Tuesday, August 27, 2019

New Release Review: That Forever Girl by Meghan Quinn


THAT FOREVER GIRL
That Forever Girl
Series: Getting Lucky #2
Author: Meghan Quinn 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Release Date: August 27, 2019

BLURB

USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn’s second book in the Getting Lucky series brings heart, humor, and heat back to Port Snow.

There are two little words every small-town man dreads:

She’s back.

Harper Sanders, the girl who was supposed to be my forever, has returned to Port Snow, Maine, for good—and she’s bringing back memories of our shared past.

We once had a bright future together, but when tragedy struck, I threw it all away and pushed her out of my life. People in our small town think I’m cursed, but I know better. I did it all to myself.

And now she’s creating a life of her own in the place where we first fell in love. I can’t fight my feelings for her—or the strong attraction that keeps pulling us together. But after all this time, can she forgive the past and fall in love with me all over again?


Everyone hopes to find that forever girl…I just hope I haven’t lost mine for good
.
ThatForeverGirl_teaser-6-2




UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK: mybook.to/ThatForeverGirl


⭐⭐⭐FREE IN KINDLE UNLIMITED!!!!! ⭐⭐⭐ 





ThatForeverGirl_teaser-9-2 

My review: 5 stars!
Port Snow and the Knightly brothers- what a combo! After reading and loving the first book in the series, That Second Chance, I knew the Rogan's story would be heavier, but I really didn't realize just how heavy it would be. As I read the chapters from the past, I was heart-broken for Harper and how Rogan treated her. As the whole story is revealed, I found myself broken-hearted for Rogan as well- his journey was unimaginable. I loved the small-town history and mystery of the story and LOVED the holiday movie-making tie-in. Fans of small town romance, friends to lovers and second chance stories will enjoy That Forever Girl. Just be patient as Quinn tells us Rogan's story, it's definitely worth the read in the end. 

M_Quinn_photo

AUTHOR BIO: USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book. 

AUTHOR LINKS: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinnauthor 
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7360513.Meghan_Quinn 
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormeghanquinn/?hl=en 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMegQuinn 
Website: http://authormeghanquinn.com/




New Release Review: Let Your Hair Down by Rachel Lacey

Almost Royal Book 3
By Rachel Lacey
Release Date: August 27, 2019

THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME

Ruby Keller is going rogue, or at least that’s the hashtag she’s using to document her vacation: #RubyGoesRogue. Illness kept her confined to her bedroom for much of her childhood, and as a result, she’s always played it safe, hiding behind her laptop and overanalyzing every decision. When a friend’s wedding takes her to London, she decides to push herself out of her comfort zone and take an uncharted adventure on her own...no laptop, no itinerary, and no one to get in her way. A chance run-in with a handsome British stranger was definitely not on the agenda…

Flynn Bowen travels the globe for his family’s chain of upscale hotels and resorts. He’s struggled to find his place within the business, so when his parents allow him to oversee the construction of a new location in Dubai, he’s determined not to let them down. When he meets Ruby, he’s enchanted by her passion and bravery, not to mention the chemistry between them. If circumstances were different, he could fall for this vivacious American beauty, but fate has only given them one magical day together. Can they find a way to grab their chance at love, or will geography—and their own inhibitions—tear them apart?


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My review: 5 stars!
The Almost Royal series has been such a fun series and Let Your Hair Down was a fantastic way to wrap it up! Ruby is a bit of an introvert and it was so fun to see her on her adventures with Brit Flynn in London. I swooned as he took such good care of her during her bout with pneumonia. It was great to see the rest of the Almost Royal characters and see them all get their HEA. Whatever Rachel Lacey has planned next, it will be going on my TBR!



Monday, August 26, 2019

Exciting News from Amie Knight


★★EXCITING NEWS ALERT ★★ 

Amie Knight is thrilled to announce that she will be a participating author in Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s new Cocky Hero Club World! A series of books written by various authors, each story inspired by one of the original books in Vi and Penelope’s blockbuster series. 

Follow the new world today! 
Instagram http://bit.ly/2Zl0F6U
Mailing list http://bit.ly/2NwsPVl
Goodreadshttp://bit.ly/321rvO3  
Website http://bit.ly/31WjJVE 

Sunday, August 25, 2019

Blurb Reveal: Neat by Kandi Steiner

NEAT
by Kandi Steiner
Release Day: September 19th
Add to Goodreads ➔ http://bit.ly/NeatGR


Neat is a stand-alone book in the Becker Brothers Series. 
➔ Small town
➔ Country
➔ Romeo & Juliet vibes
➔ Angst paradise
➔ Holiday romance

BLURB:

My life is over.

I swore I would never work at the whiskey distillery with my last name on it, that I would never be a part of my father’s legacy. But when I graduated with my art degree and realized there were no jobs, the devil appeared, and I sold my soul, agreeing to work in the family business if he’d give me the art studio I’d always dreamed of.

It can’t be that bad, I thought. 

Until I realized my new boss was Logan Becker.

The Becker brothers have a reputation for being trouble, and since I love trouble, it’s no surprise to me that I’m infatuated by that forbidden fruit the first day I walk into the distillery. That lean, whiskey-eyed, too-hot-for-his-own-good man hates me — and I can’t blame him. His family has been at war with mine for decades, and for good reason.

The Beckers and the Scooters are the Montagues and Capulets of Stratford, Tennessee.
But if he’s Romeo, and I’m Juliet? Well… we all know how that story ends — and for that reason, I tell myself to steer clear. 

Because if my father finds out I’m falling for Logan Becker, my life actually will be over.

And Logan’s will be, too.

Friday, August 23, 2019

Excerpt Reveal: That Forever Girl by Meghan Quinn

ThatForeverGirl_FBpage-comingsoonbanner 

That Forever Girl by Meghan Quinn releases August 27th! Pre order your copy HERE!

Excerpt

There is no way in hell she’s here.

My family isn’t that cruel. Right?

From my car, I try to gauge the number of bodies in my parents’ house through the windows. Ugh, I can’t see s%^t.

She can’t possibly be at family dinner. My family loves Harper, but they wouldn’t invite her, not after I called my mom the other day, telling her to put her matchmaking skills to rest. She just chuckled but reassured me she knew what she was doing. Whatever the hell that means.

I was very adamant about leaving Harper alone. The Knightlys can be too much at times, and I’m sure we’re the last thing she needs right when she’s trying to settle back into town.

Resigning myself to the inevitable, I retrieve my keys from the ignition and make my way to the front door. Hand on the doorknob, I take a deep breath and walk into the house I grew up in. The warm walls and carefully hung family pictures greet me first, followed by my family’s raucous laughter emanating from the back of the house.

I remove my shoes and hang my suit jacket on the coat hanger by the front door before cautiously making my way down the long hallway to the connected kitchen and large dining room. Ren, Griffin’s girlfriend, is the first to spot me. She gives me a small smile and a little wave. The rest of the family is scattered around the kitchen as usual, getting in my parents’ way as they try to finish up the dinner prep.

Griffin sees me next. “Ah, you finally decided to join us.” He checks his watch. “I think that was eight minutes in the car. Who had eight minutes?”

Reid raises his hand and hops off the counter, grabbing a bowl from the center of the table and pocketing the wad of cash inside. “I know him too well.” Reid pats me on the back and slips me a one-dollar bill. “Here, this is for you. Thanks for taking eight minutes to prepare yourself to come in the house. Daddy is going to buy a new pair of jeans.” He pats his pockets.

Ignoring everyone and their stupid bet, I pop the fridge door open and grab a water. Reid joins me, sticking his head in the fridge so I’m forced to look at him. “Aren’t you going to ask?”

“Ask what?” I grit out.

“If she’s here. I know that’s why you were hanging out in your car, debating if you should come in or not.”

My skin prickles, and I brace myself for the answer as I shut the fridge door. “Is she here?” I hiss.

Slowly, Reid smiles and nods. “Yup, she’s in the bathroom.”

“Are you fu$&ing kidding me?” I angrily squeeze my water bottle, nearly popping the top off. “Why? Why is she here?”

Reid shrugs. “I don’t know, maybe because she wants to be here.”

“Who invited her? Was it Mom?” I don’t wait for an answer. Instead, I walk over to the culprit, who’s hovering over the stove, stirring a huge pot of chili.

“Oh, hey, sweetie. Cornbread is in the oven, honey is in the crock, and I also got tortilla chips because I know how much you like crumbling them in your chili.”

“Mom, why did you invite her? I told you to leave her alone, to leave us alone.”

“What are you talking about?” My mom looks me up and down and then goes back to the chili.

“Harper. I asked you not to invite Harper.”

The bathroom door opens, and Jen pops out, rubbing her hands together. “Did he come in yet?” Her eyes light up as she spots me. “What time was it?”

“Eight minutes. Reid won.”

Disappointed, she snaps her fingers. “Damn, I for sure thought I was going to win.”

Confused, I turn back to my mom. “Harper isn’t here?”

“No, of course not. I wouldn’t invite her so early. She needs time to settle. What made you think she was here?”

I whip around to find Reid leaning against the kitchen wall, arms crossed and with a giant grin on his face. I point at him. “You better run, because I’m going to fu$&ing kill you.”


Like a bolt of lightning, he takes off, and I chase after him, nothing but pure murder on my mind.



  That Forever Girl releases August 27th! Pre order your copy HERE!

Sunday, August 18, 2019

New Release Review: The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward

THE DAY HE CAME BACK IS LIVE!

A Standalone Contemporary Romance
New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Penelope Ward
SYNOPSIS
It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer—and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did—like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.

What a summer it was.
Until it all ended—badly.

I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.

When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.

And most of all, I wasn’t prepared for today to be the day he came back.


 PURCHASE LINKS:
Apple Books è https://fave.co/2ScFey5
Google Play è https://fave.co/2YIBLN9
Paperback è https://fave.co/2xzNIFX

My review: 4.5 stars
Penelope Ward never disappoints, and this second chance romance was fantastic! The first half of the book tells us the backstory for Gavin and Raven when they met and dated in secret 10 years before. In the second half we are brought back to the present where they reconnect. This book was filled with emotion and heat and I truly liked both main characters. Penelope Ware is a master at taking her readers on an emotional roller coaster, and The Day He Came Back is a satisfying ride.


BIO:

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/penelopewardauthor

Facebook Private Fan Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps/

Instagram
@penelopewardauthor
http://instagram.com/PenelopeWardAuthor/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/PenelopeAuthor



Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Excerpt Reveal: The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward


THE DAY HE CAME BACK
(A standalone)
Release date: 8/19/2019

A Contemporary Romance Novel

New York Times, USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Penelope Ward


Excerpt Reveal:
Copyright © 2019
By Penelope Ward

I looked down at her fitted white pants, covered in dirt marks. Even though she looked sexy as hell, I had to ask. "Why the hell does my mother insist on the staff wearing all white?"
"You'll have to ask her, although I like to think of it as practice for my future nursing career."
“I guess that’s one way to look at it. It kind of freaks me out. It’s like you’re all part of some cult.” I chuckled.
“I wonder what she’d do if I showed up in black. She’d shun me.” She snapped her fingers jokingly. “Oh wait…”
Except I wasn’t laughing now. I felt horrible that she knew exactly how my mother felt about her.
“I’m sorry she’s such a bitch, Raven.”
“It’s not your fault.” She looked out at the ocean, then promptly changed the subject. "You must be excited to go to Connecticut in the fall.”
“At this very moment, thanks to you, I'm in absolutely no rush to leave this spot, let alone Palm Beach.”
She blushed. "You're funny.”
“You're f*cking beautiful.” That just came out. “I'm sorry if that was too forward. But it’s true,” I said.
“No.” Her cheeks turned pink. "Thank you."
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
She pushed some hair behind her ear. "No."
"I want to take you out."
She looked down at her empty cup. "I don't think so.”
Ouch. “Can I ask why?”
“It's not that I'm not interested, but…you're leaving in the fall, so I’m not sure it makes sense to start anything up. Then there’s the bigger issue of your mother. I just don't think it's a good idea.”
"I get it." I nodded. "I understand."
Holy sh*t. I wasn't used to rejection. I couldn't remember the last time a girl had said no to me. I swear to God, my dick just stiffened. What was it about the chase that was so damn arousing? I had to find another way…
"Can we hang out as friends, then?"
She grinned skeptically. “Friends?”
"There's this improv club near where you live. I wanted to go check it out this weekend. Would you want to go with me?"
“Venturing to the other side of the bridge, eh?” she teased. “What would Mother think?”
“Will you come with me, wiseass?”
"Seriously, what if your mom finds out?"
"She won't. She doesn't really question where I go. I'll just tell her I'm going to meet a friend. And thanks to your rejection, that won’t be a lie, right?”
Raven blinked for a while before she finally answered, "Okay. Yeah."
My heart sped up. "Yeah?"

Apple Books https://fave.co/2ScFey5
Kobo https://fave.co/2YEXXbb
Google Play https://fave.co/2YIBLN9
Audio https://adbl.co/2YaupCK
Goodreads https://fave.co/2S5uxgp
Sign up to be alerted when it goes live on Amazon here: https://fave.co/2KoLPUN
**No Amazon e-book preorder. Will go live on/around release day.


Synopsis:

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer—and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did—like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.

What a summer it was.
Until it all ended—badly.

I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.

When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.

And most of all, I wasn’t prepared for today to be the day he came back.





u u u u u


BIO:

Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/penelopewardauthor

Facebook Private Fan Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PenelopesPeeps/

Instagram
@penelopewardauthor
http://instagram.com/PenelopeWardAuthor/

Twitter
https://twitter.com/PenelopeAuthor


Wednesday, August 7, 2019

New Release Review: Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy




Announcing Trouble
by Amy Fellner Dominy

Publication Date: August 5, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush


I may know everything there is to know about baseball, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Or like him. Garrett Reeves: sidelined player and the embodiment of everything I’ve learned to hate about baseball. He’s gorgeous, he’s cocky, he’s laser-focused on getting back in the game, no matter the cost.

When he convinces me to call games alongside him, our chemistry heats up the booth. We’re good together, whether I want to admit it or not. I’m finding that I like baseball again, but even worse, I’m liking Garrett. A lot.

But when he has to decide between our future and a new shot at his dreams, I know baseball will win out every time.

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book has tons of hilarious banter, lots of sexual tension, and a hero who will throw a wild pitch right at your heart.


Link to Goodreads:

Purchase Links:


My review: 4.5 stars!
Yay for YA baseball goodness! Announcing Trouble had everything I love about YA- smart relatable characters (I loved both main characters!), witty banter, and fun chemistry. Amy Fellner Dominy certainly knows her baseball and I appreciated her attention to detail, and learned so much about announcing games too. This one was hit out of the park!

Giveaway Details:

·         Signed Paperback Copy of ANNOUNCING TROUBLE by Amy Fellner Dominy

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link to Giveaway:


 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR







Amy Fellner Dominy is the award-winning author of books for teens, tweens and toddlers. An MFA playwright, Amy’s novels include The Fall of Grace; Die for You; A Matter of Heart; Audition & Subtraction; OyMG and the picture books series, Cookiesaurus Rex. Amy was recognized in 2017 by the Arizona Library Association with the Judy Goddard Award. Her novels have been recognized as Bank Street College of Education Best Book Selections, and OyMG is a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Teens. Amy lives in Phoenix with her husband and a puppy who is training them. To learn more, visit www.amydominy.com or find her on Facebook at amyfellnerdominyauthor and Instagram at @amydominy.


Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Link to Tour Schedule:



Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Excerpt: The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart


We're celebrating the release of The Guy on the Right by Kate Stewart! Fall in love with Theo and Laney today!




Contemporary Romance/Romantic Dramedy
Stand Alone
Designer: Q Design
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2LyFdTR
Links coming soon!
Paperback: https://amzn.to/2SFt3dc


Blurb:
Strike One-My mother named me Theodore after her favorite chipmunk.

Not cool, Mom.

I‘ve spent most of my life answering to Teddy, because I couldn’t make Theo work.

Except for here. College. The place where all bets are off, and I’ve managed to redeem myself.
There’s only one problem, my new roommate, Troy, is football royalty and looks like he stepped off the set of an Abercrombie shoot.

Doesn’t matter, I cook a mean breakfast for his panty parade, and we get along well.
And anyway, this year I got the girl. And she’s perfect.

That’s right. Theodore Houseman, former band geek, now marching band rock star has finally landed the girl of his dreams.

Everything is perfect.

That is, until Troy takes a good look at her.

I’m not going down without a fight. As a matter of fact, I’m not going down at all. As glorious as these days may be for my all-star roommate, Laney is my end game.

I may not know much about play strategy, but I’ve been the good guy my whole life. I’ve been listening and I know exactly what women want. Framed in a picture standing next to me, Troy may seem like Mr. Perfect, but he’s underestimating the guy on the right.

Spoiler alert: In this story, the underdog is going to win.




Excerpt:
THEO
Pacing the aisles of the grocery store, I check the list Troy gave me and double back for a tomato with his crumpled twenty in my pocket. As usual, his demands exceed the chump change he gave me. I knew when he moved in, he was penniless. He has yet to pay his rent in full and his IOU’s are stacking up. I don’t mind doing the grocery shopping, because he does the yard work. I’m also the cook and adhere to his dietary restrictions. This doesn’t bother me either because I need to stay in shape myself for my own time on the field. Granted, I don’t deadlift the weight of my teammates.

I’m halfway back to produce when I hear a familiar voice utter some magic words.

“He’s a dick. I got tired of him. Total dick. Yeah, I know. Well, I had to figure it out for myself. Shut it right the hell on up with the, ‘I told you so’. Devin, you’re starting to sound like Momma.”

Stopping in my tracks, I redirect all my attention toward the woman pacing an aisle over.

It can’t be. Catching sight of her, my eyes trail down to the cowboy boots, just as she turns the corner and awareness prickles.

It’s her.

Frozen behind my shopping cart, I look down at my clothing choice. I’m wearing my PBS shirt, dark jeans, and Converse. I can’t remember if I gelled my hair before I left the house, which could be disastrous. Without a second thought, I follow as she spouts off on her phone.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll meet you there.”

I’m smiling at her back while she pushes her squeaky cart. She’s small but curvy, her dress flaring out a little at her hips. Toned calves peek out through a knee-length slit as she saunters down the aisle with purpose. Dark-brown hair flows past her shoulders swaying with her movement. Intrigued, I follow her into the next aisle as she gazes at the various pickle jars like they have some secret she’s straining to hear. She chooses kosher dill, my favorite, as I try to get a better look at her profile. Pink glossed lips protrude as she bites one of them and scans the rest of the shelves. It’s when I push forward for more inspection that she turns to look directly at me. All words fall away when I get my first real look at her.

“Need some pickles?”

“Sure,” I say with a grin, stepping forward and taking the jar out of her hand.

Her mouth parts as she watches me put them in my cart.

“Is your back broken, buddy? Or are you just desperate for pickles?”
“Uh huh.”

“Wow, okay, enjoy.” She gives me wide eyes that scream ‘weirdo’ before she grabs a replacement jar and wheels away.

Shaking off my shock, I turn the corner to announce myself and slam into her waiting cart as she blocks the next aisle.

“Why are you following me? And choose your words carefully, or I will make a scene like you would never believe. You’re creeping me out right now, and I’m pretty sure I can take you.”


I chuckle and shake my head.

“Sorry, that was a dick move taking your pickles.”

She narrows hazel eyes at me. Adorable. “Yes, it was. Doesn’t answer my question. Why are you following me? I assure you whatever is in my cart, they have more of it here.” I
peruse her stash.

“How about some rum?”

“Come again?”

“Rum.”

“Ugh, look, I can see that you’re high…or something. But this is the grocery store.” She jerks her head. “Liquor store is down the street.”

“I’m not high.”

“You sure? ‘Cause that would explain a lot.”

“Banana rum?”

“Fascinatin’. Look, no habla window licker. I’m sure the ‘special’ bus driver will come retrieve you shortly.”

I bark out a laugh. “Laney, it’s me, Houseman.”

She tilts her head before realization dawns, and a smile upturns her lips. “Houseman?”

Nodding, I return her smile as her eyes trail down, taking me in. I can’t decipher what she’s thinking.

“So, this is you?”
“Yep. This is me.”

“Well, you’re lucky I remembered. I was about to end you.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty funny you think you could take me.”

“Oh, I can,” she says confidently. “How did you know it was me?”

“I heard you on the phone.”

“Forever an eavesdropper, huh?”

“Forever having disturbingly private conversations in public, huh?”

She smiles. “Got me there.”

“Your accent is pretty unmistakable. Especially when you say the word dick.”

She lifts a brow. I lift one back.

“So, you all healed up?”

“Mostly.” I palm my chest, “there’s still emotional damage.”

She reaches in her cart and extends a bag of Twizzlers toward me. “Here, you need it more than I do.”

“I’m good. Wouldn’t want you to miss the only fruit in your cart.”

We grin at each other a beat longer before she sighs.

“So, you live around here?”

“No, I was running errands and decided to stop here instead of the store closer to home. Crazy coincidence, right?”

“Yeah.”

We spend a few minutes circling the aisles while I observe everything she tosses into her cart and it’s all junk. Doritos. Doritos. Doritos and one bag of sour cream and onion chips
for variety.

“Having a party?”

“No. Why?”

“No reason,” I say, biting back a smile. “You might want to get another bag.”
“Don’t judge me. I’m post breakup.”

“If memory serves me correctly, you’re the one who did the heartbreaking.”

“It’s still a breakup,” she admonishes.

“I’m just trying to save you from clogged arteries.”

I lift my hands from my cart in surrender as she peruses its contents. “Leave it to you to be so disciplined.”

“Eh, I have food allergies, like, if I eat a peanut or most any nut, and there is no EpiPen around, I die. I rarely eat out. And I live in a house full of athletes with zero percent body
fat.”

“Not cool,” she says with a sigh, “you know I’m trying to cut down on those.”

“Sorry, if it helps, they’re both acting like $%&@ at the moment.”

“It does help, thanks.”

“Anytime.”

We grin at each other.

“I’m glad we ran into each other again,” she says. “You know it’s only been a week, but I’ve made good on my oath.”

“Going to need to do better than a week to impress me.”

“You seem hard to impress.”

“Nah, just giving you shit,” I focus on the delicate curve of her slender neck, the full, dark lashes that dance over her cheeks as she scans more junk. She radiates playful energy that’s hard to ignore.

“Well, I’m giving up $%&@ for food. So, it shouldn’t be that hard to stick to.”

“I guess I should start a bad habit to keep up?”

She turns to me with two boxes of Famous Amos cookies and hands me one. “You’ll thank me later.”

“I could thank you now. That is, if I woke up this morning and thought, ‘today is a good day to die.’”

“Oh shit, these have nuts in them,” she says, scanning the ingredients. “I may just be too dangerous for you to know.”

“Nah, I can handle you.”

“Think so, huh? Challenge accepted. Shop with me.”

It’s the longest grocery store trip of my whole fucking life.
Snails have a faster pace than Laney with a shopping cart.

She literally weighs every decision she makes for ten minutes, and not only that, an aisle after a decision is made, if she finds something she wants more or a better ‘steal’, we have to double back to put it back exactly where we got it because she was taught better. I run my hands through my hair so many times, I feel like I’m balding by the time we make it to frozen foods. But it’s her smile and her laugh that keep me from bolting. It’s the energy I’m feeling that keeps me with her, though I’m fairly sure everything I have is hot and wilted.

When we finally roll out of the store, she turns to me.

“Well, what now?”

I shrug. “Beats me. You’re the one popping up everywhere I am.”

“Bound to happen.” She chews her lip in thought. “Maybe we’re supposed to be friends.”

“Maybe.”

“Give me your number,” she says, unlocking her phone before handing it to me. I type my number in, and she looks at it.

“So, Theo?”

“Yeah.”

“As in Theodore?”

I grimace. “Unfortunately.”

“As in Teddy?”

“Absolutely not,” I say with such authority, I’m rewarded with a giggle that strikes me right in the throat.

“Fine, I’ll stick with Houseman. Where you off to?”

“Waiting on my special,” I hold up air quotes, “bus driver.”

“Sorry about that, my mouth can get away from me sometimes.”

“No, really?”

“Smart ass, believe it or not, I’m shy at times around people I don’t know.”

“Not. I don’t believe it.”

She grins, shaking her phone in my direction, “I’ll hit you up, soon. We can hang out,” she smiles back at me as she rolls away, “and live our realest life.”

“Sounds good.”

We exchange curious back glances as we walk away. I’m so not her type. I can tell, and if I’m completely honest, though beautiful, she doesn’t seem like mine either.


It doesn’t matter in the least. Some part of me wants to know her, and I can tell by the way she looks back at me before she disappears behind a row of cars, she feels the same.

About the Author:

A Texas native, Kate Stewart lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense because it's what she loves as a reader. Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Contact Kate- Email-authorkatestewart@gmail.com

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