Monday, June 23, 2014

Cover Reveal: Undeniably Chosen (Significance #5), by Shelly Crane

Title: Undeniably Chosen (Significance #5) 
Author: Shelly Crane 
Genre: Young Adult Romance 
Publication Date: Fall 2014 
Cover Design
Event Organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.
Synopsis
Ava has watched her parents, Caleb and Maggie, live the perfect fairy tale, the perfect love story, played out in front of her eyes her entire life. Her family is love, life, and happiness. The Jacobsons are everything a family should be and Ava is loved and well taken care of. But the one thing that’s missing from her life is the one thing she’s waited for every day, the one thing her kind knows will make them complete, the one thing they thought was gone and lost forever. Her significant. Seth has lived with the Watsons his entire life. They’re the only family he knows, but he also knows that there are things they keep from him. He knows that they lie and they do unspeakable evil, things from when he was a child that he can barely remember that cling to the edges of his memory. He barely remembers his real mother and all he knows is what he’s told. He doesn’t know what to trust. He wants to believe that the Watsons love and care for him, have his best interest at heart, but isn’t so sure of that anymore when he finally after a lifetime of waiting for her—meets his soul mate, and the Watson’s first act is to try to take her away from him. The Virtuoso worlds collide, hearts are exposed, humans are endangered, and the lives of Seth and Ava are changed forever. They’ll have to love without judgment or reservation, they’ll have to be wise and accepting beyond their years, they’ll have to forgive for things before they’ve even happened, they’ll have to trust without seeing, have faith without knowing, and they’ll have to light their own way in the dark when everyone else is blind to show them the way. And more than anything else… they’ll have to fight like hell to keep each other.  



Excerpt
“I don’t know if I can even sleep tonight,” I muttered and rubbed at my arms. They were restless. “I can already feel myself twitching.” “Tomorrow…” Dad began, but stopped. He sighed forcefully and tightened his fists. “I’ll go find him and make him come here if he doesn’t come on his own.” “Dad, you didn’t see him. He was…” I bit into my lip hard. Just talking about him was making me ache all over. I closed my eyes and tried to breathe. I heard Mom say, “Baby, I think we need to stop talking about this. It’s just making things worse for her.” “I know, but…maybe I should go over there. Maybe I should try to find him and—you know what? No.” I looked up to find him looking down at me. “I’m not going to do that. It has to be his choice until it’s not. I’ll give him until tomorrow to be the good guy. If he doesn’t, then I’ll go get him and make him. I can tell by looking at you that you want to have faith in him.” “You didn’t see him, Dad,” I reiterated. “He wanted this. He was worried about me. He’ll come. He’ll find me.” I hoped. “If what you said is true, then he didn’t choose any of what happened. He’s not a Watson.” “But he’s lived with them his whole life,” Mom reasoned. “We have no idea the things they’ve done to him, the things they’ve made him do. We have to be cautious. You have to cautious.” She went into the kitchen and I heard a pill bottle shake before she came back. “Here. Take these. They’ll help you sleep tonight. They were Grans,” she said softly. I ached as the pills went down. I heard Rodney coming in the back door loudly. Dad went right to him and put his hand on his chest to stop him. They whispered back and forth and Rodney looked at me over Dad’s shoulder. Dad wasn’t going to be able to stop him. He didn’t know that, but I did. “Come on, Dad,” Rodney said gruffly and looked at him right in his face. “Move.” He pushed his Champion gently in the shoulder and I watched Dad’s stunned face as he watched Rodney come and sweep we up in his big brotherly arms on the couch. He said low in my ear, but I knew that they still could hear, “Tell me who I have to hurt. Who is this guy and why isn’t he here with you right now?” I looked at Dad and he looked so amused and bemused all at once. He waved me on and leaned his hip against the counter, pulling Mom into the ‘v’ of his legs so he could wrap his arms around her from behind. I heard her so sigh loud and hated that I was causing them so much distress. “Seth,” I explained. “Seth Watson,” I said with as much gumption as I could muster. His eyes rounded. I told him everything and he tightened his arms on me as he listened. “Okay,” he said and kicked his shoes off the end of the couch. Mom was two seconds from scolding him when he asked, “So where is he? He should be here.” Like fate usually worked, there was a knock on the front door. An insistent knock. Dad shot me a look before taking a loaded breath. I started to shake and stood from the couch quickly. It was him; I knew it like I knew my own name. “Ava, wait,” he told me. “Dad.” “You, sit,” he said in his Champion voice. “I’ll answer and let him in. What if the Watsons were planning something and knew you’d run to the door to answer it thinking it was him? We know nothing about him yet. Until we do, we go at this with caution.” I sighed. I hated that I had to look at my significant with anything but reverence, but Daddy was right. I mean, I was the one that had run right out of the coffee shop this afternoon. “I mean it, baby girl,” he said softly. Rodney turned me to look at him and held my upper arms in his hands. “If he hurts you, I can’t be held account for what I do.” “I love you, you know that?” I replied and kissed his cheek. I tried to smile, but think I failed epically when he put one arm around my shoulders and tugged me close, as if to shield me from whatever or whoever was coming. Dad had to know I was anxious—he didn’t make me wait. He went to the door quickly. I could hear them in the other room with deep, urgent tones. My significant. And then there he was.  
   
Significance (A Significance Novel Book 1)
Significance photo 884bdb14f8879b2210f6ebac22f7593b47e42c22-thumb_zps2b843635.jpeg

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About Author Shelly Crane
Shelly Crane photo 4951964_zps28d5d187.jpg Shelly is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author from a small town in Georgia and loves everything about the south. She is wife to a fantastical husband and stay at home mom to two boisterous and mischievous boys who keep her on her toes. They currently reside in scorching North Florida. She loves to spend time with her family, binge on candy corn, go out to eat at new restaurants, buy paperbacks at little bookstores, sight-see in the new areas they travel to, listen to music everywhere and also LOVES to read. Her own books happen by accident and she revels in the writing and imagination process. She doesn't go anywhere without her notepad for fear of an idea creeping up and not being able to write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night, when her best ideas are born.      

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The Dare by Rachel Van Dyken--Trailer





From #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken, comes the third and final book in the New York Time's Bestselling Bet Series...


Boring Beth Lynn has always lived up to her nickname... until she wakes up in a hotel bed next to a sexy as sin state senator she re-connected with at a wedding the previous night.

The biggest problem? She can't seem to remember anything about the night before except for crying into a box of cookies, and she's pretty sure Grandma Nadine slipped something in her drink. And what should have been a one night stand turns into a six day adventure when Grandma whisks them off to Hawaii to save them from the ensuing media firestorm.

Jace isn't looking for commitment -- he believes he made that clear when he left the wedding with Beth. Then again, he can't remember much of anything other than the way her skin felt beneath his hands. Now he's stuck with her at some lame couple's retreat and trying his hardest to fight the attraction only a woman like Beth could invoke.

He doesn't think it can get any worse.

But one spider attack... A donkey ride from hell... And an unfortunate episode with Viagra tea -- and there's one thing Jace knows for sure: He should never have agreed to Grandma Nadine's suggestion in the first place.

Because if this isn't paradise, and it isn't a vacation -- that only leaves one option.

Survival.

But to make it through alive... they might lose their hearts in the process.

(Romantic Comedy, Friends to lovers, Vacation Romance, New Adult Romance, Funny Stand Alone, Bargain Books, Humorous Romance)

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Blog Tour: Beautiful Oblivion, by Jamie McGuire

On Sale July 1, 2014


Synopsis
The Beautiful Disaster and Walking Disaster phenomenon continues in the first heart-pounding new adult romance in The Maddox Brothers series.

Fiercely independent Camille "Cami" Camlin gladly moved on from her childhood before it was over. She has held down a job since before she could drive, and moved into her own apartment after her freshman year of college. Now tending bar at The Red Door, Cami doesn’t have time for much else besides work and classes, until a trip to see her boyfriend is cancelled, leaving her with a first weekend off in almost a year.

Trenton Maddox was the king of Eastern State University, dating co-eds before he even graduated high school. His friends wanted to be him, and women wanted to tame him, but after a tragic accident turned his world upside down, Trenton leaves campus to come to grips with the crushing guilt. 

Eighteen months later, Trenton is living at home with his widower father, and works full-time at a local tattoo parlor to help with the bills. Just when he thinks his life is returning to normal, he notices Cami sitting alone at a table at The Red. 

As the baby sister of four rowdy brothers, Cami believes she’ll have no problem keeping her new friendship with Trenton Maddox strictly platonic. But when a Maddox boy falls in love, he loves forever—even if she is the only reason their already broken family could fall apart.

In the first installment of the Maddox Brothers books, readers can experience the rush of reading Beautiful Disaster for the first time, all over again.



Review
4 out of 5 stars

We are so excited to be included on the blog tour for Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire!  Thank you, Atria! This book releases on July 1st and if you haven't already preordered it, now is the time to do it.  You know you are going to buy it anyway, so do yourself a favor and one click it now so it will automatically load on July 1st.  

Anyone in the NA world of books has probably read at least one of Jamie McGuire's books.  Her smash hits Beautiful Disaster, Walking Disaster and Beautiful Wedding are at the top of my all time favorite books.  I would even venture to say it's almost impossible to read about Travis Maddox in those books and not fall in love with him!  She has a very unique way of weaving her words into stories that simply captivates you from the very first pages.  Imagine our excitement when the NetGalley widget came through and the beautiful "peacocking" cover was staring back from the Kindle!

Cami Camlin is one of the most independent women characters I have ever read, and I loved her.  Desperate to move out from under her controlling, violent and drunken father she learned early on how to provide for herself and more importantly how to stand on her own two feet without being indebted to anyone.  As a result, she thrives on making her own way and not accepting help from others.  Cami also has a huge giving heart and while her brothers often complicate matters with their brash words and quick thoughtless actions she never hesitates to step in and help clean up their mess, even when the cost could potentially be her independence.  Talk about sacrifice, this girl knows the word well.  When the story begins Cami is "in love" with a guy named TJ who lives in California.  While she truly believes she loves TJ, you get the sense he isn't whats best for her, that maybe he doesn't appreciate her or their relationship and that the secrets between the two bring more stress than the overall relationship brings the two.  If I'm being completely honest even with the few redeeming qualities I saw I still kind of considered him a jerk!  He never makes an effort to be the man she needs unless its convenient for him and I hate men that don't put their women first. Cami works so hard tending bar with her room mate and BFF Reagan at the Red Door and when she isn't working she is at school or doing schoolwork.  One rare night off, she finds herself enjoying being a patron at the Red Door instead of working and Trenton Maddox enters the scene.  Whoa.

Trenton "Trent" Maddox is just one of Travis Maddox's brothers.  At one time he was the big man on campus, until a horrible car accident left him broken.  Now he works as a tattoo artist and lives at home with his dad.  I adored Trent.  While he has a huge heart he is also insecure and scared of certain things, but this vulnerability is what makes you love him even more.  Those Maddox brothers only know how to love one way, FIERCE!  Trent really wants to have more than a friendship with Cami, but will she be able to let go of TJ or her own issues and independence to find true happiness?

I can tell you without a doubt I throughly enjoyed Beautiful Oblivion.  Before beginning Beautiful Oblivion I wasn't really sure if any of the Maddox brothers would be able to hold a candle to Travis and while he still remains my favorite Maddox, I am happy to report Trent is also wonderful and you won't be disappointed with his character in the least.  In the end I couldn't really even compare him to Travis because I fell in love with him differently, not more or less.  

My overall struggle wasn't over choosing a favorite Maddox brother, but instead finding myself wishing the timing of Cami and Trent's story had been outside or even separate from the parameters of BD and WD.  I feel their story was somewhat cheated, and possibly a tiny bit forced at times because you already know some of what is happening from the other books and even though it wasn't the same story, it felt a little recycled.  Almost as if those scenes were forced into Cami and Trent's story because it is set during Abbie and Travis'.  In the end I ultimately I felt it took away from the beauty of them getting their own book.  Honestly I felt more connected to Trent, Cami and the other supporting characters during the scenes which didn't involve parts from the previous books.   All this being said I did completely love their story and I thought it was fantastic, but as a reviewer whose pledged to be 110% honest, no matter what, it wouldn't be fair to not mention my reservations.  However, an opinion is just that I know there will be many of you who won't feel the same, different opinions is what makes the world unique!

In conclusion, read Beautiful Oblivion, fall in love with another Maddox brother and prepare yourself because Trent really is like whoa!  And this book will take you on a roller coaster ride with plenty of revelations about new things.


About Author Jamie McGuire
JAMIE McGUIRE is the New York Times bestselling author of A Beautiful WeddingRed HillWalking DisasterBeautiful Disaster, and The Providence trilogy. She and her husband, Jeff, live with their children just outside Enid, Oklahoma, with three dogs, six horses, and a cat named Rooster.

Find Jamie Online
Twitter: @JamieMcGuire
Instagram:  @JamieMcGuire_


Visit the Beautiful Oblivion BuzzRoom and enter to win the blog tour prize at www.bit.ly/BeautifulOblivionBook

Say hi to Atria Books
Twitter: @AtriaBooks
Instagram: @AtriaBooks

Friday, June 20, 2014

Blog Tour and Review: The Fall of January Cooper, by Audrey Bell


TitleThe Fall of January Cooper
Author: Audrey Bell
Age group: NA
Genre: Contemporary Romance


Synopsis
How do you lose everything?

Ask January Cooper.

She was the daughter of a Dallas multimillionaire, the debutante of the year, and the girl most likely to get whatever she wanted.

But when her father is arrested for securities fraud, the girl who had everything starts to lose everything. And once she starts falling, she can't seem to stop.

When she walks into Christian Cutlass's bar, she meets the first person who sees all the way through her. And Christian Cutlass meets the first girl who doesn't care about who he used to be and what he lost one night when he was nineteen years old.

She's gorgeous and hurt. He's twisted in too many ways to count. She's the girl with nothing left to lose. He was the boy who lost everything he lived for.

How do you lose everything? You start by falling.







Review
4 out of 5 stars

From the outside it appears January Cooper has it all, she's engaged to her NASCAR driver boyfriend, a student at the prestigious Harvard, living life luxuriously off campus in a 2 bedroom apartment, it's as if no expense is spared, and why should it when her parents can more than afford anything she wants.  January's never had to work a day in her life and she's never wanted for anything.  Catching her fiance in an uncompromising position thus ending their engagement is only the first string to unravel in her seemingly perfect life.  From cheating boyfriends, backstabbing friends and a wealth of money to being kicked out of her apartment and desperate for money this is the story of how January Cooper falls and learns to pick herself back up and stand on her own two feet.

What I enjoyed most was watching January always make the most out of each horrible circumstance and situation thrown her way.  Early on it was clear this girl would not go down without a fight.  She possessed a self-confident, take charge attitude, which only made her character more like-able.  Don't get me wrong just like all women that confidence wavered some upon meeting Christian (ex-almost professional hockey player, who lost his future and twin brother in a horrible accident and was left carrying this huge burden), but isn't that to be expected when you really fall for someone and have no idea how they feel about you?  I think when it came to Christian everything was a first for her.  I think he was the first person to see the real January Cooper, which made the tug and pull between the two characters all the more interesting.

I really liked Christian, his story wasn't an easy one and you feel for him and don't want him to suffer for things which weren't in his control, you will find yourself rooting for him to get a happily ever after of his own.  He was sensitive and sweet, he had this deep desire to want to take care of and help those he loved, and even those who weren't his responsibility.  It made his character come across as lovable yet respectable.  You cannot help but hope for him to ease out of the burden he's been bearing and allow himself to really fall for January, because you just know they would make a great couple if they could get on the same page!  She doesn't run when she sees him at one of his lowest points, but he doesn't think he deserves happiness or has anything to give in return.  He wants to get January out of his mind, but it's proving impossible.  

If I had one wish it would have been to get to read more pages with the two of them together.  I really liked their interactions and for me the best part of the book was towards the end, but unfortunately it felt a little rushed.  Things were wrapped up almost too nice and quick.  I would have like to of seen it taken a little longer, maybe see more of the aftermath from her decision to come clean.  Nevertheless, I did enjoy the story as evidenced by the fact I read it in one sitting!  


About Author Audrey Bell
Audrey Bell is a writer living in New York.
Titles include: LOVE SHOW and Carry Your Heart.
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Make sure you check out the other tour stops!  Find all of them here.


Cover Reveal: Dear Juliet, by Trudy Stiles


Along with Trudy Stiles, we are very excited to share with you the Cover to Dear Juliet, the 3rd book in The Forever Family Series. If you have not started this series yet, check out the AMAZING reviews and pick up Dear Emily today!

Make sure to check out the beautiful cover, add to your Goodreads, join the Facebook Release Event and enter the GIVEAWAY below!


Release Expected Summer 2014

Author: Trudy Stiles

Book Title: Dear Juliet ~ Series: Forever Family #3

Genre: New Adult/Romance


Cover Designer: Steph’s Cover Design


Photographer: Toski Covey Photography-Custom Design



Synopsis
I lost her.
I thought she was the love of my life.
She was everything I needed. Everything I wanted.
She made me forget about my past. My family.
She made me feel real.
Can I find someone else?
It’s time to pick up the pieces and move on.
But can I?
I’m Seth Tyson and this is my story.
I deserve a happily ever after, don’t I?

Other Books in this Series

Book #1 - Dear Emily

Two women. Carly & Tabitha. Both have suffered life-altering events that have left them both traumatically damaged.
Carly Sloan’s life was perfect until the night her security and innocence was torn from her. The vast repercussions from that horrific night threaten to destroy her stability and her chances for a happily ever after. Kyle Finnegan comes into Carly’s life at the height of her turmoil. Can he help her find what she desires most?
Tabitha Fletcher, on the other hand, has suffered from a very young age. She has been hiding from her past, which was full of abuse, loss and turmoil. She has been so brutally damaged that she has very little hope of redemption. The revolving door of men only leads her deeper into misery.
What circumstance brings these two women together unexpectedly and can they help each other heal? And will they each find what they need?
Redemption.
Love.
Family.
This book is not suitable for young readers. It is intended for mature adults only (18+). It contains strong language, adult/sexual situations, non-consensual sex and some violence.

Book #2 - Dear Tabitha

You know me. You know who I am. What I am.
Damaged. Confused. Alone.
You feel sorry for me. You pity me.
You know what I’ve done. What I’ve given up. Who I’ve given up.
You try to understand what I’ve been through and how I can possibly go on with my life.
But you can’t possibly understand.
I’ve lost too much. Sacrificed too much. Given up everything so that I can find myself.
Well I’m done.
I’m done walking away from everything that matters.
It’s time for me to heal.
It’s MY TURN to earn…
Redemption.
Love.
Family.
About Author Trudy Stiles
Trudy Stiles is a New Adult author, mom to two beautiful children, and married to the love of her life. She is the author of the Forever Family series including “Dear Emily” and “Dear Tabitha”. There will be many more stories from this series and you never know who may have a standalone or novella written for them. Stay tuned!
Trudy is a music junkie and you’ll know that she’s writing when you see her plugged into her laptop with her earbuds in. Her playlist is unique and is a must for her writing sprints.
When she’s not writing, she’s carting her children to their various activities while avoiding any kind of laundry or housework. She also loves to run along the boardwalk of the beautiful New Jersey shore.
She’s always been an avid reader and frequently escapes into the fictional worlds of the many characters that she has come to love. Well, now there are some fictional characters in her head dying to get out!
This first story is called “Dear Emily” and was released in December 2013. “Dear Tabitha” was released in March 2014. The Forever Family series will continue with several companion/stand alone novels.
Email: authortrudystiles@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortrudystiles
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/trudy_stiles
Twitter: @trudystiles

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Thursday, June 19, 2014

Happy One Year Anniversary E.K. Blair!!!


Synopsis
Can a guilty conscience keep wounds from healing?

Fine arts major, Candace Parker, grew up with a mother who thinks image is everything, and her daughter’s perfection will never be good enough. About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered. 

The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens. 

At what point do secrets become lies?







Fading was one of our favorite books of 2013, and a 5 star read!  One click it today for only $.99!!  













Re-Release Promo Post: Going Under & Shallow, by Georgia Cates






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Jesse Boone is a self-proclaimed bad boy and doesn’t march to the beat of anyone’s drum but his own. Growing up in less than desirable circumstances has made him no stranger to the hard knock life but his determination to leave it behind is fervent. He sees an opportunity to snag a college football scholarship when he’s transferred to East Franklin High School but Forbes Henderson has other plans. The player Jesse intends to replace doesn’t plan on giving up his spot as starting quarterback so a rivalry is born. Jesse is determined to show his nemesis that he’s not only going to take his position as first string quarterback, he’s going to take his girl, too.

Claire Deveraux is perfection at its best. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and unaware she just became Jesse Boone’s conquest to settle a score with her boyfriend. Like her flawless performance as the perfect daughter and student, Claire’s production of being the perfect girlfriend has everyone fooled, except Jesse Boone. She fears this tattooed bad boy will see her secret desire to explore his crude threats and promises of rocking her perfect world. If she decides to give in to one uninhibited moment with Jesse, will she learn too late that it was all an act of vengeance or will Jesse learn that the taste of first love is sweeter than that of revenge?


Excerpt
Claire Deveraux’s POV

Once we’re started on the assignment, I catch Jesse staring at me. Suddenly self-conscious, I run my palms down each of my cheeks. “What are you looking at? Do I have something on my face?”

“You do.” He reaches out, grazing the back of his fingers against my cheek. “You’ve got a little beautiful right there.”

The heat rises because I’m not used to such direct compliments. Forbes doesn’t do romantic. He’s too busy planning how he’ll get what he wants from me.

“You want to kiss me, don’t you?” God, do I ever.

He’s daring—and I love it—so I decide to return the boldness. “You have no idea how much.”

He isn’t going to back down. I see his determination but as I recall, he warned me about that. “I bet I have a pretty good idea since I probably want to kiss you just as much. Maybe more.”

We’re alone—most likely safe from being seen—but not guaranteed so it makes it so much more exciting. The thrill of being caught by someone makes my heart pump faster. I look into his pale blue eyes, willing him to lean forward and take the kiss I’m prepared to give him.

“I’ll do it,” he threatens.

“Then stop talking about it.” I know the sure-fire way to seal the deal. “I dare you.”

Bingo. I see it in his eyes. He’s in full-on badass mode. “I warned you I don’t back down.”

“That’s what I’m counting on.”

I imagine him leaning forward to steal a quick kiss but he doesn’t. He takes my hand and leads me across the library. He looks in every direction before opening a door and pulling me into a storage room I didn’t know existed. He shuts the door behind us and locks it.

Oh God. What’s he going to do?

He places his hands around my waist and pulls me close, our faces almost touching. “Believe me yet?”

“No. I need more proof.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

He places sweet, soft kisses on my lips and my legs threaten to crumble beneath me. His mouth migrates to my neck and up to my ear where he sucks my lobe. I let him because I know the door is locked.



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Nick Hawke wants his car fast and his girls faster. He blows through them quicker than his muscle car races down the drag strip in Collinsville and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s determined to avoid the devastation he has watched his father endure in the aftermath of his mother’s abandonment. He believes there is no room in his life or his heart for a relationship lasting more than one night. He seeks happiness in things that won’t let him down––fast cars, adrenaline highs, and one night stands. All of that changes when he unexpectedly runs into an old friend and is introduced to Payton Archer, the first girl he ever wanted for more than a night. There’s only one catch––she’s completely immune to him and his smooth talking ways.

Payton Archer is looking for love––the true, mad, deep kind. She’s given up on finding it, at least until she leaves for college because she’s certain that is where she’ll find the ideal guy to fit into her perfect world. Her summer plans include nothing more than three uneventful months of fun but it turns out to be anything but ordinary when Payton meets Nick Hawke, one of Jesse’s old Collinsville friends. She’s shocked by her immediate and intense attraction for “Hawke” because nothing about him is on her checklist for the perfect love. Sure, he’s hot and sexy but he comes from Collinsville and that is definitely not on her list of prerequisites. Everything about him makes Payton’s heart speed. He’s exciting and dangerous but his fast car and chance taking aren't what scares Payton the most. It’s the way Nick Hawke makes her feel every time he looks at her. Can Payton find the courage to leave the safe, shallow end of love and risk going under completely?




Excerpt
 Nick Hawke’s POV
I lick my lips as I look at her shiny gloss, imagining how soft and slick her mouth would be against mine. I’ve never wanted to lean in for a kiss so badly in all my life. Being at the top of this Ferris wheel with her couldn’t be more perfect but I can’t do it. I’m too scared.
I’m Nick Hawke—a sexpert and fearless daredevil—but that doesn’t matter. I’m too chickenshit to kiss this girl because she’s wonderful and perfect and different—everything I never knew I wanted—so I don’t want to blow it by pushing too hard, too fast.
The wheel stops to load another couple. “I’m sorry I didn’t say this already, but thank you for taking care of my drunk ass last night. I didn’t think I’d get wasted after two drinks. Guess I drank them too fast.”
I reach for her hand and give it a squeeze. “I didn’t mind. It was my pleasure—puke and all.”
She shakes her head while looking down. “Liar.” She laughs. “The whole thing with Cooper was stupid. I guess I tried to make him be my version of Jesse. I know that’s a weird thing to say. I’m sort of messed up that way.” She looks up at me. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I told you that.”
Claire’s right. She’s seeing her relationship with Cooper for what it is.
All the carriages are loaded so we rise and fall as the wheel rotates. A gust of wind picks up as we soar to the top. A wild strand of hair blows into her face, sticking in her lip gloss. I can’t resist the excuse to touch her so I reach forward to set it free.
All I can taste and breathe is this moment with her. Our time together will be over soon and I don’t want to go home without telling her I have to see her again.
I twirl the wild strand around my fingers before tucking it behind her ear. “You told me you wouldn’t go out with me because you were looking for something different, but you’re here with me now.”
A painful expression crosses her face. “You’ve been really sweet to me and I’ve had a wonderful time with you tonight—as a friend—but we can never be more than that. You’ve gone through too many girls.”
“I used protection every time without fail. I swear I haven’t caught anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
She’s blushing. Shit. I think I’ve embarrassed her. “I’m glad to hear that you had the good sense to practice safe sex but that’s not what I mean. I’m looking for something lasting and you’re looking for your next romp.”
She has this all wrong. “I know that’s what you think, but I’m not.”
“You are, and I’m a quest. I won’t flip on to my back for you and it’s driving you crazy because it’s new territory.”
“That’s not true.”
“It’s only a matter of time before you grow tired of me and move on to the next chase. If we leave well enough alone, we’ll walk away from this unscathed. We might even be friends.”
I want to be so much more than friends. I want Payton Archer for reasons other than sex.
I am being honest with myself about what I really want for the first time in a long time.
“You’re wrong, but it’s going to take a while for you to see that. In the meantime, I’ll take your friendship.”

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