Title: Hook Up
Series: Taking Chances #2
Author: TC Matson
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Blurb
Most people would look at my life and swear it’s the building block for a romantic comedy.
But for me—it’s anything but amusing.
While I’m helping my best friend plan her wedding, I get hit with a bomb.
One that ruins all my hopes and dreams of marriage and starting a family.
My long-term boyfriend isn’t only a lying, cheating, piece of worthlessness,
He’s also in love with the woman he’s been seeing behind my back.
Now I’m forced to act like my best friend’s wedding isn’t going to hurt my soul while I try to mend my heart.
What’s the best way to get over a broken heart?
A no strings attached hook-up.
Nothing helps heal like a good lay.
But there’s this one hot, witty, flirtatious and delicious man who is completely off-limits.
The best man.
Despite my best attempts to say no, a pre-wedding vacation trip snaps my willpower.
Even when we’re back home and I know it’s a bad idea, I still can’t seem to say no.
While I try to pretend nothing is going on, he’s dead set on convincing me to give him a chance.
I mean, nothing puts friendships on the line like lying about why I have a smile on my face.
Now we just have to figure out if we can make this work without ruining an entire circle of friends who I consider family.
Purchase Links $2.99 for a limited time! AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU Only available at the following retailers for a limited time B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS BOOKS2READ 
Also Available
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
TC Matson loves to let her character’s voices be heard. With a head full of stories, she puts her keyboard through a beating daily. Matson sets her sights on writing stores relatable and real. And having an understanding that love isn’t always instant and full of flowers—her writing mirrors it. She isn’t afraid to push the envelope and touch bases of uncomfortable situation.
She’s a romance junkie at heart and an avid reader. Add those two together and she will devour books within hours, getting lost in the world the author creates. Matson resides in the peaceful Piedmont area of NC with her husband and two boys, where staying hopped up on caffeine is the key to her sanity. Chaos is indefinite and a sense of humor is an absolute must.
Author Links
0 Comments
Title: The Billionaire's Navy SEAL
Series: Sutton Billionaires #5
Author: Lori Ryan
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Blurb
A man struggling to leave the battlefield behind, a woman powerful enough to help him all the way home.
Logan Stone should be happy. More than happy, in fact. He’s Sutton Capital’s newest executive, no longer a Navy SEAL in the line of fire, fighting for his country and his brothers-in-arms. Now he spends his days working side-by-side with Samantha Page, the sexy, brilliant woman of his dreams.
But Logan is fighting a different kind of battle; one no one realizes he’s in. While he’s focused on managing his PTSI, something much more sinister enters his world and he must battle to save Samantha’s life and their growing love.
When her life is threatened, he spirals downward. If he succumbs to the PTSI clawing at him, she’ll be left to fend for herself against threats neither of them could see coming.
Steamy romance meets heart-stopping suspense in the Sutton Billionaires Series. This is the fifth book in the series but it can be read as a standalone story with no cliffhangers. If you’d rather start at book one, grab The Billionaire Deal by Lori Ryan. A shorter version of this book was previously released as part of the Sutton Capital Series.
Purchase Links
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Also Available
FREE for a limited time!
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Coming Soon
Lori Ryan is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who writes contemporary romance novels and romantic suspense novels. She lives with an extremely understanding husband, three wonderful children, and two mostly-well-behaved dogs in Austin, Texas. It’s a bit of a zoo, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
Lori published her first romance novel in April of 2013 and has loved every bit of the crazy adventure this career has taken her on since then. She is a hybrid author who loves to connect with her readers. Follow her on Facebook or Twitter or subscribe to her blog. Oh, and if you’ve read Lori’s romantic suspense books and thought it was one of the best romance novels you’ve read ?, please consider leaving a review with the retailer of your choice to help other readers find her work as well! It’s a tremendous honor when someone recommends her books to others. Lori promises to do a happy dance around her office every time you write a review!
Author Links
Title: Big Ben
Series: See No Evil Trilogy #1
Author: Nana Malone
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: April 21, 2020
Blurb
It began with betrayal.
And ended in murder.
She was never supposed to cross my path.
She was never supposed to know about the currency of Secrets or the Oaths of Blood.
But like a thief in the night, she stole my soul even if she wasn’t mine to possess.
As a member of the Elite, I live by simple tenets. A gentleman above all. Private matters stay private. Secrets whispered are never revealed. Enemies and friends are of the same coin. And power is king.
My so called brothers killed my friend. I intend to make them pay. And before it’s over, I’ll bend all the rules of morality, decency and legality. I will borrow and steal to set the scales right. But begging--begging, you can forget about.
My name is Ben Covington and I know my sins.
Purchase Links
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Excerpt
“You think this is my fault.â€
“I’m just saying.â€
“You’re the one who needs to be careful. You’re small and delicate, and you traipse around jumping into messes like you can’t get hurt. When someone tries to mug you, you try to fight back.â€
“I just couldn’t let it happen again. Besides, they wanted to take me somewhere, and even I know that’s not a good idea.â€
“At least you know that much.â€
She jabbed me in the chest, her finger leaving an invisible, searing burn on my skin. And I wanted more.
“You need to be more careful.â€
“Careful, Mr. Covington, someone might accuse you of caring.â€
I squared my shoulders. “Hardly.†My gaze fell on her lips, and my gut tightened. No. Stop looking at her mouth.
Olivia swallowed hard. “I am… uh…†The spark of lightning between us danced. I could physically feel the tension in the room. I needed to get changed. I needed her to get out for me to do that. But goddamn, her hands were on me as she patted me dry. “Look, it’s fine. I’m just going to help you, and then we’ll get back to our day, okay? God, I’m such an idiot. I was really trying to help.â€
She continued to pat me with the towel as she spoke rapidly, hardly taking a breath. Each press of her palm was stoking the flame, playing with fire. “Um, Livy?â€
She kept on talking though. About how I needed to be more careful. That I should have better situational awareness. Have a clue as to what was happening around me.
All the while, she had zero idea what was going on in my head. The war I was having with myself about touching her, about what was appropriate. All the blood rushed south, and I clenched my teeth, trying to fight against my growing erection. She chose that moment to glance down.
Fucking brilliant.
Her voice went throaty when she mumbled, “Um, I think you’re mostly dry. You can handle this yourself. I’m going to go.â€
I cleared my throat in a desperate attempt to regain control. “You probably should.â€
But she didn’t move, just stared at me with those wide dark eyes. Daring me.
“Olivia?†It sounded like a plea.
Her wide dark gaze met mine. “Yeah?â€
“I’m going to kiss you now.â€
Coming Soon 
Releasing June 9
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Releasing August 18
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOK
Author Bio
USA Today Bestselling Author, NANA MALONE’s love of all things romance and adventure started with a tattered romantic suspense she borrowed from her cousin on a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana at a precocious thirteen. She’s been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. Want to hit me up? Just email me:With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters. Waiting for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, Nana, meantime works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is. The books in her series have been on multiple Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble best seller lists as well as the iTunes Breakout Books list and most notably the USA Today Bestseller list. Until that ninja job comes through, you’ll find Nana working hard on additional books for her series as well as other fun, sassy romances for characters that won’t leave her alone. And if she’s not working or hiding in the closet reading, she’s acting out scenes for her husband, daughter and puppy in sunny San Diego.
nana@nanamaloneromance.com
Author Links
Title: His
Series: Ties That Bind #2
Authors: Natasha Knight & A. Zavarelli
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Release Date: April 21, 2020
Blurb
I’ve been in hiding for four years. On the run from the man in whose bed I once slept.
I saw something I shouldn’t have seen.
Took something I shouldn’t have taken.
And he’s just found me.
But it’s not just my safety I have to worry about. I have a little boy. His little boy. The secret baby of a Russian mobster.
He told me in no uncertain terms that I’m his. That we would be a family.
But his uncle still wants me dead and I know the man who's been hunting me is the only one who can keep us safe.
USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance, Natasha Knight specializes in dark, tortured heroes. Happily-Ever-Afters are almost always guaranteed, but she likes to put her characters through hell to get them there. She’s evil like that.
BOOKBUB
AMAZON FACEBOOK GROUP NEWSLETTER
A. Zavarelli
A. Zavarelli is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author.
She likes all things chocolate, books that come with warnings, and putting her characters through hell. Her tales have been known to flirt with darkness and sometimes court it unabashedly altogether. Revenge themes and tortured souls are her favorites to write and this gives her an excuse to watch bizarre and twisted documentaries in her spare time.
She currently lives in the Northwest with her lumberjack and an entire brood of fur babies.
Title: Killian
Series: The Fearless Few #1 Author: Ryan Michele Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: April 22, 2020 Blurb
From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author Ryan Michele comes a brand new series full of alpha men and the women who fall for them.
The power of a name ... Killian Graham. He was the kind of guy I couldn't forget. From a high school crush that never went anywhere to now the full-grown alpha male that made my spine tingle, Killian Graham was the total package. Frustrating, infuriating, and hot as they come, Killian Graham invaded my world and things haven't stopped spinning since. My best friend got herself in some trouble. Being the strong woman I was, I came to her rescue. That's when Killian stepped in to save us both. From there, things got intense both in and out of the bedroom. Killian Graham the mystery man who rocked my world on every level. Killian Graham the man who decided he wanted me and would stop at nothing to have me safe and in his bed. The one man I wanted more than my next breath. The very same man I wasn't sure I could hold onto because everything about him was a secret. Or so I thought. He laid his world at my feet. Now, it was up to me to decide if I could accept where things were headed for us and everyone around us. 
Purchase Links
$3.99 for a limited time!
Author Bio
Ryan Michele is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of over 40 romantic suspense novels. She found her passion bringing fictional characters to life, being in an imaginative world where anything is possible. Her knack for the unexpected twists and turns will have you on the edge of your seat with each page. She is best known for her alpha, bad boy bikers and strong, independent heroines who refuse to back down. When she’s not writing, you can find her on her swing, watching the water ripple in the pond and daydreaming about her next book.
Author Links
Title: Flick
Series: King's Descendants MC #2
Author: Bella Jewel
Genre: Biker Romance
Release Date: April 22, 2020
Blurb
Alarick ‘Flick’ has dealt with an array of things in his life.
His father disappearing.
His mother dying.
Becoming the President of his club.
His world isn’t always easy.
It’s certainly not simple.
But he knows how to handle it.
There isn’t a single thing he can’t deal with…until now.
Bodies are showing up on his doorstep.
People are uncovering lie upon lie.
Those he trusts are making him doubt.
Danger is lurking every corner.
He’s trapped between wanting to protect those he loves, and wanting to find out the truth.
The woman he cares most about in the world is treading on dangerous grounds, and he can do nothing to stop her.
If he doesn’t find a solution soon, more lives will end.
The terror will continue.
How the hell is he supposed to fix what’s broken, when he can’t even find the crack?
How the hell is he supposed to protect his club, when everything he thought he knew is revealing itself to be a lie?
Alarick knows one thing is for certain, whatever monster is out there…
It hasn’t met him yet.
Bella Jewel is a self published, USA Today bestselling author. She’s been publishing since 2013. Her first release was a contemporary romance, Hell’s Knights which topped the charts upon release. Since that time, she has published over five novels, gaining a bestseller status on numerous platforms. She lives in North Queensland and is currently studying editing and proofreading to further expand her career. Bella has been writing since she was just shy of fifteen years old. In Summer 2013 she was offered an ebook deal through Montlake Romance for her bestselling modern day pirate series, Enslaved By The Ocean. She plans to expand her writing career, planning many new releases for the future.
Author Links
Title: Breathe
Series: Hollow Ridge #2 Author: C.L. Matthews Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 14, 2020
Blurb
You’d think five years would be enough time to cope and move on.
It’s not.
If anything, it’s given me more unrealistic ways to deal with my loss.
More pain.
And even worse, a woman I don’t love.
A woman that isn’t her.
I hate her.
She hates me, too.
My life’s a mess.
My heart’s nonexistent.
My soul was lost long ago.
Worst of all, I no longer have any fucks to give.
They say you find your true love after you lose your first one.
I call bullshit.
Purchase Links
$2.99 for a limited time!
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Excerpt
I bottle the resentment and hatred as one would a black widow and praying mantis in a jar, wondering which would strike first and who would conquer all.
One time, Wes caught one of each in two separate jars. It annoyed me that he captured two beautiful creatures just to hold them hostage and watch them waste away.
He set the glasses side by side, mirrors, almost doorways, to see how calculated each species was.
The intrigue in his eyes terrified me, let me know something inside him may be darker than I bargained for, yet I did nothing but watch.
His fingers caressed the one housing the bright green mantis. He leaned in close, his eyes narrowing on the stillness, I'm sure.
When the insect didn't move, only keeping a stock-still position, I wondered if maybe fear kept it frozen in place, but like Wes knew something I didn't, he smiled.
The way his lips tilted at the edges conspiratorially made my insides squeeze uncomfortably. As a predator or person with a lack of empathy would, he gave me chills, but for some reason, it didn't force my eyes away.
Like the impact when music hits really loud, the bass bumping throughout your body, I could only prepare for the cacophony of bulldozing emotions.
After deciding whatever he needed, he stared at the widow. Its red stomach patch faced away from us as it protected itself by hiding in the lid, but Wes saw. Tapping the lid several times, we watched as the spider plopped to the bottom.
He bit the inside of his cheek wordlessly, causing an insane curiosity to bite at my mind.
It made zero sense.
This was barbaric, but I didn't do a single thing to stop this from escalating.
He unscrewed the lids, lifting both cylinders at the same time. Nothing could prepare me for what I witnessed next.
Anxiety gnawed at my stomach, creating an untamable distress to bubble through my chest. It burned and ached, acting as an early warning system as the two foes faced off.
Neither moved.
They both stood motionless, almost calculating, watching, observing the opponent.
It never occurred to me which would win, but staring at the black widow, knowing its bite was as deadly as it was vicious, my mind had made itself up.
It struck first. The widow went straight for the jugular, and that was its first mistake—taking the easy shot, the uncalculated risk of striking first.
The mantis, as if knowing all along, gripped the spider with its pincers, holding it like it was sushi, his arms the chopsticks of death.
It squeezed and squeezed, making sure to eat its legs while it writhed in its hold. Nausea built inside me, suffocating my every breath, but the mantis didn't stop to recognize how uncomfortable I was.
How could it know?
This was a dog-eat-dog world. In this case, a mantis-eat-widow one, he did what he had to do to survive. He won, eating his winnings like a gloating king after battle.
And I learned something valuable that day: always watch your six, don't trust words, and never take the first shot. I'd never lay victim to a man ever again.
Also Available
$2.99 for a limited time!
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
C.L. Matthews lives in lala-landia with her husband and invisible friends. She wants to riot the lack thereof authentic Mexican food in her state, but she’s an introvert at heart. She enjoys tacos, Red Bull, and warm water because she’s crazy. She’s an oddball and realizes it’s been mentioned before, just go with it. Her joys in life consist of writing unconventional romances, making book covers, causing havoc to her reader’s hearts, and genre-hopping when she needs a change of scenery. She’s a special kind of weird and enjoys every moment of it.
Title: Steal You Away
Author: Victoria Ashley
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 7, 2020
Blurb
She belongs to my brother…
I’ve stood back for years watching Dax repeatedly screw things up with Kennedy, as if he doesn’t think anyone could ever swoop in and steal her away.
Breakup after breakup, they always end up back together, even though I’ve always had a thing for her. I’m tired of waiting. He had his chance.
I want mine.
When Dixie’s Alibi — her Grandmother’s bar — needs a new cook for the food truck, I jump at the opportunity, despite the fact that Kennedy Ward hates me. At least, she pretends she does. We both know she secretly wants me and always has.
One way or another, I will get her to finally admit it, even if it involves losing my brother. I plan to play dirty — real dirty — just like he did. This time I’m going to beat him at his own game. I wanted her first, and he knew that, but our age kept us apart. Not anymore.
Now, I’m grown and ready to take what should’ve been mine to begin with.
Purchase Links
$2.99 for a limited time!
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Excerpt
Once I make my way around the food truck, I yank the door open, stepping inside. Colson’s back is toward me as he works the grill, and like an idiot, I take the opportunity to check out his firm ass, enjoying the way his faded jeans hug it.
I don’t remember it being this firm. My eyes trail up to get away from his ass, and when they do, I take notice of the way his back muscles flex beneath his white long-sleeved shirt as he chops up whatever’s on the grill.
“Did you come in here to check me out or are you going to welcome me back home?â€
“Neither,†I say to his back. “Where’s Roger?†I ask, finally taking my eyes off him long enough to realize he’s alone.
“Sent him home.â€
“You did what?†I swallow in anger. “You’re supposed to be training, Colson. You’re not in any position to send anyone home.â€
He does a few more chops, before setting his spatula aside and turns to face me. My insides heat up the moment my eyes trail up his firm chest and land on his perfectly sculpted face that I’ve spent years wondering what would look like now that he’s a little older and more mature.
It doesn’t disappoint; in fact, it does the complete opposite. His full lips are now surrounded by stubble and his perfect jawline is sexy enough to knock any girl’s panties off. He definitely didn’t look like this before he left. The way his dark strands hang messily around his face only tops it off, giving him the bad boy vibe that most girls dream about.
“I have it under control. He wasn’t needed, so I sent him home. I’m sure Dixie won’t mind.â€
“That’s bullshit. You’ve been here for less than two hours. You can’t just show up and start throwing out orders. You don’t run this place. You don’t even have any experience.â€
“You’re right…†His intense amber eyes lock on mine, peeking at me through his messy hair, and I almost lose my shit at how hot it is. “Because you’re about to run this place. When I heard you needed help, I came to the rescue.†He takes a step forward, leaning in close to my lips. “You should be thanking me,†he breathes. “I have many ways you can do that. But it’s best to wait until we’re alone before I name them.â€
“Fuck off, Colson.†I place my hand on his firm chest to put some space between us. His closeness has my entire body igniting into flames. “I won’t be thanking you for shit. No one asked for your help. I know I certainly didn’t. In fact, I had no idea you were even back in town. Your sister failed to mention that little disappointing tidbit to me.â€
“I doubt it’s that much of a disappointment. From what I remember, babe, I left you with a little something to remember me by and we both know you enjoyed it. Let’s not pretend.†His eyes lower to the natural bulge in his jeans, and following his trap, mine do as well. “I bet you still fantasize about my taste, don’t you? Does my brother know?â€
“You’re disgusting.†I say, my pulse racing with need when he grips his dick through his jeans and bites his bottom lip. “If you must know, I haven’t thought about you in months. In fact, I almost forgot you existed until you showed up here.â€
“We both know that’s a lie…†He smirks, before flipping over the piles of pork and steak covering the grill. And just like that, his attention is back on me, his wandering eyes making my legs shaky. “Pretend to hate me all you want, but we both know you need me, Kennedy. And not just to bring the bar business, but to finish the job I should’ve before I left and let you get back with Dax.†He rolls his sleeves up, revealing his firm forearms, before crossing his arms across his chest. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do. Women’s panties to drop and all. No one likes false advertising, now do they?â€
Author Bio
New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Walk of Shame Series.
Victoria Ashley grew up in Rockford, IL and has had a passion for reading for as long as she can remember. After finding a reading app where it allowed readers to upload their own stories, she gave it a shot and writing became her passion. She lives for a good romance book with bad boys that are just highly misunderstood and is not afraid to be caught crying during a good read. When she's not reading or writing about bad boys, you can find her watching her favorite shows.
Author Links
Title: Easy Revenge
A Boudreaux Universe Novel
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 9, 2020
Blurb
Clara and Zac thought they were headed for their happily ever after, until a break-up slathered in betrayal left them both jaded and vindictive.
Twelve years have passed since they left Wyoming, and during that time Clara found her calling at a prestigious PR firm in California while Zac moved to New Orleans to join his Boudreaux cousins at Bayou Enterprises. They thought they could forget each other and move on ... until a local charity auction in their hometown of Snowy Creek sets Zac up for the ultimate revenge. If he wins, Clara will be at his mercy, forced to work for him for one full week. Tantalized by the sweet taste of revenge, he eagerly ups the ante to claim his prize.
But what starts out as a week of filthy manual labor and bitter rivalry leads to a shocking revelation. Someone has been plotting for over a decade to keep Clara and Zac apart. Can the pair band together to uncover who? Or will their rift from the past continue to ruin their chance at a blissful future?
Purchase Links
Free in Kindle Unlimited 
Author Bio 
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Everything’s sweeter in the South has always been her mantra and she lives by it, whether it’s with her writing or in her everyday life. Maybe that’s why she’s seriously addicted to chocolate.
Dover has written countless novels in several different genres, including a children’s book with her daughter. Her favorite to write is romantic suspense, but she’s also found a passion in romantic comedy. She loves to make people laugh which is why you’ll never see her without a smile on her face.
Author Links
Title: Big Pickle
Author: JJ Knight
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: April 1, 2020
Blurb
He’s kind of a big dill.
An enemies-to-lovers, secret boss, gut-splittingly hilarious rom com from USA Today bestselling author JJ Knight
They call me Big Pickle. It’s not what you think. (Although that’s true too.) I happen to be the oldest Pickle in the family deli business. And we have the best salami. Take that one however you like. But when my father announces the franchise will go to the most profitable of the three brothers, I learn that even though I’m the biggest Pickle, I’m dead last. I hightail it to Texas to see what’s happened to my restaurant, only to find a sassy little spitfire named Nova Strong in charge. She’s amazing. She’s sexy. She runs our deli like she owns it. But despite the way we nearly melt the permafrost in the industrial freezer, I have to control myself. Nova thinks I'm a new employee. She has no idea I’m only there to spy. Or that I'm her boss. As I get to the bottom of why my franchise is failing, I desperately need to know one thing: Is Nova Strong everything wrong with my deli, or everything right for me?
___
Big Pickle is a full-length, 300-page standalone romantic comedy full of pickle jokes, giggle-worthy references to male anatomy, and more salty language than a jar of baby dills.
Free in Kindle Unlimited 
Excerpt
PICKLE SLICE 1: PICKLE BREAD
Nova lifts the bag of flour, revealing a recipe. “You’ll need to chop two kosher dills.â€
“Dill pickles in bread?†I ask. Gross.
“That’s what it says.â€
“And people eat it?â€
She grins. “I think it’s going to be hugely popular. But it might be the name.â€
“It has a name?â€
Nova spins around to stare at me. “You never eat at any of the Pickle delis? Specialty breads are part of the chain’s appeal.â€
I shrug. It’s true I avoid our own delis. I got sick of it growing up. “There’s lots of restaurants around town.â€
She shakes her head. “I think people are going to order this one just to say the name out loud.â€
Now she has me curious. “So what’s it called?â€
“It’s dill pickles and bread.†She laughs. “What do you think?â€
“I think I have no idea.â€
She leans in. “It’s called the Dill Dough.â€
Author Bio
JJ Knight is the USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic comedy. She’s never met a pickle she didn’t want to eat.
Author Links
Title: Miss Typed
Series: Miss #2
Author: Aubrey Bondurant
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 3, 2020
Blurb
Aiden Samuels is the most mysterious and sexy man I’ve ever met – and he’s my new boss.
He’s given me a second chance and now it’s up to me not to blow it. No matter how much I may want to trust him with my secrets, I can’t afford to let him in.
He can’t discover the truth. No matter what the cost. Chloe Mattson is the most disarming and intriguing woman I’ve ever met – and she’s my new assistant. She’s brought light into my dark life, but she’s much too innocent for me. I need discipline and control to keep her at arms-length, but I can’t resist helping her, even when she insists she doesn’t need it. No matter how much I desire her, Chloe is off-limits. Growing closer may prove complicated. Staying away may prove impossible. 
Purchase Links
$2.99/£1.99 for a limited time!
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Excerpt
Aiden sat behind his massive desk and glanced at what appeared to be a copy of my resumé. “How long have you worked for Delmont Security?â€
Jumping straight into the interview. Okay. I could do this. I smoothed back my blond hair while reminding myself not to play with it. “About eight months.â€
“You’ve been working with Tom Wilde the entire time?â€
I tried not to cringe at the name of my former boss. It had only been two hours since he’d fired me, and I was still reeling from the incident.
“Yes. I’ve been working for Tom since I started here.†And whatever you do, please do not ask why we parted ways.
“What made you leave the position?â€
Crap. “It was a mutual decision based on incompatibility.†I hoped my words sounded professional yet vague enough they weren’t a lie.
He studied me like he was a human lie detector. Was the temperature getting hotter in the room?
I squirmed under his heavy scrutiny.
“Reid, the interim HR Director, indicated there may have been a specific incident. One I’d rather hear about from you than from Tom.â€
Double crap. I inhaled, realizing I had no choice but to come clean. “Yes, I suppose I’d rather you hear it from me, too.â€
He waited, his amazing blue eyes focused on mine, making it clear he wouldn’t settle for less than the truth.
I took a deep breath, hoping to steady myself, not exactly proud of what I had to say. “I may have, uh, called Tom a pussy.â€
Both Aiden’s brows shot up with surprise. “Come again?â€
I forced air into my lungs and upped the volume in my shaking voice. It was taking everything I had to keep my composure. “I said, I may have called Tom a pussy.â€
For a moment Aiden didn’t speak. Then, looking as though he was trying to cover his shock, he cleared his throat. “May have?â€
Pretty sure I was off the reservation as far as bad interviews went. “Did. I did call him a pussy.â€
“And he overheard you?â€
“Not exactly.†I crossed my legs and then uncrossed them.
Aiden stood up and walked with a slight limp to face the window. I could’ve sworn his lips twitched, but his lack of eye contact wasn’t a good sign. Calling my former boss a pussy didn’t exactly scream good assistant material to the potential new one.
“There are a lot of maybes and not exactlys, Chloe. I’m partial to the facts if you don’t mind.â€
Right. Best to get the entire thing out. It would make for a great drunken story someday: how I’d called my boss a pussy, lost my job and my work visa for the UAE, and caused my family to become homeless.
Now would’ve been a good time to lie or at least stretch the truth. I did neither. “I was upset with Tom and using instant messenger to write about Tom when I accidentally mistyped who the message was meant for. So I sent a message which said TOM IS A PUSSY to Tom.â€
Still not facing me, Aiden coughed into his hand. Finally, he pivoted toward me. “Who was the message intended for?â€
“A colleague.†I wouldn’t name Teagan in this mess. Reid had guessed she was the intended recipient since she was both my roommate and best friend, but I didn’t need to out her to Aiden.
“What did Tom say about this message?â€
“He simply came out of his office and asked, ‘Is this how you talk about me behind my back?’†He’d been red faced and had sputtered his words with a piece of spinach wedged between his teeth. It wasn’t a scene I wished to relive.
“And?â€
The devil on my shoulder had been tempted to give Tom a piece of my mind for what he’d done to warrant my name calling. But as was often the case, I hadn’t given into the temptation and stood up for myself. Guess Tom wasn’t the only pussy.
“I didn’t really respond.†I’d been in shock that I’d accidentally typed the message to him instead of to my roommate.
“Why did you call him a pu—the name you called him?â€
In any other situation, I would’ve giggled at Aiden’s word flinch. I could guarantee nobody called the man in front of me a pussy. He presented sheer confidence. “I believed Tom had earned the name in this situation.â€
“Did you apologize?†Aiden resumed the seat behind his desk.
Huh. Recalling the moment, I realized, nope. I sure hadn’t. Which was unlike me since I was Canadian, and apologies were in our DNA. “I don’t believe I had the chance. I was fired on the spot.â€
“What did Tom do to warrant the name?â€
Although I loathed my ex-boss and everything the man stood for, I wasn’t about to out his extramarital affair or the fact he’d thrown me under the bus to his wife. It wasn’t professional, and I wasn’t a gossip. I’d related the whole story to Reid because, as HR director, he had to keep the matter confidential. But telling Aiden seemed improper. “I’d rather not say as it’s of a delicate nature. Since you’re his colleague, I’m not sure it would be right for you to know the details.â€
Aiden steepled his fingers. “I see.â€
Triple crap. Time to plead my case. “I’m not proud of what happened, Mr. Samuels. I’m aware it was highly unprofessional and I wouldn’t take this second chance lightly if it was given to me. I work hard, I’m easy to get along with, and above anything, I hope my confession has showed I never lie even though this is an interview, and I know my words haven’t exactly painted me in the best light.â€
“You’re loyal to the man who fired you?â€
I wasn’t sure if it was a question or a statement, so I simply said, “Yes. Unfortunately, it would appear so.†I wondered if I should’ve spilled the dirt instead of sealing my fate with loyalty to someone who didn’t deserve it.
Aiden deliberated my answer while sitting back in his chair, his gaze never leaving mine. Damn, his intensity made me edgy.
“I admire your loyalty, especially given the circumstances. I also believe in second chances.â€
I wanted to let out a breath of relief but sensed he wasn’t done.
“But for us to work together, I have a few rules.â€
My mind was already busy coming up with a mental list of naughty rules I wished he’d give me. I certainly hadn’t ever felt this way about Tom, with his stupid JC Penney-catalog-model haircut, inability to chew with his mouth closed, and condescending tone.
But the last thing I needed was to lust over my new boss. “Okay. What are they?â€
“Number one is honesty at all times. If you think I’m being a pussy, you tell me to my face.â€
Also Available
Free in Kindle Unlimited
Author Bio
Aubrey Bondurant is a working mom who loves to write, read and travel.
She describes her writing style as: "Adult Contemporary Erotic Romantic Comedy," which is just another way of saying she likes her characters funny, her bedroom scenes hot, and her romances with a happy ending.
When Aubrey isn't working her day job, or spending time with her family, she's on her laptop typing away on her next story. She only wishes there were more hours of the day!
She's a former member of the US Marine Corps and passionate about veteran charities and giving back to the community. She loves a big drooly dog, a fantastic margarita, and football.
Author Links
|
Author: JaniceBBBf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends & L.A.B.B Archives
February 2021
Categories |
- Home
- ABOUT US
- Contact
- Our LInks
- BOOK REVIEWS
- Bargain Buys Books & Freebies
- NEW BOOK RELEASES
- Read. Relax Retreat
- AUTHOR J.HART
- AUTHOR BOOK SIGNINGS AND EVENTS
- Featured Tear Jerkers. Books
- Featured MC books
- Featured Alpha series book collections
- FEATURED - ROMANTIC SUSPENSE/DARK READS
- Featured Heartwarming Sizzlereads
- Featured Rockstar reads
- SPOTLIGHT AUTHORS
- READERS REVIEW GUIDE
- THE BLOG CAFE
- BOOK TEASERS
- FIVE STAR READS 2018
- TOP READS 2019
- TOP READS 2020
RSS Feed
