Title: Missing Link
Series: The Finders
Author: Addison Jane
Genre: Contemporary
Hosted By: Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
Samantha Ashley knows the true meaning of betrayal.
When her father gets involved with evil, high powered Charlie, in order to bail himself out, he hands her over as payment. Charlie now owns every part of her. A fate over the years she has come to loathe, but accept. A chance at a normal life seems unattainable. She will never feel the touch of a man she loves, never be able to exist outside of Charlie's strict confinements.
Lincoln (Link) Davids is sexy and fearless. One touch from him lights her skin on fire. One night she rescues Link from Charlie's evil clutches. Link vows to save her from her prison but she's determined to push him away, knowing that Charlie would delight in ripping him to shreds.
Charlie is becoming more abusive, demanding her submission and threatening her life. With Link's promise of protection, will she finally find the strength to run, or will Charlie's increasing aggression finally cause her to lose more than just her freedom.
Add to Goodreads
Prologue
"Daddy, you can't do this!" I screamed at my father as he threw my belongings into a suitcase. "Daddy, please!"
He didn't look at me, he just continued hurriedly. I had known my Father was in too deep with some not so nice people, but I had never imagined he would use his own daughter as collateral in a deal that had now gone sour. I was his child, his blood; my little brother Devon and I were all he had. Our mother had passed away 5 years ago and we had stuck by each other solidly. His struggles with money had only started in the past year as his gambling and drug addiction worsened. It had quickly consumed him as the more we struggled, the deeper he dove into his dodgy dealings, bets and card games with high powered people while I stayed at home, making sure my 16 year old brother got to school on time, got fed and kept out of trouble. At 20 I was his surrogate parent.
Unbeknown to me, last night he had gone on a bender and joined a poker game with some of the richest men known in the neighbouring cities. He was running out of things to place on the table and after he lost our small house that we had bought with my mother’s life insurance, I thought he would have walked away. But here I was pleading with all my heart for him to not let them take me after he placed on the table his only daughter.
"He will look after you, which is more than what I can do." He muttered quietly, still unable to look me in the eye. Tears flowed freely down my cheeks, staining my beautiful blue blouse. "I’m going to send Devon to live with Aunt May, so don't worry about him. You need to put your head down, be polite and gracious, Sam. And he won't hurt you."
I sniffed and sobbed as I followed him out of my room and down our short hall. Pictures littered the walls, I stopped at one of my Mother and I, her bright green eyes shimmered back at me and I swallowed hard trying to force back the tears that threatened to breach my eyes. I touched my lips lightly and reached out, placing my fingertips to her cheek. Oh how I missed her. People told me I looked just like her. We were both petite at a small 5 foot 2 inches and weighing no more than around 55kgs. But the thing I loved the most that I inherited from her beauty was my long wavy red hair. It was a dark red but in the light it shone a bright orange. Some people were ashamed of their ginger hair, but I wore mine with pride, my Mother always telling me how beautiful and unique it was. She would have never let this happen, she would have never bargained me for money. I felt anger rise in my stomach, anger at my Father. He was selfish and an addict, maybe in some fucked up reality this was actually my escape from a man who just didn't care enough about his own daughter to fight for her, to keep her safe.
I wiped away the tears that had now trickled lightly down my cheeks and took a couple of deep breaths. I didn't want to show this man who had bought me any weakness. I would be polite and accepting but I would be strong. Strength.
I walked into our lounge with my chin up and confidence in my stride. My Dad was handing my suitcase to a large man dressed in a black suit. He looked like a bodyguard; he was huge. And not in the sexy muscle kind of way, but in the eats too many donuts for breakfast and doesn't run enough kind of way. There were two other men that resembled him standing and one sitting in my Father’s large arm chair. He was handsome, older, maybe in his late thirty’s. He had rings glittering on his fingers and a light gold chain hung around his neck. His hair was short, like a buzz cut and a light brown colour, nothing exciting. But when he looked at me, his dark blue eyes bore intensely into my soul. I was about to be owned and the darkness behind those deep pools was unmistakable.
He rose to his feet and quietly moved towards me. I glanced quickly at my Father. He stood, hanging his head shamefully, still unable to look me in the eye. He'd just gambled away his daughter’s freedom, he should feel shame. A soft gentle hand lifted mine and my eyes shot back to the man in front of me. He smiled, almost softly.
"Hello, Samantha." He lifted my hand to his mouth and brushed it across my knuckles. "My name is Charles. I expect you are ready to leave?"
I swallowed and took a deep breath, polite and gracious my father had said. I was unaware of what this man was capable of so for now, I would play the part until I could figure out how to get myself out of this mess my idiot Father had created.
"Yes, Sir." I said, unable to meet his eyes.
His smile grew a little as I expected he was pleased he would not need to drag me kicking and screaming through the door. He kept my hand in his light grasp as he led me past my Father. I didn't even bother to look up at him as Charles stopped briefly,
"Until we meet again Daniel. Thank you for your business."
We walked slowly down the front steps of my small house, his hand still held gently to mine. Strangely I didn't feel scared. Strength. That's all I needed.
"Sam!!" I turned to see Devon sprinting out the front door and racing towards me, tears uncharacteristically streaking his cheeks. He was always the strong one, I was usually the crier. But for right now, I needed to be his strength. I need to show him I was okay. Charles dropped my hand as Devon dived into the arms I didn't realise I had stretched out to him.
"Don't go Sam, Please!"
I looked up at the man who now owned me, pleading for just a moment with my brother, he smiled softly and nodded, climbing into the back of the large SUV parked at the curb.
I took my little brothers face between my hands and held his gaze.
"Listen Devon. You are gonna go to Aunt Mays, you're gonna finish school, you're gonna do your best and I will always be proud of you." He shook his head profusely. "Strength, Dev. I’ll see you soon."
I pulled his face to my shoulder and wrapped my arms around him. I sometimes wonder if I would have run had I known Charles wouldn't allow me to see Devon. But after he threatened Dev's life if I even thought about trying to escape him, I decided to stay as far from my little brother as possible and just hope like hell he's okay.
Hope.
Strength.
Teasers
Purchase Links
Amazon UK
Amazon USA
About The Author
Hi! I am Addison Jane!
I come from a small country called New Zealand.
I have always had a strong love for reading and writing and Missing Link, whilst not the first story I have written, is the first I will be releasing.
My favourite genre is romance, specifically MC, rockstar and young adult.
I'm a single parent to a beautiful little girl, we live in a quiet little town and I have a small but amazing group of close friends.
My other passion in life is working with kids! I work with them part time along with going to school to complete my graduate diploma.
I am fortunate enough to have a great support base, whom without them, I would never have stepped out of my comfort zone and pushed myself to share my writing with you all!
-AJ
Stalker Links
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Goodreads
Monday, 10 November 2014
Release Day Blitz ~ MISSING LINK, by Addison Jane
Saturday, 8 November 2014
Release Day Blitz ~ ROCKSTARS TEMPTATION, by K.T. Fisher
Title: Rockstars Temptation
Series: Rock God #4
Author: KT Fisher
Genre:
Pages:
Hosted: Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
This story is a complicated one. Maisy and Max have been really close for a while now. They clicked straight away and a beautiful friendship blossomed. But is just an innocent friendship? When Maisy’s sexy and troublesome younger sister, Lauren comes to town, she begins to stir everything up. Max’s eyes wonder and Maisy, for some reason doesn’t like it. She tells herself that it’s because she doesn’t want her sister hurt by his playboy ways, but is that true? Join Max andMaisy on their confusing journey full of heartbreak and turmoil. Where their friendship is stretched to the limits with lust and betrayal. Amongst tragedy and danger, can your heart can lead you in the right direction?
Add to Goodreads -https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23158036-rockstar-s-temptation?from_search=true
Teasers
Prologue
Max
“Oh god!” she screams below me. “Fuck me, Max, fuck me harder!”
It’s a good thing the music and shouting from outside this room is loud enough to drown out her screaming!
Today, the girls have thrown a welcome home party for Tanya and Leo because they missed them so much. Probably because they were on their honeymoon for a month! It was only supposed to last two weeks, but Leo had rung home and let us known that he wasn’t done having time alone time with his new wife, and that he wouldn’t be home for another two weeks.
All day, I’ve been holding back my fucking hard cock, just watching her. She doesn’t even know that she’s teasing me, tempting me, but she does. Every damn day!
To make it worse, because the weather is good for an English summer day, the girls decided it was perfect for a pool party. Not everyone came in their swim suits, but she did. As the kids scream and laugh, splashing about, my attention is always on her. I don’t know what to do with it or how to deal with it all. As I watched her laughing pool side with Kendal and the triplets, Finley decided to splash his mum, but instead he soaked the wrong person. He drenched her through, the women I’ve been lusting over. Her bikini became wet and clung to her body and her now wet breasts became my focus point as her nipples hardened under the wet material.
Just the thought makes me pound into the girl under me. That’s the only reason she’s here with me, in a spare bedroom overlooking the party below us. As soon as the woman outside stood up, showing me her perfect body that’s shimmering with the water, I grabbed the nearest girl and dragged her away. As I take this lucky woman from behind, it’s not her face I’m picturing, it’s the woman who has fucked with my head ever since I met her! It’s not the blonde’s hair below me that I see as I pull it back, it’s the blackness of hers I long to wrap around my fist. The blonde under me is too skinny, she needs a few extra pounds and maybe some curves. Her ass isn’t as bouncy, either, and I want more cushion as I pound harder on her ass.
Fuck!
This isn’t fucking working! I’m about to stop, but I hear her laugh and for a second I pause. The sound reignites my fire inside and I fuck the blonde again. Unbelievably, my luck doubles. I don’t just hear her laugh, but through the gap of the curtains in the room I’m taking up right now, I see her! I watch as she steps from the pool, water falling from her body like a fucking porn star! I thrust one last time, not thinking about the body below me, and come undone from watchingMaisy alone.
Purchase Links
Amazon UK –
Amazon USA –
Barnes & Noblev–
KOBO –
About the Author
I love reading, it's my favourite hobby. I've always had ideas for my own books packed into my head so I thought I would write them out for people to enjoy.
Stalk KT Fisher:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/KTFisher/490003474414733?ref=nf - Facebook
https://twitter.com/KTFisher_Author - Twitter
https://www.facebook.com/events/743205442393205/?fref=ts – RELEASE PARTY!!!!
Other Books in the Series
Rockstar Daddy (Decoy #1)
http://amzn.to/1uRPR8e - Amazon UK
http://amzn.to/1rrsXnt - Amazon USA
Rockstar's Girl (Decoy #2)
http://amzn.to/1C3FUHf - Amazon UK
http://amzn.to/1pa61UM - Amazon USA
Rockstar's Angel (Decoy #3)
http://amzn.to/1mp01vB - Amazon UK
http://amzn.to/1uRPScr - Amazon USA
Cover Reveal ~ FINDING GAVIN, by C A Harms
COVER REVEAL
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FINDING GAVIN
Author: CA HARMS
Series: Southern Boys, Book #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance
~ SYNOPSIS ~
Gavin was a broken hearted cowboy from Savanna…
The one she fell for even though he tried to warn her away.
Maria’s entire life had been one rejection after another, always going after things that were just out of reach.
Gavin was no exception.
She wanted him, so desperately…
But life had a way of making things unattainable, at least for her anyway.
Just when things began to change, once again the darkness glooms, and Maria finds that her happy ending may once again be…
Unreachable.
~ COVER MODEL ~
GARY TAYLOR
~ COVER PHOTOGRAPHER ~
FuriousPhotog
https://www.facebook.com/FuriousFotog
~ COVER DESIGNER ~
GARY TAYLOR
~ COVER PHOTOGRAPHER ~
FuriousPhotog
https://www.facebook.com/FuriousFotog
~ COVER DESIGNER ~
Robin Harper with Wicked by Design
~ RELEASE DATE ~
DECEMBER 30th
FORGIVING REED
Author: CA Harms
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Genre: Contemporary Romance
~ SYNOPSIS ~
Kori suffered a great loss, one that left her feeling so desolate and alone, that she believed nothing would ever fill the void…
The only thing that kept her going was the one little piece of joy she still had in her life, her baby boy, Rhett.
She had no choice but to move forward and give her son the best life she could. Which meant moving back home.
Except there was one problem.
Home was where Reed would be…
The man who once held her heart, then shattered it into a million pieces.
Grieving the loss of Rhetts dad, and learning to forgive those who have betrayed her, Kori was battling it all.
But will she ever have the strength to forgive Reed?
~ PURCHASE ~
~ ABOUT THE AUTHOR ~
CA Harms
C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.
She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.
Social media links:
Tour Host:
Friday, 7 November 2014
Release Day Blitz ~ OFF YOUR ROCKER? By K E Osborn
Release Blitz
Title: Off Your Rocker?
Author: KE Osborn
Genre: Contemporary
Hosted By: Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
When Delia (Lia) Norman meets Rock Royalty Colter (Colt) Slade unexpectedly after her boyfriend of 4 years breaks up with her, sparks fly immediately. Lia's ex always told her she was dull and boring, she was no fun at all, and he was right. Colt tells Lia to do something exciting - be spontaneous. So she moves out of her comfort zone and goes on tour with the most famous rock group in the world 'Slayed'.
How will Lia deal with being pushed out of her comfortable life and into a world of chaos, paparazzi, screaming 'evil minion' fans and most of all the idea that maybe there is love just around the corner?
Purchase Links
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1vrHgHV
Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/ZnIHxl
Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/off-your-rocker-k-e-osborn/1120405608?ean=2940046277920
Kobo - http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/off-your-rocker
Teasers
Excerpt One
I’m smiling so brightly that my cheeks hurt and I can’t help but feel emotional as he leans in to kiss me. His kiss is full of passion and a steady stream of tears flow from my eyes down my cheeks, because of how proud, honored and loved I feel. And that’s all coming from the man I love, the man kissing me, the man I want to be with for an eternity, and in this moment I know that nothing can tear us apart.
Excerpt Two
“Then fuck me, Colt,” I say and he groans into my mouth. His hands slide on to my arse and he pulls me from the desk. He takes me over to the bed and lays me down making his way over the top of me.
“I’m definitely going to fuck you, Lia, I’m seriously going to fuck your brains out. But first I’m going to make sweet normal love to the most beautiful girl in the world
About The Author
Australian author K E Osborn was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia. Having worked in the optical industry for some time, K E Osborn decided it was time to leave the optical world behind and start on something new. With a background in graphic design and a flair for all things creative, she tried her hand at writing.
K E Osborn hid the fact that she was writing from her family, as she believed her first story was simply something she had to get on paper first and then judge if it was good enough for others to read. It wasn’t until her mother found a printed version of the manuscript that her secret came out. She was a writer, and she loved it. Writing gives her life purpose. It makes her feel, laugh, cry, and get completely enveloped with the characters and their story lines. She feels at home when writing.
Stalker Links
Other Books Available
The Trust Me? Trilogy Box Set
Amazon UK – http://amzn.to/1vTycLK
Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/1xooG4J
Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-trust-me-trilogy-box-set
Barnes & Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trust-me-trilogy-box-set-k-e-osborn/1120331938?ean=2940046244021
Just Friends
Amazon uk – http://amzn.to/1rWj8N3
Amazon USA – http://amzn.to/10OEnYj
Kobo – http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/just-friends-16
Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-friends-k-e-osborn/1120349797?ean=2940046315356
Release Day Blitz ~ HIGH STAKES SEDUCTION BOOK 4, by Ami LeCoeur
GoodReads Link:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23262576-high-stakes-seduction?ac=1
Synopsis:
Angela is angry and upset at having to travel home by herself after a two week luxury cruise with her boss, the highly influential and utterly gorgeous Antonio Mancini. But once onboard the plane, she meets Ryan Burton, cute, funny, AND the Assistant DA.
While Angela is not looking forward to running into her boss during the day-to-day business at the store, she's not ready to walk away, either. She's fulfilled her end of the bargain. Will Antonio be a man of his word and fulfill his end?
As she waits for him to honor his promise, Angela discovers yet another connection tying Antonio to the politicians and intrigue onboard the cruise ship. Tired of trying to figure it out on her own, she wonders if it might be time to contact her new friend Ryan for a little help.
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1omiQAD
About Author:
Like most romance writers, Ami LeCoeur is a romantic at heart, but in her heart it's the classic Romanticism of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
She is also a painter, glass artist, and award winning poet, as well as a writer.
When she isn't traveling, she lives on California's Redwood Coast with her husband and two kitties. She loves her wonderful ocean view, and when the fog comes in - as it always does - she's either curled up with a good book, or busy writing.
If you like Ami's stories, please let your friends know.
Author Links:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AmiLeCoeurBooks
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AmiLeCoeur
Website: http://AmiLeCoeur.com
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Excerpt Reveal ~ WHAT'S LEFT OF US, by Amanda Maxlyn
What's Left Of Us ~ Excerpt Reveal
A Continuation of what's Left Of Me, by Amanda Maxlyn.
Release Date: 11/14/2014
Sneak Peek Excerpt:
Prologue:
Aundrea
Fear. It’s all around us. It finds a way inside, lodging deep within, refusing to surrender. It latches on, following you on this path called life. The way it makes our bodies tremble through our core, perspire with one thought, or makes our hearts feel as if they’re coming to a standstill, causing all blood flow to rush from our head to our toes. It’s the one word that can instantly cause our breathing to become slow and labored, stirring up the worst emotions within.
Suddenly my chest becomes too tight to bear. My legs go numb and my arms feel weak. My heart is beating too fast and, no matter how much I pray for it to slow, and the tight pain to go away, it doesn’t.
I’m gasping for air. “My chest. It’s too tight.” I claw at my shirt, as if I could rip it off. The once soft fabric now feels like fire, burning away my flesh.
“Mom, I don’t think she’s okay!”
“Aundrea?!”
“I can’t breathe. My ... tight … the pain … it won’t stop. I can’t feel my arms, or …” Oh my God, this is it.
I fall to my knees.
“Is she having a heart attack?” Panicky, Genna stands and yells for my dad.
Every dream I’ve had, every sense of hope—everything I’ve feared is burning them away right before my eyes.
Death.
It’s easy to forget what matters most when you’re distracted by your deepest fear, which, in my case, is leaving behind everyone I cherish most. Sometimes it’s the most disturbing thoughts that tunnel their way to your core and hold on, no matter how hard you try to shake them.
The afterlife doesn’t scare me. The unknown can be magical when you really think about it. The beauty of possibility.
There are muffled voices around me, yelling and screaming, but my eyes are frozen. I can’t move my head to see who’s speaking. I can’t even be certain where I am at the moment.
I begin to feel like I’m floating and it’s then that I realize I’m being put on a stretcher. There are two men yelling. Why are they yelling? Are they yelling at me?
A cold rush of air startles me as a mask is put over my face. It’s the first time I get a deep, fulfilling breath since this all started.
“You’re going to be okay. Keep your eyes open for me, okay?” one of the men instructs, leaning close to my face.
I try to nod, but he shakes his head. “Don’t try to move.” I go cold, every limb gone numb. Then, pain.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so much pain in all my life. It’s as if a hundred men are standing on top of me, stabbing my chest with razor-sharp knives. I swear, with each jab of pain I can hear the crack of the blades stabbing deeper inside of me, slowly ripping me apart. Then the pain pierces my heart and I cry out.
“Someone needs to call Parker!” Genna screams.
The men start running and I feel like I’m flying. The wind washes over me and it’s almost calming.
My surroundings go blurry as I’m lifted. Everything is happening so fast. My shirt is ripped open and freezing stickers are placed on my chest.
Cries fill my ears, drowning out the loud banging from the men moving around. I don’t know where I am, but when I hear my mom say, “Parker, its Aundrea. We’re going to the hospital,” I let my eyes drift closed and just pray the pain will stop. And that Parker will get to me before it’s too late.
Chapter One:
Aundrea
Three Months Earlier
The future.
It’s terrifying to think about.
Sometimes life can be run by our emotions; how we feel about ourselves can dictate the path our life takes.
Before Parker entered my life, I didn’t think about tomorrow, much less my future. But he changed me. The day he told me he could see my future was the day I knew I would stop at nothing to make sure I saw the start and end of each day. For him.
For us. It’s when our future began.
“Aundrea?” a gentle voice asks, breaking me from my thoughts. I shiver as Parker grasps my hand, helping me. My senses are heightened, trying to glean some clue as to where we are.
“Can I look now?” I giggle, nearly tripping over the uneven ground. The blindfold Parker had me put on before leaving our apartment slips a little as I catch my balance, but it doesn’t fall off.
His grip on my arm tightens as he chuckles. “Almost. A couple more steps.”
He guides me up a small set of steps, loosening his hold as we reach the top. He lets go of my arm, but doesn’t say a word; only the sound of crickets fills the night air. A welcome breeze kisses my face softly.
My ears perk up at the sound of a key entering a lock. “Where are we?” I ask, even though I know he won’t answer. I have a strong urge to just rip off the blindfold.
“We have one last tiny ledge to step over, so careful now.” Holding my elbow, he leads me through the door. A few steps in, we stop abruptly. “Okay, open.”
I pull down the blindfold and blink away blurriness as my eyes adjust.
“What is this?” I stand, breathless, taking in my surroundings. Before me is a large open layout of living space leading into what a glimpse suggests is a kitchen. I look down, shuffling my feet. I’m standing on dark, rich hardwood floors that run into the most beautiful, detailed floor molding I have ever seen. To my side is a large, wide staircase leading to an open space that overlooks where we’re standing.
Of course, I know what this is—a house—so my question should really be, “Why are we here?”
Parker steps in front of me, taking one of my hands in his. I look up, meeting my husband’s crystal blue eyes.
“Do you know that paper is the traditional one year anniversary gift?” I shake my head, bemused. Handing me a folded note, he says quietly, “Open it.”
I fumble with the paper. I suck in a sharp breath as I read the deed I’m clenching in clammy fingers. “Parker, you bought us a house.” It doesn’t come out as a question, but rather a stunned statement.
His throat bobs as he rubs the back of his neck nervously, and a light sheen of sweat forms on his forehead. I smile at his nervousness, which causes his shoulders to relax.
“Aundrea, I was taught that when you find the person you’re meant to be with, you should do everything in your power to keep them. Spend every day of your life proving to them that they’re worth it. You’re always by my side, helping me, wanting to protect me, and showing me that I can be the best man possible. Together, we’ve started to build a life that means something to us, and I want the next chapter of it to start here.”
He motions at the house around us. “I want to grow old, have lots of children, and hear their little footsteps run around on these hardwood floors. I want to have a future with you in this house.”
I cover my mouth to stop my lip from quivering. “I love it,” I mumble, my voice barely audible. I haven’t even stepped more than a foot into the place, but I can already tell by the hardwood floors and open layout that I’m going to fall head over heels for this house.
“You do?”
I look around the room, taking in the stone fireplace, high ceiling, bright lights, and crown molding. “It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
“Like you.”
Heat rises to my cheeks and I’m almost certain my ears have turned bright red. We’ve been together for three years now, and been married for one year, and this man can still make me blush.
“Come here.” He takes my hand, lacing our fingers together. “Let me show you around our place.”
I give a small nod, allowing him to lead the way. He takes me through the house, showing me the den, the living area, every bedroom and closet. Each room seems larger and more extravagant than the last. I’m surprised by how large this house is. It’s more than I could have ever dreamed. Parker explains that it’s a newly built house, which is why the walls are so plain, which I don’t mind because we’ll be able to add our Mr. and Mrs. Jackson touches to it.
Parker shows me every corner, ending with us standing in front of a sliding glass door off the dining room. A cool blast of air hits me as I follow him out to the large deck.
“Parker,” I breathe. My mouth drops open at the sight before me. The deck is covered with glowing candles and, in the center, a blanket is laid out with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
“It’s amazing, huh?” he asks, motioning to the large backyard.
“It’s perfect.” I’m in absolute awe as I realize this is all ours.
Coming up behind me, Parker wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me against his chest. “We’re far enough away from the city that you can stargaze as much as you want with no light pollution.”
Resting my head on his shoulder, I look up at the black sky. I could stare at this view all night. I fill my lungs with the cool night air and let it out slowly as I take in our expansive back yard.
“Is this for real?” I ask half choked up, half smiling.
“Very much. Our future continues here, Aundrea.”
I turn to face him. “This place is amazing, Parker. Honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better place for the two of us.”
Engulfing me in his arms, he hugs me tightly, kissing the top of my head.
Snuggling in closer, I start thinking about the last couple months. How could he have managed this without my finding out?
“How did you do this?”
“What do you mean?”
I laugh. “How did you purchase a house without me knowing? I mean, I understand I’ve been busy with finals and gearing up for graduation next month, but I didn’t think I was that out of it.”
“I know the realtor.” He shrugs with a half smile. “He brings his dog into the clinic. Three months ago he mentioned this property and when I saw him again recently he brought it back up, surprised it was still on the market. I knew I had to see it and, when I did, I couldn’t resist. The price was right and the rest, as they say, is history.”
Of course he’d know the realtor.
I laugh again and Parker raises an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”
“What if I’d hated the house?”
“I knew you wouldn’t.”
“Confident are you?”
“When it comes to you, yes.”
Giving him a warm smile, I wrap my arms back around his hard body, resting my head on his chest. “Here,” he says, pulling me to the center of the deck where the candles are glowing softly.
Settling under the blanket, I snuggle against him, looking up at the clear sky and the stars shining above us. I can imagine myself stargazing out here every night, or snuggling on a chaise longue with my Kindle and a glass of white wine.
This is our home.
Parker reaches for the champagne bottle, so I wiggle forward to give him more room. He pops the cork and pours us each a glass, not allowing the bubbles to overflow.
“Happy wedding anniversary, Aundrea. Here’s to many more.” He raises his glass and I do the same.
“Happy anniversary, handsome.”
The bubbles tickle my throat as I take a small sip, watching my husband do the same.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for this man before me and all his surprises. Over the last three years he’s done nothing but be supportive in all I do, constantly trying to give me everything that I deserve. He’s taught me to embrace life, and I can’t wait to welcome whatever life decides to throw our way next.
***
“Wait. Stop a minute and back up. He bought you a house? Like, a house house?” my best friend Jean screams into my ear the following evening. A house house? Is there any other kind?
Moving the phone away in an attempt to get my hearing back, I answer, “Yes, he bought us a house. Not just me.”
“Same thing.” Um … okay? “Damn, Dre.” I can picture her sitting on the couch in her Minneapolis apartment shaking her head in awe as she speaks. “When’s the move? Did you have any idea he was even looking?”
I shrug, even though she can’t see me. “We’re not sure on a move-in date, but since our lease is up at the end of next month, we’re hoping soon. Parker said the realtor doesn’t think it will be a problem. The loan has already gone through, so we’ll just need an inspection for the final okay. And, no, I had no idea he was looking. It just sort of fell in his lap.”
“Shit. I can’t believe that man sometimes.”
Neither can I. “I know.”
“The timing will be perfect, too. Take your last final, graduate, and move into that big new house of yours. You’re finally entering the real world!” The shuffling sounds on Jean’s end suggest she’s getting more comfortable. “If it weren’t for me, the two of you wouldn’t even be together.”
“That’s not true!”
“Sure it is. I practically had to force you to go home with him that night at Max’s Bar. If it weren’t for me, you would never have left with him, there’d be no ring on that pretty little finger of yours, and there definitely wouldn’t be any house. So, you’re welcome.”
“Thanks.” It comes out flat, but I pick the tone back up. “For the record, I went home with him all on my own.” She giggles. “Are you coming to Rochester this weekend?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I think so. It all depends on Kevin. He mentioned something about needing to pick up a shift for Jason.”
Kevin is another veterinarian Jason met in college and introduced to Parker when he moved here. They asked him to join the practice a little over a year ago, and recently he became the third partner at the clinic. He also happens to be Jean’s boyfriend—not that she approves of that word.
“Well, if not, maybe I can come up for the day or something?”
“I’d like that, Dre. It’s been forever.”
“It’s been two weeks!”
“My point. Forever.”
I smile just as I hear keys fumbling in the door. “Hey, Parker’s home. I’ll chat with you later, okay?”
“Fine, go hang out with that man candy of yours while I sit here in my empty apartment watching reruns of Gossip Girl.”
I chuckle, ending the call as Parker enters our apartment.
Standing in the entryway in gray dress slacks and a black button-down shirt unbuttoned a little at the top, he looks just as good as he did this morning when he left for work. His blond hair is disheveled, as if he’s run his hand through it a hundred times, suggesting a stressful day.
“What’s all the laughing about?”
“Jean.”
“Ah.” He raises his eyebrows and smiles.
Setting his keys in the dish by the door, he walks into the living room and sits next to me, pushing my physics book aside. It falls to the floor as his lips meet mine, gentle and soft. He takes my top lip into his mouth and tenderly kisses it.
Leaning back, he gives me a wink. “Hi.”
“Hello, handsome.” I run my fingers along his stubbled cheeks, smiling. “How was your day?”
His shoulders relax as he sinks into the couch. “Busy, but good. Yours?”
I groan, throwing my head back playfully. “Studying. Lots and lots of studying. I don’t think I can see straight. Change of subject, please.”
He laughs, pulling me in for another kiss. “That bad, huh?”
“I’m just anxious for my last final to be over.”
The moment I was cleared of needing further cancer treatment, I sunk all my spare time—plus some—into my studies. I doubled up on course work, taking as many classes as I could so that I could graduate in a timely manner. There were semesters my family—including Parker—thought I was crazy to take on so many sleepless nights and long study hours, but I looked at it as making up for missed opportunities, and I’ve truthfully enjoyed every second of it. I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and the thought of graduating next month from the Winona State University, Rochester with a bachelor’s in physics is the most rewarding and liberating feeling ever.
Parker winks, then stands and moves through the kitchen effortlessly, opening the fridge and taking out a beer. He looks over his shoulder at me, raising an eyebrow, and I nod.
He rejoins me on the couch and I use my shirt to twist the cap off my beer.
“No studying tonight, beautiful. We’re celebrating.”
I take a small, appreciative sip. “Celebrating what?”
“Our future.”
“I thought we did that last night?” I bite my lip, remembering our naughty evening.
“Oh, we definitely celebrated last night.”
I blush. I shouldn’t be bashful thinking or talking about having sex, but when it comes to sex with Parker … it’s hard not to feel the heat.
He sets his beer down on the coffee table and his face turns serious. “I’ve been thinking—don’t give me that look, Aundrea.”
“What look?”
“The look that says, ‘Oh, boy, here we go!’”
I laugh. “Sorry. It’s just, last night you surprised me with a house. I’m not sure what can top that.”
He takes a deep breath. “When Mark showed me the house, the first thing that popped into my head was how we’ll have all this space to fill.” I can see the tension in the small lines forming around his eyes.
“What are you saying?”
He runs his hand through his hair and swallows hard. “Maybe it’s time we think about adding to the Jackson family.”
“Like a dog?” I raise an eyebrow. It’s a joke, but one I hope eases the tension in his eyes.
“No.” He gives me a weak smile. “What if we considered the idea of starting a family? I mean, it’s probably not going to happen overnight, but I think it’s time we discuss our options. Look into what’s available for us.”
I don’t realize I’m holding my breath until I suddenly feel lightheaded. Forcing myself to breathe, I brace against the armrest. “You mean … you want us to have a baby?”
He nods. Before I can say anything, he reaches for my arms, almost as if he knows what my reaction will be: passing out.
I kind of feel as if I might.
A baby.
Are we ready to have a baby?
Am I ready to have a baby?
Book Information: Release Date 11/14/2014
Pre-order available on Amazon:
http://amzn.to/1Ghkr0w
Blurb
The heartwarming conclusion to What's Left of Me.
Love found me three years ago.
I’m cancer free, happily married to the love of my life, and working toward my dream career.
Our life is complete. Perfect, really.
Or is it?
I’ve always wanted a family of my own, but never dreamed I could have one. Now Parker’s ready to make my dream our reality.
But sometimes our dreams are haunted by our deepest fears. Fears of failure, having a child, and in our case … death. How do I help the person I love get over his fear when I’m still trying to overcome that same fear myself?
Together we must learn What’s Left of Us.
What’s Left of Me (book one)
Purchase What’s Left of Me
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1unXRAf
Blurb
Life works in mysterious ways.
Four years ago I became known as the girl with cancer.
I refuse to cry.
And I refuse to give in.
A relationship with a man is the last thing I’m looking for right now, but one night with Parker changes everything. He is persistent, and he knows what he wants.
Me.
He doesn’t treat me like I’m fragile.
But he doesn’t know, and I’m not ready to tell him.
What if it changes everything?
Tragedy found me when I was seventeen.
Love found me when I was twenty-one.
My name is Aundrea McCall, and this is my journey.
About the Author:
I am the mother of two little boys, married to the love of my life, and living in one of the smallest towns in Minnesota. When I’m not chasing or cleaning up after my boys (yes, all three), I can be found writing or snuggled up with my kindle, a glass of wine, and spending time with my fictional friends and family.
I am first and foremost an avid reader! I love to read anything romance from paranormal, young/new adult, contemporary, and even yes, (wide eyes) erotic/BDSM.
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