Sunday, December 28, 2014

SALE! Get In Too Deep - book 1 of Tybee Island Shifters - for 99 cents. Limited time only!



Etopia dropped the price of In Too Deep to 99 cents, but it's only for a limited time, so grab a copy now before it returns to $4.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Tybee-Island-Shifters-Book-ebook/dp/B00JGCFOTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419778127&sr=8-1&keywords=christy+gissendaner

Blurb:


Tybee Island Shifters Book One

He’ll risk everything for the love of one human.

Agreeing to be her good friend’s bridesmaid, Emma Anderson jets off to Tybee Island for the wedding. Her dress is perfect and her shoes are adorable, but her friend’s elegant beachside home hides an ancient secret…one that threatens to expose a secret society of werewolves.

Drake Randolph has watched his sister’s friend grow into a ravishing woman, but he’s always kept his distance. As the heir to the Randolph fortune and the alpha of the Secret Society of Savannah Lycanthropes, Drake cannot afford to draw the innocent little brunette into the dangerous lycan world.

Passion between them soon blazes hotter than the Georgia summer. But when the wrong woman is kidnapped to prevent the wedding of a lycan to a mortal, Drake must risk everything to save Emma from the ones who will see the downfall of all he holds dear.


Excerpt:

“Flight one eleven to Atlanta now boarding.”

Courtesy of a first class ticket, Drake Randolph claimed his seat before the rest of the passengers. He stuffed his carry-on in the overhead compartment and settled in to wait for take-off. As the other passengers loaded the plane, he scrolled through the texts on his android phone, casually noting various messages from his business associates.

A new message popped up from his sister. He scanned the few lines and groaned. How like his flighty younger sister to change plans at the last minute. She and her fiancé, Chase, had decided to drive to Georgia. Apparently Drake had to play babysitter to Alyssa’s friend, Emma.

Emma Anderson equaled trouble. Not in a wild child sort of way. She was trouble for him like sugar was for a diabetic. Although he might crave her, it was unwise. Sweet and innocent didn’t belong in his world.

Apparently she was also late. As the minutes marched on, and business and economy class almost completely boarded, he grew worried. Emma was the maid of honor. Surely she wasn’t going to be a no show? Not that he cared about wedding protocol, but his sister would be heartbroken.

“Sir, would you like a drink?”

A stewardess hovered near his elbow. He tore his gaze away from the time displayed on his phone and shook his head. She moved on to take the other first class passengers’ orders while he debated texting Alyssa.

It had to be getting close to time for the final boarding call.

Cursing beneath his breath, Drake powered down his phone. She wasn’t his responsibility. If Emma couldn’t make a flight in time, the fault lay with her. There were ten days until the actual ceremony, and he had business to take care of the next morning. If she didn’t show by the weekend, he could return to New Orleans later and drag her by the ear then. Or some other lovely appendage.

Maybe she’d decided to ride with Alyssa and Chase instead. Bitter disappointment welled inside him. Although he’d vowed never to touch her, he enjoyed looking at her. He’d watched her from afar for years, first as an overprotective brother, and then as a man. All of Alyssa’s other friends had come up short, not worthy of her. But not Emma. Never her. She was like a beaming ray of sunshine after the rain.

A commotion arose near the entrance to first class. Drake glanced over his shoulder in time to witness the object of his misplaced desire haul an oversized bag onto the plane.

“Miss, you’re going to have to check that,” a harried stewardess exclaimed. Groans and sighs of other passengers met her announcement.

Drake stood and motioned to get the attention of the stewardess. He flashed his best conciliatory smile. “There’s room in my overhead compartment.”

The stewardess melted beneath his words. “Yes. Yes, of course, Mr. Randolph.”

He didn’t question how she knew his name. He’d been a frequent flier on the airline more times than he cared to admit. A recent primetime special on his business had gained him legions of fans, mostly female, and made him more recognizable than he’d wanted to be.

Emma hurried forward. The wispy bangs of her pixie cut were delightfully disheveled by the time she reached their aisle.

“Thank you,” she mouthed.

He took her oversized bag and stuffed it into the compartment. “You’re late.” He didn’t mean to be brusque, yet the words came out terse and rude.

Pink darkened the porcelain perfection of her rounded cheeks. “I know. I’m sorry.”

He hadn’t meant to upset her. “It’s fine. Do you prefer the window or the aisle?”

“Aisle, please.” She took the seat next to him after he reclaimed his spot.

Her perfume reminded him of honeysuckles on the vine and the lazy, sultry summers of his youth. He sniffed, the scent sending a shot of lust straight to his loins.

How could one human affect him so? He’d prided himself on always remaining in control. He hadn’t gotten where he was in life by letting his heart rule his decisions. Yet around Emma, he forgot all his best laid plans.

Pale pink lips, glistening with slick gloss, and wide blue eyes haunted his dreams. An angel, beautiful and innocent. To complete the image of wholesomeness, a white lace dress covered her tiny frame, a wide purple sash tied in a bow about her slim waist.

Damn.

He shifted to put more room between them. Thank goodness they weren’t squeezed together in the close quarters of economy class.

She leaned over to him. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” He snapped open a newspaper and pretended to be engrossed in the headlines.

Out of the corner of his eye, he watched as she took a deep breath. “Never mind. It’s not important.”
 
 
 
And don't forget book 2, In Deeper, where Micah and Celeste's love-hate relationship tilts more toward love.
 




Monday, December 22, 2014

COVER REVEAL: In Deeper - Tybee Island Shifters 2



I'm excited to share the brand new cover for In Deeper, book 2 in the Tybee Islands Shifters series. In Deeper will be available Friday, 12/26/14. The story of the Randolphs continue and this time it's Micah - bad boy twin - and Celeste, the beta and workaholic who used to date Drake Randolph. Sparks fly in this one!

Blurb:
 
Celeste Proctor has always had the best of everything…expensive homes, fashionable clothing, and the coveted position of beta to the most powerful of all lycans, Drake Randolph. But after the alpha chooses a bride, she’s left with the unenviable situation of choosing another wolf to pin her sights on. She needs a mate – the stronger, the better – to help maintain her carefully cultivated image. One of Drake’s brothers will have to do, but which one?

Micah Randolph has always been cast in the shadow of his oldest brother. With his country music career heating up, Micah is looking forward to a whirlwind tour and finally having success on his own, separate from his position within the powerful Randolph family. But when the beautiful yet untouchable Celeste Proctor shows up, determined to mate with him or his twin brother, he has a choice to make. Will his pride allow him to take what he’s always wanted? Or will he risk it all to make her admit she wants him for more than just his strong lycan blood?
 
Excerpt:
 
 
   Applause echoed through the packed arena, reverberating off the concrete flooring and resonating to the domed ceiling. Micah Randolph slung his guitar behind his back and waved at the fans who’d come to see the kickoff of his and Max’s summer tour. The concert had sold out due to their new single topping the country charts. The energy of the crowd and intense stage lighting made the temperature soar.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and Micah lifted the hem of his T-shirt to swipe at his face. Another round of thunderous applause started. He smoothed his shirt back over his abs and shot a grin to the girls in the front row.
Max, the other half of the band’s duo, unplugged his guitar from the amp and strode over to smack his palm in the center of his stomach. “Tired of being a sex object yet?” his slightly younger brother asked with a smirk.
“You tell me,” Micah shot back. His brother experienced no lack in the female attention department either, despite his attempts to stay out of the spotlight.
“It’s you they come to see,” Max remarked. He waved to the crowd, and the cheers increased. “Not me.”
Micah arched an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Shut it.” Max gave him a quick nod. “Good show.”
As one, they turned to take a bow. They exited the stage to the pounding of drums and an electric light show to rival any of the big-name country artists. The production was nothing like the small gigs they’d done in Nashville, playing their hearts out for the small crowds at Deanie’s. Backstage, the crew gathered around the brothers and handed each an ice-cold beer. Micah took a deep draw from his bottle before raising it in a mock toast. “To my brother for writing kick-ass songs.”
Max, ever the unassuming one, shoved his elbow into Micah’s gut and grunted. “I’ll see you back at the hotel. Drake and Emma are waiting for us.”
Micah’s good mood evaporated. He’d forgotten his oldest brother and new wife were coming to Atlanta for the first show. Although he loved his family, he’d been in the mood to celebrate. Something Drake, stern alpha that he was, didn’t appreciate. Since his marriage to Emma, Drake had become softer but not soft enough to allow his younger twin brothers to party it up all night at a club.
Micah drained the bottle and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Another crew member pressed a second bottle into his hand. He unscrewed the cap and drank half of it on the way to his dressing room. Thank God no press functions were planned for the night. He and Max had been on the media circuit for weeks, gearing up for their first headlining tour. With the success of their latest single, they’d garnered the music industry’s attention, and all the major networks sought an interview.
He shifted the bottle of beer to his left hand and turned the knob to his dressing room. The scent of flowers assaulted him. Roses permeated the entire room, not something he’d expected to find in the space he’d left just ninety minutes ago. He recognized the scent in an instant.
It betrayed the familiar female standing before the dressing table even before he locked eyes with her.
Celeste.
Gorgeous as ever. A tall, willowy blonde with perfect teeth and perfect hair. Unattainable. The one woman he’d always wanted but could never have. Despite Drake finding a mate, Celeste was still off-limits to Micah.
“Celeste.” He placed the bottle on a table near the door and carefully shut the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”
Celeste shoved aside the items littering the top of the vanity and placed her delectable ass on the counter. She swayed long legs, encased in tight leather, back and forth. “Hello, Micah.”
He ignored the greeting and strode forward. The closer he came to her, the angrier he got. How dare she come here? He’d said everything he’d had to say to her at Drake’s wedding. “I repeat. What are you doing here? Did Drake invite you?”
She cocked her head to one side. One long, loose curl fell over her shoulder to coil around a full breast pushing against the lacy corset she wore. “Drake doesn’t know I’m here.”
Despite his anger, the attraction was undeniable. Celeste, with her fucking million-dollar smile and tight-ass body, drove him insane. He sneered at her, struggling to keep lust from clouding his judgment. He’d given into it once. Damned if he’d do it again.
“You’ve always been such a good little beta. Are you sure you want to risk Drake’s anger by coming here and fucking around with me?”
His cruel words hit their mark. Her lips turned down at the corners seconds before her eyes glowed with the flame of her anger. “It’s been a month, Micah. I thought we agreed it was a mistake.”
“It was a mistake.” He lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “We were drunk. You were drunk. The perfect shifter who always follows the rules. What would my brother say about you drinking yourself into oblivion after his wedding and ending up in my bed?”
She lifted her chin, and a hint of the wolf appeared in her honey-gold eyes. “I don’t have to explain my actions to him.”
“Damned right you don’t.” He strode forward and grasped her haughty chin in his hand. “But you owe me an explanation. Why did you fuck me that night?”
Her gaze slipped away from his. “We were drunk. You said it yourself.”
“Bullshit.” He waited for her to drag her attention back to his face. “The truth, Celeste.”
Even angry, her beauty took his breath away—her oval face one of pure perfection, with tawny skin and a glorious mass of blonde curls. The locks of her unpinned hair reached beyond her waist and caressed the rounded slope of her ass.
She took a deep breath and her chest rose. “The alcohol loosened my inhibitions. I was horny. You were there. So I had sex with you. End of story.”
Jesus. Just the memory of her body moving beneath his, her lips gasping his name, sent a jolt of lust through his hardened frame. “You’re lying.”
He stepped closer, trapping her between the table and his hips, and enclosed her body between his arms. “You come here dressed in this getup, expecting me to believe that’s the end of the story?”
He ran his eyes over her low-cut corset and tight black pants. Red fuck-me heels and matching lipstick should make her look cheap, but it was impossible for Celeste Proctor to look anything but classy.
He’d known her his entire life. She was his brother’s beta, a shifter he’d been forced to consider as his future sister-in-law. But that had been before Emma turned Drake’s life upside down and took the man Celeste had always thought she’d marry.
He growled out a warning, “The truth, Celeste. Now.”
She licked her too-bright lips. “I made a mistake.”
“Damn straight,” he shot back. Only it hadn’t been a mistake. No sane man would ever consider her a mistake. Sexy, successful, and so damned stubborn she made his teeth ache. “You couldn’t text me an apology?”
She tossed her hair over one shoulder and glared at him. Despite her beauty, she was fierce in her annoyance, a warrior who fought for what she wanted. “Poor Micah, always so willing to play the victim.”
Her taunt made him see crimson. He jerked a handful of her lace corset and thrust his face next to hers. “You played the victim card better than I ever could. Poor Celeste. Losing the man you love to a non-shifter. It stings, doesn’t it? Knowing you weren’t good enough for him?”
The expensive foundation and powder she wore were no match for the flush of shame tinting her cheeks. “Fuck you, Micah Randolph.”
He grinned, but it lacked humor. “Been there, done that.”
She lifted her hand, but he caught her wrist before she landed the stinging slap on his cheek. As a warning, he tightened his grip just enough to feel the bones in her wrist. “Careful. You might hurt yourself.”
She tugged at her arm and cursed when she was unable to break free of his grasp. “You made your point. Let me go.”
God, it hurt to look at her and know he could never be good enough, too much of a fuckup to have perfection. He let go of her wrist and shoved away from her. “Time for you to leave.”
She stayed where she was, her legs spread as if Micah still stood between her thighs. The provocative position reminded him of tangled sheets and sex so hot it burned in his soul.
“Micah.” Her tone dropped an octave and turned seductive. “I need your help.”
Damn it all. Even her voice made him think of tangled sheets and sweaty limbs. “Find someone else.”
She stood. The six-inch stiletto heels she wore put them on eye level despite him being several inches over six feet. “You don’t even know what I’m asking.”
“I don’t need to.” He pulled off his sweaty T-shirt and dug in his duffel bag for a clean one. “I’m not your man.”
Her gaze dropped to his chest. He would have to be blind to miss the spark of interest there, and he’d never missed any of Celeste’s expressions. She’d haunted his dreams since puberty. Too many nights he’d spent jacking off to the picture of her as a cheerleader in their high school yearbook. Too many afternoons seeing her flirt with his brother and knowing she’d never be his.
Celeste never backed down from a fight. She ignored his disinterest and forged ahead. “With Drake out of the picture, I’ve had to reevaluate my position within the Society.”
Micah shoved his arms through the sleeves of a faded black T-shirt and jerked it on. He pulled the hem down and waited for her to say more.
For the first time, she showed hesitation. Unable, or unwilling, to meet his eyes, she looked anywhere but at him. “I’m the last of my family. The pressure has been on me for years to marry well. I thought I’d found the perfect match with Drake, but I can’t ignore it anymore. I need to find a mate.”
The words ripped into him, flaying him with dreams of what could never be. He stuffed the old shirt into his bag and slipped the strap over one shoulder. “Congratulations to you and the lucky bastard, whoever he may be.”
She jerked her chin in his direction. Heat singed him from the flames in her expression. “Don’t be an ass. I need your help.”
He lifted an eyebrow. “If you think for one second, I’m going to play matchmaker for you, you’re…”
“I want you to be my mate.”
Her words forced him to a complete halt. “Come again?”
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

GUEST AUTHOR: Exposed Ecstasy by Houston Havens

Houston is visiting me again, and she's brought the heat once more. Check out her sexy cover and enjoy a tantalizing excerpt of her latest release, Exposed Ecstasy.


Series Genre: Erotic Romance, Ménage (MFMM/MFM), Paranormal, Fantasy, Futuristic, Suspense, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Sci-Fi, Mystery.

Themes with a light touch: Voyeurism, Spanking, BDSM, Anal, Psychic, Fae

Release Date: Dec 15, 2014

Published with: Syn Publishing

Heat level: Romantrix #4

Tagline: Words can never express the emotions needed to be heard by the heart.

Keywords: Ménage, Erotic-Romance, Futuristic-Paranormal, Dystopian-Sci-Fi, Psychic-Fantasy, Fae, Post-Apocalyptic, Psychic Ménage Series.

Buy Links:

Amazon - http://bit.ly/ExposedEcstasyAmazon

ARe - http://bit.ly/ExposedEcstasyARe


 

Blurb:

Daughter of the Dirt Dweller’s ruler; Tessla Reto attempts to escape the Underworld after the mysterious disappearance of her best friend. She knows her untimely death is also near if her father, Landen Reto discovers her part in forming the rebels to fight against him. The two men sent to help her get away are killed and she’s rescued by a handsome stranger…or is she?

Faerydae returns to Earth in search of an inner peace his soul can’t find after the death of his friend Chandra Lamar. Instead, he finds himself in an unplanned rescue of a woman that stirs everything he’s fought a lifetime to deny. Can Faerydae stay focused on his goal to expose his past and true Fae bloodline, or will destiny play her hand? 

Shomar’s uncomplicated world is tossed asunder when his best friend, Faerydae, shows up with a stray puppy and a woman who steals the heart of his soul the moment he looks at her. Only to discover Faerydae and the woman claim they can’t stand each other, yet his intuition tells him otherwise. Will Shomar be able to win the woman of his dreams or will Faerydae always have her heart?

Will Tessla find her freedom? Will Faerydae keep his, or will Shomar succeed in his plan to expose them to their hidden ecstasy?

 

Mini Blurb:

Tessla Reto escapes the Underworld after she finds the two men sent to help her are dead. She’s rescued by a handsome stranger…or is she?

Faerydae’s search for truth and peace abruptly ends when a woman who stirs everything he’s spent a lifetime denying, falls into his life.

Will Shomar be able to win the woman of his dreams or will a Faery always have her heart?

***

Bio:

Houston Havens retired from a successful modeling career and an adventurous jet-set lifestyle to set the world on fire with her erotic romance books. A tenacious Irish lass, she strives to entertain with seductive stories created from her decadent imagination and traces of a provocative lifestyle she may or may not admit to.

 

Her interest in the paranormal, fascination with quantum science, passion with myths, and the lure of her mysterious Celtic Irish-Druid bloodlines are combined with generally unknown truths, strange facts, and questionable fiction. Her novels reflect a mix of the past, present, and future, with sexy blends of futuristic science fiction, paranormal fantasy, western romance, and always love everlasting. An author of six romances, a seven book erotic romance series and numerous articles in literary magazines.

 

Stop by for a visit and leave a comment at http://houstonhavens.wordpress.com

 

 

Links:


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 

Newsletter signup:


 


 

Monday, December 08, 2014

GUEST AUTHOR: Roll Against Trust by Allyson Lindt

Today I'm happy to have Allyson Lindt, one of my co-authors in the Paranormally Yours boxed set. I enjoyed getting to know more about Allyson and her love for cubicle dwellers! Enjoy a teaser of her latest release, available now.


 

 

Purchase Link

Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PTTTDZU

 

Blurb

Tasha’s not looking for love, but she doesn’t mind just looking… and maybe a little fantasizing. Her two best friends and weekend AD& D buddies, Seth and Ryan, are the perfect guest stars in her fantasies. When a late night gaming session with the three goes from silly to verbally scorching in an instant, Tasha wonders if her imagination is enough to keep her satisfied long term.

Then her ex’s money mismanagement catches up to her in the form of draining her bank account, her job is threatened by a mistake that points to Ryan, and Seth takes his side. If Tasha can’t move past her trust issues long enough to uncover the truth—both with herself and the men she’s falling for—she’ll wind up broken-hearted and just plain broke.
 

 

Excerpt

Ryan draped himself across the couch to lay his head in my lap. Brown eyes so dark they were almost black crinkled at the corners when he laughed up at me. “C’mon, Tash, join me in the bath. We’d save water at the same time, and that kind of conservationism should do something for your druid sensibilities, right?”

“My character’s name is Ardra,” I corrected him out of habit, not irritation. It had only taken me a couple of weeks of campaigning with him to realize he was just going to use my real name, regardless of whom I was role-playing as. I made a half-hearted attempt to push him upright. “And aren’t you supposed to be celibate?”

“Absolutely not. As of now, I serve a god of orgies and wine. Dionysus, maybe?”

Seth looked up from behind his dungeon master screen, eyebrows raised. “He’s not in our pantheon.” His mouth twisted in thought. “Then again, sure, why the hell not? Roll against your charisma.”

I laughed in disbelief. “I’m not taking a bath with him, water conservation or not.” Even as the protest passed my lips, my imagination crept in to taunt me. My druid character might prefer the plague over rubbing skin with his paladin, but I wouldn’t mind watching Ryan strip down. Or Seth, for that matter.

 
Find Allyson Lindt Online






 


About Allyson Lindt

Allyson Lindt is a full-time geek and a fuller-time contemporary romance author. She prefers that her geeky heroes come with the alpha expansion pack and adores a heroine who can hold her own in a boardroom. She loves a sexy happily-ever-after and helping deserving cubicle dwellers find their futures together.

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Paranormally Yous - Cover Reveal!

Now available for pre-order. A boxed set of 7 hot, paranormal romances for only 99 cents.

Official release on 12/5/14. Get it now while it's hot!!

Seven of today’s hottest paranormal authors come together to bring you a boxed set guaranteed to keep you warm on a cold winter’s night. Do shifters make you howl? Or do you prefer the bite of a vampire? Perhaps the controlling hand of a demi-god is more your style. Paranormally Yours has a story—or seven—to set your pulse racing.

Get your copy now at
http://www.amazon.com/Paranormally-Yours-Anita-Cox-ebook/dp/B00Q5HSMFC/ref=la_B002BLS3IC_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1416972084&sr=1-16



Excerpt from "Uncaged" by Christy Gissendaner - Available in the Paranormally Yours boxed set


The water was cold, but not nearly enough to chase away desire’s burn. The erection Gabe had sported since Rain’s appearance remained stubbornly in place. He waded waist deep into the water, and sank until his shoulders disappeared beneath the surface.

The night was calm, with stray clouds and faint moonlight. He didn’t need light to see in the darkness. The inky water soothed his tired muscles. Swimming after a fight had become tradition, a way to unwind after the vicious attack on his body and mind. The aches and pain slid away, replaced by the calm of the night. Though his muscles felt better, his mind was still twisted by gut-wrenching longing.

What twist of fate had sent Rain here? Surely she had somewhere else to go, despite her pleas to the contrary. A faint hope that she felt something for him buoyed his spirits. She must’ve discovered that he had one bed, but he’d be damned before he slept on the couch in his own home.

Normally, he swam for hours after a fight, but tonight something much better waited for him. He strode out of the pond, stopping only to swipe his clothes from the ground, and continued to his cabin. The scent of her, like damp grass after a thunderstorm, permeated his home. He stood in the doorway, dripping water on the wood plank flooring, and sucked in the smell of her.

She wasn’t in the living room. Hope filled him, because there was only one place she could be. He headed down the hall toward his bedroom, not inclined to mask his footsteps. She had to know he’d come for her. He toed the door open.

Surprise brought him to a stop. He’d expected several scenarios, but none included finding her curled up in his bed with the covers pulled around her shoulders. The steady rise and fall of her chest indicated she was asleep.

He stood over her and looked his fill. He pulled the blankets away from her upper body, marveling that she was such a heavy sleeper, and gazed at the red silk and velvet concoction she wore. It was transparent in some spots, hinting at the curve of a breast and shadowing the glimpse of a nipple. His gaze dropped lower, over the curve of her hip, and down her gently rounded thighs.

A goddess, pure perfection, and all his. Temporarily at least. He didn’t fool himself into thinking it could be more. Even if they wound up having sex, it would be a no-strings affair guaranteed to please them both. Short-lived maybe, but hopefully combustive while it lasted.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Guest Author: Parker Kincade


An Amazon exclusive bonus short from Shadow Maverick Ranch


 

Only $0.99!

 

The wedding you’ve all been waiting for…

 

You've been cordially invited to the wedding of Gavin Mathis and Lauren Delgado…

 


 


 

 

Gavin has waited long enough to make Lauren his. He is counting the days until he will stand before his family and friends and pledge his life to hers. For better or worse. Forever.

 

Lauren is more than ready to say her vows, but with the construction of their new home far behind deadline, she knows there’s only one thing she can do … cancel the honeymoon so she and Gavin can supervise the completion themselves.

 

Gavin knows arguing with Lauren will get him nowhere. But missed deadlines aren’t worth missing a pleasure-filled week alone with his bride-to-be.

 

It’s time to take matters into his own hands…

 

 

 

White Collar Wedding


By Parker Kincade

 

Publication Date: November 18, 2014

 

PREORDER TODAY! ONLY $0.99

 

Available exclusively at Amazon for Kindle and Kindle Unlimited

 


 


 

EXCERPT:


Chapter One

 


 

“We’re going to have to cancel.”

Gavin held onto his patience by a thread. “Lauren. Be reasonable.”

His bride-to-be spread her arms and twirled in the middle of what should’ve been their new kitchen, if the fucking contractor had done what Gavin paid him a fortune to do.

Lauren laughed with a manic tone Gavin could go the rest of his life without ever hearing again.

“I am being reasonable. How can we leave for our honeymoon when…” She waved her hand to encompass the area. Her beautiful eyes turned glassy with tears.

Son of a…

Gavin wanted to hit something. Lauren wasn’t prone to shed tears over messes and missed deadlines. She shared his no-nonsense approach to business. More than once he’d been in awe of her strength, the steel in her spine as she’d out-maneuvered countless boardrooms of men.

Every woman had her limits. It seemed the business of building their home had caused Lauren to hit hers.

What was supposed to be the happiest time of their lives had turned into a complete nightmare.

He glanced around the room, which was nothing more than a construction zone. The custom cabinets had been installed, leaving gaping holes where the appliances should be. There were no countertops. No trim. No. Goddamn. Sink.

And that was just the kitchen. The master bathroom didn’t have a shower. The guest bedrooms didn’t have flooring. The walls throughout had yet to be painted.

 Anger fired his blood. Oh, he was definitely going to hit something—the chubby jaw of the bastard who’d left this shit undone.

“We aren’t canceling our honeymoon.” He’d waited more than twelve years to make this woman his. They were less than a month from making it official. Lauren deserved the wedding of her dreams, which included their honeymoon in Hawaii. He’d be damned if she wouldn’t get it.

Seemed Lauren had other ideas.

“Let me rephrase. It’s done. I called the travel agent this morning.”

“Damn it, Lauren. You should’ve talked to me before you made that decision for both of us.”

“Talking about it wouldn’t have changed the situation, Gavin, and you know it. Look around. Our home is in shambles. We’re scheduled to move in a month. You really think that’s going to happen if we aren’t here every single day to make sure things are getting done?”

Gavin couldn’t help but take her comment personally. He didn’t believe in micro-management. He paid good money to others so he wouldn’t have to. But the fact remained: the ranch kept him so busy these days that he hadn’t done his job to make sure their house was completed on time.

“So we postpone our move-in date. We’ll stay at the cabin a little longer. It’s not the end of the world, and certainly not worth missing out— ”

“No. We need to stay and deal with this mess. We can go on our honeymoon later.”

“With calving season right around the corner? You know I can’t leave my brothers to handle all the work.”

“They handled it themselves all the years you lived in London. You think they couldn’t handle one more?”

Gavin stared at the woman he loved, wondering at what point she’d decided to turn on him.

“That’s not what I meant,” he said slowly. “Clay has his hands full with the new stock coming in over at Ainsley’s. Even with Jared’s help, it’s all Pax and I can do to keep up without Clay. You know we’re hiring more help, but until then, it’s all hands on deck, baby. We’ve talked about this.”

He reached for her and muttered a curse when she stepped away.

“Lauren.” Gavin folded his arms to avoid the urge to reach for her again. “When I came back to Texas, I made a promise—to myself and to my family. I have a responsibility to be here for them.”

 Lauren shoved both hands through her hair, leaving behind a mess of shining waves Gavin longed to bury his own fingers in.

She sighed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I didn’t mean … of course we can’t go away during calving season. But we can’t go away now either. I wouldn’t be able to relax knowing things are such a mess here.”

Gavin was on her before she could retreat. He pulled her into his arms and breathed a sigh of relief when she melted against him. “I can think of a few ways to help you relax.”

“I have no doubt.” She nuzzled his chest. “I know it’s not ideal, but we could spend our wedding night at the beach house. Maybe spend a day or two there?”

He loved his—their—place on Galveston Island. However— “November isn’t the greatest time for swimming in the Gulf.”

“Who said anything about swimming?”

Gavin stroked a hand over her silky hair, struggling for the words to express how precious she was to him. He settled for, “All right, baby. If that’s what you want, that’s what we’ll do.”

He’d find a way to give this woman the moon if she asked for it, but spending what should be their honeymoon fighting with housing contractors was not his idea of a good time.

He had to make this right.

It was time to call in reinforcements.

 

* * * * *


 

Author Bio and Links



National Bestselling Author, Parker Kincade, writes edge-of-your-seat-sexy romantic suspense, hot and steamy sports romance, and erotic western romance. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the 2013 Reader’s Crown Award for Best First Book, the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest, and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

 

Parker lives in the southern United States. She loves to read, play golf, spend time with her family and friends, snuggle with her beloved boxer, ice cream from the ice cream truck, and watching old musicals.

 

Links: