* Review * HOT HOLIDAY FLING by Joss Wood

* Review * HOT HOLIDAY FLING by Joss WoodHot Holiday Fling by Joss Wood
Published by Harlequin Desire on December 1, 2020
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five-stars

A Christmas fling makes the perfect gift

for the bachelor who has everything…

Sparks fly the moment Adie Ashby-Tate and Hunt Sheridan meet. Too bad Hunt doesn’t do relationships. But career-minded Adie, working with him to boost her business, is too tempting for the millionaire influencer to resist. When she agrees to a no-strings tryst, he jumps at the chance. The only rule: no commitment. But the Christmas spirit might change all the rules…

 

Fast paced, steamy and delightful! Joss Wood’s latest is sure to please if you’re looking for a little holiday cheer during your down time. The characters are refreshing with a holiday fling you won’t want to miss.

Adie and Hunter each have an emotional backstory that has led them to the place in life they are each pursuing at the moment, but falling for each other wasn’t part of the cards they dealt when agreeing to a temporary holiday fling … too bad no one told their hearts!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a spicy connection that goes from sex to so much more as they begin to open their hearts to each other.

five-stars

* Review * FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS WITH THE MILLIONAIRE by Jennifer Faye

* Review * FAIRYTALE CHRISTMAS WITH THE MILLIONAIRE by Jennifer FayeFairytale Christmas with the Millionaire by Jennifer Faye
Series: Once Upon a Fairytale #3
Published by Harlequin Romance on December 1, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

He thinks he has it all…

…until he meets his spirited Cinderella!

Under threat of eviction, Alina Martin finds herself making a deal with infamous CEO Graham Toliver. He may be used to getting what he wants, but Alina’s not going to back down. Yet as Alina gets to know Graham, she realizes that there is more to the charming CEO than she initially thought—could their arrangement lead to her happily-ever-after in time for Christmas?

 

Jennifer Faye sparkles in this heartwarming tale! With the final book in her Once Upon a Fairytale trilogy the author spins a story of a modern day Cinderella meeting her Prince Charming and it’s sure to melt your heart. Loved the characters, loved the supporting cast and loved the happily ever after!

Alina is a doll. She goes out of her way to be helpful to all, even the ones that are only out to ridicule her. When she’s faced with an eviction, she sets out to track down the owner of the building and convince him the tenants deserve more.

Graham is easy to like. He might be a billionaire businessman but from the start it’s easy to see that he has a caring heart.

I highly recommend this book as well as the rest of the series to anyone who enjoys a little fairytale magic mixed in with their romance.

five-stars

* Review * THE QUEEN’S IMPOSSIBLE BOSS by Natalie Anderson

* Review * THE QUEEN’S IMPOSSIBLE BOSS by Natalie AndersonThe Queen's Impossible Boss by Natalie Anderson
Series: The Christmas Princess Swap #2
Published by Harlequin Presents on December 1, 2020
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Goodreads
four-stars

She was bound by duty. But oh so tempted by desire…

Switching places with her twin was supposed to give Queen Jade a couple of weeks’ escape from duty in New York. Now she has to handle a professional scandal and her sister’s impossible billionaire boss!

Alvaro Byrne knows something about his employee is different—especially the instant heat between them! Discovering her true identity only increases temptation…because as Jade’s bound to her throne, Alvaro’s committed to his business empire. Perhaps, just for Christmas, they can explore their unrivaled connection with no paparazzi, no royal protocols—and no promises…

 

Temptation at it’s best! With the conclusion of The Christmas Princess Swap duet, Natalie Anderson delights her reader with Queen Jade’s side of the twin switch. The storyline is fresh and satisfying.

Jade catches the reader’s heart quickly because she’s a stressed Queen who wants nothing more than to please her country and fulfill her duty, but life is hard when you’re being pulled in different directions and forsaking yourself with no one by your side so a secret getaway sounds ideal.

Alvaro is easy to like. He starts out being a stuffy boss who’s putting his foot down over a mistake that Juno made, but it doesn’t take him long in Jade’s presence to know that something is different in the way she makes him feel.

I recommend this book and the duet as a whole to anyone who enjoys a royal romance with a twist. Lots of heart in the back story of these princesses!

four-stars

* Review * HIS LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS FAMILY by Michelle Major

* Review * HIS LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS FAMILY by Michelle MajorHis Last-Chance Christmas Family by Michelle Major
Series: Welcome to Starlight #3
Published by Harlequin Special Edition on December 1, 2020
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five-stars

A perfect Starlight Christmas

Is this Christmas the perfect time for their last chance?

Widowed after an unhappy marriage, single mom Brynn Hale has finally returned home to Starlight. She’s ready for a fresh start for her son, and what better time for it than Christmas? Still, Nick Dunlap is the one connection to her past she can’t let go of. Nick let his status-conscious parents talk him out of pursuing Brynn in high school and he’s not sure he deserves a chance with her now. But the magic of the season might make forgiveness—and love—a little bit easier for them both…

 

Small town perfection! With the third book in her Welcome to Starlight series Michelle Major keeps to the heart of the holidays as widowed single mother Brynn reunites with her childhood friend and sets out to give her son the best Christmas ever. Great characters with multiple storylines that all mesh into one amazing story.

Brynn is such a kind soul and watching her start to live again is golden. Her kid is adorable, and she deserves the world.

Nick is a sweetheart. As the much-loved police chief of their hometown he’s a steady force to be reckoned with when life starts to crumble.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a small town filled with supportive characters and home town goodness around every corner.

five-stars

* Review * STEELE by Sawyer Bennett

* Review * STEELE by Sawyer BennettSteele by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Arizona Vengeance #9
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on December 8, 2020
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Goodreads
five-stars

A second chance may be just what James Steele needs…

I might be one of the older players on the Arizona Vengeance, but I like to think that also makes me one of the wisest. Or at least I used to.

Turns out, I’ve been a bit selfish. I’ve been married to hockey and my team for years, which hasn’t left much time for my actual wife, Ella. Now I’m juggling a separation I never wanted, the pressure of being a single dad to our teenage daughter, and the career I sacrificed it all for.

While my game on the ice might be on fire, the game in my personal life is clearly lacking, as evidenced by the fact I just saw my wife on a date with another man. If I have any hope of saving the family I love, I need to re-prioritize, and fast. So it’s time for me to get back to fundamentals, just like I did when I learned how to play hockey. I’ve never backed down from a challenge, and romancing my wife is a challenge I am very much looking forward to.

Time to put on my game face, because I’m in it to win it.

 

An emotionally charged reunion story! With book nine in her Arizona Vengeance hockey series Sawyer Bennett brings us a love story like no other. High school sweethearts who made it to the top only to begin to crumble with their teenage daughter looking on. This book brings it all. Pain, love, laughter and so much heart. Loved their story!

Jim Steele is a hockey powerhouse, but a great husband, not so much. If you read the previous book in the series you will be familiar with the storyline somewhat. Jim accepted the separation his wife demanded and is just sitting back watching his life pass him by … until he sees her out on a date with another man and realizes he hasn’t seen that smile and laughter on her face in such a long time.

Ella is easy to sympathize with. She loves her husband just as much today as she did when she fell for him all those years ago, but she can’t take the invisibility and loneliness of being his wife for one minute more. She needs to be seen and cherished again.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a pulse pounding hockey series that rewards you with lots of game action, but also brings love, turmoil and heart to every single book.

five-stars

* Review * THE ROYAL PREGNANCY TEST by Heidi Rice

* Review * THE ROYAL PREGNANCY TEST by Heidi RiceThe Royal Pregnancy Test by Heidi Rice
Series: The Christmas Princess Swap #1
Published by Harlequin Presents on November 1, 2020
Buy on Amazon
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four-half-stars

Carrying his Majesty’s heir… Is she or isn’t she?

Princess Juno won’t stand by and let her twin sister be forced into a loveless marriage with King Leonardo of Severene. Juno switches places with her for Christmas, intent on ruining the match. A night of electrifying pleasure with the playboy King wasn’t part of the plan!

Leo has never felt such searing attraction, least of all for his duty-bound fiancée. It’s clear why, when her true identity is revealed! But Juno’s princess swap is going to have shocking consequences, when they realize they need a royal pregnancy test…!

 

A delectable attraction will steal your heart when you dive into this royal twin switch! With the first book in The Christmas Princess Swap duet Heidi Rice sets the stage for the unruly princess to step in and take her sister’s place over Christmas. The characters are intriguing and the chemistry between them is sizzling. I’m looking forward to wrapping the duet up with Jade’s story!

Juno is attention grabbing. She’s sweet and misunderstood while letting her feisty and adventurous side show. I loved her connection to Leo!

Leonardo is kind-hearted but rigid in the beginning and it’s really something to see how Juno’s affection warms him.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a royal romance mixed with secrets and scandal.

four-half-stars

* Review * YOU HAD ME AT HOCKEY by Kelly Jamieson

* Review * YOU HAD ME AT HOCKEY by Kelly JamiesonYou Had Me at Hockey by Kelly Jamieson
Series: Bears Hockey #2
Published by Loveswept on December 8, 2020
Buy on Amazon
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four-half-stars

Can a spirited, down-to-earth influencer get an uptight hockey player out of his shell?

Josh
I am a warrior. That’s been my motto since I recovered from a near-death accident when I was younger. Now I enjoy my nice, settled life in Dallas playing pro hockey—a boring life is better than being dead. I’m not a party guy or an adventurer; I like my routine and peace and quiet. So being traded to New York is the worst possible change that could happen. And meeting unfiltered and fascinating Sara Carrington throws my life into even more chaos.

Sara
I’ve been considered weird my whole life, which is why I’m still a virgin, but I’ve turned it into a career with my YouTube videos. Who knew people would love watching me talk about my zits, taste-test meatless burgers, and try to learn TikTok dances! Now I’m launching a podcast. Getting hockey star Josh Heller as a guest will help gain listeners for sure. I expect a bearded jock with no teeth and nothing to say, but I get a hot as H-E-double-hockey-sticks grouch with a surprisingly dirty mind. My mission to make him laugh is successful, but I want to know why he’s so uptight underneath that panty-dropping smile. Maybe I can teach Josh to have some fun . . . and maybe he can teach me a thing or two along the way. . . .

 

A delightful mix of comedy, romance and sports! With the second book in her Bears Hockey series Kelly Jamieson continues to deliver attention grabbing characters who steal a reader’s heart quickly and take us for a ride of emotion and joy on that way towards happily ever after. I’m looking forward to more!

Josh is a character that makes you just want to give a great big old hug to. He’s emotionally scarred from a childhood accident and sometimes finds it hard to deal with the world around him.

Sara is fresh, quirky and so fun. I loved her from the first moment she stepped onto the page.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a hockey romance with a combination of sexy and emotion throughout.

four-half-stars

* Release Blitz/Review * BREAKTHROUGH by Sarah Stevens

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * BREAKTHROUGH by Sarah StevensBreakthrough by Sarah Stevens
Series: Nashville Notes #1
on December 3, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

A budding attraction. A sinister stalker. A plot to tear their lives apart.

Mandy
After an ugly break-up, I moved back home to make a better life for my daughter and myself. I
thought I landed my dream job as an assistant athletic trainer, until I got a glimpse of the eye-
candy I would be working with. The last thing I need is to get mixed up with cocky goalie, Parker
Marshal—even if he is painfully attractive. More than ever, I have to stay focused. My ex has
sauntered back into my life, and where he goes trouble follows. Callie has to be my primary
focus if I hold any hope of keeping her safe from her father’s twisted intentions.

Parker
A different puck bunny every night, and no strings attached. That was the life I thought I
wanted... until I met Mandy. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and easily shrugs off my go-to moves
that make other women swoon. I’m willing to fight for her to prove myself, and right now she
needs an ally. Someone is targeting both of us, hellbent on destroying our careers and lives.
Can we stand together against the threatening storm of chaos?

 

Highly enjoyable characters! With the first book in her Nashville Notes hockey series Sarah Stevens brings us the story of a single mother and the hockey player who brings her all the feels! This is my first book by this author, and I loved the characterization and the plot development … I wasn’t fond of her way of double writing a scene though. It felt like I was reading the same scene twice in the places where she would write a hockey game from Mandy’s point of view and then takes us back to the start of the game in the next chapter for Parker’s point of view. Overall, it was a solid read and I loved the characters to pieces I just would have enjoyed it more with a better flow.

Mandy is a strong, career focused woman who finds herself suddenly doing it all alone when the father of her baby hangs them out to dry. She’s not going to let that stop her from achieving the career goals she’s always dreamed of, she’ll just be moving home and doing it with an even better job than she expected.

Parker is a doll. He’s a player in a big way until Mandy walks into his sights and steals his breath. He is ready to make her his, but she’s not willing to set her career on fire again for another jock!

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hockey story with drama and intrigue being a major part of the mix. Great characters!

 

 

 

 

Title: Breakthrough
Series: Nashville Notes #1
Author: Sarah Stevens
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: December 3, 2020

 

BLURB

 

A budding attraction. A sinister stalker. A plot to tear their lives apart. 
Mandy
After an ugly break-up, I moved back home to make a better life for my daughter and myself. I thought I landed my dream job as an assistant athletic trainer, until I got a glimpse of the eye-candy I would be working with. The last thing I need is to get mixed up with cocky goalie, Parker Marshal—even if he is painfully attractive. More than ever, I have to stay focused. My ex has sauntered back into my life, and where he goes trouble follows. Callie has to be my primary focus if I hold any hope of keeping her safe from her father’s twisted intentions.
Parker
A different puck bunny every night, and no strings attached. That was the life I thought I wanted… until I met Mandy. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and easily shrugs off my go-to moves that make other women swoon. I’m willing to fight for her to prove myself, and right now she needs an ally. Someone is targeting both of us, hellbent on destroying our careers and lives. Can we stand together against the threatening storm of chaos?

 

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

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Sarah Stevens is a New Adult Romance author.
Sarah started writing her first novel The Night He Saved Me in her free time while being a stay­-at­-home mom. Then one day, it started to flow, and she was writing “The End” in a matter of two months.
When she isn’t writing, she is enjoying the southern life with her husband, three kids, a Saint Bernard—who is still adjusting to the southern summers and Bruno a rescue dog. She can’t go a day without her coffee in the morning—and a few more cups during the day and her late nights writing.
She enjoys reading Contemporary or New Adult Romance and going to the pool or beach as much as she can. She loves all things Disney and collects Disney mugs to drink her beloved coffee in.

 

AUTHOR LINKS
four-stars

* Review * DEPENDS ON WHO’S ASKING by Lani Lynn Vale

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * DEPENDS ON WHO’S ASKING by Lani Lynn ValeDepends On Who's Asking by Lani Lynn Vale
Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 Book #12
on December 8, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…nope. No. Nuh-uh. That’s a lie.
The moment that Caro wakes up, she knows that she’s not alone.
One thump-thump from the living room and she quickly moves into action.
One 9-1-1 call later, and she’s ready to defend herself.
Only, she gets more than she bargains for when she steps out into her living room and comes face to face with a living, breathing nightmare.
And isn’t it just fitting that the man that saves her by coming down the chimney with a large black gun in his hand is named Saint Nicholas?

***

It seemed like the start of a bad joke.
Saint Nicholas comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve night, but he isn’t there to bear gifts. He’s there to take out the trash.
When he lands on his silent feet, he has no other choice but to put himself in harm’s way.
One look at Caro’s terrified face, and he can’t stop himself.
He steps in just as the bullets start flying, saving the damsel in distress and taking a bullet to the shoulder for his trouble.
But one thing he can say is, heroes always win the girl.
And Caro is the best Christmas miracle of all.

 

We’d all be a little naughtier with this type of Saint Nick! With the final book in the KPD SWAT Generation 2.0 series, Lani Lynn Vale takes her reader on a delectable ride filled with passion, drama and intrigue. In DEPENDS ON WHO’S ASKING the secret life that Saint had in the past is revealed and takes center stage as danger lurks around every corner. There is some unbelievability peaking out on several occasions, but the core of the story is emotional and the characters are easy to connect with. I am sad to see this series end, but it’s been quite a ride throughout the year!

Saint is a teddy bear. I think every reader will want to hug him when they learn his back story. He’s self-assured and protective and gives off all the feels.

Caro is adorable. She is accomplished and successful in her own right, yet family is still everything to her. Watching her claim Saint was really fun.

I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who loves a tight knit cop community who has each other’s backs as drama flows and love prospers. I loved this series!

 

 

 

 

Depends on Who’s Asking
Lani Lynn Vale
Release Date: December 8, 2020

 

About the Book

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…nope. No. Nuh-uh. That’s a lie.

The moment that Caro wakes up, she knows that she’s not alone.

One thump-thump from the living room and she quickly moves into action.

One 9-1-1 call later, and she’s ready to defend herself.

Only, she gets more than she bargains for when she steps out into her living room and comes face to face with a living, breathing nightmare.

And isn’t it just fitting that the man that saves her by coming down the chimney with a large black gun in his hand is named Saint Nicholas?

***

It seemed like the start of a bad joke.

Saint Nicholas comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve night, but he isn’t there to bear gifts. He’s there to take out the trash.

When he lands on his silent feet, he has no other choice but to put himself in harm’s way.

One look at Caro’s terrified face, and he can’t stop himself.

He steps in just as the bullets start flying, saving the damsel in distress and taking a bullet to the shoulder for his trouble.

But one thing he can say is, heroes always win the girl.

And Caro is the best Christmas miracle of all.

  

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2UnA2Jv
Amazon Intl.: https://geni.us/LdjgmIG
Apple: https://apple.co/3lqlF2Y
Nook: https://bit.ly/3lkVXgd
Kobo: https://bit.ly/35og3jY

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3kj6vew

 

 

About Lani Lynn Vale

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, two cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple also meaning over twenty) chickens.

When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Lani is married with three children and lives in the Great State of Texas.

Website: http://www.lanilynnvale.com/
Facebook: https://bit.ly/LLV-fb
Instagram: https://bit.ly/LLV-IG
Twitter: https://bit.ly/LLV-twitter
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/LLVgoodreads
BookBub: http://bit.ly/LLVbb

four-stars

* Release Blast/Review/Excerpt * FIGHTER’S HEART by A. Rivers

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blast/Review/Excerpt * FIGHTER’S HEART by A. RiversFighter's Heart by A. Rivers
Series: Crown MMA Romance #1
on December 7, 2020
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Lena
I never meant to become the go-to P.R. girl for the biggest jerks in professional sports.
Unfortunately, I built a reputation for turning douchebags into superstars, and now I’m stuck.
When I’m assigned to work with a guy accused of hitting his girlfriend, enough is enough.
I know all about men like Jase ‘The Wrangler’ Rawlins, and I have the emotional scars to prove it.
Mouthy, conceited, and hot as f*ck, he’s used to getting his way.
I want nothing to do with him, but my boss makes an offer I can’t refuse.
My dreams are finally within reach, and the more I get to know Jase, the more I wonder if I’ve gotten him completely wrong.
He may be bossy and infuriating, but he’s hiding a heart as massive as his ego.
Can I let go of the past and trust the feelings growing between us when my career is on the line?

Jase
Trouble is nothing new for an MMA bad boy like me, but this time I’m in too deep and can’t get out.
At least, not without help.
That’s where Lena LaFontaine comes in.
All buttoned-up blouses and ass-hugging skirts, she’s a distraction I don’t need, but she’s also the only one who can make my problems go away.
She wants to hate me. I’m not going to let that happen.
I never expect the way I ache to taste her pouty lips and claim her for my own.
My life is on the verge of imploding, and when it does, I’m not sure if I’ll emerge as a champion or be imprisoned for a crime I didn’t commit.
I won’t drag her down with me, but when push comes to shove, I don’t know if I can give her up, either.

Fighter's Heart is a standalone MMA romance with a cocky alpha hero and a sassy heroine who knows how to keep him in check. It has a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

 

I could NOT put this book down! With FIGHTER’S HEART, the first book in her Crown MMA series A. Rivers delighted this sports romance fan with an intriguing plot, captivating characters and just the right amount of lust to set the pages on fire. I will definitely be waiting for the next book in this series!

Lena LaFontaine is a spitfire and quite the character. She’s strong and empowered and uses the lessons she’s learned to propel her into going after her dreams.

Jase Rawlins is pure gold. He’s kindhearted, he’s accomplished and he’s determined to outshine the roots he came from.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a bad boy sports romance with an intriguing back story, a supporting cast of friends that steal the show and a happily ever after in the making.

 

 

 

 

Title: Fighter’s Heart
Series: Crowne MMA Romance #1
Author: A. Rivers
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: December 7, 2020

 

BLURB
Lena
I never meant to become the go-to P.R. girl for the biggest jerks in professional sports.
Unfortunately, I built a reputation for turning douchebags into superstars, and now I’m stuck.
When I’m assigned to work with a guy accused of hitting his girlfriend, enough is enough.
I know all about men like Jase ‘The Wrangler’ Rawlins, and I have the emotional scars to prove it.
Mouthy, conceited, and hot as f*ck, he’s used to getting his way.
I want nothing to do with him, but my boss makes an offer I can’t refuse.
My dreams are finally within reach, and the more I get to know Jase, the more I wonder if I’ve gotten him completely wrong.
He may be bossy and infuriating, but he’s hiding a heart as massive as his ego.
Can I let go of the past and trust the feelings growing between us when my career is on the line?

 

Jase
Trouble is nothing new for an MMA bad boy like me, but this time I’m in too deep and can’t get out.
At least, not without help.
That’s where Lena LaFontaine comes in.
All buttoned-up blouses and ass-hugging skirts, she’s a distraction I don’t need, but she’s also the only one who can make my problems go away.
She wants to hate me. I’m not going to let that happen.
I never expect the way I ache to taste her pouty lips and claim her for my own.
My life is on the verge of imploding, and when it does, I’m not sure if I’ll emerge as a champion or be imprisoned for a crime I didn’t commit.
I won’t drag her down with me, but when push comes to shove, I don’t know if I can give her up, either.
Fighter’s Heart is a standalone MMA romance with a cocky alpha hero and a sassy heroine who knows how to keep him in check. It has a HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

 

PURCHASE LINKS
99c for a limited time!
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

 

 

EXCERPT
Jase 
All the frustration I’ve worked off over the past two hours comes flooding back at the sight of Lena—furious expression, sassy walk, and all. Her cheeks are flushed with anger and her eyes may as well be shooting laser beams straight at me. Her lips move, but I don’t hear the words. My blood has redirected from my big head to my generously proportioned smaller one. Fuck, she’s hot when she’s mad.
She thumps me in the chest, and I scarcely notice. Her fists are tiny. She could probably punch me in the nose and not even crack the bone. Her eyes narrow, and she gets up in my face—a hard ask when she’s several inches shorter than me.
“Do you think this is funny?” she asks, jabbing me in the chest with her free hand. I glance down and see she’s holding a magazine. With a sinking sensation, I take it from her and hold it up so I can see the cover. It’s a photograph from yesterday, of me standing over Erin like a brute. The headline screams at me, and I show Gabe, then shove the magazine into Lena’s hands, sick to my stomach. I won’t read it. I already know it’s full of vitriolic bullshit, and I don’t even blame the reporter for spouting it. I handed the media a gold mine by going after Erin. I’ve made her the poster child for standing up in the face of domestic abuse, with me cast in the role of monster.

 

Jesus. Fuck. 

 

Lena was right all along. This is serious.
“There are others,” she says, in case I’m holding out any hope that the story has been picked up by a lone tabloid. Closing my eyes, I mutter a stream of curses, growing more creative with each one.
“Hey, brother.” Gabe claps me on the shoulder, which nearly knocks me over since his forearms are covered by heavy kick pads. “You can get past this.” He turns to Lena. “You can fix this, right? That’s what he hired you for?”
Lena releases a long, slow breath. I can sense her hesitation, and it fuels a desperation deep within me. I worked fucking hard to get to where I am. It’s not possible that a selfish girl with a taste for the spotlight could take it away so easily, is it?
“Please.” I grab her free hand between both of mine even though she has a perfect manicure and my gloves are soaked with sweat and completely disgusting. “You’ve gotta try.”
She stares at me, some of her hostility fading, and nibbles on her lower lip. Finally, an excruciatingly long moment later, she says, “You just made my job so much more difficult. I hope you understand that.”
“I do.”
“Trust me, Lena,” Gabe adds. “He may come across as a douche, but he’s not a stupid one. He knows he fucked up.” He shucks his pads and stands shoulder to shoulder with me, the both of us facing her down. This doesn’t seem to intimidate her as it might others. It fires her up. She flicks her sexy red hair over her shoulder and gives us a single, firm nod.
“Well, okay then. Glad we know where we stand.” There’s a brief moment when I think she’s going to move on without rubbing salt in the wound. Then the moment passes. “For the record, I’ve met mushrooms with more forethought than you.”
Should have known she wouldn’t let me off so easily. I suppose if she wants to compare me to fungi, at least it’s a tasty one.
“If we’re going to do this, you need to be a whole lot more open with me. I want no-holds-barred access to your life, Jase. I ask a question, you answer it immediately and truthfully. I make a suggestion, you do everything within your power to make it happen. If you want to climb out of this hole you’ve dug, I need your complete and total commitment. Think you can manage that, fighter boy?”
“That’s fighter man to you.” I can’t resist needling her, and her face screws up the way I knew it would. “But yeah, I’ll do what you say and I’ll accept any help I can get.”
“Good.” Her lips purse, and she seems to have run out of steam. I can see her mentally switching from bulldozer mode to thinking mode, calculating our next steps, figuring out how to get ahead of this, and for the first time, I feel like maybe she’s on my side. Maybe she’s actually invested in me.
The next question out of her mouth is one I don’t see coming. “Is there any truth to Erin’s story?”
“No,” Gabe and I answer at the same time.
“Okay,” she nods, accepting our reply at face value, and I can still see the information running through her mind and being processed. She has a shit poker face, but that’s beside the point. This woman is actually listening to what I have to say and taking it on board. Is she for real?
Her belief in me—if that’s what it is—feels good. Like, unreasonably good. I want to grab her around the waist and twirl her in the air, or take her face between my palms and kiss her irresistible ruby lips. When another ten seconds pass without her saying anything snarky, I’m halfway tempted to strip her clothes off and bang her on the floor, audience be damned.
Finally, she comes to a decision. “There are some things I need to take care of. I’ll be in touch with you later.”
Her hand is still in my grasp, and I squeeze it. “Thanks.” My voice is raspy with emotion, and I cough to clear it. Goddamn it, I am not a pussy.
She studies me, and I’m not sure what she sees, but she seems to like it. “You’re welcome, fighter man.”
My lips quirk up. “You know what I think?”
She tugs her hand away and places it on her hip. “Do I want to know?”
Ah, there’s my mouthy girl. “I think you like me.” She starts to scowl, but I barrel on. “I think you care what happens to me.”
“Do not,” she says, a deep blush traveling down to the neckline of her shirt. With a complexion like that, I bet her entire body blushes, and I want to tear her blouse in half to find out. “I care about keeping my career on track.”
“Uh-huh.” I give her a cocky grin that I know will rile her more. “You tell yourself that, cutie pie.”
She huffs. “You’re insufferable.” Then she whirls around and marches away, the curve of her butt bouncing with each step.
When she’s gone, Gabe whistles under his breath. “Man, she’s something.”
I punch him in the gut, hard enough to sting but not hurt. “Eyes to yourself. She’s not here for your viewing pleasure.”
He guffaws. “That doesn’t stop you.”
“I don’t need you pointing out my hypocrisy.” I stretch my legs and shake them, refusing to analyze why the thought of anyone else checking Lena out makes me want to wrap my arm around the asshole’s throat—friend or not. “Let’s get back to training.”

 

 

COMING SOON
Releasing March 18
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

AUTHOR BIO

A. Rivers writes romance with strong heroes and heroines who kick butt and take names. She loves MMA fighters, cops, military men, bodyguards, and the protective guy next door who isn’t afraid to fight the odds for love.

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