Thursday, February 27, 2014

Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Is there a word that describes what happens when you move past the ugly cry?  When you are full on snotty nosed, can't breathe, have to take breaks from reading because you cannot see through your tears? I can't think of one, so I'm calling it the "CoHo Cry".  I don't think any book has EVER made me cry so much - I started at 43% and continued to cry every few pages till the end, many times those cries were the "CoHo Cry."  I was glad Baby Girl was at school while I was reading, I would of scared her with all the crying.  I loved every second of having my heart ripped out again and again... I might of shed a few happy tears too. (Darn pregnancy hormones!)

I have fallen head over heels for Ridge.  Seriously, I cannot find a single flaw in him, not one.  He is just so.... so... so... perfect!  There is just no other way to describe him in my opinion.  He is talented beyond words.  He is sensitive. He's caring. And he feels everything right to his soul and he isn't afraid to share that part of himself.  Maybe he does have a flaw, he feels and cares too much!  Sydney is a wonderful independent girl trying to make her way in the world on her own and I absolutely adore her.

I feel like I need to mention the soundtrack.  It was amazing, and responsible for a good portion of the crying I did today.  I had heard and loved the songs Maybe Someday and I'm in Trouble more than a few times prior to reading Maybe Someday the book.... but now that I have, those songs.... just wow.  Every song on the soundtrack adds SO MUCH to the story.  I honestly feel like I would of lost so much of the emotion of this story without Griffin Peterson's beautiful music.  I am so glad he and Colleen joined forces for this project.

Maybe Someday is being immediately added to my Book Honor Roll.   I BUTTERFLYING LIVED IT!  I'll have to break out the Pine-Sol if I attempt a re-read though, I'm not sure my heart can handle it again.  (No worries, I'll make sure I'm not still knocked up first!)
Review by Danielle

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Out of Breath (Breathing #3) by Rebecca Donovan

I was really confused by the beginning of this book.  It took me a good 30-35% to get into it, the beginning seemed really disjointed.  I honestly thought I had missed a book or novella somewhere along the line.  Also, the constant switching of POV (sometimes for just a sentence or two) was very difficult for me to wrap my head around, especially since the only indication was changing from regular font to italics (which, being dyslexic, I have a hard time seeing).

That being said, I loved getting resolution to this story and how it ended was absolutely beautiful.  This is a must read if you read the first two books in the Breathing Series (Reason to Breath & Barely Breathing).  The conclusion of Emma's story is something I'm really glad I read.
Review by Danielle

Monday, February 24, 2014

On the Rocks (Last Call #1) by Sawyer Bennett

Hunter is a super hot world class surfer.  No really, 2nd best in the entire world!  (Can you just imagine how ripped he must be?!?!?!)  When Hunter decides to come home and give up his surfing career to open up a bar, he is forced to deal with the mess he left behind.

Gabby hates Hunter.  He rejected her years ago and she has never gotten over it.  However, she needs him right now if she is ever going to show the world that she is just as good at her job as any man.

I LOVED Hunter.  I loved him for his take charge attitude.  I love him for his heart.  I loved him for the sweet little things he did.  I love to read about all the Alpha-Men out there in book boyfriend land but, seriously, I'd kill most of them before I'd ever actually date them.  Hunter isn't like that, he is a very realistic Alpha-Male, he is the kind of guy you would actually date in real life!  He is really that wonderful.  Gabby couldn't know what was coming for her!

Gabby has an inspiring spirit.  She doesn't let the world or its stereotypes dictate her life.  She does what she wants because she wants to do it, no matter what people say.  She is the type of woman young girls can proudly look up to.  Watching her struggle though her feelings for Hunter was an amazing ride and I had that happy/sad feeling you get when you reach the end of a great story.  I won't be forgetting their story any time soon!

Book 2 in the Last Call series, Make it a Double, is all about Hunter's twin brother Brody. (Yes, there are 2 of them!)  The little bit we saw of Brody in On the Rocks makes me think his story is going to break my heart into millions of little pieces, I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!  Come on March 31st!
Review by Danielle

Friday, February 21, 2014

Legal Affairs: Mitigation (Vol. 4) by Sawyer Bennett

I have never felt so many emotions in one single hour!  My heart didn't know what to do!  I had all the feels, ALL THE FEELS!  One second I was so in love with Matt I wanted to marry him myself, the next I loathed him.  HE MADE ME CRY!  That's right after being Mr. Wonderful in Violation - Matt Connover - turned utter and total asshole during Mitigation.  But not without reason.  As much as I wanted to hate him, at the same time I wanted to cry for him.  It was obvious he was battling with himself and didn't know what to do about it.  Don't worry Matt, my heart still goes pitter patter for you... I think.  You still have 2 more books to screw up even more!
Review by Danielle

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Hape Happy Family Car

Isn't this dollhouse car the cutest?!?  And for under $30 (at the on-line retailers I checked) it is a must have if you have a wooden dollhouse with 5" dolls.

The car itself is well constructed and is made out of  wood with limited metal parts and some elastic (door hinges).  The only metal I see on this car are a few screws on the bottom and the wheel axles.  It is so sturdy that I have no fear that Baby Girl will break this toy EVER.  The doors open and close very easily with elastic hinges and they are an awesome feature.  The painted details on the car are very cute.  The dashboard controls are painted on, as is the license plate, trunk, and door handles.  It is just cute and detailed all around!

The wheels on this car glide easily over carpet and hard surfaces with not a single sound.  It is bliss!  A nice quiet toy Baby Girl loves to play with? SCORE!  She even likes to convert it into an airplane by opening up the doors and flying our dolls around!

 Let's talk about family capacity.  We were able to comfortably fit 2 adult dolls in the front (Hape Happy Family Dolls) and 2 children dolls in the back.  BUT there was still room to work with so we went for broke and were able to get 3 across in the front and back we even threw the baby (from the Plan Toy Doll House Nursery set) on someone's lap! (what can I say I haven't figured out how to make the baby a car seat yet!)  So there you go, a car that will hold a family of 7!


Overall I am totally pleased with this purchase!  My only "if I were hired to re-design this car" item I would add is a trunk that opens and closes, but really that's just me being super picky and looking for something to comment on!  We love and highly recommend this product!
Review by Danielle
Click on images to enlarge.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Torn (Connections #2) by Kim Karr

Kim Karr’s sequel in the Connected series picked up where the last book left off. The book was heavily influenced by music as you can see by the extensive playlist. The book was a continuation of River and Dahlia’s relationship, but it also sets the stage for future books focusing on other characters. I found myself putting the book down to do other things but at the same time, I really did want to know what happened with the characters… just not at that moment.  I liked it, but I didn't love it.

There are a lot of great reviews out there for this one though, so don’t let this deter you from reading this sequel.
Review by Amber

Sunday, February 16, 2014

Predator Patrol (Mars Cannon #2) by Nicolette Pierce

Mars has been in a bit of a slump and is flat broke. In order to pass her time, she has let her quirky old neighbor talk her into working with her and several senior citizens in search of internet predators. Mars’s stubbornness has her chasing internet predators as well as trying her hand at being a bartender at a biker bar.

This book was very entertaining and was a quick read (about 176 pages). The love interest issues were rather predictable but the plot was not. It was refreshing to be surprised when reading this type of book.
Review by Amber

Friday, February 14, 2014

Can't Go Home (Oasis Waterfall #1) by Angelisa Stone

Okay, so Dre is a bit of a stalker in the beginning of Can't Go Home.  But really, we've all fallen for the stalkers before, right? (ahem... Edward Cullen?!?) If I had to have a stalker, I know I'd want him to be as sweet (and hot) as Dre Donley!

Initially Dre doesn't seem like your typical book boyfriend.  He's actually too perfect.  Everyone seems to know and love Dre,.but he is keeping some pretty big secrets from most of them.  But everyone has a flaw and Dre's is the secrets he is keeping.

Katheryn is just getting her life the way she wants it.  She has a great job, her own place, AND she actually likes herself! (well mostly)  She is a kind soul who refuses to let people off the hook for their faults.

Watching Dre and Katheryn together was entertaining, frustrating, and at times gut wrenching.  Dre's past catches up to him and he needs Katheryn more than he needs to push her away. I absolutely love this couple and I was sad that their story was over!

Book two in the Oasis Waterfall series, Can't Go Without, is due out soon and I can't wait!
Review by Danielle

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Toy Review: Plan Toys Barn


4 out of 5 stars


This barn is absolutely adorable.  I really like the open structure that will allow Baby Girl (who will be 4) to access all the parts of the barn.  It is a very sturdy structure and is perfectly sized to go with her doll house.  It fits all of her wooden animals perfectly.  I was at first disappointed that the bales of hay were more like hay rugs that you roll up into bales.  But I've decided that will allow me to teach her about spreading the hey out in the animals stalls.

I would of given this perfect rating if it wasn't for a few issues I had with putting the barn together.  A few of the pieces were slightly warped (specifically the hay loft and the floor of the barn) making assembly difficult.  I also found the red roof to be made of very thin wood and it is in no way permanently attached to the barn.  If Baby Girl pulls it off I can see it breaking very easily.  I was also not happy with the fit of the roof.  There are gaps between the 2 pieces on each side (about 1/2"-1") and at the peak of the roof which is not what I was expecting based on the product photos I've seen.  There is also a small (1/4") gap between the back of the loft and the roof.   Additionally, the pulley was very difficult to snap on, but works great!

Everything else was as expected.  In my "dream world" I would have loved it if the barn came with more fence pieces, but overall the accessories that come with the barn are very cute and well constructed and will really add to baby girl's imaginative play.
Review by Danielle

Click on the pictures below to see them bigger.

Out of Box
Front



Hey Loft
First Floor


Right Side
Left Side



Back

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Legal Affairs: Violation (Vol 3) by Sawyer Bennett

After the way Stipulation ended I was really excited to see how Violation would play out, and I was not let down!  Matt really knows how to break down McKayla's walls and bend her to his will (that that her desires differ from his very much!).  This volume really kept me on my toes wondering how things were going to play out plus there were a number of huge surprises!  Then the ending.... Oh! My! God!  How can Matt say and do things like THAT after what he said before that?!?!  The man is infuriatingly sexy and sweet.  The two week wait for volume 3, Mitigation, is going to be pure torture!
Review by Danielle


Each volume will be $0.99
Legal Affairs – Objection – releasing January 10, 2014 - Free for a limited time
Legal Affairs – Stipulation – releasing January 24, 2014
Legal Affairs – Violation – releasing February 7, 2014
Legal Affairs – Mitigation – releasing February 21, 2014
Legal Affairs – Reparation – releasing March 7, 2014
Legal Affairs – Affirmation – releasing March 21, 2014

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Legal Affairs: Stipulation (Vol 2) by Sawyer Bennett

Things are sure heating up between McKayla and Matt!  Volume 2 in the Legal Affairs serial brings lots of what I loved from Vol 1 but Mac is finally starting to be honest with herself about her relationship with Matt.  Just when everything seems to be going great, dinner plans throw everything out of whack.  I can't wait for Legal Affairs: Violation!
Review by Danielle

Each volume will be $0.99





Legal Affairs – Objection – releasing January 10, 2014 - Free for a limited time
Legal Affairs – Stipulation – releasing January 24, 2014
Legal Affairs – Violation – releasing February 7, 2014
Legal Affairs – Mitigation – releasing February 21, 2014
Legal Affairs – Reparation – releasing March 7, 2014

Legal Affairs – Affirmation – releasing March 21, 2014

Monday, February 10, 2014

BLOG TOUR: Love Series Box Set by Melissa Collins

What would happen if you lost everything?  If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change?
That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents died when she was ten years old.  Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again.  The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can't get hurt if she doesn't fall in love.
That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy's pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world.  Maddy's inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.
Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

Where to buy


Reviews of each book in this box set

I loved all the books in this series so far, but Maddy and Reid definitely hold a special place all their own in my heart.  See my reviews of each of their books via the links below. ~Danielle


Snippet of Maddy and Reid’s first encounter

There was a group playing quarters on the island and another group lining up shots on the breakfast bar – so not my scene.  I just shrugged my shoulders, opened the door, pulled out a bottle of water and, when I turned around to walk back outside, I face-planted into a wall of solid muscle.

“Hand me one?” His voice was smooth and... gruff at the same time.  Red-faced, I turned back around and got him his water, glad for the cool respite that the opened refrigerator door offered.

“Here you go.” I could not peel my eyes away from his mouth as he moved the bottle to his lips.  They were perfect - beautiful and full in a completely masculine way.  I watched, completely fascinated, as his throat moved, downing the water in three or four large gulps. He wiped his mouth with his forearm and I couldn’t help but let my eyes travel up the rest of his arm to his biceps and shoulders – those were the same as his lips – perfect.  Amazingly, gorgeously, utterly, divinely perfect.  Muscled and tanned, his arms were mouthwatering.

My knees wobbled.  My heart thudded.  Thousands of butterflies spread their wings in my belly.

“Thanks…” he stared blankly at my face for a minute and I couldn't help but wondering if he liked what he saw.  He cleared his throat and roused me from my little daydream where the gorgeous boy is mesmerized by the maybe-a-little-above-average looking girl.  That’s when I realized he was asking for my name.

“Maddy.  Sorry, my name’s Maddy." I nearly choked on my tongue to get my freaking name out.

About the author

I’ve always been an avid reader.  Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer.  Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer.  I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it.  When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity.  My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there.  I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.  

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Sunday, February 9, 2014

Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth

I've waited four months to write this review.  I was so angry when I finished reading Allegiant that if I had written my review then I would of broken my #1 cardinal rule of reviewing: no author bashing (yes I was that angry).  Now I don't feel quite like that. I'm still angry about what happened in Allegiant - very angry - in fact when talking to my friends about it I almost always refer to it as "Effing Allegiant".  However, I am no longer angry at Veronica Roth!  It was her story to tell how she saw fit and how the characters told her to.  I'm not here to judge her, but I kinda hate the whole last book of this series and wish I skipped it.  On a plus side, it did make me feel, I felt a LOT and the emotions I felt (both positive and negative) were STRONG.  I was really close to not bothering with the movies now that I know how it all ends... then I saw the trailers and remember why I loved Divergent and Insurgent - Theo James doesn't hurt either!  I never thought I'd say this but I really hope Hollywood changes the ending.

So why didn't I like it?  Well it was kind of like The Truman Show meets Logan 's Run.  It was just plain odd.  I didn't feel like the story fit with the rest of the series, which I actually think is what Veronica Roth was going for because, wow - the reality is just off the wall in this book.  I  eventually accepted the circumstances surrounding what was "outside the fence" and even almost starting not hating what was going on... then the ending happened, and that is when I got really angry.  You will have to read it for yourself to see what got me so upset.
Review by Danielle


Saturday, February 8, 2014

Finding Cinderella by Colleen Hoover

I “lived” Hopeless and Losing Hope and was very excited to have this story to help ease the pain of being finished with them.  But it didn't help.  I still wanted more!

I had so much fun getting to know Daniel and Six better.  Finding Cinderella had a really good mixture of comedy and drama and flowed really well.  Without giving away anything, the HUGE twist in this story was perfect and heart wrenching.  I was totally not expecting that.  My only complaint about it was that it was too short! I really think that their story could have been a full book.  It was easily a story just as amazing as Sky and Holders!

Review by Jillian

Friday, February 7, 2014

Losing Hope by Colleen Hoover

I just finished Losing Hope and I am SO MAD! I am mad that I have had this book sitting in my Nook account for MONTHS and didn't read it until now.  And I am mad that I finished it! This book was AMAZING!!! I don't usually love books from a POV of another character with the same story line, but if anything, I liked this book MORE than Hopeless.

When I read Hopeless I was rocked to the core by Sky's story but Holder's story absolutely shattered me.  I honestly don't know how Colleen Hoover does it, but she gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.  Every time I read one of her books, I think...ok thats it, there isn't another book out there that can reach into my chest and squeeze my heart like that again...and I am right, until her next release!

I don't even know what to say about this book, I loved every single aspect of it.  I loved that we got to know Daniel, who only makes an un-named cameo appearance in Hopeless., and I adored him.  He made me laugh out loud on more than a few occasions.  I really loved getting to see the story from Holders POV.  It just made Hopeless even better because it put it all into perspective for me.  I also hated getting his POV because my heart broke for him, over and over.  It broke for that young boy who felt the weight of the world on his shoulders thinking a terrible tragedy was all his fault.  It broke again for the teenager who had to experience something so horrible it was almost unimaginable leaving him that sense of guilt all over again.  
Losing Hope was a roller coaster of emotions, and I loved the ride from the very first sentence through all the twist and turns all the way through to the last sentence.  I was happy to know that I had Finding Cinderella to dive right into.  Otherwise I probably would have cried, because I wasn't ready for it to to be over!  Obviously, I think everyone needs to read this book!

Review by Jillian

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Heller's Regret by J.D. Nixon

Worth the wait? Totally!  A part of me wishes that I could have waited until the entire Heller series was finished before reading it, because I HATE having to wait for a series to finish.  But it is always worth it.  This time was no exception.  I think Heller’s Regret was my favorite in the Heller series so far.  It had all of the aspects that I love from the series, with the silly situations that Tilly seems to get herself into, the suspenseful parts where you wonder how she will get out of said situations and the mind candy that is Heller, but it also had the added benefit of the creep factor! I was literally reading at home by myself completely creeped out under the blankets and positive that the spirit of a little boy was going to enter my room at any moment! I had some funky dreams that night! And don't get me started on Malefic.  ::Shudder::

JD out did herself with this last cliffhanger.  I can't wait for the next (last) book, rumored to be named Heller’s Family, (sniffle) to see how it all ties up in the end, and what becomes of Heller and Tilly.  I am not sure which direction I want that book to go.  I have about 10 different scenarios of how it could play out running through my head.  Knowing JD, however, it will be something completely out of left field and AWESOME!

Review by Jillian

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

SNEAK PEEK: On the Rocks (Last Call #1) by Sawyer Bennett

He left to travel the world for fame and glory, but only after spurning Gabby Ward and crushing her young heart. Now Hunter Markham has come back home to the sand and salty breeze of the North Carolina Outer Banks so he can open up Last Call, a beach bar nestled among the dunes of the Atlantic.

Gabby Ward is not happy that Hunter has returned. Bitter over his rebuff years before, she’s content to stay far away from him and his dangerously charming ways.

Gabby’s well-schemed plans to ignore Hunter go up in flames when he presents an offer to her that she simply can’t refuse, throwing them together in a common quest to each reach their goals. Working together day in and day out proves to be problematic for Gabby, who soon realizes that the feelings she had for him are still very much alive. Hunter struggles to reach through to Gabby’s cold heart, all while starting a new career away from his life as a top ranked, professional surfer.

What starts out as a mutual business arrangement soon turns into a passion that neither of them can continue to deny.

Hard choices lay ahead for both of them when Hunter is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to the pro surfing tour.

Choices that could destroy what they have built or take them further than they ever had dared to hope.

Excerpt

“What the fuck is wrong with her?” I grumbled.
“You’re clueless, dude,” Brody said while he placed the twenties, tens, fives, and ones in their respective drawers. He opened up the rolls of coins and emptied them in their slots. “Absolutely clueless.”
Walking up to the bar, I pulled a stool out and leaned one ass cheek on it, laying my forearms on the bar. “Want to enlighten me?”
Shutting the register drawer, Brody turned to look at me. “You two remind me of two kids who like each other but don’t understand it. So rather than confronting it, you pick at each other, letting your confused emotions come out as anger and stupid words.”
“I’m not the one picking at her,” I pointed out.
“True, but I expect Gabby’s feelings run in a different direction than yours. You’re running around with your tongue hanging out, panting after her, and she’s got her heart tied up. It’s the classic difference between men and women.”
I stood there with my jaw hanging open, staring in wonder at Brody. He just fucking ‘Dr. Phil-ed’ me, and I was in awe.
“How in the fuck do you know that?” I asked.
He shrugged his shoulders and walked out from behind the bar, heading toward the stockroom. “One thing in prison you have a lot of… is time. Three things came out of it. I devoured a lot of books, I had plenty of time to think, and I sharpened my observation skills. I see plenty of what goes on, even if you and Gabby don’t.”
I was struck dumb. My brother… the felon… the philosopher. I was beyond grateful that he was actually having a conversation with me. I was blown away at the nature of said conversation. My respect for my brother increased tenfold, because I realized that prison might have actually made him smarter… keener… even potentially more well-rounded.
“You amaze me,” is all I could think to say.
Brody just snorted at my comment and walked into the storeroom, while I stared after him. Maybe that was a turning point for Brody, actually doling out advice to his dumbass brother.
Now it’s Wednesday morning and, as I pull into the parking lot of Last Call, I see Gabby’s work truck. None of the other crew members have arrived, but it’s only 7:30 AM and they don’t usually clock in until around eight. I have no clue what time Gabby shows up each morning, but I’m guessing it’s way earlier than seven thirty.
Unlocking the door, I let myself in and relock it behind me. I’ll open it back up at eight.
I hear sounds coming from the back room, which leads out onto the existing deck. Gabby said they’d be starting the deck expansion today, so I expect to find her out there.
When I walk back there though, I find her still inside, bent over one of the pool tables, reviewing the design plans she has spread out before her. She’s wearing her classic work clothes… jeans, a t-shirt, and work boots. She has her tool belt riding low on her slim hips, and she’s chewing on the end of a pencil while she peruses the documents in front of her. With her hair pulled up in a ponytail, she looks young and fresh… and it makes me want to kiss the fuck out of her.
“Good morning,” I say, and her head snaps up.
For a brief moment, her face is placid and relaxed. But the moment she realizes it’s me walking in, her lips set in a grim line and she turns her attention back down to the plans before her.
And that just pisses me off. Fuck what Brody said about her liking me, and that’s why she’s so cranky. It doesn’t make any sense, and I’m getting tired of her bratty behavior. It makes me want to be a brat in return, so what do I do?
I walk up beside her, getting up close and invading her personal space, and lean over the plans. “Whatcha doin’?” I ask in a friendly voice.
I swear I can hear her teeth gritting from my nearness, and she takes a step to the side. “Just going over the specs on the back deck extension, so I can get the crew started when they get here.”
I slide a step closer to her, bending over the drawings. “Explain what you’ll be doing today.”
She curses under her breath, and I have to suppress a chuckle. I’m enjoying what my bratty side is doing to her.
“I don’t have time for this, Hunter. You either trust my work, or you don’t.”
I turn to look at her, and she’s glaring at me. “You’re cute when you’re angry. I particularly like the way you pout. It’s sexy.”
Flames leap out of her eyes, I kid you not, and she takes a step in closer, while jabbing me in the chest with her finger. “Just cut it out, Hunter. I know you think this banter is funny but it’s not. It’s really pissing me off. I’m trying to do a job here, and you’re not making it—”
I’ve had enough—enough of her rancor and PMSing or whatever the fuck her problem is. Brody said she likes me, and I’m going to see if he’s as smart as I think he might be.
Grabbing her shoulders, I pull her in hard to me so her breasts mash into my chest. She lets out a tiny gasp, her hazel eyes going wide, and her lips full and slightly open. It’s the only invitation I need before I bring mouth down on hers… fast and hard.
I unleash all the pent-up frustration I have toward her cranky behavior into her mouth, slamming my tongue up against hers, scraping my own bottom lip against her teeth. The pleasure-pain is exquisite, and I groan at the first contact.
She’s stiff… just for a second, her hands hanging loosely at her side. I let it cross my mind briefly that I could be making a very big mistake, that this could be bordering on assault, but then her arms come up and she clutches my hips with her fingertips.
That spurs me on, and I tilt my head, angling for a deeper contact. She responds tenfold, sliding a sexy whimper into my mouth, and I feel myself starting to grow painfully hard.
All from a fucking kiss.
A kiss that is just like five years ago, yet so very different. Then she was forbidden, young, innocent. It was shocking and altering, two things that fueled my lust.
Now, it’s a desire that’s fueled by years of wondering, fantasizing, and maybe even a bit of regret. It’s also a flame that has recently been fanned by anger, and let’s face it… there’s nothing hotter than being in the middle of an argument and releasing that emotion through the sexual channels.
My heart is slamming inside my chest, and my dick is aching. I want to do nothing more than take Gabby, lay her across the pool table, and fuck the meanness out of her. I want to sink myself in her warmth, make her body mine, and when it’s done, have her look at me with something other than disdain.
But now is not the time, and it’s certainly not the place. When I take her—and I will—it’s going to be somewhere private so I can do things that might border on depraved… but will certainly wipe that smug look off her face. Just the thought has me smiling against her lips.
I bring one hand up and cup the back of her head, pushing her mouth harder against mine for just a second, taking a last swipe at her with my tongue. Then I pull back, gripping onto her hair to hold her in place.
I stare at her intently, watching her eyes, which are clouded with lust and longing. Without the power of the kiss driving us, her gaze starts to clear, and I enjoy the myriad of emotion that filters through. Desire is replaced by confusion, which is then replaced by anger.
She pushes back against my body, her hands still at my hips, but I hold tight to her hair and I don’t budge an inch.
“What the hell was that for?” she seethes.
I give her a calculated smirk, running my eyes over her face and leaning down to nip at her lower lip with my teeth. She shivers in my arms and I internally gloat, because while she acts like she’s mad, she wants me. There’s no denying it.
Pulling back slightly, I rub my nose against hers, and then say, “It was the only way to get you to shut up.”
She looks at me blankly for a moment, and then it sinks in what I just said to her. She practically screeches as she rips away from my embrace, and I quickly release my hold on her hair so she doesn’t tear a chunk of it out. Stepping back a foot, her eyes do a slow burn and her hand comes up to wipe it across her lips. It’s a calculated move… to show me that the kiss disgusted her, but she’s not fooling me. I invented that move, used it on her five years ago in fact. I know all about masking my true feelings.
Leaning against the pool table with one hip, I cross my arms across my chest and give her a lazy smile. “Don’t act affronted, Gabs. You enjoyed that just as much as I did.”
“Oooohhh,” she screeches again, and I wince at the sound. “You’re an asshole. If you touch me again, I swear I’ll… I’ll…”
“What?” I taunt her. “Kiss the fuck out of me again? You wanted it… you enjoyed it. Accept it.”
“I did not,” she insists, stomping her foot. “You caught me off guard.”
Laughing at her silliness, I take a step forward, even as she takes a step back to keep distance between us. “You may not know what’s going on here, but I do. Brody enlightened me the other day.”
That gets her attention because she can’t help but ask, “What do you mean?”
I decide I’m done playing for the day. I can see she’s going to need time to process this, and I’m fully expecting to deal with a she-devil tomorrow. So I just turn around and head back out to the front of the bar, telling her over my shoulder. “Ask Brody. He’ll fill you in.”
I hear her curse behind me, dropping a few F-bombs in the process. I just laugh, and I know she can hear me because a few more choice words follow me out the door.

About the author

USA Today Best-Selling author, Sawyer Bennett, is a snarky southern woman and reformed trial lawyer who decided to finally start putting on paper all of the stories that were floating in her head. She is married to a mobster (well, a market researcher) and they have two big, furry dogs who hog the bed. Sawyer would like to report she doesn’t have many weaknesses but can be bribed with a nominal amount of milk chocolate.

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