t stop myself, with all the assuredness in my

head I still have to prove it to my own eyes. Turning, I slowly raise my head up and look upon the three gentlemen, dressed in dark suits and letting the hoods of their coats fall back and reveal expressions of pure - desired annihilation. But it is he that stands center and strong that confirms my suspicions. It is he that has caused this silence and chocked

the breath out of an entire room. It’s as if the air could breathe and it breathes a trembling gasp of his name, with all that laid their eyes on

this sight I see. Only I breathe his name and meet his eyes whispering … “I knew you would come for me.”

Only God could save me from a certain deadly fate, and so rightfully, he

sent the devil to rescue me.

The sequel to The Devil's Eyes is action packed while still maintaining the

same dark romance and suspenseful tone of the first novel.

Purchase Links:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

About the Author:

Jennifer Loren graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Fine Arts Degree, specializing in Architecture and Design, and also obtained a second degree in Computer Design. She currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her German shepherd, Riley. In addition to the vastly popular, top mafia romance and best selling series, The Devil’s Eyes, Ms Loren has successfully published best selling romantic suspense novel Finding Ava and its sequel Reckless and the best selling short story, The Hand That Holds Mine. Her writing genre is considered dark, romantic suspense and her style is best described as Dark, Twisted and Dangerously Sexy.

Website | Facebook | YouTube Channel

 An excerpt...

** The Revenge**

As the judge comes in, we all stand, and I watch for any clue that might
show I still have some pull, some chance of getting out of this alive. The
judge sits and blatantly greets the man sitting behind the D.A.—Mr. Welch.
Welch’s smug attitude irks me, and knowing that Estrella is somewhere
nearby, enjoying this just as much, bothers me, too. Nonetheless, I
obviously no power to do anything. Here I am, standing in front of a judge,
a courtroom full of people, and media hounds taking notes vigorously. They
have already convicted me, and they are ready to send me to jail for
murder. They might even expect me to die for the crimes they believe I have
committed. Either way, jail or the needle, I will die. Estrella will see to
it, and Welch will make sure of it. The argument for my bail begins, and I
lower my head until the doors behind me crash open with a thunderous roar.
A vibration rushes through my body. I look up at the judge as his eyes
widen, and a cold silence takes hold of the room. It’s him. I know it’s
him. It can be no other. Before I can turn, I whisper his name. I can feel
the energy of him blaze up my body as if the simple hint of his name makes
it true, makes him true. As hard as I fight my own curiosity, I can’t stop
myself. With all the assuredness in my head, I still have to prove it to my
eyes. Turning, I slowly raise my head up and look upon the three gentlemen
dressed in dark suits. The hoods of their coats fall back and reveal
expressions of pure desired annihilation. But it is he, standing center and
strong, who confirms my suspicions. It is he who has caused this silence,
choking the breath out of an entire room. It’s as if the air could breathe,
and it breathes a trembling gasp of his name along with all who have laid
their eyes on this sight. Only I breathe his name and meet his eyes as I
whisper, “I knew you would come for me.” Only God could save me from a
certain deadly fate, and so rightfully, he sent the devil to rescue me.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: A NAUGHTY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

A Naughty Little Christmas 

(Cowboys, Cops, and Kilts: 8 Seasonally Seductive Romance from Bestselling Authors)

Authors: Randi Alexander, Ann Bruce, Aliyah Burke, Opal Carew, Dawn Halliday, Yvette Hines, Christin Lovell, & Paige Tyler

Print Length: 646 pages

Cowboys, Cops, and Kilts: 8 Seasonally Seductive Romances from Bestselling Authors 

*~*~*~* 

COWBOY JACKPOT: CHRISTMAS 

Cowboy Jackpot Series, Book 1 

Randi Alexander 

Award Winning Novella. A lucky first kiss in front of a Las Vegas slot machine pays off big for bull rider Boone Hancock and college student Gigi Colberg-Staub. 

*~*~*~* 

A NAUGHTY NOELLE 

The 19th Precinct, Book 1.5 

Ann Bruce 

When injured vice cop Sergio Ramirez accepts Noelle Mason’s offer to help him, she has no idea the danger she faces, most of it from her desire to share her bed with him. 

*~*~*~* 

HOLIDAY SURPRISE: UNWRAPPED 

Aliyah Burke 

Recuperating in wintery Massachusetts, Heath Dixon gives cold-hating Kassia Green something much hotter to focus on. But can he keep her after Christmas? Like…forever? 

*~*~*~* 

CHRISTMAS ANGEL 

Opal Carew 

Given one chance to break the curse which has held Angelique in its grip for two hundred years, she is faced with a heart-rending decision. Can she sacrifice Nick's happiness for her own freedom? 

*~*~*~* 

A HIGHLANDER FOR THE HOLIDAYS 

Dawn Halliday 

In the wintery Highland mountains, Aileen and Niall unleash their forbidden passion. But Aileen is promised to another this Christmas, and the wicked Lowlander will stop at nothing to have her. 

*~*~*~* 

ILLICIT CHRISTMAS 

Yvette Hines 

Even during the holidays a woman can have one reckless night that will change her life forever...especially when the man she was with is determined to prove they belong together. 

*~*~*~* 

HER XMAS PRESENT 

Christin Lovell 

After being apart from each other for a year, Libby and Tyler realize their feelings for one another are more than platonic. Are they willing to risk years of friendship on a chance at love? 

*~*~*~* 

ALL SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS 

Paige Tyler 

Hayley Knowles has always fantasized about getting spanked by her husband, Conner. But how can she possibly ever get her husband to do it, especially since she’s too shy to tell him? This is the holiday season, though, so maybe Hayley might get exactly what she wants for Christmas! 

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BOOK SPOTLIGHT: TRUST ME? BY K.E. OSBORN

Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy by K E Osborn.

Now available for purchase for $3.99 at Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.

You can download from smashwords in the following formats:

Epub for iPads, Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo etc.

Kindle for Kindle devices.

PDF for the computer.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/354821

For Amazon and kindle

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0G6JRW

When Jenifer Taylor, a young woman from the big City of Mornington Vale California starts her day, it turns from bad to worse, when on her way to work she is in a chain collision.

Little does she know that this accident will set off a chain of events transforming her dull life, filling it with love and heartache.

Aiden O'Connell, a young, attractive, and rich businessman sparks her trust issues as he starts his pursuit of her.

Jeni admits her feelings for Aiden; only to find out he is being investigated for a serious crime. Her trust issues spark as she goes through a journey of self-discovery. She must decide once and for all whether she trusts the man she loves, when she’s asked the ultimate question.

“Do you trust me?”

This is book one in a series of three.  Book two "Love Me?" coming soon.

About the Author:

K E Osborn is the Adelaide based Author of the Trust me? Trilogy, a romance series with love, laughter and plenty of lust!

http://www.keosbornauthor.com/

Biography

K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path to Design instead. It wasn't until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book came to life.

Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2012.

Social Media:

Twitter | Facebook | Trust Me Trilogy Facebook | Goodreads | Smashwords

EXCERPT ONE:

I exhale. “I have major trust issues with men. My dad left before I was born. My ex… well, he cheated and left me. I can’t just trust that you are who you say you are. I mean how do I know that you won’t treat me the same way?”
He sighs. “Trust issues, huh? I can work with that.” He smiles, lightening the mood. “Let’s take this one day at a time. I don’t plan on hurting you. I don’t think I ever could. Trust is a big thing. It has to be earned. I’ll do my time until you trust me. I’m not planning on going anywhere. I don’t know about you, but for me, there is something here, and I’m willing to wait and work at it to find out what that is. That’s if you want to?”
I can’t help but smile. “I think there’s something here as well, and with time, I’m sure I’ll trust you.”
“I can live with that.”
“Wow! That got serious real quick,” I say, laughing. He nods in agreement. “Aiden,” I say softly.
“Yes, Jeni?” “Kiss me!”

EXCERPT TWO:

I run through some paperwork when I hear someone clear their throat to get my attention. I look up angrily to see the man who crashed into me this morning. It’s the idiot who enhanced my bad day.
“Jeni, I presume?” he asks with a quirky smile on his face, which is unexpectedly attractive.
I sit in silence as I stare at him with my mouth slightly open in surprise.
He speaks again. “I’m sorry about this morning. I see you managed to get that stain mostly out of your top. I’d like to pay for some new clothes and the damages to your car, if you’ll let me.”
I squirm in my seat as the attractiveness of this man is suddenly apparent. How did I not notice his gorgeousness this morning? He’s, quite frankly, one of the most attractive guys I’ve ever seen. In spite of his outrageously good looks and cheerful persona, I start to get angry with him all over again.
“No, you don’t need to pay for new clothes or for my car. My manager has told me that they will fix it for me and then charge the insurance company. So, like I said this morning, I don’t want or need your charity, thanks.”
He looks at me in surprise. “That’s no way to talk to a customer.” Again with a mischievous grin.
“Urgh.” I want to slap him in his smart-ass, gorgeous face.
“Sorry,” I say with extreme sarcasm. “Can I have the details of your car please, Mr. O’Connell?”
“If you won’t let me buy you some new clothes or fix your car, how about lunch then?”
There’s that grin again. I quickly gather myself together and reply hastily.
“It’s after two, Mr. O’Connell. I’ve had lunch, thanks.” I’m feeling quite pleased with myself as I stand up. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind, the details of your car?”
He looks at me puzzled.
“I didn’t mean today. I meant tomorrow or the next day or the weekend. Whenever you’re free?”
With that, his gorgeous smile crosses his face again, and I begin to melt. Is it hot in here? I can feel my cheeks burning. I look down, pretending to sort out paperwork on my desk so he can’t see the redness spreading across my face. 

“I don’t think I can do lunch. I’m pretty busy you know.”
He looks like he’s thinking hard about what to say next and he tilts his head slightly.
“Dinner then?”
I let out a little laugh but quickly gather myself together.
“I could use the details of your car, Mr. O’Connell?”
He grins again.
“Jeez, you’re a tough one to crack, Jeni.”
I try not to smile.
“Okay, how about this? If you give me the pleasure of having dinner with you on Friday night, I’ll give you the details of my car.” He looks very pleased with himself, grinning from ear to ear.
I sigh, considering his deal.
“Oh, um, I don’t know. I mean you’re a customer. Surely there is some sort of rules about customers and employees dating.”
He laughs; the sound is delightful to my ears.
“I won’t tell if you don’t.”
I stand there in shock, contemplating what to say next. I mean could this amazingly handsome man want to take me out to dinner? Really? I’m not anything like the type of girl I’d imagine he would be into. I try to think of some witty comeback, but before I know what’s happening, I sputter, “Fine! Friday for dinner, if it’ll get you to co-operate. Please tell me the details of your car.”
I take a deep breath and wait for him to reply.
“Great, Friday it is. I have your details from this morning. I’ll call you with the restaurant and time.”
I sit back down on my chair in a dazed shock.
“Is that okay with you?”
I shake my head with disbelief.
“Sure, why not?” is all I can mange.
His smile reappears like he has overcome a huge obstacle and triumphed.

EXCERPT THREE:

I turn to face him; he puts his other arm around me. We are in the same position as before when the last kiss attempt failed. My arms are tight around his neck, his arms around my waist. I look down. He lifts up my chin so I’m lost in his gaze. His hand goes back to my waist. He swallows; I think he’s as nervous as I am. He tilts his head and leans in … I back away quickly.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, looking hurt.
“Oh, no, it’s not you. I think … I might have garlic breath.”
He laughs and pulls me back to him. “So do I.” He pulls me in tighter, and before I know what’s happening, his lips are on mine. I give in and surrender to him completely.
This feels like one of my fantasies, only way, way better. He holds me tight as one hand moves from my waist to caress my cheek, kissing me softly but sensually. My hands move to the back of his head, and I grab a lock of hair in each hand. He moves our bodies so that I’m against the railing at the edge of the deck. He moves his hand from my waist to hold the rail as I still grasp his hair. The kissing becomes feverishly passionate; his tongue against mine as they intertwine with each other. Our breathing becomes faster and erratic. Our kissing becomes more intimate. We are in perfect sync with each other. I pull him closer to me, our whole bodies touching. My heart is pounding fast and hard. His hand moves from my face to the back of my head, pulling me tight. He moves my hair from the side of my neck, breaks our kiss and kisses my neck slowly and seductively. I sigh and breathe in a stuttering motion. I open my eyes to see the waitress standing there, gawking at us. I stiffen as I see her. He pulls back and looks at me. With my eyes, I gesture toward the waitress. He turns, looks, and lets out a little huff. He leans in towards me.
“Now that’s a first kiss,” he whispers as he grabs my hand and leads me over to the table. I can’t help but smile.