Fiesty Drew Matthews is at the top of her career but then she meets a charming stranger, Nick, and finds herself embroiled in a relationship that’s chipping away pieces of her heart. Finding the strength to walk away has never felt so impossible until she walks into King’s hedonistic Church.
Dominic King is a dominant alpha that knows what he wants when he sees it. What starts out as a one-night-stand becomes a desire to possess her whole. He knows the power she holds within and refuses to let her accept her own doubts. He’s met his queen and will stop at nothing to devour her body and keep her by his side... and in his bed.
But when she walks away, after their one night--choosing herself over any man he swears to never forgive her but fate has a funny way of bringing people back together. She’ll break him down and he may forgive her but not before he makes her beg.
Walking away from Nick was easy, staying away from Dominic proves to be impossible. Will their lust become the lie, so that love becomes their truth?
This fast-paced dark romance will hold you hostage and keep you spellbound as it explores the idea that a wrong choice can give way to taboo desires and be the catalyst in finding your soulmate.
Trilina is an author, wife, and mama to three rowdy kiddos. When she isn't making grilled cheese sandwiches, she can be found writing saucy novels that titillate and excite her readers.
This is my very first Trilina Pucci book but after reading it, I know I am a huge fan. This story was so sinfully good and decadently enchanting that I couldn't put it down. The hint of danger and the heavy dose of scorching heat just made it irresistible to my bookworm heart. And it doesn't hurt that King is the perfect combination of forbidden fruit and dangerous alpha bad boy that can melt your panties with his addictive gaze.
Drew captured my attention from the very start. The strength she shows in escaping her abusive relationship is simply admirable. But she only finds her real self again, once she captures King's interest. And though their attraction and even feelings are practically instant, the story is written in such a way, that it actually makes you believe in instant connection.
Of course, Drew and King's relationship is not a walk in the park. Drew's fear of trusting herself again and King's stubbornness nearly destroy what they have, but in the end, as they say, love conquers all :D Of course, there are few more obstacles on their way, but they only strengthen their relationship and love for each other.
I would actually compare this book to the Mount Trilogy or the Savage Trilogy by Meghan March. It has exactly the same forbidden feel to it and the same scorching heat factor :D So if you are a fan of Meghan, I am pretty sure you would love Truth as well. As for me, I can't wait to get my hands on Worship, the second book in the series and to find out what happens with Drew's best friend and King's brother :D
12 Masters. 12 Desires. 12 Fantasies Come to Life.
Meet the Masters of Blasphemy…
Title:Theirs To Take Series:Blasphemy #4
Author:Laura Kaye
Release Date:September 26th, 2017
Synopsis:
12 Masters. Infinite fantasies. Welcome to Blasphemy…
She’s the fantasy they’ve always wanted to share…
Best friends Jonathan Allen and Cruz Ramos share almost everything—a history in the Navy, their sailboat building and restoration business, and the desire to dominate a
woman together, which they do at Baltimore’s exclusive club, Blasphemy. Now if they could find someone who wants to play for keeps…
All Hartley Farren has in the world is the charter sailing business she inherited from her beloved father. So when a storm damages her boat, she throws herself on the mercy of business acquaintances to do the repairs—stat. She never expected to find herself desiring the sexy, hard-bodied builders, but being around Jonathan and Cruz reminds Hartley of how much she longs for connection. If only she could decide which man she wants to pursue more…
As their attraction flashes hot, Jonathan and Cruz determine to have Hartley for their own. But the men’s erotic world is new and overwhelming, and Hartley’s unsure if she could really submit to being both of theirs to take…forever.
A Special Cross-Over Release with Jennifer Probst’s Reveal Me from her Steele Brothers Series!
A sweet, fun, and sexy stand-alone romance from New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig.
One night to remember
Is that too much to desire?
One night for fun, passion, and a chance to remember what it’s like to be a woman.
I’m not looking for love.
There’s a man in my life who loves me with all his heart. He has beautiful blue eyes, is three feet tall, and calls me mommy.
He’s my whole world and I’m his. Fate stole his daddy way too soon.
What would happen if I allowed fate another chance, just for one night?
One night to help a friend
Why did I agree to this?
Blind dates are disasters. If I weren't helping the friend of a friend, I wouldn't go.
I’m not looking for romance, love, or even a one-night stand.
After all, the man my friend knew is gone. I’m no longer the hockey star known for his "pep" on the ice and in the sack. I have a new life, and a new career—a new passion. I’m not looking for more.
When the blind date is a bust, could fate change everything?
One night doesn’t end with a kiss—it begins with one.
Be ready to laugh, cry, and fall head over heels as you meet Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha in this new sweet and sexy stand-alone romance, ONE NIGHT.
When we finally pull apart, before I can speak or even contemplate what happened, Malcolm's blue eyes shine down on me, taking me in and reading me.
His voice rumbles through the background commotion of the bar. “You taste like sweet wine and smell like perfume and desire.”
Warmth fills my cheeks. “You taste like good beer.”
“Good? You're a beer connoisseur?”
I shrug. “Mostly, I know cheap beer.”
He lifts my chin, bringing his indigo eyes into focus. The room disappears, making those blue orbs all I can see.
“I'm a connoisseur,” he says as his thumb gently rubs over my bruised lips. “And you, beautiful Mandy, if you were a beer, would never be a cheap one. No, you're a rich custom craft brew. I see it in your eyes, feel it in your touch, and smell it in the air. Kissing a stranger isn't something you do, is it?”
I try to move my eyes away, but Malcolm's grip of my chin is unrelenting. Meeting his gaze, I reply, “No. I won't even bore you with how long it's been since I've kissed a real man.”
His eyes sparkle. “You kiss fake men?”
“Boys. Well, only one actually.”
“You kiss boys...” And then, as if the reality of his statement hits home, he asks, “You have a son?”
My heart flutters, its speed increasing by the second. “I do, but I don't want to talk about him. Not because he isn't important for he is—he's my world—but because tonight isn't about him. It's about me.” I can't gauge Malcolm's reaction. I can only guess that he's assuming that I'm some needy woman trying to get a man to take on the responsibility of a kid who isn't his.
I reach out and splay my fingers over his chest. His heart is beating to match mine. “I don't want to talk about him,” I continue, “because he'll never know about you—I'll never tell him and never introduce you. Don't worry. I'm not after a man to rescue me. I'm perfectly content with my life as a mother. I just wanted to remember what it felt like to be a woman...for just one night.”
“I'm not anti-children—”
I shake my head. “Stop. That doesn't matter.” It’s then that I notice the filled glasses on the table and laugh. “When did the waitress come?”
Malcolm bows his head until our noses touch. He inhales deeply, his eyes closing as his hand falls to my lap. “I'd say just after you.”
More heat floods my cheeks. “I-I didn't...”
“Then we need to do something about that.” He looks again at the full glasses. “I think the drinks came while my tongue was busy getting to know your sweet mouth.” His hand splays over my thigh.
My breathing hitches. “Malcolm?”
“You said you want one night. One night doesn't end with a kiss. It begins with one.”
About the Author:
Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of nearly thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams!
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.
In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.
2017 brings Aleatha's first "Leatha, the lighter side of Aleatha" with PLUS ONE, a fun, sexy romantic comedy.
Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
I might have a love/hate relationship with Tony from the Consequences series but I do love Aleatha Romig. Both her darker and lighter side. To be honest, I am not sure I can decide which one I like more :D One Night is the second romantic comedy I read by Aleatha and I loved it. It was sweet, romantic, funny, hot and even a little bit heartbreaking. I don't think it was as funny as Plus One, but this story was still incredible and I enjoyed every word from it :)
Malcolm and Mandy are two intriguing characters. I admire the strength and determination Mandy has and her will to survive after the devastation of loosing one of the people closest to her. But probably through sheer stubbornness and will for survival she manages to put her life back together. and her 5 year old boy is the center of her universe. But then, one night changes everything and she finds a man who will do everything in his power to have her in his arms and spent some time with her son. For Mandy, trust doesn't come easy and believing in HEA is even more difficult. But with every passing day, Malcolm puts her heart back together, one piece at a time.
For me, this is a beautiful romantic story. About heartbreak, healing survival and faith. Yes, there are funny scenes but this book is so much more than that. For me, this is a must read so don't waste any time and pick up your copy now :)
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool’s Gold romances Susan Mallery, comes the first standalone title in the Happily, Inc. Series—YOU SAY IT FIRST! You’re invited to visit Happily, Inc., a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale. Where people live… wait for it… happily ever after.
Title:You Say It First Series:Happily Inc #1
Author:Susan Mallery
Release Date:August 22nd, 2017
Synopsis:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Fool's Gold romances invites you to visit Happily Inc, a wedding destination founded on a fairy tale...
Sculptor Nick Mitchell grew up in a family of artists and learned from his volatile father that passion only leads to pain. As he waits on a new commission, he takes a day job as a humble carpenter at a theme wedding venue. The job has its perks--mainly the venue's captivating owner, Pallas Saunders. Although he won't let love consume him, for ecstasy with an expiration date, he's all in.
Pallas adores Weddings in a Box. But if she can’t turn the floundering business around, she’ll have no choice but to cave to her domineering mother and trade taffeta for trust funds working at the family’s bank. Then when a desperate bride begs Pallas for something completely out of the box, her irresistible new hire inspires her. Nick knows she doesn't belong behind a desk, and she knows in her heart that he's right—where she really belongs is in his arms.
“DON’T TAKE THIS WRONG, but I really need you to take off your shirt.”
Pallas Saunders winced as she said the words—this was so not how she usually conducted an interview. But desperate times and all that.
Nick Mitchell raised his eyebrows. “Excuse me?”
A valid semiquestion and certainly better than simply bolting which, hey, he could have done.
“It’s an emergency,” she said, waving her hand in what she hoped was a can we please move this along gesture.
“I’m going to need more than that.”
“Fine.” She drew in a breath, then began talking. Fast. “I have a wedding in less than an hour and I’m one Roman soldier short. J.T. ran off to LA because his agent called about an audition. Note to self. Do not hire actors during pilot season. Anyway, I need a Roman soldier. You’re about the same height as the other guys and you’re here because you need a job, so take your shirt off, please. If you look halfway decent, I’ll sponge tan you and you’ll carry a very skinny girl in on a palanquin.”
“On what?”
“One of those sedan chair things. I swear, she probably doesn’t even weigh a hundred pounds. I don’t think she’s eaten in three months. You look strong. You’ll do great. Please? There’s a check at the end.”
Not a very big one, but money was money. And Nick Mitchell had answered her ad for a part-time carpenter, so he must be at least a little desperate for money. A feeling Pallas could so relate to.
“You want me to carry a girl in on a palanquin for her wedding?”
Why were the pretty ones always dumb, she wondered with a sigh. Because Nick certainly qualified as pretty. Tall with dark hair and eyes. His shoulders were broad and from what she could see, he looked to be in shape, so what was the big deal?
“The name of my business is Weddings in a Box.” She gestured to the walls around them. “This is box-like. People come here to get married. I do theme weddings. The couple today want a Roman wedding. You’d be stunned at how popular they are. The Roman wedding includes the palanquin for the bride. Please, I beg you. Take off your shirt.”
“You’re weird,” Nick muttered as he unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it onto her desk.
Hallelujah, she thought, walking around to view him from the back. As she’d hoped, he looked good—with broad shoulders and plenty of muscle. No massive tattoos, no ugly scars. Not that she objected to tattoos, but so few of them were Roman wedding appropriate and she really didn’t have time to do her thing with concealer. As it was, Nick would fit in with the other guys perfectly.
“You’re hired, but we have to hurry.”
About the Author:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise
readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.
Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her online at SusanMallery.com.
If you are looking for an incredible old school romance, you don't have to look any further. You Say It First will give you everything you are looking for. True to her style, Susan Mallery brings to life the story of two people who are not looking for love. People chased by their demons and not believing in HEA. It is a sweet romantic story with some heartbreak, healthy dose of laughter and a sprinkle of hotness to sweeten the deal ;)
I fell in love with Nick and Pallas from the very start. Their first meeting is definitely comical but in a way it also shows features of their characters. They are both caring and will probably do everything in their power to help when they can. Even if they don't exactly know the person they are helping. Unfortunately, both of them have been thought that love and passion have a price. That you have to earn the affection of another person and that passion can be destructive. And even though, that's a somewhat empty way of life they've learned to live it and not expect anything different. Until they collide with each other and the chemistry and feelings between them can't be denied.Learning to trust each other is not easy and their path is not without obstacles but in the end their feelings win the battle :)
There are a lot of things I loved about this book but one on the top of my list are actually the similarities to the Fool's Gold series. I so loved it that it was great to have the reference to it. In a way Grandpa Frank, Pallas' grandfather, reminds me of Mayor Marsha :D I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series and read what will happen with the other characters :) Mathias and Carol are definitely an intriguing couple but I can't wait for Silver's story to come out. I think that one is going to be amazing. And let's not talk about Ronan :D
So, my recommendation is not to waste any time and pick up your copy asap. I can guarantee you won't regret it :)
From New York Times Bestseller Kendall Ryan comes a sexy new stand-alone novel in her Roommates series.
The smoking-hot one-night stand I was never supposed to see again?
Yeah, well, I might be pregnant, and he’s my OB-GYN.
Get ready to fall head over heels madly in love with the hottest OBGYN doctor you have ever met! This full-length standalone contains the most hilariously awkward lady-doctor visit, lots of playful banter and some good ol' fashioned baby-makin'!
A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen titles, Kendall Ryan has sold over 2 million books and her books have been translated into several languages in countries around the world. Her books have also appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists more than three dozen times. Ryan has been featured in such publications as USA Today, Newsweek, and InTouch Magazine. She lives in Texas with her husband and two sons.
Visit her at her websitefor the latest book news, and fun extras.
I love Kendall Ryan and I love reading her mostly lighthearted stories when I need something to take my mind off the everyday issues. I've read all the previous books in this series so I kind of knew what to expect with this one but it was still a nice surprise. I really liked the characters, especially Mason and the story was light and entertaining with just a pinch of heartbreak and pain.
I am not gonna give a lot of details on the story line as this is a read somewhat on the shorter side :D But what I can say is that there are situations in this book that are simply hilarious :D I mean what are the chances that after having a protected one-night stand, Bren will get pregnant and the one OB-Gyn that gets recommended to her, is the same guy :D Definitely fun.
As for the characters, I loved Mason. He is that rare breed of extremely hot guy who is actually looking for his other half. And in a way, the moment he sees Bren, he knows that she is something special. Isn't that swoon worthy :D As for Bren, I have kind of tough time to decide whether I am more frustrated with her than I like her. Or the opposite. I like a lot of things about her and her love fore animals is one of them. But there are few occasions that I think her behaviour is unreasonable and slightly immature. I do understand her reasoning but to me it feels more that she is immature than actually suffering from a heartbreak.
In the end, I did enjoy this story and I will definitely recommend it if you are looking for something light to read during your holiday. And it doesn't hurt and Mason is a hottie ;)
Wham. My heart slammed against my ribs as it sped up about twenty beats per minute.
The heat and delicious woodsy citrus scent radiating from his body did good things to me. Things that made me want to do very bad things to him. I wasn’t a seventeen-year-old virgin anymore. I knew my way around a man, but I had to admit, the hipsters in Cali had nothing on a homegrown Louisiana man like Rhett.
When he spoke, he leaned in so close that I could feel his breath on my ear. “You missed that shot on purpose.”
My gaze jumped from the sexy five o’clock shadow shading his jaw to his piercing green eyes.
“Wha-what are you talking about?” I smacked myself mentally when my old stammer kicked in. Of course he would cause it.
“That shot. You missed on purpose. I saw you adjust at the last minute. Why?”
I swallowed the saliva pooling in my mouth and decided to take the safest exit from this situation. Lying.
“Cue slipped.”
His eyes narrowed on me. “You’re lying and you’re terrible at it, just like you’ve always been.” He reached up and pressed his thumb to my left eyebrow. “You get a twitch right here.”
Oh my God. Rhett Hennessy is touching me. And what’s more . . . he knows my tell. He noticed me!
The fifteen-year-old inside me did a terrible cartwheel at the realization. Okay, more of a round-off. With a tumble in the grass to finish. Whatever.
But outwardly, I was trapped in that green gaze until he decided to let me go—or until I came to my senses.
I cleared my throat and sidestepped him. “Whatever you say, hotshot. I need another drink.”
Focusing on putting one four-inch heel in front of the other without biting it, I escaped to the table and reached for the whiskey glass I’d left behind, interrupting my brother and the waitress. They both stared at me as I chugged the contents.
I’d always wondered what it would feel like to have Rhett’s attention, and now I knew. In a word, it was . . . unnerving.
“How’s the game going?” my brother asked.
“Fine.” Keeping my answer short meant he couldn’t tell that I was lying. Heath wasn’t nearly as observant as Rhett.
“You winning?”
Thanking the Lord that Heath obviously hadn’t been watching, I shrugged. “I guess.”
He glanced toward Rhett and then back to me. “The sister I know and love doesn’t lose at pool. Ever. Even to Rhett Hennessy.”
I lowered the glass to the table and straightened my shoulders. “Like they say, things change.”
He nodded slowly. “That may be true about most things, Flounder. But you’re a pool shark and we both know it.”
Before I could respond, Heath’s attention jumped back to the waitress. I took another ten seconds to gather myself, also known as drinking offensively in my mind, before I crossed the floor to face off against my former obsession.
“You all right, Red?” Rhett asked.
“Don’t call me that. And I’ve never been better.”
His gaze dipped to my feet and dragged up my body. “I can agree with that statement.”
Whoa. Who is this guy with the innuendo? A glance at his empty whiskey glass told me he was drinking heavily as well. Was this the booze talking? Or was Rhett Hennessy not just noticing me, but noticing me?
Either way, I had to play it cool. Or at least pretend to play it cool, since it seemed I might fall short.
“Your turn, hotshot. Better not miss, because I’ll clear the table next time,” I said, but my cocky attitude backfired.
Rhett didn’t miss. He sank his balls and then the eight, ending the game almost as quickly as it started. He returned his cue to the rack and turned to face me, all traces of the earlier heat banked, his expression shuttered.
“Game over.”
What the hell just happened?
About the Author:
Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She's also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she's ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.
Meghan March is one of my #1click addictions and Beneath The Truth is just another confirmation that I did the right decision on that. But this story is so much more than that. It is a story of betrayal, survival, danger, strength and love. It is a beautiful story of fighting for the people that own your heart even when the cost might be your own life. It is a story about surviving the betrayal of the people closest to you and trying to find your way out of the ruins they left behind them. It is a story about a blossoming love so strong that can overcome all odds and withstand the vicious attacks against it.
I fell in love with Rhett and Ariel from the very start of this incredible book. Rhett is the typical alpha male. He is dominant, brooding and super sexy. His past is a big part of him and the mistakes done by people close to him scarred him in a way that very few people can heal. And even though his belief in justice, right and wrong was nearly obliterated he is still ready to fight for the few people that hold his heart. But one of the things I really loved about him was that when he gives his heart, he gives it fully. And he is ready to fight some of the biggest monsters out there to keep that person safe.
But I think my favorite character in this book was Ariel. She is super smart and in a big way a nerd. But she is also beautiful, strong and independent and will do anything she can to keep the people closest to her heart safe. There are few books out there with such strong heroins. Women that survive being targeted by the most dangerous and deadly people in the world, women that survive the betrayal from the people closest to them. For that, a person needs to have the thirst to live, to survive and be strong enough to stay on their two feet when life trows them curve balls that most people won't be able to deal with. And that's what makes Ariel an incredible character.
As for the story line, it is intriguing and suspenseful as you can expect of such a virtuoso of romantic suspense as Meghan March is. There are twists and turns in this story that you will never expect and very likely it will leave you not knowing what's up and what's down. That's what happened to me. The action is fast paced and it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last page. So if you are into this genre, I can guarantee you won't regret picking up your copy ;) It was also great revisiting with couples from previous books in the series, and it didn't hurt meeting Rhett's brothers. I can honestly say that I would love to get the stories of those two. I think they will be really interesting and intriguing. But for now, I can't wait to get my hands on Ruthless King. I am sure this one is going to be incredible <3
So, in a few words, if you are looking for an amazing suspenseful romance with unexpected twists and turns, you don't have to look any further. You found your perfect math. So don't waste any time and pick up your copy of Beneath the Truth NOW!!!
P.S. I also had the chance to listen to the audio and that one is simply delicious. Sebastian York fits Rhett to a T and it can simply make you melt while listening the story ;)
Photographer Wyatt Royce’s career is on the verge of exploding. All he needs is one perfect model to be the centerpiece of his sexy, controversial show. Find her, and Wyatt is sure to have a winner.
Then Kelsey Draper walks in. Stunning. Vibrant. And far too fragile for a project like this. Wyatt should know—after all, he remembers only too well why their relationship ended all those years ago.
Determined to break free from her good girl persona, Kelsey wants spice. Adventure. And she’s certain that Wyatt is just the man to help.
But when Wyatt agrees to give her the job only if he has complete control—on camera and in his bed—Kelsey can’t help but wonder if she’s in too deep. Because how can a good girl like her ever be enough for a man like Wyatt?
The way she held his eyes while she moved, so bold and flirtatious, as if she was just daring him to pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless.
Daring him? No, strike that. She wasn’t just daring him, she was throwing down a goddamned gauntlet. But was she challenging him to claim her? Or was she goading him that he couldn’t have her?
Damned if he knew. Right then, Wyatt was certain of only one thing—his body was tight, his cock was hard, and he wanted to be somewhere other than here. Someplace without other people.
Someplace with a bed.
It was the dancing that did it. Because Kelsey Draper and her dancing had always been his downfall. After all, that was what had started everything all those years ago. He’d seen her dancing to a bouncy pop song, her interpretation elevating the music and lyrics. He’d seen passion and precision, sensuality and seduction. She’d enchanted him. Cast a spell over him.
He’d seen the magic in her, so much larger than the quiet, subdued girl he’d met before. The Kelsey he’d watched dancing had surprised him. She was vibrant. Alive. Unexpected.
He’d fallen hard, and then she’d broken his heart.
He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
He might want her—hell, he did want her. For his bed. For his show.
But he damn sure wasn’t going to trust her. He’d already learned that lesson, and he really didn’t need a refresher course.
As he watched, she dropped to the floor, then used one hand to rip open her shirt before letting it fall down her arms. She writhed on stage, her seductive movements making him ache inside, all the more when he imagined taking it further. Her wrists bound not with a tattered blouse, but with silk ropes. And not just her wrists, but her legs as well. Red ropes, the only color in an otherwise black and white image. Her body twisting, and the audience unsure if she was fighting the bonds or revelling in her own rising passion.
She was exactly what he needed for the show. The complete package. Hell, he’d known that from the moment she’d walked into his studio.
So why was he hesitating?
Because he wanted her?
Or was it because he wanted to punish her?
Or maybe it was even more insidious than that. Maybe it came down to how much was riding on this show. It was his shot, after all. The apex of all his work and sacrifice. The chance to escape from under the black cloud his father had left hanging over him.
The chance to prove himself to his family.
To live up to the goddamn Segel name.
But that would only happen if the show was a success.
So maybe that was why he was hesitating. Because the moment he committed was the moment the truth crept toward him on little cat paws, and it would either curl up and purr, or rip his heart out.
On stage, Kelsey rose, then did some sort of pirouette, twirling as she pulled off one of those transparent, colored scarves that served as a barely-there skirt. Wyatt imagined his hands on her waist, the brush of her skin against his palms as she spun. He could imagine her heat. The way she shivered under his touch.
So help him, he wanted that. Wanted to hear her sighs. Those little moans he remembered.
Another scarf went flying, and he straightened so that he was no longer leaning against the pillar. Instead, he shifted his weight from foot to foot as he tried to tamp down the rising lust. The violent need. To not only have her, but to have her in his show.
He wanted her, yes. But she was an indulgence he couldn’t justify. An indulgence and a risk, because he knew damn well that she’d run if things got too intense.
And damn but his show was intense. That was the point, after all.
He couldn’t take a chance on her, no matter how much he might want to. Couldn’t even bring her in only long enough to test her out. Not on such a tight schedule. Not when there was no way to ensure that she wouldn’t bolt.
Kelsey was a risk he simply couldn’t take. He had to get it right. There was too much at stake for him to be wrong about her.
The final scarf fluttered to the ground, and Wyatt’s pulse pounded in his throat as he moved closer, his mouth going dry as she reached for her bra, pulled it over her head, then tossed it aside.
The music faded out, and the dim, colored stage lights made the flesh-colored G-string blend into her pale skin, enhancing the illusion that she now stood before the entire room not just topless, but one hundred percent, birthday-suit naked.
She took a bow as the lights came up, and the men in the audience actually stood to applaud her. She’d blown away the competition, and even though Wyatt wanted to rush the stage and wrap his jacket around her, he couldn’t deny the swell of pride he felt for her victory.
About the Author:
J.Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and #1 International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, and paranormal mommy lit.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swoon for them.” A five time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy). Her Demon Hunting Soccer Mom series (as Julie Kenner) is currently in development with AwesomenessTV/ Awestruck.
Her books have sold over three million copies and are published in over twenty languages.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
I am rarely left without words but this book really shook me to the core. As this is a J. Kenner book, so of course I was expecting an incredible story. But Wicked Grind is so much more than that. It is a story about second chances, about survival and fighting for the things you dream about. It is about love and it's ability to give you enough strength to break the chains that keep you locked in into a mental cage of someone else's doing. It is about finding that person that makes you feel free and complete. For me, this was mostly a very emotional book. Don't get me wrong, there are quite a few hot scenes, and there is romance and heartbreak. But it is simply so much more than that.
Through her whole life, Kelsey had to live with the mental abuse from a person who should have protected her. Instead, he made her pay for someone else's mistakes. With each hateful and degrading word, the cage around her was getting stronger and stronger. Until she believed that if she enjoyed life, she will ruin the people around her. Until she met Wyatt during a summer vacation. He showed her what it means to be free and to enjoy the small things in life. But then a tragedy struck and Kelsey lost herself again.
Once Kelsey and Wyatt meet again 12 years later, they both carry the hurt and pain from the past. Each one of them has lived through their own tragedies and that made them close the world off. But with every second spend together, they find out that their past cannot be buried and their connection is too strong to be ignored. Of course, Kelsey and Wyatt's path is not easy but they find the way to each other's hearts again.
To be honest, I am usually more of a fan of the male characters in books. And don't get me wrong, Wyatt is delicious and definitely worth it of some drooling. But Kelsey was simply extraordinary. She is strong and sensual, even if she doesn't realise it in the beginning. Living through the nightmare she lived through as a kid with all the blame she puts on herself and the verbal abuse in her everyday life, she still tries to break the figurative cage she was put into. I can honestly say that I admire her. Because her will for survival and saving her tender heart from disintegrating is simply something extraordinary.
I think this is one of my favorite J. Kenner books and I definitely recommend it. In my opinion, this is a book that everyone should read. But do keep in mind that this is not a lighthearted read. It will definitely ground and make you think about the important things in life. Make you appreciate them even more. So don't waste your time and pick up your copy now.
