Pages

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Friday, May 30, 2014

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Read Me by Nona Raines



  readtomerd
Read to Me by Nona Raines
Published by The Wild Rose Press (a Scarlet rosette)
Genre: Erotic M/F novella
Releasing: May 30, 2014

perf5.000x8.000.indd

Synopsis

At the age of forty-four, Blaise Blankenship believes her own opportunity for romance has long since passed until she accidentally lands in the lap of a sexy stranger. She and the handsome Latino connect over an afternoon at a local bookstore, sharing their love of erotica. Blaise is swept away by an impetuous, hot, "no last names" night together. But the morning after reveals a truth she can't ignore—or avoid.

Excerpt

A waitress appeared at their table. "What can I get you?" "Do you have any Krupnik?" Blaise asked. The young server's brow crinkled. "I don't…" "It's a honey flavored drink," Guy told her. She shook her head. "I don't think we have that." Then a smile stole across her face. "But maybe I can come up with something." She left, and the two of them sat without speaking. The silence was a comfortable cocoon enveloping them, connecting them. There was no need for speech. A bit later, the waitress returned with two rocks glasses half-filled with an amber liquid. "Honey flavored Kentucky bourbon," she explained as she served them. Guy paid the woman then lifted his glass in a toast. Blaise followed suit. "What shall we toast?" "To happy accidents," he proposed. "That works for me." They clinked their glasses, and Blaise took a sip. Though unusually sweet, the drink had the familiar burn of whiskey. Heat spread down her throat to her belly and below. He touched the book. "Shall we continue?" She nodded, and Guy opened to the page and began to read. People around them chatted and laughed, going about their business, but she and Guy were in a bubble. No one looked their way. No one paid them any mind. They were in a tiny universe all their own. Blaise sipped her drink, sliding closer to him in the circular booth. He was so big, so warm. Just being near him made her body heat rise. Perspiration bloomed, and her blouse clung to her skin. Her nipples, hard and achy, poked against her bra. A few words penetrated the haze—something about the Hummingbird's Kiss—but it wasn't the story line or the whiskey making her woozy. She was getting drunk on the low, sensual timbre of Guy's voice. Soon the words blurred into an incomprehensible buzz in her ears. Her breath slowed as she watched his lips move. She pictured herself kissing them, licking the sweetness from them. Lowering her gaze to his hands, she imagined them touching her. He'd skim the pads of his fingers along her torso, fasten those succulent lips of his on her nipple and pull… Her pussy responded to the fantasy with an answering pull. She shifted slightly to ease the throb between her thighs. Her movement must have distracted him. His gaze flickered from the page to light on her face and his voice trailed off. Guy nodded to her empty glass. "Another?" She'd finished it? When had that happened? "No." Her tongue felt thick. "Would you like something else, then?" he asked.
  1. She knew what exactly she wanted. The question was, did she have the guts to ask?
It's your last chance. Your last adventure before you become the boring old mother of the bride. Take it. Take it! Gathering her courage, she took the leap. "Yes." She placed her hand on his thigh. Underneath her fingers, his muscles tensed. His eyebrows lowered and his gaze sharpened. "Yes." She squeezed his thigh. "I want to get a room. Let's go upstairs."

Author Bio

Nona Raines became hooked on romances when she first picked up "The Flame and the Flower" by Kathleen Woodiwiss (and she's not telling how long ago that was). Romances may have changed since then, but her love for a good love story has not. She's been writing off and on for years, but it was only when she joined the Central New York Romance Writers Association that she finally gained the support and confidence she needed to complete a manuscript. Nona lives in upstate New York with her many pets and is currently working on her next novel. A former librarian, she enjoys reading books of all genres and discussing them with others. Her books include The Man Series (One Good Man, Take This Man and Her Perfect Man) from The Wild Rose Press and Uncollared from Loose Id. Her transgender romance His Kind of Woman was a GLBT finalist in the 2014 DABWAHA competition sponsored by the Dear Author and Smart Bitches, Trashy Books review blogs.

Author Links:

Link to website: www.nonaraines.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NonaRaines.author Twitter: https://twitter.com/nonaraines Blog: http://divasofdesire.blogspot.com/
Amazon page: amazon.com/author/nonaraines

Giveaway


bpbuttonfortours    

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Life After Taylah by Bella Jewel

LAT Banner  
Title: Life After Taylah
Author: Bella Jewel
Release Date: May 26, 2014
goodreads-badge-add-plus-d700d4d3e3c0b346066731ac07b7fe47
   
Blurb
My mother's name is Taylah, and once, a very long time ago, she was my best friend - she was everything I wanted to be.

Until the night she disappeared.

Ten years on and my life, my families lives and the world around us has never been the same again.
How can it be when you are left not knowing?

No leads. No connections. Nothing. Just pure emptiness.

My dancing is the only way I can separate myself from the pain that lies in my home, in my father's eyes and in my brother's spirit. They need me and I'll fight with everything I am to be there for them, but who will be there for me?

Then I meet Nate.

Champion Motocross racer and everything my father doesn't want for me. He's forbidden, he's beautiful, and he's carrying a bundle of his own secrets.

When I step into his world, there is no turning back.

He will consume me.

He will teach me how to breathe again.

He will put a tiny piece of my broken heart, back together.  


Buy the Book
81DkAZs3w-L._SL1500_
Amazon: US | UK | AU
 
About the Author
Bella Jewel
Bella Jewel is an Aussie girl through and through. She spent her life in Western Australia, growing up in many different areas of the state. She now currently lives in Perth with her husband, children and mass amounts of pets. She's crazy, fun, outgoing and friendly. Writing is her passion, she started at the young age of 18 but finally got the courage up to publish, and her first novel Hell's Knights was released in August 2013.  
Author Social Media Links
 
Giveaway!
love p

Thursday, May 29, 2014

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: A.D. Ellis *Author Interview*


AUTHOR A.D. Ellis
A.D Ellis was born and raised in a small farming town in southern Indiana. An avid reader from the time she learned to read, A.D. could often be found curled up somewhere with her nose in a book. Most of her friends were not such book enthusiasts which earned her a few snickers when she was constantly reading. 

A.D. had always dreamed of being a teacher. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Indiana State University in 1999 and her Master’s Degree from Indiana Wesleyan in 2003. A.D. has been teaching in the inner city of Indianapolis for 15 years. While she’s taught several different grades, fourth grade is her favorite. They are learning independence by 4th grade, but most haven’t learned the attitude yet. A.D. loves teaching fractions, variables, probability, and graphing in Math. She loves almost all aspects of English Language Arts. Figurative language, theme, making predictions, drawing conclusions, inference, context clues, making writing come to life, A.D. loves it all! Her students may not be in agreement with that excitement. 

A.D. met her husband in college in 1996 and they married in June of 2000. A.D. lives in a south side suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana with her husband and two school-aged children. When she’s not reading or writing with music blaring, she can be found shopping at thrift stores, reading to her children, and running. 

A.D. had always pondered the idea of writing a book, but until recently it was a far off dream. In today’s age of independently published authors, A.D. decided to take a chance and try her hand at writing. She has learned so much during this journey and is having a world of fun with it.

SOCIAL LINKS
http://www.facebook.com/adellisauthor
http://www.twitter.com/ADEllisAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8068864.A_D_Ellis


AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Welcome, we are so excited to have you here at Just One More Romance. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us for an interview. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? 
Hi there! Thanks so much for having me! I’m A.D. Ellis. I’m a 37 year-old mother of two, ages 9 and 6. I’m also a teacher in the inner city here in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I live  in a suburb on the south side of Indianapolis. I am fairly new to the  author world, however, I’ve been a huge fan of reading romance novels since I was in my late teen years. I was a fan of reading just about any book I could get my hands on from the age of 9. I enjoy teaching my children and students to love reading just as much as I do.

Tell us about your work.  What are you writing now? 
My debut novel, FOR NICKY, is a contemporary new adult romance. It released on April 30, 2014. I am thrilled that people are taking time to read FOR NICKY and are writing  such lovely reviews. Currently, I am working on my second book which involves the sister, Audrey, from FOR NICKY. FOR NICKY is not a cliffhanger, but readers of my second book, titled BECAUSE of BECKETT will want to read FOR NICKY first so that they can truly understand Audrey before they read her story in BECAUSE of BECKETT. I hope to have BECAUSE of BECKETT released by the end of summer.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your writing? 
Where DON’T I draw my inspiration? :) I am inspired by all of the fabulous authors I’ve gotten to know recently. I come up with ideas for stories mostly at random times. Ideas will pop into my head and I’ll write it down. Sometimes those ideas take root and grow, sometimes they just sit there dormant for a while. Right now, I probably have about 5 ideas for other books. Now, if I could just find the time to write the stories!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 
Being a writer is a very recent dream. Perhaps I’ve wanted to be a writer since a very early age, but I settled on just being a reader. When I received my Kindle for Christmas in 2012, I started realizing just how many books are written and published independently and I decided I’d give it a shot. Now that I have the taste of writing and being a published author, I’d say the dream of becoming a writer has taken hold.

What was the first romance novel you read that made an impression on you?
I used to read all of my mom’s Harlequin’s and she would let me borrow her western romances.  Upon getting a Kindle and coming back into reading after taking a break to be a busy new mommy, I read Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire and I was hooked. Before that, I had been  lured back into reading by the Twilight series, The Hunger Games, and Fifty-Shades of Grey.

What do you do while you write? Do you listen to music, watch TV, eat snacks, etc.? 
I love to have music on. I play pretty much anything and everything. I turn on Spotify and just let it go. I also have a bad habit of grabbing some of chocolate covered peanuts or my daughter’s Skittles and eating them while I write. Most evenings, after I’ve put my kids to bed, you’ll find me at the computer, earbuds in, steaming hot tea at hand, typing away furiously before I get too tired to see straight.

Tell us 3 surprising things about yourself.
Well, I’m not sure these are going to cause a lot of surprise, but here are a couple things about me.
1.  I’m terrified of deep, open water. Like the ocean or the lake or a pond where I can’t touch. I am just scared to death of what I can’t see in the water around me.
2. I’m scared of the dark. I have been since I was little. It’s slightly better now since I have kids of my own and I’m trying to teach them to not be afraid of the dark. I can at least walk into a dark room now, but I have to turn the light on right away. I also can’t stand  uncovered windows at night. I need the blinds pulled!
3.  I can’t stand scary movies. Well, after 1 and 2, I’m sure this little tidbit doesn’t surprise you at all :) I don’t enjoy being scared at all. So, scary movies come on and I turn them right  off. My husband and brother-in-law made me go watch The Ring and I sat with my hands over  my eyes pretty much the entire movie. Same thing happened when they made me go watch White Noise. Needless to say, they learned to stop taking me to scary movies!

What’s the last movie you watched and loved?
I honestly don’t watch tons of TV or movies now that I’m writing. If I have a moment, I want to write or read. However, I did watch Divergent and really enjoyed that. I love comedies and romantic comedies. But, I also can usually be persuaded to watch a sports related movie along with some dramas. Just nothing scary! Some of my favorite movies are A Walk to Remember and Remember the Titans.
What’s your idea of a perfect date?
Well, as the parents of two children, I’d call any date the perfect date :) We are lucky to have our family watch the kids about once a month, sometimes less sometimes more. My husband and I will usually pick a place to eat that the kids don’t like and then go watch a movie if something is playing that we want to see. I love to just go roam around the mall and look at things without being rushed.  Honestly, getting to sleep in is the perfect date to me :) My children are early risers so when they are gone I love to sleep in a little.

If you could take a romantic trip anywhere, where would it be?
Well, as stated above, I’m probably going to  avoid the deep water areas. Although I would really like to go on a cruise, as long as I can stay on the ship!  So, let’s say a flight to Florida to load the ship and a week cruising the Caribbean.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Not really. I believe in LUST at first sight, but I think loving takes a little longer.  I also think that you can fall in love with someone without even seeing them and then learn to love their physical attributes in time. I definitely think that many people fall “in love” with the way a person looks, but then find out that they don’t really like the person on the inside.
Top three things on your bucket list:
Well, less than a year ago, I would have said, “Write and publish a book”. But, since I’ve done that, here are a couple more.
1.  Become a full time author/writer.
2.  Take a trip around the United States and visit as many lighthouses  as possible.
3.  See my books for sale in a bookstore.


Fun Quickies
Boxers or Briefs?  Boxer briefs :)
Alpha or Beta?  While I love many of those alpha males, I think there’s a place for the betas too.
Tattoos or Piercings? Both :) No, I’d probably like tattoos more than piercings, but I’m not opposed to either. I have two tattoos and very much want a couple more.
Brains or Muscles?  Can I order brains with some muscle? Actually, I’d like an order of awesome person plus some brains with a side order of muscles.
Planner or Wing it?  Mostly a planner. But I’ve been known to plan on winging it. But, there’s almost always a plan, even if I’m winging it :)
Favorite feel good drink?    Like Libby in FOR NICKY, I’m a tea drinker. I love a hot or cold chai tea latte. But, if we’re talking real feel good, I enjoy vodka tonics with lots of lime. I also like amaretto sours.
Favorite naughty dessert? I love chocolate. Sugar cream pie is delicious. I love my mom’s cherry pie and butterscotch pie (real, not the box pudding kind). I am also a fan of chocolate covered peanuts.
Tea or Coffee?  Tea all the way. I love the smell of coffee but I don’t like it at all.
Laptop or Desktop?  Laptop
Beach or Mountains?  Can I have a mountain overlooking the beach? :)
  
Thank you so much for taking the time to let us interview you A.D. Ellis. I can't wait to read For Nicky and meet Nate Morgan. We hope to have you back again on Just One More Romance.


Elizabeth Decker views herself as shy, totally average, and pretty much insignificant. She’s nothing special, at least not compared to her little sister, Audrey. Elizabeth is content with her plain and lonely future; she’s too insecure to contemplate a relationship thanks to her sister. Audrey is a bombshell and uses this to get what she wants. She’s a girl who will stop at nothing to control anyone and everything around her. She craves power and doesn’t care if she has to hurt Elizabeth to get it.

Nathaniel Morgan has spent his whole life fighting for his twin brother, Nicholas. Somewhere along the way, he lost himself. Now he’s just getting by. He’s devoted to his family, but emotionally detached from the women he burns through like wildfire. He has no plans of getting into something as complicated and committed as a “relationship”.

Nicholas Morgan has placed the new librarian, Miss Elizabeth, on a pedestal and is begging her to meet his twin brother, Nathaniel. Elizabeth and Nathaniel agree to meet, for Nicky. Both are caught off-guard when unexpected sparks fly between them. This was not in their plans. Will Nathaniel and Elizabeth be able to escape a past that still plagues them? Or, will the past, suspicions, and insecurities come between them one too many times?

**This is a contemporary new adult romance. It should only be read by ages 18+ due to adult themes and situations. This is a stand alone book.


FOR NICKY by A.D. Ellis
BUY LINKS
Barnes and Noble http://tinyurl.com/oc2wm6w

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Ex Convict by Ashley Beale


 



Hope Manson ruled her school senior year. When a girl in her class, Jenny, spreads a rumor about Hope, an attempt of getting even ends with Jenny dead and Hope in prison for man-slaughter. Six years later, she is let out with one goal in mind- to make a difference.
A difference for Jenny.
Hope will be anything but selfish.

Wes Styles is an asshole.
He is controlling, self obsessed, and just plain mean.
And Hope likes it. She wants someone to treat her like dirt, as a reminder of what she did.
Plus, if someone treats her like shit, she can't fall in love- right? Because falling in love is the most selfish thing you can do.

Wes Styles loves women. He loves when they're calling his name, making him come, or digging nails into his back. But he does not fall in love with women.
When Wes meets Hope, he is immediately intrigued by the fact she likes being treated like nothing more than a piece of ass.
And he knows she is holding a dark secret.
But he doesn't want to know what this secret is, because when he finds out the truth, he may leave. And for the first time in his life, he doesn't want to.

Warning: This story deals with topics not suitable for everyone. Recommended for mature adults, 18+ in age, due to intense sexual situations, violence, and strong language.

 

 

 
 
 *JMAC'S REVIEW*
 
 
 
 


I really enjoyed reading Ex Convict.

Hope was a popular girl in high school.  When a girl Jenny spreads a rumor about Hope, Hope creates a plan to make Jenny's life a living hell. 

What Hope thinks is a way to get even, quickly turns into something that she'll regret for the rest of her life. 

After doing 6 years in women's prison for manslaughter, Hope begins her new life, with a positive goal.  Hope wants to help teenagers overcome the horrible epidemic that has become bullying. 

She begins motivational speaking in high schools, spreading her story, explaining how bullying affected her life in such a horrible way. 

While adjusting to her new found freedom, Hope makes a promise to not fall in love.  Mostly because she feels she doesn't deserve it for what she's done. 

Then comes Wes...

Wes is the epitome of an asshole, especially when it comes to the way he treated women.  He uses them for sex, and has no shame whatsoever in doing so.  He doesn't kiss, and never lets them spend a night. 

When a chance meeting at a party, bring Hope and Wes together, Hope is loving every second of Wes's rules.  Hope feels like she deserves to be used and abused, so she quickly agrees to his terms. 

Wes is used to having a night of fun, what he's not used to is wanting more with someone. 

While both Hope and Wes try to act as if their relationship is just sex, nothing more nothing less, something happens that quickly leaves the both of them wishing they admitted how they really felt for one another. 

Ex Convict was a great story.  I love how Ashley Beale touched on the subject of bullying.  It's a real issue that many people deal with on a daily basis.  It was a subject that I can easily relate to.  I give Ex Convict a bold 4 stars, I'm looking forward to reading more from Ashley Beale. 

<3 JMAC

*EXCERPTS*
 
 






 




*ABOUT THE AUTHOR*
 
Ashley Beale, 25, is an indie author and self-publisher from the beautiful state of Maine. She comes from a large, loving family, which she adores completely, is a mother of two, has the best of friends, and really enjoys connecting with her fans!

Ashley has a love for reading and writing, traveling, watching great movies and addictive TV series, doing crafts, exploring, or just laying back with a glass of wine.




AUTHOR LINKS:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashleybealeauthor
Twitter: @author_abeale

Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Ashley-Beale/e/B00GCV5CK4/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1399379825&sr=8-2-ent
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/R829D


 
BUY LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ex-Convict-Ashley-Beale-ebook/dp/B00KACKPTY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401245048&sr=8-1&keywords=ex+convict


Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ex-convict-ashley-beale/1119495687?ean=2940149266111

COVER REVEAL: Hot-Blooded by Kendall Grey

If Robert Rodriquez (Sin City), Tony Soprano, and David Lynch (Twin Peaks) made sweet love to a Hawaiian version of The Bride (Uma Thurman’s character from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill), the resulting spawn might look like Kendall Grey’s upcoming mystery/suspense/supernatural thriller, HOT-BLOODED.
The first installment in the Ohana series, HOT-BLOODED is set on the island of Maui and is wrapped in the light and dark watercolors of Hawaiian culture, history, and mythology. It’s about guns, drugs, surfing, and tiki monsters. HOT-BLOODED tells the tale of a ballsy, half-Hawaiian angel-turned-demon, the duplicitous assassin who falls for her, and the blessings and curses of family—all wrapped up in freaky, supernatural gift paper.

SYNOPSIS:
WARNING: HOT-BLOODED does NOT end with a happily ever after. It contains drug use and graphic sex, language, and violence. The story is intended to entertain, not to condone or glorify illegal or immoral activities. This book is unsuitable for sensitive readers and those under the age of 18.
*Written in 3rd person. Contains a massive cliffhanger and multiple POVs.
Ohana is everything…
When an accident claims her mother’s life, Keahilani Alana must take charge of her ohana (family) or risk losing what little they have. With an underage brother to care for and no education, she has few options. The door to a heavenly hellish opportunity opens when she stumbles upon a valuable secret her mother left behind on the slopes of an extinct volcano—a legacy that tempts the family with riches beyond their wildest dreams. But the secret is much bigger and more sinister than they realize. As reality unravels and exposes eerie truths about the ohana that should have remained deep under the mountain, Keahilani must either resist the call of her blood or risk being consumed by its darkness.
Blake Murphy is an assassin working to infiltrate a new Hawaiian cartel. His investigation reveals that Keahilani, the sexy surfing instructor he pegged as an informant, is much closer to the drug ring than he thought. Passion ignites between them in the bedroom, but their ironclad ties to opposing interests pit them against each other everywhere else.
When tensions reach the breaking point and her ohana is threatened, the only cure for Keahilani’s hot-blooded fury is a loaded clip with a body bag chaser.
They don’t call her Pele for nothing.

Here’s the cover, designed by Renee Coffey:
So, are you up for a steamy, violent descent into tropical-island madness with a supernatural twist? If so, you can add HOT-BLOODED to your Goodreads TBR here. The release date hasn’t been announced yet, but Kendall is shooting for the end of June or early July. Stay tuned!
You can stalk Kendall on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, or her web site.

BLOG TOUR: The Refrain by Ashley Pullo *GIVEAWAY*



 

Their paths have crossed, setting the refrain in motion.


Ever since flannel and Doc Martens were considered edgy fashion, Canadian cousins Natalie and Chloe have dreamt of a life in New York City. But now that they’ve finally scored a Manhattan zip code, their teenaged fantasies are overshadowed by an adult reality. With Natalie struggling to accept a long-distance relationship—and her constant battle with loneliness, her survival depends on Zach’s safe return. And with Chloe’s endless need to find balance and purpose—and her embarrassing secret holding her back, can Adam Ford be the one to understand her completely?


Change is inevitable and fate is insisting. And when panic follows crisis and love is questioned, stories can change in unexpected ways. The narrative becomes the verse, the part to the whole—the story within the story.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18857143-the-refrain 


What do I love more than a good movie, a theatrical play or a lovely walk through a Manhattan park?? What you may say can be more perfect than any of these joys in life. Well I am here to tell you it is a masterpiece called The Bridge series by author Ashley Pullo. Author Ashley Pullo’s original style will blow you away and take you to a place you couldn’t even dream up yourself. Whether it’s a sweet kiss and smile from Adam, a comical line from Chris or a passion filled scene that only Nat and Zach can create, I always feel like I am on a journey in this fictional world author Pullo has created that could easily be real life. I want to live in these books and be apart of these beautiful characters author Pullo has masterfully created. - I am the lover, the dreamer, it’s me. The Bridge series is more than just a series of phenomenal books, it’s a beautiful rendition of life; past, present and future. You as a reader will never feel more satisfied with a book or series and still want more. So will there be more of the beginning or maybe the end? You never know…... Author Ashley Pullo you make it all look so brilliant and easy. Bravo on another completion of a true work of art. Now I just have one request…… GIVE ME MORE!!!!!



My Favorite Chris moments:

"Fifteen hundred for both" ~ My LOL moment.

"The stars dance like monkeys in the ocean and peanut butter tastes better with chocolate." ~ Zach speaks through Chris.

"I think I officially love you." ~ Happy tears.

"You exist because of him" ~ Rip my heart out Pullo.

Darlin', let's make a baby. ~ And now I am officially a mess.


My Favorite Adam and Chole moment:

"You're a wall."
"A fucking brick wall - no emotion and no attachment to anything that doesn't fit your definition of right or wrong. I'm sick of it!" ~ This is.what I call a Chole moment.

"Really?" "You need me. You need me to be your wall - you need an excuse to be destructive. You love that you can crack me - you love breaking me down - but then when you need that brick wall again, who's supposed to build it?" ~ Love that Adam smirk.

~ Pullo totally rocks the Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara passionate fight moment.  Oscar worthy!!!  (EXCERPT BELOW) 

  
http://amzn.to/TcM5YC      http://bit.ly/1jEbRtB
 


Slamming her hand against the keys to the piano, Chloe shouts, “Who is she?”

“The client is a forty-seven year old man.”  
“Not the client, who are you fucking?” Chloe demands, her voice deep and raw.
Adam takes two steps closer, glaring down at Chloe’s pitiful face. “I’m not fucking anyone.  Not even my wife,” he snarls.  It’s the answer Chloe needs to hear, but not the one she wants.  
She moves a step closer and pokes his chest. “Then explain this to me.”
“Explain what?”  
“This—this tension.  Why don’t I trust you?  Why am I so angry—where the fuck have you been?”  Chloe’s voice is dry and emotional, the words stinging her throat and falling from her mouth like hot embers. She punches his arm, hits his chest, and slaps at his smug expression.  
Adam grabs her arms, his fingers digging into her flesh, but Chloe fights him. “Stop it,” he says.  Chloe continues to wave her arms, desperately trying to break herself free.  Adam tightens his grip and twists her arm behind her back, controlling her…controlling her behavior.  “I have a career.  Do you understand that?  I’m working, I’m being a provider, I’m being a dad—doing the right thing.”
With as much contempt as she can gather, she shouts, “The right thing?  The right thing—your life is just one blob of obligation now?  Fuck you, Adam.  Always trying to be perfect—always doing the right thing.  We wouldn’t want anyone to know what you really are!”
“What does that mean?”  Adam eases his grip, upset by her threat.
“You’re a wall.”  Chloe yanks her arms free and shoves Adam’s chest.  “A fucking brick wall—no emotion and no attachment to anything that doesn’t fit your definition of right or wrong.  I’m sick of it!” Chloe’s voice is shaky and inaudible, tears suddenly drowning her words.
“Really?”  He smirks.  “You need me.  You need me to be your wall—you need an excuse to be destructive.  But then when you need that brick wall again, who’s supposed to build it?”
Chloe grits her teeth and holds her breath, rage setting in.  “You’re a fucking asshole.  God, you’re so arrogant—fuck you.”  Chloe shoves past Adam, running straight to the front door.  She hesitates momentarily to study her bare feet but then impulsively decides to run out into the summer rain.  She wants to run away, she wants to feel that sense of purpose again.  Adam follows behind her, shouting her name.  He’s enraged and bewildered—this is why he loves her—this is why she needs him.
“Chloe stop.”  Adam catches up to her and grabs her hand, yanking her in his direction.  The raindrops conceal her tears, there’s no end to one and a beginning of another—no separation of pain and passion.  Possibly the secret to any great romance…passion evolves from pain.
Adam takes Chloe in his arms and forces her against the large maple tree.  The fullness of the branches protects them from the rain, but their emotions are completely exposed and unrefined.
Chloe sobs, jerking her hand from his tight grasp.  “Leave me alone.”
“No,” he responds.
Adam pins her against the tree, slamming his hands above her shoulders.  They stare into each other’s eyes—carnal lust brimming with each sensation, old and new…this is one of those moments.  Chloe’s chest rises and falls.  Rain splatters against the tree.  Adam’s lips quiver with need.  Eyes wander over familiar features.  Drip drop—it’s rhythm.
And then, associating pain with passion, Chloe bites Adam’s lower lip—sucking and licking the delicate, rain-kissed skin.  Adam’s hand moves to her neck, squeezing gently to signify his control.  He kisses her, deep and satisfying, absorbing every last drop of painful doubt from her mind.  Chloe’s arms move to his shoulders, grasping…searching…
Words are meaningless.  Words are breathless.
“Adam.”  
Adam releases his hold, but not his authority.  In a hasty, yet sensual effort, he lifts Chloe into his arms—positioning one arm under her legs and the other tightly around her back.
“Shut up.” He commands with a smile.
And just like Rhett Butler seizing Scarlett O’Hara with passionate fury, Adam reclaims Chloe. Under the pouring rain.  Up the steps of the ironed stoop.  Through the door of their centuries-old brownstone.  Dripping wet.  Hearts racing.  Souls connecting.
…and then he slams the door.




 Before you read  
The Refrain, 
read  
The Ballad, book 1 
&  
The Intermission, book 2
All 3 are on sale for 99 cents during the blog tour! 

 http://amzn.to/1gxXdJX 
 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18427867-the-ballad
 http://amzn.to/1gxXdJX      http://bit.ly/1n5VB8E
http://amzn.to/1gPC098

 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20571409-intermission
 http://amzn.to/1gPC098 
 

Hey y'all! I'm Ashley Pullo, a New York transplant with an abundance of Texas charm and a proclivity for all things pop-culture. I like to think that I'm witty, gorgeous and highly intelligent but honestly, I'm not that funny. I'm a suburban mom living the dream with my handsome husband, two perfect children and a moderately cool dog, Roscoe. Life is pretty awesome, and you taking the time to read my words makes it that much sweeter! The Bridge Series is designed to involve the reader in the authenticity of life, love and loss. Enjoy the journey…revel in the imagery…and fall in love with modern storytelling at its finest.
https://www.facebook.com/ashleypullo          https://twitter.com/AshPullo       http://www.ashleypullo.com/        https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7161911.Ashley_Pullo


 
 https://www.facebook.com/HeavenSentPromotions       https://twitter.com/HeavenSentProm0         http://heavensentpromotions.blogspot.com/        HeavenSentPromotions@gmail.com