Showing posts with label Excerpt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Excerpt. Show all posts

Monday, September 28, 2015

Splinters (Running on Empty, Book 2) M.R. Field




Title: Splinters
Series: Running on Empty #2
Author: M.R. Field
Genre: Contemporary Romance
 Release Date: September 28, 2015



Blurb

Hazel

I’ve spent my younger years acting, safe in a world of make-believe. I learnt to transform into roles to hold onto a sense of harmony in my life.

Years later, still in that moment, I am another face. Another mask. I am not me—the forgotten daughter, the quiet friend, the unrequited love.

Until the pretending becomes meaningless.

And my life hardens again.

I’m tired of acting for my friends when my parents ignore me. I’m tired of acting for myself when I want the world to stop being so hard. I’m tired of holding back from the only man I’ve ever loved.

Even though being drawn to him petrifies me above all else.

When I act to him, he sees right through me.

Each and every time.

 
Robbie

She has haunted my dreams for years. The girl I teased to watch her blush. The girl I watched in quiet agony. The girl I had a chance with, one I ruined when I pushed her away.

Now, after all these years, she’s returning to work for me. A ruse to make her mine.

I will show her that she deserves to be cherished, and loved. I’ll bring back that goddess who took my breath away when I was twenty.

You only live once. Side by side, I only want this final lifetime spent with her.






Purchase Links


AMAZON US / UK / AU



Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / AU
B&N / KOBO / iBOOKS






Excerpt

Robbie

“Your eggs!” Nonna suddenly yells at Trice, startling us as we sit at the table as she points to her. I pass Hazel the Corn Flakes as I reach out for the toast that Mamma has prepared. I stare at Nonna, confused, wondering if one of us was meant to go to the chicken coup to grab some eggs this morning.
“Nonna, we’ve been here before. We have plenty of time,” Trice pleads, her voice gently trying to placate her. “You really should stop watching Dr Phil.”
“It’ll be too late!” She sighs, holding her hand to her chest. “They will be gone soon.” She looks over to Hazel, then her eyes barrel into mine. “You need to hurry up too.”
“Nonna, have you got Grappa in your coffee this morning?” I laugh, trying to knock the worried look from her face.
Mamma brings over the percolator and holds it up for us. I nod and lift my cup while shifting my eyes to Nonna then back to her. She chuckles as she finishes pouring.
“Trice, you do have plenty of time. You know Nonna is just impatient.”
I poke my tongue into my cheek for a moment and then I sip my coffee while wondering if Nonna is starting to lose it.
Trice sees my confusion and waves her hand at me. “It’s nothing to worry about. Nonna saw an episode on Dr Phil about fertility and apparently by my age, my eggs will start to shrivel up. She just wants to be a bisnonna.”
I laugh as Alex’s face pales, causing Trice to laugh—loud. “It’s okay, babe. We’re fine, remember?” she teases, rubbing his arm. He relaxes and shakes his head. I chuckle as his eyes flick over to me and he mouths arsehole.
Mamma moves behind me to Hazel and offers her some coffee. Dr Phil has a lot to answer for when it came to my Nonna.







Author Bio


M R Field is an author from Rural Victoria and has completed a Bachelor's degree with Honours from Latrobe University, Melbourne. After growing up with the river at her front door, she returned back to her hometown after many years of living in the city. She now lives a tranquil lifestyle with her husband and two young children.

M R Field has always held a love for writing, filling journals as a child which progressed to more eloquent pieces as an adult. After ten years of creative instruction, she decided to turn these ideas into manuscripts. She adores creating new story lines and is a big fan of a happily ever after, but believes strongly in making her characters work for it.



Author Links

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway


ALPHA BOOK CLUB REVIEW

Title: Splinters (Book 2)

Series Name: Running On Empty 

Author: M.R. Field 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Stars: 4.5

Heat: Level 3

“To me, you are soft, delicate and beautiful. Fragile and in need of 

protection.” She sighs and shivers. Her eyes are hooded as she runs the 

tip of her tongue along the corner of her bottom lip. If that isn’t an invitation 

to go to her, then I don’t know what is.”

Splinters will lift you off of your feet and carry to bed surrounded by red roses and 

soft candles. It’s seductive yet sweet but not overly so. It strikes the perfect 

balance between sassy and sweet thanks to fully realized characters and plot. 

Splinters is a story with humor, wit, love and heartache. Author M.R. Field has 

done a superb job creating the sexual tension between Hazel, the beautiful girl 

with the emerald eyes, and Robbie, the gorgeous boy with the panty-melting 

smile.  Thankfully, we are rewarded fairly early in the story when the tension is 

dropped and the heat is turned up full blast.

Hazel 

I’ve spent my younger years acting, safe in a world of make-believe. I learnt 

to transform into roles to hold onto a sense of harmony in my life. 

Years later, still in that moment, I am another face. Another mask. I am not 

me—the forgotten daughter, the quiet friend, the unrequited love. 

Until the pretending becomes meaningless. 

And my life hardens again. 

I’m tired of acting for my friends when my parents ignore me. I’m tired of 

acting for myself when I want the world to stop being so hard. I’m tired of 

holding back from the only man I’ve ever loved. 

Even though being drawn to him petrifies me above all else. 

When I act to him, he sees right through me. 

Each and every time. 

Robbie 

She has haunted my dreams for years. The girl I teased to watch her blush. 

The girl I watched in quiet agony. The girl I had a chance with, one I ruined 

when I pushed her away. 

Now, after all these years, she’s returning to work for me. A ruse to make 

her mine. 

I will show her that she deserves to be cherished, and loved. I’ll bring back 

that goddess who took my breath away when I was twenty. 

You only live once. Side by side, I only want this final lifetime spent with 

her. 

Who can’t relate to a story of unrequited love?  (If you can’t, consider yourself 

lucky.)  But this is what makes Hazel’s and Robbie’s journey so rewarding.  I 

found myself on the verge of tears a few times, especially the way Hazel was 

tormented and bullied by her two older sisters as a teenager or how she’s treated 

by her selfish and ambivalent parents. I detested her siblings and parents just as 

much as I loved the fiery, adorable Hazel, who is clearly the black sheep in her 

family.  

Hazel and Robbie’s close friends round out a stellar cast of supporting characters 

who only add to the storyline. The alternating point of views — from Hazel and 

Robbie — works brilliantly throughout the story.  

“Are you mine, now?” I ask, gazing into the emerald pools that have 

captured my thoughts and haunted my dreams for years. “Yes.” She’s 

panting and before I can move to her, she surprises me and grabs my shirt 

and pulls me close.”

Splinters is a standalone book and the second in the Running on Empty series, 

no cliff hanger. It’s a well-written, entertaining, great modern love story that’s 

steamy enough to satisfy all readers.  

ARC Provided by Give Me Books. Honest review done by Zoe Starr for Alpha 


Book Club without influence from publisher or author.

Monday, June 8, 2015

Amber To Ashes




Excerpt #1
“What are you, Casey?” Ryder asks over his shoulder as he scrubs his hands with antibacterial soap.
“Your little cancer warrior,” she answers with a small smile.
“That’s right.” He dries his hands and turns, a proud grin cracking his mouth. “The bravest one ever.”
I grab Casey’s hand and hold it tight, knowing nothing I’ve ever seen, heard, or felt compares to what she’s facing. This child’s living with a fear I can’t comprehend. One that’d slay all of my fears put together.
“Ready?” Ryder asks, his tone soft and caring, everything it should be.
Casey nods, clenching my hand. My heart swells, anxiety building thick in my throat as Ryder slips on a pair of medical gloves and cleans the area around her port with Betadine swabs.
Casey looks at me, the cool blue of her eyes misting over. “Are you scared of needles?”
“No,” I say, running my free hand along the back of her neck. “Are you?”
“I used to be.” She sighs, a single tear slipping down her face. “But not so much anymore.”
It takes everything in me not to drag her little body off the table and run out of the apartment with her. I wipe the tear from her cheek, my need to hide her away, sheltering her from the sinister storm she’s in the middle of, growing with each unsteady breath.
“A little cold,” Ryder warns before spraying the anesthetic on her skin.
“Hurry, Ry,” Casey pleads, her voice weak yet panicked. “It doesn’t last that long.”
“I have to make sure you’re numb, Case.” Ryder ducks his head and stares into her eyes, trying to keep her focused on the silly faces he’s making.
 His tactic works.
Casey’s tiny giggles bounce around the kitchen, their musical notes blocking out the sound of Ryder popping the cap off a weird-looking needle. With a small, clear tube like a tail—and plastic wings stretched out on either side—it reminds me of a dragonfly. Ryder presses his gloved finger against Casey’s port a few times, his attention honed in on her face as he says, “Knock, knock.”
“Who’s there?” Casey smiles at me, completely unaware that Ryder’s pricked her skin with the needle.
“Aardvark.” Ryder pushes the medicine through the syringe, his attention cutting between Casey’s face and the needle.
“Aardvark who?” she manages, a thin sheen of sweat dotting her upper lip.
“Aardvark a hundred miles for one of your pretty smiles.” Ryder pulls the needle from her chest, and before she can blink, he rests his lips against her forehead, kissing away her remaining fear.
Close to immobile, my heart tugs, the magnitude of what this man means to this little girl—what they mean to each other—scraping tears up my dry throat. I swallow the sound before it can leave me, warmth pinching my stomach into a beautiful knot as I observe them.
“It’s over?” Casey asks, uncertainty flashing in her eyes.
“Yeah, kiddo. It’s over,” Ryder answers, his voice heavy with relief as he applies a small piece of gauze over her port. “You’re all set, warrior. Go get cleaned up, and we’ll get ready to leave.”
With Ryder’s aid, Casey slides off the table and heads for the bathroom, the bounce in her step less tangible as she slips around the corner. Quiet reigns, the events from the last few minutes whispering across my mind as Ryder looks at me with exhausted eyes. Stress lines cut across his forehead, wariness drowning his beautiful features. Overcome, I watch him swipe a tired hand over his face and turn, resting his palms against the counter. As though having no control over my body—a magnet pulling in my gut—I stand and move toward him, each tentative step I take carried out with shallow, quick breaths. I come up behind him, lift a shaky hand and tap his shoulder, my pulse lurching as he turns and meets my gaze. Our connection strikes, a bolt of emotions paralyzing us as we stare at each other.
I touch my fingers to his stubbled cheek, my conscience crying out that my actions are wrong, so very wrong, but my heart mutes the warning as I move my palm to the back of his neck.
His muscles go taut, restraint lighting the fiery blue of his eyes. “Amber, don’t.” The words come out not as a rough warning but a soft plea. “Don’t do this.”
“I have to,” I whisper, trembling. “You’re . . . amazing, Ryder. What you did for her, everything you do for her . . . I just . . .” I drop my eyes to his chest, my heart galloping as I register his hands gripping my waist. Their heat sears through me, a thrill jumping from cell to cell. “You’re tender, cocky, gentle, and an asshole all at the same time. You’re kind, giving, nurturing. You’re . . . everything.”
My lips find his, testing, teasing, barely touching. Our breathing comes faster, harder as I pull him down, our foreheads pressed together as we stare into each other’s eyes. “Please . . . I just . . . Just once more. That’s all I need.”
I think . . . hope.
With hunger demolishing all traces of restraint from his gaze, Ryder buries his hands in my wavy curls and looks at me a beat before capturing my lips in a slow, passionate kiss. I sigh into his mouth, my senses drowning in his familiar flavor as I fall in step with his calculated strokes. On a deep groan, he draws me closer, his tongue dipping in and out, out and in. Still, nothing about his touch is rough, yet everything in it screams that he needs me in this moment.
In this wicked space and time of his life.
Every lick and nip is a soft caress, like he’s trying to burn the sensation of my lips into his memory. My pulse hammers in staccato mode as I melt the full weight of my body into his. With my blood swimming through my veins, and sinking further into everything that is Ryder, I feel the emptiness of his soul slice through me. A dull ache pinches my heart, spreading its misery through my muscles as he cups my cheeks and deepens the kiss with a gentleness I never knew he possessed. My breath catches, wiped from my lungs as he glides his lips along my jaw, down the base of my throat. The cadence of his exotic growl slips through my ears, dizzying my head in the sweetest way.
“Christ, I fucking want you so bad,” Ryder whispers hoarsely. He drags his lips back to mine, his kiss urgent, greedy. However, he brings it down a notch, his movements revisiting slow, sensual, worshipping this moment for everything it is. Worshipping me for all I am. “So badly, peach. More than I’ve ever wanted anything or anyone. You drive me crazy. Your smell, skin, eyes.” He sucks my lip between his teeth, a groan punching from his chest as he runs his fingertips along my bare arms.
Goose bumps pop, deliciously pricking my skin as I tighten my grip in his hair.
“Your little giggles, pouts, personality. Every single fucked-up scar you own in and out. All of it. All of you.” He licks into my mouth, his tongue exploring mine with precision as his hands find my nape, their hold possessive. “Fuck. It should’ve been me. Not him. Me.”
And just like that, our moral compasses spring due north, Brock the center of its attention—our attention. We slowly break the kiss, our breathing choppy from the loss.


Are you Team Ryder or Team Brock? 
Find out in Amber to Ashes Releasing on June 9th!

Pre-order NOW AVAILABLE


Blurb
From the New York Times bestselling author of Collide and Pulse comes a gritty new novel about a shattered young woman who unexpectedly falls for two best friends.

They were a storm I never saw coming, an unforeseen heartbreak on the edge of a dangerous cliff.

Amber Moretti’s life changes in the span of minutes. An orphaned outsider, she is desperate to start fresh the moment she walks onto campus. In the time it takes to cross the university’s dining hall, she meets two men who bring color, air, and light to her darkened world.

They became my addiction, each a needle to my next hit, my high.

Brock Cunningham’s appeal is dizzying, a potent force Amber can’t deny. A green-eyed smooth talker, he instantly attracts Amber. It doesn’t take long for him to consume her every thought, her every breath.

Ryder Ashcroft, a blue-eyed, tattooed, and pierced bad boy, turns Amber off immediately—that is, until he kisses her, stealing a piece of her heart, her soul.

They were as opposite as fire and ice, yet I ached for them equally.

Never knowing she could be broken down in so many unexpectedly beautiful yet petrifying ways, Amber finds herself falling for both men.

Immoral? Maybe. I say undeniable. Uncontained.

But one devastating event changes everything, shattering each of their lives...and Amber isn’t sure she can recover from it.


A self-proclaimed chocoholic, married mother of three, and a lover of writing for as far back as she can remember, Gail McHugh is the author of two New York Times bestselling novels. The COLLIDE series (which includes COLLIDE and PULSE), was acquired by Atria Books on September 17th, 2013.

"The first of two sexy contemporary romances about a woman torn between her seemingly perfect boyfriend and a dark, mysterious stranger who will stop at nothing to have her." - Publishers Weekly on COLLIDE, a Top 10 Romance pick! 

You can follow Gail on the below social media sites:


Stalk Her: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

THANK YOU!







Monday, June 1, 2015

Be My Temptation (The Crawford brothers, book #2) Rachel Brookes

BMT cover
Title: Be My Temptation
Series: Book 2 of The Crawford Brothers (can be read as a standalone).
Author: Rachel Brookes
Release Date: June 29th 2015
Sign up to be notified when Be My Temptation is live: http://eepurl.com/boAgqz
Cover Designer: Wicked by Design
goodreads
Synopsis
One night connected them. One decision separated them. One craving tempted them. Ashlyn Hart was done with men, or at least those outside of her books. After stupidly falling for the charms of her cheating ex and having her heart broken yet again, she decided to create a new life. One that involved a career change, a new wardrobe, and the possibility of moving abroad. There was just one hurdle: the confident, stubborn and insanely-tempting Josh Crawford. Josh Crawford hid behind the cliché bachelor lifestyle and a never-ending parade of women. He knew the game and played it well, but the night he tasted perfection four years ago never left him. Back then, he made a spur of the moment decision, one that he has battled with ever since. But beneath the playboy façade was a yearning that wouldn’t disappear. A craving for the only woman who could bring him to his knees: Ashlyn Hart. Two weeks changes everything. One night unravels the deepest of desires. A simple taste unleashes memories that can’t be tamed. When the girl who dreams of a happily ever after collides with the guy who lives the ultimate cliffhanger, what ending awaits them? Will fear overshadow love? Will the past play hindrance to the future, or will temptation conquer it all?     


  Prologue 
  Four years earlier
Josh 
  Jesus Christ, she was tight. The more I edged in, the tighter her body squeezed my cock, which inevitably sent pleasure spiraling through me. The feeling of tightness, combined with her tiny whimpers, were like music to my ears, and acted as the perfect melody for the act I was about to perform. This moment started with a fleeting glance across the bar, a connection of our eyes, and the offering of a smirk; the same smirk I’d been known to use to get into the pants and apartments of girls plenty of times before. I wondered if the look across the bar tonight was when she thought what was happening started. She would be sorely mistaken if she did. I had noticed Ashlyn Hart long ago. Ashlyn Hart was the stunning, blond-haired girl with the insane green eyes and kissable lips that grabbed my attention the start of freshman year. I first noticed her in the library, surrounded by books. Her glasses were sitting on the edge of her nose, and she was chewing on the end of a pen. Her blonde hair was piled on the top of her head, with loose strands surrounding her face, and she looked completely in her zone. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Yep, I certainly noticed her for all the right reasons, and tonight was no different. Tonight was the first night in God only knows how long that I succeeded in getting my older brother Ky to leave the seclusion of our apartment. He didn't even fight me, which was surprising. The moment we arrived at our local bar he started downing beers, while I started scoping out the other patrons, looking for some fun for the night. It seemed that fun would come in the form of Ashlyn Hart, and my eyes latched onto her fiercely. She was toward the back, standing close to the guy I knew was her older brother, Austin. They were in a serious conversation, his hands on her shoulders, and she was looking up at him with wide eyes and a worry-filled face. Rumor around campus was that Ashlyn was from a well-off family from the West Coast, but she didn’t have much to do with them. Apparently she had fled for the east as soon as she finished high school and was here under a scholarship, which could explain why she always was studying. Although Austin was five or so years older than her, he would randomly come and visit, and I had seen her out with him a few times. As soon as I saw her dodge her way through the crowd and head to the bar, I swooped in. She was a beautiful girl, and since I was a guy with an overactive imagination and a cock that really liked beautiful girls, she was definitely on my radar. Ashlyn was unique and refreshing. And though she hid behind her glasses and oversized clothing, her eyes, flawless face, and womanly curves that would be dangerous to any guy's libido, grabbed a tight hold of my attention. Tonight, my plan was to test the waters, to see if she could be my fun for the night. I stepped up beside her at the packed bar as she waited to be served, and that would be the first of many times she’d shock me for the night. When Ashlyn greeted me by name, offered me a flirty smile, and gave me the indication that she was just as willing to test the waters as I was, I was completely floored. Where had this sassy woman been hiding? My interest skyrocketed, and I needed more. As we drank beer, I bought pizza for us both and she showed me another side of her, a side that had been hidden in the books and sweaters. Austin, her brother, had gone long ago, and at that moment all I saw was her, and all I wanted was all of Ashlyn Hart. It would seem that she had plans to give me all of her. Now as she was wedged below me, looking up at me with the widest and most eager eyes I had ever seen, I couldn’t believe my luck. Her face was flushed, her lips parted, and her tits rose with every deep breath she took. She was a fucking delight to look at. My hands cupped her face and, with eager intent, my lips fell to hers as I feasted on the perfect pout that was previously covered with bright-red lipstick. I had been craving this moment for a long time, and I wasn't afraid to admit that. I didn’t know what got my attention most, whether it was the innocent look she had going on, which she completely obliterated tonight, or the fact that I never actually saw her with any other guys or girls. She was a one-woman show—a woman of mystery, and I would make it my mission to discover who she was. "Fuck me, you're so tight." I moaned against her neck as I shifted my hips higher and attempted to push further into her slick wetness. Her whimpers increased, and her nails dug into my back, grating their way down to my ass with every tiny movement I made. Everything spun around me the moment I hit a barrier inside of her. She couldn't be. "Please don't stop," Ashlyn begged softly. I tore my face from the confines of her neck and my eyes met pleading green pits of desire that flickered with anxiety. She was a virgin. There was no way in hell I was doing this. No fucking way. I had never taken a girls virginity, and I wouldn't be starting tonight. I shifted and slowly began pulling out, but halted when her hands gripped my naked ass and held me in place. “I don’t deserve this,” I whispered into the electric air as I avoided her gaze. "Josh, do you really think I would have come here, kissed you like I’ve never kissed a guy before, gotten naked, and let it go as far as it has if I didn't want it?" "Do you really want your first time to be with someone you barely know? I have wanted inside you from the moment I saw you, and it's because I'm just a guy who wants to fuck. You deserve romance, candles, and the whole shebang for your first time." Her face twisted as a smile graced her lips and her eyes softened. "You bought me beer and pizza." "Fucking hell, woman. Buying you beer and pizza does not entitle me entrance to your virginal pussy." "Can you please stop saying virgin?" "But you are a virgin; a sexy as fuck virgin, but still a virgin." "Why are we even having this conversation?" She rolled her eyes, spitting the kind of sass that I was quickly learning was fucking incredible for my libido. My gaze roamed over her face, and I found a woman who wanted exactly what I could give her. She tempted me from the very moment I laid eyes on her, and the confident woman now writhing beneath me was a woman I had never seen her portray before. The oversized sweaters, the glasses that sat on the edge of her nose, and the top knot she always sported were long gone. Now I was witnessing a sexy woman who wanted to give me her greatest gift. Her eyes burned with desire, and her lips were swollen from my earlier attack. "Fuck!" I groaned and buried my face in her neck. Why was I even hesitating? If this was any other girl, I would have fucked her hard and fast and she would be on her way home, so why was I hesitating? I moaned as Ashlyn started lifting her hips and moving her body. My cock with a mind of its own found her hot, eager pussy, but soon I was reminded of what was at stake when I once again hit the barrier. I pulled out quickly and slid off the bed with a huff. "Josh!" Ashlyn called and covered her eyes with her arm. As I reached the door, I twisted back to look at her. She was stunning, and seeing her in my bed, naked and glorious, was crazy to comprehend. She had gone from being a one-night stand to someone who wanted me to become a forever memory. You always remembered the person who took your virginity. Fuck, I remember exactly who took mine when I was seventeen. Did I want to be a forever memory to Ashlyn Hart? I shook my head and rushed out of the room with only one thing on my mind. I'd give this girl romance. As I scrounged around the living room for candles—why the fuck Ky and I had candles was anyone's guess—I heard movement coming from down the hall. The layout of the apartment allowed me to see into my bedroom, so I turned and saw Ashlyn sitting up on my bed, pulling on her shirt and fixing her hair. Something in me switched as I began witnessing the loss of sassy Ashlyn, and I refused to allow her to leave. Everything about tonight had shifted, and now all I had was a carnal need to give her everything she wanted and then some. "Do not cover yourself, Ashlyn. Lie back down, keep that shirt off, and be ready for me." I knew I was being bossy, but I couldn’t let her leave. Her eyes shot wide, and her head whipped around to look down the hall at me. Thankfully, she wasn't offended by my harsh tone. As if in slow motion, her hands disappeared behind her back and unclasped her bra, letting her plump tits bounce in freedom before she slowly lay back down. Fuck me dead, she was a vision of stunning beauty. I rushed around frantically, and finally found what I was looking for. "What are you doing?" Ashlyn asked softly, her eyes following my every move as I entered my bedroom and closed the door behind me. Without responding, I switched off the lights, and in the darkness stumbled my way to the dresser. A glow permeated the room as I ignited three vanilla-scented candles. Her shocked gasp rang through the room, and my eyes slammed shut at the intensity of the situation. What the fuck was I doing? "Josh." Her voice was so delicate that it sounded like it would shatter if I didn’t acknowledge her. I slowly turned to face her, and then crawled on the bed until my body covered hers. "I'm not taking your virginity without giving you a little piece of romance, Ashy." That would be the first time I’d use her nickname, and that would be the first time she would slowly take hold of my heart.   


   Ashlyn

  I woke to a delicious ache throbbing between my thighs, and a heavy arm over my naked stomach. I was on my back, my legs entwined with another’s, and warm breath tickling my neck. I was completely and utterly satisfied. My mind was alive as I reminisced about every detail of the night before. Everything was so clear and concise, and locked so tightly in my memory bank that there was no chance I’d ever forget it. I’d handed my virginity to Josh Crawford on a platter, and he took it like it was his last meal. With a subtle move, I turned my head until I was face to face with him. His eyes were closed, leaving his long lashes to caress his cheeks, and his even breathing told me he was still in a deep sleep. The lips that had devoured every inch of my body continued to taunt me as my gaze lingered over him. Last night, after he brought the candles into the room, he climbed onto the bed and hovered over me. I would never forget the look that filtered over his face in those few seconds before his lips fell back to mine. He looked at me like I was the most precious commodity; like I was a gem that he wanted to discover and keep for eternity. It shocked me. Josh spent the next thirty minutes kissing and caressing my body with his fingers, hands, and mouth until he thought I was ready. I was a panting mess. In one swift move, he pushed deep inside of me. I didn't know what to expect. Yes, it hurt, but only for a brief moment. Then I felt my body tremble with delight, and it felt like a thousand fireworks were set off in one go. I knew of Josh, but I didn't know Josh. Does that make sense? I admired him from afar. He was dangerously sexy, and he’d wreaked havoc on my body and thoughts for months, even though he had absolutely no clue. His eyes reminded me of pots of melted dark chocolate, his lips were luscious, and he always had the just-got-fucked hair going on. His reputation around campus was that of a legend. I knew he slept around; I had overheard plenty of girls talking about him, and just how well-endowed he was, but that didn't stop me. If anything, it encouraged me. The question was bound to circulate: why did Ashlyn Hart give Josh Crawford, practically a stranger, her virginity? The answer was simple: my virginity was mine to give. I wanted spontaneity, I wanted craziness, and I wanted someone who knew what they were doing. My life had been so structured and mapped out that I wanted to be in charge for once. I wanted to make the decision. I knew their virginity was a huge deal to some people; those who waited their whole lives to find that special someone to share it with. But I was never that girl. Judge me as you will. I slowly lifted Josh's arm from my naked stomach and held my breath as he scrunched his face and shifted in bed. After sliding out, I stood completely naked next to him and waited. Now that would be an awkward good morning—him finding me naked and staring at him. Once he settled, I moved quickly and rounded his room, grabbing my panties, bra, jeans, and top that Josh had thrown around. I dressed quickly, threw my hair into a crazy-ass bun on the top of my head, and snuck out of his room, but not before giving him one last longing look. I was free. Or so I thought. I gasped loudly, and my clutch fell from my hands and crashed to the floor as I rounded the hall and came face to face with Ky Crawford. Not only did he wear scruff better than most men, but the same could be said for the sweatpants that hung loosely on his hips. I knew who Ky Crawford was. Everyone knew who Ky Crawford was. He was the key witness against Jeremy Davis, who was charged and later convicted of the attack and rape of Eden Rivers. He was also the guy who had been destroying himself ever since. His head jerked up at the sound of my clutch colliding with the floor tiles, and shock covered his face as his eyes ran over me. "I'm sorry, I was just leaving," I said in a rush, crouching down to salvage my things while humiliation took over. He crouched down beside me, and I cringed as he started to help pick up my lip-gloss and loose change. "You stayed here?" "Um, yes. With Josh," I stammered, then jammed the last of my things into my clutch and rose to my feet. "Well, fuck me," he said, amusement hitting his words as he joined me on his feet. The small talk was making me flustered. Two attractive Crawfords in one day was too much for any girl to endure. "Sorry to bother you. I was just leaving." "I've seen you around campus. You’re in some of Josh’s classes." Ky stepped away and headed to the kitchen. He moved straight to the coffee maker, switched it on, then pulled two mugs from the overhead cupboard. My eyes trained on him, and when he poured two steaming-hot, freshly-brewed coffees for him and Josh, I knew I had to get out of there. To say I was shocked beyond comprehension when he handed me a mug was an understatement. Well, this was completely weird and unexpected. I lifted the coffee to my lips and sighed as the hot liquid flooded my veins and helped push aside the exhaustion that was quickly gripping my still-humming body. I looked at him over the top of the mug before I asked, "Do you provide coffee to all the girls your brother brings home?" His smile replaced the confused look I saw earlier. "He never brings girls back. Consider this a celebratory coffee. I think little Josh Crawford may be growing up." Nervous laughter left my body as I tried to cover my shock. Josh never bought girls home, but here I was. I stammered as I said, "It’s just a one night thing. He’ll probably never see me again." "You can’t be missed. I've seen you around campus. I’m pretty certain every man with a functioning cock has seen you." I choked on my coffee at his blatant disregard of subtlety. "You Crawford boys aren't afraid to say what you really think, are you?" “Over the past six months, I’ve learned that you just have to say what you think. Screw the consequences, because you don’t know if you’ll ever get the chance again.” I watched as his eyes lost the sparkle and darted away from mine. Suddenly, the urge to offer this stranger comfort took over, and I decided to provide a little humor to get the sparkle back, so I took Ky’s advice and laid it out for him. “Last night your brother rocked my world and bought me pizza and beer. And now you’ve made me the best coffee I’ve ever had. I might just get used to the Crawford brothers.” He clinked his mug against mine and smiled. “My brother would be an idiot not to keep hold of you.” “Well, yeah, I’m clearly a catch.” And that was the first time I thought of Josh like that.
About The Author
Rachel
Rachel Brookes is the author of The Breathe Series and The Crawford Brothers and lives on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She spends her days writing stories that contain a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season. She is crazy for The Walking Dead, a fan of long island iced teas, a cupcake creator and a lover of book boyfriends. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sleep has become non-existent and more often than not she can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she steps away from her laptop, you’ll find her reading, people watching, taking photos and planning her next big adventure. She is also obsessed with social media, so come say hi. Facebook | Twitter | Reader Group | Instagram | Mailing List | Goodreads  
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