We are celebrating the release of 5 amazing bundles (20-24) from 1001 Dark Nights! Each bundle features novellas from 4 bestselling authors. The bundles released today, and you can grab your copies by going to the links below. Check out the book trailer for the bundles!
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 20
Featuring: Rebecca Zanetti, Kristen Ashley, Larissa Ione, and Laura Kaye
About this Bundle
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rebecca Zanetti, Kristen Ashley, Larissa Ione, and Laura Kaye.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
BLAZE ERUPTING: Scorpius Syndrome/A Brigade Novella by Rebecca Zanetti
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
ROUGH RIDE: A Chaos Novella by Kristen Ashley
Rosalie Holloway put it all on the line for the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Informing to Chaos on their rival club—her man’s club, Bounty—Rosalie knows the stakes. And she pays them when her man, who she was hoping to scare straight, finds out she’s betrayed him and he delivers her to his brothers to mete out their form of justice.
But really, Rosie has long been denying that, as she drifted away from her Bounty, she’s been falling in love with Everett “Snapper” Kavanagh, a Chaos brother. Snap is the biker-boy-next door with the snowy blue eyes, quiet confidence and sweet disposition who was supposed to keep her safe…and fell down on that job.
HAWKYN: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione
As a special class of earthbound guardian angel called Memitim, Hawkyn is charged with protecting those whose lives are woven into the fabric of the future. His success is legendary, so when he’s given a serial killer to watch over, he sees no reason for that to change. But Hawkyn’s own future is jeopardized after he breaks the rules and rescues a beautiful woman from the killer’s clutches, setting off an explosive, demonic game of cat and mouse that pits brother against brother and that won’t end until someone dies.
RIDE DIRTY: A Raven Riders Novella by Laura Kaye
Caine McKannon is all about rules. As the Raven Riders’ Sergeant-at-Arms, he prizes loyalty to his brothers and protection of his club. As a man, he takes pleasure wherever he can get it but allows no one close—because distance is the only way to ensure people can’t hurt you. And he’s had enough pain for a lifetime.
Kids and school are kindergarten teacher Emma Kerry’s whole life, so she’s stunned to realize she has an enemy—and even more surprised to find a protector in the intimidating man who saved her. Tall, dark, and tattooed, Caine is unlike any man Emma’s ever known, and she’s as uncertain of him as she is attracted.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
BLAZE ERUPTING: Scorpius Syndrome/A Brigade Novella by Rebecca Zanetti
Hugh Johnson is nobody’s hero, and the idea of being in the limelight makes him want to growl. He takes care of his brothers, does his job, and enjoys a mellow evening hanging with his hound dog and watching the sports channel. So when sweet and sexy Ellie Smithers from his college chemistry class asks him to save millions of people from a nuclear meltdown, he doggedly steps forward while telling himself that the world hasn’t changed and he can go back to his relaxing life. One look at Ellie and excitement doesn’t seem so bad.
ROUGH RIDE: A Chaos Novella by Kristen Ashley
Rosalie Holloway put it all on the line for the Chaos Motorcycle Club. Informing to Chaos on their rival club—her man’s club, Bounty—Rosalie knows the stakes. And she pays them when her man, who she was hoping to scare straight, finds out she’s betrayed him and he delivers her to his brothers to mete out their form of justice.
But really, Rosie has long been denying that, as she drifted away from her Bounty, she’s been falling in love with Everett “Snapper” Kavanagh, a Chaos brother. Snap is the biker-boy-next door with the snowy blue eyes, quiet confidence and sweet disposition who was supposed to keep her safe…and fell down on that job.
HAWKYN: A Demonica Novella by Larissa Ione
As a special class of earthbound guardian angel called Memitim, Hawkyn is charged with protecting those whose lives are woven into the fabric of the future. His success is legendary, so when he’s given a serial killer to watch over, he sees no reason for that to change. But Hawkyn’s own future is jeopardized after he breaks the rules and rescues a beautiful woman from the killer’s clutches, setting off an explosive, demonic game of cat and mouse that pits brother against brother and that won’t end until someone dies.
RIDE DIRTY: A Raven Riders Novella by Laura Kaye
Caine McKannon is all about rules. As the Raven Riders’ Sergeant-at-Arms, he prizes loyalty to his brothers and protection of his club. As a man, he takes pleasure wherever he can get it but allows no one close—because distance is the only way to ensure people can’t hurt you. And he’s had enough pain for a lifetime.
Kids and school are kindergarten teacher Emma Kerry’s whole life, so she’s stunned to realize she has an enemy—and even more surprised to find a protector in the intimidating man who saved her. Tall, dark, and tattooed, Caine is unlike any man Emma’s ever known, and she’s as uncertain of him as she is attracted.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 20 today!
Check out the authors:
-------------------
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 21
Featuring: Joanna Wylde, Jennifer Probst, Elisabeth Naughton, and Carrie Ann Ryan
About this Bundle
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Joanna Wylde, Jennifer Probst, Elisabeth Naughton, and Carrie Ann Ryan.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ROME’S CHANCE: A Reapers MC Novella by Joanna Wylde
Rome McGuire knew he was in trouble the first time he saw her. She was sweet and pretty and just about perfect in every way. Randi Whittaker was also too young and innocent for the Reapers Motorcycle Club. He did the right thing, and walked away.
The second time, he couldn’t resist tasting her. Walking away wasn’t so easy that time, but her family needed her and he had a job to do.
When she came around a third time, he’d had enough. Randi had been given two chances to escape, and now it was time for Rome to take his.
THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT: A Marriage to a Billionaire Novella by Jennifer Probst
Caterina Victoria Windsor fled her family winery after a humiliating broken engagement, and spent the past year in Italy rebuilding her world. But when Ripley Savage shows up with a plan to bring her back home, and an outrageous demand for her to marry him, she has no choice but to return to face her past. But when simple attraction begins to run deeper, Cat has to decide if she’s strong enough to trust again…and strong enough to stay…
SURRENDER: A House of Sin Novella by Elisabeth Naughton
The leaders of my House want her dead. The men I’ve secretly aligned myself with want her punished for screwing up their coup. I’ve been sent by both to deal with her, but one look at the feisty redhead and I’ve got plans of my own. Before I carry out anyone else’s orders, she’s going to give me what I want. And only when I’m satisfied will I decide if she lives or dies. Depending, of course, on just how easily she surrenders...
INKED NIGHTS: A Montgomery Ink Novella by Carrie Ann Ryan
Tattoo artist, Derek Hawkins knows the rules:
One night a month.
No last names.
No promises.
Olivia Madison has her own rules:
Don’t fall in love.
No commitment.
Never tell Derek the truth.
When their worlds crash into each other however, Derek and Olivia will have to face what they fought to ignore as well as the connection they tried to forget.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ROME’S CHANCE: A Reapers MC Novella by Joanna Wylde
Rome McGuire knew he was in trouble the first time he saw her. She was sweet and pretty and just about perfect in every way. Randi Whittaker was also too young and innocent for the Reapers Motorcycle Club. He did the right thing, and walked away.
The second time, he couldn’t resist tasting her. Walking away wasn’t so easy that time, but her family needed her and he had a job to do.
When she came around a third time, he’d had enough. Randi had been given two chances to escape, and now it was time for Rome to take his.
THE MARRIAGE ARRANGEMENT: A Marriage to a Billionaire Novella by Jennifer Probst
Caterina Victoria Windsor fled her family winery after a humiliating broken engagement, and spent the past year in Italy rebuilding her world. But when Ripley Savage shows up with a plan to bring her back home, and an outrageous demand for her to marry him, she has no choice but to return to face her past. But when simple attraction begins to run deeper, Cat has to decide if she’s strong enough to trust again…and strong enough to stay…
SURRENDER: A House of Sin Novella by Elisabeth Naughton
The leaders of my House want her dead. The men I’ve secretly aligned myself with want her punished for screwing up their coup. I’ve been sent by both to deal with her, but one look at the feisty redhead and I’ve got plans of my own. Before I carry out anyone else’s orders, she’s going to give me what I want. And only when I’m satisfied will I decide if she lives or dies. Depending, of course, on just how easily she surrenders...
INKED NIGHTS: A Montgomery Ink Novella by Carrie Ann Ryan
Tattoo artist, Derek Hawkins knows the rules:
One night a month.
No last names.
No promises.
Olivia Madison has her own rules:
Don’t fall in love.
No commitment.
Never tell Derek the truth.
When their worlds crash into each other however, Derek and Olivia will have to face what they fought to ignore as well as the connection they tried to forget.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 21 today!
Check out the authors:
-------------------
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 22
Featuring: Rachel Van Dyken, Lexi Blake, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and J. Kenner
About this Bundle:
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Rachel Van Dyken, Lexi Blake, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and J. Kenner.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ENVY: An Eagle Elite Novella by Rachel Van Dyken
Every family has rules, the mafia just has more....
Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to.
Do not make eye contact unless you want to die.
And above all else, do not fall in love.
Renee Cassani's future is set.
Her betrothal is set.
Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set.
Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that.
He's a man who doesn't take no for an answer.
And he only wants one thing.
Her.
Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying.
Good thing Vic has a firm hand.
PROTECTED: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Lexi Blake
Years before, Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.
Fifteen years later, Wade returns to his Texas hometown for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her.
THE PRINCE: A Wicked Novella by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.
Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.
PLEASE ME: A Stark Ever After Novella by Julie Kenner
Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.
I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
ENVY: An Eagle Elite Novella by Rachel Van Dyken
Every family has rules, the mafia just has more....
Do not speak to the bosses unless spoken to.
Do not make eye contact unless you want to die.
And above all else, do not fall in love.
Renee Cassani's future is set.
Her betrothal is set.
Her life, after nannying for the five families for the summer, is set.
Somebody should have told Vic Colezan that.
He's a man who doesn't take no for an answer.
And he only wants one thing.
Her.
Somebody should have told Renee that her bodyguard needed as much discipline as the kids she was nannying.
Good thing Vic has a firm hand.
PROTECTED: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Lexi Blake
Years before, Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.
Fifteen years later, Wade returns to his Texas hometown for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her.
THE PRINCE: A Wicked Novella by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Cold. Heartless. Deadly. Whispers of his name alone bring fear to fae and mortals alike. The Prince. There is nothing in the mortal world more dangerous than him. Haunted by a past he couldn’t control, all Caden desires is revenge against those who’d wronged him, trapping him in never-ending nightmare. And there is one person he knows can help him.
Raised within the Order, Brighton Jussier knows just how dangerous the Prince is, reformed or not. She’d seen firsthand what atrocities he could be capable of. The last thing she wants to do is help him, but he leaves her little choice. Forced to work alongside him, she begins to see the man under the bitter ice. Yearning for him feels like the definition of insanity, but there’s no denying the heat in his touch and the wicked promise is his stare.
PLEASE ME: A Stark Ever After Novella by Julie Kenner
Each day with Damien is a miracle, each moment with our children a gift. And yet I cannot escape the growing sense that a storm is gathering, threatening to pull me away, to rip us apart. To drag me down, once again, into a darkness to which I swore never to return.
I have to fight it—I know that. And I am waging the battle with of all my heart. But it is Damien who is my strength, and we both know that the only way to push away the darkness is for him to fold me in his arms and claim me completely. And for me to surrender myself, once again, to the fire that burns between us.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 22 today!
Check out the authors:
-------------------
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 23
Featuring: Lorelei James, Kylie Scott, Donna Grant, and Kristen Proby
About this Bundle
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Lorelei James, Kylie Scott, Donna Grant, and Kristen Proby.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
WOUND TIGHT: A Rough Riders/Blacktop Cowboys® Crossover by Lorelei James
Bull rider Justin Donohue spent his youth hell-bent on winning world championships. After hitting the big 4-0, Justin takes a job at the Grade A Ranch and Rodeo School, where he immediately locks horns (and lips) with the sexy, sassy Callie—a 22-year-old cowgirl set on seducing him.
From the moment Callie Morgan encounters the hot-as-fire new ranch hand, she knows his gruff manner is an attempt to mask his attraction to her. But she’s never backed down from a challenge, especially not when Justin’s actions speak louder than his denials.
STRONG: A Stage Dive Novella by Kylie Scott
As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.
DRAGON NIGHT: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant
There has never been a hunt that Dorian has lost. With his sights set on a relic the Dragon Kings need to battle an ancient foe, he won’t let anything stand in his way – especially not the beautiful owner. Alexandra Sheridan is smart and cautious. Yet the attraction between them is impossible to deny – or ignore. But is it a road Dorian dares to travel down again?
TEMPTING BROOKE: A Big Sky Novella by Kristen Proby
Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.
So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Brooke has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile -- and body -- is.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
WOUND TIGHT: A Rough Riders/Blacktop Cowboys® Crossover by Lorelei James
Bull rider Justin Donohue spent his youth hell-bent on winning world championships. After hitting the big 4-0, Justin takes a job at the Grade A Ranch and Rodeo School, where he immediately locks horns (and lips) with the sexy, sassy Callie—a 22-year-old cowgirl set on seducing him.
From the moment Callie Morgan encounters the hot-as-fire new ranch hand, she knows his gruff manner is an attempt to mask his attraction to her. But she’s never backed down from a challenge, especially not when Justin’s actions speak louder than his denials.
STRONG: A Stage Dive Novella by Kylie Scott
As head of security to Stage Dive, one of the biggest rock bands in the world, Sam Knowles has plenty of experience dealing with trouble. But spoilt brat Martha Nicholson just might be the worst thing he’s ever encountered. The beautiful troublemaker claims to have reformed, but Sam knows better than to think with what’s in his pants. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy to make his heart fall into line.
DRAGON NIGHT: A Dark Kings Novella by Donna Grant
There has never been a hunt that Dorian has lost. With his sights set on a relic the Dragon Kings need to battle an ancient foe, he won’t let anything stand in his way – especially not the beautiful owner. Alexandra Sheridan is smart and cautious. Yet the attraction between them is impossible to deny – or ignore. But is it a road Dorian dares to travel down again?
TEMPTING BROOKE: A Big Sky Novella by Kristen Proby
Brooke’s Blooms has taken Cunningham Falls by surprise. This store is Brooke Henderson’s deepest joy, and it means everything to her, which shows in how completely she and her little shop have been embraced by the small community of Cunningham Falls.
So, when her landlord dies and Brody Chabot saunters through her door, announcing that the building has been sold, and will soon be demolished, Brooke knows that she’s in for the fight of her life. But she hasn’t gotten this far by sitting back and quietly doing what she’s told. Brooke has no intention of losing this fight, no matter how tempting Brody’s smile -- and body -- is.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 23 today!
Check out the authors:
-------------------
1001 Dark Nights Bundle 24
Featuring: Heather Graham, K. Bromberg, Kendall Ryan, and Gena Showalter
About this Bundle
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Heather Graham, K. Bromberg, Kendall Ryan, and Gena Showalter.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
HAUNTED BE THE HOLIDAYS: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham
It’s Halloween at the Global Tower Theatre, a fantastic and historic theater owned by Adam Harrison and run by spouses of Krewe members. During a special performance, a strange actor makes an appearance in the middle of the show, warning of dire events if his murder is not solved before another holiday rolls around.
Dakota McCoy and Brodie McFadden dive into the mystery. Both have a special talent for dealing with ghosts, but this one is proving elusive. With the help of Brodie’s diva mother and his ever-patient father—who were killed together when a stage chandelier fell upon them—Dakota and Brodie set out to solve the case. If they can't solve the murder quickly, there will be no Thanksgiving for the Krewe...
CONTROL: An Everyday Heroes Novella by K. Bromberg
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
HUNKY HEARTBREAKERS: A Whiskey Kisses Novella by Kendall Ryan
Everything’s bigger in Texas. And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite. Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.
When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.
THE DARKEST CAPTIVE: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter
For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything. Then he met her.
Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.
Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Four Dark Tales. Four Sensual Stories. Four Page Turners.
HAUNTED BE THE HOLIDAYS: A Krewe of Hunters Novella by Heather Graham
It’s Halloween at the Global Tower Theatre, a fantastic and historic theater owned by Adam Harrison and run by spouses of Krewe members. During a special performance, a strange actor makes an appearance in the middle of the show, warning of dire events if his murder is not solved before another holiday rolls around.
Dakota McCoy and Brodie McFadden dive into the mystery. Both have a special talent for dealing with ghosts, but this one is proving elusive. With the help of Brodie’s diva mother and his ever-patient father—who were killed together when a stage chandelier fell upon them—Dakota and Brodie set out to solve the case. If they can't solve the murder quickly, there will be no Thanksgiving for the Krewe...
CONTROL: An Everyday Heroes Novella by K. Bromberg
Control is something Desi Whitman abhors. Why live life in black and white perfection when you can messily color outside the lines?
But when she comes face to face with SWAT officer Reznor Mayne, he’s about to show her just how good control can feel.
HUNKY HEARTBREAKERS: A Whiskey Kisses Novella by Kendall Ryan
Everything’s bigger in Texas. And that includes Duke Wilder’s sexual appetite. Together with his twin brother, he runs a whiskey distillery, and when their business takes off—suddenly he’s got it all. Success. Money. Family. But he doesn’t have a woman to share it with.
When Valentina storms into his life, her presence is only supposed to be temporary. She’s a feisty attorney hired to help clean up his company’s recent legal mess. He never counted on her being the one to turn his whole world upside down.
THE DARKEST CAPTIVE: A Lords of the Underworld Novella by Gena Showalter
For centuries, Galen the Treacherous has been the most hated immortal in the Underworld. Possessed by the demons of Jealousy and False Hope, he has always lived for a single purpose: destroy everything. Then he met her.
Former demon turned human femme fatale — Legion Honey -- sought to kill Galen, but ended up parting with her virginity instead. Afraid of their sizzling connection, she ran away…and ended up trapped in hell, tortured and abused in the worst of ways. Now she’s free, and a shell of herself, afraid of her own shadow.
Galen's hunger for Legion has only grown. Now the warrior with nothing to lose must help her rekindle the fire that once burned inside her.
Every Dark Nights tale is breathtakingly sexy and magically romantic.
Purchase your copy of BUNDLE 24 today!
Check out the authors:
WATCH THE TRAILER
Fake Date
by Monica Murphy
by Monica Murphy
Release Date: September 17, 2019
Fake Date, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy.
Working at Bliss Lingerie, Sarah Harrison deals with all sorts of—interesting clientele. Yet no one sparks her interest more than Jared Gaines, the ultra-rich, ultra-sexy businessman who frequents her shop, buying delicate little “gifts” for the women in his life.
But one day, Jared sends her a gift from Bliss. Then another—and another. So when Sarah walks into his office demanding to know why he can't stop sending her gifts, he makes her an offer she somehow can’t refuse: be his fake girlfriend for the weekend while attending his brother’s engagement party.
Next thing Sarah knows, she’s in San Francisco, pretending to be in love with Jared. Not that it’s a hardship. Once you get the man away from the office, he’s much more relaxed. Sweet. Funny. Even…thoughtful? Oh, and sexier than ever, of course.
Their pretend relationship feels very real, very quickly. Soon Sarah’s in over her head. Could what she and Jared share turn into something real? Or is it all actually…fake?
Download your copy today!
Excerpt
“Mr. Gaines,” I say, pasting on my best customer smile when he lifts his gaze to mine.
His dark brown eyes flash with an unfamiliar gleam and my breath catches in the back of my throat. “Back so soon, I see.”
“You know I can’t resist you, Miss Harrison.” His smile is slow. Wolfish, if that’s really a thing. I read it in a romance novel once, thought it was kind of silly, but right now, it’s working for Jared.
His entire demeanor right now reminds me of a predatory creature. His face is all hard lines—stern, straight nose, granite jaw, sharp cheekbones, steely eyes. Yet his mouth, his lips are soft. Full. Lush.
Kissable.
Shaking my head at the wayward thought, I return his smile, trying my best to remain polite. Professional.
“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for this afternoon?” I’m surprised by how steady my voice is, considering I feel like my insides are sloshing back and forth, like I’m on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
“You don’t have anything pulled aside for my appointment?” He raises a single brow, the expression on his face practically daring me to say no.
Well, guess what? I’m about to say it.
“No, I didn’t pull anything aside.” I shrug when he glares at me. “You never told me the nature of your visit.”
He glances about, making sure no one is around, I’d assume. And lucky for him, there’s no one in the store currently. It’s the middle of the week, early afternoon. We normally don’t get too many customers at this time.
We are the only two people in here. Even Marlo has disappeared.
“Perhaps you can show me some of your newer items,” he suggests.
“I can do that.” All new arrivals are at the front of the store, so we’re in the right spot. I lead him to a table showcasing our latest bra and panty design. “Celestial is the theme for spring into summer.”
I point to the bras made of thin, sheer netting and pink silk, tiny pale pink stars stitched in a scattered pattern across the tulle fabric. They leave nothing to the imagination, and the panties are the same.
“They hide nothing.” He holds up a pair of brief-cut panties, turning them this way and that. Every time he holds underwear in those big hands of his, I melt a little inside. I don’t know why he affects me like this.
“You’re right. They don’t,” I agree, grabbing a thong and flipping it over to the thin string of lace that makes up the backside. “But they’re terribly sweet.”
“Sweet?”
I glance up to find him watching me. “Sweet yet sexy,” I counter, my cheeks going hot from the way he’s studying me so carefully.
“You like the celestial theme?”
I nod. Press my lips together so I don’t say something I regret. Like, I love this theme, or Do you want me to model the panties for you?
Yeah. That’s a bad idea.
“You know I can’t resist you, Miss Harrison.” His smile is slow. Wolfish, if that’s really a thing. I read it in a romance novel once, thought it was kind of silly, but right now, it’s working for Jared.
His entire demeanor right now reminds me of a predatory creature. His face is all hard lines—stern, straight nose, granite jaw, sharp cheekbones, steely eyes. Yet his mouth, his lips are soft. Full. Lush.
Kissable.
Shaking my head at the wayward thought, I return his smile, trying my best to remain polite. Professional.
“Is there anything in particular you’re looking for this afternoon?” I’m surprised by how steady my voice is, considering I feel like my insides are sloshing back and forth, like I’m on a boat in the middle of the ocean.
“You don’t have anything pulled aside for my appointment?” He raises a single brow, the expression on his face practically daring me to say no.
Well, guess what? I’m about to say it.
“No, I didn’t pull anything aside.” I shrug when he glares at me. “You never told me the nature of your visit.”
He glances about, making sure no one is around, I’d assume. And lucky for him, there’s no one in the store currently. It’s the middle of the week, early afternoon. We normally don’t get too many customers at this time.
We are the only two people in here. Even Marlo has disappeared.
“Perhaps you can show me some of your newer items,” he suggests.
“I can do that.” All new arrivals are at the front of the store, so we’re in the right spot. I lead him to a table showcasing our latest bra and panty design. “Celestial is the theme for spring into summer.”
I point to the bras made of thin, sheer netting and pink silk, tiny pale pink stars stitched in a scattered pattern across the tulle fabric. They leave nothing to the imagination, and the panties are the same.
“They hide nothing.” He holds up a pair of brief-cut panties, turning them this way and that. Every time he holds underwear in those big hands of his, I melt a little inside. I don’t know why he affects me like this.
“You’re right. They don’t,” I agree, grabbing a thong and flipping it over to the thin string of lace that makes up the backside. “But they’re terribly sweet.”
“Sweet?”
I glance up to find him watching me. “Sweet yet sexy,” I counter, my cheeks going hot from the way he’s studying me so carefully.
“You like the celestial theme?”
I nod. Press my lips together so I don’t say something I regret. Like, I love this theme, or Do you want me to model the panties for you?
Yeah. That’s a bad idea.
Meet Monica
Monica Murphy is the New York Times, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of the One Week Girlfriend series, the Billionaire Bachelors and The Rules series. Her books have been translated in almost a dozen languages and has sold over one million copies worldwide. She is both self-published and published by Random House/Bantam and HarperCollins/Avon. She writes new adult, young adult and contemporary romance.
She is a wife and a mother of three who lives in central California on fourteen acres in the middle of nowhere along with their one dog and too many cats. A self-confessed workaholic, when she's not writing, she's reading or hanging out with her husband and kids. She's a firm believer in happy endings, though she will admit to putting her characters through angst-filled moments before they finally get that hard won HEA.
Connect with Monica
Catching Her Heart
A For the Love of the Game Romance
by Jody Holford
Publication Date: September 9, 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Sports, Romance
When a beautiful brunette driver meets Nashville Slammers catcher, Sawyer McBain, at the airport, he figures it's his lucky day. Sure, he's usually pretty guarded around people, especially after what happened with his ex, but he can definitely enjoy the car ride. Until she passes his apartment...and keeps driving. All of a sudden the woman seems a lot less like romance material and a lot more like a kidnapper. What gives?
Slammers executive Addison Carlisle needs one little favor. Sure, she may have kinda maybe kidnapped one of her professional baseball players, but it’s for a really good cause. She desperately needs someone high-profile to auction off that night for the multiple sclerosis society she’s chairing, but he insists he wants a favor in return.
Soon Addie and Sawyer are trading completely ridiculous I.O.U.s, like being his plus-one to his grandmother's poker game or keeping each other company at the driving range. But when their agreement goes from flirty to fiery, neither is ready to let their guard down for a shot at love.
Slammers executive Addison Carlisle needs one little favor. Sure, she may have kinda maybe kidnapped one of her professional baseball players, but it’s for a really good cause. She desperately needs someone high-profile to auction off that night for the multiple sclerosis society she’s chairing, but he insists he wants a favor in return.
Soon Addie and Sawyer are trading completely ridiculous I.O.U.s, like being his plus-one to his grandmother's poker game or keeping each other company at the driving range. But when their agreement goes from flirty to fiery, neither is ready to let their guard down for a shot at love.
Purchase
Also in the Series
Purchase
About Jody Holford
I’m a mom and wife first and many things after. I’m a best friend and a regular friend. A daughter, sister, auntie, and teacher. I am a book lover, a shopper, a pajama-wearer, movie-watcher, worrier, over-thinker, and a wanna-be-good-Samaritan. I’m a Gemini, a nervous talker, and an emotional writer. I am represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel.
Title: Decidedly by Chance
Series: By the Bay #5
Author: Stina Lindenblatt
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: September 19, 2019
Blurb
She's
pregnant with another man's baby.
He's now
the father to his little niece.
A sexy romance
with all the feels!
Single
Mom-To-Be Rule #1: watch out for those horny hormones.
Oops.
After a
childhood of bouncing from one foster home to another and a series of failed
relationships, I’ve taken matters into my own hands when it comes to starting a
family.
Or rather,
someone else’s hand. And a plastic cup.
I’d rather
be a single mom than be let down again, and I’m definitely not looking for a
baby daddy. That includes sexy workaholic game designer Wes Chiasson, thank you
very much.
***
My software
company has been my number one, two, and three priorities. But that all changes
when I suddenly become the guardian of my three-year-old niece. Now my world
has turned topsy-turvy with princesses and little-girl tea parties.
When Hannah
Morrell needs a place to stay after the pipes in her apartment burst, I invite
her to move in with my niece and me. Hannah is a pediatric nurse, and given my
situation, who could ask for a better roommate?
Sounds
easy. Right?
It is—until
emotions get tossed into the mix. Because if there’s one thing history has
taught Hannah, it’s that the people who’ve gained her love can’t be trusted.
And now I
have to put my heart on the line to prove otherwise.
My Review
Purchase Links
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Excerpt
Wes
The next
morning, I walked into Connor’s office without knocking first. “What can you
tell me about a Philip Stevenson? He’s a lawyer at Long and Fairbrother.”
“Any reason
why you’re asking?”
“A friend
of mine might be doing some business with him, and I want to make sure there’s
nothing sketchy about him.”
All right,
that wasn’t exactly the truth, but it was close enough. Business. Date. They
were pretty much kissing cousins on the grand scale of things, especially where
Hannah was concerned.
I knew
Hannah’s dating life wasn’t any of my business. It was her choice if she wanted to date some loser—as long as said loser
wasn’t also a big creep.
Which was
why I was in Connor’s office. As Hannah’s new roommate, it was my duty to
ensure things were on the up-and-up with this Philip guy.
“Give me
three hours, and I’ll see what I can find,” Conner said.
“Great.
Thanks. I owe you one.”
“You owe
him what?” Jayden asked, strolling into the office. He handed Connor a short
stack of files. “I need a level-four background check on these five guys.”
“I’m right
on it.”
“Great. So
let’s return to what Wes owes you…” He looked between us, expectantly.
“Have you
considered the possibility that it has nothing to do with you?” I inwardly
groaned. That was the worst thing I could have said to Jayden. It only spiked
his curiosity.
“I have—for
maybe one second. Two, tops. So spill it. What’s going on here?”
“Wes needed
to run a check on some lawyer,” Connor told him.
“Why does
Wes need you to do that?” Liam’s voice came from the doorway behind me.
I twisted
away from the desk. “Why is everyone suddenly curious about what I’m doing?”
Jayden
smirked. “Because we know whatever you’re up to is bound to be entertaining.”
Connor
adopted an identical expression. “He’s got a point there.”
“Looks like
we’re all in agreement.” Liam crossed his arms, demonstrating the
bad-guy-beware stance he had perfected while with the SEALs.
“All right,
if you really must know. A stranger asked Hannah out on a date, and I want to
make sure she’s not going out with someone who’s bad news.”
“Are we
talking about Hannah Morrell? The woman who’s one step away from getting her
black belt, the woman who knows how to look after herself?”
The smirks
on Connor’s and Jayden’s faces grew wider.
“That would
be the one. Normally I would agree that she knows how to take care of herself.
But she’s pregnant now, so I don’t think it’s a bad idea to ensure that she
isn’t in over her head.”
All three
men exchanged looks.
Shit.
“And for
the record, you didn’t hear about the pregnant part from me. She’s going to
tell everyone”—I looked pointedly at Liam—“including your fiancée, when she’s
ready.”
Did you
hear that? That was the sound of a pin dropping against Connor’s desk. That was
how quiet the room was after my little announcement.
Liam was
the first to get over his shock. “Hannah is pregnant?”
“I don’t
suppose you’re the father?” That would be Jayden.
“Why would
you even think that?”
“Because everyone
knows you used to have a thing for her.” Jayden might have said it, but his
tone implied I still had a thing for her.
“I didn’t
have a thing for her, and I still don’t.” Right,
just be happy that lightning can’t hit you inside a building, dumbass, an
annoying voice in my head said. “And
no, I’m not the father.”
“Do you
know who the father is?” Liam asked. “Connor can do a background check on him.
Just to be sure she won’t be dealing with some major headaches down the line.”
“Is that
the guy you want me to do the check on?” Connor asked. “Is he the father?”
I shook my
head, even though I had no idea if Philip the lawyer made a recent deposit at
the sperm bank. Even if he had, chances were slim that Hannah ended up with his
sperm. “No. He’s just a stranger she met in a store yesterday, and he asked her
out on a date.”
“Okay,
Connor, do the background check on Hannah’s date first. And then report back to
us.”
“Us?” I
asked.
“Yes, us.
We want to know what we’re dealing with. We all like Hannah, and she’s my
fiancée’s friend. If Ava even suspects I haven’t done my due diligence when it
comes to Hannah’s dating life, I could end up losing my balls. And I’ve grown
quite attached to them, no pun intended.”
I almost
felt sorry for Hannah’s idiot date if Connor did turn up dirt on him. If the
guys’ expressions were anything to go by, he’d be canceling soon after.
But none of
this surprised me. The team had already dealt with the individual who had been
fast on the draw when it came to towing Hannah’s vehicle. Connor had found dirt
on him, and Jayden and Liam had a little chat with the douchebag to make sure
he demonstrated restraint in the future.
“Is he
picking her up for the date, or is she meeting him somewhere?” Jayden asked.
“She said
she’s meeting him at Swizzle Sticks Lounge.” It was some fancy-ass place I’d
taken a couple of dates to in the past.
“Time?”
“That part
didn’t come up in our conversation yesterday.” I was lucky I even found out his
name and where they were meeting up.
And that
was only because she wasn’t expecting me to crash the date.
“Not a
problem,” Liam said. “We can set up a detail to follow her from Travis’s
building.”
“What
exactly are you guys planning to do?”
“Quite
simple. Jayden and Isabelle will show up at the meeting and make sure everything
goes smoothly.”
My gaze
shifted to Jayden. “You mean you two will be pretending to be on a date?”
“More like
two colleagues going out after work to discuss work-related matters.”
Plausible?
Quite possibly. “There’s only one problem with that plan,” I said, stalling on
revealing the next part. “Hannah isn’t staying with Travis and Emma anymore.”
Liam’s
eyebrows raised in either surprise or disbelief. “She’s already found a new
apartment?”
“Not
exactly. She’s moving into my condo this afternoon.”
Whatever
emotion Liam had experienced with my first revelation had just done an
unexpected U-turn. It was now fully in the disbelief zone.
“She’s
moving in with you?” Liam asked,
enunciating each word slowly.
“Well, not
permanently. Just until she finds a new apartment. She wanted to give Travis
and Emma some alone time before they become new parents.”
I’d already
revealed the part about her being pregnant. I had no intention of also
mentioning about the audio porn and her heightened level of horniness, thanks
to the pregnancy.
A level of
horniness her dumbass date might get to appreciate—unless Jayden and Isabelle
succeeded in disrupting his plans.
What does it matter if she and the dumbass have
sex? the annoying
voice in my head asked.
I ignored
it.
“But why
with you?” Liam asked.
“Because I
invited her to stay with me while she’s searching for a new apartment. But you
have to admit, it’s a brilliant move on my part. She’s a pediatric nurse, and
who knows kids better than a nurse who specializes in them? She’s about five
steps ahead of where I am as Everly’s guardian and uncle.”
I had
expected them to see the genius behind my inviting Hannah to stay with Everly
and me. Instead, skepticism stared back at me.
“Are you
sure that’s a good idea?” Liam finally voiced.
“Why
wouldn’t it be? She needs a place to stay. And now she has plenty of time to
find the right apartment to move into. She doesn’t have to settle for less.
I’ve seen some of the locations she’s been looking at. If you’d seen them, you would
agree with me, too. They weren’t the right apartments for her to raise her
baby.” And because I was on a roll, I threw in for added benefit, “Apartment
hunting is exhausting and stressful enough when you aren’t pregnant. Hannah
doesn’t need that extra stress now that she is
pregnant.”
Slam.
Dunk.
Clearly,
the guys didn’t agree with me. The skepticism had been turned up several
notches.
“Honestly,
there’s nothing going on between us. So don’t make more of this than there is.
I’m just being there for her as a friend. Any of you guys would do the same if
you were in my situation.”
Yep, that
didn’t do much to erase their disbelieving expressions either. “Do you want me
to text you when she leaves for her date?” I asked Jayden.
“That will
work. But first things first. I need to check that Isabelle is free tonight.”
“Tell her
it’s for work,” Liam called after him. “She’s been after me to let her be more
hands-on with our cases,” he added once Jayden was out the door. “Hopefully
this will appease her for a while.”
Connor
leaned back in his chair. “It’s one of our least dangerous cases.”
Right—not
dangerous at all. Unless Hannah puts two
plus two together when Jayden and Isabelle mysteriously show up at the same
location as her and her dumbass date.
I kept that
thought to myself.
Jayden
returned a few minutes later to let us know Isabelle had agreed to the scheme.
Connor got to work on gathering intel on Hannah’s date, and the rest of us
returned to our own jobs.
Several
hours later, we were in his office again, ready to hear the dirt on Philip
Stevenson.
“I swear,
he has to be the most boring man on the planet,” Connor said. “He’s a contract
lawyer with no dings on any aspect of his work ethics. He hasn’t had a single
speeding ticket, parking ticket, or accident. He has lived in San Francisco his
entire life. His mother owns a store that specializes in Christmas and his
father is an accountant. He volunteers once a month at the food bank and plays
racquetball twice a week with a colleague, who was also his best friend in high
school.”
By boring,
I assumed Connor was referring to the man’s lack of a criminal record.
Or an
indication that Hannah was in for a very dull night.
None of this matters, I reminded myself. As long as she has fun and he’s not a jerk,
that’s all that matters.
Nope, I
didn’t believe that either.
Also Available
#1 Decidedly Off Limits is
FREE on all platforms!
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
Author Bio
Born in
Brighton England, Stina Lindenblatt has lived in a number of countries,
including England, the US, Finland, and Canada. This would explain her mixed up
accent. She has a kinesiology degree and a MSc in sports biological sciences.
In addition to writing fiction, she loves photography, especially the close-up
variety, and currently lives in Calgary, Canada, with her husband and three
kids.
Author Links
I think this was my favorite of the series. I am such a sucker for surrogate parents and I have been waiting to read Hannah's story. So to have them combined was an awesome combo.
Hannah had such a miserable childhood and she came through it all so tough but not too jaded except for when it comes to love. And really who could blame her after all the times she had been let down.
And Wes was perfect for her. He has been quietly in the background of the previous books. And the more I got to know him the more I liked him. And his niece was just adorable. I loved that he was so invested in looking after her.
The whole thing was just sweet and I loved seeing Wes falling in love with Hannah and her little bean. And Everley making everyone fall in love with her. And the epilogue was just the icing on the cupcake.
The Dugout
by Meghan Quinn
Release Date: September 19th
Genre: Contemporary Romance
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Blurb
Let me ask you a question:
If someone is vying for your spot on a team and just so happens to injure you during practice, would you believe it was on purpose?
Word around campus is . . . it was no accident.
That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft. Now, I’m a senior fresh off recovery, struggling to find my groove, until the day I run into a nervous, fidgety, girl with freckles, in the dining hall.
They call Milly Potter The Baseball Whisperer, The Diamond Wizard, and The Epitome of All Knowledge. She believes in baseball. She breathes it. She’s the queen of an infamous dynasty, but no one actually knows who she really is, and she plans to keep it that way.
One mishap in the panini line, one miscommunication in the weight room, and many failed attempts at an apology equal up to one solid truth -- Milly Potter never wants to speak to me again -- no matter how good my forearms look.
Little do we both know, she’s about to become more than just my fairy ballmother.
If someone is vying for your spot on a team and just so happens to injure you during practice, would you believe it was on purpose?
Word around campus is . . . it was no accident.
That injury has cost me everything; my starting position, my junior year—and the draft. Now, I’m a senior fresh off recovery, struggling to find my groove, until the day I run into a nervous, fidgety, girl with freckles, in the dining hall.
They call Milly Potter The Baseball Whisperer, The Diamond Wizard, and The Epitome of All Knowledge. She believes in baseball. She breathes it. She’s the queen of an infamous dynasty, but no one actually knows who she really is, and she plans to keep it that way.
One mishap in the panini line, one miscommunication in the weight room, and many failed attempts at an apology equal up to one solid truth -- Milly Potter never wants to speak to me again -- no matter how good my forearms look.
Little do we both know, she’s about to become more than just my fairy ballmother.
Excerpt
**CARSON**
Everyone knows me as the easygoing, fun-loving guy without a care in the world. You know who I’m talking about, right?
The guy who cheers when a couple kisses, who says stupid shit like YIPPEE when he’s excited, the guy who has no shame in shimmying his bare, bright white ass to his friends just to make them laugh.
I’m also the guy who is magically smart, can lead an entire bar to harmoniously sing any Taylor Swift song, lucks out in everything he does, and has impeccable taste in clothing—despite wearing a baseball hoodie every Monday. A dude must make himself feel better when the Monday blues hit and a hoodie does just that.
But have you guessed it? Do you see where this is going?
I’m not that guy anymore.
Nope.
Easygoing and fun-loving? Not anymore.
I spit venom at whoever dares to be in my presence. You know the old man who throws endless piles of shoes at the street youths as they walk by? That’s me, minus the incontinence problem and mothball smell. My days of singing Taylor Swift with a crowd are over.
Instead—if I even make it to a bar—I bury myself in a corner and sneer. Oh boy, do I fucking sneer. I sneer at anything and anyone that even attempts to look at my face.
That impeccable fashion sense I was boasting about? Gone. I think I’ve been wearing the same pair of athletic shorts for a month—not really—but maybe it’s a little true.
And the guy who lucks out in everything he does? Ha, my luck was cut short at the beginning of the season thanks to the square ass, dirty dick named Kirk Babcock, also known as Kirk BADcock by my team.
What did this Badcock do, you ask?
If you’re thinking he poked me with said bad cock, you need to get your mind out of the gutter.
What he did was even worse than winging his willy around on the baseball field.
So bad that you might need to brace yourself . . .
**FLAILS ARMS**
He committed a sin against all baseball etiquette.
The cardinal sin.
The biggest sin of all sins.
Are you sitting? I don’t want you to faint from the blasphemy I’m about to share.
Deeps breaths, everyone . . .
He . . . damn it, he slid late . . . at practice.
Gasp, I know.
I told you it was bad . . . my balls are shriveling up into my taint just thinking about it.
The dumbass freshman, who had too much juice in his junk, decided to book it to second during a practice game while Holt and I were fleshing out a double play. The dingleberry slid into second base two seconds too late.
Why is this a problem?
For those of you who might not be in the know—don’t worry, I won’t hold it against you—back in 2016, the gods of baseball developed a new rule; all players sliding into second must hit the ground first before touching the bag to avoid injuring the opposing players.
Layman’s terms: don’t be a dickhead and hurt people.
Apparently, Badcock didn’t get that memo, because the little turd nugget charged second base like an out-of-control steam train . . . just as I slid my foot across the base for the out. His dirty slide took my leg out, twisting me in the process, and tossed me to the ground.
As I fell, I heard a resounding snap that would make any grown-ass man throw up into his lap, followed by an immense amount of pain shooting up the back of my leg.
The motherfucker—stenchy bad cock—ruptured my Achilles tendon.
Like Achilles himself, I buckled to the ground and wallowed in pain while holding my leg, as if I let go, it would detach from my body and float right on up to heaven where it belongs for the many good years it gave me.
Badcock proceeded to fling his helmet off his head, get in my face, and apologize profusely, making up some excuse about tripping over his own damn feet. Yeah, okay, fart breath.
I’d like to see the tape for a full review, because I’m questioning the shit out of that statement. Tripped, my left nut.
If I was a freshman and got hurt, I wouldn’t want to rip the skin off Badcock’s scrotum, maybe just give him a swift lodge of my foot up his ass. But ripping scrotum skin, nah.
But guess what? I’m not a goddamn freshman.
I’m a fucking junior, and if you know anything about baseball, you know being a junior in college is one of the most important times in a guy’s life.
Because that’s the year you’re eligible to be drafted.
DRAFTED.
Brentwood University is known as a breeding ground for exceptional baseball players; it’s where the scouts come to find their next top prospects. If you want to play professional baseball, you either choose to go into the draft right after high school or be recruited by Brentwood. I chose an education so I had a possible career to fall back on in case something happened to me . . . like rupturing my Achilles tendon.
Can you guess where this is going?
Strike up the violins, because a sob story is coming your way.
I was ushered off the field and straight to the state-of-the-art training room where, after an excruciating physical exam, I had an ultrasound. It was then confirmed I’d be out of commission for the season. I underwent surgery, had the stupid thing stitched back together—let’s take a moment to be physically ill over the thought of that—and then put through an extensive rehab, missing my chance to be drafted.
You read that right, I was not drafted. My best friends were . . . I was not.
Because no one wants an injured player, even if he has tons of promise.
Even if he was the best second baseman in the country.
Even if he was supposed to be drafted in the first round.
Not one single team wanted to take the gamble to see if I could make a full recovery.
Isn’t that just peachy?
So needless to say, Kirk BADcock stays as far away from me as possible. As for me, I’d like to say I’m not a bitter man with a chip on his shoulder, but that would be a massive lie.
I have the biggest damn chip on my shoulder, so big that I named him Aloysius and I high-five him every morning, agreeing that we’re going to try to make at least one person’s life miserable that day.
My suggestion, if you see me around campus? Steer clear, run away, duck and hide, because I’m a polluted motherfucker with an equally rotten Aloysius on my shoulder ready to raise hell in your life.
Carson Stone is out for vengeance thanks to one moronic badcock.
About the Author
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.
Connect with Meghan:
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
