I wasn’t given a choice. Not when I did my first line of cocaine. Not when I became a single mother. But I changed, and every decision I’ve made was to protect myself and my son from my weaknesses—and my past.
Until Jude came along and made me question everything, even my own secrets.
The sins I carry with me can never be discovered. Life handed me broken bits of people and left me to construct my own world, and it’s too fragile to take a chance on Jude Mercer.
Geneva Lee prefers fantasy to reality, especially fantasies involving powerful, dangerous, and sexy men. You can find her devouring a good romance while avoiding the laundry and the children. She lives in Kansas City with her family.
Meet Chase Porter in Through Her Eyes on March 20th!
Title:Through Her Eyes
Author:Ava Harrison Photo Image:Jenny Woods Cover Design:Hang Le
Release Date:March 20th, 2016
Synopsis
One phone call changed me.
Three simple words and I was shattered.
Damaged.
Broken.
Alone.
So I started over.
And my journey of rediscovery led me straight into his arms.
Chase Porter.
The stranger who showed me life from a different perspective.
But we both had secrets…
His would destroy my world.
Excerpt
After a frigid shower to
wash away my dirty thoughts, I enter the galley to grab a snack. As I lean into
the fridge, two strong hands wrap around my middle. A squeak escapes me as
Chase lifts me into his arms and sits me on the counter.
“You okay, Princess?” He
grins mischievously at me.
“I’m perfect,” I allow my
fingers to trail down his chest. “There is one problem I might need your help
with.” I continue to run my hands down the V of his torso, dipping inside the
waistband of his jeans.
“And what’s that?” His
voice is husky.
I lean into him, place my
lips on his, and bite down softly. His mouth parts, and I become ravenous. I’m
on edge from the delicious torture of delayed gratification.
“Luciano?” I moan into
his mouth.
“Don’t worry,” he mumbles
between kisses. “He won’t return until tonight.”
“When did you tell him to
stay away?”
“When you were showering.
I knew I couldn’t resist you for long.”
“Just wanted to torture
me a little?” Slowly he pushes my panties down my thighs and I push forward
toward his hand. Tilting my hips up to meet the warmth of his caress. I’m
silently begging, pleading with my body for him to touch me. Soft fingers tease
my sensitive skin. They dip inside me and then find the wonderfully sensitive
spot buried deep within. My body starts to quiver as he pushes upward with his
fingers massaging me, bringing me so close I’m teetering on the brink of
eruption but just as I’m about to explode he pulls back leaving me vacant and
greedy for more. Reaching into his jean pocket he grabs a condom then rips it
open before he aligns himself against my core.
Our bodies slowly come
together and his lips press firmly into mine. His grip tightens around me as
his control wavers. He’s holding back. Letting me adjust to him. I push
forward, taking him deeper, and again our bodies meet as he enters me fully. I
exhale, relaxing into him, letting him claim me completely. He thrusts in and
out, each stroke lighting a fire. The bond between us grows with each move he
makes. My heartbeat pounds as he throbs within me. The surge of release
tingling as a shiver claims my whole body until I soar higher than I ever
thought possible.
About the Author
Ava Harrison is a New Yorker, born and bred.
When she’s not journaling her life, you can find her window shopping, cooking dinner for her family, or curled up on her couch reading a book.
She used to be perky, fun, and full of life—everything I hated about girls and their bullshit exterior. People called her bubbly; I called her “fake-as-hell.”
The edgy, dark, lonely girl in front of me was not the Olivia Brennan I knew from high school—far from it, actually. I knew the story—the whole town knew the story, we witnessed it all. It happened in the blink of an eye and the girl we knew was gone.
But I refuse to watch it anymore—I can’t stand it. I’m going to fix it—fix her. It’s time I showed Olivia her way back…Back to the girl she used to be.
"She really needs to get up. She's been in that bed for two weeks, Trish," my dad says to my mom. They're right outside my door again. I sigh softly.
"Leave her be, Greg. She's not ready yet."
"She's never going to be ready. No one's ever ready for what she has to face."
Mom sniffles and I know she's crying again. I'm so tired of hearing her cry. There's no reason for her to cry—not because of me. I lived.
I wish I could cry but I can't. I haven’t cried since I woke up in the hospital. I didn't cry from the pain of my fractured and broken bones. I didn't cry at the funeral when I stared down at the lifeless body of my soulmate—the body lying there was unfamiliar—not at all my Danny. I didn't cry while I struggled on crutches with a fractured rib over the uneven lawn, past all the weathered gravestones signifying just how final death really is.
I didn't cry when I lost it at the people—strangers—who didn't know my friends and my love by more than a passing hello stood there crying and carrying on. They didn't know their favorite color, their favorite food. They didn't know Danny chewed spearmint gum. They didn’t know Simon kept us laughing. They didn't know Cassidy was our support system. They didn't know Phil wasn't really as shallow as he led everyone to believe.
They. Just. Didn't. Know.
They didn't have a right to cry for people they didn't know—people who weren't good enough for them while they were alive.
And me? I just couldn't cry. I didn't even cry when my parents took me home and I stared at the corkboard filled with photos of me with my friends, me and the love of my life holding one another and laughing—a life that no longer exists. I stared at it for the hour I waited for the cemetery workers to cover the graves of those I love most. Then I went to them with my tequila.
My eyes are locked on that corkboard now and I can only stare mutely.
I'm numb.
I don't want to feel. I don't want to face a future alone, so I stay in bed and sleep. Sleep is the only friend I have left.
Sleep embraces me and holds me tight, blocking out the pain and grief that would otherwise fill my shattered heart. Sleep enfolds me in a cocoon of nothingness, and nothingness is what I crave.
What people are saying about The Way Back to Me:
I've read my fair share of books that can make you feel invested and connected with characters, like you know them on a personal level. But what Anne Mercier delivers in The Way Back To Me, is what I can only describe as a deep ache. - Beneath The Covers Blog
This is one of those books that just reach into your chest, grab you by the heart, squeeze, and makes it hard to breathe…but in a good way, if that makes sense. I absolutely could not put this book down. - Amazon Customer
The story is so beautiful and touching, emotional and heart breaking and romantic and sweet all at the same time. It will make you smile, shed a tear and applaud. - Amazon Customer
The best book I've read this year! I'm hungover and it was worth every single word! Nothing I can say here will do it justice, do yourself a favor and 1-click it! - Author, Sapphire Knight
About the Author:
I was born and raised in Wisconsin and still live here today with my two sons and puppy. (Though one day soon I hope to move to southern California!)
I’m an avid reader who gets inspired by reading the stories from my favorite authors as well as listening to various types of music. I am a huge fan of music, chocolate, fruit, desserts, autumn, M. Shadows, Avenged Sevenfold, and Milo Ventimiglia. Through my books, I am proudly creating new Avenged Sevenfold and Milo Ventimiglia fans one reader at a time.
I absolutely love interacting with readers and invite you to contact me any time via email: Anne@AnneMercierAuthor.com.
“The best part of being an author, to me, is being able to take the reader to that one place they long to go when they need to escape reality. Knowing I can do that, for even one reader, makes what I do worthwhile.” ~ Anne Mercier
The life she carefully rebuilt is challenged when she is confronted with the sins from her past. The carefully applied protection is at once ripped away, leaving her exposed and vulnerable.
Her single night of indulgence with the silver-eyed stranger is only the beginning. He sees right to the heart of her and she is unable to ward off emotions that have been deeply buried. With the sting of betrayal still fresh in her soul, she’s surprised to find herself opening up to the honest integrity of the sharp-eyed, rough-looking biker.
When he lost everyone who mattered, he was left without roots and learned to be content simply living in the moment. Completely unprepared for the feisty blonde bartender with old pain marring her clear-blue eyes, he questions his own rules of detachment, as she unwittingly finds a way under his skin.
Appearances deceive and when the masks fall away, revealing deep, dark secrets, there is nothing left but to hang onto each other and survive the storm.
I should probably leave right now. I’ve had my beer and my dinner, I should just head home. I’m really not looking to get involved with- nor am I equipped to deal with - a woman who comes with obvious complications. Yet despite the thoughts in my head, my mouth has a different plan. “I’d like to take you out.”
Something flickers in her eyes before she shakes her head and looks down at her hands. “Don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Actually—” I sit up straighter, suddenly determined to get her to agree. “You already said yes.” I hold back a chuckle that wants out when I see her frown in confusion.
“I did? When was that?”
“You agreed to talk to me, so that’s what we’ll do: talk over dinner.” I try for a disarming grin, afraid I’m botching it up and make myself look slightly deranged.
She presses her lips together, but amusement sparkles in those eyes. “Didn’t know you were talking ‘date’, nor can I remember saying yes to anything.” She left that door wide open, and I’ll be damned if I don’t go barging in.
Leaning closer I pin her with my eyes. “I fondly remember a time you were saying yes to everything.”
When the meaning of my words
register, her eyes darken and she sharply takes in a breath. “No fair,” she whispers.
“I know,” I whisper back, never losing eye contact.
A war wages on her face before she finally concedes on a sigh.
“Oh fine.”
Despite the grudging response, the words are music to my ears. It’s only later, when I finally do leave the pub to go home, that I remember my earlier resolve to steer clear of complications.
I have only one thing to say about this novel… Inspiring.
Freya Barker has written a story that is gritty, raw and real. A story about what happens when you have the worst thing imaginable happen to you, and the people who should be your support system, don’t believe you. ~ Kez Korner
A five star sensational read. ~ Obsessed by Books
This is one explosive story, touching on subjects sure to tear you apart at times, but it is written with such skill that makes their story so amazing. ~ Lillians Book Blog
This is a breathtaking story of a damaged heroine supported by an strong man who is still recovering from his own emotional wounds. It takes you on journey towards happiness, forgiveness and above all a hope for a future lived free of a painful past. ~ Jezabell Girl and Friends
About the Author:
Freya Barker inspires with her stories about 'real’ people, perhaps less than perfect, each struggling to find their own slice of happy.
A recipient of the RomCon “Reader’s Choice” Award for best first book, “Slim To None,” Freya has since published eight books. She continues to spin story after story with an endless supply of bruised and dented characters, vying for attention!
I simply love Freya Barker. She has the uncanny ability to write stories that will tear your heart out and keep you glued to your kindle. And in the end, give the characters their HEA that you crave so much. And this story wasn't an exception. It was intriguing, suspenseful, heartbreaking, romantic and every other word you can think of to describe a simply fabulous book.
As this is the second book in the Portland ME series, I already knew that Viv ha a past that scarred her and left her with demons that hound her existence. What I didn't expect was the extent of the horror she lived in for year, since she was a child. It was heartbreaking to read how her life was destroyed by the very people who were supposed to protect her. It brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion.
Apart from that, the love story is simply amazing and so romantic. It was incredible to read how Ike slowly breaks Viv's walls and helps her heal, helps her become the woman she was always meant to be. Even though, there was danger lurking around the corner and there were multiple emotional obstacles to overcome, Viv and Ike managed to build a strong foundation for their relationship. A relationship based on trust, respect, love and attraction strong enough to burn down the sheets.
So if you are looking for an ugly cry read with an incredible story that will simply glue you to your seat, then you definitely found the right book. Even though, this is the second book in the Portland ME series, it can be read as a standalone, so no worries there. But if you haven't read From Dust yet, you simply have to. It is a must read. And in any case ALL Freya Barker books are amazing so there is no way you can go wrong ;)
Genre: New-adult contemporary romance - *Can be read as a STANDALONE*
Blurb
Rosa Cruz, the fiery and ultra-sexy heiress of the Mama Linda Latin foods empire, is determined to create something on her own and not rely solely on her family's name and legacy.For her new upscale restaurant in the trendy Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, she enlists the help of her childhood friend, the hot, young Cuban-American chef, Eliseo Perez, who's already made a name for himself on the New York culinary scene.Despite Rosa's reservations about a forbidden workplace romance with her new employee, not to mention longtime friend, the chemistry between them is undeniable.When the cooking starts, things quickly heat up in the kitchen and the bedroom. But with Eliseo's troubled past coming back to haunt him, can Rosa and Eliseo hold onto love and keep the restaurant from going up in flames?
Rosa pushes Eliseo onto his back and begins to mark him with her nails and teeth. She loves that he likes when she’s rough with him, and every mutual bite makes her wetter. He can’t keep his lips off of her, even when she’s down over his tight stomach. He pulls her arms up and sucks on each of her fingers, forcing her to stop when she feels a tug at her core. Desire drips out of Rosa and sticks to her thighs. She loves the feeling of want. It’s delicious torture to have him so available to her but to deny herself, even for a short time. He bucks his hips reflexively, needing to be inside her.Rosa runs her tongue over her top lip and smiles before moving her warm, wet tongue over his cock. Eliseo hisses as she takes him into her mouth. He loves when she goes down on him. There’s nothing sexier to him than a woman who’s unafraid of her sexuality and strong enough to express it.Eliseo lies back and closes his eyes, shutting out the fact that this will not be his reality much longer. He knows Rosa’s right, but it kills him to acknowledge it. He’s always known he has the capacity to be as self-centered as his mother, doing whatever feels right at the moment. Keeping Rosa to himself is what he wants, but he will hurt her if he tries and she’s not ready. Neither one of them were ready for the other. It’s as if the universe had brought them together just to show them the potential of what could be and nothing more.He groans as Rosa takes him deeper, swallowing and then opening her throat more to accommodate him. She’s one of the most generous lovers he’s ever had. But love does that. It compels you to want to give more of yourself than you’d imagined possible. Eliseo had tried to do the same for Rosa. To give her everything he could. Yet, if he were entirely honest with himself, he would have admitted to himself earlier that it wasn’t enough. Perhaps one day he can prove that he’s no longer burdened by the weight of his emotional baggage. Until then, he’ll show his love to her every way he can.She digs her nails into his chest as she continues to suck his cock, his hips moving in rhythm. Saliva drips down around her mouth and his shaft as she licks him up and down, tickling the underside with the tip of her tongue. The noise out of his mouth is unintelligible. Rosa laughs and nearly chokes as she goes back down on him. Eliseo smiles down at Rosa, loving how easy and fun sex is with her.Rosa grasps the base of his cock and pumps her hand up and down along with her mouth. Eliseo lies back, relishing this moment with her. He runs his hand over her head and presses down once, signaling he’s almost ready to come. She picks up her pace, wanting nothing more than this with him. Of course they have all night, there’s time for everything else. Right now, this is for him.Eliseo moans loudly as he explodes into her mouth. Rosa takes it all, swallowing everything he has to give her.Without missing a beat, Eliseo pulls Rosa to him, his lips conveying a gratitude for all she’s given him. Rosa sits up and straddles his chest, gazing down at him with a look he’d seen before and had taken it for wonder. But now he recognizes it as love. It pains him to think someone else might inspire the same look, the same feelings in Rosa. Maybe she’ll come back to me before that happens.His hands don’t stop moving over her curves, from her ass to her waist and up to her breasts. Her beauty fascinates him because he wasn’t drawn to her for the prettiness of her face or the long, thick wavy hair that is the envy of so many. Granted she has the body he’s always found most desirable—the curvaceous ass, strong legs, small waist and the most delectable tits—yet it occurs to him in this moment that not once were those the features that made her attractive to him. As he summons the memory of seeing her for the first time after so many years, all that he can recall is how being with her made him feel. Her laughter, her smile, her touch meant more than the physicality of her being. It was as if all of her qualities shaped her perceived beauty more than her actual looks.Blossoming Flower (Wildflowers, #1)Amazon US | Amazon UKIn the wake of the collapse of her father’s business empire, Flor, the gorgeous twenty-one year-old daughter of disgraced former Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, is forced to forge her own path in life.Flor decides that none of it—the private jets, the vacation homes and the luxury cars—were real. Or at least they really didn’t matter. The only thing that’s real for Flor is her love of horses and her desire to go to veterinary school.Heading into her final year of college, Flor seeks out the help of an unlikely benefactor to secure a summer internship working with horses. Arriving at the secluded Belo Horizonte ranch, Flor is awed not only by the majestic beauty of the place, but also by handsome cowboy and skilled horse trainer, Collin Taylor. Yet nothing is quite as it appears on the surface.When the hidden past is revealed, will love end up blossoming for Flor?
Vivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job and her incurable wanderlust. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years.New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of fashion, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her eating at the newest restaurant in her beloved Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.
