Read an excerpt from Hidden Depth by Brenda Rothert

I had it all.

Breaking into the entertainment business as a teenager wasn’t easy. I spent years of my childhood traveling, auditioning and hoping my big break would come. And when I did, I rose to a level I never imagined.

Elle Tyler: model, singer and actress. I couldn’t go anywhere without security anymore. It was everything I ever wanted and more - fame, fortune and worldwide recognition. At age twenty-four, I was living a dream. 

But a single act of violence shattered my fairytale existence. In a matter of seconds, all the goodness in me was ripped to shreds. Overnight, the people around me dropped away, moving on to find the next big thing. I gave up on myself, becoming a woman so dark and forlorn I no longer recognized myself.

But the stranger who saved me that day, Justin Lockhart, never gave up on me. He still saw light through my darkness. And as we grew closer, I started to see it, too. And I also started to see that before that terrible day, maybe I didn’t really have it all. Maybe I was always missing the only thing that really matters.

Excerpt

Elle

I THOUGHT I HAD wrapped my arms around the world. Fortune and fame are the ultimate dream, right? But when an act of violence shattered all my notions, I was forced to face painful truths. It wasn’t until I’d lost so much that I found the one thing that really matters— and the place that made anything seem possible.

“IT’S PERFECT,” MY ASSISTANT Chloe says, grinning proudly as she tucks a loose strand of my hair into the floppy beach hat.

“I’m not sure I’d use that word,” I say, giving her a skeptical look.

“Don’t be hatin’ on the hat. It’s a perfect disguise hat.”

“It’s a beach hat, and it’s February in St. Louis. How is this not going to draw attention?”

She lowers her brows and tries to fold the sides of the hat down. “You think it’s easy making a redhead incognito? A redhead who happens to have one of the most recognizable faces in the world?”

I roll my eyes at that. “Stop. You don’t need to kiss my ass.”

“I know. But I saw a BuzzFeed article this morning about the most recognizable faces in the world, and you were one of them.”

My lips part with surprise. “Really?”

She nods and then stands back to eye the bright pink hat. “With the sunglasses, I think we’ll be ready.”

When she breaks out a pair of black sunglasses with round lenses large enough to hide half my face, I roll my eyes. “Those are the very definition of conspicuous.”

“Hey,” she says defensively. “I did the best I could. That little souvenir shop was the only place I could find with hats.”

“When I sent you out to pick up something, I was thinking like . . . a hoodie. Not Jackie O doing a flamingo impression.”

“It’s a short trip from the room out to our bus. Just keep your head down.”

There’s a knock on the door to my suite, and when Chloe opens it, my bodyguard Andre walks in. “Ready, Elle?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, noticing his smirk. “Laugh it up.”

“It’s just that it’s sort of a . . . loud disguise.”

Andre kind of looks like The Rock, if The Rock had gotten his nose broken lots of times in fights, and if he were covered in tattoos. Andre’s usually pretty quiet, and since he’s only been my bodyguard for a few months, we’re still adjusting to each other. I’m not quite comfortable firing off a comeback at him yet.

“I’ll give you that,” I say with a sigh.

“I’ll carry that,” he offers, reaching for the bag thrown over my

shoulder.

“Thanks.” I hand it over, wincing a little.

“How’s the shoulder?” he asks, his brows lowering with concern.

I give him a half shrug. “It’s sore.”

At my concert last night, I hurt my shoulder while dancing. I just twisted it in a funny way on accident, and by the end of the performance, it was throbbing. The doctor who travels with me on tour said I have to go to the hospital for tests when we get to Chicago later today. I’m not looking forward to that, and I’m also not canceling the Chicago show if he suggests it.

“You’ll be okay,” Andre says. “You’re only twenty-four, so your body heals fast.”

“How old are you?” I ask him.

“How old do you think I am?”

I can’t believe we haven’t had this conversation yet. I squint as I look him over— laugh lines, grayish temples, and all.

“Thirty-five?”

“Thirty-eight,” he says, opening the door for Chloe and me.

Chloe is wheeling a giant suitcase behind her, and Andre insists on taking it, as well as the bag she has slung over her shoulder.

“The other bus left half an hour ago,” she says. “Ours is waiting.”

I nod, my mind already moving on to Chicago. It’s one of my favorite places to perform. My backup dancers and other crew members ride on another bus, because I like to decompress when I’m on the road. It’ll just be me, Chloe, Andre, and our driver on the main bus.

I’ve come a long way from my days traveling between county fairs to perform in talent shows. At the time, I didn’t even realize how rigorous a schedule it was. Now I think back and wonder if my parents were confident I’d get a break, or if they thought they might be sacrificing everything only for me never to make it

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Wattpad

Spotlight: Aces Wild by Emmy Curtis

In the heat of the Nevada desert, the most elite military pilots in the world are about to engage in some friendly competition. Only this year, someone is changing all the rules...

RAF pilot Dexter Stone has been through his fair share of sticky situations. After living through a crash in enemy territory where no one expected him to walk away, the Red Flag training exercises should be a piece of cake-assuming he can keep his mind on the mission and not on the smart mouth of his gorgeous American competition.

As one of the few women in a sky full of hotshot flyboys, Maj. Eleanor Daniels has worked day and night to earn a coveted spot at Red Flag. And she's not about to let some cocky British bad boy distract her from winning. But when the games take a deadly turn, he may be her only hope for survival.

Excerpt

There was little that would keep them warm tonight, except each other’s body heat. Dex tried not to smile, reminding himself that they were stranded in the middle of a desert with little water.

Water. He bent to get the half bottle that was left. A small piece of rock jumped, blowing a tiny amount of dust in the air. He was moving before his brain had caught up with what he’d seen. He jumped at Eleanor, yanking her to the ground. “Sniper!” he yelled, even though she was underneath him.

Another sliver of rock exploded, close to his knee. “We’re pinned.” Adrenaline spiked through his blood.

“We’ve got company,” he said, moving his body fractionally so she could turn her head to see the truck steaming across the flat base of the valley. Dust spat up behind it like it was on fire.

“Can you reach the backpack?” she asked.

Nope. Not without being target practice. “Sure. Wait a moment.” He slid off her and crawled, flat-out like a crab, toward the bag. He hooked it in his elbow and made his way back. He knew he was a wide open target. But there was no shot. No chipped off rocks, and no dust.

“The sniper is not trying to kill us,” he said.

“Care to test that theory?” she asked rooting around in the backpack.

“Not really.”

“Okay, I will.” Before he could say anything, she sat up bag between her legs and looked at the truck coming toward them.

“Damn, do you have a death-wish?” Now he just felt like a complete tool, lying down, as if he were cowering from something she wasn’t scared of. He sat up and joined her.

“He’s pinning us down all right, but I think he’s just keeping us in place so that these guys can get us.” She pulled a Maglite from the bag they had taken.

“And that’s your weapon of choice?”

She turned and smiled at him. “Only for the sniper.”

Then he understood what she was doing. He pulled out his weapon and chambered a round. “It’s going to be tricky.”

“What have we got to lose?” She cocked an eyebrow.

“A beautiful wedding in Gretna Green?” he asked.

“What’s Gretna Green?” She took her weapon from her pocket and charged it.

“It’s where we are will be eloping to. A town in Scotland where you can get married without any ceremony, or registration. It’s like the Vegas of Europe.”

“What makes you think I want to elope? What makes you think I don’t want a huge dress, a huge cake, and eight attendants?”

“Well I’m certainly up for a huge cake.” He shrugged. “Whatever gets you to the altar.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Wait a minute, you don’t think we getting out of this alive, do you? You think we’re going to die here in the desert at the hands of these…whoever is trying to kill us, and you’ll never have to marry me. We’ll be dead, won’t we?”

“I’m hurt by your cynicism. And yes, maybe you’re right, but it’s got to say something that I’m at death’s door and the only woman I want to marry is you.” He tried not to smile.

“I’m the only woman here.” She reached over and shoved him.

A rock exploded at their feet. “Shit. Now you’re just trying to get me killed, so you don’t have to marry me.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Emmy Curtis is an editor and a romance writer. An ex-pat Brit, she quells her homesickness with Cadbury Flakes and Fray Bentos pies. She's lived in London, Paris and New York, and has settled for the time being, in North Carolina. When not writing, Emmy loves to travel with her military husband and take long walks with their Lab. All things considered, her life is chock full of hoot, just a little bit of nanny. And if you get that reference...well, she already considers you kin.

Connect: Website | Facebook

Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 15 free ebook downloads of Aces Wild! http://bit.ly/2olkcOc

Read an excerpt from Lost Rider by Harper Sloan

In Lost Rider, the first Western romance in New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Harper Sloan’s Coming Home series, an injured rodeo star encounters an old flame but will she be just what he needs to get back in the saddle?

Maverick Austin Davis is forced to return home after a ten-year career as a rodeo star. After one too many head injuries, he’s off the circuit and in the horse farming business, something he’s never taken much of a shine to, but now that it’s his late father’s legacy, familial duty calls. How will Maverick find his way after the only dream he ever had for himself is over?

Enter Leighton Elizabeth James, an ugly duckling turned beauty from Maverick’s childhood—his younger sister’s best friend, to be exact, and someone whose heart he stomped all over when she confessed her crush to him ten years back. Now Leighton is back in Maverick’s life, no longer the insecure, love-stricken teen—and Maverick can’t help but take notice. Sparks fly between them, but will Leighton be able to open her heart to the one man who broke it all those years ago?

Written in the vein of Diana Palmer and Lindsay McKenna, this Texas-set series is filled with sizzle, heart, and plenty of cowboys!

Excerpt

I should tell Quinn and Clay that he’s here. But one look at him and it’s like the last ten years have never passed and I’m back at the bonfire, the awkward high schooler uncomfortable in her own skin. Marching away from him in the woods. It was the last time I saw him. How is it possible that he can affect me this much after all this time?

He hasn’t noticed me, not with his head bowed, so I quickly turn around and focus on Pastor John as he finishes up his prayer. Him being here means nothing. I should be happy that I remember the pain from that night so well, it will make keeping my walls up around him so much easier.

“On behalf of the Davis family, I want to thank everyone for coming today. At this time, the family has asked for some time alone as they say their good-byes. They wanted me to remind everyone that the PieHole will be opening up for a few hours tonight starting at five for anyone that wishes to join them.”

I keep my arm around Quinn, not looking back to where I saw Maverick. I can hear the church slowly emptying and I feel a frown pull at my lips. I had hoped that when everyone started to leave that he would have come up front to be with his family, but so far, the pew we’re in is still empty save for the three of us. We sit and wait for everyone to leave, something that Clay had asked Pastor John to make arrangements for in place of the customary recessional, knowing that no one in this town would really mean a word of it anyway. Plus, I know Quinn is having a hard time. Regardless of the fact that she wasn’t the closest with her father, she was really counting on this—Maverick home. She’s still shaking in my arms, but when I look over at Clay I realize his silence isn’t because of the heaviness of Buford’s death, but instead anger over his brother’s absence that has started to build to a boil. I fear that he’s seconds away from tipping over the edge.

I stand when Clay and Quinn do, but hang back at the edge of the row we had been sitting in as they meet Pastor John and gather their father’s ashes. I can’t wait to get out of these heels. If it would have been acceptable to wear my boots, I would have, but Quinn would have killed me. As it is, I feel like I can’t take a deep breath with how tight my dress is against my chest. I never wear tight shirts. I haven’t since my boobs became beasts of their own right. I’m too busy fiddling with the straps of my dress, trying desperately to get some of the pressure against my chest to ease up so I could take a deep breath, when I heard Quinn gasp.

“Mav!” Next thing I know she’s running past where I’m standing, her black hair streaming in the air behind her as she speeds forward right into her brother’s arms. Clay moves to stand next to me and I look up to meet his green eyes, the questions he isn’t vocalizing dancing in their emerald depths. He’s not stupid and I’m doing a crappy job at hiding the memories haunting me right now. He gives me a small smile, shifting his hold on the urn to wrap his free arm around me and pulls me into a strong hold.

“You’re shakin’,” he says against my temple and I just nod.

“I’m good, Clay. Go see your brother.”

“I’m fine right where I am, sugar.”

I keep my eyes to the ground, focusing on his worn boots instead of looking up, hating myself for making this moment about me when I should be focused on them. Like it or not, I can’t fight the feelings that being near him bring me. I’m that stupid, naive sixteen-year-old all over again. “Let’s get out of here,” he says after a few silent seconds. I look up and give him a smile, hoping that it looks a hell of a lot braver than I feel. Inside I feel like I might puke.

“You think I could have a second with my family?”

My head shoots up at the coldness I hadn’t anticipated in Maverick’s voice. He’s not focused on me, though, instead looking at his brother with a hard expression and one brow raised upward.

“Mav!” Quinn gasps and he moves his attention from his brother to her.

“Sorry, Quinn, but I’m thinkin’ that Clay’s lady friend would understand that this should be a moment for our family and give us time alone.”

“I’ll just—”

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, sugar,” Clay all but spits through clenched teeth and drops his arm to take a step forward. “You’ve got something to say, Mav, then say it.”

“Nothing to say, Clayton, I just think it would be nice for your girlfriend to give us some space.”

“My girlfriend,” he parrots sarcastically, his deep voice vibrating in anger.

“Mav.” Quinn attempts to butt in, but stops when Maverick leaves her side and turns to stalk out of the church. I should find it comical that he obviously didn’t recognize me, or hell, maybe he did and he’s just picking up where he left off ten years ago in the middle of the dark woods. I take a deep breath. “It’s okay. He’s right. Y’all need some time as a family. I’ll head over to the PieHole and start settin’ up for tonight.”

Quinn brushes a tear from her cheek and just shakes her head. I look at Clay to see him staring in the direction that his brother just left.

“You’re family,” he finally says, not looking in my direction.

“Clay, really, it’s okay. It’s been a long time since y’all were back together and I don’t need to be there for that reunion. It sucks that it takes all of this to finally bring him home, but he’s here and y’all need to make up for a lot of time lost.”

“Shut up, Leighton.”

“Don’t, Clay.”

“Don’t what? You’ve got every right to be here. You’re just as much a part of our family as he is. Hell, maybe even more so than he is at this point. So just shut up, come with us, and ignore him.”

I shake my head, the fight instantly leaving my sails, knowing I would be arguing until the end of time if I

pressed this issue.

“I can’t believe he doesn’t even recognize you,” Quinn whispers.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Harper is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn't writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

Connect: Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Read an excerpt from Groupie by Susan Daugherty

Moving to a new city isn’t the magic fix Lexie Travis hoped it would be. Sure, she put some mileage between herself and her feuding parents, her miserable dating history, and the memories of a life-altering injury. However, she still feels like a former shadow of herself, hiding behind her diminished confidence and her thorough disbelief in true love. 

Everything changes when Lexie’s best (and only) friend drags her to a country music concert. Lexie loves country music, but she loathes the top-selling heartthrob who sold out the arena. Jack Morgan became a sensation with a string of degrading, shallow songs that she can’t stand. 

A startling trauma lands Jack in the hospital, and Lexie is the physical therapist assigned to the VIP treatment of the very man she despises. 
Jack is drawn to the one woman who appears resistant to his charms and who loves to check his ego every chance she gets, yet gives him the honesty he needs. She’s the opposite of his usual groupies. He can only continue his tour if he receives rehab on the road, and Lexie is the lone person Jack trusts for the job.

Reluctantly, she agrees to take the journey on his luxury coach, joining the wild cast of characters on his crew. Yes, she was given many incentives to take the assignment, but the reason she wants to ignore is the dangerous one. Jackson Morgan is growing on her. 
At every turn, another challenge pushes her away from him. 

Stepping onto the tour bus is the domino that starts a chain reaction in their lives and challenges them both to change. Could they learn to believe in love and happily ever after? 

*Please note: Groupie is Volume One in a two-part series

Excerpt

Copyright: Susan Daugherty

I saw Charlie gaze over my shoulder, looking toward Jackson’s bus, and I turned to see him slowly moving toward the group on his crutches. He was wearing red plaid pajama pants that hung low on his hips and a tight, white, ribbed tank. That was all. His hair was tousled from the pillow, a shadow of a beard traced around his chin, and his blue eyes were electric. I knew I stared but couldn’t stop. This was the best look for him yet, and all he’d done was wake up.

I felt Ashley nudge me into alertness as Jackson neared, and I cleared my throat and said, “Nice of you to get out of bed for us, Mr. Morgan.” I felt silly for taking so much time to get ready when he evidently did the opposite. If only I looked like that first thing in the morning.

He chuckled and took the mug Andy offered him, then turned to Ashley while I introduced them. He held out his hand, but she hugged him instead and he laughed. “I like this girl. Hey, Ashley, thanks for all your help. I hope you got the autograph I sent over.”

I gave an exaggerated eye roll and decided to get my bags as they talked. I began to lug them over and realized I had no idea where to put them, since we wouldn’t convene with the girls’ bus until Chattanooga. I caught Jackson’s eye, as I stood awkwardly with my bags between the two buses, and he limped over to me.

“Did you leave anything at home?” he teased. “Andy can load these on my coach. I feel like such a loser. I can’t even carry your bags for you.”

“Oh, no, I can get them. I just wasn’t sure where to put them until we meet up with the girls’ bus,” I explained.

He frowned and gave me a puzzled look. “Why does that matter?” he asked as he waved to Andy, who quickly grabbed bags.

“Well,” I answered, also confused, “That’s where I'll be staying…with the girls, on their bus.”

His eyes got big, and then he smothered a laugh as he said, “No, Lex, you’re stuck with me. On my bus, the whole time, no escape.” The look of shock on my face must have alarmed him because he held up his hands to plead and rushed on, saying, “Look, it makes sense. My coach is the nicest by far. It has the most room for your equipment, we can do treatments anytime we want, and besides, the girls’ bunks are full. The plan was always for you to join the black bus. I didn’t know you thought otherwise. Did someone say that to you?” He was incredulous.

I sputtered. “Well, no, I just assumed…uh, I can’t stay with you. It’s too unprofessional. What will people think?”

“Um, they’ll think you’re the farthest thing from a groupie ever to walk the face of this earth. Seriously, it will be much more convenient. Remember, Blevins came by to approve of your accommodations? She thinks it’ll be fine.” He said it so matter of fact that I was speechless.

I stood like a statue as Ashley joined us and asked, “What’s up guys?”

I was still in shock, so Jackson explained, while shifting nervously back and forth on his crutches. Ashley reprimanded me for being difficult again. “Come on, Lexie, don’t be silly. You are grown adults, and you have a 24/7 job to do here. Therefore, you need to be around him 24/7. Now, come show me this palace.”

She pulled me toward the bus, and I saw Jack shoot her a grateful look as I numbly followed her inside. She gaped and gushed as she inspected every inch, while I sank onto the couch.

She knelt in front of me and shook my shoulders. “Please, don’t tell me you’re really upset about having to share quarters with a handsome rock star that treats you like gold. Please,” she begged as if trying to decide if I were truly insane.

I shook off my numb stare for an anxious expression. I told her the truth, “It’s not that, Ash. It’s just…did you see him? If I have to look at that every morning when he gets up—ugh! I’ve tried so hard to stay professional, but every girl has a breaking point!” I buried my face in my hands.

Ashley was shocked and then burst out laughing. “Oh, thank goodness, you are a human being after all. Whew! I feel so much better now.”

I grumbled. “Well, I’m glad you feel better.”

“You better keep me posted with daily text and calls, or I'll be dying of suspense,” she warned me.

A knock came at the door and Andy entered, nervously shoving his hands in his pockets. “Um, hi. Is everything okay? Jack sent me to check on you.”

I sighed. “Yes, thanks Andy. I guess this will be my new home after all. I assume I can pick a bunk?”

He nodded. “You could store stuff on whichever one you don’t sleep on, and I cleared out the whole bathroom closet so you have lots of room in there also for clothes, shoes, whatever. The kitchen is stocked with anything you could want, and all the toiletry stuff is under the sink.”

I gave him an appreciative smile and he relaxed and smiled back.

“Well, we’re taking off in just a minute, so I’ll see you soon. Nice to meet you, Ashley,” he said and they waved goodbye when he exited.

Ashley and I hugged and said, “Love you. Mean it,” at the same time, making us crack up as we walked to her car. She told everyone to take good care of me before she left. Tears stung my eyes, but I blinked them back.

Jackson headed onto the black coach as the others loaded into the gray one, and the drivers climbed into the cabs. Left as the last one outside, I braced myself to enter my new home with my ridiculously hot new roommate.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Susan Daugherty is a freelance writer, and by some happy coincidence, also a licensed Physical Therapist and an APTA Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist. She is the author of the 2016 novel Groupie as well as its sequel, Muse. Her essay The Cycle of Inspiration was published in PT InMotion in April 2013. She is a member of Romance Writers of America. Raised in Kentucky, she now resides in Knoxville, Tennessee where she lives with her husband and two children.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook: @authorsusandaughertyTN

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: The Heart of a Texas Cowboy by Linda Broday

Three Brothers. One Oath.
No Compromises.
The MEN of LEGEND

The Cowboy
One bullet is all it takes to shatter Houston Legend’s world. He swore he’d never love again, but with the future of the Lone Star Ranch on the line, he finds himself at the altar promising to love and cherish a woman he’s never met—a woman whose vulnerable beauty touches his heart.

All Lara Boone wants is a name for her baby. She never expected to fall in love with her own husband—or any man—after the heartache she’s endured. Yet when her troubled past catches up with them, Houston will move heaven and earth to protect his bride…and discover depths to a marriage of convenience neither realized could be theirs.

Excerpt

With night wrapped around her like a cloak, Lara hummed while she washed the dishes and put everything away.

Houston sat on the ground with Gracie, his back against his saddle. The babe lay on his chest with his hand patting the small back. He caught Lara looking and winked as boldly as some scoundrel. Heat rose to her cheeks. She lowered her gaze and made quick work of the dishes.

“Do you want me to take Gracie to her bed?” Lara asked, joining him.

“If you can pry open her fist to get my vest out of it. For such a little thing, she’s sure got a grip.”

Houston was so near his soft breath fanned her cheek. Her pulse raced. This man she’d married invaded every thought. He’d shown kindness and caring and brought hope back from the grave where she’d buried it.

He laid a hand on her arm. “You’ll be back?”

“Yes. I won’t be long.”

“I’ll only be in camp a little while,” Houston said, yawning. “Have to spell the other drovers.” At her questioning glance, he explained, “Everyone shares guard duty, me included.”

She nodded and hurried to lay Gracie in her crib next to her crib beside the chuck wagon. With her precious daughter sleeping soundly, she returned to the fire to find no sign of Houston. Her heart sank with disappointment. She’d missed him, missed her goodnight kiss that he’d begged for.

Houston called quietly from the deep shadows. “Over here, Lara.”

Following his voice, Lara discovered him leaning against the trunk of a mesquite tree. Rays from the full moon lightened the dark brown strands nestling against his collar, adding glints of silver.

“I didn’t want to take a chance on us being interrupted so I walked out here,” he explained.

Lara wet her lips. “I thought you’d changed your mind.” That he didn’t want to kiss a woman so scarred.

“Not a chance, lady,” he growled low and pushed away from the tree. “It’s all that’s been on my mind since you agreed.”

When she moved to him, he opened his arms. She walked into his embrace as though it was door and pleasure awaited there. Inhaling the scented air, she laid her head against the hard wall of his chest. She wanted to stay there forever.

Houston lightly rested his chin on the top of her head. “I’m real glad you came on this drive. Nights can get lonely out here.”

His deep voice vibrated inside her. It was like he became part of her. “I’m glad I did too. Even though I had to work to convince you.”

“Yeah, well, I’m a stubborn fool.”

He put a finger under her chin and lifted her face. Without a word, he lowered his mouth. The minute his warm lips touched hers, Lara had to clutch his arm to keep from falling. Her heartbeat pounded as though trying to keep up with the blood racing through her veins.

A hot, demanding, achiness swept over her. She needed this man and at the moment didn’t think she could live without him. Nor did she want to try.

With a low cry, he placed his large hands under her jaw and deepened the kiss, sending a series of quickenings into her stomach similar to the ones she felt when Gracie curled in her womb. Maybe these stirrings signaled life much in the same way her baby’s movements did to let her know she was alive and couldn’t wait to be born.

Maybe she was being reborn.

Maybe she could forget the past and start fresh.

Maybe this was what she’d waited so long for.

As she leaned into him and gripped Houston’s vest, pleasure like she’d never felt swirled inside her. She clung to him afraid if she let go, he’d vanish and she’d discover it was a dream.

Could this be tiny stirrings of love?

Lara suddenly pushed away. No it wasn’t love because that didn’t exist. Not for her. It was too dangerous to believe in love. To believe she had anything to give any man.

What’s wrong, Lara?” Houston gently pushed back her hair. “Did I do something to upset or frighten you? I shouldn’t have grabbed you like that.”

“You did nothing wrong.” It was her. She almost let herself believe that someone could love her. One look at her reflection showed the impossibility of such a thing. “I’m sorry,” she murmured brokenly.

Through tears, she stumbled back to the light of the campfire, escaping all that brought pain.

The past.

Herself.

An impossible future.

Escaping everything. If only it was that easy.

Houston stole up behind her and touched her shoulder. “Talk to me. I want to understand.”

She owed him some explanation. Impatiently dashing away the tears, she turned and let anger spill. “It’s not you, Houston. It’s me. I’m broken. Too broken to fix. You can’t repair something that’s missing the pieces. Blackstone took a lot more than....” she paused, “He stole....”

“Your soul,” he supplied quietly.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

At a young age, LINDA BRODAY discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She resides in the Texas Panhandle and is inspired every day.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter: @LBroday | Goodreads

Spotlight: Puppy Love by Kelly Moran

After a passionless marriage under the scrutiny of high society, Avery Stowe is taking back her life. All she wants is a little privacy and a quiet place to raise her autistic daughter, Hailey. Redwood Ridge, Oregon, seems to offer all the right ingredients. Except for the problem of the local sexy veterinarian. The last thing she needs in her life is to fall for his irresistible allure, even if he is a nice guy who keeps doing her favors. But the well-meaning patrons of her new hometown have other ideas, and it appears playing Cupid is one of them.

Cade O’Grady has never met a woman he couldn't handle, but when Avery Stowe walks into his office late one night cradling an injured puppy, he’s struck stupid. Which might explain her total lack of interest in him. But now that she’s working for his family’s clinic, he doesn't have to lust from a distance. He might just have a chance at convincing Avery—and her too-guarded heart—that falling for the right man isn't a mistake . . .

Excerpt

Finished with a round of patients, he headed up front where Aunt Rosa was reading a romance book and Avery was typing away on the computer. “Whatcha doing now?”

Avery didn’t glance up from the screen. “Making a supply list in Excel.”

Hell. Why was that hot? She wasn’t his usual type.

Okay, to be honest, any female with too many brain cells wasn’t his type. It wasn’t out of a sense of shallowness he sought that variety, but preservation. Until he found someone who made his heart beat like Heather used to do for Drake, he’d stick with superficial. No point in getting hurt or hurting someone else. But ever since Heather died, Cade tried less and less to settle down or find that person. He was aware of it, aware he was doing it, and damn if he ever questioned his actions until now. People rarely recovered from that kind of love. Why search for it?

Perhaps it was Avery’s long legs in those black leggings, or her pink sweater the same shade as her cheeks when she blushed, or her brown hair—more chestnut really in the sun—piled on top of her head and held in place with a pencil that seized his interest. He bit back a sigh. Nope. It was her brain, her humor, and her strength.

Hot.

Aunt Rosa glanced at him over the top of her book, a knowing smirk on her face.

Busted.

“A supply list?” Bully for him. His voice sounded normal. He still had no freaking clue why, but if he wasn’t bumbling like a moron around Avery, he was saying moronic things. Where the hell was his swagger?

“Mmhm.” Type. “So we don’t over order things or run out. Gabby and Brent can just check off what they need and I can order from the supplier.” Type, type. “Did you know you had ten cases of cat litter? Insane.”

He scratched his jaw. “Uh. No.”

“Putting Zoe’s stuff on here, too. Her shampoos and whatnot for grooming.” Type.

“She’s making a supply list,” Rosa beamed, waving her hand like this was an epiphany. I told you I’m all-wise. I hired her!

Cade frowned at his aunt. She’d been the office manager, for Christ’s sake. She should’ve been doing this.

Flynn came up to the desk and tapped Avery’s shoulder. “Have you seen my backup bag? Gabby and I need to head out to Miller’s farm.”

Avery nodded. “In the supply room, stocked for you. Your new bag should be here Monday.”

At Cade’s questioning glance, Flynn signed, “A goat chewed my other one when Gabby was busy chasing a barn cat.”

And this was why he wasn’t the house call vet.

Flynn tapped Avery’s shoulder to get her attention again. “Marry me?”

She laughed. “Not today, but you’re welcome. Shoo, now.”

What. The. Hell.

As if sensing Cade’s thought train and derailing it, Avery said, “He asks me to marry him daily. Hourly, depending on what I’ve done.” Type, type. “Relax, Dr. Cade. He’s joking. Besides, I don’t do office romance.” Right, Flynn? she signed.

Flynn grinned, the asshole, and strode into his office, only to emerge moments later with Gabby and his travel bag.

Cade flipped him off behind Avery’s back as he was walking out the door.

“Saw that.” Type.

Of course she did. All moms had eyes in the backs of their heads. And that was the other thing. She had a kid. Not that he didn’t like kids. He did. Maybe even wanted a couple of his own someday. But it wasn’t just one person involved when dating someone like Avery. It was two.

And they weren’t dating. Not even a little. He hadn’t asked her out and, aside from that first day when her gaze had shown interest, she’d seemed immune to him.

That hadn’t happened in…ever. He found it oddly refreshing.

With Flynn and Gabby gone, Cade glanced around. “Where’s She-rah?” The cat was usually perched on top of the printer, plotting world domination.

“Avery put her on time-out. She’s in the back room.” Rosa’s grin grew to oh shit size, and he figured his aunt had read all his previous thoughts. Like a Vulcan mind meld. Which was never a good thing.

Wait. A time-out? He looked at Avery. “You put a cat on time-out?” He didn’t know whether that was cute or genius.

Avery never stopped typing, which was beginning to infuriate him. “Yes, she was scaring Thor.”

Cade looked down, just noticing Thor’s head in Avery’s lap from the other side of her chair. The Great Dane looked at him as if to say, Neener, neener. “Dust bunnies scare that dog.”

“Well, the cat needs manners. Plus, Thor and I are working on his courage. Aren’t we, boy?”

Thor barked. And not in fear. Yes, my liege.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

Bestselling author Kelly Moran says she gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there’s always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself, and no one is safe from becoming her next fictional character. She is a Catherine Award-Winner, Readers Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, and earned one of the 10 Best Reads by USA Today's HEA. She is also a Romance Writers of America member. Her interests include: sappy movies, MLB, NFL, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet caffeine junkie and chocoholic, but don’t tell anyone. She resides in Wisconsin with her husband, three sons, and two dogs. Most of her family lives in the Carolinas, so she spends a lot of time there as well. She loves hearing from her readers.

Connect: Website  | Twitter |  Facebook |  Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway