* Review * RAVAGED by Naima Simone

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * RAVAGED by Naima SimoneRavaged by Naima Simone
Series: Burned Inc. #2
Published by Montlake on November 15, 2022
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four-half-stars

Miriam

It’s no coincidence that my family’s breakup service is called BURNED Inc. I know what it’s like to be dumped. I’ve been there.

Long story short, I’ve got a rule when it comes to my love life: no athletes. As it happens, my best friend, Jordan, is a professional basketball player. He also has a delicious body and sexy tattoos.

But rules are rules.

Jordan

Miriam is my best friend. She’s also the love of my life, the woman I’ve been dreaming about since we met. But she doesn’t do athletes.

I get it. I really do. And I just want Miriam to be happy. Which is why I set her up with a teammate to help her find the man she deserves—even though I can tell she’s into me from that one hot-as-hell night we shared months ago. Still, rules are rules.

But here’s the thing: I’m a competitor.

And sometimes you have to break the rules to win.

 

A decadently tempting friends to lovers story with all of the angst and feels rolled into one delightful read! I loved this second book in Naima Simone’s BURNED Inc series even more than the first and the only thing I really wanted to see developed a bit more was his NBA world which fell a little to the wayside behind Miriam’s secret life. I loved their story and am looking forward to seeing what is in store for Levi.

Miriam is the family brainiac and has let herself become comfortable in business with her brother and sister, but what no one knows is the secret desire she has in life and how far she’s come towards achieving it.

Jordan is a sweetheart and I loved watching his love for Miriam outshine just about everything for him.

I recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone that likes a fresh business concept revolving around a close knit group of siblings who are thriving despite the turmoil of life around them.

four-half-stars

* Review * MERRY CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Maisey Yates

* Review * MERRY CHRISTMAS COWBOY by Maisey YatesMerry Christmas Cowboy by Maisey Yates
Series: Four Corners Ranch #2
Published by HQN Books on October 25, 2022
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five-stars

As the snow falls on Four Corners Ranch, all this untamed cowboy wants for Christmas is the family he’s never had…

Cowboy Wolf Garrett is delighted his brother is happily married—really, he is. But time can never heal Wolf’s own wounds, so being surrounded by such marital joy is a bit…much. A trip to his extended family’s ranch in Copper Ridge seems the ideal change of scenery. Until he meets local innkeeper Violet Donnelly and realizes he’s exchanged one form of torture for another—trying, and spectacularly failing, to resist their instant, wildly hot chemistry.

Violet knew Wolf was trouble the moment he walked into her inn. But it's a whole new level of trouble when she discovers that their secret nights have left her pregnant! Especially when she has six feet of gorgeous, furious cowboy demanding that she come home with him for the holidays and marry him. Wolf has lost more than she could ever imagine, but Violet believes in the power of love to heal, and she’ll do anything to give their future family a chance. Wolf has already given her so many firsts—dare she hope he’s about to become her first Christmas miracle too?

Bonus novella included!

 

When two Maisey Yates worlds collide, a treat is in store for all! Fans of Yates will be delighted to take a trip back to an old favorite, Copper Ridge, in book two of her latest Four Corners Ranch series. Once angsty teen Violet Donnelly is all grown up and hooking up with Wolf Garrett when he comes to visit his cousins. I loved seeing Violet and her family again and watching her fall in love was heartwarming.

Wolf is a kindhearted man, but he’s set in his ways of never getting sucked into losing his heart to a woman capable of leaving him and crushing his soul.

Violet is sweet, sincere and enjoying the family she has around her when temptation like she’s never known before comes knocking.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a small town cowboy romance with endearing characters, sweetly passionate love stories and lots of drama to sink your teeth into.

five-stars

* Review * A SANTA STABBING by Geri Krotow

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * A SANTA STABBING by Geri KrotowA Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow
Series: Shop 'Round the World #1
Published by Tule Publishing on November 2, 2022
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five-stars

She didn't realize she'd traded "Naval Aviator" for "amateur sleuth"…

Retired Navy pilot Angel Warren’s new life awaits in Stonebridge, Pennsylvania, where she’s opening Shop ‘Round the World, her travel-inspired gift and novelty shop. A newly empty nester and longtime widow, she’s looking forward to leaving her flying career and its many life-or-death decisions behind and reconnecting with family and friends. Right now, Angel’s biggest challenge is getting the shop ready for its grand opening just weeks before Christmas.

Until she finds a dead body in the shop murdered with one of her specialty Santa figurines. Even worse, Angel’s fingerprints are on the “weapon” and she’s a prime suspect. It doesn’t help that the deceased is an old friend who’s collected a long list of enemies as a cut-throat real estate agent. And then there’s the Stonebridge Chief of Police—and Angel’s high school BFF—who brings her in for questioning.

If Angel wants to clear her name before the Christmas rush, she’s going to need to do some sleuthing on her own—and with the help of her stressed out parrot, Ralph.

 

A delightful small-town holiday caper! Geri Krotow shines in her cozy mystery debut with a solid cast of characters, a humorous pet parrot and an addictive whodunnit mystery. I’m looking forward to more to come in the series!

Angel is strong, accomplished and deserving of a relaxing transition to what coming home will be, but life has anything but that in store for her.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun mystery revolving around a small town and all of it’s whimsy characters.

five-stars

* Review * NOBODY CARES UNLESS YOU’RE PRETTY by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * NOBODY CARES UNLESS YOU’RE PRETTY by Lani Lynn ValeNobody Cares Unless You're Pretty by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: Gator Bait MC #1
on November 1, 2022
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five-stars

The problem with Wake was that he was understandable. He was the type of villain that literally scared the absolute shit out of you because you knew that under the right circumstances, you could end up exactly like him.

Which, sadly, was the case for me.

I’d done the exact same thing as Wake, and now I was a murderer just like him.

Did I know that I did wrong? Hell yes.

Did I regret that? Hell no.

Did I plan on changing a thing? Also, no.

Was I falling in love with a man that should scare the shit out of me? A resounding hell yes.

 

Highly addictive and exhilarating! Lani Lynn Vale has a way with a strong-willed and good-hearted man who is willing to throw caution to the wind to right every wrong that crosses their path that just guts me on a regular basis! I am happy to dive into each and every hero like this that she writes. Great characters, an addictive subject and so much yummy goodness that you won’t be able to stop reading once you start.

Wake is above all else a loving father. He’s easily redeemable even though he has spent years in prison, and I can’t wait to see more of how he and the rest of his crew grow and thrive in the rest of this series.

Dutch is sweet and sincere and willing to go where she never thought she would have to.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a strong, alpha male that is willing to push the boundaries when justice calls for it and who loves hard and forever.

five-stars

* Review * THE PRINCE’S ONE -NIGHT BABY by Juliette Hyland

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE PRINCE’S ONE -NIGHT BABY by Juliette HylandThe Prince's One-Night Baby by Juliette Hyland
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on October 25, 2022
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five-stars

A passionate encounter…

…with royal consequences!

Meeting midwife Calla on his flight home makes Dr. Kostas’s long journey far more exciting. Especially when their instant attraction leads to a red-hot layover! But Kostas can offer only one night of pure passion. Because, unbeknownst to Calla, he’s also a prince—with no intention of inflicting the pressures of royal life on anyone again. So it’s a shock to discover they’ll be colleagues at his new clinic…and an even bigger shock is heading their way…

 

A tale of temptation too tempting to resist! Juliette Hyland always delivers a captivating story with easy to relate to characters and her latest did not disappoint! I highly enjoyed their connection and meandering the ups and downs of settling into their new reality with them.

Kostas is quick to catch a readers eye because though he is a royal, he’s been enjoying his laid back secretive life in America for more than a decade and is reluctant to return to the stifling life awaiting.

Calla is sweet and new to life outside of her little bubble, so watching her experience so many firsts is exciting. I enjoyed her!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a medical setting with romantic elements and an addition perk of diving into the royal life as their relationship progresses.

five-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * TERROR by Jessica Ames

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * TERROR by Jessica AmesTerror by Jessica Ames
Series: Manchester Chapter Untamed Sons MC #3
on October 28, 2022
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four-stars

Terror

As Sergeant at Arms of the Manchester chapter of the Untamed Sons Motorcycle Club, my job is clear--protect my brothers and uphold the bylaws of my club. I’ve done that from the moment I patched in, risking my life and freedom for men I consider closer than blood.

I never thought I’d need anything else until she walked back into my life.

Finding Hope on a stage taking her clothes off for strangers enrages me. This isn’t how her life was supposed to turn out. I walked away so she could have everything she deserved. Now, she’s in danger and I’m going to destroy everyone who threatens her.

Hope

Seeing Terror again after all this time has me on edge. He can’t know the truth about how low I’ve sunk since I saw him last. I tried for years to put Terror out of my head, but my love for the boy who made my heart skip a beat never faded. I tried to move on, to marry and have a family and, for a while, things were good. Then the nightmare began.

My ex-husband despises me. He’s done everything in his power to hurt me both mentally and physically, but now he has something that can tear me apart.

My daughter.

Terror might have crashed into my life without an invitation, but now he’s the only one who can save me.

 

Quick to hook and easily addictive! The third book in the Manchester Chapter Untamed Sons MC series brings us Terror’s story and it was full of drama and angst. I enjoyed the characters as a whole and liked their connection but did feel like the switching back and forth from past to present left some holes in the plot that I would have liked to have had built on. Overall a solid read and a good addition to the series. I’m looking forward to more!

Kayden AKA Terror is alpha and protective and stepped up whole-heartedly when the one he let get away came back into his life and was in turmoil.

Hope was a hot mess, but was easily redeemable once we got to know their past together.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a MC romance where they aren’t afraid to do whatever it takes to protect the ones they love.

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Terror
Series: Manchester Chapter
Untamed Sons MC #3
Author: Jessica Ames
Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: October 28, 2022
BLURB

 

Terror
As Sergeant at Arms of the Manchester chapter of the Untamed Sons Motorcycle Club, my job is clear–protect my brothers and uphold the bylaws of my club. I’ve done that from the moment I patched in, risking my life and freedom for men I consider closer than blood.
I never thought I’d need anything else until she walked back into my life.
Finding Hope on a stage taking her clothes off for strangers enrages me. This isn’t how her life was supposed to turn out. I walked away so she could have everything she deserved. Now, she’s in danger and I’m going to destroy everyone who threatens her.
Hope
Seeing Terror again after all this time has me on edge. He can’t know the truth about how low I’ve sunk since I saw him last. I tried for years to put Terror out of my head, but my love for the boy who made my heart skip a beat never faded. I tried to move on, to marry and have a family and, for a while, things were good. Then the nightmare began.
My ex-husband despises me. He’s done everything in his power to hurt me both mentally and physically, but now he has something that can tear me apart.
My daughter.
Terror might have crashed into my life without an invitation, but now he’s the only one who can save me.
Warning. This book contains themes that might be upsetting. For trigger warnings visit: https://www.jessicaamesauthor.com/jessicaamestwcw

 

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS
$2.99 for a limited time!
AMAZON US; / UK; / CA; / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

ALSO AVAILABLE

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

 

COMING SOON

 

Releasing January 27
$2.99 for a limited time!
AMAZON US; / UK; / CA; / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO
Jessica Ames lives in a small market town in the
Midlands, England. She lives with her dog and when she’s not writing,
she’s playing with crochet hooks. 
AUTHOR LINKS

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four-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * PLAYBOY’S REWARD by Gina Azzi

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * PLAYBOY’S REWARD by Gina AzziPlayboy's Reward by Gina Azzi
Series: Tennessee Thunderbolts #4
Published by Three Cities Publishing LLC on October 27, 2022
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four-half-stars

It was supposed to be a favor between neighbors…

When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I intervene. I volunteer to be her date to her ten-year high school reunion. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy and I make an exceptional plus-one.

Being Harper's fake date is easy. Pretending not to fall for her when our innocent kisses turn passionate is a little more challenging.

But when Harper returns the fake date favor and accompanies me to my parents’ anniversary party, everything changes. She garners my dad’s respect and eases the familial pressure I drown under. She makes me crave the things I used to laugh off.

Tangling up with Harper was supposed to be a fun way to pass the summer. So, why does it feel like she’s the real prize? The elusive, fleeting kind of real I’ve avoided for years?

And how can I prove that this playboy wants a different kind of reward? One that sounds a lot like commitment…

 

Deliciously sinful! The fourth book in Gina Azzi’s Tennessee Thunderbolts hockey series is filled with instant attraction, good natured sass and so many glorious feels! I really enjoyed Harper and Damien and their sexy woes and am looking forward to more to come in the series!

Harper is a sweetheart and seeing her find a man worthy of all of the love she has to give is heartwarming.

I loved Damien! He’s sexy, he’s sweet, and though he was emotionally guarded because of family expectations, he put his whole heart into his relationships in his own way.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that who enjoys a hockey franchise filled with witty banter, sexy hookups until “the one” steals their heart and so much genuine love for the hockey brotherhood.

 

 

 

 

 Release Date: October 27

 

It was supposed to be one fake date…

 

When sexy-as-sin Harper Henderson launches profanities into the night sky from the balcony below mine, I’m forced to intervene. I may be a professional hockey player with a playboy reputation, but I’m also a good guy. Charming and affable with unrivaled cheekbones and a lack of serious commitments (save for hockey), 

 

I make an impressive plus-one.

 

Volunteering to be Harper’s date to her dreaded ten-year high school reunion is easy. 

Pretending not to fall for her when our innocent kisses turn passionate is a little more challenging.

 

But when Harper returns the fake date favor and accompanies me to my parents’ anniversary party, everything changes. She garners my dad’s respect and effortlessly mingles with my childhood friends. She eases the familial pressure I drown under and makes me crave the things I used to laugh off.

 

Tangling up with Harper was supposed to be a fun way to pass the summer. So, why does it feel like she’s the real prize? The elusive, fleeting kind of real I’ve avoided for years?

 

And how can I prove that this playboy wants a different kind of reward? 

One that sounds a lot like commitment…

Grab Your Copy Here!

Meet Gina Azzi

 

I’m Gina Azzi, a book-obsessed, coffee-drinking, globetrotting, mama of soon-to-be three! I write sweet with a dash of spicy New Adult and Contemporary Romance full of good men putting in work to win the hearts of even better women.

A total Jersey girl at heart, I struggle with insatiable wanderlust and currently reside in Ontario, Canada with my family. 

 

When I’m not dreaming up storylines or writing all the words, you can find me hanging with my littles, attempting to bake, or planning my next adventure.

 

Connect with me on social media or at ginaazziauthor@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading!

Xo,

Gina

 

Connect with Gina Azzi

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Reader GroupTwitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads    Amazon Author Page

 

 

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four-half-stars

* Review * CINDERELLA MASQUERADE by LaQuette

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CINDERELLA MASQUERADE by LaQuetteCinderella Masquerade by LaQuette
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals #7
Published by Harlequin Desire on October 25, 2022
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four-stars

One dance. One kiss.

One unexpected twist.

After a stunning makeover, Dr. Zanai James barely recognizes herself. The reserved, no-nonsense therapist even dared to kiss rancher Jayden Lattimore in the middle of the dance floor. Though a mask had hidden her identity, Jayden tracks down his mysterious Cinderella, claiming he can’t forget her. But Zanai isn’t sure about the motives of a dashing man like Jayden, who’s never looked twice at her before. With their meddling families causing all kinds of trouble, will Zanai finally go after what she really wants?

 

An enchanting modern day Cinderella twist! With the seventh book in the Texas Cattleman’s Club: Ranchers and Rivals series LaQuette picks up the reins and brings us Jayden Lattimore’s story. I enjoyed Zanai and Jayden together, but felt like there was a disconnect from a good bit of the continuity saga we have been leading up to as the series has been built and several plot holes on her side of the story that could have been fleshed out more for a smoother storyline. I’m looking forward to the last couple of books in the series to see how it all plays out.

Jayden was a really enjoyable character. He is smooth and dignified and not afraid to show his attraction. I enjoyed his family interaction throughout the book.

I wasn’t super fond of Zanai’s portrayal. She was supposed to be accomplished and successful, but the fact that she didn’t support herself more and stop allowing herself to be mistreated and walked over made her come across as weak and lacking.

I recommend this series as a whole to anyone that enjoys a storyline rich in family saga and happily ever afters.

four-stars

* Review * THE WISH LIST by Michelle Major

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE WISH LIST by Michelle MajorThe Wish List by Michelle Major
Series: The Carolina Girls #4
Published by HQN Books on October 25, 2022
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four-half-stars

This Christmas the Carlyle sisters will rediscover the gift of family

For some families, a Christmas reunion is like a feel-good movie. For Beth Carlyle, it might be more of a disaster epic. Her ex-husband’s new girlfriend is already pregnant. Her self-absorbed, bestselling author mother recently suffered a stroke and has summoned Beth’s sisters, Freya and Trinity—neither of whom even seem to like Beth very much—back to Magnolia. Beth’s so lonely and stressed that she spills her guts to a stranger, wondering why the handsome newcomer affects her so deeply. Reality TV star Freya deliberately forged a career that would upset her mother, who’s always been as brilliant as the sun…and just as distant. Now a handsome literary agent is making Freya dream of a different life. As for Trinity, she just wants to start over after leaving an abusive relationship and make a future for her and her baby.

It’ll be a Christmas like no other in Magnolia. But the Carlyle sisters might find they have more in common than their shared past—and that the holidays are made for second chances.

Includes a bonus holiday novella set in Magnolia!

 

Michelle Major weaves this gem of a town around reader hearts book after book! Magnolia seems to be the town that can heal family strife and bring love and warmth to the forefront again and again, and I for one can’t seem to get enough of it. The characters are always well-developed and heart set on standing their ground in their belief of the wrongs they have endured, but life’s reality coupled with a healthy dose of forgiveness and a softening heart lead family members to reconnect and find happiness again.

The Carlyle sisters find themselves gathering in their hometown to rally around their ailing mother even though each has conflicted emotions over their flawed relationship with their mom as well as each other. Emotions are high, secrets are revealed and love conquers all.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a reconnection of family after years of estrangement as each sibling connects with a new love interest.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * BAYOU WITH BENEFITS by Erin Nicholas

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BAYOU WITH BENEFITS by Erin NicholasBayou With Benefits by Erin Nicholas
Series: Badges of the Bayou #2
Published by EN Fiction, Inc. on October 18, 2022
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five-stars

They are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately.

Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad.

And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model.

Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet.

And yeah, their families spend so much time together it’s hard to remember who shares DNA and who just shares secrets, inside jokes, and a sincere lack of boundaries.

And okay, he’s seen her nerdy side. Her sweet side. Her funny, self-deprecating side.

Fine, yes, resisting this woman has taken a saint’s share of willpower.

But he has to. He just cannot do long-distance. And he can’t have a casual fling with someone he’s known–and will know–forever.

Thankfully, he only has to hide his feelings a few times a year when she visits.

And then, he slips. One time. One spontaneous I-knew-it-would-be-everything kiss and he’s a goner.

Now every time they see each other it's harder and harder to ignore the heat.

And when she shows up on hisdoorstep after a car accident changes her entire life, there’s no way he can resist the chance to see if this can last…or if they’ll finally flame out.

  I adore the Bayou charm that Erin Nicholas delivers with each and every book she has created in the Landry world! One day there is going to be a big ol’ fight in Autre because I keep trading one guy in for another as my favorite and the Landry men and their buddies are soon going to catch wind of it! There is so much sass, fun and downright good-heartedness in every single book that I just cannot get enough. The characters in this one are endearing and the visit with old favorites makes it all the more sweet. I am loving every single minute of the series, so keep ’em coming!

Michael is a sexy as all get out single dad who is easy to fall for just for that reason, but seeing his protectiveness and all out addiction to Ami was even more adorable.

Amelia is sweet, successful and sentimental, so seeing her overcome adversity and come out shining on the other side was fulfilling.

I highly recommend this book, the entire series and every Landry series preceding to anyone who enjoys characters filled with loyalty, sass, humor and so much love for family and community that you can’t get enough of them.

 

 

 

 

Bayou with Benefits, an all-new nanny meets single dad small town romance featuring a hot firefighter from New York Times bestselling author Erin Nicholas is out now!

They are friends. Without benefits. Unfortunately.

Michael LeClaire is small-town Louisiana. A firefighter. A single dad.

And Amelia Landry is New York City. A social media influencer. A model.

Sure, she’s his son’s favorite person on the planet. And yeah, their families spend so much time together it’s hard to remember who shares DNA and who just shares secrets, inside jokes, and a sincere lack of boundaries. And okay, he’s seen her nerdy side. Her sweet side. Her funny, self-deprecating side. Fine, yes, resisting this woman has taken a saint’s share of willpower. But he has to. He just cannot do long-distance. And he can’t have a casual fling with someone he’s known–and will know–forever. Thankfully, he only has to hide his feelings a few times a year when she visits. And then, he slips. One time. One spontaneous I-knew-it-would-be-everything kiss and he’s a goner. Now every time they see each other it’s harder and harder to ignore the heat. And when she shows up on his doorstep after a car accident changes her entire life, there’s no way he can resist the chance to see if this can last…or if they’ll finally flame out.

 

Fall in love today!

Amazon: https://mybook.to/bayouwbenefits

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Google Play: https://bit.ly/3SsPQXo

Website: https://bit.ly/3SD97p3

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3RhDm3K

 

Keep reading for a look inside Bayou with Benefits!

“If you don’t want our sisters to think they’re right about everything, you have to quit looking at me like that.”

Michael LeClaire had three choices here.

He could pretend he had no idea what Amelia Landry was talking about, turn, smile nonchalantly, and try to have a normal, casual conversation with her.

That was going to be nearly impossible, of course. This was Ami. There was no being casual around her. He hadn’t been able to pull nonchalant off since he’d first seen her walk down the dock in a lime green bikini the summer she’d turned twenty. But then, eleven months ago, everything had changed and now…yeah, casual was completely off the table.

He’d known she’d be here. Of course. It was her sister’s wedding. She was a bridesmaid. He’d been preparing to see her. Still, it had been three months and the last time…leaving her at that airport had been so much harder than he’d expected. He didn’t think there’d be anything casual about the things he’d end up saying to her tonight if they talked alone.

His second option was setting something on fire so that he would have to don his fire gear and do something with his evening other than watch Ami in her off-the-shoulder peach-colored bridesmaid dress, laughing and dancing and looking fucking stunning while he struggled to remember why they were only friends. As he did every single time she stood too close to him.

The reasons were good. He knew that. The primary one being that she lived in fucking New York City and he lived in Autre, Louisiana and that would just never work out. He had a kid. He was the fire chief here. His entire family was here. He couldn’t move to New York—nor did he want to—and he couldn’t travel there on a regular basis.

Ami was a model. She’d just landed a huge contract. The contract she’d been hoping and working for. She’d moved from Shreveport to New York only three months ago. She wasn’t coming back to Louisiana and also couldn’t be traveling back here on a regular basis.

Fuck New York City.

Yeah, setting something on fire kind of seemed like a great idea.

And then there was his third option: turning, throwing her over his shoulder, taking her straight back to his house, and not letting her out of his bed for a week, whether they could be together long-term or not.

Which would only make all of this—the wanting her, the thinking about her, the missing her—so much worse.

He wasn’t going to be able to do any of those three things.

He was screwed.

So, he sucked in a deep lungful of oxygen and turned, deciding to go with his fourth option—just praying to not fuck everything up. “Am I that obvious?”

Ami smiled up at him. “I just really think it’s unfair that they’re assuming things that I didn’t actually get to experience.”

He shook his head. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what? Talk about how Charlie and Naomi are assuming their matchmaking worked and we spent the entire weekend you were in New York in bed together?”

“Ami,” he said, his voice low with warning.

“Hey, you’re the one looking at me like you’ve seen me naked and want to again,” she said. “Don’t blame me.”

He tossed back the rest of his drink, wished it was alcohol and not just soda, reminded himself that staying completely sober while Ami was in town for the first time since New York was a really, really good idea, and said, “That’s not how I’m looking at you.”

She put a hand on her hip. “Then how would you describe the way you’ve been watching me from across the room but totally ignoring me whenever we’re close enough to talk?”

“Like I’ve been jerking off practically every night for the past three months because I didn’t get you naked, and like since you got back to town I’ve been constantly about ten seconds away from picking you up, taking you home, and tying you to my bed for the next week or two.”

Okay, so even without alcohol he was going to be dangerously inappropriate. And honest. Just as he’d feared.

Her eyes went wide.

Then she grinned. “Yes. You’re right. That’s a much better, more specific, description.”

About Erin Nicholas

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Erin Nicholas has been writing romances almost as long as she’s been reading them. To date, she’s written over thirty sexy, contemporary novels that have been described as “toe-curling,” “enchanting,” “steamy,” and “fun.” She adores reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines, and happily ever afters.

Erin lives in the Midwest, where she enjoys spending time with her husband (who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books), her kids (who will never read the sex scenes in her books), and her family and friends (who claim to be “shocked” by the sex scenes in her books).

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