Wednesday, July 31, 2013

'Anything Like Me' by Kimberly Knight FB Event with Release Day Diva 8/2

After walking in on her cheating boyfriend, fate led Spencer Marshall to the love of her life, Brandon Montgomery. Now, she has a wedding to plan. With hope that the demons from their pasts will finally leave them alone, Brandon and Spencer look forward to growing old together.

Just as things are finally looking up, an unexpected houseguest arrives and stays much longer than expected. Will their love be strong enough to overcome the bad influences of their new roommate and the emotional aftermath of dealing with the trial? And when an unforeseen tragedy strikes, can Spencer finally have the happy ending she deserves?


 


Now available on Amazon! Go grab your copy today!!

Also available: Book 1 & Book 2

Come and play....you know you want to. Join me and Kimberly, and special guest James Holeva for a night of fun and probably some naughtiness ;) The party is from 4-8 pm PST on Friday 8/2. This is one you won't want to miss!



About Kimberly:

Amazon bestselling author, Kimberly Knight, lives in the Bay Area in California with her loving husband and spoiled cat, Precious. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her favorite reality TV shows, playing co-ed slow pitch softball in a few local leagues, and playing computer games like World of Warcraft and online poker. However, the bulk of her time is dedicated to writing and reading Romance and Erotic fiction.

'Another Night, Another Planet (1 Night Stand Series)' by Jessica Subject


Another Night, Another Planet (1NS)
by Jessica E. Subject
Erotic Sci-Fi/Futuristic Romance
Categories: Action/Adventure, Interracial/Multicultural
Publisher: Decadent Publishing
Release Date: June 14, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Length: 36 pages

Description:
Limited by status…

Ava is a housekeeper aboard Star Spirit, a luxury cruise ship travelling between the Milky Way and the Belvarian System. Coming from a middle-class family on Earth, she is considered by passengers as nothing more than an object to be tossed away when they’re done with her.

Shunned because of his lineage…

Banned from several planets across the universe, Nate struggles to run his interstellar shipping business. But the DNA of an exterminated race runs through his blood, giving him a diluted form of their powers, and leaving him labeled as a terrorist.

Both searching for the one…

Through her 1Night Stand dating service, Madame Evangeline matches these two together for a celestial escape on the pleasure planet, Elatia.

Will Ava and Nate find what they’re looking for, or will their date be just another night on another planet?

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.


Read an excerpt
Ava glanced at the empty seat beside her. Late, as usual.

Michelle raced toward her then slammed onto the cushion. “Jeez, why can’t we have buckled seats in the rooms like other mother travelers?”

She rolled her eyes, sighing. “Who was the guy this time?”

Oh, not one, but two. Remember the twins from Room 317 I told you about?”

Gasping, she clasped her hands over her mouth. The twins were hot, but two at the same time? She definitely had different morals than her friend. “You’re unbelievable.”

No, they are. I’m meeting with them again on Elatia. Want to join us? I’m willing to share.”

No, thank you.” She blushed, imagining having sex with someone her best friend had done the deed with, and being in the same room while Michelle got busy with another guy. She would never do such a thing. Sex happened behind closed doors.

C’mon. We’re going to be on the pleasure planet. Time to have our sexual fantasies come true.” Michelle squeezed her thigh. “You haven’t had any fun on this voyage at all. Did you meet someone back home before we left and not tell me?”

She shook her head. How she wished. “I’m saving myself.”

Michelle snorted. “For what?”

Never mind.” She sighed. “You wouldn’t understand.”

Whatever.” Michelle frowned, turning away, leaving her to wallow in her own guilt.

By the way,” her friend continued. “You’re supposed to go to the communications center after you’ve escorted your passengers off. You have a message from someone named Madame Evangeline.”

Ava groaned, her stomach twisting in knots. “I didn’t expect to hear from her so soon,” she whispered, fingering the hem of her shirt. Now she’d have the return trip to increase her anxiousness for the date.

Michelle twisted back toward her. “What? Who is Madame Evangeline, anyway?”

Ava glanced around. The rest of the staff seemed to be engrossed in their own conversations—reciting their plans during the layover on Elatia—but she still didn’t want anyone to hear. She leaned closer to her friend. “I applied to a dating service before we left. Madame Eve is the woman who runs it. I’m saving myself for my date.”

Michelle’s eyes widened. “So you’re meeting your special someone on Elatia? Could it be a passenger from the Star Spirit?”

No.” She dreaded the thought. Guests from the mother traveler would still see her as a second-class being, and she didn’t know of any employee on board looking for a serious relationship. She jumped at the crunch of the ship docking, unprepared to meet her date already. “It won’t happen until we return to Earth. It can’t.”

Well, do you mind if I come with you to find out? I have to wait for the twins to complete their quarantine period, anyway.”

Sure.” She could use the support. Clasping her shoulder straps, she took a deep breath, willing her body to stop shaking.

***

What does it say?” Michelle leaned over her shoulder, trying to read the message on her tablet.

No one had questioned her in the communications center. The technician had simply glanced at her identification then transferred the message to her device. Unable to wait until she arrived in her room, Ava opened the email from 1Night Stand and began to read the letter while in the elevator.

Dearest Ava…

The elevator slowed. She braced for the change in direction.

I trust the first leg of your journey went well. While you traveled through space, I received an application from a man whom I believe would be an ideal match for you. Since you already have the required inoculations and do not need to go through the quarantine period before entering Elatia, I have arranged for someone to meet you. His name is Jacobus. While he is not your date, he will prepare you then escort you to the man you will spend the evening with.

Affectueusement,

Madame Eve

So soon? The woman had found her a match already? A rush of giddiness filled her before nerves pushed it aside. She wasn’t an impossible match. Then bile burned the back of her throat. What had Madame Eve meant by prepare? She spun to face her friend. “I can’t do this. I thought I could but I don’t even know this guy.”

She paced, the walls seeming to close in on her. “I wanted to find someone to spend the rest of my life with. On Earth. But this is just going to be another one-night stand. I fucked up. What am I supposed to do?”

Her friend shrugged, an amused grin on her face. “You can spend the next couple of days hiding in your room, wondering who you were set up with, and whether things might have worked out, or you can get your ass moving, pack a bag to meet Jacobus and then your date. If in your position, I’d be already gone.”

The difference between her and Michelle…she couldn’t spend the night with someone without feeling some sort of connection. Somehow, her friend could walk away the next morning, ready to find another guy. Maybe she’d feel different if she had guys falling at her feet due to her big bust on her curvy frame. In comparison to her friend, Ava looked plain, resembling a girl in the early stages of puberty. No one wanted to spend a lifetime with her. Every guy she’d ever slept with proved so.

The elevator opened. She stepped out, heading down the hall toward their room, still trying to decide how to spend her layover. Contacting Madame Eve had been a mistake. One-night stands didn’t agree with her heart. She pressed her thumb to the scanner, waiting for the door to open. So much money spent…

She sauntered inside, but stopped when Michelle darted in front of her.

Quit doubting yourself.” Her friend grabbed her arms, staring her down. “You’re beautiful and deserve to be happy. If you don’t hurry up, I’ll knock you out then find a luggage cart to carry you down to Jacobus myself.”

With a deep breath, she nodded. She could do this. Might as well get my money’s worth. “Okay, I’ll do it.”

Michelle reached in her closet then tossed her a duffle bag. “Good. I’ll help you pack.”

Buy links
 Also available from All Romance \ BookStrand \ Decadent Publishing


About the Author:
Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers.

Connect with Jessica E. Subject

GIVEAWAY INFO:
Prize is 15 "Another Night, Another Planet” swag packs (1 pack each to 15 winners) from Jessica E. Subject. Contest is barrage-wide, open to US and Canadian residents ONLY and ends August 5. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Burn on the Western Slope' by Angela Smith



Burn on the Western Slope
by Angela Smith

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

On the ski slopes of Montana, deception turns deadly and seduction becomes more hypnotic than jewels.

Reagan McKinney is on a mission to discover more about a deceased uncle who mysteriously left her a sizable inheritance, a condo in the mountains, and a stash of stolen jewels. With both her graphic design career and her love life in shambles, the opportunity to begin a new life couldn’t have come at a better time. When she becomes involved with the sexy FBI agent next door, she finds her struggle is not only to keep her heart intact, but her life.
Grief stricken after an undercover investigation ends in the tragic death of his partner, FBI Agent Garret Chambers goes home to find solace in the arms of his mountain home. That is, until his boss assigns him to investigate the spirited brunette staying in the condo next door. He is assigned to investigate Reagan’s involvement with a large jewel fencing organization, but his investigation becomes comprised when his attraction to her heats up. Will his discovery destroy everything he has come to love, including Reagan?

Read an excerpt:
I’m not sure I’m ready for that,” Reagan said, running her tongue over her lips as she rested her glass on the counter. “Skiing, that is,” she quickly added. He would never know she’d been thinking of kissing him, but she had to force herself to look away from his mouth. Nudging Naomi, she stood. “It’s time for me to go. I need to settle in. I haven’t even unpacked yet.” And she had no intention of doing so now, but it was a good excuse to leave. She wiped her hands on her jeans before extending her hand to his, praying hers weren’t clammy. “It was great to meet you.”

Garret grasped her proffered hand and nested his other on top, engulfing her hand. She burned. Everywhere. “Meet me on the slopes tomorrow?”

Reagan bit her lip and glanced at the floor. “Tomorrow? I don’t know. I might need a little more time to get used to this place.”

We’ll start with sledding. You can’t not like sledding.”

She didn’t know, seeing as how she’d never done it, but cozying up to him at a hundred miles an hour would probably be amazing.

I’m safe,” Garret said as he dropped his hand.

You’re what?” she asked, meeting his eyes. Maybe he was a good guy in most people’s standards, but he made her heart beat too fast to be anything but dangerous.

I’m harmless. Several people in town will vouch for me.”

But I don’t know them either.”
Buy it on Amazon

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

During my senior year in high school, I was dubbed most likely to write a novel because I always had my nose stuck in a book. I would hide my romance novels under my history book until my teacher called me out on it. Writing has been my dream ever since my mother read Brer Rabbit to my sister and me so often that we were able to recite it back to each other before actually learning to read. I love reading about the adventure of love, and getting involved in the legal field developed my love of suspense. I believe love is a mystery that most people have trouble resolving. While I don’t expect we’ll ever solve that mystery, I love to read and write about characters who work to solve their love’s mystery. See more about me at my website www.loveisamystery.com or tweet me @angelaswriter
.
Publisher Website: www.crimsonromance.com

Angela will be awarding one of three prizes: a car mirror hanger or key chain (a seashell as a tie-in to her book), an mp3 album by Pretty Little Blisters, a $10 Amazon gift card, to three randomly drawn commenters during the tour, and an mp3 album by Pretty Little Blisters to a randomly drawn host. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

'Decadence' by Karen Stivali



DECADENCE
By
Karen Stivali

BLURB:

A book in the Spice Rack series.

In eight years of marriage, Eric Carlson has never forgotten to kiss his wife Jessica goodbye—until this morning. As Jessica runs her errands, all she can think about is the missing kiss. When Eric calls to tell her he thinks he left the toaster oven on, she rushes home, annoyed and afraid her house may be burning down. Instead of smoke and flames she finds Eric, looking hot and sexy as hell as he prepares fresh waffles.

Eric knows he and Jessica have been drifting apart. He’s bought the hot new product everyone’s talking about—the Spice Rack, guaranteed to spice up your love life. The jar he opens advises them to “Spend a decadent day indulging all your senses.” With the whole day ahead of them, a fridge full of tempting treats and the house to themselves for a change, that’s exactly what Eric intends to do—in the kitchen, on the washing machine, wherever the mood strikes. And Jessica’s got a super-steamy surprise for him too.

A Romantica® contemporary erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave


Read an excerpt:
He didn’t even kiss me goodbye. Jessica knew it was silly to get upset over something so minor, but she couldn’t help it. In the eight years they’d been married, she couldn’t remember another morning when Eric had forgone the farewell kiss. Sure, the kids were running amok, a sea of backpacks and lunchboxes, but that was normal. Eric saying goodbye with a wave was not.
“See you later.” He’d thrown her his trademark sexy grin. She’d stood still for a few seconds, holding the door open as the kids piled out of the house, waiting.
And…nothing.
While queued in the drop-off line at the elementary school, she flipped open the vanity mirror. She didn’t look like a beauty queen but at least she’d showered. Her skin was clear, her cheeks even a bit rosy from gardening the day before. She grimaced. I should have brushed my hair. Dark hair, wavy and out of control, pulled into a loose ponytail paired with t-shirt and yoga pants. I look like a teenager. Not exactly sexy. Frowning at her reflection, she heard the car behind her honk.
“Mom, pull up, it’s our turn.” Timmy, though only seven, had been a backseat driver for nearly five years.
“Sorry.” She inched the car toward the orange drop-off cone and stopped. “Have a good day, guys. I love you.”
“Love you too, mom,” the chorus of three came from the backseat as they scrambled out the door.
Taking a last quick glance in the mirror, she snapped it shut and eased back into the parking lot. As she was about to turn onto the main road, her cell rang. XXXXX, Eric’s ringtone. She fumbled in her purse and slid the purple case open. Holding the phone to her ear with her shoulder, she pulled onto the street, not wanting to get beeped at a second time this morning.
“Hey, sweetie,” Eric said. “Can you do me a favor?”
Sighing, Jessica shifted to keep the phone in place as she changed lanes. “What’s up?”
“I know you said you were going to the grocery store, but I need you to stop home first. I think I may have left the toaster oven on.”
“Can’t you go check?”
“I’ve got a really important meeting this morning. I need you to do it. Please?” She could hear the smile in his voice. The charming, irresistible smile to which she’d never been able to say no.
“Fine.” Even if you didn’t bother to kiss me this morning.
“Thanks.”                    
Did he just chuckle?
She hung up and tossed the phone back into her purse. Great. Now I have to go all the way home, which means I won’t get to the store for another hour. Not that it was a huge deal. With all three boys in school this year she had her days to herself. She’d been looking forward to that for years, but it wasn’t as fun and freeing as she’d expected. All the same responsibilities were there. The house still needed to be cleaned, dinner still needed to be made, laundry was always piling up. And she always had a stack of work on her desk. Freelance graphic design was the perfect work-from-home job and she could do it any time of day or night, but lately she felt as though everything was getting away from her. Somehow she’d had more structure to her days when the kids were home than she managed to have with them in school all day.
As she turned onto her block she couldn’t help but look for signs of smoke pouring from her windows. God, I hope he didn’t really leave the toaster oven on. What the hell was he even using the toaster oven for? Eric ate cereal for breakfast, though now that she thought about it she hadn’t seen him pour himself a bowl this morning. She’d been too distracted by the fact that he was wearing only pajama pants as he plodded around the kitchen. She’d been so busy the past few weeks with back-to-school shopping and beginning-of-term projects they’d barely spent any time together. Seeing him bare chested, hair tousled from bed, reminded her that it had been a while. Too long. Her stomach fluttered from a combination of longing for Eric and fear that her house might be burning.
Jessica slammed the door of the minivan shut, breathing in deeply to see if she could catch any hint of smoke in the air. Nothing. As she opened the front door, another scent greeted her instead. The incredibly delightful aroma of…waffles. Why does the house smell like waffles? She rounded the corner into the kitchen and saw the waffle maker on the counter with Eric poised before it, faded jeans slung low on his narrow hips, a t-shirt clinging to his muscular back, dark hair still damp from a shower hanging loosely into his eyes. A wave of heat washed over her, settling between her legs. Her mouth watered from thoughts of more than just a bite of the waffle Eric was lifting out of the grates.
“Perfect timing,” he said, grinning so wide the dimples on his cheeks were positively cavernous. Blue eyes twinkled at her, full of mischief.
“What are you doing?” She tossed her purse onto the counter, mystified.
“Celebrating Mother’s Day.” He plucked a strawberry out of the colander in the sink, swirled it in a bowl of what appeared to be freshly whipped cream, and approached.
“Mother’s Day is in May. It’s October fifteenth.”
“I know.” He held the plump red berry close enough that she felt the gentle brush of cream melting against her lips. “I was thinking it was something we should celebrate more than once a year.”
She curled her tongue around the cream-covered berry and gave a quick suck before biting off a piece.
The moan Eric emitted sent a tremor rolling down her body, making her knees weak. His lips were on hers before she finished chewing. The sweetness of his velvety tongue blended perfectly with the fruit and cream. This was already better than any Mother’s Day she could recall.

Available on Amazon
 


AUTHOR INFORMATION:
Karen Stivali is a prolific writer, compulsive baker and chocoholic with a penchant for books, movies and fictional British men. When she's not writing, she can be found cooking extravagant meals and serving them to family and friends, who never seem to mind the excessive quantities she tends to prepare. She attributes her ability to multitask to the fact that she rarely sleeps, which gives her more hours every day. Prior to deciding to write full time Karen worked as a hand drawn animator, a clinical therapist, and held various food-related jobs ranging from waitress to specialty cake maker. Planning elaborate parties and fundraisers takes up what's left of her time and sanity.
Karen has always been fascinated by the way people relate to one another so she favors books and movies that feature richly detailed characters and their relationships. In her own writing she likes to explore the dynamics between characters and has a tendency to craft romantic tales filled with sarcasm and sexy details. Although she writes in three genres (erotic romance, contemporary romance and women's fiction) all of her stories are love stories with happily ever after endings.
Karen has published several erotic romance novels with Ellora's Cave including two award winning stories: Always You (published September 2011, First Place Winner of the RWA Passionate Plume Award - 2012) Marry Me (published June 2012, First Place Winner in the NEC-RWA Bean Pot Reader's Choice Award - 2013) and Decadence (July 2013).
Her works of women's fiction, Meant To Be, and its sequel, Holding On, (published by Turquoise Morning Press in August and November 2012, respectively) both made the Best of 2012 list at Literati Literature Lovers.
Karen's contemporary romances Then, Again (May 2013) and Leave the Lights On (coming November 2013) are published with Samhain publishing.
To learn more about Karen you can visit her website karenstivali.com where she blogs original recipes, sassy commentary on The Bachelor, and tidbits about her journey in the writing world. Karen can also be found attempting witty banter on Twitterhttp://twitter.com/karenstivali


One randomly chosen commenter will receive a digital copy of his/her choice from Karen's backlist. Follow the tour for more chances to win!

'That First Kiss (Night Calls #2)' by JC Valentine


That First Kiss (Night Calls #2)
by J.C. Valentine
Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: J.C. Valentine
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Heat Level: Sizzling
Length: 340 pages

Description:
Mercurial and charming, Tate Larson is a rising author and playboy who has a different woman on his arm every night of the week. Focused on his work, Tate has no plans to settle down any time soon. That is until he meets his pretty new assistant, Piper Donovan.

Desperate to escape the promise of backwater living, Piper ditched her Alabama hometown and never looked back. That was almost two years ago. Now that she is out of a job and her bank account is running on fumes, she’s desperate to find a job, fast. She finds the break she is searching for when she lands a position at Bookish Temptations. A little dancing and a lot of drinks with the girls seem the perfect way to celebrate. After a brief but explosive encounter with a man she was never supposed to see again turns out to be the same man she will be bending over backwards to please, her every instinct tells her to run. But when running means leaving the life she has struggled so hard to create, Piper decides her only option is to continue working for the devastatingly sexy Tate Larson...even if it kills her.

Unable to deny their growing attraction, they struggle to keep their distance in a relationship that requires anything but.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains explicit sex scenes and/or situations and adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:
His finger stroked the inside of her thigh, seeking higher ground as his thoughts rolled forward. Piper’s eyes trained on his face, hanging on his every word. “I didn’t intend for things to get as heated as they did, but as soon as I touched you, I needed more. I couldn’t help myself. You possessed me.”

The glazed look in her eye told him that she was remembering that night as vividly as he was. Placing both hands on the cushions on either side of her body, he hemmed her in, bringing their faces so close that when he spoke, his lips grazed hers. “The way you danced that night, pushing that sweet little ass of yours against me. It’s haunted me, Piper,” he whispered. “You need to understand, I tried to resist you, just like I have been trying to resist you, but you drive me crazy. When I’m with you, it takes everything in me to stay away. All I think about, all I dream about is burying myself inside you.”

Piper licked her lips and Tate zeroed in on the tiny movement. “I want to suck those plump lips into my mouth,” he murmured. Shifting, he brought his knee up so it rested on the couch alongside hers and hovered over her. Her face was flushed and her chest rose and fell heavily. She wasn’t unaffected.

You need to leave,” she said weakly.

Tate chose that moment to drop his head into the crook of her neck, nuzzling her. She smelled faintly of roses, and his cock jumped at her soft, feminine scent. “Do you want me to leave?” he asked softly.

He could feel her softening beneath him, her breath coming out in shudders as he skimmed his lips lightly up her neck to her ear, where he licked the pulse beating rapidly beneath her sensitive skin. “Yes.”

The single word left her on a stilted breath, only solidifying his need to get inside her. “I don’t think you do,” he murmured. With sure hands, Tate grabbed the backs of her thighs and yanked her toward him, seating her firmly beneath him on her back with her legs spread wide.


Buy links

About the Author:
J.C. Valentine is the alter-ego of Brandi Salazar, whose enjoyment of erotic tales of romance spurred her to branch out and create her own.

Connect with J.C. Valentine





GIVEAWAY INFO:
Prize is 2 eBook copies (1 each to 2 winners) of "That First Kiss (Night Calls #2)" from J.C. Valentine. Contest is barrage-wide, open internationally and ends August 4. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)' by Layna Pimentel


Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies #1)
by Layna Pimentel
Erotic Historical Romance
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Release Date: June 28, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 29,852

Description:
The love and happiness Isabel Salisbury expected in life when she accepted the proposal of the Marquess of Stoughton takes an unexpected turn when he leaves on a mission for the war office and her parents marry her off to the Duke of Brimley.

Nathaniel Thompson, the Marquess of Stoughton, is devastated to learn upon his return that Isabel has married the duke. When news of her husband’s death surfaces, Nathaniel sets out to make amends and will stop at nothing until she’s his marchioness.

But when London learns of a promiscuous tryst between them in the Daily, their credibility is at stake. They soon discover that nothing in life is simple, nor private, and all is fair in love and war.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt:
What haven’t I heard?” she asked. Her breath hitched and her pulse raced. What could I have missed?

Come away with me to the terrace. I wish to speak to you in private. We can’t have half of London listening in.”

She followed Lady Coxley outdoors, leaving behind the sounds of merriment to be embraced by the shrouded darkness of night and silence.

They say the marquess will not marry until he’s found her.”

Until he’s found who?”

The one who broke his heart. But in all honesty, everyone knows it’s you. With any luck, perchance some horrible fate will happen upon Henry.”

If I were only so lucky. “You shouldn’t talk like that! And for the record, the marquess and I were done long ago. Remember, he’s the one who left me.”

Isabel, you cannot expect me to believe that you haven’t thought about that man—at least once or ever—during the course of this sham of a marriage of yours. The haute ton in its entirety knows where he is right now. And you’d be a fool to think Henry gives two ninnies about your welfare.”

The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them.

Excuse me, ladies, but I was wondering if perchance I could steal Her Grace for a dance.”

Good grief. Did he hear any of our discussion? I cannot believe he’s actually here. Heat coursed through Isabel at the thought of holding him once again. She nodded and held out her gloved palm for him to take. “I’d be honored, My Lord.”

The pleasure is all mine, Your Grace.”

Leaving behind Lady Coxley, she followed his lead inside for a waltz.

It’s been too long, Isabel. I’ve missed you terribly,” he whispered as they took a turn about the dance floor. Nathaniel bowed and took her hand. His touch warmed her, and the gentle squeeze that followed reassured her that the flame they once had was still there.

She and Henry hadn’t danced since their wedding and even then, he quickly discarded her to dance with the Duchess of Downsbury. If she’d only known her dismissal that evening would be the first of many others. For the most part, her husband had two left feet, but Nathaniel whisked her away gracefully to the tune. She wished to kiss him again and remind herself of their time together. Good heavens, Isabel. You’re married. Enough of this foolishness!

Isabel felt him pulling her closer as his arm at the small of her back pushed her in. His head dipped down, and, naturally, she looked up at him, ignoring every stare and whisper as they moved together. She finally cringed and mustered the courage to ask him the one thing weighing heavily on her mind. “Why did you take so long? Why didn’t you come sooner? Nathaniel, there hasn’t been a day I haven’t thought of you.”

As the music wound down and the dancers departed, Isabel locked her eyes on his and felt a tear escape. “You’ve been missed greatly, My Lord.”

His thumb swiped away the drop. “My dear, there hasn’t been a day, hour, or dream you haven’t occupied.”

Her chest tightened with his admission. Could he have really wanted me all this time?

Nathan—”

 Buy links
Also available at All Romance eBooks \ BookStrand \ Secret Cravings Publishing


About the Author:
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys losing herself in researching ancient history and mythology, weaponry, and hiking. She lives in Northern Ontario, with her husband and two daughters. Layna is a member of the Romance Writers of America, and is a monthly contributor at 69 Shades of Smut.

Connect with Lyna Pimentel