Blog Tour + Character Interview, Release Day Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway

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Welcome to today’s stop on the blog tour for Hearts of Fire! We have Jack and Lille here with us on the blog for a character interview! Make sure to check out my review, an excerpt, and a giveaway below!

Character Interview: Jack & Lille from Hearts of Fire

Lille and Jack, thank you so much for being here today!
Jack, can you tell us about what you do in the circus?

I’m a fire breather and knife-thrower. Come and see for yourself.

Jack, how did you become a fire-breather?

In my teens I became fascinated with fire and burning. One day I saw a guy on the street eating fire and thought, I could do that. I began researching and learning everything that I could and a year later I was the guy on the street, performing fire tricks for passers-by.

Lille and Jack, what’s the first thing you think of when I say the word “circus”?

Jack: *grumbles* Hard work.
Lille: Elephants!

What are your guys’ favorite thing about the circus? Your favorite acts?

Jack: The freedom of travel. I like the lions.
Lille: Getting to see new places and new people every week. My favourite act is Jack’s, of course *blushes*

Lille, what’s something interesting you’ve learned since joining the circus?

I’ve learned that a gigantic tent can be built overnight. Like seriously, I’m still amazed at how quickly it gets done. I’ve also learned that travel broadens the mind.

Lille and Jack, how do you two feel about falling in love?

Lille: It’s pretty simple. I love being in love.
Jack: *gives Lille an affectionate look* What she said.

What were your first thoughts when you were falling in love with each other?

Lille: This is scary and wonderful.
Jack: I’m falling for her and she’s too good for me.

Do you have any regrets in your life?

Lille: Not running away with the circus sooner!
Jack: Believing lies. Not having faith in my brother.

Where do you see yourselves in ten years?

Lille: Anywhere. Everywhere. With Jack.
Jack: *drapes an arm around Lille* Maybe in a little house in the mountains with a couple of dogs.

And lastly, how would you two describe your relationship?

Jack: Peaceful. Exhilarating. Mine.
Lille: *looks to Jack and smiles* What he said.

Thank you so much for the interview!

Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway

Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway
Series: Hearts #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: March 9th 2015
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The Circus Spektakulär is proud to present Jack McCabe: Fire-breather, knife-thrower, risk-taker.

My uncle lied. I never died.

I breathe fire, eat the poison that almost killed me.

Crowds come to see me night after night. Men for the spectacle, women for the thrill. I’m an oddity to be stared at and desired. With each flame I spit, I risk my life.

I wear scars on my body that will never go away, but the scars inside my head are far more difficult to overlook.

My brother doesn’t know the truth, and if I have it my way, he never will.

Life was going exactly the way I’d planned until Lille came along. She wanted to run away with the circus, have an adventure, but this world was never meant for her.

I try to keep her safe, because she doesn’t know the dangers that are out here on the road. She doesn’t know the monsters that lurk behind the bright lights of the ring. In truth, I could be considered one of them.

We were fashioned from different cloths, never intended to mix. So I watch her. I try not to touch, even when her eyes invite me.

Join us in the Spiegeltent and let us give you a show. Allow my Lille to draw a picture for you in paint and sweat and skin.

The truest love is always the hardest to let in.

*This is a standalone romance that tells the story of Jack McCabe, Jay Fields’ long lost, presumed dead brother. It is not necessary to have read Six of Hearts in order to enjoy Hearts of Fire.*

Buy Links:
Amazon • Amazon UK • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Smashwords

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Having read Six of Hearts (which you don’t need to read prior to Hearts of Fire, but I highly recommend it!), I’ve been so excited for Jay’s brother Jack’s book! Jack was previously presumed dead, but obviously, he’s not… And his story was an absolute delight to read! I adored Jack and Lille’s story – it’s a heartwarming, engaging, fun read that everyone should enjoy.

Lille is a girl who wants… more in life. She’s always followed the rules, her mother’s rules to be exact, but she wants an adventure. She wants to experience everything there is in life, and her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes in the form of the circus.

After all, there’s no point to an adventure if safety is guaranteed. The whole purpose is the unknown, the danger.
I craved it more than anything.

When Lille joins the circus, it’s a whole new world for her. She’s meeting new people, seeing new things,  visiting new places, and most importantly, she’s having the adventure of her life. But there’s one little hiccup in her adventure – Jack McCabe. He doesn’t want Lille to join the circus for some reason, so he’s a jerk to her. But Lille won’t let anything dampen her adventure, not even sexy, moody Jack.

Jack was a character I had a hard time warming up to, but then found myself loving by the end of the novel. He’s a jerk in the beginning, yes, but he’s a jerk with a lot of hero potential. And when he starts showing that potential, by protecting Lille, caring for her, that’s when I started loving him. I absolutely adored how Jack and Lille were together – they have a hot chemistry, but they’re also so sweet and adorable together!

“You smell like me. Do you know how much that drives me crazy? God, you’re perfect, too perfect. You make me feel so wretched. I want to consume you, steal your light and make myself a little bit more. You’re more, Lille. I want to be more, too.”

There’s so much heart in this novel. First with Lille and Jack’s wonderful romance, and then with Jack’s past and his relationship with his brother Jay. We find out Jack’s side of the story, and my heart broke for him. He hasn’t had the best life, but the way he came out stronger in the end is so admirable. He’s a character that’s just so intriguing and unique, and I love that he’s a fire-breather in the circus!

If you’re a fan of Six of Hearts or anything circus related, you definitely don’t want to miss this book! The romance will sweep you away and the circus life is riveting to read. When I first started this book, I wasn’t too into it, but soon enough, I found myself unable to stop reading. When I read more about Lille, Jack, and the circus, I got hooked – this is definitely a book I can highly recommend!

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Now here’s an excerpt from Hearts of Fire! ❤

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Somebody swore profusely from behind me, and I turned to find Jack trying to light a cigarette. The wind wasn’t doing him any favours, and he couldn’t get the flame to stay lit. Not wanting him to see me, I began walking swiftly in the opposite direction. I didn’t get far when he was suddenly behind me. He looped his finger through my belt and practically dragged me to the corner he’d been standing in.

“What the fu….”

“Stay still,” he ordered. “I need you to block the wind.”

I didn’t have any snappy comebacks, so I simply stood there, amazed by his gruffness. Hadn’t anyone ever taught him simple manners? When I looked at him, I thought that maybe they hadn’t. I could easily imagine him as a little Mowgli type, being raised by animals in the jungle.

He flicked the lighter and finally got the smoke lit. Inhaling deeply, then exhaling, he watched me all the while. I shivered, and not from the cold. I felt like there was an atmosphere between us, but it was more than likely all on my end. I was good at imagining things, especially sexual tension. And I was well-acquainted with the one-sided kind.

“Are my services required further, sir?” I asked with a hint of sass. I mean, I’d been his wind-blocker, and he hadn’t even said thanks.

Just like last night, he almost smiled, and I hated that it was wondrous. I could have painted an entire mural of his jaw line alone. He flicked off the ash and leaned back against the wall behind him.

“So, you’re staying with Lola?”

“Yes, and Violet.”

“That’ll be fun.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“Are you?”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You’re weird.”

He took a step forward and stared down at me, teeth flashing as he spoke. “And I bet I could make you like it.”

Reading Order: Hearts series

Six of Hearts by L.H. Cosway Hearts of Fire by L.H. Cosway King of Hearts by L.H. Cosway Hearts of Blue by L.H. Cosway

#1 ~ Six of Hearts: My Review • EbookPaperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Hearts of Fire: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ King of Hearts: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Hearts of Blue: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Thief of Hearts: Goodreads (2016)
#6 ~ Hearts on Air: Goodreads (2016)

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L.H. CoswayL.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

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Hearts of Fire tour prize

The author is giving away (open internatonally):

1st prize: Hearts of Fire tote bag
Signed copy of Six of Hearts
Signed copy of Hearts of Fire
Hearts of Fire pocket mirror

2nd prize: Signed copy of Hearts of Fire
Hearts of Fire pocket mirror

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Release Day Blitz + Excerpt & Giveaway: Unraveled by Lorelei James

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Unraveled by Lorelei James is now available!

Unraveled by Lorelei James

Unraveled by Lorelei James
Series: Mastered #3 (full reading order below)
Release Date: March 3rd 2015
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In this sizzling continuation of the Mastered series by New York Times bestselling author Lorelei James, a man will find the domination he’s always craved…

Shiori Hirano and Knox Lofgren are left to run the martial arts program at Black Arts while Ronin Black travels. On the surface, the two highest ranked belts appear to cooperate—but in private, they butt heads constantly, despite the undeniable attraction between them. Soon their power exchanges start to make for a sweltering dynamic in the bedroom…

At first Knox is shocked to be living out his submissive desires, but Shiori sets out to prove that embracing his true sexual nature doesn’t make him a weak man. But even while their sexual relationship grants him a power and fulfillment he finds surprising, there’s no training regimen for the fight that comes with loving a strong woman…

Buy Links:
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • iTunes • Google Play • Kobo

Now here’s an excerpt from Unraveled! ❤

excerpt

Shiori moved to his other ear. One hand gripped his hair while the other clamped onto his ass cheek. “The other choice is you on your knees with that pouty mouth all over my pussy.”

“Look at me,” she said softly.

His lust-​clouded eyes met hers.

“Make me come so hard my knees give out. Then pick me up and do it again.”

“A man like you?”

“A man who finds beauty in a woman secondary to her strength. You have both in equal measure. So you tempt me beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”

“I changed my mind. I don’t give a damn about your sexual past when you’re responding to my touch so beautifully.” She blew in his ear. “A cliché for sure, but your body is my wonderland.”

Shiori’s palms smoothed over his cheeks, and she tipped his head back to look at him. “You did well.”

“It was all for you.”

“Now it’s your turn.” She brushed her lips across his. “Ask me.”

“Please, Nushi, let me come.”

“Come for me now.”

“I’ve never craved a woman like I do you.” He groaned and briefly closed his eyes. “I’m sitting here on my knees, my ass stinging, knowing I’ve got more punishment in store, and my dick is getting hard just imagining being with you again.”

The man worshipped her body with every caress, every kiss, every stuttered breath. And yet he gave her total control. He didn’t rock his hips or thrust up into her. He let her fuck him. That surrender made this connection all the more powerful.

Warm lips trailed down her spine, and strong hands dug into her hips. “One of these days I’m gonna map every muscle in your back with my mouth. You’re so strong, and that is so fucking sexy.”

Lightning fast she wrapped her hand beneath his jaw and jerked his face up. “Taking care of you is my responsibility, Knox. That includes commanding you to get turned on, getting you off, cleaning you up, and making sure you don’t do something stupid in the aftermath.”

“Come into my lair, my sweet,” she murmured against his lips, “and we’ll have us some kinky fun.”

“You are alive and here with me, there’s no way I’ll ever be able to let you go. Not because you’re my Mistress, but because you’re the woman I love. The woman I’ve waited for my entire life.”

Shiori trapped his face in her hands and kissed him. “I didn’t think I could love you more than I already do, but I was wrong.” Another kiss. “Please get off your knees and hold me.”

Reading Order: Mastered series

Bound by Lorelei James Unwound by Lorelei James
Schooled by Lorelei James Unraveled by Lorelei James Caged by Lorelei James

#1 ~ Bound: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Unwound: EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#2.5 ~ Schooled: Ebook • Goodreads
#3 ~ Unraveled: EbookPaperbackGoodreads
#4 ~ Caged: EbookPaperback • Goodreads (July 14, 2015)

about the author

Lorelei James

Lorelei James is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary erotic western romances set in the modern day Wild West and also contemporary erotic romances.

Lorelei’s books have been nominated for and won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s choice Award, as well as the CAPA Award. Lorelei lives in western South Dakota with her family…and a whole closet full of cow girl boots.

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads

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$25 Gift Card for the online retailer of your choice
Print editions of the first three books in The Mastered Series

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Release Day Launch + Excerpt & Giveaway: Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker

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We are dying to share this Release Blitz with you all to celebrate K.A. Tucker’s BECOMING RAIN! BECOMING RAIN is a New Adult Romantic Suspense novel, and the second novel in K.A. Tucker’s Burying Water Series, published by Atria books, an Imprint of Simon & Schuster. We hope you’re ready for this!

Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker

Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker
Series: Burying Water #2
Release Date: March 3rd 2015
Genre: New Adult Romantic Suspense
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Luke Boone doesn’t know exactly what his uncle Rust is involved in but he wants in on it-the cars, the money, the women. And it looks like he’s finally getting his wish. When Rust hands him the managerial keys to the garage, they come with a second set-one that opens up the door to tons of cash and opportunity. Though it’s not exactly legal, Luke’s never been one to worry about that sort of thing. Especially when it puts him behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 and onto the radar of gorgeous socialite named Rain.

Clara Bertelli is at the top of her game-at only twenty-six years old, she’s one of the most successful undercover officers in the Washington D.C. major crime unit, and she’s just been handed a case that could catapult her career and expose one of the west coast’s most notorious car theft rings. But, in order to do it, she’ll need to go deep undercover as Rain Martines. Her target? The twenty-four-year old nephew of a key player who appears ready to follow in his uncle’s footsteps.

As Clara drifts deeper into the luxurious lifestyle of Rain, and further into the arms of her very attractive and charming target, the lines between right and wrong start to blur, making her wonder if she’ll be able to leave it all behind. Or if she’ll even want to.

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Paperback • B&N • BAM
IndieBound • Apple • Blio • Books-a-Million • Google

Now here’s an excerpt from Becoming Rain! ❤

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“Let us know if you have any more problems.” Luke flashes that wide, charming smile that stalls my feet just a little.

Still no mention of connecting again. In fact, I’d say Luke has gone out of his way to skirt the subject. He’s just not interested. That’s all there is to it. Or maybe he’s waiting for me to bring it up again. But if he’s not, then bringing it up will make me look desperate. I’m guessing he doesn’t like desperate women.

Luke Boone has me in a tailspin. No target has ever had me second-guessing myself this much, this early. It’s just the pressure of the case, I remind myself. “I’m sure I will.” I take long, slow steps, ensuring my movements are sleek and appealing, the opposite of my frantic thoughts, as I desperately search for another hook, since nothing I’m casting has caught so far.

“So, when did you say you’re cooking dinner for me?”

I fight the urge to groan with relief but I can’t keep the smile from exploding across my face. “Whenever you call me.” I turn to regard him, to see his smug face—like he knew I was waiting for it all along, like he was toying with me—and nod to the sheet on his desk. “You have my number.”

“I do.” His eyes twinkle. “I’ll call you soon.”

Thank fucking God.

I wait until I’m in my car and around the corner before turning off my wire and squealing like a fourteen-year-old who just got asked out to the movies. I dial Warner to debrief, my heart still racing. It’s standard protocol to call in after every meeting with my target. Up until now, I’ve had nothing but failure to report. And, while this may not seem like much . . .

I think I’m finally in.

Reading Order: Burying Water series

Burying Water by K.A. Tucker Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker Chasing River by K.A. Tucker Surviving Ice by K.A. Tucker

#1 ~ Burying Water: My Review • EbookPaperback • AudibleGoodreads
#2 ~ Becoming Rain: EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#3 ~ Chasing River: My Review • EbookPaperbackAudible • Goodreads
#4 ~ Surviving Ice: EbookPaperbackGoodreads (Oct. 27, 2015)

about the author

K.A. TuckerBorn in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Blog • Website • Facebook • Twitter • Goodreads • Atria

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Signed Ten Tiny Breaths Series (IN HER WAKE not signed), signed BURYING WATER & signed BECOMING RAIN for one winner
Signed BECOMING RAIN for 3 winners

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Release Day Blast + Excerpt & Giveaway: Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy

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We’re celebrating the release of STEALING ROSE by Monica Murphy! Check out the excerpt below!

Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy

Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy
Series: The Fowler Sisters #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: March 3rd 2015
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People say the youngest child has it easy, but nothing can be further from the truth. Unlike my two sisters, Violet and Lily, I’m never in the limelight. I just work my butt off for Fleur Cosmetics and get little to no thanks for it. I’ve been pushed too far one too many times, and I’m finally brave enough to do something about it.

Maybe my newfound courage has something to do with the amazing pink and white diamond necklace I wear to the party in Cannes. The instant those dazzling heirloom jewels touch my skin, they excite some deep, aching need inside. And when that guy—that totally gorgeous guy—locks eyes with me, I know this nice girl is going to be naughty.

For once it’s my turn. My turn to say no to my father, to outshine my sisters, to walk away from it all—straight into the arms of a mysterious stranger. But what if Caden is much more than I bargained for? Sure, he makes me feel sexy and free in a way I never have before, but there’s something else I can’t quite place—something dangerous. Maybe our “chance” meeting wasn’t so random. Maybe he was looking for me for a reason. Whatever his motive, there’s no going back now.

And maybe I don’t want to.

Buy Links:
Amazon • iTunes • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • BAM

excerpt

I sit on the edge of the mattress, not about to give up. I need to get closer to her and eventually get closer to that damn neck- lace she wore. Dexter wants it. He’s been hounding my ass for it. And I’ll get it.

Eventually.

I’d rather focus on her first. Earn her trust. So I’m not casing out her hotel room. I’m not looking for any stray jewelry lying around.

Hell, I’m in too deep now.

I’m here with Rose because I want to be, not because I want to steal something from her.

Yet. Don’t forget the “yet” part at the end of that last thought.

Yeah. Who wants to focus on trying to steal a necklace when I could be sliding back into bed with her? I want to feel the hot, tight clasp of her pussy milking my cock again. I want to feel her touch me, feel her lips on my skin, hear her moan when I hit a spot that feels particularly good. I want to learn all of those spots, memorize them for later. Because there will be a later for Rose and me. I plan on that. And she’d better plan on it too, no matter how much in denial she is.

“Rose.” She turns to look at me, her expression wary. Guarded. I know the feeling. More than anything, I know that look. I’ve been wearing the same guarded expression pretty much all my life. I trust no one. They’re all out to screw me over; it doesn’t matter who they are. I’ve become so good at playing the part, of being whoever I need to be at any given moment, I have no idea who the real me is anymore.

Being with Rose is the closest I’ve felt to myself since I don’t know when. I want to explore this. Explore what we share, what she makes me feel, what we are when we’re together.

She’s ready to kick me out and I’m ready to cling. Talk about a total role reversal. I need to get my head back on straight and focus.

“Caden.” She matches my tone, watching me expectantly. When I don’t say anything she rolls her eyes. “Do you realize I don’t even know your last name? What does that say about me, that I’d let you into my room and—fool around with you for hours and I don’t know your last name? It’s appalling behavior.”

“Appalling behavior? You sound like a crabby old school- teacher.” I want to laugh but I don’t. She’s dead serious. I think she’s just shocked herself with what we’ve done.

I’ve shocked myself too, but in a good way. While she acts like we’ve committed the ultimate sin.

“You wouldn’t understand.” She averts her head as if it pains her to look at me and I move closer to her, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s Kingsley,” I murmur, wishing I could kiss her. Comfort her. But that’s not happening, not yet. I’ve got to take it slow.

She turns, a little gasp escaping her when she discovers how close I am. “What?”

“My last name. It’s Kingsley.”

“Are you serious? Of course it is.” She tosses her hands up in the air, making her breasts jiggle, and I jerk my gaze away from her chest.

Reading Order: The Fowler Sisters series

Owning Violet by Monica Murphy Stealing Rose by Monica Murphy Taming Lily by Monica Murphy

#1 ~ Owning Violet: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Stealing Rose: My Review • EbookPaperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Taming Lily: EbookPaperbackGoodreads (July 7, 2015)

WHICH FOWLER SISTER ARE YOU?
https://www.playbuzz.com/ballan…/which-fowler-sister-are-you

about the author

Karen Erickson

New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite with her husband and three children. She’s a workaholic who loves her job. When she’s not busy writing, she also loves to read and travel with her family. She writes new adult and contemporary romance and is published with Bantam and Avon. She also writes romance as USA Today bestselling author Karen Erickson.

Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads • Amazon Page

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Owning Violet and Stealing Rose, signed copies – Open Intl

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Release Day Blitz + Excerpt & Giveaway: The 27 Club by Kim Karr

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Happy Release Day to Kim Karr! The 27 Club is live!

The 27 Club by Kim Karr

Title: The 27 Club
Author: Kim Karr
Release Date: March 3rd 2015
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You don’t know when…
You don’t get to choose if…
When it’s time to join…you’ll know.

You might think you want to be a member—but trust me this is one club you don’t want to join. It’s not a place where people go to live out their deepest, darkest sexual desires—there are no handcuffs or blindfolds.

The 27 Club only admits those who die young and tragically. My brother was recently bestowed membership and joined many of our ancestors before him. I know I’m next. This is my destiny, and I was ready to yield.

But then I met Nate. He awakened a sensuality in me that had never been explored, never satisfied. I knew then I could no longer accept my destiny. Nate’s presence controls me. I’m overwhelmed by his touch, his words; my every thought is consumed by desire. I believe he was brought into my life for a reason.

Nate doesn’t believe in destiny.

But I do.

And if there’s a way to cheat it—I must.

Buy Links:
Amazon Ebook • Amazon Paperback • Barnes & Noble • iTunes

Now here’s an excerpt from The 27 Club! ❤

excerpt

My jaw practically hits the table.

The chocolate crêpe!

I can’t believe it.

Harnessing all of my willpower, I fight the sudden inclination I have to leap around the table and jump onto his lap. I always tell people I prefer dessert before a meal, but never has anyone taken me seriously.

Never.

Tension coils deep in my belly. Lust flows through my veins running faster and faster with each passing second. I look over at him and as soon as I see his face, I can feel myself coming unhinged. Urges I can’t deny surface. The need to know the taste of his lips, to feel his hard body,

to be able to lick the chocolate he just ordered off his chest, and to slide my tongue down his stomach so I can taste him.

Looking thoughtful, his return gaze slowly changes to one of concern. “Have you stopped planning for your future because you don’t think you have one?” he asks softly.

Remnants of our conversation must have been lingering in his mind. Slamming my eyes shut, all of the erotic images I had conjured up immediately disappear as I fight to breathe.

Suddenly the air becomes thick in my lungs and I can’t get it out. I take deep calming breaths. As the haze around me dissipates and I fight off the panic attack, I hear a fumbling in front of me. I force myself to lift my lids. Nate is attempting to open my clutch. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to get you your inhaler.” Panic seems to drown out the deep green of his eyes.

I push to my feet and give him a disbelieving look. “I’m not having an asthma attack.”

“You’re not?” He sounds uncertain.

Shaking my head, I set my napkin on the table. “Excuse me, I have to use the ladies room.” I walk inside the restaurant, realizing I have no idea where I’m going. Looking around, I find the bathrooms immediately.

Just as I pull the door open, a hand covers mine. “You’re upset.”

I drop my head. “No, I’m fine.”

Fierceness grips his voice. “You’re lying.”

Summoning all of my willpower, I raise my eyes.

Nate lifts my chin. “You didn’t let me finish. I’m trying to understand you. I want to know why, if you believe in destiny, you’d change your path. Why wouldn’t you do what you had always planned on doing? Why change your course? Personally, I think destiny is bullshit. I also think not pursuing your dream is bullshit too.”

Caged by his body, his scent, his presence, I look up into his burning eyes and I can see compassion there. I believe he wants what’s best for me. If I think I know him through my brother, he thinks he knows me through my brother as well. And Zach wanted me to continue my education. His dream was that someday I’d be Dr. Zoey Flowers. Nate knows this.

“Zoey?” Nate’s voice is questioning. Low. Maybe even slightly fearful.

“Nate”—I press my finger to his lips—“I think I need to tell you something about myself.”

“What?” he asks.

In all our e-mails after my brother’s death, I never mentioned the real reason for my delay in coming to Miami. I keep my eyes open even though I want to close them. “I had a breakdown shortly after Zach died. I took a leave from my job. I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t plan one day, let alone the next. And somewhere during that time, I let any plans I had for the future fall to the wayside. I don’t know what I want anymore.”

Shock appears on his face. “Why didn’t you tell me in any of our e-mails?”

The truth is hard to admit. “I actually looked forward to your weekly e-mails. But I did lie to you. It wasn’t work that kept me from coming to get my brother’s things. It was me and my inability to cope.”

Nate stares down at me.

My entire focus is on him. “Don’t think I’m crazy. I’m not. Really, I’m not.”

His gaze continues to pin me in a way that makes me think he understands me.

It holds me in place. Keeps me calm.

“Zoey, God, I don’t think that at all,” he breathes. “I can understand how that would happen.

With everything coming at you at once, and the shock of Z’s death, coupled with the revelations about your family, it was just too much. I get it.”

I just stare at his lips, longing to kiss him. My body is filled with so many wants and needs, and all these new urges I’ve never felt before.

And all I want is just for him to set me free.

about the author

Kim KarrI live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I’ve always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.

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