Review for Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaye

Title: Her Forbidden Hero
Author: Laura Kaye

Description: She's always been off-limits...

Former Army Special Forces Sgt. Marco Vieri has never thought of Alyssa Scott as more than his best friend's little sister, but her return home changes that...and challenges him to keep his war-borne demons at bay. Marco's not the same person he was back when he protected Alyssa from her abusive father, and he's not about to let her see the mess he's become.

...but now she's all grown up.

When Alyssa takes a job at the bar where Marco works, her carefree smiles wreak havoc on his resolve to bury his feelings. How can he protect her when he can't stop thinking about her in his bed? But Alyssa's not looking for protection—not anymore. Now that she's back in his life, she’s determined to heal her forbidden hero, one touch at a time..

My Thoughts: Alyssa finds herself back home after graduating college, with not much money to her name  and a job interview  that she really wants. Marco her long time friend, a guy she has loved since childhood, and her brothers  best friend works at the place she is interviewing. Out of the army and scarred not just outside but inside Marco keeps his distance from people. Then he sees Alyssa and a mix of emotions go through him. One being that she is not a girl, but a beautiful woman. Alyssa comes to realize that he may not be the guy she grew up with. There is also a slightly darker side that she is seeing, but she still wants him. More then anything she hopes her dreams of the future with him in it will come true.

Oh my, Laura Kaye!  I read this in a day and it had my emotions all over the place. I really liked Alyssa she didn't exactly have the best childhood, but she chose rise above that. I also found her sweet and caring with backbone. People just get drawn to her. Heck, I was drawn to her. I felt her happy moments as well as when she hurt. I really loved seeing all sides of her. Marco was smexy, even if he was a brooding guy half the time. He stole my heart, but then how can you not fall for a wounded hero of our country. Especially when you see the softer, tender, caring sides he has for Aly. Plus, there were times when his pure alpha male attitude came out that made me get a bit swoony. I loved Alyssa and Marco as a couple that I was rooting for them the whole way.

 

I will confess to tearing up a bit towards the end of the book. It just means Kaye nailed it for me. This is the second book I have read by her . I haven't been disappointed yet. I resented having to put the book down to go clean before guest came over. Anytime I stopped for a break I was back reading it. I was happy to see  Kaye has  Brady now out in "One Night With A Hero" because after a small taste of him I have a craving that is itching to get fulfilled and only Kaye can provide the means. Kaye is an amazing writer and I am looking forward to my next adventure into her work. 

 

5 out of 5 Stars 

 

You can purchase it here: Amazon  / B&N

 

You can find Laura here: Facebook  / Goodreads/ Twitter   

Healing Notes by Maggie Jaimeson ~ Book Blast

Forgiving yourself is the first step, but helping others forgive may be just too hard.

Rachel Cullen grew up in Scotland with a fiddle in her hand from the age of four. She couldn't imagine life as anything but a musician. When her husband brought her to America she was immediately embraced by the Celtic and Bluegrass communities. But after her divorce, Rachel's life is a mess.

A year of trying to prove to herself that she's woman enough for any man, and then a vicious rape while on tour with the band, leaves Rachel reeling. When she meets Noel Kershaw, an English teacher who is poetry in motion, she is definitely attracted. But he has a young child and he's suffering from his own divorce. The last thing Rachel needs in life is more baggage.

First, Rachel must reconcile who she is, what she wants, and how to get there. Maybe then she'll know how to be a part of the family she's always wanted.

********* EXCERPT *********

Claire crawled onto a stool on the other side of the island and smiled.  Neither of them talked for several minutes as they listened to the water in the pot heat.

“When I grow up, I’m going to play with Sweetwater Canyon all the time.”

“Are you sure you want to hang out with all us old folks?”

“You’re not all old. Well maybe a little old. But Kat isn’t old.”

Rachel smiled. “That’s true. She’s only seventeen.” And going on twenty-five it seemed sometimes.

“Oh, seventeen? That is old.” Claire put a finger to her lips and furrowed her brow. “How old do I have to be to play in the band all the time?”

“Probably at least eighteen.”

“But, you just said Kat—”

“Kat is different, because her mother plays in the band and can watch her all the time.”

“Well, you can watch me all the time. You can be my mother.”

Rachel gulped.

“Well, can’t you?”

“Can’t she what?” Noel walked in the room and lifted Claire off the chair in a big hug, swinging her around the room. “Can’t she what? She can do anything she wants.”

“See,” Claire leaned forward and looked at Rachel over Noel’s shoulder. “See, even Daddy thinks you can be my mother.”

“Whoa.” Noel set Claire back on the stool. “I’m not sure what I walked in on here.” He sent an accusing glance to Rachel. “You already have a mother, Claire.”

“I know. Not my real mother. My second mother. You know, like my friend, Megan. Her mommy and daddy got divorced and her daddy married a new mommy. So, Megan has two mommies now.  See?  Rachel can be my second mommy. Okay?”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Maggie Jaimeson writes romantic women’s fiction and romantic suspense with a near future twist. She describes herself as a wife, a step-mother, a sister, a daughter, a teacher and an IT administrator. By day she is “geek girl” – helping colleges to keep up with 21st century technology and provide distance learning options for students in rural areas. By night Maggie turns her thoughts to worlds she can control – worlds where bad guys get their comeuppance, women triumph over tragedy, and love can conquer all.

HEALING NOTES is the second book in the Sweetwater Canyon Series of four books.  The final two books will be available in 2013.

Website: http://maggiejaimeson.com

Blog: http://maggiemeandering.blogspot.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggie-Jaimeson/118916694787820

Twitter: @maggiejaimeson

********* GIVEAWAY *********

Maggie will award one autographed cover flat to a randomly drawn commenter at each blog stop. In addition, she will award a $25 gift card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) as a grand prize to one randomly selected commenter on this tour, and a $25 gift certificate to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner's choice) to a randomly drawn host. You must leave an email address to be entered into any of the drawings.

Interview and Giveaway with Jacquelyn Frank

United By Books is pleased to have Jacquelyn Frank on the blog today so we can learn more about her........

1~ I know you are a shopaholic ...... what is the mostrisque thing you ever bought?

A 325 dollar pair of Stuart Weitzman shoes. (MOAN) Tell me that’s not risqué!

2~ If we were to put all the villains from your books into one room who do you think would be the one to take out the rest?

Ruth. Well…so far as you know anyway…I have someone new…

3~ As Halloween is tomorrow are you planning to dress up? Is so what as and any plans?

I like to do Trunk or Treat at the local church down the street. It’s fun and the kids are so cute in a concentrated safe area. I’m going as a not-so-Victorian lady. (Churchgoers beware ;) )

4~ Say you had 15 mins in an adult store what are three items you would grab?

Lube. A dildo. And the hot guy behind the counter. :P

5~ I know Forbidden is out today how are you going to celebrate the release?

That’s kind of private….hehehe.

6~ What would you do if a guy in leather came up to you and asked to tie you up and have his way with you out of the blue?

I’d frikken deck him.

7~ If you had to choose one superhero to be the star of you're fantasies who would it be?

Spiderman. I love a guy with a sense of humor.

8~ Would you like to tell us a bit more about Forbidden?

It’s new races joining the ones already existing in the Nightwalker realm. So, be prepared for the sexy, the hot, the weird and the strange. Oh, and of course, thebaddest bad guy in town.

9 ~ Do you sing and dance around the house while picking up?

Yup. I love me some Madonna.

10~ What is the most embarrassing thing you got caught doing?

Hmm. I don’t embarrass easy. I’ll have to get back to you on that one.

I would like to say thank you for taking the time to stop by and answer some questions. Is there anything else you would like to tell your readers?

Just come on another ride with me. I promise, you’ll love it!

Forbidden

(The World of Nightwalkers #1)

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Preorder Now:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.

The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’ssavior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Dociais so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers

Forever

Publication Date: March 26, 2013

Preorder Now:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.

While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’ plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank is an old and decrepit 44 years old. She can’t remember shit, loves her eight cats to the point of lunacy, and lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She prides herself on being a crazy cat lady in the making (if not having already succeeded) and spends her free time rescuing teeny tiny kittens barely big enough to fill the inside of a toilet paper roll. You can watch for upcoming projects at www.jacquelynfrank.com or you can write to her at jackifrankwrites@gmail.com. If you’re writing her to complain about something, make sure you finish the book before you do ;) She loves to mess with your head.

You can also find Jacki on:  Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Jacquelyn Frank's FORBIDDEN Blog Tour

October 21 - Under The Covers - http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspot.ca/

October 22 - I Smell Sheep -http://ismellsheep.blogspot.com/

October 23 - Vampire Werewolves & Fairies Oh My - http://vampireswerewolvesfairiesohmy.blogspot.com/

October 24 - RCJReZine- http://rcjrezineblog.blogspot.com/

October 25 - Close Encounters with the Night Kind -http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

October 26 - Riverina Romantics - http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

October 26 - Cocktails & Books - http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com/

October 27 - Reading Between The Wines - http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

October 27 - The Reading Cafe - http://thereadingcafe.com/

October 28 - Book Monster Reviews -http://bookmonsterreviews.blogspot.com/  & 

​​  LITERAL ADDICTION- http://www.literaladdiction.com/ 

LIVE CHAT on 10/28 from 2-3pm EST -http://www.literaladdiction.com/author-chat.php#/general/

October 29 - Book Reader Addict - http://bookreaderaddictsgiveaways.blogspot.com/

October 30 - United by Books - http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

October 31 - Book Lovin' Mamas - http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com// 

November 1 - Grave Tells - http://gravetells.com/

November 2 - My Keeper Shelf -http://mykeepershelf.blogspot.com/

November 5 - Paranormal Haven -http://www.paranormalhaven.com/

November  6 - Romancing The Book -http://www.romancing-the-book.com/

November 7 - Books-N-Kisses - http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

November 9 - The Book Nympho- http://thebooknympho.blogspot.com

November 10 - Reading on the Wild Side -http://readingonthewildside.blogspot.com/

********* GIVEAWAY *********

Jacquelyn has generously offered up a signed copy of Forbidden open to all.....meaning this is an International giveaway. Just fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Heat Trick or Treat Blog Tour

 

Trick or Treat

Gawd the Heat

Book Boyfriends are mental-sweets!

The word in the photo is your “treat”! Make sure you keep it in a safe place. “Visit” the Road to Hell series (http://madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com) tomorrow, and each day thereafter, to find the next “treat”! The Sweet Heat Trick or Treat Blog Tour ends October 31^st and on Halloween you’ll return to the Road to Hell series blog and receive your final word. Here’s the “trick”—you’ll have to arrange all the words you’ve received each day into a sentence and then provide the sentence in the rafflecopter provided. New entries will be added to the rafflecopter each day so be sure to check back at the Road to Hell series every day to increase your chances of winning!

As for me I love dressing up at Halloween. Be it to pass out candy or go out and have fun. I like how a costume can transform me and take away my inhibitions. So I am sharing a costume picture of mine or two with you guys. 

  As well as going on haunted tours doing a little ghost hunting. 

Happy Halloween everyone ! Hope it is filled with more treats then tricks and good luck while entering the Rafflecopter there are some amazing prizes up for grabs by some amazing authors  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review for Wicked Beloved by Susanne Saville

Title: Wicked Beloved
Author: Susanne Saville

Description: Though warned of the Tellurian slave’s uncooperative nature, Guild Assassin Dzer-Jin Vonn is intrigued when the alluring redhead promises to obey him and be the best slave ever. Her prior owner misused her but did not quench her spirit; her tongue cuts with amusing precision.

Abducted from Earth by aliens, ripped from life as she knows it, she gives her new master only the label “slave” to call her by.  She’s landed in a culture where violence is foreplay. Yet her sexy master stands apart from his peers; he shows compassion.

When Dzer-Jin is challenged to slice her skin for public titillation, she agrees to the display with no bonds but trust. He earns status for her obedience but she frets he’ll tire of his “pet” if she doesn’t service his sexual appetites. The passion seething between them terrifies her. Is her desire to escape to Earth stronger than her need to serve Dzer-Jin’s lust—or her own?

My Thoughts: Normally I don't venture off my review requests. That being said, my friend Crystal sent me a message asking me to do a review on "Wicked Beloved". Which got me curious since it takes a lot for her to get excited about a book. So, I had to see if it was for the book itself or the eargasm she was looking forward to upon the release of the audio.

Dzer-Jin also known as Vonn went with his friend to get a new slave. He didn't expect to be intrigued by a red-headed slave who was said to be untrainable, but if trained she is also the most sought after salve on the planet. Everyone knows when slaves don't get picked by owners they are euthanized so to prevent that she promises Dzer-Jinn she would be the most obedient slave ever. Yet, in her head she just wanted out to survive and hopefully plot a way to get back to earth. Then Dzer-Jinn surprises her by not being completely like the others on this strange cruel planet. While she surprises him by keeping him in a state of perpetual hardness yet he doesn't want to scare her with his needs. Then one night at a club things go a step further and soon they both find it hard not to give in and enjoy their bodies pleasures.

The first part of the book was building the storyline up.  I was thinking it has to be the eargasm anticipation till Saville turned up the heat on me and then I knew it was both.  I will admit the slave in the story at first irritated me because I was expecting a girl with a sassy mouth on her and instead she seemed more scared and uncertain. Though you soon find out she had a reason to be. As the story goes on her personality grows stronger and you see her backbone come out. That makes you like her alot. Dzer-jinn well what can be said, except he made other worldly aspects sexy for being from a different planet. He is supposed to be an unfeeling assassin . It's what he does, but with his slave he is different. She brings out a side of him he didn't know he had. He wants her to be submissive to him willingly. Let's just say there is one incident in the book where I would normally think, heck no but in part of the BDSM scene but he wound up making knife play kinda sexy. Not that I would ever do that, but that was a hot scene plus you have to keep in mind the planet they are on thrives quite a bit on violence.

I really loved the building relationships between the characters. I also like how Saville changed my mind about the characters and left me with a page turner I couldn't put down. There is light BDSM and some violence. Though if you mainly stay focused on the two main characters which you can't help to be you will see the  passion and tender feelings growing. Not to mention; a villain who you will want to get his just rewards. All together I enjoyed this book and my friend Crystal will be enjoying her eargasm.  I am looking forward to reading other works by Saville now that I've sampled the goods and can't wait to see what else she has on the table.

4 out of 5 Stars

You can purchase it here : Amazon  / B&N 

 

You can find Susanne here : Facebook Author Page  / Twitter

Review for Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell

Title: Seducing Cinderella
Author  Gina L. Maxwell

Description: Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up.

Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance.

Soon Reid finds him himself in the fight of his life...winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.

My Thoughts: Lucie has been crushing on a Doctor she has worked with forever. Okay more like a few years, but never caught his eye like that . Just when all hope is lost her next patient walks in who just happens to be her brothers best friend and a guy she grew up with Reid. Reid was injured and needs a fast recovery to reclaim his title in the MMA in two months. With his goal in mind and Lucie telling him four months to recover he proposes a irresistible deal. If she works with just him, he will train her in the art of seduction. Only I don't think they knew how these  one on one training sessions would draw them together. The feelings they wouldn't be able to resist growing between them.

Where to begin, except that I have been seeing this book posted in quite a few places and heard nothing but good things. Plus I am a cover whore and loved it. Then,  who can resist a title with Cinderella in it? I sure couldn't so I finally decided to buy it and check out the hype. Then before I knew it Maxwell had me in the grips of the story. I thought I can see why people are posting about it. I love it when a book lives up to the hype and Maxwell's "Seducing Cinderella" did for me.

I am not saying that omg how can Reid this fierce MMA fighter portray a fairy godmother stylist extraordinaire because no fierce fighter would ever do that. *Rolls Eyes* people it's a book , with a fantasy and in this book even though it might not be plausible in reality I found it worked in Maxwell's book. Heck, I found Reid super sexy, fierce as hell and he can play my fairy godmother/stylist any day as long as he gives me lessons in seduction as well.

Lucie was a great leading lady . Sure she had some self doubts, but what woman doesn't especially after being once burned . Once she comes out of her shell it's like a flower blooming. Her outside reflected what her insides already were. Only now she could see it herself. Plus it helped to have a super sexy trainer. Though she wasn't expecting the feelings of fiery lust towards Reid, she sure wasn't gonna pass them up.

I loved the interaction between the characters. I enjoyed seeing how combustible they were once they gave into the seduction. I will admit, I wanted to beat Reid in the head with my kindle towards the end but he made it up by the very end. Maxwell certainly made these characters addicting to me and I can't wait to check out the next. For a new author to me I enjoyed reading her work and this book certainly seduced me.

5 out of 5 Stars

You can purchase it here: Amazon  / B&N

You can find Gina here : Goodreads   

Review for A Jaguar's Kiss by Katie Reus

Title: A Jaguar's Kiss
Author: Katie Reus

Description: Owen Wright, alpha of his wolf pack, hasn’t seen jaguar shifter Gabriela Segura in nearly ten years. She was his first love—until he did something to drive her away just as their relationship was heating up. Now Gabriela has returned to Montana, and his craving for her is stronger than ever….

But a recent string of brutal attacks on humans have the wolves suspicious of the jaguars, threatening the tenuous peace between the packs. Before he can claim Gabriela as his mate, they must join forces to prove her family’s innocence and track down the true predator

My Thoughts: Returning home after ten years away for a much needed break, Gabriela who happens to be  a C.I.A  Agent last mission went awry and left her shaken. Sure she isn't to thrilled about possibly running into her ex.... the one who broke her teenage heart all those years ago, but nothing a little avoidance can't help. Only she didn't realize she was coming home to a lot of suspicions aimed at the Jaguars in the town which happen to be her family.Owen who is the alpha of the pack for Bear Mountain has not forgotten the one girl who he fell for. She has remained in his thoughts. Although, Owen knows it will be hard to convince Gabriela of what they can have in the middle of trying to prove her family is innocent to the pack. He does know that he is not willing to lose her again.

 

Ok where to begin.....First I love shifter books. In this case, it has a mix of both of my favorite sexy wolf in Owen and fierce jaguar in Gabriela. Reus does manage to draw me into a world full of high emotions, love that was never lost, and passion. Since this is a novella it is a short which makes the fact that the characters have a prior history which is a great addition. Owen is so freakin' alpha in all his sexiness, and there is also a soft and sweet side for Gabriela. He has always wondered what happened, but has determination to win Gabriela back that makes you get a happy feeling inside. Gabriela is the leading lady and I really enjoyed her role. She is fierce! A fighter! She is willing to do what it takes for those she loves. When her and Owen come together it is pretty steamy. I loved how Reus made this novella suspenseful and intriguing with trying to figure it out the mystery. Normally, if I can figure it out in the beginning I would be bored. This time Reus had me guessing till the end and I liked the final outcome. I will say I enjoyed the whole book and with a bit more action from the villains it would have been insanely good, but for a novella Reus rocked it. 

 

4 out of 5 Stars

 

You can purchase it here : Amazon / B&N 

 

You can find Katie here : Facebook Author Page / Twitter

Interview and Giveaway with Shewanda Pugh

United By Books is pleased to have Shewanda Pugh on the blog today so we can learn more about her as well as her book Crimson Footprints........

1 ~ Can you please share with us a little about yourself?

I'm a native of Boston, though I live in sunny Miami these days.  I have a B.A. in Political Science from Alabama A&M University and an M.A in Writing from Nova Southeastern. Past times include reading a great book (I average about 2 a week), watching old black & white films, traveling, and talking way too much.  

2 ~ Please tell us a little about Crimson Footprints?

Crimson Footprints is the story of an insecure, biracial woman who begins a cloak-and-dagger love affair with a Japanese American charmer. The reason for her secrecy? A bigoted family that she nonetheless loves. However, secrecy has its consequences. 

3~ Would you like to share an excerpt with us today?

 (Attached)

4~ What would you do for a klondike bar ? 

Absolutely nothing. They're gross.

5~ Please tell the Readers in two sentences why they should check out Crimson Footprints.

 I'll let a reviewer do that for you: "Are you kidding me with how good this book was??? I can't even write a review right now, I'm on such an emotional high!" Elise Marion, Author of Cake. 

6~ What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 

That I'm a Harry Potter junkie. 

7~ How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

 I didn't. Is that lame of me? I bet it is.

8~ What's in store next for your readers? 

The sequel to Crimson Footprints. You won't believe what happens there.

9~ Is there anything special you would like to say to your readers while we have you here today? 

Thank you!

********* EXCERPT *********

​A slender, striking man of Asian descent was on the wrong end of Anthony’s .32. With arms raised, his hands were splayed in a show of defenselessness. His expression was calm, despite the growing crowd of onlookers and the pistol in his face. Behind him, an old woman made the sign of the cross.

​“Anthony!” Deena cried, rushing towards them. Her brother cast a single sideways glance but kept his gun level.

​“Get back in the house,” he said.

Deena turned her attention to the Asian man. She was struck by his eyes, wide and heavy-lidded. His mouth was generous, his square face softened by layers of thick black hair. He had boyish good looks and a long, lean athletic frame.

Japanese.

​She was certain he was Japanese.

​Deena turned to her brother. “Will you put that thing away?”

​The two stared at each other, older sister, young brother, eyes narrowed. When he didn’t move, Deena stepped between the gun and the stranger, her eyes level with the barrel. Anthony lowered the gun with a sigh and Deena seized the opportunity to snatch it.

​She turned to the stranger. “I assume that’s your car,” she said, nodding towards a sleek gray convertible parked haphazardly, a shiny nickel in a murky puddle. He nodded, his glossy black tresses falling into wide almond eyes.

​“Yeah, um, about that.” He cleared his throat. “He uh, took my keys.”

​Deena turned to her brother, hand extended. He dropped the keys in her palm with a sigh, a new Ferrari slipping from his grasp with reluctance.

​She passed the keys to the stranger and their fingertips brushed. Something warm and foreign turned over in her and her lips parted in surprise. She thought she saw the makings of a smile in his eyes, but she dismissed it. He took the keys and thanked her. And as she watched him peel off with the top down on his sleek convertible, Deena’s pulse skittered then and long after.

Copyright by Shewanda Pugh

********* GIVEAWAY **********

Shewanda has generously offered up a eBook of Crimson Footprints to one lucky commenter. Just fill out the rafflecopter below to be entered.

a Rafflecopter giveaway