The Consequence of Revenge by Rachel Van Dyken - Release Blitz

After losing his best friend to another guy, the notoriously too-confident Max Emory suddenly feels lost. He may have devastatingly good looks, an abundance of charm, and a claim to one of the biggest hotel empires around, but he has no ambition anymore. So when his fed-up friends decide they’ve had enough of his moping, they sign him up to be the next bachelor on the reality series Love Island. And between his pride and his forged signature on an ironclad contract, Max just can’t say no. Now he’s stranded in paradise with twenty-four women, oneterrifying goat, and Becca, the breathtaking barista who already turned him down back home. The closer Max gets to Becca, the more determined he becomes to win her over. As she gets to know him better, things start heating up. But is Becca really after Max’s heart—or is she after the cash prize she could claim once the cameras stop rolling?

 






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 EXCERPT

“And . . .” She held up her hand like she was doing a damn countdown! “You’re kind of, like . . .” She leaned forward and whispered, “A bit . . .” Her eyes teased. “Metro.”

“As in . . . ,” I baited her.

“Feminine,” she snapped. “Yup, that’s the word. And Max, I mean that in the nicest way possible.”

“You mean . . .” I licked my lips, then slapped the water. “In the kindest way you can possibly say it, ‘Oh, look, Max has boobs’? Or you mean it in the way that says I lack the proper sexual magnetism to get your engine going?”

Becca rolled her eyes. “Hey, I didn’t come here to fight. I was just going to go over our date for tomorrow without the watchful eyes of Big Brother.”

“Hmm.” She was looking down at her feet. So I did what any desperate man who’d just been insulted in the worst way possible would do. I grabbed her feet, dragged her into the water, creating a huge splash, and then, when her head popped up for air, I gave her something else.

My tongue.

Kissing Becca could become a very nice, very addicting . . . pastime. Her lips were soft, pliant, but her hands were beating against my chest. Ah, classic move. Listen up, men: women fight us because they’re expected to. They have to put up the fight so they don’t come off as easy. So the next time a girl hits you in the chest, go with it, kiss her harder. It just means she wants more, especially when her chest is heaving and her tongue is doing . . . that. Yeah, exactly. Oh. Hell. Damn. Kill me now. When her tongue is doing that? Becca’s tongue pushed against mine and then she sucked.

I felt said sucking all the way through my body.

When she stopped fighting me, I wrapped my arms around her neck, pulling her as close against me as I could, and then pulled away.

Her eyes furrowed with confusion as she tried to lean forward.

I pulled back again, and swam her over to the ladder.

“Thanks, Becca,” I whispered. “I needed a little motivation.”

“M-motivation?”

“Game on.” I helped her up and followed. “And by the way . . .” I grabbed her hands and moved her flat palms from my chest all the way down to my waist. “I’m anything but feminine. Have a good night.” As I walked away, I did what any sane man would do. I paused so she could get her fill and realize that yes, I was, in fact, still naked. And when I heard her gasp, I turned around and saluted her in more ways than one.

Point. Max.

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Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers! Want to be kept up to date on new releases?

Text MAFIA to 66866! You can connect with her on Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken or join her fan group Rachel's New Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com 

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Back to Back by Chelsea M. Cameron - Release

 

Today we are celebrating the release of BACK TO BACK by Chelsea M. Cameron. This is the second book in the Back to Back series. The first book, BEHIND YOUR BACK, is available now. Be sure to check out the contest below -- it includes 20 fabulous prize packs!

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BACK TO BACK Summary:

He underestimated me. The girl with the red hair and green eyes. But I also underestimated him. We’re both good at what we do. Together, we’re unstoppable. But I’ll have to be careful. Last time I played him and he's not going to take the betrayal lightly. I'll have to watch my back... and my heart.

The first book in the series, BEHIND YOUR BACK BACK, is available now.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION

 
Chelsea M. Cameron is a YA/NA New York Times/USA Today Best Selling author from Maine. Lover of things random and ridiculous, Jane Austen/Charlotte and Emily Bronte Fangirl, red velvet cake enthusiast, obsessive tea drinker, vegetarian, former cheerleader and world's worst video gamer. When not writing, she enjoys watching infomercials, singing in the car and tweeting (this one time, she was tweeted by Neil Gaiman). She has a degree in journalism from the University of Maine, Orono that she promptly abandoned to write about the people in her own head. More often than not, these people turn out to be just as weird as she is.  

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The Very Second Time by M. Mabie Cover Reveal

The Very Second Time

—M. Mabie—

Synopsis

"Look into my eyes. Again."

"Again, Felix. Always."

This isn't a story about how two young lovers meet, get to know each other, and how they effortlessly fall in love. We’ve done that…repeatedly. You don't have to worry about the "Will they?" or "Won't they?" We’re soulmates, but don't assume our ending is a happy one. Oh, it ends all right. And it ends. Then, it ends again. No matter how hard I fight to save him, the outcome is permanently the same. Still—if there’s a shot—I have to try. He would. He’d be able to save me if our roles were reversed. I won’t give up until my last breath. I always knew we’d be together for years and years; I just didn’t imagine it would be the same ones... over and over again. If first impressions mean everything, then what happens… the very second time? What happens to forever? This isn't a story about how two young lovers meet, get to know each other, and how they effortlessly fall in love.

  They didn't expect this either, but fate doesn't come with a warning.

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Add The Very Second Time to your Goodreads TRB HERE.

Listen to The Very Second Time's playlist HERE.

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The Very Second Time is a standalone novel. It is a one part contemporary romance and one part time-travel romance. Expected release date is October 13, 2015. Pre-order will be available in the near future. For more information, feel free to contact M. Mabie at mmabie.ccom.

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Cover design by: by Hang Le

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M. Mabie lives in Illinois with her husband. She writes unconventional love stories and tries to embody "real-life romance." She cares about politics, but will not discuss them in public. She uses the same fork at every meal, watches Wayne's World while cleaning, and lets her dog sleep on her head. She has always been a writer. In fact, she was born with a pen in her hand, which almost never happens. Almost. M. Mabie usually doesn't speak in third-person. She promises.

Connect with M. Mabie Website | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Other Books by M. Mabie

Fade In (Standalone Contemporary Romance) | Bait: Book One in the Wake Series | Sail: Book Two in the Wake Series

This Love by Anna Bloom - Blog Tour

This Love Synopsis:

Amber's always planned to leave her overbearing mother and their stifling small town behind as soon as she graduates. That is until her car breaks down outside Bale and Son's mechanics and she meets Freddy Bale. A boy who'd rather live in the moment than make a five-year-plan.

Ignoring her friends' warnings, Amber puts all dreams for her perfect future on hold, and dives into the romance heart first. On their last day of school, however, Freddy decides to call off their relationship, and Amber does the only thing she can think of: Run away and never look back. Just like she'd always planned.

Ten years pass before Amber sets foot in town again, only returning to look after her ailing mother. While Freddy wants to make amends, Amber is confronted with her own wrong choices from ten years ago. Choices that could change the lives of everyone she's ever loved.

When first love is given a second chance and the secrets of the past come hurtling into the present, will Amber and Freddy be able to lay their mistakes to rest and make this love the strongest one of all?

Review: 4/5 Stars!

Wow, I really loved this book. I loved how they met; unexpectedly and fast. This book manages to explain exactly how ones feels during our younger more reckless years of high school where we're confused and prone to make mistake. I'll be honest here, I don't really like flashbacks. For those of you who feel the same, This Love manages to tell you the entire story in the past before you get to the future. Kind of like a two part series. 

Freddy is this very lovable guy who has his quirks and honestly, I couldn't blame Amber for falling head of heels for him. The separation between them for 10 years is...well, I can't spoil it. But we all like HEA's right?

Anna Bloom's writing really 'blooms' (haha sorry, I had to) and I truly enjoyed reading about Amber and Freddy. 

Anna Bloom Bio:

Anna Bloom is a contemporary romance writer with the sole ambition of writing about life as it happens. Dedicated to real characters, real problems and real romance Anna writes tales to stir your heart and head. Combining a busy schedule of looking after two young children, working in a local school and writing swoon worthy romance for Mature Teen and Adult readers, she also spends a lot of time imagining kissing hot guys and talking to the voices in her head- all in the name of her art.

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Dangerous Desire by Sebastian Ex Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Title: Dangerous Desire

Series: The Onyx Club #2

Author: Sebastian Ex

Cover Design: Book Covers by Design

 Release Date: July 8, 2015

Synopsis

My name is Brandon Edwards. Men like me don’t come along often. I’m a gentleman, a lover, a protector, and a Dominant. I’ve never been the type who can – or even wants to – commit to a woman…until I met Penny a couple of years ago. Since then, we've been in a committed relationship. I adore and cherish her. 

Penny has a darkness inside her, a yearning for extreme pain. But I don’t want that for her, nor can I give her what she’s so desperate for. Her craving has led her down risky paths, and it’s my job to keep her off those now.

There’s a dangerous desire lurking within all of us. But when does wanting more become too much?

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Excerpt

“More,” she begs as I bring the cane down on her already red ass.

I drop the long thin piece of bamboo, it makes a sound as it hits the concrete of my playroom. “I didn’t give you permission to speak, Petal,” I say to Penny. My voice is low, angry though controlled.

“Please, Sir. Harder,” she begs.

Her body is filled with marks. Her alabaster skin is no longer white. It’s a perfect hue of flaming crimson. Welts have developed from every one of the toys I’ve used on her. I’ve spanked her, flogged her, paddled her and caned her. And with everything I’ve done she wants more.

I’ve noticed since Matthew and Ella’s wedding, Penny’s upped the ante with her pain tolerance. She’s begging for more, desperate to have pain in her life at every opportunity.

She’s tried to top me many times, just like she is now.

“Did I give you permission to talk?” I ask again.

I stand behind her, her legs open, her pussy on show to me along with her glorious ass. Her blonde hair is falling out of the ponytail she had it in, and the strands are a stark contrast against the rich brown of the leather from the spanking bench. She’s up on her knees, her wrists are secured to the front legs of the bench.

“So-sorry, Master,” she stutters.

I fucking hate it. She’s called me Master a few times and I know she wants that from me, but I don’t want a slave. I want a submissive.

Standing back, my eyes travel the length of her body. From her upper back all the way to her ankles- she’s marked. The heavier lashings are around her upper thighs and butt. Her mid-section only has slight color, because hitting with a heavy hand around the kidneys is not pleasurable. It’s flat out pain. 

Penny’s been wanting more pain and I’m not ready to take her there. Nor should she want to travel into such dangerous territory.

Author Bio

Sebastian Ex is a native of Sydney, Australia, having grown up in a tight-knit family mostly surrounded by women. From a young age he had a passion for all things green and outdoors, when he hit mid-teenage years he did an apprenticeship as a landscape gardener. 

A serial lover of women, Sebastian was encouraged to pen his words when a lady friend of his compared some paragraphs from contemporary erotic novelists to his scorching, hot sexts. Now, Sebastian is about to release his debut novel in a bid to transition from landscaping to writing full-time.

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Weightless by Gia Riley Cover Reveal and Giveaway

Today we’re having the cover reveal for Weightless by Gia Riley! And to celebrate the cover reveal, Gia is putting the first book, Lighter on sale!!   

  Title: Weightless

Author Name: Gia Riley 

  Genre: Contemporary Romance

  Release Day: July 8^th About Weightless: 

 After a perfect summer, Sophie returns to college for her senior year. Leaving behind her greatest source of strength, she has to work even harder to keep her demons quiet. But when her past collides with her happiness for the final time, she’s faced with a new normal. Is she strong enough to stay on top? Does she believe she’s worthy of forever, or will she give it all up for a chance at peace? One more try. One more chance. Now a college graduate, Kipton stumbles upon the opportunity of a lifetime. Facing an unexpected long distance relationship, he’s struggling to find the perfect balance between life and love. All he wants is to protect his girl, but he doesn’t know how. Especially when she starts keeping secrets. Fate has already determined their path. Time controls it. Are Sophie and Kipton strong enough to overcome the odds? Will they conquer the past once and for all? Only one person knows the answer to free her – to make her weightless. Weightless is the full-length follow-up to Lighter, and the conclusion to Sophie and Kipton’s story.  

To celebrate the cover reveal of Weightless,

 Gia is putting book 1, Lighter on sale!! 

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About Lighter

What do you do when you can't save the one you love? Sophie can’t survive without control. Growing up with an alcoholic father, she craves the discipline of gymnastics. Feeling lost on a brand new college campus, she lets loose for the first time in her life. But with freedom comes consequences. Is one night everything she hopes? Or will she become her own worst nightmare? Kipton's one year away from graduation. He's never thought beyond a one night stand until meeting his sister’s new roommate. Finally setting his sights on the girl he can't resist, he's more determined than ever when she won't give in to his persuasions. He's always gotten the girl, and he's not about to give up without a fight. Will Sophie be able to salvage her dreams and wage a war against her own vices? Can she finally let love in? Or will history repeat itself causing her to self-destruct? Lighter isn't your typical college romance. Darkness suffocates, dreams are dashed, and battles are lost. Love takes on a whole new meaning. Purchase Links for Lighter (Begin Again #1) 

  Amazon | Ibooks | B&N | Kobo   Author Bio: 

Gia Riley is a New Adult and Contemporary Romance author from the small but mighty state of Delaware. She’s a lover of all things romance and a firm believer that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Gia takes pride in creating real, personable, and entertaining characters. Mother and wife by day, writer by night –she’s having a blast living her dream. When she’s not writing, you can find her roaming the isles of Kirkland’s or up to her elbows in Play-doh.   I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou  

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Be My Temptation by Rachel Brooks - Cover Reveal + Prologue + Giveaway

Title: Be My Temptation

Series: Book 2 of The Crawford Brothers (can be read as a standalone).

Author: Rachel Brookes

Release Date: June 29^th 2015

Sign up to be notified when Be My Temptation is live: http://eepurl.com/boAgqz

Cover Designer: Wicked by Design

Photographer: Perrywinkle Photography

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 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.

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