contemporary romance | Page 13 of 200

*****

Lockdown by Mia Hopkins

BLURB:

Alice

For the past year, my life has been a raging trash fire. Right now, a house sitting job sounds perfect—one long summer, alone in someone else’s mansion with nothing but my stupid broken heart. Everything is going fine…until I find the key. Until I find him.

Ivan

I’m the only locksmith in the city who can crack this lock. It’s a complicated job, made even more complicated by the gorgeous, mysterious woman who hired me. She lives here alone, haunting this house like a ghost. What is her story? And why can’t I get her out of my mind?

*****

EXCERPT:

She’s right. This feels good—so good.

I break the surface and take a deep breath. I rub my hair out of my eyes and tread water, laughing. I can’t remember the last time I went swimming.

Alice splashes me with water. “Race you to the other side?”

“You’re on.”

“One, two, three, go!”

I do some kind of weird freestyle-butterfly stroke until my lungs are busted, but it’s no use. A 38-year-old sack of lead has nothing on a 23-year-old mermaid. She reaches the end of the pool three seconds ahead of me.

“Again!” she says. “The other side. One, two, three, go!”

I swim with one arm ahead of me, making sure not to smash my face into the concrete. It’s pitch black out here. I come to realize this is a long, narrow pool, like a business envelope, meant for laps. We criss cross it two more times with Alice winning every race until I have to call a time out, my old man lungs wheezing and burning while she cackles with delight.

“Chan takes the gold!” she hollers, apparently not winded at all. She puts on a sports announcer’s voice. “Mendoza nabs the silver. Not a bad showing for the former locksmith turned extremely unlikely Olympic swimmer!”

I can’t help it. I start laughing like a little kid.

To catch our breath, we swim a lazy backstroke back and forth across the pool. Even after my eyes adjust to the darkness, it’s a crescent moon—too faint to see Alice’s face, even though she’s less than a foot from me.

“Do you swim out here a lot?” I ask.

“Every day. It’s my favorite thing about this house.”

“It’s a nice perk,” I say. “Do you swim at night? Alone?”

“Every now and then.”

“Seems like it could be dangerous. Out here by yourself. Something bad could happen.”

“Something bad could happen anywhere. At least here it’s peaceful.” When we reach the middle of the pool, she stops swimming. “Here, try this. Just float on your back and close your eyes.”

I do as she says. I lie on my back and float so that only my face is above the surface. With water in my ears, I can hear only my own breathing. I close my eyes and I feel weightless, like I’m flying. Drops of water cool on my skin. Inhale, exhale. In the stillness, I can hear my own heartbeat, slow and even. Is it always like this? As loud as this? Am I just too distracted to ever listen to it?

“Okay,” Alice says quietly. “Now open your eyes.”

The chlorine stings just a little, but I blink it away. When I look up, the only thing I can see is the night sky. My eyes, accustomed now to the dark, discern a whole field of stars, some bright, some faint. Far from the city lights, out here in the mountains, the stars are dazzling. And suspended in the swimming pool, my body tricks my brain into believing I’m flying, weightless.

“Wow,” I say. “Amazing.”

“Right?”

“That’s so cool. Did you discover this?”

“A long time ago,” she says.

We float together among the stars for a long time. I listen to the rhythm of my breathing and my heartbeat. Two fancy beers and I’m feeling good. A warm breeze blows across my face and chest and I get goosebumps.

Working the hours I’ve been working, pushing as hard as I have, I don’t get a lot of opportunities to be still.

In that moment, Alice and I drift together, bumping each other’s forearms.

She stops floating and begins to tread water. “Oops.” She gives a little laugh. “Collision course.”

The pool is shallower here, so I get to my feet. Because of her height, Alice can’t reach the bottom. She puts her hands on my shoulders and I lead her up the slope of the pool until she can stand up on her own. But when she does, she doesn’t let go of my shoulders. My skin tingles where her fingers grip me. Blood rushes through my body.

It’s been two years since a woman’s touched me.

I’m grateful—grateful for the darkness and the way it’s hiding the embarrassing way my body is reacting to this.

Alice steps closer to me. I don’t know which urge to fight—the urge to throw my arms around her or the urge to pull away. I’ve shied away from contact like this for a reason. I don’t know how to withstand it. I barely survived one woman. I don’t think I could survive a second, no matter how fun and meaningless something like this is meant to be.

Alice steps even closer. I hold my breath.

In the starlight, I can see the faintest outline of her cheekbones, her chin. I can feel her soft breath on my lips. She wants me to kiss her. When she runs her hands from my shoulders down to my chest, her palms brush my nipples. I almost jump out of my skin.

My brain pings everywhere. Suddenly I feel like a high school student, messing around with a girl while her parents are away. Everything about this screams adolescent fantasy—skinny dipping, underage drinking, a young woman who’s making all the moves for me. I’m confused. Was it ever like this in reality? High school was twenty years ago, but I’m pretty sure this didn’t happen to me back then.

“Ivan,” she whispers. “Are you okay?”

With cupped hands, Alice pours water over my bare shoulders and chest. She touches my face. The smooth skin of her hands brushes my unshaven jaw and she runs her thumb back and forth over my mouth. My nervous system threatens to blow like an electrical panel. My brain is a crazy, confused bird bashing itself to pieces inside my skull.

Shit.

Is this what it’s like to be seduced? I’ve never been seduced in my entire life. Do men get seduced?

“Are you okay?” she asks again. “Is this okay?”

“Sure, it’s—I mean…it’s just…”

I stop talking, take a deep breath, and force myself to regain control. Under the surface of the water, I rest my hands on her hips and take a half-step closer to her. In the dark, in the water, hidden by starlight, I can imagine she’s just a dream. It feels safer that way.

“This is okay,” I whisper. “I’m okay.”

Softly, I kiss her forehead. Her skin is cold, and the chlorine tastes bittersweet.

Remembering her pale brown freckles, I kiss her right cheek, then her left.

I copy her movements and brush my thumb against her mouth. Her lips are parted, and her warm breath washes over my skin.

When I lean down and kiss her at last, my eyes close tight. She wraps her arms around my shoulders and kisses me back, this strange young woman, this bit of starlight, this mermaid, this dream.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mia Hopkins writes lush romances starring fun, sexy characters who love to get down and dirty. She’s a sucker for working class heroes, brainy heroines and wisecracking best friends. She lives in Los Angeles with her roguish husband and waggish dog.

Spotlight on One Night More by Sabrina Sol (@theromancechica @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

by Lucy Felthouse | May 11, 2018 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist: Sinfully Sweet Designs

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

PREORDER LINKS:

*****

One Night More By Sabrina Sol

BLURB:

With only hours until her big 3-0, Vanessa still has three things left on her “Before I Turn Thirty” bucket list: have a one night stand, get a tattoo, and get engaged. When her boyfriend dumps her during dinner, she knows a ring isn’t happening. But no-strings sex with the handsome stranger she later meets at a bar? Check.

Mateo never expected to hook up with the sexy brunette. He also didn’t expect for her to bolt before he could get her last name. Luckily, he’s about to get a second chance.

But Vanessa only wants to forget that night once she realizes Mateo is the owner of the landscaping company vying for a lucrative contract at the hotel where she and her father work. With Vanessa’s dad deciding if Mateo’s business will get the multi-million dollar deal, they must keep things strictly professional—or else risk consequences that could affect their families.

*****

EXCERPT:

He didn’t say anything. At least not right away.

Mateo stayed quiet if only to give himself time to adjust to the erection that had just formed in his pants. God, there was something so fucking sexy about a woman who asked for exactly what she wanted. So why wasn’t he grabbing her by the hand and running toward her suite?

She must have wondered the same thing. The air between them flowed with uncertainty as her expression changed from confident to embarrassed. It didn’t matter that he hardly knew this woman, he still hated that he was the one responsible for that look in her eyes.

What the fuck was wrong with him?

“Okay, so I guess that’s a no,” she blurted nervously. “Sorry for making things weird. You’ve been nothing but friendly and I overstepped. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go to my room and pretend this night never happened. It was nice meeting you. Have a good, um, life.”

Vanessa jumped off the stool and grabbed her purse. His hand flew out immediately and he caught her wrist before she could take another step.

He waited until she would look him in the eye. “Stop. You didn’t make things weird or overstep. You just surprised me, that’s all.”

“Oh,” she said, with a sly smile. “So you do want to have sex with me?”

Mateo loosened his grip only to pull her closer. Her soft thighs rubbed against his knees and he fought back a groan. “Right now, it’s about the only fucking thing I want in this world. But…”

That sexy smile disappeared. “But what?”

He sighed. “I’m just not so sure it’s the best idea. For you. Or me.”

Her eyes dropped to the floor. “Okay.”

“Shit,” he grumbled. “You seem like such an amazing woman, Vanessa. And, believe me, if we had met a few weeks ago, I’d be all over you right now. It’s complicated.”

Her eyes widened and she yanked her arm from his grasp. “Oh my God. You have a girlfriend, don’t you?”

“What? No. No I swear I don’t. I’m single.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

She squinted. “How would you….? Oh. I get it. It’s because I’ve never done something like this before. You’re worried I don’t know the rules.”

He shrugged. “Even though we just met, I’d hate to be another reason why you regretted tonight.”

Vanessa nodded as if she agreed and he expected her to walk away. Instead, she nudged his knees open and walked between them until her face was only inches away from his. He could smell her perfume–sweet, yet bold. Somehow he resisted the urge to nuzzle her neck and take a taste.

“I’m a big girl, Mateo. You don’t have to worry about hurting me. I understand what this would be and I’m okay with it. In fact, I’m pretty excited about it. But I’ll understand if you still can’t. So, this is what’s going to happen. I’m going to head up to my room—it’s suite 600. If you don’t knock on the door in the next fifteen minutes, then I’ll know your decision. This way you don’t owe me an explanation either way, okay?”

“But…”

She shushed him by placing a finger against his lips. God, how he wanted to suck on that finger. “Fifteen minutes. Room 600.”

And then she was gone.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

This chica loves love. I write spicy romance stories featuring smart & sexy Latina heroines. I live in sunny Southern California with my husband, three kids, two Beagles and one Bulldog.

I’m part of a large, extended Mexican family and we love to laugh almost as much as we love to eat! Because of this, family and food are strong themes behind many of my stories.

But if any of my tias or cousins ask, they are definitely NOT the source of inspiration for some of my characters. Okay?

Spotlight on Scout’s Honor by Maia Dylan (@maiadylanauthor @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

by Lucy Felthouse | May 10, 2018 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist: Sinfully Sweet Designs

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

PREORDER LINKS:

*****

Scout’s Honor by Maia Dylan

BLURB:

As the manager of an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, the safety of the men under his control was the most important thing to Cooper. That was until Dr. Honor Jennings stepped from a helicopter and proceeded to show him that playing it safe wasn’t always the best way forward.

When Honor arrived onboard the rig, she was fully prepared to uncover the safety breaches an anonymous source had advised her were taking place. She was completely unprepared for her reaction to the rig manager. The cold-blooded murder she witnessed came as a downright shock!

Can Cooper keep Honor safe with a murderer on the loose and a storm keeping them isolated from the mainland, or will the risk prove too much and cost them everything?

*****

EXCERPT:

“Don’t be a prick, Greg.” Honor could hear the snarl in her own voice and didn’t give a shit. Her Irish heritage wasn’t just responsible for her hair and her coloring. It was a healthy contributor to her fiery nature and quick temper, too. “We both know you have no authority or right to freeze wages. If you think the guys on this rig are going to pay any attention whatsoever to your over inflated ego and blustering, you really are as thick as Mr. Cooper said you are.”

Greg’s gaze slid to her and glared. “Honor, you’re here at our request to satisfy the curiosity of our board, and no other reason.” He slid a knowing glance at Joey. “Perhaps you might find something else to hold your attention while we are out here and let me and my team take care of this mess. I know from personal experience, you aren’t above taking some time out on the job and seeking, shall we say, a more intimate knowledge of those you are working with.”

Honor felt the heat rise in her cheeks, and cursed that particular aspect of her heritage, but she refused to give this bastard the satisfaction of seeing her wilt beneath his accusation. She felt the man next to her tense, and could tell Cooper was about to say something. Never one to let another fight her battles, Honor stepped forward.

“For Christ’s sake, Greg…” Honor heard the contempt in her own tone. “If you want everyone in the room to know you and I fucked once, just say it. Innuendo was never one of your strong points, and apparently good taste in men was never one of mine.” Joey’s quick laugh morphed into a cough. “Putting aside my little mistake, and yes, I do mean little, investigating this morning’s incident and getting to the bottom of exactly what is going on here will more than hold my attention. I’m not here at JPG’s request, and your board did everything they could to ensure I wasn’t on that chopper, yet here I am. And why is that? Because the Ocean Energy Safety Institute has a state mandate to investigate health and safety violations in this industry at sea. So I would suggest you pull up your big boy panties and deal with it. This rig will remain under a stop-work until the OESI and Mr. Cooper are satisfied.”

Honor kept the fact someone had been anonymously sending inspection outcomes and incident summaries to the OESI for the past few weeks to herself. She had no desire to see someone who was trying to do the right thing get punished for it.

Greg’s face had turned an interesting shade of purple. “Remember you’re walking a very thin line with the OESI yourself, Dr. Jennings. But there is one thing we can agree on. The sooner we get started, the sooner we can get the hell off this rig and back to civilization.”

“Then why don’t we start with the site inspection.” Cooper spoke from beside her, and when Honor turned to look at him, she was thankful to see he was no longer scowling at her. Her breath caught once more at how spectacularly hot he was.

He had golden eyes the color of honey, surrounded with thick, long lashes any woman would have coveted. High cheekbones, square jaw with the right amount of stubble, and despite the hardhat he wore, she could see his black hair was thick. Cooper wore a set of coveralls that had SCOUT DRILLING embroidered on the left side, but they did little to detract from his broad shoulders, sculpted chest, and narrow hips. Hell, even the oil that marred the coveralls looked sexy on the man.

“That sounds like a great place to start,” Honor agreed, ignoring the fact she felt a little breathless.

“So, why don’t you follow me, Mr. Frederickson and clones, and we’ll see about getting you the correct PPE,” Joey announced, walking to the internal door on the opposite side of the room. “We shouldn’t compound the issues we have on the Discovery by not following protocol and wearing the correct protective personal equipment now should we.”

Greg and the other two men followed Joey, and from the stiff way Greg walked out of the room, she knew he was pissed and couldn’t help the wave of satisfaction that rolled through her.

Cooper huffed a laugh, and she turned back to look at him. The grin on his face had heat pooling within her. “I have gotta ask: What the hell was a woman like you doing with an asshole like him?”

Honor grinned back and shrugged her shoulders. “I thought Greg was quite specific, but if you’re asking me how the hell it happened? Well, we all make mistakes, right? Mine happens to be a six foot, narcissistic asshole who works in the same industry as I do, and is currently through that door pulling on coveralls, steel caps, and a hard hat.”

Cooper looked at her for a long time. “You handled his bullshit though. I was going to punch him in the face with the intention of breaking his nose.”

Honor laughed. “Effective, but potentially career limiting. I’m not sure what the powers that be at Scout Drilling would have to say about it, but I think there might be laws or policies against laying out a senior manager of the petroleum company you’re under contract with.”

The door opened, and the others stepped into the room. “Let’s get this over with. I want to be back on the mainland as soon as possible. I hate these goddamn submersibles.”

Cooper’s gaze hadn’t moved from her. “And yet the compulsion remains strong, and I can’t help thinking it could be worth the punishment.” He turned back to face the JPG team. “Follow me.”

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

I write the kind of books that I love to read. Love stories between strong men and their independent soulmates. Usually, their path to Happily Ever After is a bumpy one, but there is always a Happy Ever After.

In the world’s I create there is someone (or two, or three) for everyone! Love comes in many forms and I believe it is all beautiful and should be celebrated!

I live, love and write in New Zealand, married to my husband of eleven years with two beautiful children who I truly believe were sent as a blessing, but sometimes to try my patience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Stepping Stones by Elizabeth Morgan (@EMorgan2010) #giveaway

by Lucy Felthouse | May 9, 2018 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

Blurb:

There’s nothing like a wedding to bring the family together….

If not for her baby sister’s impending marriage, Margaret West would never return home. But after six long years, she finds herself a maid of honour who must answer to the people she left behind.

If her parents’ interrogation doesn’t drive her to drink, facing her foster brother, Adrian, just might. To make matters worse, her ex-fiancé is the vicar who will conduct her sister’s ceremony.

Everyone demands to know why she ran off. But the more time she spends at home, the more Margaret realizes even she doesn’t know the real reason.

Length: 32,000 words/118 pages| Content: Contemporary Romance| Publisher: Elizabeth Morgan

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2H3fWf8

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2Hzquni

Barnes&Noble: https://bit.ly/2qzZKf6

iTunes: https://apple.co/2HiWheP

Smashwords: https://bit.ly/2qyr7GG

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2JMyPVn

Also available in print from Amazon and Barnes & Noble!

~ * ~

Excerpt:

“When is Aidy getting here?” Jessica grabbed the large bowl of scrambled eggs and brought it closer to her plate.

“I think his flight is due in at three.” My mother placed a dish of bacon on the table and took a seat beside me. “He will be in time for the wedding rehearsal; don’t worry.”

My stomach clenched. “Wedding rehearsal?” I coughed, trying to clear the chunk of toast lodged in my throat. “What wedding rehearsal?”

“Today at four. We’re running through the service.” Jess scooped egg onto her plate. “I told you.”

Nervous laughter bubbled in my throat, and try as I may, I couldn’t stop shaking my head. “No.” I patted my chest. “No, you never mentioned a rehearsal.”

“Oh.” She placed the bowl back in the middle of the table. “I could have sworn I did.”

“Nope, you didn’t. Believe me, I would have remembered otherwise.” I grabbed my mug and knocked the coffee back before finishing my piece of toast.

“Well, it’s no big deal.” Edward took the bowl of eggs and helped himself.

“Just a quick run-through.”

“Will everyone be there?” Forcing a smile on my face, I looked up at them both, hoping like hell my question would pass as innocent and genuine curiosity.

“Anyone who is involved in the wedding itself will be.”

Great. So that meant Jessica, Edward, the parents, and the bridesmaids, plus me. Plus Adrian and…. “Will Vicar Taylor be there?”
Oh, God, did my voice just go higher?

“Yes, Margaret, William will be there. He is the one who is marrying Jessie and Edward, so he needs to be there.” My father skewered some bacon and tomatoes onto his fork.

Grimacing, I reached out and grabbed another piece of toast. “Just a question, Pa.”

A stupid one, but a question, nevertheless…

“It is normal for people to have wedding rehearsals, Margaret. Just because you—”

Jess picked up the coffeepot. “Does anyone want more coffee?”

I straightened, my focus fixed on Pa. “I’m aware.”

“Maggie?”

My father’s shoulders went rigid. He lifted his head, and our gazes locked. I didn’t miss the way the muscle in the side of his neck ticked. Arguing with my father in front of Jessica and Edward was not an option, so I looked away.

“Please.” I held out my mug, and Jess poured the dark liquid.

I could kick myself. A wedding rehearsal hadn’t even crossed my mind. Having to stand at the altar before William on the actual wedding day would be hard enough, but having to do it twice…my stomach churned.

“So, will Adrian come straight to the church?” Edward cut the awkward silence.

“Yes. He will get a taxi to the church, and then we will bring him and his luggage back here.” My mother held her mug out to Jess.
“Adrian is staying here? Tonight?” I added sugar to my coffee. “Won’t it be crowded? I thought—”

“No more crowded than it was in your childhood.” My father took a bite of his toast.

More and more good news. Of course he would be staying here; it was his family home, after all. I guess it was stupid of me to hope he would go to a B&B, but my parents wouldn’t have allowed it even if he’d suggested it. I hadn’t seen him in six years, hadn’t spoken to him.

And yet, in a couple of hours, I would be locked in the same house with him.

~ * ~

About the Author:

Elizabeth Morgan is a multi-published author of urban fantasy, paranormal, erotic horror, f/f, and contemporary; all with a degree of romance, a dose of action and a hit of sarcasm, sizzle or blood, but you can be sure that no matter what the genre, Elizabeth always manages to give a unique and often humorous spin to her stories.

Like her tagline says; A pick ‘n’ mix genre author. “I’m not greedy. I just like variety.”

And that she does, so look out for more information on her upcoming releases at her website: www.e-morgan.com

Away from the computer, Elizabeth can be found in the garden trying hard not to kill her plants, dancing around her little cottage with the radio on while she cleans, watching movies or good television programmes – Dr Who? Atlantis? The Musketeers? Poldark? American Horror Story? Heck, yes! – Or curled up with her two cats reading a book.

Where to find Elizabeth Online:

Website: www.e-morgan.com
Blog: www.xxxxmyworldxxxx.blogspot.co.uk
Twitter: @EMorgan2010
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2FCvgPz
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/ElizabethMorgan
Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElizabethMorgan/
Blood Series Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheBloodSeries/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/elizabethm2012/boards/
Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.co.uk/elizabeth_morgan

~ * ~

Giveaway!

Stepping Stones re-release also marks my final title being reclaimed and self-published. Yes, that’s right; I am officially, 100% a self-published Author and loving it.

So to celebrate I’m giving two lucky readers the chance to win all 8 of my titles in ebook format. That’s right you can win an ebook copy of each of my following titles and yes, that includes today’s re-release;

Stepping Stones

Razel Dazzle

Creak

On the Rocks

Truth or Dare?

All 3 books in The Blood Series;
She-Wolf

Cranberry Blood

Blood Secrets

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning these titles is leave some entries on the below rafflecopter. Yes, it’s that simple. Thank you in advance and Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight on Pieced Together by Lori King (@lorikingbooks @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

by Lucy Felthouse | May 7, 2018 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist: Sinfully Sweet Designs

*****

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

PREORDER LINKS:

https://www.facebook.com/Storm-Corps-Series-565188477165130/

*****

Pieced Together By Lori King

BLURB:

Two fractured souls must lean on each other to heal physically and emotionally….

Karly Stephens got her heart shredded, when the man she thought was supposed to be her forever, cheated on her. To avoid dealing with her tattered life, she threw herself into work.

Injured and battle-weary Marine, Garret Lole, agonizes when his team deploys overseas without him. When Karly is assigned to be Garret’s nurse, unexpected sparks fly.

Despite her scarred soul, Karly is drawn to Garret in every possible way. Like puzzle pieces scattered on the floor, they must figure out how to trust in themselves and each other. Picking up the pieces might mean a whole new world for both of them.

*****

EXCERPT:

Karly felt like all the wind had been knocked out of her body. The man in front of her was over six feet of deliciousness wrapped in sexy muscles. His blonde hair curled slightly on top, but he kept it cropped short. It was his green eyes that truly captivated her, and she couldn’t find her voice for a moment.

“Are you my nurse?” he asked, his deep voice rumbling through her and making her insides shiver.

Breathlessly she nodded and murmured, “I am.”

“Damn. If I’d known a bum knee would bring me an angel I would have done it years ago.” He said, cocking his head and letting his eyes roam down her body. “What’s your name?”

“Karly.” She couldn’t have explained why she responded at all to the rude question, but she was on autopilot. Her body didn’t seem to be responding to anything but him. “Nurse Stephens.”

“Well Nurse Karly Stephens, I’m Lance Corporal Garrett Lole of the United States Marines and I’m more than happy to make your acquaintance.”

He reached for her hand, steadying himself on one crutch as he kissed her knuckles his eyes never leaving hers. She could feel the touch of his lips on her skin like a shot to the gut.

“You’re a Marine?” she repeated, realizing the instant it left her lips that she sounded stupid. “That’s great, my Dad is a Marine. 4th LAAD Battalion. Retired now, but he put in twenty-seven years before his hearing loss kicked him out.”

“No shit. I’m 4th LAAD Battalion.” Garrett’s eyes lit up and the smile he gave her made her weak kneed.

“That’s great.” She heard herself repeating, trying to avoid visibly cringing at her own ridiculousness. She never acted like a smitten teenager, she was notorious for being serious and single. Clearing her throat she held up the file in her hands, “Are you going to let me discharge you?”

“Nurse Karly Stephens, I’ll let you do anything you want with me.” His flirting was making it hard for her to think, and she grew irritated.

“Well right now, I just want to discharge you so I can go give a strep test to the four year old in the next room before his mom comes looking for me. Sound good?” she told him, stepping around him into the room and putting her file down. “Looks like you’re up for surgery. We can get you scheduled, just stop by the—”

“Admin office.” He interjected, “Yeah the doc told me that. I was just trying to figure out if the surgery was really necessary or not. I’m supposed to deploy in a few days and I really can’t leave my team hanging.”

“I’m sure a Marine with a bum knee is exactly what they want in Iraq.” She said, propping her hip against the only countertop in the room.

“I don’t know that I’ll be in Iraq.”

“Does it matter? Is there a good place for a Marine with a…” she looked at the paper again, “Handle bar tear to his left meniscus?”

Garrett’s green eyes shifted from a grassy color to a deep forest green and he gave her a panty dropping grin, “Underneath a nurse named Karly?”

It was too much. As attractive as he was, she had no interest in being a notch on a bedpost. “No thank you. Now, Dr. Aguiar has prescribed a muscle relaxer and pain meds, here are the instructions on how to take them safely. Please make sure you’re careful, mixing too much of these meds can be very dangerous.”

“Are you concerned for my safety, Karly?” he asked, moving a little closer. On his crutches, the move was less than seductive, and she giggled.

“Yes, you’re pretty awkward on those crutches, but don’t worry. After six to eight weeks on them you’ll get the hang of it.”

“So I’m having surgery then. No possibility of parole?”

She shook her head, “Nope. Of course, you can get a second opinion, but Dr. Aguiar is the best there is.”

“Then what the hell is she doing working for the VA?” he asked, taking the papers and folding them in half before he shoved them in his back pocket.

“She has to do a little charitable work here and there.” Karly responded, winking at him as she moved back around him and opened the door. “Please remember to stop by the admin office.”

He stood there for a second and then moved into the doorway, pausing before he passed her fully. Reaching out to cup her cheek, he stroked his thumb over her lips. “Until later, Nurse Karly Stephens.”

She watched him as he made his way down the hallway, his tall form struggling on the crutches as if his muscles couldn’t wait to break free of their confinement. He was as good looking from the back as he was from the front that was for sure, but he was also cocky, and she hated cocky.

Shutting the door behind her, she hurried off to the next patient, her mind still buzzing with the tempting flirtations of a sexy Marine.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori King is the author of more than thirty Amazon best-selling romance novels, as well as a full-time wife and mother of three boys. Although she rarely has time to just enjoy feminine pursuits; at heart she is a hopeless romantic. She spends her days dreaming up Alpha men, and her nights telling their stories. An admitted TV and book junkie, she can be found relaxing with a steamy story, or binging in an entire season of some show online. She gives her parents all the credit for her unique sense of humor and acceptance of all forms of love. There are no two loves alike, but you can love more than one with your whole heart.

With the motto: Live, Laugh, and Love like today is your only chance, she will continue to write as long as you continue to read. Thank you for taking the time to indulge in a good Happily Ever After with her. Find out more about her current projects at http://lorikingbooks.com, or look her up on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoriKingBooks or Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriKingBooks.

Spotlight on Rescuing Trent by Rose Nickol (@RoseNickol @romancerebels69) #downanddirty #getdirty

by Lucy Felthouse | May 6, 2018 | Guest Bloggers | 0 Comments

Down and Dirty

Coming May 22!!

Published by: Romance Rebels Publishing

Cover Artist: Sinfully Sweet Designs

BLURB:

Get in, get down…and get filthy with these sexy, hardworking, blue-collar heroes who don’t mind when things get a little dirty at work or at play.

PREORDER LINKS:

*****

Rescuing Trent By Rose Nickol

BLURB:

Trent Simmons had spent his life helping others.. While recovering from the injury that got him discharged from the service, he met the woman he thought he was going to spend his life with, but it was not meant to be. He spent the next several years infiltrating a human trafficking slavery ring recusing countless women.

Pricilla Wilder had decided she was happy living alone. She had watched her mother raise two children on her own and do a wonderful job. She didn’t need a man in her life. Then an insane madman targeted her and her sister trying to extract revenge on their father.

Trent was assigned to be one of Pricilla’s bodyguards. The woman was smart, and sexy. Trent can’t ignore the feelings she awakens within him—feelings he thought had died years ago. Can he convince her to give him a chance or will fate once again destroy his world?

*****

EXCERPT:

Pricilla woke the next morning and found Trent up and dressing. “Good morning baby. I was going to let you sleep a while longer. There’s no reason for you to be up this early.”

She rolled to her side to watch as he sat to pull his boots on. “Why are you up? How early is it?” The sun was shining bright so it couldn’t be too early, could it?

“Early. I need to go help the men with the horses. We have a couple more coming to board today, and we’re down a couple men today,” Trent explained as he finished dressing.

Priss maneuvered to sit on the side of the bed, pulling the sheet with her as she went so that it was wrapped toga-style around her front. “Can I help?” She didn’t know much about working with horses, but she wanted to find out and spend more time with Trent. The thought of waiting in the house by herself was boring.

“I thought you might want to catch up on your rest, but if you want to come hang out, sure.”

“Let me take a quick shower, and I’d love to come,” Priss was out of the bed and heading for the shower before he could change his mind.

“I’ll meet you down in the kitchen,” Trent said with a laugh as the bathroom door closed behind her.

Priss hurried through the shower, excited to be able to help. She’d always wanted a horse when she was growing up, but living in the city prevented that. When she got to the kitchen, Trent had started breakfast. “I can do that,” she told him as she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“I got this. You do the coffee, and it should all be ready at once.”

Trent and Priss were just sitting down to eat when a knock came at the door. “Trent, Ms. Welch showed up early, and she’s demanding you come out and help her personally.” The man at the door told Trent.

Trent rolled his eyes and nodded to the man. He turned to Priss, “That didn’t take long. I figured she’d show up once she heard I was here. She’s a repeat customer and her father boards several horses here. I have to go help her Priss. She and her father are some of our best customers. Go ahead and finish here. Come on out to the barn when you’re done.” Trent told her as he headed out the door after giving her a hard kiss on the lips. Priss watched Trent go out the door without even having coffee. That wasn’t right.

She explored the kitchen until she found a thermos and some containers for the food. She packed everything up and headed to the barn with it. If this woman were rude enough to interrupt breakfast Priss would show her how it was done. Looking around to make sure she had everything, she gathered what she had packed and marched out to the barn.

She saw a large horse trailer and a fancy little car parked beside it when she got to the barn. She could hear the sound of voices coming from the far end of the barn and headed that direction. She passed a couple of the ranch hands as she went and couldn’t help but overhear their conversation.

“I don’t know why Trent lets Elizabeth treat him like that. You’d think she owned the ranch instead of him and Martin. I know their business is good, but nothing’s worth the way she treats him.”

Even more determined to check this woman out, Priss continued single-mindedly towards the sound of the voices. What she saw stopped her in her steps. Trent was kissing the woman. A very beautiful, model thin, perfectly groomed woman. And it was a very passionate kiss. The woman had her arms wrapped around his neck and was plastered against him.

She must have made a noise because the woman released him and stepped back. “I’ve missed you too lover. It’s been too long. You should have phoned and let me know you were back in town. When I heard about Martin, I had to come. He means as much to me as my father.”

Priss watched the scene before her wondering if she’d been wrong about Trent. She dropped the basket and turned, running back to the house. When she got to the house, she ran up the stairs. She went straight to the bedroom and quickly grabbed her stuff. What did she do now? She didn’t know anyone here and wasn’t going to wait for Trent to finish with his lover.

She threw her bag over her shoulder and ran down the stairs and out of the house. She couldn’t be there when Trent came back in. He wasn’t going to use her that way. She started running, not sure where she was going. She just knew she had to get out of there. Now.

*****

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Rose Nickol is an author of Erotica with and without BDSM. She has twenty plus books published with more to come. When she’s not writing Rose enjoys crocheting and spending time with her family. She has one daughter and two fur children, a nine-year-old dog and a one year old kitten. Life at her house is never quiet.

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