Spotlight: No More Secrets by Cate Beauman

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NO MORE SECRETS

The Carter Island Trilogy, Book 3

RELEASE DATE:  June 22, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION:  

Three Siblings. One Year. Everything Changes.

Aussie billionaire businessman and pilot Cade Paxton has struggled to put his life back together after suffering a tragic loss. With his purchase of Carter Island Air and recent move to the small Massachusetts island, he sees his chance for a fresh start. Cade’s sole focus is on growing his investment and avoiding romantic entanglements at all costs. But then he hires Rebecca Carter Interiors’ new assistant designer to help him update the aging airport. Cade quickly finds himself fascinated by the sassy beauty who often speaks her mind, talking to him in a way most people wouldn’t dare.

Single mother Gwenyth Carter has recently been through hell. She’s starting over after several months of nasty surprises. Newly divorced and nearly broke, she’s rebuilding her life one step at a time. Gwen’s certain she has everything she needs: her sweet baby girl, a supportive family, and her dream career. She’s endlessly grateful when the lucrative airport project falls into her lap. But Gwen soon realizes that her new job comes with unforeseen complications, mainly the amount of time she’s forced to spend with her gorgeous client and his sexy accent. 

Their mutual attraction is undeniable, yet Gwen tries her best to keep a professional distance, even when she recognizes how wonderful Cade is with her daughter. But it isn’t long before Gwen is dealt another unexpected blow that she struggles to handle on her own. Gwen will have no choice but to turn to the one man she’s determined not to want or risk losing what she loves most. 

Excerpt

“Hopefully, we can do this again.”

Her gaze locked on his as she settled her laptop bag on her shoulder. “You want to have dinner again?”

He shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”

“My evenings typically belong to my daughter. It’s important that I keep her in her routine.” 

He shoved his hands in his pockets, still looking at her. “Your frown is back.”

She immediately smoothed her features, trying to decide how she wanted to navigate these dicey waters. Cade was nice enough, but dinners would not be happening on a regular basis, especially when it was impossible to deny that Molly was right—he was incredibly hot and charming. “This was a dinner meeting.” 

“One hundred percent. Let me be clear that I’m not hitting on you, Gwen. We’ll be working together for the foreseeable future, and we’re neighbors here on this tiny island. Plus, I consider your family members new friends, which means there’s a fairly good chance we might become friends, too.”

“Men and women can’t be friends,” she heard herself say, regretting it instantly. Why hadn’t she simply agreed to the idea and been on her way?

He rocked back on his heels, his bold green eyes dancing with amusement. “And why’s that?”

She jerked her shoulders, not exactly sure of the reasoning behind the whole thing, but as she stared at the way the lighting played with the angles of his spectacular face, she knew for a fact that it would be wise to spend as little time with Cade Paxton as possible. “Because it’s just a thing.”

“That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard.”

She narrowed her eyes, her embarrassment growing by the second. “I don’t think it is.” 

“I imagine men and women can be friends if that’s all either party is looking for. And that’s all I’m looking for, Gwen.”

She hardly knew him, yet she believed him. But still. She raised her chin. “I’m most comfortable with colleagues for now—keeping things professional. We’ll see about the rest.” 

He grinned. “Fair enough.”

She adjusted her laptop case strap, trying not to fiddle. “Thank you again for a delicious meal.”

“You’re welcome.” He moved to open the door for her, stepping out after she did. “Let’s get you back.”

She stopped abruptly. “What are you doing?”

“Walking you home.”

Hadn’t they just discussed keeping things professional? People out on dates did the whole walk-your-partner-home thing. And she and Cade weren’t partners. “I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do that.” 

“It’s dark, and there are still people about on the beach. Nate mentioned an assault when I saw him the other day.”

She stood her ground. “That may be, but I can take care of myself. I’ve been walking home from the Sandersons’ without any trouble for most of my life.”

“I’ll walk you home, Gwen.”

“Thank you, but I’m all set. Good night, Cade.” And with that, she walked off, then stopped halfway up the driveway, turning. “I hope you’ll eat the cheesecake.”

“I’m planning on it as soon as I go inside.”

“Good.” She grinned, then turned again, heading home, well aware that he was still watching her in the security lights scattered around the massive property. But as she’d said, she took care of herself.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

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About the Author

Cate Beauman is the multi-award-winning, international bestselling author of The Bodyguards of L.A. County series and the Carter Island Novels. She is known for her full-length, action-packed romantic suspense and contemporary stories.

Cate's novels have been named Readers' Favorite Five Star books and have won the Booksellers' Best Award, Maggie Award for Excellence, the Holt Medallion Award, two-time Aspen Gold Medal, two-time Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal, three-time Readers' Favorite International Silver Medal, and the Readers' Crown Award.

Cate makes her home in New Hampshire with her family and their St. Bernards, Bear and Jack.

Connect:

Website:  https://catebeauman.com/

Newsletter:  http://www.catebeauman.com/getmyfreebooks

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

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

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Cate-Beauman/e/B00A05KHVM

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cate-beauman

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6543858.Cate_Beauman

Cover Reveal: I Ducking Love You by Kira Archer

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Published by: Entangled: Lovestruck
Publication date: October 11th 2021
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A corporate retreat has never been so hilarious in this feel-good rom-com from the author of 69 Million Things I Hate About You. Chloe Thomas is sick of her advertising company’s boy’s club, and she’ll prove she deserves the promotion more than any man by holding her own at the company’s retreat. Except it’s on a gun range, she’s never held a gun before, and the only person who can help her is the “fake fiancé” she now can’t stop thinking about…

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Kira Archer tends to laugh at inappropriate moments and break all the rules she gives her kids (but only when they aren't looking) and would rather be reading than doing almost anything else. She has degrees in history and English and is thrilled that she sort of gets to use them. Her novel Truly, Madly, Sweetly, was adapted as a Hallmark Original movie in 2018. Kira resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, two kiddos, and far too many animals in the house. She also writes historical romances as Michelle McLean.

Connect:

https://kiraarcherbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/kiraarcherbooks/

https://www.instagram.com/kiraarcherbooks/

https://www.pinterest.ca/kiraarcherbooks/_saved/

https://twitter.com/kiraarcherbooks

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14186168.Kira_Archer

Spotlight: The Right Side of Reckless by Whitney D. Grandison

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Summary

When a bad boy in need of a second chance meets a good girl who is off limits, sparks fly and forbidden friendship forms in this edgy own-voices romance, perfect for fans of Katie McGarry and Kristina Forest.

They were supposed to ignore each other and respect that fine line between them…

Guillermo Lozano is getting a fresh start. New town, new school, and no more reckless behavior. He’s done his time, and now he needs to right his wrongs. But when his work at the local community center throws him in the path of the one girl who is off limits, friendship sparks…and maybe more.

Regan London needs a fresh perspective. The pressure to stay in her “perfect” relationship and be the good girl all the time has worn her down. But when the walls start to cave in and she finds unexpected understanding from the boy her parents warned about, she can’t ignore her feelings anymore.

The disapproval is instant. Being together might just get Guillermo sent away. But when it comes to the heart, sometimes you have to break the rules and be a little bit reckless…

Excerpt

Guillermo

Fresh off the plane and I was already making trouble.

The security guard was staring at me like I was some type of criminal. He stood across from us as we came out of the gate into the terminal at the Akron-Canton Airport, and as soon as he caught eye contact with me, his brows pushed down and knitted together. His hand breezed over the Taser gun on his utility belt, while he stuck out his broad chest.

Sizing him up, I knew I could take him. He wasn’t that big. But with the way my mother was looking at me, I knew it was better to ignore him.

He probably thought I was trouble. I was trouble…at least, I was before.

“Keep walking, Memo,” my father said, shoving his carryon bag into my spine.

I stole a final glance at the security guard. He was still glaring at me.

Pendejo.

Like the diligent son I was now trying to be, I obeyed my father and kept moving, catching my younger sister, Yesenia, shrinking beside me.

Jostling through the airport, we made our way to the baggage claim, gathered our bags, and prepared to leave. Upon heading toward the exit, I was surprised to see Mr. Security Guard by the door. The glare was still on his face, but this time, he was shooting his dark steely gaze at some other guy.

Guess it isn’t just me. For once.

I was used to this type of judgment.

The car service my father had arranged was waiting outside. Our driver was standing in front of a Honda Pilot, holding up a sign with our last name stamped on it.

My father quickly introduced our family before helping the man stow our luggage in the vehicle. At my attempt to help, my father shooed me away.

Having no choice, I handed him my bag, and then I got in the middle row beside my mother and sister.

“It’s going to be okay, Memo, don’t worry.” Yesenia reached out and squeezed my hand gently.

I averted my gaze out the window, not seeing things her way.

“You should listen to your sister, she’s right,” my mother said.

Once the driver and my father finished packing the trunk, the driver took the wheel while my father sat in the passenger seat.

As soon as we were on the road, my father faced me with a serious look. “We’re back now, Guillermo, and things aren’t going to be like before. Understand?”

“It won’t happen again,” I said.

My father grimaced, as if he doubted me. With my mass of screwups, I didn’t blame him. “Don’t forget to call your probation officer first thing in the morning.” He spoke with bitter disappointment laced in every word. “Remember, if you mess this up, it’s back to jail for you.”

I gritted my teeth. Back to juvie? Fuck that. “I know.”

Two weeks in Mexico and nothing had changed.

They still hadn’t forgiven me for what happened back in March. Hadn’t even mentioned it to the relatives we’d just visited. I couldn’t blame them. Unlike the times before, I had fucked up royally.

I stared outside for the remainder of the drive. Summer had slipped away while I was locked up. Now fall was here, a new season, a new beginning. It was seven fifteen at night, the sky above us a reddish orange as the sun sank lower on the horizon. Soon, the leaves on the trees would match.

We got off the highway and began to pass closing businesses as streetlights flickered on. I watched all this, trying to feel a sense of rebirth. A piece of optimism.

It didn’t come.

While I was…away, my parents had packed up our house and sold it. They had purchased a new place on the east side of Akron and made it clear we were moving on from the past up north.

Less than thirty minutes later, the driver pulled in to a subdivision called Briar Pointe. A subdivision, as in row upon row of houses that looked exactly alike, as in too bland and boring, unlike the neighborhood we’d lived in before.

A late-night jogger breezed by, her blond ponytail swishing behind her, and I raised a brow. Where we’d come from wasn’t exactly dangerous, but nobody ran, especially at night.

The driver came to a stop in front of a medium-size two-story house complete with an attached two-car garage. I gazed at my new home. It was my clean slate, my second chance— or more like my last.

We all vacated the car and grabbed our bags from the trunk.

My mother gathered the house keys and took the lead to the front door with Yesenia and me behind her. My father tipped the driver, and the man drove off.

After I got home from juvie, and before our sudden trip to Mexico, my family and I had only begun unpacking here. Now it was almost the second week of September, and Yesenia and I had missed the first week of school.

After spending spring in and out of court and a lovely ninety-day stay at a detention center, where I’d caught up on all the schoolwork I’d missed, I would be serving my probation in a new part of the city with a fresh start. However, it was beginning to appear as though there was no moving forward as far as my parents were concerned.

They no longer looked at me as their son, but as a petty criminal and a burden.

And given that in the morning I would meet with my parole officer, I couldn’t blame them. I was newly seventeen and already the Patron Saint of Fuckups who couldn’t be trusted, as far as they knew.

“Guillermo.” My father spoke softly behind me as we entered the house and Yesenia and my mother disappeared down the foyer around a corner.

I didn’t face him. There were only so many times I could see that look in his eyes. “Yes?”

“In the garage, now.”

I turned and found him already making his way to the door that led into the garage. Each step I took after him felt heavier than the first, my anxiety causing sweat to bead down my back.

Inside the garage, my father stood back, waiting for me.

I barely glanced at him before my gaze landed on the two vehicles. One, my mother’s silver Acura, and the other, a dark blue Charger. The shiny, vibrant paint made its beauty stand out.

My father cleared his throat. “Matt knew a guy who could restore it, and it took some bargainin’, but it’s yours.”

Another glance from him to the car, and I realized what this was and what this meant. Back in the day, when my father’s brother, my tío Mateo, still lived in Akron, he used to keep this beat-up old Charger in his driveway. Tía Jacki used to complain about it, but Mateo wouldn’t part with it, swore it was a project in the making. Whenever I was bored, I’d climb in behind the wheel and pretend to drive it, pretend I owned the road, pretend to be as cool as Tío Matt.

Fast forward to today, and gone were those rust-stained doors, replaced with a solid body and fresh paint. Even the inside was new. I leaned over to gape through the passenger window. The black seating and updated system had me grinning like a fool.

Tío Mateo lived in Columbus now, but the gesture wasn’t missed. I faced my father, my smile instantly slipping away at the sight of his stoic face. “Thank you, both of you.”

My father gave me a stiff nod. “I just don’t want to be responsible for driving you around. Keys are on the hook by the door.”

During the whole ordeal, my mother had attempted sympathy, but not once had my father offered any. The moment I was released from juvie, they shielded Yesenia from me and started keepin’ a close eye on us, as if my bad seed would catch on.

“I shouldn’t have to reiterate that this is a new start. You will not be in contact with any of your old friends. Especially that girl,” my father ordered. “You will go to school, complete your required community service, meet with your probation officer, and stay out of trouble. Do you hear me?”

My fists balled at my sides. “Yes, sir.”

“And…” He paused, as if thinking of more things to add to his list of demands. “Get a haircut.”

To this I didn’t reply. He’d been after the length of my hair since freshman year. Now that I was a junior, you’d think he’d let it go. I would admit, my wavy hair combined with my facial hair did make me look rough around the edges. The judge had taken one look at me and scowled. No wonder that security guard at the airport had kept his eye on me.

“Your mother’s going to order some food. Go put away your bag and come down,” my father said.

Dinner with my family was often eaten in loud silence.

I would pass.

“I’m not hungry,” I told him.

He didn’t fight me on it as he went to join my mother and sister.

Home sweet home.

With a heavy sigh, I raked a hand through my chin-length hair and headed up to my room. I was out, I was somewhere new, and I had a car. I couldn’t fuck up, not again. Hearing my mom up one night crying—that had hung heavy on my heart for weeks.

This move was my chance to prove that I could evolve.

There were no ifs, ands, or maybes. I was going to do better.

Excerpted from The Right Side of Reckless by Whitney D. Grandison, Copyright © 2021 by Whitney Grandison. Published by Inkyard Press.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover

About the Author

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Whitney is dedicated to telling stories about teens of color and teens in difficult but relatable situations. Some of her works can be found on Wattpad, one of the largest online story sharing platforms, where she has acquired over 30,000 followers and an audience of over fifteen million dedicated readers. Outside of writing, she is a lover of Korean dramas, all things John Hughes, and horror films. Whitney currently lives in Akron, Ohio. She is the author of A Love Hate Thing and The Right Side of Reckless. Visit Whitney’s website www.whitneydgrandison.com and follow her on Twitter @whitney_dg and Instagram @wheadee.

Connect:

Author website: www.whitneydgrandison.com 

Twitter: @whitney_dg

Instagram: @wheadee 

Spotlight: Nothing Bundt Love by Samantha Lind

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Release Date: July 8

Nathan Bailey was the one that got away…or so I thought.

After leaving our hometown of Sweet Valley, Tennessee, for college,

He never looked back….

Until ten years later, when he walked into my bakery.

The now billionaire tech-mogul is back in town and has his eyes set on me.

He's no longer the boy next door.

Tall, dark, and handsome, he's all man now

His sweet-talking is impossible to ignore; it's almost as delicious as my bundt cakes.

Can I take a chance on my first crush and hope he won't break my heart for a second time?

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback

About the Author

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

Connect with Samantha Lind:

Website: http://www.samanthalind.com  

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/FDSLNL

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/SamanthaLindAuthor

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015316351814 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1233417193443321 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/samanthalind1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16469602.Samantha_Lind 

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/samanthalind 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-lind 

Spotlight: His Billion-Dollar Takeover Temptation by Emmy Grayson

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His Billion-Dollar Takeover Temptation by Emmy Grayson is available on May 25.

Book Description

In debut author Emmy Grayson’s sexy workplace romance, will the Spanish CEO be able to resist giving in to desire?

He will claim her company

But can he claim her, too?

Everleigh Bradford won’t simply hand over control of the family vineyard she expected to inherit. She’s lost too much already. If she must confront internationally renowned new owner Adrian Cabrera, she will! Even if she has to fight her red-hot response to the brooding Spaniard.

Bringing Everleigh home to Grenada to prove he’ll protect her heritage is essential to their working relationship—but it’s dangerous. Innocent Everleigh is intoxicating. And she deserves everything that Adrian’s past and his iron self-control won’t let him give her. No matter how tempting it is…

Excerpt

A skintight orange gown enhanced Jackie’s slender figure, including the generous amount of cleavage that threatened to burst free at any second. Dark curls fell in an artfully arranged waterfall over her shoulder, accentuating sharp cheekbones and a large, blindingly white smile any model would envy.

But, other than the vaguest stirring of a physical response to her amply displayed breasts, he felt nothing. After years of entertaining himself with models, politicians, business leaders and actresses, he was very selective in his choice of bedmate. Married women and overly attentive ladies who wore their greed on their sleeves topped his off-limits list.

“I’d love to know more about your winery.” She smiled again and pressed her breasts flush against him.

The move jostled his arm. Ruby-red wine sloshed out of his glass onto the white cuff of his dress shirt. His mild irritation flared into icy displeasure.

“Oh, no! I’m so sorry…” Her voice trailed off as their eyes met. “Um… I’ll just let you get cleaned up.”

She scuttled down the length of the balcony and hurried down the stairs. He watched as she reached the ballroom floor and disappeared into a sea of evening gowns and tuxedos.

A glance down at his shirt made him sigh. He had plenty of dress shirts in his closet upstairs in the Roosevelt Penthouse Suite. It would only take ten minutes to change and rejoin the party. But the deviation to his routine annoyed him. He always spent the first half-hour of a wine release alone, surveying whatever grand room his event planner had booked and savoring the success that had brought him to this moment.

From evaluating the mineral levels in the soils of the vineyards to collaborating with his head of marketing on the international campaigns that had taken Cabrera Wine to the top of the industry, each wine release marked the end of a long, demanding journey.

As a Cabrera, he could have asked for much more by way of reward. All he wanted was thirty minutes to himself.

She’s gone. Focus on the party. Don’t let her ruin your night.

Tiffany chandeliers cast a sparkle over the golden ceiling as partygoers milled about the ballroom. Waiters expertly danced in and out of the guests with silver trays full of culinary treats like brie-stuffed mini burgers and pork chop bites with a tangy orange barbeque sauce.

Adrian’s blood had curdled when Cabrera Wine’s event planner, Calandra Smythe, had read the menu to him. Did Americans have to put barbeque sauce on everything?

Yesterday’s final tasting had altered his view somewhat, when he’d been forced to admit that the unique recipes brought out the velvety flavors of the Merlot. And the surprisingly tasty offerings had been a hit with both his American and international clients.

Down below, he watched Calandra flit through the crowd, her eagle eyes seeking out every tiny imperfection with laser precision. From relighting candles to adjusting the angle of the tall vases overflowing with Spanish bluebells and white carnations, she had everything under control. As always.

He’d started to turn back to the arched window, to pull the curtain aside and take just a moment longer to enjoy the sight of the skyline, when he caught sight of a woman gliding in and out of the hordes of people. Her confident, graceful movements, coupled with the tumble of blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, piqued his interest. Elegant, yes, but something about her seemed out of place compared to the stiff-necked men and women milling about.

The crowd broke for a moment. He could see her below him, illuminated by the golden light of the chandeliers and the glow of the hundreds of candles that lit the ballroom. Her head snapped up and their gazes collided, caught and held.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Mass Paperback

About the Author

When Emmy read the best series of her childhood, Nancy Drew, she cheered for her favorite titian-haired detective to solve the mysteries that plagued River Heights while reading the books featuring Nancy's boyfriend Ned Nickerson over and over again. Fast forward a few years later to when Emmy found a copy of A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss, and she was hooked on romance. Thirteen years after she submitted her first novel, and received her first rejection, from Harlequin, Emmy got the call from editors Flo and Charlotte with Harlequin Presents.

When she's not writing, she's working her day job in public relations. At home, she wrangles her adventurous toddler, explores the countryside with her fur babies or enjoys a glass of wine on the front porch of her Midwestern home with her firefighter hubby.

Emmy loves romance (of course). Nora Roberts, Julia Quinn, Sabrina Jeffries, Tessa Dare, Amanda Quick and Mary Jo Putney are just some of her favorites. She's also a die-hard mystery fan. Her two favorite authors are Agatha Christie and Ellery Queen, writers her father introduced her to and that she rereads at least once a year.

Connect with the Author

Website: https://www.emmygrayson.com/

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

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

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/graysonromance

 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20860230.Emmy_Grayson

Spotlight: One Week to Claim It All by Adriana Herrera

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One Week to Claim It All by Adriana Herrera is available on June 29.

Book Description

She’ll inherit an empire…but only if she can resist her ex—in this Sambrano Studios novel by Adriana Herrera.

She’s on track to be the new CEO.

Her ex is the only one standing in the way.

When Esmeralda Sambrano-Peña unexpectedly inherits her father’s media empire, it ruffles more than a few feathers. And no one is more conflicted about it than Rodrigo Almanzar. Esmeralda knows her father’s longtime protégé—and her ex-lover—wants the executive job for himself. Making matters worse, their renewed passion grows undeniable with every late-night meeting. Will Rodrigo prove to be the perfect partner in business and pleasure…or her professional undoing?

Excerpt

Esme’s chest fluttered with an ember of hope and longing at her mother’s words. Ivelisse was right, she’d been killing herself for the past five years—trying and failing to get her projects off the ground, but she could not get a break. Because her ideas weren’t “commercial” enough, or relatable to the “mainstream” audience. She was tired of getting doors shut in her face because she refused to compromise. As head of Sambrano Studios she could make her dream come to life. Put shows out there that reflected all the faces of Latinx culture.

If she wasn’t pushed out by Carmelina first.

“Mami, that woman is never going to let me stay. And I don’t want to sink to her level.” Ivelisse had been a wonderful mother, gentle and kind, but she was a fighter when it counted, and the mention of her old foe lit a fire behind her eyes.

“Carmelina won’t know how to fight you, baby. That woman has never done a day of work in her life. When you go in there—smart, competent, full of fresh ideas—that board won’t know what hit them.” That ember was now a tiny flame fueled by the faith Esme’s mother had in her. Still, she’d learned the hard way not to trust anything that came from her father.

“But won’t the board have someone picked out already? Someone that doesn’t come with the drama that I will certainly cause?”

Her mother averted her eyes at her question and that gave Esme pause. “Mami?” she asked wearily as she scanned the paper in her hands again, looking for whatever her mother wasn’t saying. And when she got to the very last paragraph she understood. Her body flashed hot and cold, just from reading that name. There in black and white was the last push she needed to jump right into an ocean of bad decisions.

“Him?” she asked tersely, and from the corner of her eye she saw her mother flinch.

Rodrigo Almanzar, her father’s protégé and the person who for years had been the only tie she had to Patricio. The man she’d given her heart and her body to only to have him betray her when she needed him most. The man whose very name could still make her ache with longing and tremble with fury. How could it still hurt so much after all this time?

She felt tired. Tired of this damn thing hanging over her head. Tired of all the complicated feelings she had about everything having to do with Sambrano Studios. Especially when it came to the tall, brawny, arrogant bastard who was probably hoping she’d do the very thing she’d been considering. Let her pride and her baggage make her decision for her.

And she might have, if he wasn’t the one who’d end up as president and CEO. She wouldn’t do it out of greed, or even to appease her mother, but she would do it out of spite. Rodrigo had betrayed her just so he could continue as her father’s lapdog. Now she’d take the thing he’d sold his soul for…just when he thought he finally had it.

“Actually,” she said, standing up, already feeling the fire in her gut that usually preceded her doing ill-advised things. “You’re right.” The four women in her living room were all looking at her with varying degrees of anticipation. “I’ve been saying for years that if given the chance to shoot my shot I wouldn’t hesitate to take it. This isn’t exactly how I’d hoped to get it, but now that I do, I’m not wasting it. Tomorrow, Sambrano will get its new president and CEO.”

Her mother eyed Esme with suspicion, probably guessing what had been the deciding factor for her change of heart, while her aunt Yocasta crowed with delight, “Ay, Ivelisse, what I wouldn’t give to see the look on Carmelina’s face when Esme walks into that boardroom tomorrow.”

Esme smiled wryly at her aunt, but her mind was already racing toward the other shocked face she was looking forward to seeing.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Hardcover | Mass Paperback

About the Author

Adriana Herrera was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last 15 years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy ending

Connect with the Author

Website: https://adrianaherreraromance.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laura.adriana.94801

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ladrianaherrera

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18639202.Adriana_Herrera

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-herrera