BEING BROOKE by Emma Hart Blog Tour: Excerpt + Reni's Review!

         

 

My name is Brooke Barker…
And I’m a freaking disaster.

No, seriously. I’m a college drop-out working a dead-end job, my best friend Carly’s dog gets more action than I do, and I have more bad dates in my diary than there are movie remakes.

Not to mention I’m completely and utterly in love with Cain Elliott.

The problem? He’s in a relationship. With a girl who’s so plastic she makes Barbie cry herself to sleep with jealousy.

The second problem? He’s my best friend.


My shut-up-and-put-harry-potter, yes-this-is-your-shirt, help-I-have-no-power, crap-I’m-out-of-tampon, kinda best friend.

And that’s all he can be, right?
Right.

Being Brooke is a standalone romantic comedy. Hilarious, super-sexy, and possibly highly inappropriate at times, this is the perfect feel-good read!

iBOOKS / B&N / AMAZON - US / UK / AU / CA 

 

      

When Emma Hart labeled Brooke as a walking disaster, she wasn't kidding. At all. After reading the blurb for Being Brooke, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. Friends to lovers books are always fun to read and usually jammed with copious amounts of angst. 

My favorite! 

Brooke has just moved out from under her mother's very controlling, rather unsupportive, thumb. She's 24, has just dropped out of college for the second time, and has little to no direction in her life. She does, however, have two - yeah, I said two - incredibly loyal and patient best friends. One of whom she's been in love with for close to a decade. Only, he's absolutely clueless, and kinda dating a needy, semi-annoying, and rather controlling *bleep* of a woman.

"I dream about pizza and wine and not wearing pants.
I know, I know. I'm going places. Like Weight Watchers, probably."

I'm sure you can see where this is headed. Maybe. Kinda.

Brooke and Cain are basically meant for one another but too afraid to acknowledge it. 

Let's get back to Brooke. She's almost too much of a train wreck. I know Emma was going for the complete mess, and she sure succeeded, but in a way that made Brooke almost hard to relate to. She was extreme. 

Torn between his needy girlfriend and best friend(s), Cain, on the other hand, was much more relateable. 

Lets talk cultural barriers... 

Being Brooke is set in the south, yet written by an author from - I'm assuming - England. (I'm so so sorry if I'm geographically incorrect on the authors whereabouts.) That poses a little bit of an issue in some of the dialogue and terminology. It's nothing huge and shouldn't make or break the story for you. It didn't for me. But it is present in the reading. 

Truth be told, I flew through Being Brooke. I just wish Emma had toned down Brooke's crazy a tad. But I'll go ahead and say that if you like Tara Sivec's Chocolate Lovers series, you'll probably find great enjoyment in Brooke and Cain's story. 

Cain’s phone begins to buzz on the table. The screen lights up, and the short name on the screen makes me have to fight a frown. 

I know it’s Nina. It always is. It’s like she has a Brooke-dar. She can sense whenever Cain and I are alone and hanging out.

My heart sinks, slowly but heavily, and I school my expression into one of not caring. I refuse to look away from the TV now.

Cain hands me his pizza box, which I take, begrudgingly, then he leans forward and grabs his phone. He waits for the buzzing to stop, then unlocks it and turns it off vibrate.

Then? Then he shoves it under the table, screen down. 

Ho. Lee. Shit.

I gape at him. I can’t help it. 

A piece of pepperoni drops off the slice of pizza in my hand—the same one that’s frozen halfway to my mouth as I stare at him in total disbelief. Did he really just do it?

“What?” Cain shrugs and takes his box back, grabbing a piece of half-eaten, meaty pizza and shoving the end in his mouth. The crust crunches as he bites down.

I swallow and glance at the coffee table. “I don’t think you’ve ever not taken a call from her.” I can’t help the derogatory way I say ’her’. It’s not intentional—honest. It’s ingrained in me to be vicious to other women. I think it’s a female thing. Self-preservation and all that.

“I don’t think I ever haven’t either.” Cain tilts his head to the side and meets my gaze, a suspicious glint in his green eyes. “But the point is, we haven’t done this in weeks, and I’m having too much fun to leave. Besides, we have all this junk food. If I don’t help you eat it, you’ll eat it all, then it’ll be my fault when your pants don’t fit.”

Oh my god.

“Does she know you’re here?” I smirk slyly and raise my eyebrows. 

He shifts uncomfortably. With a cough, he puts his pizza down and grabs his beer bottle to swig from it. 

Oh. My. Shitty. Life.

“She doesn’t, does she?” I sit up straight, throwing my half-slice back into my box and shoving his shoulder. “Cain!”

“No,” he mumbles, scratching the back of his ear. “She doesn’t know.”

I laugh. I can’t help it. It’s totally immature of me to delight in the fact he hasn’t told the Prissy Princess where is he and he’s ignoring her calls, but I do. It’s hilarious. 

And, okay. I’m smug. Totally smug. There’s only one reason he hasn’t told her, and that’s because she hates me too. 

Bitchy Best Friend Mission: Level Up!

“And tell me.” I snicker, just about holding back the volcano of laughter threatening to erupt. “Where does Nina think you are?”

“She thinks I’m at Mom’s.” He looks at me, his lips flattening into a thin line. “Stop laughing, B. No, don’t shake your damn head. I fucking mean it. She’s a little insecure over my friendship with you and Carly, that’s all. Sometimes it’s easier to just tell a... little white lie.”

“A little white lie? She thinks you’re at your mom’s!” I laugh harder and wipe at my eyes because they feel a little too wet. 

“I just want the best of both worlds right now, all right?”

“What is the best of both worlds? Pizza with me and blow jobs from her?”

“She chooses not to eat gluten. Until she finds a gluten-free recipe she likes, I can’t eat pizza when she’s around.” 

Which is a lot.

I raise my eyebrows again. “Your girlfriend won’t eat gluten but she’ll happily put your dick in her mouth?”

“Brooke. Don’t be a bitch.” He chucks a piece of chicken from his pizza at me, his eyes narrowing.

I’m dying. I think this is it—this is how I die, laughing at Cain’s lame excuses for lying to his girlfriend about spending time with me.

“Oh my fuck. This is hilarious. Seriously. Someone call Comedy Central.”

“Brooke.” He says my name again, this time quieter.

I stop laughing. Just about.

“I’m sorry. I just think it’s funny. You want me to be nice to her but you lie to her about spending time with me.” I shrug a shoulder and peel a piece of pepperoni off my pizza. I’m not even that hungry anymore.

He sighs, putting the top down on his box, and sits back. “She thinks there’s something going on between us.”

I laugh even harder because I might cry if I don’t.

Hi, breaking heart. Grab the tissues, yo.

There’s an awkward silence hanging between us now. It’s not the first time someone has thought that, but given that the more time I spend with Cain, the more I seem to fall for him, it’s awkward. Especially since he’s lying to her just to hang out with me.

I clear my throat and look up at him. “That’s ridiculous. You’re my best friend. Like anything would ever happen between us. I can’t put up with your shit taste in music, for a start.”

“Exactly,” he replies in a quieter voice, scratching behind his ear again. “It’s fucking stupid. I can’t stand your taste in music either. Who the fuck likes Justin Bieber?”

“People who think Kanye West should retire.”

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies—usually wine—and writes books.

Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.

She likes to be busy—unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.
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ENDURANCE (Sin Trilogy, #4) by Georgia Cates Blog Tour: Reni's Review + Excerpt!

           

       

I’m a doctor. Mobster. Killer.
My hands are covered in filth. I don’t have the right to touch anything as clean and pure as Ellison MacAllister.

I distance myself … always remaining obscure, composed, restrained.
Careful to never allow my eyes to linger too long.
Careful to hide my interest.
Careful to keep my burning desire buried beneath the surface.

I do it for her—suffer in silence—because it’s what is best for the woman I love.
And she has no idea.

She’ll be initiated as a Fellowship member soon. One of my mafia brothers will go through endurance so he’ll earn the right to claim her.
Make her his wife.
Kill. Me. Slowly.

I’m running out of time. Only a month remains before she’s beyond my reach forever.
I want to taste her. Share sleepless nights. Ride out her storm.
I want to give her the kind of nights she will still feel between her legs the next morning.
I want us to share the kind of passion that forms on our skin and drips down to saturate the sheets.
Between the sweat and the moans and the messy hair, I want her to know how hard she’s been loved.

To have her is to taint her.
I should stay away. But I won’t. I can’t.
I’m a selfish bastard.
A selfish bastard in love.

AMAZON

Chapter 2: Ellison’s POV

“I’m not as strong as you.” I don’t have an ounce of willpower when it comes to this beautiful man. Even now, I want to plead with him to have me. To claim me. To take me into the bedroom and make me scream his name over and over.

“I’m not as strong as you think.”

“You were strong enough to tell me no.” I ache in my chest as I recall him pushing me away. No man has ever hurt my heart the way Jamie did that day.

“You’re wrong. I’m so damn weak when it comes to you, Ellison.”

We’d be together if that were so. “We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one.”

“The Order takeover is scheduled to happen in three weeks. You’re going to belong to another soon after. And it’s making me lose my fucking mind.”

Is it wrong to be happy to hear him admit he’s going crazy? “You made your decision.”

“What if I don’t want to live the rest of my life not knowing how you look when you wake next to me in the mornings, or how you feel in my arms at night when we fall asleep, or how you smile in your sleep when you’re dreaming of happy things?”

He didn’t mention a word about claiming or marrying me. That means I fall into the third category of females in his precious Fellowship. Fuck-worthy. “You said you wouldn’t taint me.”

“You won’t be considered tainted in the eyes of the brothers if they don’t know we’ve been together. It would have to be our secret.”

We’d be hush-hush, keeping everything we share in the dark . . . like it’s dirty. Like it’s wrong. Like it’s depraved.

So, what? When we’re over, I have to watch him hop from one Fellowship whore to the next because he can never have a wife? I have to pick up my broken heart and simply move on with my husband? I don’t work like that. It’s not in my makeup.

“I deserve better.”

“You deserve the best.” My chest tightens when Jamie repeats the words my father spent years instilling in me.

“You think sneaking around with you behind the backs of the brothers is what I deserve?” I want Jamie but not that way.

“It’s all I’m able to give you right now.”

“But I want more.”

I want his body, but more than that I want his love. I want his forever. My feelings are stronger than ever so what happens when our time together ends and I can’t give him up?

A month with the man I love versus never knowing what it feels like to have him inside me. Never knowing what it feels like to wake with him beside me. Never knowing what it feels like to have him hold me while I fall asleep. It should be a no-brainer . . . except I know me. I’ll fall so deeply in love with him that letting go will wreck me.

“A month together and then we part ways? It’s just not that simple.” It would be excruciating to mourn the loss of him in my life.

“You won’t question how hard you’ve been loved when I’m done.”

When I’m done. I hate those words so much. “Don’t you see? That’s the thing. I don’t want to be done and a month together is only going to solidify that for me.”

“I don’t want to be done either. If I could give you the kind of protection you’ll need, I would claim you today and give you my forever. But I can’t do that, Ellison. It isn’t what’s best for you. And I’d rather not have you than place you in danger because I’m selfish and want you for myself.”

“I shouldn’t be forced to decide between a month or never with you. It’s not fair.”

“I know. But you are who you are. I am who I am. Neither of us can be changed. I’ve given my life to The Fellowship. I’m committed to serving my brothers as a physician. My contribution. It isn’t possible to go back on my vow.”

I can’t make this decision right now. I need to think about the consequences of saying yes. “When do you need my answer?”

“Soon. I’ll have some backtracking to do with Sin if you decide against it.”

“Backtracking?”

“One of The Fellowship women entered nursing school a year ago so she could become my assistant. I told Sin her motive wasn’t to help the brotherhood or me. I convinced him she was becoming a nurse to get close to me so I’d claim her.”

The thought of Jamie claiming another woman makes me feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. Twice. “Is that true? Is she doing it because she wants you?”

He shrugs. “Maybe. I don’t know.”

I hate the thought of another woman getting close to Jamie. Despise it. “Would you claim this woman? Marry her?”

“You already know I’m not in a position to do either of those things right now.”

Right now doesn’t mean he won’t one day. “Would she live with you at the infirmary?”

“I haven’t given it a bit of thought. Spending the next month with you has been the only thing on my mind.”

She’ll live there. I know it.

I don’t want another woman living with him. But what say do I have if we aren’t together? None. Jamie can take in any woman he likes.

“Don’t think about her. Concentrate on us and focus on how good we’ll be together. How good the next month will be.”

A part of me wants to tell him he’s a selfish dickhead for asking this of me. But then there’s another part that understands exactly what he wants . . . because it’s what I want too.

“Can I have until tomorrow night?”

“Aye. I can cover with Sin until you decide. Until then, would you be willing to take a look at the properties with me tomorrow with the real estate agent? We’ll probably need some ideas on how each might or might not work for what we’ll need.”

What we’ll need. He’s so damn confident I’ll say yes to this proposal. I want to.

“Sure. What time?”

“Appointment is at 11:00. Could you be ready to go at 10:30?”

“Yeah.”

“All right. I understand this is a big decision. It’ll require a bit of consideration, so I’ll go and leave you with your thoughts.”

I follow Jamie to the door, maybe hoping he’ll offer a sample of what’s to come if I accept his proposal.

His hand goes for the doorknob but then retreats. “I think you could use a bit of friendly persuasion.”

I don’t have time to respond before my back is pressed firmly against the wall. I think he likes doing this—trapping me so I can’t escape his embrace.

His mouth comes down on mine forcefully as his hands move to grip my hips. The tips of his fingers dig into the flesh of my skin, almost painfully, through my yoga pants. He’s so aggressive. God, he would be a beast in bed.

My arms wrap around his shoulders as one of his hands glides around to grasp my ass and pull my leg upward so it’s wrapped around his waist. He dry humps me, grinding his hard cock against my crotch, as his mouth leaves mine to travel down my neck. “I’ll make it so good for you, Ellison. You won’t regret our time together. I swear.”

And that’s the problem. I know he’ll make it good for me, and it’ll possibly be the happiest time of my life. I’d get a taste of the life I could have with Jamie . . . and then it would be over. We wouldn’t have a choice. When it’s over, it’s over.

But, I crave him. Emotionally, physically . . . I want so badly to blurt out that I’ll do it. So tempting. But I don’t.

This man will consume me.

Burn me.

Destroy me.

And what’s worse, I may let him.

Endurance is the fourth book in the Sin Trilogy. Yeah, you read that right. The fourth book in a three part series. You're not hearing any complaints from me. I thought my fun with Bleu and crew was over. That thought alone is still depressing. I'm so, so, so glad I was wrong. 

Ellison is, as we all know (or don't know), Bleu's sister. She's much different than bad ass Bleu. Ellison works hard to keep people alive and kicking, unlike Bleu who just kicks or straight up kills them. But the sisters fiercely love one another, and when faced with living separate lives or bringing Ellison into the Fellowship fold, there really is no choice. They just need to find the right man to "claim" her and suffer through endurance (basically having your butt whooped) in order to make her a true member of The Fellowship. 

Ellison has her sights set on Jaime. Jaime has convinced himself he's unworthy. Why, you ask? Because he's a doctor. *insert eye roll* I know, right? A DOCTOR! Most parents would beg, steal and lie to get their kid hitched to one of those. Apparently in The Fellowship, saving lives makes you a wuss. Yeah, I don't get it either. 

Everyone, and I mean everyone - except Jaime's evil mother - realize the two are made for each other. Now if Ellison can just convince Jaime. 

Five minutes ago I thought I was getting everything I ever wanted. I thought my future was no longer bleak. I thought I was finally going to be happy. And now...my heart is breaking in two.

I know because the ache in my chest is excruciating.

There's never a dull moment with these people, I swear. It's non-stop crazy. I think drama oozes out of their pours. With that said, I would have liked more angst. I wanted more rip your heart out moments. And even though Jaime was rough and tough and bad to the bone, I heard about what a wiener he was for being a doctor so many times that I started to see him as a walking, talking hot dog. It would have been nice if he were able to finally see himself as...more. 

One thing is certain. I love, love, love this series. I'm absolutely thrilled that more books are in the works! I need to know what happens with... well, everyone! There are so many questions yet to be answered. 

One-click this series. You can start at the beginning or simply pick this stand alone up. (I recommend starting at the beginning.) The choice is yours. 

You can thank me later. 

Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent fourteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author and hasn’t looked back yet.

When she’s not writing, she’s thinking about writing. When she’s being domestic, she’s listening to her iPod and visualizing scenes for her current work in progress. Every story coming from her always has a song to inspire it.

Representation: All questions regarding subsidiary rights for any of my books, inquiries regarding foreign translation and film rights should be directed to Jane Dystel of Dystel & Goderich.

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SAY IT LOUDER (Tattoo Thief, #4) by Heidi Joy Tretheway Blog Tour: Reni's Review + Giveaway!

   

 One band. Five love stories. Too many secrets. We’ve been waiting a long time to find out how the band Tattoo Thief will deal with drummer Dave’s toxic ex—and the secrets she’s been collecting on everyone. It was worth the wait. You don’t have to be a fan of the series to love a book that starts fast with a huge wow moment and then unpacks the band’s secrets. In fact, you don’t have to read the earlier books because each book is a different love story about a different member of the band.   

I had a choice—dump my toxic girlfriend, or break up my band.

It should have been easy. But she’s been collecting dirt on all of us for years.

Just when I think I’ve hit rock bottom, a pink-haired street artist rocks my world. They call Willa “the Parking Lot Picasso.” I call her my refuge, my center, my last reason to hope.

When Willa’s life on the streets collides with a sudden spotlight on her art, I’ll stop at nothing to protect her. But when the spotlight turns on my secret shame, she might be my only salvation.

Amazon ebook | iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads | Paperback

 Get the first book in the Tattoo Thief series free (on iBooks, Amazon, Nook or Kobo), or dive in to Say it Louder by downloading a free extended sample for Kindle or all other devices. Check out this excerpt, and then enter the Rafflecopter giveaway to win a signed paperback and special swag.

I feel like I've waited a lifetime to get my hands on Say It Louder. In reality, it's been maybe a year. Either way, I can tell you this: It was worth the wait!

Admittedly, I've only read book three (and now four) of the Tattoo Thief series. But I have loved my time with the men and women associated with the band and have been biting my nails in anticipation of Dave's story. His now ex-girlfriend was/is/will always be kind of a witch. She's been collecting information on the band for years, information that will damage, even ruin lives. And the sick part is, she's not afraid to use it.

Dave, you sweet, sweet man. I kinda didn't like you in Revenge Bound. But if we're being honest, I don't think you liked yourself much either. And don't get me started on 'the one that shall not be named'. We already touched on her a little anyway.

Then you met Willa, and my love for you grew exponentially. You helped her, she helped you, and while neither necessarily wanted to, you fell in love.

I don't believe in much-my world's been turned upside-down in the past couple weeks-but I believe in her. 

And then evil Barbie plotted to ruin it all.

Damn that woman!

There was only one thing that irked me about Say It Louder. Just one.
The author used some odd terms to describe the tattoo industry. I've watched way too many episodes of Ink Master, and the lingo has kinda rubbed off on me. Proper terminology is big in the tattoo world. Again, like I said before, it was just something tiny like that.

Over-all...
I LOVED WILLA. Loved her. You know how much I adore a strong heroine. Well, I got one. Willa takes shit from no one, and because of that, I want to hug her anti-hugging self. Dave, like I said, won me over big time. And it was awesome to see the band come together and rally around the man who's held them together for years.

I definitely recommend the entire series (even if I do need to go back and read a few of the books myself.) Heidi has a fabulous way with words. The writing seems almost effortless. I can't wait to read more work by this super talented woman.

Heidi Joy Tretheway is a sucker for campfires, craft cocktails, and steamy romance in books and real life. She sings along with musicals (badly), craves French carbs, and buys plane tickets the way some women buy shoes.

Her first career as a journalist took Heidi behind the scenes with politicians, rock stars, and chefs, all of whom inspire her stories. Heidi Joy is currently working on her tenth book from her home in southwestern Washington.   

Author Links:

• Website: heidijoytretheway.com
• Facebook.com/author.heidi
• Amazon.com/author/heidi
• Goodreads.com/heidi.tretheway
• Twitter.com/heiditretheway
• BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/heidi-joy-tretheway
• Newsletter signup: tinyurl.com/heidisbooks

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JUNKIE(Broken Dolls, #1) by Heather C. Leigh Release Day Blitz: Reni's Review, Excerpt + Giveaway!

• NEW DARK ROMANCE by Heather C. Leigh
  
  Meet Miri (Junkie) and Jagger (Boss) in the Broken Doll Series!
  
  NOW LIVE & FREE
  on KINDLE UNLIMITED!
  Junkie (Book One)
  Amazon US:  http://amzn.to/2bI47Mm
  Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bgZfye
  
  Want a Spoiler Free Bonus Scene of Jagger?
  Download here: http://bit.ly/2bMqC1v
  
  Jagger (Book Two) Releases September 27th
  Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2bcNfvW
  Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2bKBKy0

• 
  

I'm a heroin addict. A junkie. A whore. I'll do anything to get my next fix.

Anything.

Including walking right onto the property of Austin's most ruthless and feared drug lord to beg for some H. I don't know his name, only that people call him Boss. Oh, and that he won't think twice to put a bullet in my head.

But like I said, I'll do anything to get my next fix. Even if it costs me my life.

Or changes it forever.

After reading the blurb for Junkie, I decided to give it a try. I’m usually not overly eager to dive into dark novels, but this one peeked my interest. An addict that falls in love with a drug king pin. Sign me up. 

But here’s the thing…

Junkie wasn’t overly dark.

I actually had trouble imagining Boss as the boss, and even more trouble imagining him as some sort of bad ass Texan. He gave in a lot. The man made more empty threats than any drug lord should. Heads should have rolled. In my very humble opinion, his right hand man should have been strapped to a chair and had rubber bands wrapped around his testicles a couple of times. But no…Boss just sort of growled at him and occasionally threatened him with the blade of a knife. He even let Miri get away with way more than she should have. 

A little more back story would have been nice. We have a little more insight into Miri’s life than Boss’s, but even that lacking. I’m guessing Heather will address this more thoroughly in Jagger, the next installment in this twisted tale. 

Since this is obviously part of a series (Junkie and Jagger) it should go without saying that Miri and Boss’s story doesn’t come to a beautifully wrapped conclusion in this book. I’m eager to see what happens next but wasn’t left craving a conclusion. 

Overall, I was expecting something darker, deeper, harder. While Junkie was a good, easy read, it was drug lord light. That’s probably good for people like me, ones who are fairly new to the dark read world.  

If you’re a hardcore, balls to the wall, give it to me dark and dirty type reader, this book might leave you slightly unsatisfied. If you’re into the idea of a dark read, but would like it to be a little less bloody, disturbing, and extreme, by all means, please pick up this book. 

Was it enjoyable? Yes. 

Was it worth my time? Yes.

Was it everything I expected it to me? Not exactly.

Would I recommend it? Yes, yes I would. 

Junkie was good, but missing something to push it over the edge into the land of great. The story was entertaining and the characters likable. I just wish the author had taken that additional step into the dark. 

Boss forces Miri in the shower to get clean

Fighting the intense, gut-clenching fear, I tightened my grip, using his strong muscles to keep me upright as he washed my feet. The cloth skimmed up my legs one at a time, his hands scrubbing over and over as the foam rinsed away days of dirt and grime. The boss skipped my clothed midsection, straightened to his full height, and repeated the process with my arms, spending extra time on my dirt-caked hands and nails, and the track marks on my arms, only moving on when my skin glowed pink.
Next, he lifted my long red hair off my neck and slid the cloth across the top of my back and shoulders, then around the front to wash the exposed part of my chest where my tank top dipped low. I glanced down as his enormous, bruised and scabbed hands worked over my skin, only then realizing my white tank was completely transparent and I wasn’t wearing a bra. Instinctively, my hands flew up to cover my breasts. He chuckled, a smooth, deep sound so seductive it could easily charm a roomful of people and melt every pair of panties in a five-mile radius.
“A little too late for that, doll. Seein’ as I’ve already got a good look at everything.”
Something about his cocky drawl, the crooked smirk on his face, and that single raised eyebrow felt like a challenge. My courage, boosted by the decadent lull of my best friend, heroin, had me meeting his gaze head-on. Determined to show the boss I wasn’t a cowering scaredy-cat, I fingered the hem, tugged the wet tank over my head, and tossed it to the floor with a loud splat. The man’s eyes widened, which only fueled my desire to make him eat his stupid words. Still staring directly into those sapphire eyes, I stuck my thumbs in the waistband of my shorts and shoved them down, stepped out, and kicked them aside. Completely naked, I stood my ground and raised my own brow in return, hands on my hips.
Our eyes were locked a few more seconds before he threw his head back and burst out laughing. The action made him look years younger than I originally believed. “You are somethin’ else, you know that, doll?”
Instead of answering, I snatched the soapy washcloth from his hand and quickly finished washing my newly exposed skin.
“Here.”
Jerk.
The boss scrambled to catch the cloth I whipped at his chest before turning to storm out of the shower. I yelped when he grabbed me by the arm and yanked me toward him. The blazing heat of his chest was pressed against the bare skin of my back and I trembled from head to toe. The boss held tight and lowered his mouth to my ear.
“First, don’t ever fucking throw shit at me again.” Chills broke out across my skin at his angry threat. “You will not disrespect me in my own house, especially after I fucking took you in instead of killing you the second you set foot on my property. Got it?” When I didn’t answer, he squeezed my upper arms until I whimpered.
“Y-yes. I get it.” I struggled to keep from screaming out of pure terror. What was I thinking? Mouthing off to a drug lord while naked in his shower and a house full of his goons one floor below. I couldn’t possibly be more vulnerable.
After digging his fingers in for another long moment to prove he was in charge, the boss released me and spun me around as he picked up another bottle. “Your hair is fucking disgusting. It needs to be washed.” He wrinkled his nose in distaste and once more, shame flooded me with heat. This man had a way of making me feel as though I was less than human. He held out the bottle, shaking it in my face. “Either you do it, or I do, doll. But you’re not getting out of here until you’ve cleaned the junkie stench off.”
The backs of my eyes stung and my face caught fire. I couldn’t look at him as I took the bottle and poured some shampoo into a shaky hand. He washed himself quickly then stood with his arms crossed over his wide chest as I lathered my hair and rinsed off under the spray.
“Again,” he demanded. I bit my lip to keep from telling him to fuck off and did as I was told.
When the last suds swirled down the drain, the boss was silent as he reached around me and cut off the water. He carefully folded the washcloth, laid it on the edge of the sink, and stepped out of the shower enclosure. He handed me a towel, and picked one up for himself. I tried not to watch as he rubbed the fluffy white cloth over all of those tan muscles, but it was futile. Staring, I was mesmerized by the sight as the boss wrapped the towel around his waist and shucked his wet briefs from underneath. I gulped, knowing he was now naked beneath the soft terrycloth, a mere foot away.
When the silence became uncomfortable, I clutched my own towel to my chest, dug up what little courage I had left, and turned to face him with a huff. “We showered together and I don’t even know your name.”
He quirked that damn eyebrow again and smiled, white teeth gleaming in the middle of his dark designer stubble. If I didn’t know he was a widely feared drug lord and a pushy, high-handed, scary motherfucker, I’d find his expression almost charming.
“Boss.”
“I know you’re The Boss, I want to know your name.”
“My name is Boss,” he repeated. “Or Boss Man. Either one works.” As if he didn’t have a care in the world, as if forcing unwilling women into a shower were an everyday occurrence, he shrugged and brushed a hand through his wet hair.
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, don’t tell me.” This guy was so damn frustrating. He shot me up with H, dumped me in the shower, humiliated me, washed me, but wouldn’t tell me his name. Whatever. I turned my back to him.
Big mistake.
Two large hands wrapped around my shoulders, and I was jerked back against his body once more. Both of us were currently clad only in towels, his slung low around his waist and mine tucked under my armpits. There wasn’t as much skin-on-skin contact as in the shower, but this felt much more intimate. Slowly, Boss spun me around to face him, and I had to muffle a frightened cry. His blue eyes were narrowed to slits, nostrils flaring. The transformation from playful to furious was immediate and absolutely terrifying. For the first time since I’d showed up on his lawn, I was truly, without a doubt, scared shitless.
This man, the one in front of me—so different from the man who laughed in the shower—is what I expected from the drug lord I heard rumors about. Horrible rumors of unspeakable acts of violence. A ruthless man to be respected and feared.
Boss pressed the length of his half-naked body against me, and growled, teeth glinting behind curled lips. “That’s the second time you turned your back on me after mouthing off. I’m only going to say this once more, Miri, so listen carefully.” He lowered his head and his breath ghosted across my neck. I shuddered and a whimper escaped my throat, the result of a horrifying combination of lust and fear. “You are my guest. You snuck onto my property and you’re goddamn lucky I didn’t let Milo shoot you on sight. No, I saved you, took your ass in, gave you your fucking heroin, and washed a couple weeks’ worth of filth and scum off of you using my very expensive body wash that, incidentally, I never share with anyone. I expect you to be grateful for my hospitality and treat me with some goddamn motherfucking respect, got it?” His hands tightened around my arms incrementally as he spoke. His message was quite clear as his touch became more and more painful. I knew his thick fingers would leave bruises on my pale, fragile skin.
Legs shaking, I nearly pissed myself when faced with the lethal side of this man.
“I want to hear you say you understand, Miri.” Boss let go and stepped back until his eyes bored holes into me from beneath heavy brows.
Filled with terror, my heart pounded and my breath caught in my lungs, rendering me speechless. His eyes narrowed, not happy with my silence. Somehow, I managed to choke out two words.

“I-I understand.”

Heather C. Leigh is the author of the Amazon best selling Famous series. She likes to write about the 'dark' side of fame. The part that the public doesn't get to see, how difficult it is to live in a fishbowl and how that affects relationships.

Heather was born and raised in New England and currently lives outside Atlanta, GA with her husband, 2 kids, and French Bulldog, Shelby.

She loves the Red Sox, the Patriots, and anything chocolate (but not white chocolate, everyone knows it's not real chocolate so it doesn't count) and has left explicit instructions in her will to have her ashes snuck into Fenway Park and sneakily sprinkled all over while her family enjoys beer, hot dogs, and a wicked good time.

My favorite authors are Dan Wells, Ken Follett, and Stephen King.
STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Reni's Review: THE HARD SELL by Lulu Wright

Lily Brook works in men's underwear, but she would love to get Jack Stewart out of his.

Lily hasn't dated anyone worth writing home about for years. So when she meets the impossible and impossibly handsome Jack Stewart--well, you could say he piques her interest. It doesn't matter that he's the cockiest asshole this side of the Mason-Dixon line.

Jack Stewart is destined for success. With his designer suits, intense hazel eyes, and penthouse apartment, he's the total package. But he's also the manager of Hamilton's Department Store--the store where Lily could make or break her career. He would never fraternize with an employee. And there's no way in hell Lily would risk her job on the hottest guy in Philadelphia. Right?

But she can't stop imagining what he'd look like in a pair of Flash Fit's sexy male underwear...

He shouldn't dip his wick in the company's ink, but he can't resist Lily's curvaceous body and wacky charm. He wants Lily--in the break room, the dressing area, everywhere.

Making a move on Jack could end her career. But can Lily resist his Hard Sell? 

Let’s talk rom-com:
Who loves them? Better question: who doesn’t? There’s something about a little comedy and some gooey love that makes women (and some men) swoon. We get lost in the fun and the bickering. We look forward to the next time the characters will lose their cool. We hold our breath as they fall in love and then, in-turn, screw the whole thing up.  The Hard Sell is no exception. Exploring new authors is always hit or miss. There’s no telling what you’ll get. But from page one, Lulu had me. She had me!

Let’s talk Lily:
I was in love from the moment she talked about losing her wallet in the bag. I swear there’s a black hole it escapes to when it doesn’t want to be found.

“Of course, my backpack has eaten my wallet. Shit. It never matters how big or small the purse (or backpack) is, they always manage to swallow the only thing you need, right when you need it.”

She’s a hardworking, tough, crude business woman with a heart of gold. The woman knows her ass from her elbow and can dress any man’s privates in the appropriate manties. What I’m saying here is that Flash Fit, the underwear line she works for, hit the jackpot when they hired her. She now has a chance at a regional position with the company but first must prove herself by increasing sales in the swanky Hamilton’s department store, located in the heart of Philly.  There’s just has one obstacle – Jack Stewart, Manager of Men’s Basics.

Let’s Talk Jack:
He’s a dick.

Okay, not really. He just appears to be one for a good portion of the book. He’s also being blackmailed by an ex he can’t shake, has a gossip hungry sister, is trying to prove himself to his to daddy dearest, and carries the nickname ‘Jack hammer’ around just like the damn clipboard he won’t put down. Oh, and he’s super sexy. Annoyingly so. He also intends on making Lily’s life hell. Sexual frustration can be a dangerous thing, friends.

Beyond the banter (which is fabulous), the story unfolds nicely. It’s obvious Jack has some skeletons in his closet, ones he, of course, is intent on telling Lily but doesn’t…
Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.

Let’s talk sex:
It’s crazy hot. There’s a little exploration in the bedroom, but nothing too intense. It’s a comfortable mix, for those of you who are less into kinky playtime. They’re pretty daring on the places they choose to partake in some sexercise. It actually makes the book a little steamier, causing it to stand out more in my memory.

Let’s talk ‘the end’:
This one wraps up pretty quickly. Usually I’m not a fan of that. I like long drawn out angst ridden sessions where hearts are shattered and lives are changed. This break up was more like a temporary scratch, fixed with a little art therapy and some Neosporin. But it worked.

There were a few tiny issues I had with the book: dinner magically removing itself from the oven, slapped faces that were never actually written into the story (that I can recall…) Silly things that are really inconsequential.

Do I think you should read The Hard Sell? Hell yeah, I do. We have a bright, strong, hardworking, sassy heroine and a gruff, straight-laced, gorgeous hero. They butt heads. They fall for one another. What’s not to like? Honestly, guys, add this one to your TBR list and make sure to pick it up on release day. (9/26/2016)

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