Excerpt Reveal – The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely

From NYT Bestselling author Lauren Blakely, comes a swoony new standalone romance…

THE SEXY ONE!

Want a romance guaranteed to make you melt? Get ready to fall in love on October 17th!

Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move…

  1. She works with me every single day.

Did I mention she’s gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?

  1. She works in my home.

Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means…

  1. She’s the nanny.

And that makes her completely off-limits…But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.

***

The other nannies in this city don’t call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around.


I can’t risk my job for a chance at something more…can I? But I don’t know how to resist him much longer either…

 

 Pre-Order

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Sign up for Lauren’s newsletter to receive an alert when THE SEXY ONE is live on Kindle on release day at http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/.

**The audiobook will release the same day as the eBook on October 17th and will be narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt!**

Excerpt

“Your language skills are better than your French-braiding skills,” she teases as she shuts her iPad.

I pretend to be insulted. “So not true. I can do French braids with my eyes closed.”

She shakes her head. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

“I’ll prove it to you.”

She tilts her head, and her hand freezes on her purse. “Prove it?” she asks quietly.

Somehow I’ve thrown a gauntlet I didn’t realize I was tossing. I do the only natural next thing—follow through. “Sure. Got one of those hair tie things?”

She nods slowly. “Yes, but . . .” Her voice trails off. Then she resumes the thought. “You really learned to French braid?”

I nod. “Hayden insisted on it,” I explain then study her face. Her pupils are dilated, and she blinks. Ah hell, I’ve made her wary with my remark. “I don’t have to prove it. I was just teasing,” I say, giving her an out. Mildly flirty comments are one thing—hands in hair are another.

A small grin spreads on her face, as she dips her hand into her purse and produces a black elastic band. “No, I insist. You were horrible last time. Have at it.”

She drops to the floor, scoots over to me, and with her shoulder, she nudges my right knee.

Hello, slippery slope. Funny to see you again so soon.

Her other shoulder bumps my other knee. There’s no need to think—I widen my legs more and let her settle in between them. I’m seated on the couch, she’s on the floor, and she waits for me to braid her hair.

As I stare at her lush, blond locks, the breath escapes my lungs. For a moment, it’s as if I’m hovering in a state of suspended want. Like this is the real line we’re crossing. Not me bringing her dessert, or touching the corner of her lips, or gazing at her face longer than I should. Not even sending texts about a pair of wild birds or making comments about showers and nudity.

But this.

Touching her hair.

Fuck, I love her hair.

I slide the tie over my wrist, then gather up some strands near the top of her head. “Confession,” I say in a quiet voice. “I watched a few YouTube videos after you taught me.”

She leans back, and I can feel her smile. “Like I said, prove it.”

“It’s on.” I focus on the task of separating her honey-blond hair into three sections, running my fingers through them like a comb. I lift the first strand and lay it over the middle one, then the left, gathering more hair into the next section.

After I failed at her first French braid lesson, I took it upon myself to learn. I don’t like not being able to master basic skills. A man should be able to braid his daughter’s hair.

And his woman’s hair.

“How does it look?” Her voice sounds a little breathy.

“Like it was braided by a man who learned by watching YouTube videos,” I answer.

She laughs lightly and leans into me more, inching closer. My hands still for a moment. I feel like I’m in high school again. Like I have a crush on a girl, and I don’t know what to do, where to go next, what to say.

The thing is, I do know. I just don’t know that I should. But I know what I want. There’s no doubt in my mind. I want to touch her, to kiss her, to feel her body press against mine. Even the chance to touch her like this is intoxicating, a rush of blood to the head. Her waves of hair are soft, and they feel spectacular falling through my fingers. I can’t picture a single thing besides running my hands through these strands as I kiss her, as I touch her, as she moves beneath me.

And don’t miss Lauren Blakely’s other standalone Romantic Comedies!

BIG ROCK

Read BFF K’s Review of Big Rock

MISTER O

Read BFF K’s Review of Mister O

WELL HUNG

BFF K’s review coming soon

 

Giveaway

 

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About the Author

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Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that’s full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With ten New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than fifty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK and MISTER O, which were both instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she’ll release WELL HUNG, another romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter, laurenblakely.com/newsletter!

 

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter ** Goodreads

 

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Excerpt – Royally Screwed by Emma Chase

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royally-screwed-for-webEmma Chase, New York Times bestselling author of the Tangled Series & Legal Briefs Series, returns with the first of three sizzling standalone books about a family of racy, irresistible Royals.

Nicholas Arthur Frederick Edward Pembrook, Crowned Prince of Wessco, aka “His Royal Hotness”, is wickedly charming, devastatingly handsome, and unabashedly arrogant—hard not to be when people are constantly bowing down to you.

Then, one snowy night in Manhattan, the prince meets a dark haired beauty who doesn’t bow down. Instead, she throws a pie in his face.

Nicholas wants to find out if she tastes as good as her pie, and this heir apparent is used to getting what he wants.

***

Dating a prince isn’t what waitress Olivia Hammond ever imagined it would be.

There’s a disapproving queen, a wildly inappropriate spare heir, relentless paparazzi, and brutal public scrutiny. While they’ve traded in horse drawn carriages for Rolls Royces and haven’t chopped anyone’s head off lately—the royals are far from accepting of this commoner.

But to Olivia—Nicholas is worth it.

***

Nicholas grew up with the whole world watching, and now Marriage Watch is in full force. In the end, Nicholas has to decide who he is, but more importantly, who he wants to be: a King… or the man who gets to love Olivia forever.

 

Preorder:
iBooks | Amazon Print | Audible | B&N | IndieBound | BAM!

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from Royally Screwed

The next week is blissfully uneventful. I address Palace business during the day, and spend my nights with Olivia—which are so much more than blissful.

While I work, she relaxes like I want her to. She walks the grounds and has found a friend in Franny. They’ve had lunch together a few times, which doesn’t exactly thrill me, but at the very least, I know she’s safe with Simon’s wife.

Franny, and her forked tongue, will protect Olivia from the Lucy-types looking to wound her with their half-truths.

On the rare occasions my brother is sober, he becomes increasingly agitated—like he’s unable to sit still, to stand his own company, or any sound that resembles silence. Finally, he decides to throw a welcome home party for himself.

I’m in my bathroom preparing for his royal yacht party, just showered with a towel around my hips, scraping the last of the shaving cream off my jaw, when Olivia appears in the doorway.

I thought she was lovely from the first moment I saw her. But here, now—her bare, soft skin wrapped in a pink silk robe, her face glowing with well-rested happiness…she’s magnificent.

“So…do you guys have like a gift shop or a convenience store around here?”

I laugh. “A gift shop?”

She holds up a light blue disposable razor. “I’m out of razors. This one’s so dull I could run it over my tongue without drawing blood.”

“Let’s not test that theory. I like your tongue too much.” I wipe my chin with a towel. “I can have the staff bring one to your room.”

The devil on my shoulder—and the angel too—smack me upside the head. And they whisper a much better idea.

“Or…I could help you out.”

Her brows draw together. “Help me out? I can’t use your razor.”

“No, definitely not—you’d cut yourself to ribbons.” I finger the sharp, heavy straight blade. “What I mean is…I could shave for you.”

Her eyes darken, the way they do when she’s right on the edge—right before she comes. And she moves closer to me.

“Do you…want to do that?”

My gaze drags down, down, over every sumptuous inch of her body.

“Oh, yes.”

 

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About the Author

Emma Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the hot and hilarious Tangled series and The Legal Briefs series. Emma lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two naughty (but really cute) dogs. She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER | TWITTER | GOODREADS

 

 

 

Cover Reveal – Stripped Bare by Heidi McLaughlin

They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . .
STRIPPED BARE
Vegas Billionaire #1
Heidi McLaughlin
Releasing March 28th, 2017
Loveswept

 

They don’t call it the Strip for nothing. . .  
 
In this sinfully sexy Las Vegas romance from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, a man who has it all reunites with a woman who takes it all off. 
 
Living in Sin City, Finn McCormick is no stranger to one-night stands, but the last
person he expects to find losing big on the casino floor is a former high school fling. Even though Macey Webster’s clearly down on her luck, she’s still a knockout, and she’s dressed like a stripper—because she is one. Drunk off an unfamiliar cocktail of lust, pity, and compassion, Finn offers to pay Macey’s debts if she cuddles up to him around town . . . and does whatever he wants between the sheets. 
 
Macey came to Vegas for one reason only: money. She’s got a young daughter to support, and the tips really are bigger in Vegas. But when she blows her earnings on
blackjack, her guardian angel is the rich boy who once stole her heart and never called her back. Although Macey would love to turn the tables on Finn, she can’t afford to refuse his proposition—and soon she’s enjoying herself much more than she cares to admit. Macey’s used to baring her flesh, but baring her soul will take far more courage.  
 
“By far one of McLaughlin’s best!” – New York Times bestselling author LP Dover 
 

PRE-ORDER Stripped Bare

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About the Author

HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling
author. Originally from Portland, Oregon, and raised in the Pacific Northwest,
she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also
renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup,
and a Highland Westie/Mini Schnauzer, Jill and her brother, Racicot. When she’s
isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her
sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games.
 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

 

Cover Reveal – A Place in the Sun by R.S. Grey

Title: A Place in the Sun
Author: R.S. Grey
Release Date: Oct 24, 2016
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When her mother’s incessant matchmaking hits an all-time high, Georgie Archibald does what any sensible woman would do: she flees the country.

Seeking refuge in the picturesque seaside village of Vernazza, Italy, Georgie’s only plan is to lie low, gorge herself on gelato, and let the wine and waves wash her troubles away…that is until she wakes up in a bed that belongs to the most romantic-looking man she’s ever seen.

 

Gianluca.

 

After going out of his way to rescue her, the former London financier turned mysterious recluse makes it clear that despite acting as her white knight, he has no plans to co-star in her fairytale.
But Georgie isn’t asking for his heart—she’s merely intrigued.

 

After all, Gianluca isn’t just gorgeous—tall and tan from days spent in the sun—his touch sets her world on fire. With him, Georgie experiences the most intoxicating passion she’s ever known, and it only takes a few steamy nights for her to realize that sometimes running away from trouble is the best way to find it.

 

 

About the Author

 

I am a lover of books, chocolate, reality TV, black labs, and cold weather. Seriously, if I had it my way I would be curled up on the couch with all of those things… everyday.

 

I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors are Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I’m a comedy geek and love all things “funny”. Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.
   

 

Review – Bedmates by Nichole Chase

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The BFF’s are thrilled to get to bring to you the Review & Excerpt Tour for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to check out all of the stops in this amazing tour and grab your copy of BEDMATES today!

 

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From the New York Times bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.

Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.

Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.

When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.

 

 Coming soon! Pre-Order TODAY!

Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16

Amazon | iBooks | BAM| Barnes & Noble

Add to your Goodreads

 

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BFF K’s Review of Bedmates

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Ahhh! This book is all of the things I love: strong characters, unique storylines, politics, romance and an unexpected, tear-jerking, angst that moved me as a reader!

Maddie is the best kind of charmer. She lights up a room without ever working an angle. She’s strong, smart, compassionate, principled and hard-working. She also happens to be the President’s Daughter. Jake is a charmer in different ways. He’s handsome, confident, loyal, well-spoken, passionate and a war veteran. Oh yeah and he’s the Vice President’s Son. They’re so different from one another, but so similar at the same time. And they will both need all of their best qualities create a relationship that lasts past this election cycle.

I’m a HUGE fan of Nichole Chase’s Royals Series, starting with Suddenly Royal. I’ve been anxiously awaiting Bedmates, and this first book of the American Royalty series did NOT disappoint! For fans of the Suddenly Royal series, Alex and Samantha not only make an appearance in this story, but play a critical role. This is more than a cameo appearance and their scenes move the storyline forward in a way that feels so familiar and wonderful to fans of that series.

This is a MUST READ new series that I will be recommending over and over in the coming weeks/months. Add it to your TBR today! And, join me in anxiously awaiting the next book in this great new series.

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

dual point of view

 

 

Excerpt

                  “Let me clean up my stuff. We can take my truck.” He stood up with a grimace.

                  “What?” I looked at him as if he was crazy.

                  “You need help.” He shrugged. “I’ll help.”

                  “No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” I shook my head a little too hard and my pony tail whipped me in the eye. I grimaced and blinked back tears. “Ow!”

                  “Here—“ Jake pressed something to my eye. “It’s no big deal. This is what friends do, right?”

                  “You’re still on probation—“ I snapped and batted away his hand. That’s when I realized he had lifted his shirt to wipe away my tears, exposing a wide expanse of well-muscled abdomen.

                  “Then I still need to work it off.” He smiled at me and my frown deepened.

                  I had to stop doing stupid things around Jake Simmon. In fact I just needed to not be around Jake Simmon. Looking at him made my brain leak out my ears. Talking to him left me equally amused and tongue-tied. I couldn’t think straight around the man and he was busy chasing tail all over D.C. Yes, the last thing I needed was to spend more time with Jake while he tried to be my friend. It just muddied the waters.

                  “No, no, no. I’m fine.” I waved my hands to emphasize my point as if all the no’s hadn’t made it clear.

                  He reached toward my face again with his shirt. “Stop swatting at me or you’re going to get more dirt in your eyes. Be still, Madeline.”

                  I froze when he used my whole name. It was rare for anyone to use my full name and when he did, something odd happened in my stomach. He dabbed at my face while I tried to ignore the way my blood pressure rocketed with his proximity.

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About the Author

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Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.

Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.

 

 

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

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Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:

September 26th

AC BOOK BLOG – Review

The Bookworm Lodge – Excerpt

2 Girls & Their Kindles – Review

Books,Dreams,Life – Excerpt

BookWorm221 – Review

Deluged with Books Cafe – Review & Excerpt

Friends Till The End Book Blog – Excerpt

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium – Excerpt

September 27th

BiblioJunkies – Review & Excerpt

Captain Reads A Lot – Excerpt

Julalicious Book Paradise – Review & Excerpt

Sammi’s Bookish Reality – Review

SBB Reviews – Review & Excerpt

Short and Sassy Book Blurbs – Review & Excerpt

Theory of A Dreamer – Review & Excerpt

September 28th

Barbara’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

Blog of Books – Review

Books and Things Blog – Review & Excerpt

For The Love of Fictional Worlds – Review & Excerpt

Jen’s Reading Obsession – Excerpt

Krista’s Dust Jacket – Review & Excerpt

Vagabonda Reads – Review & Excerpt

September 29th

BFF Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

EskieMama Reads – Excerpt

Fiction Fare – Review

Lea’s Book Blog – Review

Melena’s Reviews – Review & Excerpt

My Book Filled Life – Review & Excerpt

TAKE ME AWAY TO A GREAT READ – Review & Excerpt

September 30th

Delish, Devine and All Mine – Review & Excerpt

Jack of All Trades, Master of None – Review & Excerpt

Nice Ladies, Naughty Books – Excerpt

PopCrunchBoom Books – Review

Readers Retreats – Review & Excerpt

The Accidental Reader – Review & Excerpt

Typical Distractions – Review & Excerpt

October 1st

Read Love Blog – Review & Excerpt

Bad boys and Bedtime stories book previews – Review

Book Bitches Blog – Review & Excerpt

Fangirls Ahead! – Review

Oh My Growing TBR – Review & Excerpt

Reads and Thoughts – Review & Excerpt

Smokin Hot Reads Book Blog – Review

October 2nd

Addicted to Happily Ever After – Review & Excerpt

I’m Lost in Books – Review & Excerpt

Love Affair With Fiction – Review & Excerpt

The Butterfly Reads – Review

The Pervy Ladies Book Blog – Review & Excerpt

underneath the covers – Excerpt

PBC – Review & Excerpt

The Phantom Paragrapher – Review

October 3rd

Collector of book boyfriends – Excerpt

Book Angel Booktopia – Review

Book Starlets – Review & Excerpt

Ceres Books World – Review

The Heathers’ Blog – Review & Excerpt

I’m A Book Shark – Excerpt

Lustful LIterature – Review

October 4th

Naomi’s Reading Palace – Review

FMR Book Grind – Review

My Favorite Things – Review

OMGReads – Review

The Lovely Books – Review

V’s Reads – Review

Southern Vixens Book Obsessions – Excerpt

October 5th

Books, Coffee & Passion – Excerpt

Book Binge – Review & Excerpt

A Fortress of Books – Review & Excerpt

Bound by books book review – Review

Dog-Eared Daydreams – Review

JOJO THE BOOKAHOLIC – Review & Excerpt

Reading Tigress – Review & Excerpt

October 6th

Pretty Sassy Cool – Review & Excerpt

Book Lover in Florida – Excerpt

Book Boyfriend Reviews – Review

Reading Between the Wines Book Club – Excerpt

Smut Book Junkie Reviews – Review & Excerpt

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Excerpt

Toot’s Book Reviews – Excerpt

October 7th

The Book Avenue – Review

Beneath The Covers Blog – Review

Bookaholics Reading Haven – Review

Cocktails and Books – Excerpt

Girls with Books – Review & Excerpt

I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore – Review & Excerpt

Kate’s Book Life – Review & Excerpt

October 8th

G & T’s Indie Café – Excerpt

Amo& Sarah Book Corner – Review & Excerpt

Books 2 Blog – Review & Excerpt

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Excerpt

In Between The Pages – Review & Excerpt

My Girlfriends Couch – Review & Excerpt

Reese’s Reviews – Excerpt

 

Cover Reveal – Tonic by Staci Hart

 

This might be one of the most fantastic covers we have had the pleasure to reveal. It is absolutely GORGEOUS!

We present the cover for Tonic by Staci Hart!

 

Title: Tonic
Author: Staci Hart
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cover Design: Staci Hart
Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography
Release Date: October 13, 2016

Joel Anderson doesn’t take anything seriously.

Not his relationships, which have been few and far between since his brutal divorce. Not the drama of working in a tattoo parlor, which seems to be around every corner. When things get him down, he smiles and cracks a joke. But he’s not the kind of man you cross, or you’ll find yourself at the wrong end of his fists.

Annika Belousov takes everything seriously.

Like her job as a reality television producer, given that she typically has something to prove. Or her love life, which is defined by a series of requirements — affluent, ambitious, accomplished, to name a few. Definitely her family, who worked their whole lives to afford her every opportunity, a sacrifice she doesn’t take lightly. When she’s tapped to produce a reality show at Joel’s shop, she doesn’t think twice, just goes in for the kill, as if there were any other way.

The second Annika walks into Joel’s shop, he makes it his mission to crack her open, but she’s not having it. He’s all wrong — too crass, too hairy, too un-serious. But it doesn’t take her long to find out there’s more to him than smirks and tattoos. And what she finds could put her career and his heart on the line.

Not that Joel cares. Because for the first time in a long time, he’s found his tonic.

About the Author

 

 

Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, even though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey. Her favorite word starts with f and ends with k.

From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s sleeping, cleaning, or designing graphics.

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Cover Reveal – A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner

The BFF’s are thrilled to bring you the absolutely LOVELY cover for A Love Letter to Whiskey by Kandi Steiner. This is going to look amazing on our bookshelf!

Title: A Love Letter to Whiskey
Author: Kandi Steiner
Release Date: Oct 13, 2016
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It’s crazy how fast the buzz comes back after you’ve been sober for so long.
Whiskey stood there, on my doorstep, just like he had one year before. Except this time, there was no rain, no anger, no wedding invitation — it was just us.
It was just him — the old friend, the easy smile, the twisted solace wrapped in a glittering bottle.
It was just me — the alcoholic, pretending like I didn’t want to taste him, realizing too quickly that months of being clean didn’t make me crave him any less.
But we can’t start here.
No, to tell this story right, we need to go back. 
Back to the beginning.
Back to the very first drop.
This is my love letter to Whiskey. I only hope he reads it. 

Excerpt from A Love Letter to Whiskey

The first time I tasted Whiskey, I fell flat on my face.

Literally.

I was drunk from the very first sip, and I guess that should have been my sign to stay away.

Jenna and I were running the trail around the lake near her house, sweat dripping into our eyes from the intense South Florida heat. It was early September, but in South Florida, it might as well have been July. There was no “boots and scarves” season, unless you counted the approximately six weeks in January and February where the temperature dropped below eighty degrees.

As it was, we were battling ninety-plus degrees, me trying to be a show off and prove I could keep up with Jenna’s cheerleading training program. She had finally made the varsity squad, and with that privilege came ridiculous standards she had to uphold. I hated running — absolutelyloathed it. I would much rather have been on my surf board that day. But fortunately for Jenna, she had a competitive best friend who never turned down a challenge. So when she asked me to train with her, I’d agreed eagerly, even knowing I’d have screaming ribs and calves by the end of the day.

I saw him first.

I was just a few steps ahead of Jenna, and I’d been staring down at my hot pink sneakers as they hit the concrete. When I looked up, he was about fifty feet away, and even from that distance I could tell I was in trouble. He seemed sort of average at first — brown hair, lean build, soaked white running shirt — but the closer he got, the more I realized just how edible he was. I noticed the shift in the muscles of his legs as he ran, the way his hair bounced slightly, how he pressed his lips together in concentration as he neared us.

I looked over my shoulder, attempting to waggle my eyebrows at Jenna and give her the secret best friend code for “hot guy up ahead”, but she had stopped to tie her shoes. And when I turned back around, it was too late.

I smacked into him — hard — and fell to the pavement, rolling a bit to soften the fall. He cursed and I groaned, more from embarrassment than pain. I wish I could say I gracefully picked myself up, smiled radiantly, and asked him for his number, but the truth is I lost the ability to do anything the minute I looked up at him.

It was an unfamiliar, warm ache that spread through my chest as I used my hand to shield the sun streaming in behind his silhouette, just how you’d expect the first sip of whiskey to feel. He was bent over, hand outstretched, saying something that wasn’t registering because I had somehow managed to slip my hand into his and just that one touch had set my skin on fire.

Handsome wasn’t the right word to describe him, but it was all I kept thinking as I traced his features. His hair was a sort of mocha color, damp at the roots, falling onto his forehead just slightly. His eyes were wide — almost too round — and a mixture of gold, green, and the deepest brown. I didn’t coin the nickname Whiskey until much later, but it was that moment that I saw it for the first time — those were whiskey eyes. The kind of eyes you get lost in. The kind that drink you in. He had the longest lashes and a firm, square jaw. It was so hard, the edges so clean that I would have sworn he was angry with me if it weren’t for the smile on his face.He was still talking as my eyes fell over his broad chest before snapping back up to his sideways grin.

“Oh my God, are you fucking blind?!” Jenna’s voice snapped me from my haze as she shoved Whiskey out of the way and latched onto my hand, ripping me back to standing position. I’d barely caught my balance before she whipped around to continue her scolding. “How about you brush that long ass hair out of your eyes and watch where you’re going, huh champ?”

Oh no.

I didn’t even have time to call dibs, I couldn’t even think the word, let alone say it, before it was too late. I watched it, in slow motion, as Whiskey fell for my best friend before I even had the chance to say a single word to him.

Jenna was standing tall, arms crossed, one hip popped in her usual fashion as she waited for him to defend himself. This was her protocol — it was one of the reasons we got along. We were both what you’d call “spitfires”, but Jenna had the distinct advantage of being cripplingly gorgeous on top of having an attitude. She flipped her long, wavy blonde ponytail behind her and cocked a brow.

And then he did, too.

His smile grew wider as he met her eyes, and it was the same look I’d watched fall over guy after countless guy. Jenna was a unicorn, and men were enamored by her. As they should have been — she had platinum blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, legs for days and a personality to boot. Now, before you go thinking that I was the insecure best friend – I had it going on, too. I worked hard, I was talented – just not at the things traditional high school boys valued.

But we’ll get to that.

“Hi,” Whiskey finally said, extending his hand to Jenna this time. His eyes were warm, smile inviting — if I had to pick the right word for him, just one, I’d say charming. He just oozed charm. “I’m Jamie.”

“Well, Jamie, maybe you should make an appointment with the eye doctor before you run over another innocent jogger. And you owe Brecks an apology.” She nodded to me then and I cringed at my name, wondering why she felt the need to spill it at all. She always called me B — everyone did — so why did she choose the moment I was face to face with the first boy to ever make my heart accelerate to use my full name?

Jamie was still grinning, eying Jenna, trying to figure her out, but he turned to me after a moment with that same crooked smile. “I’m sorry, I should have been watching where I was going.” He said the words with conviction, but lifted his brows on that last line because he and I both knew who wasn’t paying attention to the trail, and he wasn’t the guilty party. 

“It’s fine,” I murmured, because for some reason I was still having a difficult time finding my voice. Jamie tilted his head just a fraction, his eyes hard on me this time, and I felt naked beneath his gaze. I’d never had anyone look at me that way — completely zeroed in. It was unnerving and exhilarating, too.

But before I could latch onto the feeling, he turned back to Jenna, their eyes meeting as slow smiles spread on both of their faces. I’d seen it a million times, but this was the first time I felt sick watching it happen.

I saw him first, but it didn’t matter.

Because he saw her.

About the Author

Kandi Steiner is a Creative Writing and Advertising/Public Relations graduate from the University of Central Florida living in Tampa with her husband. Kandi works full time as a social media specialist, but also works part time as a Zumba fitness instructor and blackjack dealer. 

Kandi started writing back in the 4th grade after reading the first Harry Potter installment. In 6th grade, she wrote and edited her own newspaper and distributed to her classmates. Eventually, the principal caught on and the newspaper was quickly halted, though Kandi tried fighting for her “freedom of press.” She took particular interest in writing romance after college, as she has always been a die hard hopeless romantic (like most girls brought up on Disney movies).

When Kandi isn’t working or writing, you can find her reading books of all kinds, talking with her extremely vocal cat, and spending time with her friends and family. She enjoys beach days, movie marathons, live music, craft beer and sweet wine – not necessarily in that order.

   

 

 

 

 

Teaser – The Trouble with Mistletoe by Jill Shalvis

From New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis comes a captivating story of love, second chances and new beginnings…

 

 

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If she has her way…

Willa Davis is wrangling puppies when Keane Winters stalks into her pet shop with frustration in his chocolate-brown eyes and a pink bedazzled cat carrier in his hand. He needs a kitty sitter, stat. But the last thing Willa needs is to rescue a guy who doesn’t even remember her…

…He’ll get nothing but coal in his stocking.

Saddled with his great-aunt’s Feline from Hell, Keane is desperate to leave her in someone else’s capable hands. But in spite of the fact that he’s sure he’s never seen the drop-dead gorgeous pet shop owner before, she seems to be mad at him…

Unless he tempers “naughty” with a special kind of nice…

Willa can’t deny that Keane’s changed since high school: he’s less arrogant, for one thing—but he doesn’t even remember her. How can she trust him not to break her heart again? It’s time to throw a coin in the fountain, make a Christmas wish–and let the mistletoe do its work…

Pre-Order THE TROUBLE WITH MISTLETOE in ebook or paperback, releasing 9/27/16

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Excerpt

He opened the passenger door for her but caught her before she could slide in. “You’re cold.”

Actually, she was freezing. “I forgot my jacket this morning—No, don’t give me yours,” she said when he made to take his off.

So instead he spread it open and wrapped as much of it around her as possible. Chest to chest, thighs to things…and everything in between mashed up against each other all cozy like.

Except it didn’t feel cozy.

It felt…sexy as hell.

It would’ve taken more control than she held to keep her hands to herself. He wrapped herself around him, letting her fingers trail up the sculpted muscles of his back.

At her touch, his gaze met hers, dark and heated. Oh boy. She was in trouble here, and she forced herself to back away and get into her seat.

A minute later, he’d rounded the front of the truck and slid in behind the wheel. He craned around to eyeball Pita like she was a pissed-off rattlesnake.

Willa laughed and Keane turned all that concentrated hotness on her. “What?”

“I’m picturing Petunia coming back from the dead to haunt you.”

With a small smile, he leaned in close and slid his fingers along her jaw. “You think that’s funny?”

“I’d do the same thing.”

His mouth quirked. “Revengeful, huh?”

“Absolutely.”

His fingers still on her jaw, he let his thumb slide lightly over her lower lip, making it hunger for a touch.

His touch.

No, make that his mouth. She wanted his mouth on hers and wasn’t that just annoying as hell. “This isn’t happening,” she said out loud, because surely that would make it true.

“What isn’t?” he asked. “Dinner with me despite you saying that the devil himself couldn’t drag your cold, dead corpse out on a date with me, even if I was…how did you put it? Hot as balls?”

“I didn’t say that!” She felt her face flush. She was doing her best to desperately hold on to her resentment over their past, but even she could admit she was quickly losing the battle here, to curiosity.

And lust.

“If you’re going to eavesdrop,” she said with as much dignity as she could, which wasn’t much, “at least get your facts straight.”

He just laughed, a sexy sound that woke up all her happy spots, damn him. And he knew it too. She sunk in her seat a little, crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window. “Be amused all you want, I’m holding firm.”

He didn’t look worried.

Which in turn worried her.

 

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And don’t miss the first novel in Jill Shalvis’ Heartbreaker Bay Series, SWEET LITTLE LIES, now available! Grab your copy HERE!

 

About the Author

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New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s sexy contemporary and award-winning books wherever romances are sold and click on the blog button above for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

 

 

 

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Teaser Reveal – Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst

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Today the BFF’s are sharing some teasers for Searching for Disaster by Jennifer Probst. This book is part of the Searching For series and it is currently up for pre-order. Be sure to check out the incredible pre-order contest below for a chance to win signed copies of the series, swag, and more!

 

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The next highly anticipated novella in the Searching For series, a romantic spin-off of the Marriage to a Billionaire series from New York Times bestselling sensation Jennifer Probst.

When Isabella MacKenzie tries to move on from her disastrous past, Officer William Devine is determined to show her that love is the only way to heal. This sexy enovella, the final installment in Jennifer Probst’s heartwarming Searching For series, follows the high-powered women of the popular matchmaking agency Kinnections, located in the small, picturesque town of Verily, NY.

 

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Pre-order Now

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Pre-order Contest

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CLICK HERE to enter to win signed copies of the books from the Searching For series, along with postcards, jewelry, a t-shirt pens and more!

 

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About the Author

Jennifer ProbstJennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.
She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon’s Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

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Review – Embrace Me by Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers

EMBRACE ME
A Chasing Fire Novella (#3.5)
Ann Marie Walker & Amy K. Rogers
Releasing September 20th, 2016
Berkley Intermix

Hudson Chase and Alessandra Sinclair’s heartracing romance continues in this hot, new novella in the Chasing Fire series.

Return to the dangerous and seductive romance that got pulses racing in the Chasing Fire trilogy…


It took ten years for Hudson Chase and Alessandra Sinclair to find their happily ever after, and they’re not about to let anything get in their way…

Nothing could stop the passion between Allie and Hudson—not time or distance. Not even tragedy, betrayal, and blackmail. But now they’re facing a new challenge: wedding planning. And while Allie’s social status demands she put on the event of the century, her well-intentioned family and friends have her doubting her walk down the aisle…

Hudson knows tensions are pushing Allie to the brink, but he’s not letting her throw everything away over some flowers and cake. He has plans for his new bride, and unlike their last adventure, he’s determined that this time there will be no unwelcome surprises. But for all his determination and control, there’s one element Hudson Chase has never been able to predict—and she has some adventurous ideas of her own…

Praise for the Chasing Fire trilogy
“Exceptional…Seriously sexy andsinfully steamy. Can’t wait for more from this writing duo!”–New York Times bestselling author Tara Sue Me
“Walker and Rogers strike the perfect balance between blistering physical desire and heartfelt connections…”–RT Book Review
Releases Tomorrow – Pre-Order Now

Review

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Embrace Me by Ann Marie Walker and Amy K Rogers is the wedding gift presented to all of the fans of the Chasing Fire Series. This book is the bright red bow tied to the top of the package; and, this is still one of BFF K’s favorite series!

Embrace Me begins with Allie and Hudson deciding to renew their wedding vows with family and friends to witness and celebrate the occasion. Allie finds the entire wedding planning process stressful and overwhelming. So, Hudson does what he does best….He comes to Allie’s rescue and surprises her with the answers to all of her problems. Of course, after a wedding comes a honeymoon. And, this one has all of the romance and steam we expect from this series!

Embrace Me is the conclusion to Hudson and Allie’s story and you really have to read the entire Chasing Fire series first. For maximum enjoyment, this should not be read as a stand-alone. There is not much plot or action in the story, but there is a LOT of ACTION! <<Wink, Wink!>> Be prepared for a CRAZY amount of sexy time! And, a sweet and steamy conclusion to the love story of Allie and Hudson Chase!

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An advance copy was received in exchange for an honest review.

AND – If you want to immerse yourself in all things Hudson Chase, join BFF K in the #HudsonChasers group on Facebook!

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Excerpt

Hudson spun to face her and within seconds Allie was in his arms, the hard planes of his body crushing her against the alley’s brick wall. Both hands framed her face as Hudson sealed his mouth over hers. His tongue pushed passed her lips, taking her in a lush, deep kiss she felt echo to her very core. Allie’s hands found their way into his hair, her fingers twisting through the dark waves, trying in vain to hold him to her when he broke their kiss.

His face hovered mere inches from hers. “You’ve been a bad girl tonight,” he rasped.

Just those few, roughly spoken words had her heart racing with excitement. Hudson was in control and she wouldn’t have it any other way. In the boardroom she stood her ground, going toe to toe with her stubborn husband on a wide range of issues. But in the bedroom he was her dominant lover and although there was a time she would have never considered such behavior a turn on, there was no denying the effect it had on her. There was a freedom in surrendering herself to him, a liberating sense of self unlike anything she’d ever experienced. With Hudson she was able to let go of her inhibitions and explore the wanton lust only he could evoke.

A soft moan escaped her lips as he ran his tongue up the column of her throat.

She hadn’t expected him to show up at her bachelorette party and had certainly never imagined him dragging her out of the club cave-man style. But there he was, touching her, kissing her, and all she could think about was how badly she wanted him.

“Did you enjoy having those men rubbing themselves all over you?” The hard ridge of his erection pressed against her though the soft fabric of her skirt. Behind them a muffled bass beat a hypnotic rhythm through the club’s darkened windows. It pounded through them, urging her to grind her body against him.

“It’s only you Hudson. It’s always been only you.”

“You can prove it to me when we get home.” He stepped back, leaving her warm and wanting, to reveal their limo idling behind him. He reached for the handle and gave the door a hard yank. “After you.”

Allie slid across the leather bench with Hudson close behind. Before he had even settled onto the seat she was in his lap. “We don’t have to wait until we get home.”

 

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About the Authors

Though thousands of miles apart, Ann Marie Walker and Amy K. Rogers are in constant contact, plotting story lines and chatting about their love of alpha males, lemon drop martinis and British supermodel, David Gandy. You can find them on twitter as @AnnMarie_Walker and @Amy_KRogers.
Amy K. Rogers
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Ann Marie Walker
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Start the Chasing Fire Series Today!

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BFF K’s Review of Remind Me

 

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BFF K’s Review of Release Me

 

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