Amie's Review of Desired by Kelly Elliott

 

I thought all I wanted in my life was to succeed at football and one day take over my grandfather’s ranch. Nothing else mattered but those two things. Why suddenly did she appear every single night in my dreams? The faceless woman who had me waking up each morning soaked in sweat with my heart nearly pounding right out of my chest. Who was she? Where was she? And why was she the one thing I desired more than anything?      

AMAZON

    

      EXCERPT

 The front door immediately opened, and four girls trickled out. I tried like hell to get a better look at them all.   “Stay here,” Jeff ordered us.   Once the door shut, Josh let out a laugh. “Is it just me, or does Jeff seem like he’s lost his damn mind?”   “Not just you,” Brad stated.   I watched as one of the girls moved closer to Jeff. Her brown hair was piled on top of her head, and her back was toward us.   “I can’t get a good look at her, damn it,” I whispered.   “Me either,” Brad stated.   Josh practically crawled into the front seat. “Do you think that’s the sister?”   “Maybe.”   Another girl walked up and got between Jeff and the girl who might be Ellie. It looked like she had brown hair as well. She looked pretty from what I could tell.   “Shoot me right now. That girl has a fucking hot body,” Josh said.   “You better hope that is a friend of the sister’s and not Ellie herself,” I said with a laugh. “But you’re right. She does have a nice body. So does the one with her back to us.”   I knew that was Ellie. I couldn’t explain how I knew; I simply did. My chest was pounding with the idea of her walking up to the truck and Jeff finally introducing her to us.   “Yeah, so does the blonde,” Brad added. “Can’t really see the other one; Jeff’s blocking her.”   “She has red hair, and trust me, she’s rocking a hot body as well and is pretty as fuck,” Josh stated as he leaned farther up into the front seat. “Why do I feel like I’ve seen her before?”   “Dude, why don’t you just fucking crawl up here already?” I snapped.   “Why didn’t girls look like this when we were in high school?” Brad asked with a sigh.   All three of us laughed as a porch light turned on, lighting it up for us to get a good look at all the girls.   The girl who had her back to us, who I was guessing was Ellie, turned and looked at the truck.   She was beautiful. My heart felt like it dropped to my stomach.   Josh gasped. The fucker actually gasped. “Holy. Shit. No wonder the bastard has been keeping her away from us. She is hot as hell.”   “That she is,” Brad agreed.   My eyes strained to take her all in. I could see her, could tell she was absolutely stunning, but I needed to see her better. Study her face so I could remember it.   Jeff pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the forehead. They took a few steps closer to the truck, and Jeff pointed. He leaned down and said something to her, making her look directly back at the truck again and smile.   My breath caught in my throat. She was stunning. I wondered what she looked like with the sun shining down on that pretty face of hers.   Ellie lifted her hand and waved toward us.   “I’m getting out!” Josh said, trying to scramble into the driver’s seat. I stopped him and pushed his ass back, forcing him to land next to Brad, who was laughing his head off.   I pointed to Josh. “Dude, he told us not to get out. Unless you want to get your ass beat, I suggest you stay in the truck.”   Crossing his arms, Josh looked away.   “Are you pouting?” Brad asked. “You’re freaking pouting. You pansy-ass!”   I couldn’t help but smile before turning back around and looking at Jeff and Ellie. As they moved a bit closer, Jeff stopped and turned to his sister. Her gaze went back to the truck, and it felt like I was having a déjà vu. A chill ran up and down my spine, and I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d seen Ellie somewhere else.       

      

AMIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW

I admit I have fallen short trying to keep up with Kelly Elliott and her series BUT there was no way I could resist going back to the start of it all and reading about the guys , especially Gunner !! It has been years since I read Wanted and the others in the series but man I was brought back and could almost recall some things word for word ! I loved it so much and enjoyed see different perspectives of those initial meetings between the girls and guys. Now to go ahead and see what else from Kelly I need to catch up on !! 

     

18-year-old Ellie Johnson always believed she would never be loved or wanted by anyone. She focused all of her attention on her grades and getting into the University of Texas to start a new life away from her mother. The last thing Ellie expected was to fall in love with Gunner Mathews, a starting linebacker for the University of Texas football team and not to mention, her brother's best friend. Gunner only has two passions in life, football and his grandfather’s ranch, until he falls for his best friends little sister. He will stop at nothing to show Ellie how much he wants her, even if it means he has to move faster than she would like. Gunner knows they are meant to be together forever, but Ellie keeps denying her feelings out of fear of being hurt again. Every time he gets close to winning her love, something pushes her away again. Will Ellie ever be able to let go of the past and let him into her heart, and will Gunner be patient enough to wait for her? 

 This is a new release of an edition originally published by K. Elliott Enterprises, INC. AMAZON   

      

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings. Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few. Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012. Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings. 

 To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website. www.kellyelliottauthor.com

FACEBOOK | TWITTER| GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

 

Jill's Review of The Moth And The Flame by B.B. Reid ~ BLOG TOUR ~

The Moth and the Flame by B.B. Reid

Release Date: May 20, 2019

The Moth and the Flame, the second romantic standalone in the When Rivals Play series by B.B. Reid.

THE FLAME

Here lies Louchana Valentine. She was a homeless, orphaned virgin.

I never cared what my gravestone would say until I landed in deep with a powerful gangster. Lucky for me, my best friend happens to be ruthless too. I should feel guilty that he’s forced to turn on the man who’s been a father to him. Except I’ve always known that Wren’s soul wasn’t as black as he claimed.

He was good.

He was beautiful.

He was mine.

He just didn’t know it yet.

And with Wren keeping me safe, I’ve got time left to rewrite the end of my story. But if he has his way, virgin is already carved in stone.

THE MOTH

I’ve never known anyone as alluring as Lou. Or as frustrating. Since the night she saved my life and stole my wallet for her troubles, I couldn’t stay away.

She became my onus.

My light.

My…anyway.

With nowhere to run, I’m forced to trust someone I never expected. At least with Lou safe in Blackwood Keep—far away from me—I’ll die with my conscience intact. Because she no longer looks at me with friendship in her eyes. Those iridescent blues shine with a different need entirely, and I’ve never been able to deny her.

It is strongly advised that you read The Peer and the Puppet before diving into The Moth and the Flame. Content suitable for ages 18+.

Download your copy today or Read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30pY2NK

Amazon Worldwide https://geni.us/mothflameBBR

Paperback Worldwide https://geni.us/mothflamePB

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GR-TMATF

Read The Peer and the Puppet today!

Available FREE with Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon US → https://amzn.to/2H2JThM 

Amazon Univ → https://geni.us/peerpuppetBBR

REVIEWED BY JILL

3.5 stars for - The Moth and the Flame - book two in the When Rivals Play series by B.B. Reid. While this book can be read as a stand-alone I highly suggest reading book one - The Peer and The Puppet - first in order to avoid a few tiny spoilers with other characters in the series. This series has many moving parts and is not for the faint of heart so consider yourself warned to not only pay attention but hang on to your seat - because you are in for one heck of a ride!

Louchana “Lou” Valentine had to grow up in foster care when her parents abandoned her. She jumped from house to house until she finally found a family she could tolerate yet she still ran away at regular intervals. Finishing high school wasn’t too high on her priority list the last time she ran away instead deciding eating and not freezing to death were more important until she met someone who would change her life. 

Wren Harlan has not had an easy life but he chose to make the best of a bad situation. Befriending Lou was one of the easiest and hardest things he has ever had to do but she has become his entire world. When your best friend is the only woman you could ever fall in love with it leads to a lot of uncomfortable situations but she’s worth them all.

This was a very angst filled friends to lovers romance that slowly chipped away at my sanity for about 75% of the book. There was so much back and forth between these two I wanted to lock them in a room a few times just so they could figure it all out. Once they did finally get together though it was quite hot. With Jamie up next I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!

 

Excerpt:

Lou didn’t awaken when I climbed through her window, weary and angry, late the following night. My prediction had come true. I’d gone back to Blackwood Keep, and against my better judgment, I confronted Danny Boy. Or rather Ever McNamara. Heir to a multibillion-dollar hotel empire. And the only son of Thomas McNamara. Surprisingly, what bothered me most wasn’t Danny Boy or his double life. Something about his father had seemed familiar to me. As if I’d known him in another lifetime. I shook my head as I toed off the black and white striped Adidas Lou had picked out, swearing the sneakers almost made me look normal. I snorted, and with a moan, she shifted in her sleep causing the sheet covering her lower half to slip dangerously low. Before I could rethink it, I ran my fingers over the curve of her naked hip now bare to me. Thoughts of Ever McNamara fled to the recesses of my mind as I marveled at the smoothness of her skin. It was a surprising contrast to her hardened demeanor, but I always knew it was a front. She was a pillar, no doubt standing tall and appearing strong, but one day, her cracked foundation would crumble, and I’d make damn sure I was around to pick up the pieces. Even if she didn’t want me to be. There were times when she didn’t appreciate just how seriously I took my role as her best friend. She claimed I acted like her father rather than her friend. If that was what she called making sure no one ever hurt her again, then sure—I’d daddy the fuck out of her. Another moan slipped from her lips when my fingers reach the edge of her frilly blue panties, but this time, it was the sound of my name on her lips. For a second, I panicked, thinking she’d caught me perving on her, but when her even breaths continued, I realized she was still very much out of it, and a smile slowly formed as my fingers dipped lower. “What are you dreaming right now, Lou?” Her breath seemed to catch as I continued to toy with the seam of her panties. “Are you dreaming of me?” She sighed in response. “You are, aren’t you?” A low whine escaped her. “I know what you’re after, little Valentine. I’ve known all along.” We both seemed to stop breathing when my fingers dipped beneath her panties and I felt her smooth skin. “How can you be sure you can handle me when I haven’t even kissed you yet?” I swallowed, cursing myself but then decided to allow myself honesty. At least this once. She was writhing now, attempting to relieve the ache I knew was building, but we both knew it was useless. Nothing short of getting me inside her would ever do. “You want to come.” It wasn’t a question but a statement of fact. “But you don’t get to come. You’ve been bad, Lou. This is how I’ll punish you.” I freed my fingers from her panties and stepped back. As if I’d snapped my fingers, breaking her from my spell, she jackknifed from the bed, breathing hard and looking around in confusion. When her gaze pierced the dark and found me, I remain perfectly still, my hands already in my pockets, pretending my fingers weren’t burning with the memory of her soft skin. “Wren?” My eyebrow rose. “You expecting someone else?”

About B.B. Reid: 

B.B. Reid is a bestselling author of new adult romance. She grew up the only daughter and middle child in a small town in North Carolina. After graduating with a Bachelors in Finance, she started her career at an investment research firm while continuing to serve in the National Guard. She currently resides in Charlotte with her moody cat and enjoys collecting Chuck Taylors and binge-eating chocolate. Please visit her website for more information: www.bbreid.com

Connect with B.B. Reid:

Reiderville http://bit.ly/Reiderville

Facebook http://bit.ly/FB-BBREID

Instagram http://bit.ly/IG_BBREID

Twitter http://bit.ly/TWBBREID

Amazon http://bit.ly/amzbbreid

Bookbub http://bit.ly/bookbubbbreid

Newsletter http://bit.ly/NEWS-BBREID

Book + Main http://bit.ly/BMB-BBREID

Website www.bbreid.com

Wendy's Review of Dance With Me by Kristen Proby

Dance With Me by Kristen Proby

Release Date: May 7, 2019

Dance With Me, an all-new novel in her beloved With Me In Seattle Series by New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby

Starla. Just Starla.

She doesn’t have a last name, and she doesn’t need one. Not with that many Grammys on her mantel. Everyone knows her kick-ass, no-holds-barred style of singing, dancing, and living.

No one knows that America’s Sweetheart is still living with the wreckage of four years ago, when her world was torn apart. Losing her fiancé was devastating, but she’s channeled all of that into her music. Closing off her heart opened a hundred new doors.

Officer Levi Crawford, Seattle PD.

For almost twenty years, Levi has been consumed by the law. He eats, sleeps, and breathes work. Not just because he’s a workaholic, but because he loves it. Sure, he doesn’t have time for a woman and barely sees the rest of his family, but it’s a trade he’s always been happy to make.

Until Starla.

Two lonely hearts could learn to beat again, if they’re willing to dance together.

Download your copy today!

Amazon -https://amzn.to/2Ea864x

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DanceWithMeKP

AppleBooks - https://apple.co/2tkg1G6

Nook - http://bit.ly/2Sxb2B9

Kobo - http://bit.ly/2GrcwpZ

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2DEPiZF

 REVIEWED BY WENDY

4 stars 

Dance with Me was a fantastic read. Starla and Levi were great characters. I enjoyed their romance and seeing the progression of their relationship. Levi was a go-getter when it came to Starla. He knew what he wanted and went after it. And when it came to her nothing or no one would stop him for loving and protecting her. And I just loved that, Levi=swoonworthy. They were such an adorable couple together, steamy and sweet. I loved catching up with Levi’s brothers and their wives. Truly enjoyed seeing their relationships and the dynamic between the three couples. And I loved loved catching up with the Montgomery clan. Those women are a hoot! Dance with Me had it all-love, family, steam, suspense, and fun. It’s a great easy entertaining read.

Excerpt:

“Hello, Starla.” “Well, shit.” My eyes soak her in from head to toe. How did she get more beautiful than before? Her auburn hair is pulled up in a knot on top of her head, and she’s in a cropped T-shirt with a pair of skin-tight shorts. My dick is immediately at full attention. “Wh-what are you doing here?” “I was over at Wyatt’s house.” I point across the street. “And he said you were staying here.” She leans on the doorframe, crosses her arms over her chest, and bites her full bottom lip. She’s sex personified, standing right in front of me. “Am I under arrest?” “No.” I reach out to brush a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and the slight contact of skin against skin sends a shock wave through my already energized body. “No, you basically fell in my lap, and I decided to take advantage of it.” “If you think I’m going to lead you straight up to bed, you have another thing coming.” I narrow my eyes. “You just insulted both of us.” She sighs and shakes her head, pinches the bridge of her nose between her eyes, and then laughs. “I apologize. You surprised me. Come on in.” She stands back, and I follow her in, looking around the open living space. “Do you want something to drink?” “No, thanks.” “I need a water. Follow me.” She walks ahead of me to the kitchen, and my eyes are pinned to her round ass. I remember how the globes of those cheeks feel in my hands as she rides me. I remember everything. “Sure you don’t want some?” I try to swallow around my dry tongue and just nod. “Turns out, I do.” She passes me a bottle and then takes a sip of her own. “So, is the tour over?” I ask. “Yes, and I’m on vacation.” She frowns slightly, staring down at her water. “Forced vacation.” “Why?” She blinks up at me. “Because I was exhausted, and the doctor insisted.” I narrow my eyes again, pissed that she worked herself into exhaustion. “Starla—” “I’m fine,” she insists. “And I’m already feeling better. Also, I owe you an apology.” That stops me short. “No, you don’t.” “Oh, I do.” She takes another sip, then sets the bottle aside and leans on the island. I get a great view of her cleavage. She’s too sexy for her own damn good. “I’m sorry I didn’t reply to your messages, Levi.” “Why didn’t you?” She blows out a breath. “Because I was a little overwhelmed. The sex was—” “Damn incredible.” “Yeah. It was. Intense is also a good word for it, and I get the feeling that you’re an intense man.” I nod once. “If I hurt you or scared you—” “No, it’s not that at all,” she hurries to assure me. “I didn’t do anything that I didn’t want or enjoy. I’m sorry if I gave you that impression. I hadn’t been with a man in a long time, and we have some powerful chemistry.” That’s the understatement of the year. I can feel the electricity flowing between us like a rushing river. “That’s really all I’m comfortable saying right now,” she admits and swallows. “That’s enough.” For now.

About Kristen:

Kristen was born and raised in a small resort town in her beloved Montana. In her mid-twenties, she decided to stretch her wings and move to the Pacific Northwest, where she made her home for more than a dozen years.

During that time, Kristen wrote many romance novels and joined organizations such as RWA and other small writing groups. She spent countless hours in workshops, and more mornings than she can count up before the dawn so she could write before going to work. She submitted many manuscripts to agents and editors alike, but was always told no. In the summer of 2012, the self-publishing scene was new and thriving, and Kristen had one goal: to publish just one book. It was something she longed to cross off of her bucket list.

Not only did she publish one book, she’s since published close to thirty titles, many of which have hit the USA Today, New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists. She continues to self publish, best known for her With Me In Seattle and Boudreaux series, and is also proud to work with William Morrow, a division of HarperCollins, with the Fusion Series.

Kristen and her husband, John, make their home in her hometown of Whitefish, Montana with their two pugs and two cats.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BooksByKristenProby/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Handbagjunkie 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristenproby/ 

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kristen-proby 

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kBRdpj 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2BD4vfq

Pinterest: @handbagjunkie 

Website: https://www.kristenprobyauthor.com/ 

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/kristenproby/newsletter-sign-up

Amie's Review of Sin by Elena M. Reyes

Title: SIN

Author: Elena M. Reyes

Genre: Suspense/Contemporary Romance

Release Date: April 29, 2019

I am both heaven and hell. Sin and pleasure.

The Devil she never sees coming…

Everyone knows that Malcolm Asher owns Chicago. Nothing—not a single move is made in my city without my authorization. I’m ruthless. Conniving. Worshipped by those around me, and yet, it means nothing the moment my eyes meet hers…

Clear blue and innocent, the delicate doll on this stage holds me captive against my will. She’s decadence personified—a corruptible angel I want to own.

I’m hard for her.

Starving for a taste.

Eager for her to feel me.

This little girl has no idea of the danger she’s in within my presence. How I will make her crave the darkness I control.

How I will make her…Mine.

TWIRL ENTERS THE ROOM five minutes before our time is set to begin. It’s Friday night, and I need her, my body’s wound tight from denying myself the pleasure of her touch. From only watching her through a small screen or sitting beside her a few hours at night when she’s sleeping inside that tiny bedroom.

For her I’ve gone from voyeur to stalker, and I’m not the least bit ashamed.

And knowing what I do now, my killing of her family is a gift to humanity. They deserve the worst. Will receive a punishment befitting the crime.

“I can do this,” she whispers then, pulling my attention back to her. For tonight, I vow to focus and make this solely about her. Give her something no one has ever before.

A choice.

London is stunningly beautiful; her steps slow while making her way toward the stereo and picking up the remote. That’s when she notices the piece of paper there. A small note asking her to follow my instructions:

Hit play.

Face the wall.

Close your eyes.

Count to ten.

Fuck, I’ve missed her.

Miss her looking at me with sweet and curious eyes. Miss seeing the want reflecting back at me.

Her breathing escalates, and the remote in her hand slips to the floor as a shiver runs up her spine. This between us is palpable—an unstoppable force we can’t control.

Can’t deny no matter how much I know she’s fighting it. Hearing her tonight while she spoke to the girls through a speaker inside Liam’s office only confirmed what I already know…

Twirl is afraid.

Too pure for this son of a bitch that will break down every one of her walls. The more I see—learn about her—the stronger my urges become. The more the idea of us cements itself in my head.

“I’m going insane,” she whispers to herself, oblivious to my presence within the room. Just how I want it. I’m hiding in the shadows. Nothing except her stage is lit up while I watch and sip from my drink. “Why am I letting him get to me?”

Because you want me. Because I’m as under your skin as you are under mine.

Twirl stretches her neck from side to side, shaking her limbs out to expel the tension. It’s a waste of time; we’re meant to explode. To burn hotter than the motherfucking sun each time we come together.

It takes her a few minutes, but London bends at the waist to pick up the small control. The little dress; a flirty light yellow number with a sweetheart neckline and short hem rides up, giving me a peak of the silk panties underneath. The ones that carry my initials at the upper right hand corner.

A guttural growl builds in my chest at the sight, but I fight it. Swallow my desire while palming my hard-as-steel cock, the thin dress pants doing little to contain the visible bulge—the throbbing against the metal zipper.

I want to fuck her. Own her.

Bury myself so deep within her pussy that she’ll feel me for days after. Ride her so hard that the imprint of my dick will forever be etched into her walls. Mine will be the only cock she’ll ever know. Ever want.

Closing my eyes, I take in a deep inhale. Try to regain composure when the music begins. A slow and sensual beat meant to entice the senses. That blatantly expresses my desires.

The hunger to taste every single inch of her.

My eyes snap open as the first riffs rent the air. I wait for her next move.

Her acceptance.

London takes her time, and I am in no rush.

I count down the seconds until I see her turn and give me her back. Another harsh exhale leaves her, arms shaking, and I quietly stand.

Another minute and she tips her face down. I follow her move with one of my own. Then another, and it’s when I’m halfway across the room that I hear her.

“One, two, three…four,” she whispers to herself, and then pauses. London tilts her head as if listening for my entrance. Tsk, tsk, baby. Come on. Finish for me. Holding my position, I wait for her to begin again. Sixty seconds pass, the intro for another song begins, and she gives in. “Five, six, seven…”

Before Twirl can say eight, I’m right behind her, her back to my front, and my hands clench as she whimpers out a shaky nine.

We both need this. To be close. To touch, and before she utters the next number, my lips are at her ear. Kissing the shell, nuzzling her fragrant skin. “Ten.”

“I knew you were here.”  

AMIE'S 4 STAR REVIEW

This was a great story. I have enjoyed this authors writing before and will definitely read her again. 

Malcolm and London were a great pairing. He is the rich alpha male and she is the innocent wounded girl. 

Malcolm doesn't know what to expect when he enters his room at the club BUT it certainly isn't what he gets. London is the perfect girl , innocent and amazing yet troubled by her family life. Malcolm uses his power and position to win her over and save her from the horrible life her step father and step brother have planned for her. I loved how Malcolm took charge and we didn't have to deal with all kinds of other women. He was straight forward with what he wanted and the interactions between the two were great. The troubles London was going through at home were horrific. The way she was treated in her own house by those horrible people would make anyone want to save her. It was great to see them suffer and I enjoyed the HEA. Wonder if anything else will come of the other characters in the story ?? 

Elena M. Reyes was born and raised in Miami Florida. She is the epitome of a Floridian and if she could live in her beloved flip-flops, she would.

As a small child, she was always intrigued by all forms of art—whether it was dancing to island rhythms, or painting with any medium she could get her hands on. Her first taste of writing came to her during her fifth-grade year when her class was prompted to participate in the D. A. R. E. Program and write an essay on what they’d learned.

Her passion for reading over the years has amassed her with hours of pleasure. It wasn't until she stumbled upon fanfiction that her thirst to write overtook her world. She now resides in Central Florida with her husband and son, spending all her down time letting her creativity flow and letting characters grow.

HOSTED BY:

Best I've Ever Had by Abbi Glines ~ RELEASE PROMOTION ~ GIVEAWAY ~

Summer had returned to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama. The nightlife lit up with scantily clad sun-kissed bodies, live music, the smell of freshly cooked seafood. Taking it all in he wondered if coming back had been the best thing. He wasn’t the same man who had driven out of town a year ago on the motorcycle he’d spontaneously bought after his best friend’s wedding. From the messy blond curls he’d let grow out to the tattoos now covering his arms, part of his chest and even the side of his neck, it all represented a part of his journey.  

Eli Hardy was back, but he didn’t plan on staying for long.

Read the  First Chapter HERE!

I managed a bright smile that was so fake it was ridiculous to the other three standing there then turned on my heels and made my way to the French doors overlooking the gulf. Before I reached the exit, Eli moved in front of me and opened a door then stood back so I could go outside. There was the guy I remembered. The gentleman everyone loved. But as quickly as he appeared with the opening of the door, it was gone. No smile. No thank you for the rescue. Not even silent eye contact. I slid off my heels and left them at the top of the stairs then headed down toward the sand below barefoot. The breeze was warm, so my arms weren’t chilled. Summer wasn’t officially here until the solstice, but in South Alabama, it had most definitely arrived.

The moon was full and walking beside Eli in the silence felt nice. There was no need to talk if he didn’t want to. We’d done that already. I hadn’t gotten him out here to talk anyway. I was tired of talking today. I’d done more than I usually did. Besides, Eli had little to say. No need to force him to speak. The house was just a light in the distance when he finally spoke. “Why did you do that?” he asked. I lifted a shoulder to give a half shrug. Still no thank you. Not even the sound of gratitude. “You looked like you needed an escape.” “I did,” he agreed. “I was headed upstairs to escape myself. But I couldn’t ignore my hero mentality and let a poor guy get eaten alive by angry females.” “Hmmm,” was his only response. What did that mean? And why did it have to sound so raspy and sexy? I should be annoyed by his lack of response. Not turned on by a deep husky rumble. Back off Ophelia. Don’t go there. You already discussed this with yourself. He is off limits. Girl code unscripted or some shit. “I owe you one.” His voice and words surprising me. That was as close to a thank you I was going to get, but I’d take it. Besides if he was gushing over me and appreciative would I be as attracted to him? I knew that answer and I was going to pretend I didn’t. It made me sound shallow. I hated shallow. Needing to get out of my own head, I decided I’d do the small talk thing. Or attempt it with him. “No, I think we are even now. I owed you one,” I told him. I felt his gaze on me then. Meeting that gaze was a stupid idea.

   

Enter Abbi's Giveaway HERE!

Join Abbi's Release Party HERE! April 16 from

10 AM - 10 PM EST with over 40 Authors & Bloggers!

Abbi Glines is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Rosemary Beach, Sea Breeze, Vincent Boys, Field Party and Existence series. She never cooks unless baking during the Christmas holiday counts. She believes in ghosts and has a habit of asking people if their house is haunted before she goes in it. She drinks afternoon tea because she wants to be British but alas she was born in Alabama. When asked how many books she has written she has to stop and count on her fingers. When she’s not locked away writing, she is reading, shopping (major shoe and purse addiction), sneaking off to the movies alone, and listening to the drama in her teenagers lives while making mental notes on the good stuff to use later. Don’t judge. You can connect with Abbi online in several different ways. She uses social media to procrastinate.