Spotlight: Evidence of Desire by Lexi Blake

A fast-paced contemporary romance that sizzles from the New York Times bestselling author of Order of Protection where passion for the law isn't the only thing heating up the courtroom.

Isla Shayne knows she's in over her head. As former all-star linebacker Trey Adams's personal lawyer, she's used to handling his business dealings and private financial matters, not murder charges. She needs to find an experienced criminal attorney who speaks her client's language. David Cormack of Garrison, Cormack and Lawless is exactly what she needs in the courtroom—and the only man she wants in the bedroom.

For David, taking on the Adams case means diving back into a world he thought he'd left behind and colliding head on with tragic possibilities he's in no mood to face. There's a reason professional football is in his past and no matter how close Isla gets to the truth he intends to leave it there.

But long days working on the case together lead to hot nights in each other's arms. As their feelings grow, the case takes a deadly twist that could change the game between the two lovers forever.

Excerpt

Isla couldn’t believe she was doing this, but the minute she got a good look at David Cormack without his suit on she knew there was no going back. She’d been ready to make a pot of tea and wait for him to come out of the shower when Erin Taggart had appeared in the kitchen.

“Not jumping his bones, then?” she’d asked as she dragged a bottle of water out of the fridge.

“He wants to take it slow.” She was aware of how disappointed she’d sounded.

“No man who looks at a woman the way that one looks at you wants to take things slow. He’s scared you’re too good for him or something stupid like that,” she said. “I should know. I held off my gorgeous hottie for way too long because he was a tiny bit younger than me. Don’t waste time. Take command. And then when he’s all in, give that control up. That always works for me. ’Night.”

There was something in the way the redhead smiled, something intimate and soft. Something Isla wanted for herself again. She’d had it as a girl with Austin. She wanted to know how it felt to have that connection as a woman.

So she’d made the decision. Maybe for the first time in her life, she’d genuinely made the decision to be brave, to go after what she wanted with a singular purpose, to put herself out there and see if she was bait enough to catch the one fish she wanted.

Though first she needed some fishing gear. According to Noah, that was in the nightstand drawer.

She’d stepped in and taken off her clothes. All in. Just like a poker game. If he refused to play, she would be devastated and potentially never be able to face the man again, but she’d felt almost compelled to undress and walk to the entry of that sexy natural stone shower. She’d stood there and looked, really looked at David Cormack. He’d been turned away from her, his back on full display. He was beautifully male, his muscles defined by years of athleticism. His back was strong, his butt practically perfect, and he was held up with strong legs. But his head hung low and she could swear she felt how lonely he was.

She hadn’t realized how lonely she was until she’d met him. “David?”

He started, every muscle tensing, and then he turned, though he mostly moved his torso as though trying to keep his private parts private. His eyes latched onto her, but he didn’t say a word.

Oh, she wanted to run. He was far too gorgeous. She wasn’t in his league. She knew she was attractive, but she wasn’t even close to being in the same condition he was in. He’d been an elite athlete and he’d obviously never stopped working out. She could stand to lose a few pounds.

And if those pounds and the roundness of her hips ran him off, then so be it. She was done sitting around and hoping she got what she wanted. At least she would know. “I don’t want to go slow.”

For a second, she was almost sure he would tell her to go. Then he turned and he was standing there in his full glory, as though let- ting her see what he had to offer. When she simply stared, he crossed the space between them and, without a word, his hands cupped her face and his mouth was on hers.

The minute they touched, something sparked to life inside her, something wild she’d never felt before. It seemed to start in her toes, making them curl as the sensation rushed through her system. Heat and anticipation and pure joy.

It had been forever since a man kissed her like this. Maybe never. The only thing that compared was the sweet high school fumbling between her and Austin. He’d been eager, but he had no idea what he was doing.

David Cormack knew how to kiss. He mastered her mouth with his, soft when he needed to be and then rough, sending a thrill through her system that burned a path straight to her pussy. He brushed his lips against hers and then zeroed in on her lower lip, biting gently and sucking briefly before another soft kiss allowed her to breathe again. And then when she was ready to beg, his tongue surged in, rubbing soft velvet against her own.

“Tell me you’re sure,” he said against her mouth as his hands moved down.

“I’m sure,” she replied with a breathy whisper. He could throw her up against the side of the shower and take her then and there and she would be perfectly satisfied.

“Because there’s no going back. I’ve been a good boy up until this point. I’ve been civilized, Isla. I’ve played the gentleman around you, but if you let me in, I’ll invade and you’ll see the real man under- neath the suit. I’ll be demanding and overly protective and I’ll want you every fucking minute of the day.”

And that was bad, how? She’d been on the outside looking in for so long, the idea of being someone’s center, being the person for him, made her heart ache with longing. “Please touch me, David. I want the real you, every dirty, possessive part of you.”

His hands found her hips and he dragged her against him, their bodies coming together for the first time. He was warm, his skin soft over the steel of his muscular body.

She took a moment, letting her arms wrap around him, her breasts against his chest, that hard erection of his cradled to her belly. This was sweet intimacy. Yes, it would lead to something wild, but for a moment she basked in the comfort of another body against hers.

He stepped back, taking her with him and bringing them into the warmth of the shower. He seemed to understand she needed a moment, and he followed her lead perfectly. One hand held her to him while the other smoothed back her now-wet hair as he brushed light kisses over her forehead and down to her nose, lavishing her with affection she’d been starved without. He stood like that with her, learning her body with his hands and mouth.

“See,” he said with the sexiest chuckle as he leaned over and ran his tongue along the shell of her ear. “We’re still taking it slow. I could do this for hours and I haven’t even gotten to your tasty parts yet. You’re sweet, Isla. I could eat you up. Are you going to let me eat you up?”

She nodded.

One hand tangled in her hair, gently drawing her back and forc- ing her to look up at him. His eyes were hot, his jaw tight with arousal. “Talk to me. I won’t let you disconnect from me when we’re intimate. Tell me. ‘‘Yes, David, I want you to eat me up.’”

“Yes, David. I want you to eat me up.”

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Spotlight: Deep in the Heart by Alexa Padgett

The first book in Alexa Padgett's Austin After Dark series is available now! Read an excerpt below and get your hands on this sizzling new adult contemporary romance today.

 

About DEEP IN THE HEART (January 8th)

She's mending guitars and her life. He's trying to forget the war with music. Will one broken instrument make their love a smash hit?

Jenna Olsen isn't sure she'll ever escape her terrible choices in love. Becoming a skilled guitar craftsperson helped with the anxiety, but she dreams of the day when she can trust someone again. When an up-and-coming country star asks for a custom guitar in an impossible time-frame, Jenna falls for the challenge… and the man.

Camden Grace loves his music and adores his fans. His passions help him cope with the physical wounds he sustained in Iraq, but he remains haunted by his fractured family history. After his latest angry outburst leaves an expensive guitar shattered, he doesn't expect to find a strong-willed woman whose struggle echoes his own.

As the instrument and their feelings start to come together, an old would-be flame attempts to sabotage their relationship with increasingly aggressive behavior. Will a jealous rival kill more than their careers or will Jenna and Camden rise above the rage to heal their hearts forever?

Deep in the Heart is a new adult contemporary romance with a melody of music. If you like sizzling chemistry, raw emotions, and wounded heroes, then you'll love Alexa Padgett's compelling novel.

Buy Deep in the Heart to strike a chord of love today!

Get your hands on DEEP IN THE HEART:

✦Amazon https://amzn.to/2RwmYBH ✦Apple Books https://apple.co/2A28sru ✦B&N ✦Kobo https://bit.ly/2QTtDWr

Add DEEP IN THE HEART to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Ci0dcn

Read an excerpt from DEEP IN THE HEART

“Nothing wrong with that. But we’re off task. Talked with your grandfather earlier when I stopped by.”
“When was that?”

“’Bout four, I guess.”

“Sorry I missed you. We still need to meet to finalize those details.”

In an honest moment, I admitted I wasn’t ready to deal with Cam— and my growing feelings for him tonight.

“Can we meet tomorrow? I’m not at work, and I can’t seem to wake up all the way.” No way I was going to tell him that I had never been so desperate to have him like me.

“We could, but I have an idea I want to go over with you. Came to me this morning when I was in the shower.”

Great. Now, on top of everything else, I was going to have the image of Cam, naked, in the shower covered in soap, branded in my overwrought brain.

Damn brain created one hell of an image, and I needed to fact check its veracity. “I’ll throw in dinner to sweeten the deal,” he said.

My heart flipped at the idea of going on a date with Cam. He was so sexy. And a bigger star than Kai and the rest of his band, meaning we’d get mobbed by fans. That was rule numero uno of no-go in Jenna-Land: no crowds equaled minimal freak-outs.

“I’m not up for an evening out.”

“Didn’t think you would be after last night. I’ll bring food to you. You like ’cue?”

“Am I from Texas?” I retorted.

Cam chuckled. “Want pulled pork or brisket?”

“Um… both? With a loaded baked potato.”

“More of a Pappa’s girl, huh? Sacrilege to my true-blood Stubb’s. I’ll throw in some ribs.”

“Whatever,” I said on a yawn. “If you bring ribs, be prepared to see me covered in sauce.”

Cam groaned. “Really? Not an image I needed.”

“Not one I meant to send,” I said with a smile because yes, it was. To get even for his oh-so-not-innocent shower comment. “I have some Beerworks Peacemaker my brother left here when we were watching the game.”

“You like college football?”

“Cam,” I said on a sigh. “We’ve established I’m from Texas. I have two older brothers. Yes, I like football, both professional and college. As if there’s another sport I’d watch.”

“All good points. I have an older brother, too. A whole eleven minutes older. See, we have tons in common, Jenna. Now, text me your address and I’ll be there in…”

“At least an hour,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Sugar plums are made faster than you’ll pick up an order at Stubb’s.”

“Oh, ye of little faith. I’m taking that as a bet.”

“What? Whoa! I don’t bet. I never said anything about a bet.”

“Too late.”

My heart rate kicked up to that of a galloping horse. “No, siree with a cherry on top. Nope.”

“You afraid? C’mon, I’ll make it easy on you. If I can get there faster than an hour, I get to take you out on a date. Day of my choosing but in the next week.”

“This is stupid…”

“And if you win, you get to take me out on a date.”

“Win-lose ratio’s off there, buddy.”

But he’d already hung up. Somehow that didn’t surprise me. Camden Grace got what he wanted— when he wanted it. All those fans, hits, and money created that alpha personality. Or maybe he was always the top dog and could now enforce his desires.

“What did you get me into, Pop-pop?” I tossed my phone back onto my coffee table and rubbed my palms over my face.

For now, Cam seemed interested in spending time with me. And I might… yeah, for better— probably worse— want to see him, too.

 

About Alexa Padgett

With a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.

Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.

She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and walk-loving Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Spotlight: There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea by Samantha Holt

The Templeton siblings have inherited a fortune. But there’s a catch…

 I, George Lockett, do decree that my grandchildren, herein named, will inherit my fortune in its entirety, so long as they fulfill the following terms. Each person must complete their task to my lawyer’s satisfaction or their share of the inheritance shall be forfeit.

 There are many reasons Lady Angel Templeton needs her grandfather’s money. Of course she wants to be less of a burden to her oldest brother but, goodness, once she has even more money, she can have her pick of the men! A certain Duke of Norwick would be a fool to ignore her…

 Unfortunately, their beloved grandfather decided not to make it easy on the Templetons, though Angel is convinced her task must be the hardest. To fulfill the terms of the will, she must perform unpaid duties as a lady’s companion for two months to the entirely unmanageable Mrs. Stone.

 Two whole months of work.

 What’s worse, Mrs. Stone is determined to be an even bigger handful than Angel herself.

No…what’s worse, is the lady comes along with a miserable wretch of a nephew. While she cannot deny he is handsome in that dark, brooding way so many women adore, Angel does not enjoy the company of serious men—especially when they have already declared they do not trust her one jot.

Well, she doesn’t trust him either. It soon becomes obvious why the stern Mr. Hunter is determined to haunt her every move—he must want Mrs. Stone’s money!

Well, Angel cannot allow anything happen to her new friend, especially when she risks losing everything.

Excerpt

Angel jolted away from the door, a hand pressed to her chest. “I was just—” Words failed her when her gaze traversed Mr. Hunter. She could not help but take a slow, lazy perusal of  his person, taking in the damp hair, the open collar of his shirt, the unbuttoned sleeves that were rolled up to just below his elbows. Veins and sinew flexed on arms that were slightly sun-kissed. A jacket was slung carelessly over one shoulder.

Mouth dry, her mind raced. If a glimpse of a lack of cravat had addled her mind then she might as well be committed to the asylum now. Nothing could have prepared her for Mr. Reuben Hunter slightly damp and not at all appropriately dressed.

To make matters worse, his lips tilted slightly, drawing her attention to a mouth that should be banned on men. It was entirely unfair that the rougher sex should be bestowed with full lips like that.

“Forgive me, I did not think you would be awake.”

She jerked her gaze up to his and tried not to imagine how hot and pink her cheeks had to look.

“No…” The word came out more like a mouse squeak than a word. She cleared her throat as quietly as she could. “No…no need to apologize. I was just, um, checking on your aunt. She had a rather restless night.” Angel put a hand to her hair and grimaced internally. How must she appear in yesterday’s crumpled gown and her hair wild? And here he was looking as though he had been conjured from one of those gothic romance novels.

A crease appeared between his dark brows, and his gaze trailed over her. “Did you spend the night with my aunt?”

Hands tight at her side lest she start fussing with her hair again, she gave a stiff nod. Surprise lit briefly in Mr. Hunter’s eyes. Angel could not help but lift her chin. The man apparently thought her utterly heartless, despite hardly knowing her.

“She needed me, Mr. Hunter, so I thought it prudent to stay with her until she was settled.” She forced a smile. “That is what I am here for after all, is it not?”

“Indeed,” he said tightly. Mr. Hunter swung his jacket from over his shoulder and clasped it in both hands. “If you will excuse me, I should…” He motioned to his bedroom door.

“Do you ride every morning, Mr. Hunter?” she blurted out and fought the urge to slap a hand to her forehead. What was wrong with her? The question had been burning in her mind, but she had not anticipated it escaping her, not when she was so close to ending this interaction and escaping his relentless glower.

“I do.”

“Even in the rain?”

He motioned down his person. “As you can see.”

“Yes.” Oh yes, she could see. She saw the way his shirt clung to muscles that implied he did more than riding. Fencing perhaps. Or maybe boxing. Muscles that were apparently making her ask the most nonsensical questions. Maybe he was correct in not trusting her to look after his aunt. After all, she was hardly proving herself to be the cleverest of women.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Samantha Holt lives in a small village in England with her twin girls and a dachshund called Duke. If you’re not sure where to start why not try…

Amelia and the Viscount (Bluestocking Brides #1) for a fun, slightly hot shorter length read. Meet the Chadwick sisters and follow their adventures in each of their standalone stories.

You’re the Rogue That I Want (Rogues of Redmere #1) is a longer read with heat, witty dialogue, a feisty heroine and adventure. All books in the series are standalone.

Sinful Confessions is the first in the Cynfell Brothers Series. These are all novella length and standalone–ideal for a quick dip into the world of the sexy Cynfell brothers.

Wake Me With a Kiss is a sweet, fairytale romance. Twists on Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella are also available if you love a clean, fun read.

To Steal a Highlander’s Heart is a full length dive into the world of sexy highlanders. For those who love braw Scots, some steamy scenes, and medieval romance, this series is a perfect escape.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Newsletter | Bookbub

Spotlight: Evoke by Danielle Simmons

Genre: YA/NA Romance
Release Date: November 2018

When five friends come home from college for the summer, it feels as if the friendship that has bound them together since childhood, is stronger than ever. But when Laney Thomas wakes up two months later and discovers she is the sole survivor of an accident that has claimed the lives of three friends, Laney realizes the world she has awakened, is not the one she remembers. The loss is devastating, changing her life irrevocably, and with no recollection of the accident or the days leading up to it, Laney must rely on Evan Davies, the only one not in the car that night, to help her heal. The two have always been close, sharing a rare and inextricable bond, and as long as he is by her side, the emptiness won’t swallow her whole. But when Evan disappears from her life without explanation, Laney is forced into her memories of the past, learning the painful truth of the friendships she cherished, and love coveted.

Buy on Amazon

About the Author

Danielle grew up in a small town in California's Sierra Nevada Foothills. A voracious reader from an early age, she began writing poetry and short stories in elementary school, and continued that passion throughout high school and college. She studied literature, creative writing and communications at University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. She currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, sons and two cats, where she is a PR executive by day, and writer by night.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Sale: Breaking Kate and Catching Kate by D. Kelly

The ACCEPTANCE Series

Book #1 – BREAKING KATE

Sale Price: Free

After a tragic accident, my life changes forever. The man I’ve dreamt of marrying leaves me broken and alone. It takes time, but I’m finally able to forgive myself and him.

Years later, I meet someone who’s worth my time. Sparks fly. We have passion, love, everything I’ve ever wanted, but not all is perfect.

My ex wants me back and enlists the help of his friends. He’ll do anything to right his wrongs. The only problem is, I’m in love with his best friend and now I could lose both of them.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble


Book #1.5 – CATCHING KATE

Sale Price: $0.99

It’s been almost four years since I’ve seen Kate, but I’ve thought about her every single day. Our reunion was unexpected and nothing like I’d envisioned. Never in a million years would I have guessed the love of my life would fall for my best friend.

Kate agrees to meet so I can explain what happened, why I distanced myself, but I’m not sure how to put it all into words.

I’m determined to prove that abandoning her was a mistake. It doesn’t matter if she’s with Daniel now. She’s been my girl since we were teenagers, and one day, she’ll be my wife.

Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble

About the Author

D. Kelly, author of The Acceptance Series, The Illusion Series, and standalone companion novels Chasing Cassidy and Sharing Rylee, was born and raised in Southern California. She’s a wife, mom, dog lover, taxi, problem fixer, and extreme multi-tasker. She married her high school sweetheart and is her kids’ biggest fan.

Kelly has been writing since she was young and took joy in spinning stories to her childhood friends. Margaritas and sarcasm make her smile, she loves the beach but hates the sand, and she believes Starbucks makes any day better.


A contemporary romance writer, D. Kelly’s stories revolve around friendship and the bond it creates, strengthening the love of the people who share it.

Website: http://www.dkellyauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkellyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dkellyauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d_kelly_author/

Newsletter: http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-list/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/d-kelly

Cover Reveal: Sunkissed Days and Remind Me by Samantha Chase

Nobody does sweet, small town romance quite like New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase. And to kick off 2019 we are so excited to be sharing with you the first two covers in her brand new Magnolia Sound series. Read on for a peak at the covers of SUNKISSED DAYS and REMIND ME!

 

SUNKISSED DAYS Coming February 26, 2019

Mallory Westbrook is ready to make her move on Jake Summerford, the boy—now man—she’s been crushing on for years. Coming back to Magnolia Sound to celebrate her great-grandfather’s birthday provides the perfect opportunity to show Jake that she’s no longer a child. The last thing Jake expected to do at his mentor’s birthday party was to find himself kissing Mallory under the moonlight. Though he’s known her for years, the thought of kissing her never crossed his mind. But the shy tomboy he once knew is gone, and in her place is a woman he can’t resist. They have one summer before they go their separate ways. Insecurity wars with the possibility of a future together, but it could all come to an end before it even has a chance to start.

Add SUNKISSED DAYS to your Goodreads TBR!

 

Pre-order SUNKISSED DAYS exclusively from Apple Books!

 

REMIND ME Coming March 12, 2019

It’s been years since Mallory Westbrook set foot in Magnolia Sound, but the death of her great-grandfather forces her back. Two weeks to get his affairs in order then she would return to her life in New York. The perfect plan, if not for Jake Summerford—her first love who broke her heart.

Jake always regretted the way things ended with Mallory and now that she’s back in town, he’s hoping they can put the past behind them. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface and Jake realizes that friendship is only the beginning of he wants from Mallory.

With one foot out of the door, Mallory is looking for any excuse to leave Magnolia Sound behind. Forever. Will Jake’s plan to replace the old, painful memories help him finally show her their love deserves another chance?

Add REMIND ME to your Goodreads TBR!

   

Pre-order REMIND ME exclusively from Apple Books!

 

 

About SAMANTHA CHASE

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Newsletter | BookBub