Review, Excerpt, Giveaway: Salvaged by Jay Crownover

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jay Crownover continues her delightfully sexy Saints of Denver series with the next thrilling standalone, SALVAGED! Order your copy today!

Salvaged by Jay Crownover

(Saints of Denver #4)

June 20, 2017

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

Contains: sex, language, previous triggers

Hudson Wheeler is a nice guy. Everyone knows it, including his fiancée who left him with a canceled wedding and a baby on the way. He’s tired of finishing last and is ready to start living in the moment with nights soaked in whiskey, fast cars, and even faster girls. He’s set to start living on the edge, but when he meets Poppy Cruz, her sad eyes in the most gorgeous face he’s ever seen hook him in right away. Wheeler can see Poppy’s pain and all he wants to do is take care of her and make her smile, whatever it takes.

Poppy can’t remember a time when she didn’t see strangers as the enemy. After a lifetime of being hurt from the men who swore to protect her, Poppy’s determined to keep herself safe by keeping everyone else at arm’s length. Wheeler’s sexy grin and rough hands from hours restoring classic cars shouldn’t captivate her, but every time she’s with him, she can’t help being pulled closer to him. Though she’s terrified to trust again, Poppy soon realizes it might hurt even more to shut Wheeler out—and the intense feelings pulsing through her are making it near impossible to resist him.

The only thing Poppy is sure of is that her heart is in need of some serious repair, and the more time she spends with Wheeler, the more she’s convinced he’s the only man with the tools to fix it.

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'Salvaged' is a beautiful ending to this series. Wheeler and Poppy's story was just the tender romance I was hoping it would be. We have these two individuals who have been through the ringer. Wheeler had his heart stomped on and betrayed by the girl he thought was his forever family and is now embarking on the unexpected journey of single fatherhood. Poppy was abused and terrorized by her family and ex-husband, leaving her damaged and slowly healing her life, her heart, and her trust.

But put these two sensitive, gentle, kindhearted souls together, and you get the magic of healing, of hope, of heart, and of the kind of happiness that these two beautiful souls deserved. I loved the sensitive way that this story was handled. There was a lot going on, not just emotionally, but with both Wheeler and Poppy's families. It was a lot to handle, and it was handled with just enough drama to keep things interesting, but just enough reality to bring out the best in Wheeler and Poppy.

I'm so happy we got Wheeler and Poppy's story. I'm sad this series is over, and selfishly I want more, but this was a beautiful way to wrap it all up.

“I don’t know that I have the time to take on a puppy right now, Poppy.” He lifted a hand and rubbed it across the back of his neck. His mahogany-colored eyebrows pulled into a vee over the top of his nose and the corners of his mouth pulled down in a frown that was too harsh for his pretty face. I liked it much better when he smiled and his twin dimples cut deeply into his cheeks. 

I bit my bottom lip to keep the distressed noise that I could feel climbing up the back of my throat at bay. I knew he might say no but I couldn’t hide the fact that I was disappointed by his decision. I honestly felt like he and the puppy would be good for one another, that they could bring a little joy into each other’s life. It broke my heart a little that Wheeler wasn’t ready to open his heart up again, even when it was to something that was so obviously eager to love him unconditionally and irrevocably, unlike his ex. 

“It’s okay, Wheeler. Like I said, I’ll take him home until I can find a place for him. I’m sure Dolly could use a friend.” I crouched down and wiggled my fingers to get the dog’s attention, and grinned when he bounded over, tripping over his front legs as he scrambled in my direction. “I can take him to work with me and hold on to him until I figure something out. One of the boys at the shop will step up if Dixie doesn’t want another dog.”

I heard him sigh and looked up to see him watching me intently. He opened his mouth like he was going to say something, then let it snap shut with his teeth audibly clicking together. I didn’t know much about Wheeler, but what I did know I liked. He was nice. He was polite. He was thoughtful and he was kind. But more than any of those things, he went out of his way to hold himself in a way that wasn’t threatening or intimidating because he was aware without me saying a word how jumpy I was around people, men in particular. I hated that they were bigger than me. I hated that I knew firsthand how badly they could hurt me if they had a mind to. I hated that I wilted and cowered under their attention, even if it was innocent and friendly. The fact that he took care not to spook me spoke volumes and made me feel awful for putting him in such an awkward position. 

“Poppy…” He sounded regretful and I had no interest in dragging the torture out any longer for either of us. I scooped up the dog and buried my nose in the top of his head. 

“Seriously it’s no big deal. I love him and I’m happy to wait until I can find him a proper home. It was stupid of me not to consider how busy you are with everything you have going on in your life right now. A puppy is a big commitment and that’s not something you can put on someone else without discussing it with them first.” The dog swiped his tongue across my face, no doubt feeling my distress and rising panic. I wanted to tuck his warm little body to my chest and run away like I was trying to score a touchdown in the other team’s end zone. “I should have known better.” 

Jay Crownover continues her Saints of Denver series with SALVAGED, available June 20, 2017

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About Jay Crownover: Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denver series. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her dogs.        

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Novella Review & Excerpt: Cross My Heart by LH Cosway & New Release: The Hearts Series

Get the first four books in L.H. Cosway’s Hearts series, plus the BRAND NEW bonus novella, Cross My Heart.

The Hearts Boxset Bundle includes:
Six of Hearts (book #1)
Hearts of Fire (book #2)
King of Hearts (book #3)
Hearts of Blue (book #4)
Cross My Heart (bonus novella #5.75)

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Cross My Heart, A Hearts Novella (#5.75)

By LH Cosway

Iris Garrigan has nothing.

Well, that’s not entirely true. She has her trusty Doc Martin boots. She has her Bowie obsession. And she has the stray cat that sneaks into her bed and keeps her company at night – it’s a quid pro quo relationship. The cat gets a warm body and she gets something alive beside her when she would otherwise be alone.

She also has a job. Sure, washing dishes hardly has her rolling in dough, but with no permanent abode it’s the best she can do. She knows her new boss only lets her work in his restaurant out of pity, but she isn’t above cashing in on a little human compassion if it means she can survive to live another day.

Everything is going fine until Liam Cross starts to take notice of her, poking his newly minted police badge where it doesn’t belong. And if he doesn’t quit soon her not so legal living situation could find her in hot waters. Little does she know, Liam isn’t just being nosy, he’s trying to help. Iris has no idea that he’s been watching her for months, and that he’s completely enamoured with her strange and peculiar ways.
When Liam discovers her secret Iris has two options: stay and face the music or run for the hills.

***Cross My Heart is a contemporary romance novella and tells the story of the youngest Cross brother, Liam Cross.***

First of all, this bundle of books from 'The Hearts Series' is amazing! I loved the journey through each of these stories. Then to add in this new novella, Cross My Heart, was the cherry on top. 

'Cross My Heart' was such a stinkin' cute story. First, I fell in love with Iris. She is homeless but full of life. She "hangs out" with David Bowie! You don't get much cooler than that. She thinks no one notices her, but this girl doesn't escape Liam's notice. And seriously, there's no resisting Liam. He was quite the dream guy. Their story completely touched me. Le sigh.

Sure, I would have loved it to have been longer. I genuinely loved Iris and Liam. But this little novella, full of Cosway's unique touch, packed in just the right punch and left me a happy girl glowing in its romance. Now I'd like to join the Cross family at the breakfast table, please.

“So, what do you do when you’re not scrubbing dishes for my brother, Iris?”

The way he said my name made my pores tingle again. It felt luxurious somehow, like a caress. “I talk to my cat. I read. I wander.” Talk to Bowie.

“You wander?”

“Yeah, I like to choose a starting point and let my feet lead the way.”

He looked displeased hearing this. “Only during the day, I hope.”

Huh. Was he worried about me? Nah, he was just being a copper. Nosy. I shrugged.

“Sometimes at night. I’m good at being invisible though, so I rarely run into trouble.”

His displeasure increased. “How often is rarely?”

I tilted my head. “Why do you care?”

His expression turned serious. “A tiny little thing like you wandering around in the dark is a recipe for trouble. Do you realise how easy it’d be for someone to just pluck you up off the street and do whatever they wanted?”

Ha! That was a laugh. The street was my home. I knew how to survive there, and I’d done fine so far. “Just because I’m little doesn’t mean I’m not tough. Let some fucker try to pluck me up. It wouldn’t end well for him.” I stabbed my forked into the empty plate with force to emphasise my point.

For some reason the action made him smile again, but this time there was a spark of calculation behind his eyes. “So, if I were to grab you right now, push you up against that wall,” he paused and gestured to the wall by the door, “you’d be able to fend me off?”

I swallowed. Not surprisingly, that visual wasn’t as scary to me as it should’ve been. Instead my gut twisted with anticipation. Do it.

Do it.

I nodded casually. “Sure.”

“Let’s try it, then.” He moved to get up and suddenly my courage fled.

I forced a laugh. “No, thanks.”

He shot me a wry look. “No?”

“No.”

“So, you’re all talk then.” He folded his arms, pleased with himself, and it made me want to punch him. I’d never been good at backing away from a challenge.

I grit my teeth. “Fine.”

His gaze flicked to my mine, his pupils dilating. I didn’t care to ponder what that meant. Without another word, he advanced on me. My heart hammered and I was too fascinated to react when he lifted me up off my chair, carried me across the room, and slammed my back into the wall. I exhaled choppily when he used one hand to grip my neck and the other to hold me down. My chest rose and fell as I looked up at him, entirely too engrossed.

What was he going to do next? I wriggled my hips, though not to break free. He made a curious noise in the back of his throat. I tilted my head. He looked pissed. Huh.

“Iris,” he practically growled.

“Y-yes?”

“You aren’t doing anything.”

“Should I be?”

His hand on my neck loosened. “I just physically assaulted you and you haven’t lifted a finger to stop me.”

“Sorry.”

He let out a frustrated sigh. “Don’t f---ing apologise. Fight back.”

Fight back.

Right. It was a little hard to do that when all I wanted was for him to tear off my clothes and do very, very bad things to me. But I had to prove a point. I had to show him I could protect myself. Summoning my resolve, I twisted in his hold and tried to get my leg up so I could knee him in the balls. Unfortunately, his entire body was pressed into mine, preventing all movement.

I continued twisting, testing his strength, but I couldn’t find a single weak spot. In the end, I let out a frustrated sigh and relented.

“Fine. You win. Maybe I won’t go wandering at night anymore.”

“I’m not trying to be a d---head. I’m just trying to make you more aware of the dangers,” he said, releasing me and taking a step back.

No, don’t go.

I’d been warm with him on me. Warmer than I’d been in a very long time.

I cleared my throat. “Job well done.”

He seemed conflicted, his eyes wandering over me and then to his watch. He swore under his breath. “I have to go.”

“Okay.”

He eyed me seriously. “Think about what I said, yeah? Don’t have me worrying.”

I only nodded and then he left, a question hanging in the air.

He hardly even knew me, so why would he worry?

Review, Excerpt, Giveaway: Charged by Jay Crownover

From New York Times bestselling author Jay Crownover comes CHARGED, the latest in her sexy The Saints of Denver Series, releasing May 24th! Known for her strong heroines and alpha males, you won't know what hit you as you read Avett and Quaid's story. Keep reading for more about the Legal Eagle and Avett and order your copy today. 

   

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From the New York Times bestselling author of the Marked Men books comes the second installment in the Saints of Denver series featuring a bad girl and a by the book attorney who could be her salvation...or her ruin.

Avett Walker and Quaid Jackson’s worlds have no reason to collide. Ever. Quaid is a high powered criminal attorney as slick as he is handsome. Avett is a pink-haired troublemaker with a bad attitude and a history of picking the wrong men.

When Avett lands in a sea of hot water because of one terrible mistake, the only person who can get her out of it is the insanely sexy lawyer. The last thing on earth she wants to do is rely on the no-nonsense attorney who thinks of her as nothing more than a nuisance. He literally has her fate in his hands. Yet there is something about him that makes her want to convince him to loosen his tie and have a little fun…with her.

Quaid never takes on clients like the impulsive young woman with a Technicolor dye job. She could stand to learn a hard lesson or two, but something about her guileless hazel eyes intrigues him. Still, he’s determined to keep their relationship strictly business. But doing so is becoming more impossible with each day he spends with her.

As they work side-by-side, they’ll have to figure out a way to get along and keep their hands off each other—because the chemistry between them is beyond charged.

I loved, loved, loved Avett and Quaid. I was completely hooked on their story. From the synopsis, we know that Avett is in trouble and finds Mr. Hot Attorney on her side to help her. If you've read some of Crownover's previous books, you may recall a few insights into Avett's troublemaking past and a glimpse of the hot Legal Eagle. So that's intriguing, right? Sounds like a fun story already. But what sends this story over the edge is how very much I actually liked these two main characters. They sold their love story. Plus, Crownover has a way of developing her characters and changing their lives in such a thoughtful and impactful way, that you know you're getting more than a simple love story.

'Charged' was written beautifully. I loved the depths in which we got to know Quaid and Avett. While Avett reveals the heart behind her behavior and finally a desire to get her act together (while still holding strong to her fun, jump-in spirit), the reveals about Quaid's life, upbringing, and overall character were the real gem for me. Quaid completely rocked. Putting these two seemingly different, but very much similar, people together made this read hit me in the heart. The age gap was actually no biggie to me because I know a couple with this exact age gap and they are perfect for each other. I also loved all the side characters, new and old. Brite, however, is the best!

The only downside was that I wanted more dialogue. This was one of my complaints with the last book as well. There's lots of telling and internal feelings, but I wanted to read it, not be told about it. I don't want to be told the summary, I want to see it happen. And I can't believe I'm saying this, but there was even too much sex. Now, I may have only noticed this because I was missing the other parts in their relationship or experiences together that I was told about but didn't actually read, so going from sex scene to sex scene seemed like a lot when I wanted the relationship building in between. (But Avett and Quaid were still really hot.)

Overall, I loved Avett and Quaid and their story. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series, and hope Avett and Quaid will make some guest appearances.

     

Avett
I blew out a breath and felt that bottom I had careened onto reach up to embrace me even tighter. “It is what it is. I’ve let both my folks down a lot over the last few years but getting caught up with a guy that would rob the bar, a guy who could threaten my dad’s people.” I shook my head. “I deserve to rot.”

I was being overly dramatic but that’s how I felt. I deserved to sit in jail and so much worse than that. Self-pity was good company down here at rock bottom and I wasn’t ready to let go of the warmth it provided just yet.

He gave me a look I couldn’t read and headed for the door. “I’ll call your parents for you and see if we can have something in place before tomorrow. Working on your case will be a lot easier for both of us if you aren’t incarcerated. Remember, you need to listen to me, Ms. Walker. That’s the first rule in all of this.”

Panic hit me like a truck. What if he called my dad and my dad told him he’d had enough of his problematic daughter and her endless nonsense? What if he couldn’t love me anymore? Jail I could survive; losing my father for good, well, it would be the end of me.

Without thinking I jumped to my feet, which had the chains on both my hands and my legs rattling loudly, and two uniformed officers hurried into the room. I was about to make maybe the worst decision to date but I couldn’t stop the words from sliding off my tongue.

“Don’t call my dad!” Recklessness, thy name was Avett Walker.

The attorney turned around and looked at me like I had grown a second head. He didn’t say anything as the officers moved to either side of me and told me to calm down.

“You can’t call my dad.” The words sounded as panicked and as desperate as I felt on the inside.

His broad shoulders lifted and fell in a shrug like he really couldn’t give a sh*t that he was about to ruin my life…which was saying a hell of a lot considering where I was.

“I have to.” He sounded bored and impatient with my outburst.

I narrowed my eyes at him, and that vortex of awful, which I always seemed to be smack dab in the center of, started to spin faster and faster around me.

“Then you’re fired.” I saw the cops exchange a look and my rushed words had the blond man turning fully back around to look at me. “I don’t want your help. I don’t want anything from you.”

Finally, there was something other than indifference in his gaze. There was surprise, maybe a hint of admiration colliding with a huge splash of humor in the pale depths.

“Sorry, Ms. Walker, but you didn’t hire me, so that means you don’t get to fire me.” That grin of his, which should be registered as a deadly weapon, flashed across his face again as he watched me, and then he was gone.

And don’t miss the first titles in The Saints of Denver Series!

Leveled (#0.5) Amazon * My Review  

Built (#1) Amazon * My Review

    

Jay Crownover is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men, The Point, and the Saints of Denverseries. Like her characters, she is a big fan of tattoos. She loves music and wishes she could be a rock star, but since she has no aptitude for singing or instrument playing, she'll settle for writing stories with interesting characters that make the reader feel something. She lives in Colorado with her three dogs.      

Website ** Blog ** Facebook ** Twitter

CHARGED Goodreads ** Jay Crownover Goodreads

     

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Excerpt & Series Intro: The Game Series by J. Sterling

THE GAME SERIES BY J. STERLING – SPECIAL REVIEW AND EXCERPT TOUR

 

Get ready for the best sports romance you haven't read and the hottest baseball player you haven't met... yet! This series has it all-  real life drama, angst, the value of forgiveness, the importance of family, friendship and one epic love story to span the ages. Come read the series with over half a million copies sold worldwide and see why people can't stop talking about Jack F'n Carter.

   

The Perfect Game #1

What happens when the hottest baseball player in college falls in love? Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful. 

My Review ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads

CASSIE'S POINT OF VIEW- Meet Jack F'n Carter

 “Kitten.”

 The deep, sultry voice stopped me in my tracks as my smile faded. I turned toward the source of the voice with revulsion.

“You know, I don’t even like cats.” I lifted one brow and fixed Jack with a fierce stare. 

“Actually, I didn’t know. But I’m glad I do.” He smiled and I swear part of my heart melted right then and there at the sight of his dimples.

  I totally suck.

 He fiddled with his baseball cap before putting it back on his head and tucking his dark hair underneath. I felt almost mesmerized as he ran his fingers absentmindedly across the white stitching of our school’s initials. I found myself noticing the way his dark blue shirt fit snugly against the muscles in his arms and shoulders. I hated how good-looking he was. I tried to walk toward my best friend Melissa, who eyed me with piqued curiosity, but he stood his stupid gorgeous body in my path. I quickly moved to the right, but he hopped to his left to block me. I took another step to the left and he quickly moved too.

 “What do you want, Jack?” I said, the anger in my voice taking us both by surprise. 

“Are you always this hostile?” His smile told me he was teasing.

 “Only to guys like you.”

 “So tell me, Kitten, what’s a guy like me?”

 “Not worth my time.” I shoved my tray into his gut and when he let out an ooof, I scurried past him, trying not to spill my soda.

 “You’ll come around,” he shouted.

 “I wouldn’t hold your breath.” I rushed to our table, throwing down my tray of food. 

“Nice scene.” Melissa’s eyes were huge as she fought a grin.

 “Huh?”

 “Look around.” She waved an arm, gesturing toward the crowd.

 I glanced around at the other tables in the student union. All eyes were either on me or Jack. Great. The last thing I wanted was the entire school thinking I was Jack Carter’s latest conquest.

 “Is he always that obnoxious?” I ripped the top off my raspberry yogurt.

 “I don’t know, Cass. I’ve never seen him act that way before if that’s what you’re asking.”

 “I don’t know what I’m asking.” Irritated and annoyed, I scanned the room for Jack’s face. He sat at a table surrounded by giddy girls, tossing their hair, pawing his muscles, and laughing obnoxiously at whatever he said. His eyes briefly met mine before I turned away, and I felt my heart beat a little faster.

   

The Game Changer #2

Getting your athelete is just the beginning. How do you stay together when the world is trying to tear you apart? 

My Review ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads

CASSIE'S POINT OF VIEW

 I sensed Jack watching me from the bedroom doorway we shared as I tossed pieces of clothing into my open suitcase. Deliberately, I forced myself not to look at him. He could take the broken parts of me and shatter them even further. If I looked at his perfect face, I’d question everything. He could make me stay and I desperately needed to go. After adding two pairs of shoes, I zipped up the suitcase and lifted it from the bed.

 “Let me help you,” he offered from behind me, his breath gliding across my back. 

“It’s fine. I have it,” I said tightly, refusing to face him.

 “How long will you be gone?” he asked, his tone desolate.

 I shrugged, unsure of my actual plans. “I don’t know. A few days. A week, maybe. I’ll text you,” I offered with a glance in his direction.

 Jack’s face turned sullen as the color drained instantly from his cheeks. He reached for me, his fingers tightening around my wrist, stopping all forward movement.

“You are coming back. Right, Kitten?” A look of powerlessness covered his face.

 My stomach dropped to my feet with his question. I took a few short breaths before responding, “Yes, Jack. I’m coming back.”

 It wasn’t a lie, but the truth was almost as painful. Of course I would come back, but I wasn’t sure what I’d be coming back to. “I have a job here.”

 His eyebrows pinched together, tears filling his eyes as he dropped his grip on my arm.

My phone rang, breaking the sorrow-filled heaviness in the room. “I need to go.” I leaned toward Jack and planted a soft kiss on his cheek before turning to walk away. 

He gripped my wrist from behind and yanked me around to face him. “Get over here,” he said roughly as he pulled my body effortlessly into his.

Before I could situate my arms, his were wrapped around me, pulling me tight against his heaving chest.

  Oh my God, he’s crying.

 “I love you more than anything. You need to know that before you walk out that door.”

The warmth of his breath fluttered against my skin. My eyes met his and the tears that rolled down his cheeks caused my heart to shatter and turn to broken pieces in my chest.

 “I love you too.” My current dysfunction had nothing to do with my feelings for Jack. I loved him more than I ever thought possible, but sometimes love isn't enough.

 

THE SWEETEST GAME #3

When Jack loses baseball, will he lose the love of his life as well? 

PURCHASE AT AMAZON: http://amzn.to/1TcTraF 

JACK'S POINT OF VIEW  

 The next morning, I woke up with a back sore from sleeping on the couch two nights in a row. The constant barrage of conversation surrounding me reminded me that my brother and Melissa were here. Great. It had to be clear to everyone that I was avoiding my wife. My mind was spinning out of control with thoughts I never imagined having. The idea of my baseball career being over wrecked me. Literally fucking ruined me. I couldn’t function like a normal human being anymore. The thought turned me into an unrecognizable a--hole. And the worst part was, I knew it. I was completely aware of my behavior, but I couldn’t stop it. My head would tell my mouth not to say what it was about to say, but my mouth would say it anyway. And even though I wanted to take it all back, I didn’t. It’s as if I started digging a hole and once I got in it, I couldn’t stop digging. I wanted to get low enough so that I could bury myself inside and never see the light of day again. That was what losing baseball felt like. 

“Hey, a--hole,” my little brother’s voice called out and I cleared my throat. 

 “What do you want, d--k?” 

 “I want to sightsee and you’re taking me,” he demanded. 

 I almost f--king laughed. There was no way I was going to let Dean boss me around. 

“I’m sure Cassie would be better at that sort of thing.” Even that sentence came out sounding like a slam against her. 

 “I’m sure she would be too. But I want you to take me. You need to get out of this house. And you look like s--t.” 

 Melissa laughed and I shot her an evil look. 

“Shut up, Fun-Size. Why are you even here?” 

 “F--k you, Jack. I’m here because you’re being an a--hole to my best friend. And someone has to give a s--t about her.” 

 Her words stung, but I pretended not to be fazed. Each breath I sucked in pierced my heart more deeply. I had to stop hurting Cassie, but I couldn’t. Why couldn’t I just f--king stop? 

Pushing up from the couch, I glared at the three of them sitting at the table, then growled at Dean, “Be ready to leave in ten.”

THE OTHER GAME- A DEAN CARTER NOVEL 
You thought you knew everything there was to know about Jack & Cassie's story... but you were wrong.  
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DEAN'S POINT OF VIEW 

 Melissa and I headed outside, following Jack toward a cement bench where he pulled his baseball hat even lower over his eyes. Then he sat down and looked up at us, his eyes all but hidden. 

 “What are you doing?” I asked, expecting him to get up and continue walking back to the student union with us. 

 “Waiting.” 

 “For what?” 

 “Cassie's class to end. I’m going to ask her out in front of everyone. She won’t be able to say no then,” Jack said with a big grin. 

 “Make sure you show those.” Melissa pointed at the pair of dimples on his face, and his grin only widened. 

 “I knew you secretly liked me. But I know you like him more.” Jack nodded toward me, and Melissa scowled. 

 “Don’t listen to him.” I threw my arm around her shoulder and steered her back toward the student union. 

“See you at home, brother.” 

 “‘Bye, you two lovebirds.” 

 “You’re so little.” I looked down at Melissa and smiled, wishing for once that I’d been born with at least one dimple for her to admire. 

 She scowled again.“I’m not that little.” 

 But she was. I was six feet tall, and she might hit five feet if she stood on her tiptoes. I towered over her, and I loved the manly feeling it gave it me. 

 “Do you have any more classes today?” I asked. 

 “Nope. You?” 

 “Just one.” 

 “Sucks.” 

 “Only because it’s not the class I have with you,” I said with a smile, and she swatted my shoulder. 

 “Dean Carter, did you just feed me a line?” 

 I chuckled and stopped walking. “No. Did it sound like a line?” 

 “Yes.” Melissa smiled, but kept walking. 

 I watched as her perfect little butt moved with each step she took, her entire body sashaying like it couldn’t help it. She stopped and turned around to catch me staring. 

“What are you looking at?” 

 Terrified that she might think I was some sort of pig like my brother, I practically stuttered. “Uh, nothing.” 

 “Uh-huh.” She waited as I hurried to catch up to her. 

“So, do you want to maybe study together sometime?” I cheered inside my head, and had to stop myself from throwing my fist in the air and doing a victory dance. 

“Definitely. I could use the help,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. I knew damn well that I was doing perfectly fine in that class, but if she thought I needed help, she wouldn’t bail on me. 

 “Okay, good. I always do better if I have a study partner.” 

 My mind whirled at her words. How many study partners had she had? How could I convince her to only study with me? I could have sworn that before Jack’s antics with her roommate that Melissa and I were on track toward something. I couldn’t help but want us to get back on that road, wherever it was leading. 

 “Can I get your number?” I asked while I still had the nerve. 

 “Oh yeah, of course.” She recited her phone number while I tapped it into my phone. 

“Send me a text so I have yours too.” 

 I did as she asked. 

 Dean: Hi. It’s me. You know, Dean. The other Carter. 

 When her phone pinged and she read the text, she laughed. “Got it. I’ll just put you in here as the Other Carter.” 

 “Or the only Carter you like,” I suggested with a smirk, and she smiled back. 

 “That’d work too.” 

 “All right. I’ll talk to you later. You know, to set up studying and stuff,” I said, stumbling all over my damn words. 

 “‘Bye, Dean.” Melissa laughed as she sashayed away.

New Release & Excerpt: Ginger's Heart by Katy Regnery

Ginger's Heart by Katy Regnery

Date of Publication: March 22, 2016

Genre: Contemporary Romance 18+

"I finished Ginger's Heart last night, and I am completely and utterly in love." --Mia Sheridan, NY Times bestselling author

Once upon a time there were two cousins:
one golden like the sun,
one dark like midnight,
one a protector,
one a predator,
one a Woodsman
and
one a Wolf
both owning equal,
but different,
parts of a little girl's heart.

In this modern retelling of "Little Red Riding Hood," the woodsman and the wolf are cousins, and Little Red is the girl with whom they both fall in love.

Beautiful Ginger McHuid, daughter of Kentucky's premiere horse breeder, grows up on her family farm, best friends with Cain Wolfram, the son of her father's Stallion Manager, and Cain's cousin, Josiah Woodman, son of a local banker. Throughout their happy childhood, the three are inseparable friends, but as they mature into adults, complicated feelings threaten to destroy their long history of friendship and love.

Ginger's Heart

*****

This is a standalone novel inspired by Little Red Riding Hood. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to profanity and very strong sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

(The next standalone a modern fairytale novel, Don't Speak, inspired by The Little Mermaid, will be released in 2017.)

Available From

Amazon (Kindle) B&N Nook Kobo iBooks Amazon (Kindle - UK) Amazon (Kindle - CA) Amazon (Kindle - AU) Google Play

---

About Katy Regnery

Katy Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.
Now a hybrid author who publishes both independently and traditionally, Katy claims authorship of the six-book Heart of Montana series, the six-book English Brothers series, and a Kindle Worlds novella entitled "Four Weddings and a Fiasco: The Wedding Date," in addition to the standalone novels, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and Amazon bestseller, The Vixen and the Vet.
The Vixen and the Vet is included in the charity anthology Hometown Heroes: Hotter Ever After, and Katy's novella "Frosted" appeared in the Jan '15 anthology, Snowy Days Steamy Nights. Additionally, Katy's short story, "The Long Way Home" appeared in the first RWA anthology (Feb '15), Premiere.
Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Find Katy Regnery Online

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Excerpt from Chapter 12 of Ginger's Heart, a modern fairytale, by Katy Regnery. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

An hour later they stopped by the Glenn River, eight miles downriver from Ginger's house and two from the distillery where Cain had partied last night. 

"We should water them," he said, reining in Thunder and dismounting with the ease of a lifelong horseman. 

She reined in Heath, who nickered in protest, and grinned down at Cain who reached up for her. His hands lingered for an extra moment on her hips as she slid down the front of his body. Leaning her head back, she stared up at him, daring him to pull her closer, to kiss her, to admit that this whole "friends" thing was bulls--t on fire. But, he clenched his jaw, cleared his throat and dropped his hands. 

"Thanks," she murmured, her voice husky in her ears as he stared down at her, his eyes flinty and dark. 

Taking Heath's reins with a grunt, he turned away from her, leading the horses to the river's edge and leaving her to follow behind. She leaned down to pick up a flat stone and skipped it across the slow moving water. 

"Not bad," said Cain. 

"You were always the best." 

"Nah," he said. "Woodman was better." 

"Nope," she countered, picking up another stone. "Woodman was good, but you were better. Remember that Fourth of July that you skipped eleven times? Eleven times. It was a record." 

Satisfied that the horses were calm and drinking their fill, Cain leaned down and grabbed a rock of his own, skipping it over the dark water. 

One-two-three-four-five-six-seven 

"Wow!" she said, clapping lightly. "You've still got the touch!" 

He turned to her, grinning. "You always get excited about the littlest things. What's it like gettin' a kick out of everythin', Gin?" 

"What's it like gettin' a kick out of nothin', Cain?" she asked, her voice full of sass. 

"I'm gettin' a kick out of you right now, princess." 

A charge zapped between them as the words left his mouth, and her breath hitched and held for just a moment, but she looked down and picked up another rock. She was enjoying today too much to go back to Awkwardland. 

She skipped her rock, which sunk after three measly hops 

"Remember when you saved my Cabbage Patch doll from certain doom in this river?" she asked him. 

He screwed up his face as her. "Wasn't me. Must have been Woodman." 

"It was you!" she insisted. "Not Woodman!" 

"Savin' a dolly? Please. That has Woodman written all over it. I couldn't have cared less if it drowned." 

"But I cared," she said softly. "Which is why you saved it." 

"Fine. Have it your way," he said, sitting down on a large rock near the water's edge. 

She sighed, squatting down to wash her hands in the clear water before looking back at him. "Why do you do that?" 

"Do what?" 

"Let Woodman take credit for all the good things?" 

He shrugged, looking away from her, out at the water. "I don't." 

"You just did. Twice." 

He sighed, giving her a long-suffering look. "If somethin' good happened, chances were, it was Woodman's doin'." 

"How do you figure?" 

"He's the better man, Gin," said Cain, his eyes severe, his words deliberate. 

She stood up slowly, turning her body completely to face him. "Do you really believe that?" 

He looked away. "It's the truth." 

"Cain. Cain, look at me." Her words didn't feel like enough so she beseeched him with her eyes too. "You're just as good a man as he is." 

"Ha!" scoffed Cain, standing up and moving away from her. "Not in this life, princess."

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