A secret she’s kept hidden since she was eight years old, however, Mia will no longer allow that secret to define her.
An irrevocable decision has left Mia Lee a fugitive and on the run—a circumstance that should leave her weak and scared, yet Mia has never felt so alive.
Under the pseudonym of Paige Cassidy, Mia is ready to live the life she’s never had, and she’s determined not to allow her tainted past dictate her promising future.
Paige is on a Greyhound bus heading from L.A. to South Boston, Virginia, to start a new life. A life that includes finding her mother, who abandoned her at age three. But what she finds, is four people, who will change her life forever.
Yet no one can outrun their past…
Especially one filled with bitter memories, which refuse to remain hidden.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Monica James spent her youth devouring the works of Anne Rice, William Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson.
When she is not writing, Monica is busy, running her own business, but she always finds a balance between the two. She enjoys writing honest, heartfelt and turbulent stories, hoping to leave an imprint on her readers, and her inspiration comes from every day life.
Monica James resides in Melbourne, Australia, with her wonderful family, and menagerie of animals.
She is slightly obsessed with cats, chucks and lip gloss, and secretly wishes she was a ninja on the weekends.
“Patrick Knight, single, retired Guard-turned private investigator. I was a closer. A deal maker. I looked clients in the eye and told them I’d get their shit done. And I did…”
Patrick doesn’t do “nice.” At least, not anymore.
After his fiancée cheats, he follows up with a one-night stand and a disastrous office hook-up. His business partner (Derek Alexander) sends him to the desert to get his head straight–and clean up the mess.
While there, Patrick meets Elaine, and blistering sparks fly, but she’s not looking for any guy. Or a long-distance relationship.
Patrick’s ready to do anything to keep her, but just when it seems he’s changed her mind, the skeletons from his past life start coming back.
Excerpt:
Suppressing a grin, I cupped her cheeks again and covered her mouth with mine. Her lips parted, and our tongues met. I felt her relaxing, and in that moment, the questions in my head were answered and the answers satisfied me deeply. She was mine. No matter what came next. With a calm confidence, I knew I’d never let her go again.
My mouth moved to her cheek. “Nobody’s getting over anybody here. So why torture us both?”
Her body shook with her small laugh. “Aren’t you trained for torture?”
“Yes, but you’re not.”
She slid down and put her cheek against my chest again. My fingers threaded into her silky hair. She was so beautiful in my arms.
Her head turned, and she rested her forehead on me, exhaling deeply. “I still don’t want a long distance relationship.”
But her words didn’t knock the breath out of me like the first time. Back then, I wasn’t sure of anything. Now everything had fallen into place. Everything felt possible. I pushed against the mattress, sitting up and bringing her with me. Her green eyes glistened when they met mine, but I smiled.
“So we’ll figure it out,” I said, smoothing my thumbs over her cheeks. “We’ll get through the weeks however we can, we’ll be together on the weekends, and we’ll figure out what the future’s going to look like. This distance is not forever.”
Her head dropped, but only for a moment. When she lifted it again, she moved forward, wrapping her arms around my neck. My hands spanned her waist before sliding up her body to her beautiful breasts. The scent of cactus flower surrounded me, and I lay her back, ready to catch up on all the days we’d missed.
“Now, that first time was amazing, but it went way too fast.” I covered one tight nipple with my mouth and then the other as her little moans began, her fingers threaded in my hair.
“You think?” she sighed.
“Yes,” I said against her body, traveling lower. I kissed her flat stomach, inhaling the warm perfume lingering on her skin. She whispered my name, and I gave her belly one more kiss before catching her thighs and spreading them open…
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire all of her stories… *wink*)–turned wife, mommy, and novelist.
She lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations…It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction.
Books by Tia Louise: ONE TO HOLD (Derek & Melissa), 2013 ONE TO KEEP (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
In the second book of The Trust Me? Trilogy, Jeni Taylor and Aiden O’Connell seemed to find life challenging, but as the third book begins, we are faced with the idea that maybe they may not get their Happily Ever After. Jeni is broken and confused after a vicious physical and emotional attack, leaving her with no energy to fight for her relationship with Aiden. She’s terrified and feels like the world is against her. Through some tough love and help from an old friend Jeni finally realises how deeply in love with Aiden she is. She asks him to take her back, but when she discovers Aiden is moving to help run a new business acquisition in Tokyo, is it too late?
Alistair’s taunts and abuse toward Jeni worsen, leaving her already broken and fragile state to deteriorate even further. Will Jeni find the strength to pull her life back together? With jealousy over a possible new love and with tensions high, the conclusion to The Trust Me? Trilogy will take you on a rollercoaster ride. The electricity and love between Jeni and Aiden is undeniable. Will they see past all the hurdles and find their way to each other? In the end, Jeni will be asking the ultimate question: Does Aiden know that he really does have all of me?
K E Osborn was born in September 1984 and raised in Adelaide South Australia. She had a love of writing throughout High School but went down a different path choosing graphic design instead. It wasn’t until she had a vivid dream about a three car pile up that the characters of her first book came to life. Aiden and Jeni are the amazing couple from the Trust me? Trilogy and they were born into the world through the imagination of K E Osborn in 2013.
Trust Me? The Trust Me? Trilogy by K E Osborn is now available for purchase for FREE from the 14-16th March ONLY at Amazon, Smashwords, Apple, Barnes & Noble and Kobo.
Book 3
Life, Destiny, Fate Series
Author LK Collins
Releasing Spring 2014
Some secrets can destroy…
Bridgette Schaefer has been through more
in her twenty-two years of life than most people survive in a lifetime.
Finally, she can see the light at the end of the tunnel and control is within her grasp. With a fresh start ahead, there’s nothing but blank
pages to be filled. Unfortunately, a lie by omission quickly weaves
itself into a dangerous web of half-truths.
As she battles between right and wrong, she discovers that sometimes there is only defeat when it comes
to matters of desire.
While others can set you free…
Troy
Sorano has one rule – no lies. Yet he’s spent years hiding behind a well-placed
mask, forced to hide who he yearns to be. On the outside he’s confident, fun, and sexy-as-sin, but there’s so
much more hidden within. When fate intervenes, he can’t help but wonder if
Bridgette could be the one to accept him for who he is. As he struggles through
his fear of rejection, he discovers he’s not the only one hiding the truth.
Can Bridgette and Troy find what is essential for their
happiness before it’s too late?
Fatalism
Determinism
LK Collins is first and foremost a dedicated wife and mother. She has always had a mad passion for reading and recently turned that passion into a love for writing. She writes sexy and erotic adult romance that is emotionally gripping. Fatalism, her debut novel, is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Determinism, book two of the Life. Destiny. Fate Series will be available November 15, 2013. The series will consist of five books, which can be read in order or as stand-alone novels.
The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.
Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option.
All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.
As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.
Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?
“Jesus, Katherine,” he mumbles as I kiss my way across his jaw and over to his ear. “What are you doing to me?”
“Kissing you,” I whisper in his ear and brush my lips against his ear lobe.
“Mmmmm hmmmm.” His hands move to my waist and guide me onto him. I’m straddling his lap and his fingers dig into my hips. I rush my hands into his hair and his head presses all the way against the couch, the leather giving in to my demands. Our tongues clash against each other exploring as if it’s our first kiss, yet knowingly anticipating our next ridge or groove. My heart races in ways I never knew possible. My hands run down to the hem of his button down shirt and to the top of his pants. I start to pull at his shirt to un-tuck it, but his hands come around and lock around my wrists restraining me from pulling anymore. I whine into his mouth.
“Why?” I mumble against the softness of his lips and smile.
“This is the first time I’m in your house and I just met your parents… maybe the second time,” he jokes and then nibbles on my bottom lip.
“Grrrrr,” I grumble in his mouth. “You are always being too good.” His eyes narrow at me and he let’s out a rough chuckle.
“Katherine, I think you know that’s not true and I’ll show you just how bad I am when we are back up at school.” His hands snake up to my shoulders wrapping around the back of my neck. Pulling me towards him and his lips find mine again. Softly he kisses me across my jaw to my ear. “Patience,” he whispers.
“I don’t want to be patient,” I pout as I push my body into him. He laughs into me and un-straddles me from his lap. We face each other and I smile shyly at him feeling a little funny by my boldness.
“Stop,” he says, and his hand latches onto my pinky finger gently rubbing it. “Don’t be embarrassed. I don’t like you having to be patient either,” he says, just before he plants a firm kiss to my forehead. I lean myself against him and rest my head on his chest. His arms wrap around me tightly making my insecurities fade. As I take in his familiar pine and masculine scent he shifts us back against the arm of the couch allowing me to snuggle myself even closer.
Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.
Jada McLean is about to get married in nine days, when she walks in on her fiancé in a little more than a compromising position. Days later, she’s on a trip that she intends to be relaxing and a prelude to her fresh start, when she runs into the rude, obnoxious, but gorgeous Jonathan Kole.
Jonathan Kole is San Francisco’s newest District Attorney. When he finds himself deeply attracted to a stunning beauty, he has no idea that she’s about to get into BIG trouble with the law—and he’ll be the one presiding over her trial. To make matters worse, his father is the lawyer representing her in the high-profile case.
When a series of events force them together over New Year’s weekend, Jonathan’s feelings and ethics will come into question, while Jada comes to terms with the fact that she is falling for the man that will be responsible for attempting to put her behind bars… Little do they know, they’re both about to fall into a whirlwind so deep, it will send both their lives spiraling out of control.
Excerpt 1
Their First Meeting
The pretty, young host escorts me to a table for two near a window with panoramic water vistas. Within minutes, a server takes my order. As my café latté arrives, I can’t help but overhear a rude exchange between a man and his leggy blonde with the host that escorted me to my seat.
“Look, I reserved that exact seat yesterday,” he says.
“I apologize sir, but that seat is not available,” the host replies.
“Well, if you were doing your job in the first place, it would be available to me, wouldn’t it?”
“Sir, I’m sorry for the error, but it wasn’t written here. If you like, you can wait at the bar where I’ll be happy to serve you a complimentary beverage of your choice while you wait, or I can accommodate you at an available table now.”
I can’t help but look to see who this asshole is.
Everything about him smells of money. From the designer jeans that hug his ass, all the way to the Jaeger Reverso watch that graces his wrist. He’s hot—probably in his mid to late thirties, tall, broad shoulders, piercing grey eyes, and a head of black hair like I’ve never seen.
Ordinarily, I might have found him attractive, if only he would just shut up.
Everything he says to that poor young girl, who has tried so hard to rectify someone else’s mistake, pisses me off. He’s been nothing but rude and condescending. As I look up, my eyes land straight on his. Then I realize they’re all looking my way. I turn around to look behind me, but there is no one. Then it dawns on me that he’s arguing with the host about my seat.
My meal arrives. I mind my business, and I proceed to enjoy it. Before I know it, I see him approaching my table. I pretend not to notice and focus all my attention on my lemon ricotta pancakes before me, but within seconds, he stands beside me.
“Excuse me, my name is Jonathan Kole. Would you mind terribly if you were seated elsewhere?”
My eyes travel across my pancakes to his broad thighs, to his crotch, and to what I suspect is an extremely trimmed stomach beyond his black ribbed sweater. Then I stare into his grey eyes in silence.
“You see, my girlfriend and I met right here at this table a year ago, and I wanted to propose to her.
Here. Today.”
“Actually, Jonathan, I do mind. Seeing that I’m enjoying my meal, surely you wouldn’t mind waiting until I’m done. Or perhaps you can let that polite host, who has done everything possible to accommodate you, have you seated elsewhere.”
“Do you have any idea who I am?” he asks.
Asshole! Your name might sound familiar but who cares…
“No. You could be the king of England and I wouldn’t give a damn.”
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“You really want to know?” I ask quietly.
He lowers his head slightly, as if he’s seriously interested.
“I am a woman who walked in on her fiancé screwing her best friend one week before her wedding, so forgive me if I’m not in a sentimental mood.”
His mouth drops open at my response.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Kole, I’d really like to enjoy my brunch.”
His piercing grey eyes are glaring into mine. I know he’s angry. His temple pulsates as he stares at me. He walks away completely flushed.
I don’t care. Perhaps if he had been nicer to that host I would have considered his request. However, because he comes from money doesn’t give him the right to speak to people any which way he wishes.
I continue to enjoy my meal and notice him walking hand in hand to the bar with Malibu Barbie. Half an hour later, I ask for the check then purposely make him wait an additional five minutes before I leave.
On the way out, the host looks at me bright-eyed. “No one ever speaks to Mr. Kole that way, Miss McLean.”
“Well, it’s time someone taught him some manners,” I reply. I hand her a healthy tip, and I’m on my way.
Excerpt 2
Steamy Excerpt
We finish lunch and watch a movie and some football, complete with popcorn and soda. When the sun starts its descent, we head to the hot tub. I am a little nervous. I hope I don’t gawk at him again. I slip into a little white bikini, wrap myself in a robe, and head out.
When I get onto the terrace, I try to ignore the fact that ass-hugging Ralph Lauren trunks cling to every inch of his well-endowed front… and back. He steps into the tub, and after I tear my robe away, he stretches out his hand and helps me in. I have no idea what I was thinking when I agreed to this. I can’t get hot and sexy images of us having passionate sex in the tub out of my head.
Since Richard and I broke up, my body has craved sexual pleasure in a way it hasn’t before, but this is flipping torture. Sure, I’ve pleasured myself a few times, but there is no substitute for a man who you’re physically attracted to who you know knows all the right things to do to you in bed. Sitting opposite to him, I close my eyes, sit back, and relax. I hope that I don’t give him a clue that while I lie here, I am practically salivating at the mouth and lusting for his sexual pleasure.
I am just starting to calm down and relax when he raises one of my feet and massages, working his thumbs from around my ankle to the arch of my foot and then my toes. My God, I swear this could be considered foreplay, because what he is doing to me right now causes all sorts of tension to develop between my thighs, along with the tingling sensation that runs down my lower back.
My goodness. Is he purposely trying to seduce me, or is he completely unaware of what his actions are doing to my body?
Oh, don’t be naïve, Jada. Of course he knows what he’s doing. He’s made his feelings for you abundantly clear.
He moves to my other foot, and as he works, a soft moan spurts out of my lips. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this sexually aroused. I try to remember the last time I was with Richard, and nothing comes to mind. Jonathan snaps me back to the present when his hands move from my feet and he works his way up my calf.
Oh God, that feels good.
I feel like I’m losing control. I want him to make love to me. I open my eyes, and I’m startled when I find him staring straight at me. He hooks his arms under my thighs and pulls me towards him. The look in his eyes are filled with pure desire. I’m straddling him, and I can feel his erection in the center of my crevasse; just a few thin strips of fabric are between us.
He folds me in his arms and draws me close to him. My heart explodes between our bodies, and my hardened nipples are against his chest. I lean my forehead against his, and finally our lips touch. He gently braces my head with his palm, and I wrap my arms around his neck. He kisses me again, but this time I part my lips, allowing his tongue to slip into my mouth. I open my mouth wider, letting him deepen our kiss, allowing our tongues to tease and explore each other. My hands roam over his neck, shoulders, and chest.
His hands glide over my shoulders and down to my back. He draws me closer towards him. Kissing my neck, his hands caress my back, and his fingers inch closer to the ties of my swimsuit.
Suddenly, I remember that he may very well be the man to ensure that I am sent off to prison.
I pull away. My breathing is heavy—so is his. My forehead is still against his. He kisses me on my cheek then my neck.
“Why’d you have to be the bloody District Attorney?” I whisper.
“And why’d you have to be a suspect?” he responds.
Excerpt 3
Sexually Explicit Excerpt
After dinner, Jada’s on the phone with her brother in the living room while I get to work upstairs in my office. I have to finish getting ready for a deposition first thing tomorrow morning. A couple hours in, my office door opens and Jada walks in. Her wet hair falls in curly locks over her shoulders.
“Hey, Babe. You okay?” I ask.
She gazes into my eyes but does not verbally respond. She walks over to me, spanning her legs across my body while I sit in my office chair. She pulls away my T-shirt she’s wearing over her head, revealing her completely nude body. She’s doesn’t have any underwear on, and at that moment, it becomes clear what she wants.
She devours my lips as one of her hands travel towards my crotch. Sex is the furthest thing on my mind, but my cock stands erect and seems to agree with her plan. Her eyes are filled with so much desire, and before I can think to protest, I hear the zipper on my jeans head south.
“Ja—” I try to stop her, but she ignores my subtle protest.
Within seconds, she rips my jeans off, and her hands travel up and down my stiff cock as she descends between my thighs. I soon feel the warmth of her mouth surrounding me. I give up on trying to stop her, shut my laptop, and push it to the side of my desk. I watch while she swallows my cock. She’s sucking on it like a leech, massaging me in all the right places.
I sink my hand into her hair over her head and rotate my hips between her slippery fingers and into her mouth. I know I won’t last much longer if she keeps this up. I’m about to explode.
“Fuck, Jada.” I stand and pull her to her feet. Then after pulling my shirt over my head, I shove all the files on the desk away. A pile of books towards its edge comes crashing down to the floor before I set her to lie on my desk. For her pleasure, probably more so mine, I’ll give her what she wants. I sit in my chair, spreading her legs far apart. I rub her gently with my fingers then circle her center with tender kisses. I aim straight for her swollen pussy and release my tongue inside her.
She’s quickly becomes saturated, and her soft pleasurable cries and moans permeate through the room. She raises her ass repeatedly to meet my stride, and her erotic, sexual dance lets me know she’s enjoying this as much as I am. I alternate licking her with rubbing her clit with my middle and index fingers, arousing her further. She’s sweet. I could do this to her all night long, and the sight of her juices running down her thighs and my hands makes me eager to get inside her.
I come up for air, using my fingers above and inside her, then take a moment to absorb her beauty. Her eyes meet mine. She slips off the desk and straddles me in my chair, slowly swinging her hips over my erection.
I circle my hands around her head and look into her eyes. I’m not sure, but I think what started out as pure sexual desire for her might have turned into something else. I see a speck of vulnerability in her eyes, and it’s at that moment, I realize what she might need is so much more than awesome sex.
I draw her head towards me, kissing her gently on her lips. The intensity between us rises, and as we zealously kiss, the sight of her engorged ruffles slipping over my cock makes me want all of her.
I lift her, placing her on my desk once more. I stand, and she comes to her feet surrounding her arms around my neck as we kiss. With her in my arms, I take tiny steps towards the door. It’s my intention to take her to my bed, but she’s now massaging my cock, and I can’t hold back further.
I plaster her lithe body against the wall, slowly entering her. She wraps her slender arms around my neck, her soft kisses on my throat heightening my desire for her.
My arms brace her extended legs apart as I continue to ascend my body into her. She ties her legs around my sweaty frame as I circle her in my arms.
Her kisses become more demanding. I want to please her. I feel her loving caress in my hair, her soft touch on my wound from this afternoon, and her soft whispers of my name. I know she’s nearing her peak.
I gaze at her as I thrust myself into her, sending her body up and down against the wall. Her eyes are closed, some of the wet tendrils of her hair are plastered around her neck, and her mellifluous pleasurable moans arouse me further.
We slowly collapse to the plush rug on the floor, and as I kneel on the floor with her wrapped in my arms, she slips her slippery wet core over my stiff arousal. Our tongues are in a never-ending dance as we passionately kiss.
I flip her over, face down, and I bury my cock inside her. Taking her from behind, I circle my cock inside her, boring my ass into her while pleasuring her core again, and again, and again, all while teasing her, gratifying her, rubbing her pleats.
I need to see her face. There’s nothing I love more than watching her come. I flip her onto her back. Her hands clasps mine as I slowly move over her, delving myself into her.
“Oh, Johnny…” she cries out in utter bliss.
“Yes, Babe… Harder?”
“Yes.”
“Faster?”
“Yes…Deeper…”
She’s near her release. I hold her firmly in place as she wraps her arms around my shoulders and give her what she so desperately desires, thrusting my body hard and deep inside her.
I, too, am so close to coming. Her moaning is louder, and as she announces her grandeur, I feel her nails digging firmly into my back. She’s coming, hard, and as I watch her convulse in my arms, I join her and we both release.
I worked on this book for the last year and the whole time, I could hear my mentor’s voice in my head.
“Telling not showing,” she’d say, or “I’m not convinced… not feeling it here.”
With this book I pushed myself, and tried to blow everything I knew I was guilty of with my first book (at least during the writing phase), out the park. My aim was to make the reader and my mentor, laugh and cry. I want readers to feel happy and sad, and at times I want them to feel angry—I want them to experience what the characters feel.
I’ve always had the most difficult time being funny in my writing and it was something I really strived to do in certain parts of this book. I think I’ve succeeded—it’s up to bookworms out there to decide J. I’m silly, I laugh at my own jokes and depending on my husband to tell me if something was funny or not in a romance novel, was a complete waste of time.
He always gave the same blah response, “It’s cute.”
Not necessarily what you want to hear when attempting to write a funny scene.
The scenes where I wanted to evoke tears were the most difficult however. I had to get myself in “the zone”. That meant privacy, quiet, soft or no music, then I’d put myself in my characters shoes and I’d imagine how they’d feel.
In some instances, it was as simple as going back to a sad time in my life, but in others, I used my own fears— how I thought I would react in a given situation to write those scenes. I thought if I felt what the characters did; it would translate to the readers too. When I found myself bawling while my fingertips scrambled across the keyboard, I truly believed I would succeed in roping the reader in.
My aim was to keep readers engaged from page one all the way to the very end. Love, Lies & The D.A. will take people through a myriad of emotions—from lighthearted moments, to intense situations, from close encounters to steamy love scenes. Readers will laugh, and they will cry. I hope they thoroughly enjoy the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey that Jada and Jonathan go through as they turn through the pages of my book.
Book Trailer
Author Bio
Rebecca Rohman is a wife and designer currently living in the Northeastern United States. She was a Sales Manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she was involved in marketing for a jewelry company, and later for a fine wine distributor.
About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel, Uncorked, just to purely entertain herself. It was not until early in 2012 when she decided to complete it and share it with the world. The story was published in February of 2013. Love, Lies & The D.A. is her second novel.
Synopsis
Chella Noon’s life isn’t her own. Her success as a Marketing Executive in the cosmetic division of an international conglomerate is overshadowed by a series of tragic events from a decade ago. With no family, few trusted friends and years spent on the run, she opens herself up to the possibility of a future with a sexy new real estate investor despite escalating threats from a psychotic ex determined to torment her.
Mitch Mariani never met a deal he couldn’t close. So when Chella walks into his life, he will stop at nothing to prove he is worthy of her trust. But as Chella’s past catches up to them and danger exposes his well-guarded secrets, his heart may not be the only thing at risk of a tragic end.
Jada McLean is about to get married in nine days when she walks in on her fiancé in a little more than a compromising position. Days later, she’s on a trip that she intends to be relaxing and a prelude to her fresh start when she runs into the rude, obnoxious, but gorgeous Jonathan Kole.
Jonathan Kole is San Francisco’s newest District Attorney. When he finds himself deeply attracted to a stunning beauty, he has no idea that she’s about to become in BIG trouble with the law- and he’ll be the one presiding over her trial. To make matters worse, his father is the lawyer representing her in the high-profile case.
When a series of events force them together over New Year’s weekend, Jonathan’s feelings and ethics will come into question, while Jada comes to terms with the fact that she is falling for the man that will be responsible for attempting to put her behind bars… Little do they know that they’re both about to fall into a whirlwind so deep, it will send both their lives spiraling out of control.
The pretty, young host escorts me to a table for two near a window with panoramic water vistas. Within minutes, a server takes my order. As my café latté arrives, I can’t help but overhear a rude exchange between a man and his leggy blonde with the host that escorted me to my seat.
“Look, I reserved that exact seat yesterday,” he says.
“I apologize sir, but that seat is not available,” the host replies.
“Well, if you were doing your job in the first place, it would be available to me, wouldn’t it?”
“Sir, I’m sorry for the error, but it wasn’t written here. If you like, you can wait at the bar where I’ll be happy to serve you a complimentary beverage of your choice while you wait, or I can accommodate you at an available table now.”
I can’t help but look to see who this asshole is.
Everything about him smells of money. From the designer jeans that hug his ass, all the way to the Jaeger Reverso watch that graces his wrist. He’s hot—probably in his mid to late thirties, tall, broad shoulders, piercing grey eyes, and a head of black hair like I’ve never seen.
Ordinarily, I might have found him attractive, if only he would just shut up.
Everything he says to that poor young girl, who has tried so hard to rectify someone else’s mistake, pisses me off. He’s been nothing but rude and condescending. As I look up, my eyes land straight on his. Then I realize they’re all looking my way. I turn around to look behind me, but there is no one. Then it dawns on me that he’s arguing with the host about my seat.
My meal arrives. I mind my business, and I proceed to enjoy it. Before I know it, I see him approaching my table. I pretend not to notice and focus all my attention on my lemon ricotta pancakes before me, but within seconds, he stands beside me.
“Excuse me, my name is Jonathan Kole. Would you mind terribly if you were seated elsewhere?”
My eyes travel across my pancakes to his broad thighs, to his crotch, and to what I suspect is an extremely trimmed stomach beyond his black ribbed sweater. Then I stare into his grey eyes in silence.
“You see, my girlfriend and I met right here at this table a year ago, and I wanted to propose to her.
Here. Today.”
“Actually, Jonathan, I do mind. Seeing that I’m enjoying my meal, surely you wouldn’t mind waiting until I’m done. Or perhaps you can let that polite host, who has done everything possible to accommodate you, have you seated elsewhere.”
“Do you have any idea who I am?” he asks.
Asshole! Your name might sound familiar but who cares…
“No. You could be the king of England and I wouldn’t give a damn.”
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“You really want to know?” I ask quietly.
He lowers his head slightly, as if he’s seriously interested.
“I am a woman who walked in on her fiancé screwing her best friend one week before her wedding, so forgive me if I’m not in a sentimental mood.”
His mouth drops open at my response.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Kole, I’d really like to enjoy my brunch.”
His piercing grey eyes are glaring into mine. I know he’s angry. His temple pulsates as he stares at me. He walks away completely flushed.
I don’t care. Perhaps if he had been nicer to that host I would have considered his request. However, because he comes from money doesn’t give him the right to speak to people any which way he wishes.
I continue to enjoy my meal and notice him walking hand in hand to the bar with Malibu Barbie. Half an hour later, I ask for the check then purposely make him wait an additional five minutes before I leave.
On the way out, the host looks at me bright-eyed. “No one ever speaks to Mr. Kole that way, Miss McLean.”
“Well, it’s time someone taught him some manners,” I reply. I hand her a healthy tip, and I’m on my way.
Author Bio
Rebecca Rohman is a wife and designer currently living in the Northeastern United States. She was a Sales Manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she was involved in marketing for a jewelry company, and later for a fine wine distributor.
About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel, Uncorked, just to purely entertain herself. It was not until early in 2012 when she decided to complete it and share it with the world. The story was published in February of 2013. Love, Lies & The D.A. is her second novel.
Also Check out, Uncorked by, Author Rebecca Rohman
Her First Novel
Publication Date: February 26, 2013
A Contemporary Romance with Elements of Suspense
Synopsis
Chella Noon’s life isn’t her own. Her success as a Marketing Executive in the cosmetic division of an international conglomerate is overshadowed by a series of tragic events from a decade ago. With no family, few trusted friends and years spent on the run, she opens herself up to the possibility of a future with a sexy new real estate investor despite escalating threats from a psychotic ex determined to torment her.
Mitch Mariani never met a deal he couldn’t close. So when Chella walks into his life, he will stop at nothing to prove he is worthy of her trust. But as Chella’s past catches up to them and danger exposes his well-guarded secrets, his heart may not be the only thing at risk of a tragic end.
The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.
Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option.
All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.
As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.
Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?
About The Author
Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.
The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.
When Katherine “Kate” leaves for her freshmen year at college, a grounded and stable piece of her is missing. She pushes away the ghosts of her past, determined to start her college life single, carefree and distracted.
Throughout high school Kate was reserved and shy, with little experience. Now, on her own, with little holding her back, Kate is ready to branch out. She bonds with a tight knit group of friends and even starts casually dating. What starts out as innocent flirting on the tennis courts slowly turns into a friendship and eventually something more complex. Reed comes into her life giving her the distraction she craves more than anything; but is she ready to give her heart away so easily?
Things get complicated when Kate’s ex-boyfriend and first love continues to pursue her. Kyle deeply regrets breaking her heart when he left for college the year before and is now on a mission to reclaim her. Kyle’s persistence and relentlessness is nothing short of obsessive. He will stop at nothing to win her back and prove his love.
Kate finds herself torn between her past and the unknown of the future. Her determination to stay distracted may just be her downfall or the beginning of something new and wonderful.
Whoever said money couldn’t buy happiness has never starved a day in their lives.
My name is Aria Valencia, a third year classical music student at the university, and I was down to my last dollar. Some nights, I seriously considered working at the rippers just to make ends meet, but the thought of my dad’s spirit–God rest his soul–scowling at me while I danced up on some drooling degenerate was enough to turn me off the idea completely.
And then one night, chance came knocking on my door under the guise of the Midnight Society, a secret cabal comprised of the most wealthy and influential souls this side of the Universe. Their leader was a man named Shadow, who was equally enigmatic as he was gorgeous and, for some mystifying reason, had his dark brooding eyes focused on me.
Seduced by the promises of fame and fortune in exchange for a seemingly innocent request, I soon found myself drawn into a provocative world filled with both vast riches and unending lies and it didn’t take long for me to realize what being a part of the Midnight Society actually entailed: shiny things, sensual romance, and dead bodies.
Being with Shadow came with a terrible price, one that I wasn’t willing to pay. There’s a dark side to every love story, and this one was mine.
Excerpt
His presence cast a hush throughout the gardens. Shadow strolled towards the three women on their knees, stalking them with an animalistic grace.
He was ominous, yet electrifying and I found myself trembling just standing in the same vicinity as he was.
“Your bride awaits you Shadow,” Calisto said to her brother.
I glanced around and noticed that everyone had their head bowed in reverence of this man.
It was disconcerting and this made me panic.
This had to be a cult; there was no other logical explanation in my mind. Any second now, this Shadow fellow was going to pass out the Kool-Aid and we were all going to
drink it and die.
There was still time for me to flee. I could pretend to use the bathroom and then sneak out the window or something. I had no idea where on the map this estate was, but that didn’t matter. I needed to escape and I could figure the rest out later.
I looked around to see if anyone else was watching me.
Damn it, indeed someone was. Calisto’s eyes were deadlocked onto me.
I panicked and almost let loose a scream, but managed to contain myself. Thank God for the mask I was wearing, which hid the expressions on my face.
Calisto smiled and winked at me, which I thought was a bizarre thing to do. I had no idea what was happening or what to expect, but I desperately wanted to be away from here.
Logan discovered both love and heartbreak at the tender age of seven, when the pretty little blue-eyed girl next door stole his Kit-Kat bar and shared it with the bad boy from across the street. Devastated, Logan found solace by escaping into imaginary worlds he forged with words, creating kingdoms where the chivalrous knight always got the princess.
Twenty three years later Logan spends his days in a suit and tie, working for the government on matters of network security. However his thoughts never strayed too far from the incendiary nature of love — the passionate fire that’s both scintillating and dangerous. Obsessed with exploring the steamy and mysterious side of human nature,
Logan continues to create worlds filled with thrills, mystery, and of course, sex.
To this reviewer, Semblance, readlike a beautiful, seductive, thrilling Fairy-tale for adults. I literally could NOT put this novel down!!! When this part of the story was over, I did not want it to end!!! I wanted MORE! MORE! MORE!!!
This read has to be my FAVORITE in a long time…
The story-line is gripping, thrilling, romantic, shocking, and surprising!
A Truly MUST! MUST! MUST READ!!!
READ THIS BOOK!!!
Ratings
5.0 Rosebud of Writing Rave
Semblance is written beautifully. The writing flows from chapter to chapter, scene to scene. The time frame moves along swiftly, but never confuses the reader. Each chapter ends leaving the reader engrossed in the read, intrigued about what will the next chapter hold. The ending is quite shocking, the plot and story-line give no clues what so ever . This writer is exceptionally talented and knows how to weave words into gold…
1.0 Teardrops
My emotions stayed in check until Chapter 22. This reviewers heart was totally wrapped up in this novel. The quips between the Hero and the Heroine will make you smile and laugh. The thrilling scenes will make you gasp. And if you are an emotional reader like me, then have a few tissues handy for both your happy and sad tears…
5.0 Romance Rave
Whether it be via innuendo in the novels dialogue, or the Hero and Heroine getting HOT & STEAMY– This is one magical READ ❤
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he replied as he wiped the dust off of it with his fingers. It was a pretty looking thing made out of silver. What caught my eye was the visibility of the inner gears, a magnificent network of tiny little cogs that gave the watch a steam punk sort of vibe.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a pocket watch,” I repeated. “It’s a pretty one though.”
“To your first point, the pocket watch is just a facade. And to your second comment; thank you. I made it myself.”
I couldn’t say I was surprised. He seemed like the type of guy who knew how to use his hands.
“So tell me then, what is it?” I asked.
“It’s a totem for the truth,” he replied.
“Come again?”
He sat down next to me and placed the watch in my hands so I could look at it.
“There was one performance of this theatre that was my absolute favorite,” he said. “It was called the Festival of Fools. The basic premise of the story was that one day, a remote European village suffered a great tragedy of biblical proportions–a strange disease took the lives of all the children. For weeks, everyone in the village lived within a fog of depression, where eating and breathing became more of chore, rather than a necessity. It was a dark, dark time for everyone seemed as if the entire village itself was biding their time, waiting for death to come for them as well.
“The mayor of the village devised an outrageous plan to help everyone cope with their grief. He proposed holding a festival where for one week, everyone in the village was to forget about their current existing life and to come up with a new persona for themselves. For the entire duration of that week, everyone was to roleplay being someone else.
“All families–emotional ties to a loved one–ceased to exist during this festival with the intent that within seven days, everyone would forget about the death of their children, distracted by maintaining the lie of their new lives. However, there needed to be a mechanism during this week for villagers to know when someone was telling the truth–just in case. It was decided that every villager would carry one item made out of silver, and when it was presented to another, it was known that the person holding it was telling the truth–temporarily abandoning their roleplay.”
I raised the silver pocket watch to our eye levels and let it dangle from the chain, the weight of gravity rotating it slowly and effortlessly.
“The pocket watch in your hands was one of the totems of truths used in the play,” he said.
“So what happened to everyone?” I asked.
“Well, as you can imagine, the entire village went into chaos. Emotions were running high and the thrills of taking on a whole new identity led to crazed episodes of debauchery, adultery, and in one instance, murder. When it was all said and done, lines were crossed and families were destroyed and it was too painful to return to the previous lives they once had.”
“And then?”
“All the silver in the village was destroyed. The end.”
“I thought you said the plays done in this theatre were all comedies,” I pointed out.
“Not all the time. As twisted as this sounds, sometimes it’s nice watching the train wreck that is other people’s lives, just to make your own look a little better by comparison.”
“That sounds awful.”
“We all do it,” he said, “Though we choose not to admit it.”
There was a moment of silence as we both stared at the pocket watch in my hands.
“So what was her name?” I asked smiling.
“Who’s name?” he asked.
“The girl you lost your virginity to in this theatre.”
There was a brief pause. “Nadia,” he finally said.
“Is that the truth or just another one of your lies?” I asked.
He shook his head. “I’m finished lying,” he said. “It’s brought me nothing but trouble.”
Suddenly the front double doors burst open and through it entered a dark, ominous figure shrouded in a hood, drenched from the rain. Behind him, the man was dragging a screaming woman along the ground by the collar, her wrists and feet bound by tie wraps.
Teasers
(Courteously provided by Logan Patricks Facebook page)*
Release Date: March 31, 2014
Series: Book 1 in the Men of Inked Series
Synopsis:
Suzy’s a control freak and has her life mapped out – work hard, find a man with a stable job, and live happily ever after. She’s content with the status quo, but her plan comes to a screeching halt when he enters her life and turns it upside down.
City gave up on love when his heart was crushed in college, preferring to be the typical bachelor. He spends his nights hopping from one bed to another and his days working at his family tattoo shop, Inked. A chance encounter on a dark road makes him question what he had sworn off forever – a relationship.
A night of passion and lust causes them to question everything. Is City the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress? Can their relationship survive when a fantasy falls apart and a secret comes out that changes everything?
Author Information
I am a teacher, and I love to be creative. Writing allows me an outlet for all of my naughty thoughts. Chelle loves to travel and her favorite cities are New Orleans and Paris. She currently lives in Florida with her amazing boyfriend. He’s showed her the love and passion that she has poured onto the page.
$25 Amazon GC Giveaway — Sign up for the Chelle Bliss Newsletter for a chance to win. I’ll pick one person on my mailing list to receive a giftcard on March 17th. Tag friends, spread the word!
4 out of 5 read-ologists recommend this WordPress.com site. ups and downs of writer's insanity and day to day life. I will write whatever makes the voices happy, for a writer that ignores her inner voices is merely a mental breakdown waiting to happen. Keeping the voices happy and creating new worlds for them to play in is my main goal.
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