Review: Lacybourne Manor by Kristen Ashley

31 Thursday May 2018

Lacybourne Manor by Kristen Ashley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In 1522 Royce Morgan and Beatrice Godwin wed, they were on their way home when they were brutally murdered. A witch came across their bodies and spun a spell to allow these two souls a way to find their way back to one another in the future.

Sibyl Godwin is a kind woman who only thinks of others. On her days off she likes to explore the historic buildings and finds her way to Lacybourne Manor. Colin Morgan inherited Lacybourne Manor and has made it known he doesn’t want visitors and has very strict hours on when they are allowed. When Sibyl shows up with her dog and cat in tow, Colin is struck by her resemblance to Beatrice. Colin too has a strong resemblance to Royce. He believes he has been setup and tests his theory with Sibyl, problem is she fails the test but Colin intends to have her regardless.

This was an intense chapter in the Ghosts and Reincarnation series. Enchanted throughout. Colin you want to smack a few times, his arrogancy has no bounds but he is so loving to Sibyl. SIbyl is a bit clueless but you love her, she has such a pure heart. Wonderful read.

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Release Blitz: Under the Radar by Dee J. Adams

31 Thursday May 2018

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High Stakes, Book 4

Romantic Suspense

Date Published: May 30, 2018

Publisher: Totally Irish Productions

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Two brothers. Two best friends. One robbery gone wrong.

With a court date looming, a near-fatal car accident, and a house invasion, the four surviving witnesses to an armed robbery know they are targets. In a desperate attempt to stay safe, they take matters into their own hands and go off the grid a week before the trial.

Danny St. John was stuck in a dark place of guilt and regret after a personal tragedy. On the run from violent criminals, he is forced to spend time with the one woman who makes him feel too much. Victoria Lopez needs to protect her heart, but she also misses the guy Danny used to be and thinks she might be able to bring him back. Now, evading gunmen together in Sequoia National Forest, Vic will risk everything to keep Danny safe.

Eric St. John isn’t a big fan of his sister-in-law-to-be, Zoe Turner. Sure, she’s beautiful, but also bossy and brash. When Eric and Zoe are forced to rely on each other for survival, he sees a side to Zoe he never anticipated, a side he definitely likes. But as the two grow closer, so do the men hunting them down.

Time nearly runs out as each couple must not only brave the perils of the wilderness and their growing feelings for each other, but also outwit their pursuers in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Excerpt

He’d intentionally traveled away from the stream, so it took time to cut back for water, but if the strategy kept them safe then it was worth the extra time it cost. “I hear it,” Danny said of the rushing water. “Should be right through those trees there.”

He plowed ahead, concentrated on the idea of quenching his thirst and refilling and purifying the water bottles.

“Danny.” Vic’s voice didn’t sound her usual confident self. In fact, she sounded freaked out and—

The distinct rattle stopped him in his tracks and his breath rushed out of his lungs in a single whoosh as he turned and saw the snake. If the brown and gray scales hadn’t given it away, certainly the sound did. Somehow a giant rattlesnake planted itself between them on the narrow path. It slowly reared its head back while its tail rattled a warning. Vic’s eyes widened in paralyzing fear.

“Danny,” she whispered with both plea and panic.

“Stay still. It’s okay.” Frantically, he looked for a stick. Something to whisk the slithery beast far away, but nothing but pebbles and leaves surrounded him. The fucking thing slid closer to Vic, its tongue slithering out, tail rattling and head up ready to strike.

Danny did the only thing he could do. He kicked dirt behind the thing to get its attention. It spun and struck before he even blinked. Shit! He jumped back, felt the contact at his ankle. The fabric tugged as its fangs stuck on his jeans. “Shit! Shit!” Danny tried to shake the beast off and the reptile waved in the air like thick rope.

About the Author

After graduating high school in Texas, Dee J. Adams moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. For twenty years, she acted in television and worked behind the scenes as an acting/dialogue coach for sitcoms. Writing happened accidentally after a vivid dream and the urging of her husband to “Just write it down.” Three weeks, fourteen hours a day, and four hundred and fifty (long hand) pages later, she had her first novel. Dee J. loves writing books filled with action, mystery and love. (Not necessarily in that order.) Her experience in show business led to her narrating many of the books in the Adrenaline Highs series for Audible.com. She is the wife of a wonderful man and mother to a fabulous daughter. She’s a dog lover all the way, with a fondness towards Boxers and Pit Bulls. She is a member of several organizations, including Romance Writers of America and SAG-AFTRA.

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Promo Blitz: Flower Dog Man by Kirk Abner

31 Thursday May 2018

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———————————————————————————–

Self Help / Non-Fiction

Mindfulness, Spirituality, Relationships, Motivation, Personal Growth

Date Published: March 2018

Nicolas Copernicus rocked the world in 1543 with his realization that the earth was not the center of the universe. The discovery was especially startling because his pronouncement shattered beliefs, beliefs long held by institutions and individuals the world over. Flower Dog Man can have that same impact as the latest instrument to sever fiction from fact for a desperate global audience; one who simply wants peace.

In only 6207 words, Kirk cracks the theological code while bringing the airy notions of spirituality to the readers proverbial door-step. It really is possible to change a person’s life in 45 minutes; and how fitting for a generation hooked on instant gratification. Flower Dog Man leads us on an inspiring journey and gives us the tools for facing the hellish hurdles of the moment to planting our very own Garden of Eden.

There will be thousands of books published this year, but none will have the lasting, genuine affect as Flower Dog Man. If the perpetrators at Sandy Hook, Las Vegas, Parkland, Columbine, Charleston, and Orlando had read and understood the principles of Flower Dog Man, hundreds of people would not have died by their gunfire. If Ratko Mladic, Adolph Hitler, and Bashar al- Assad had read and understood the principles of Flower Dog Man, millions would have been spared their genocide. If Chris Brown, Charlie Sheen, and OJ Simpson had read and understood the principles of Flower Dog Man, their spouses would not have borne the brunt of their domestic violence. If Donald Trump, Rush Limbaugh, and Hillary Clinton had read and understood the principles of Flower Dog Man, their public profiles would be greatly toned down from the weight of their tremendous egos.

The message of Flower Dog Man is already changing lives. Here’s what other are saying:

•”This might just be the best most enlightening read I’ve read in 63 years”- Phil B Nashville

•Your testimony is great and should be heard or read by many. In my opinion, you are right on target!”- Dr Roy Nicks, former President of East Tennessee State University and Chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents

•“24 hours after your presentation and we are still glowing”- Laura George– Director of the Oracle Institute

•“I love your messages and life lessons. I am a recovering alcoholic and this spiritual way of looking at life is a gift for me”- follower on Facebook

•“What a great revelation…All ages need to grasp”

•“Kirk, you are a God send”- Member,

• Mercy Triune Mission, Greenville, SC

•“Kirk your profound message has given us all something to think about”- Associate Pastor- Mercy Triune Mission, Greenville, SC

•“You came through as if taught by the Holy Spirit”

Far, far away from the noise and squabble of talk radio, internet blogs, reality tv, and sensational headline news, Flower Dog Man is the new message for the world; and it’s truly a message of peace.

About the Author

From his college days selling Bibles door-to-door to software consulting throughout the country, Kirk has tried to do it all. He’s worked on oil rigs, been a stockbroker, driven 18 wheelers, fathered twin boys, been awarded by President Ronald Reagan, owned his own business, and created Travel Tapes. He has worked overseas and been to every major city in America. Despite the excitement that goes with such an eclectic and independent life journey, Kirk has seen his share of personal frustration and disappointment resulting in a near death experience in 1997. The gift of a friend would help turn his life around and begin a recovery that is nothing less than remarkable. Kirk shares his insight and the lessons learned in his The Awareness Series, which is comprised of two children’s books- Thinking Like Jesus and Norman’s Names, and now Flower Dog Man.

When he’s not on the road, Kirk loves being home in Southwest Virginia with his wonderful wife Tina and their dogs Bear and Saban.

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Book Blitz: Hands of the Colossus by Nicole Grotepas

31 Thursday May 2018

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Hands of the Colossus: A Steampunk Space Opera Adventure
Nicole Grotepas
(A Holly Drake Job, #2)
Publication date: May 31st 2018
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Steampunk

One massive shadow organization. One bad ass heroine.

Holly Drake just wants a simple thing–to destroy the Shadow Coalition and the evil at the heart of their business. Using tip-offs from the secretive government official pulling her strings, Holly and her crew swoop in, break up the cash drops and steal the money. If one or two baddies die on accident, no big loss. Right? Holly could do this forever, picking the Coalition apart till not even bones remain.

Until someone goes missing. In that moment, everything changes.

To save the victim, Holly and her team will put everything on the line to penetrate the mysterious Shadow Coalition and stab at their enigmatic leadership: the Hands who protect the Heart. Treacherous journeys across the 6-moon system in space-zeppelins, dangerous infiltrations of the Coalition, bartering with thieves, and relying on the seedy underbelly of the 6-moons. Anything it takes.

But … is the whole set up a trap? How many snares will Holly and her crew have to spring to the save just one victim?

This is Holly Drake and her crew of thieves. If they have to, they’ll go into the hornet’s nest to get the job done. But will it be their final job?

The Hands of the Colossus features a snarky, strong, bad ass heroine fighting against the odds to save the helpless.

If you don’t like seeing a woman experience self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and then dominate, this book is not for you.

Love strong female leads, an entertaining cast of characters, and adventure? Then grab your copy today!

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“What do you think, Trip?” Holly Drake asked. She glanced at the pilot of the ship the SC Olavia Apollo. The female was a Centau, which Holly would have never imagined using in her life. However, tech genius crew-member Darius had sworn that she wouldn’t compromise the operation and turn over their illegal activities to the Centau leadership. Despite his scoundrel ways, Darius had proven himself enough that Holly trusted him. “Can you do it?”

The Centau turned to the stare at Holly, where she sat in the co-pilot seat, and smirked. “‘Think I can do it?’ What sort of question do you ask me, Drake?”

“A nervous question. I hate space-flight.”

“Yes. So you’ve said. Repeatedly.” Trip’s dark gaze flickered over Holly’s face, then went back to the monitor.

Charly was already suited up in the air-lock and waiting, while Odeon was strapped in behind Holly, humming. This mission wasn’t the sort that lent itself to drinking for nerves. Was it a terrible thing to ask her Druiviin friend that he hum to help her through the ordeal?

Probably. But there weren’t a lot of options at the moment.

“You needn’t worry the least. Centau ships are the most advanced in the known galaxies. He’s mapping the gravity of this misshapen moon as we approach for landing. It won’t even be rough. And I will have very little to do with the actual landing. It is in the hands of the Olavia Apollo’s AI.” Trip gestured at the video image of the moon on the monitor as they approached.

It was a small one, indeed. Around seven and a half miles at its longest and as lumpy as a potato-tuber hybrid. Darkness and unfiltered sunlight gave the moon’s surface relief, revealing its pockmarks, scars, and vast gouges. There were several transponders attached to the surface. These transponders were what had brought Holly and her team to the small moon in the first place.

Holly held her breath as their ship, in some mysterious advanced physics and engineering, slowed upon nearing the touchdown. A low noise began suddenly, whining through the background sounds of the ship’s systems. Holly looked around, panic rising as the danger seemed to grow.

“What is that?” she whispered, clutching the hard cushion of the edge of her seat.

A calming violet hand appeared on her shoulder. She could see it in her peripheral vision.

“It is you, Holly Drake,” Odeon said. There was a song in his voice, and a slight tone of humor. “Peace. You are nervous. All will be fine.”

Trip’s gaze was also on Holly.

“Shouldn’t you be watching this landing?” There was a definite edge in Holly’s tone. No peace at all.

“The AI. If I interfere, I could ruin the landing. Olavia Apollo has it.” Trip nodded at the sleek control board. “Don’t worry.”

The first time they’d ridden with Trip, Holly had expected wood, brass, and a large steering wheel—like the space zeppelins. Not at all what she found. Instead the small space cruiser was something right out of the future. Trip barely even piloted it.

That didn’t stop the Centau from wearing a white jumpsuit with patches on the upper arms and a pair of goggles with amber tinted lenses. Right now the eye-pieces were on top of Trip’s ivory stubble-covered head as she watched the surface of the moon float toward their ship on the video image on the screen.

“What is it you want to do with the transponders?” Trip asked. She watched the video footage onscreen as they moved closer to the surface.

A knot tightened in Holly’s gut. Her stomach stretched taut. Her shoulders arched back against her seat slightly. Odeon’s hand burned through her jacket, seeming to heat up as the tension tore through her body. She wasn’t sure what she feared—crashing too hard into the unforgiving surface of the moon or their ship ripping apart and sending them all careening into the void of space, like flecks of ice off one of the un-terraformed ice moons of Ixion. The one they were about to land on was one of the few asteroid-like moons, and therefore peppered with transponders on all sides, repeating audio and video signal through the 6-moon system.

If Odeon’s hand hadn’t been there, if Odeon’s low song hadn’t been worming its way into her ears, digging deep into her brain, pirouetting across her neurons like an ancient earth-ballet dancer, soothing her like a pied-piper of lore, Holly knew that she would have been nothing more than a puddle of adrenalin, dispersed through the low-G-interior of the ship, floating around like rain drops.

She did not like space-flight.

The ship balanced, thrusters fired, a harpoon-like anchor ejected and tethered their ship to the rock and they connected with the moon in a light thud, touching down.

Author Bio:

I’m passionate about human rights, animal rights, and living life with no regrets. I love how becoming a parent has deepened my devotion to making the world a better place. I do that best by crafting stories that attempt to answer hard questions–the ones I think about most–while also being entertaining and fun. I live in a landscape that reminds me of my place in the universe, under an endless sky and towering mountains that are older than human memory, and I love it here.

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Release Blitz: It’s All About the Duke by Amelia Grey

31 Thursday May 2018

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DUKE

New York Times Bestselling Author
Amelia Grey

Series: The Rakes of St. James Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: May 29, 2018

He could be a rake if he means only to steal a kiss but steals your heart as well.

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal, but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise…

Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desire. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

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Book Excerpt

Marlena felt the duke’s fingers touching her bare skin. She couldn’t have been more surprised, more intrigued, more fully engaged if his lips had actually been on hers instead of his warm touch under her chin. He wasn’t looking at her face but on his task at her throat.

She should have been frightened but it wasn’t fear she felt. It was something else.

Something far more worrisome.

It was attraction.

Inexplicable sensations stirred restlessly inside her. She didn’t know exactly what was happening. He wasn’t choking her, but she couldn’t breathe. He wasn’t hurting her, but she trembled. She wasn’t in pain, yet she had the most intense yearning and urgency inside herself for something she couldn’t describe.

“What are you doing?” she whispered, unable to look up at him.

“Kissing you deeply, madly, and thoroughly,” he mumbled and continued with his undertaking.

“What?” Her gaze flew up to his face.

He smiled down so innocently at her that for a spark of a second she thought he might be serious.

“That’s ridiculous,” she said, reclaiming her good sense. “How can you say something like that? It’s so outrageously untrue. You’re doing no such thing and you know it. You aren’t kissing me. You’re untying the knot in my ribbon which is highly inappropriate.”

He centered his attention on his job at hand again. “If you knew what I was doing then why did you ask?”

She didn’t know. How could she think properly when the duke was this close to her? The tips of his fingers touching her. She had to say something.

Book Tour Schedule

Join our upcoming book tour from June 1 – 21, 2018.

Save the date! Join us and visit each tour stop daily and discover features, excerpts, reviews, interviews, fun facts and more! To check the latest tour schedule, visit the It’s All About the Duke Book Page at Book Unleashed.

About Amelia Grey

Amelia Grey

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen. She’s been a devoted reader of love stories ever since.

Amelia has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.

With more than thirty books published, she is a two-time winner of the prestigious Booksellers Best Award. She’s also won the Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill Awards. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter and the Maggie Award. Amelia’s books have been published in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan.

Several of her books have been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs.

Amelia’s Email: ameliagreyauthor@gmail.com

Official website: http://www.AmeliaGrey.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmeliaGreyBooks

Giveaway

WIN ONE OF TWO $25 GIFT CARDS

Prizes up for grabs:

2 x $25 Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Cards

Contest runs from April 26 – June 21, 2018.

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Cover Reveal: Becoming by Jourdyn Kelly

31 Thursday May 2018

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Title: Becoming
Author: Jourdyn Kelly
Release Date: July 1st, 2018
Genre: Lesbian Contemporary Romance
Cover Designer – Jourdyn Kelly
Hosted by: Buoni Amici Press, LLC.

Rebecca Cuinn lost control of her life once before, and she spent many years learning how to take it back. As Mistress and owner of an exclusive BDSM club, Rebecca now had control by the balls. She wasn’t about to lose it again by falling in love. Unfortunately, her heart wasn’t playing by Rebecca’s rules. She always was a sucker for androgynous, sexy women. But did the one that threatened to make her break all her rules have to be so young?

Cass Giles defied authority. So, when she was dragged to a BDSM sex club for a bachelorette party, she refused to let go of her judgments and have fun. No way she would submit to someone who’s sole purpose was to hurt you. Just wasn’t her scene. That is until that “scene” included the mysterious Mistress. Now Cass was willingly breaking the rules just for a taste of Mistress’s punishment. But it wasn’t just Mistress she wanted. She wanted the woman underneath the mask. And she would do everything she could to prove they were meant to be.

Her breath caught, and her chest tightened when she saw one particular club-goer. This was someone she had never seen before, and part of her wished she had missed seeing the tall woman now. Her body’s response was too intense to be good for her. With a shaking hand, she pressed the intercom button on the wall next to her.
“Yes, Mistress?”
“Bring me the files on the entire Loring party.” At least her voice hadn’t betrayed the chaos she felt inside. Less than a minute later, there was a knock at her door. “Enter.”
“The files, Mistress.”
“Thank you, Carlie.” Once she was alone again, she began sifting through the files. “You shouldn’t be doing this,” she told herself. It didn’t stop her. Nothing stopped her until she came to the one photo she was looking for. A scan of the attached copy of the driver’s license gave her the information she was looking for. “Cassidy Giles. Oh God, she’s only twenty-five!”
Mistress tossed the file aside, determined to forget about the incredibly hot, tall, androgynous woman. She couldn’t care less how the black jeans made that ass look. Or how the crisp, white button-up shirt was unbuttoned dangerously low. And, she certainly wasn’t thinking about fisting her hands in that short, dark hair. Nope.

I’ve been in Houston, Texas, writing novels and designing websites since 2009. Moving here was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, because I’ve been able to live wonderfully, and write my heart out. I’ve always enjoyed the arts in one form or another. Music sets the mood, reading stimulates my brain, and writing allows me to utilize my imagination in any way I want. I’ve been writing stories since I was a teen, and figured out it was my passion when I finished my first novel, Something About Eve.

I love being captivated by books that lead me into different, exotic places, and through impossible scenarios. I love being able to become someone else for a time. Reading has always inspired me to bring my own characters out to play. My hope is that my writing will inspire others, or at the least, give them a way to escape from everyday life for a little while.

If I’m not writing or reading, I’m training for triathlons. It’s a good way to challenge my body the way I challenge my brain when writing. I’m not the greatest at it, but not only do I do it for the challenge, I do it for charity. It’s a good motivation.

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Cover Reveal: Until Him by Emery Jacobs

31 Thursday May 2018

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Release Date: June 20, 2018

Cover Design: Amy Queau / QDesigns

Photographer: Wander Aguiar

Model: Jase Dean

Synopsis

How could he walk away from the one he promised to love forever?

I believed him.
I trusted him.
I loved him.
I, Emmie Carmichael, am an optimist. If life throws me lemons, I make lemonade. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, and happily ever after isn’t just for fairy tales. It exists in the lives of real people, including me – at least that’s what I believed until my now ex-husband spoke the two words that sucker punched me into reality.

No more sunshine and rainbows for this girl. Now now, not ever.

Beau Matson is the last guy I need in my life. He’s dark, secretive, and insanely sexy. Plus, he has issues, and I mean real issues: his business is failing, he’s afraid of commitment, and I think he may be a stalker. But, when I stare into his eyes, all his faults fade away and it feels like he can take my broken pieces and make me whole again.

He doesn’t believe in love, and I don’t believe in forever – at least not… Until Him.

Goodreads

Excerpt

“Excuse me, excuse me,” I call out. What the hell is wrong with this guy? I know he hears me, but he continues to walk away without even a glance back.

“Hey!” I holler, sounding a bit irritated. Beau finally stops walking and turns to face me.

Piercing silver eyes meet my gaze as his right hand grips the back of his neck. He shakes his head a couple of times before rubbing his jaw.

We stand here in the middle of a mostly empty parking lot without either of us saying a word. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I pull my eyes away from his. My gaze travels quickly to his hand on his jaw. I’m usually not a hands kind of girl. But for some insane reason my focus is on his damn right hand. It’s big, and probably strong. The calluses on his fingers reveal years of manual labor. God, I bet he’s good with those hands. I push that thought from my mind as I allow my eyes to drift over his body, which is a mistake because his jeans are not only snug around his ass, but also around his…I immediately drop my eyes toward the ground. My face flushes as heat shoots through me. What is wrong with me? I obviously don’t get out enough. This is the reason I need to have sex—it’s been far too long and it’s starting to show.

I quickly jerk my head up so my eyes are back on his face.

“Hi.” I fold my arms across my chest and take in a deep breath.

He nods while still rubbing his jaw. Can he not speak?

“I’m Emmie Carmichael, and you are?” Even though I know exactly who he is, I’m still going to press him to introduce himself to me.

“Matson, Beau Matson,” His voice is deep and gruff. Silver eyes watch me as I continue to force this uncomfortable conversation.

“Oh, you must be Leo’s brother.” For some odd reason, I keep up the charade of not knowing who he is, and then I move closer to look for any resemblance between him and his brother, but there is none. Beau is tall and broad, where Leo is thin and lanky. Beau’s skin is a deep olive color and Leo is fair. Beau’s hair is short and brown where Leo’s is long, dark, and messy.

“Yep, Unfortunately…” He smirks, or is it a grin? Whatever it is, it sends a chill up my spine.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing. Leo was courteous this morning when he picked up my Jeep. He was a perfect gentleman. Well, except for the cigarette hanging from his lips. But I ignored it because I needed his help. Anyway, I like your brother. And it seems like he’s good at his job. At least from what I could tell.” Oh, crap. Now I’m rambling and he probably thinks I’ve got a thing for his brother. Which I don’t. Dammit! I’m so bad at this. Or maybe I’m just bad at this with him. Because normally people don’t have this kind of effect on me.

“I’ll be sure to let Leo know he needs to lose the cigarette.”

Geez, I hope I didn’t get him in trouble. I need to shut up and go back inside where I can function without making a fool out of myself.

“No, I didn’t mean it like that. The cigarette was fine. Really, it wasn’t a big deal.” I smile and then continue. “So, what was the problem?” He looks over his shoulder at the truck waiting for him at the curb and I catch a glimpse of his profile. Strong jawline, slight bump in what was probably once a perfectly straight nose, and just enough scruff to give him a rugged sexy look. For some reason, he looks oddly familiar.

His gaze returns to mine before he answers my question with a question. “The problem?” He narrows his eyes.

“My Jeep? What was wrong with it?”

“Right, your Jeep. It was the battery.” He steps back, distancing himself from me. It’s obvious he’s itching to leave.

“It’s fixed—new battery? Oh, wait, I need to pay you. Hold on just a sec.” I turn to head back into the office to grab my…Crap! All I have is a credit card and that’s not going to work. I stop after just a couple of steps and glance back toward Beau. “Can I stop by the shop in the morning and pay you for your services? I don’t have any cash.”

“Yes, new battery, and there’s no need to go out of your way. I left the bill and keys with your receptionist, so you can put a check in the mail.”

“Are you sure? It’s really not out of the way.”

“Yeah, mailing it will be good.” He turns to walk away—again—and I notice someone in the passenger seat of the truck waiting on him. Maybe that’s why he’s in such a big hurry—because he’s not alone.

“Wait, just one more second,” I plead because I need to know if we’ve met before—other than me checking out his ass earlier today at the automotive shop. That doesn’t count. I mean, it does, but he doesn’t need to know I think he has an amazing ass.

“Yeah?” he says as he glances back at me.

“Do I know you from somewhere? I mean, have we met before…because you look kinda…”

“No, Ms. Carmichael. We’ve never met,” he cuts me off without hesitation.

“Please call me Emmie,” I tell him as I scan his face one more time. I tap my finger on my chin and then continue, “Are you sure? Because I swear I’ve seen you somewhere before.”

“I’m positive,” he says before cutting his eyes away from me. He rubs his jaw and shakes his head again. Then he does something so unexpected. He swiftly moves toward me and leans in close to my face with his mouth so near I can feel the warmth of his breath on my neck. “I never forget a face, Emmie,” he says smoothly. And oh, how I love the way my name falls from his lips. I close my eyes and take in his nearness. I quietly inhale all that is Beau Matson—the smell of motor oil combined with a deep woodsy scent, the slow steady breaths that continue to brush against my skin, and the roughness of his five o’clock shadow as it grazes my face.

“I’m sure you’re right,” I whisper softly.

Beau pulls away from me and I open my eyes in time to see him walking away. I’m confused about what just happened. But I dare not question it because having Beau that near me, even if it was only for him to whisper those six words into my ear, was worth every second.

“Thank you again!” I yell as he walks away from me. God, I’m such an idiot. What am I thanking him for? Dropping my Jeep off or nearly giving me an orgasm just from leaning into me and whispering my name near my ear? And what did I do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing but stand here. This is a prime example of why I’m alone.