Broken King by Bella Matthews

10 Thursday Mar 2022

Posted by in BOOKPROMO, RELEASE

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Scarlet Kingston has always been too good for me. She’s also always been mine.

Broken King, an all-new second chance romance full of heat and chemistry from Bella Matthews, is now live!

One night. I let myself have one night with him after avoiding him for years. But one night was all it took for history to repeat itself.

Cade St. James was my past. He was the boy who stole my heart before he left for the Marine Corps. Now he’s back in Kroydon Hills, and there’s no mistaking he’s all man. A former MMA champion, running his own gym, and taking care of his adorable little girl. And I have to tell him our one night together is going to make him a father again.

Our timing has always been wrong. I can do this on my own if I have to. I don’t need to be saved. I’m a King, not a princess. I can save my own damn self.

Scarlet Kingston has always been too good for me. She’s also always been mine. But now, I don’t only have myself to think about. I have my daughter too. We’ve both been burned before. And trusting another woman, especially one who’s already broken my heart, won’t be easy. But nothing with Scarlet ever was.

As a vice president of the Philadelphia Kings, grown men fear her. And Scarlet wouldn’t have it any other way. This woman can wear as cold of an exterior as she wants, but I’ve felt her on the inside. She’s no ice queen.

Can we both get past the hurts from the past and live in the present? Or are we both just Broken?

Grab your copy today exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited→ Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pHRWHh Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/brokenKing

Add Broken King to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3sJozGx

Start the series of standalones today with Rise of the King! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CiKvKQ Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/riseking

Add Rise of the King to Goodreads→ https://bit.ly/2Vt0NzW

About Bella Bella Matthews is a Jersey girl at heart. She is married to her very own Alpha Male and raising three little ones. You can typically find her running from one sporting event to another. When she is home, she is usually hiding in her home office with the only other female in her house, her rescue dog Tinker Bell by her side. She likes to write swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, smart heroines with a healthy dose of laughter thrown in.

Connect With Bella Website: https://bit.ly/3zs2kV2 Facebook: https://bit.ly/3hQn9nm Instagram: https://bit.ly/3zrPYN1 Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2Xv1ny8

Runaway by Ivy Smoak

10 Thursday Mar 2022

Posted by in BOOKPROMO, RELEASE

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Runaway, the heart-pounding and emotional fifth book in the Empire High Series from USA Today, Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Ivy Smoak is available now!

To the first boy I ever loved. I intended to keep my promises to you. I swear. I loved you, Matthew Caldwell. With my whole heart. I think a piece of me will always love you. But it all came crashing down when I realized you didn’t keep your promises to me. I refuse to take any of my days for granted. I learned that the hard way. So I’m sorry. But I can’t keep my promises to someone who didn’t keep theirs. XOXO, -Brooklyn Sanders

Grab your copy today exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited→ Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fkCTNy Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/EmpireHigRun Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/3HGsmrW Amazon Hardover: https://amzn.to/3CgHtXU Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3MuVsOs

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3FkVdB1

Start the Empire High Series with Untouchable! Free in Kindle Unlimited Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nz2M0M Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/ehuntouchable Amazon Audible: https://amzn.to/3nDMMuy Hardcover Edition: https://amzn.to/352Kdf8 Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/3nDEfYu

About Ivy Ivy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 2 million copies worldwide. When she’s not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware. It’s been a wild ride to chase her dreams…

Connect with Ivy Facebook: https://bit.ly/33OUNG0 Instagram: https://bit.ly/3fDXTzk Amazon: https://amzn.to/3A9D4oA Join her Facebook reader group the Smoaksters: https://bit.ly/33yrqYx TikTok: https://bit.ly/3GIQNFk Stay up to date with Ivy by joining her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3fz5ZZS Website: https://www.ivysmoak.com/

Perfect Chance by Molly McLain

10 Thursday Mar 2022

Posted by in BOOKPROMO, PRE-ORDER

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

 

Perfect Chance, Mason Creek Book #18 (standalone) by Molly MaLain is releasing March 17th on Kindle Unlimited!

 

PreOrder: https://amzn.to/3tFvj70

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MxTeOo

 

Start the Mason Creek Series on #KU and pre-order the upcoming titles: https://amzn.to/3hBpC4j

 

 

They spent one night together, and then chance brought them back together again.

Carly

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve lived a privileged life. But I’ve worked hard not to let my good fortune go to my head. I’ve kept myself grounded, and much to the dismay of my mother and my NFL star ex-boyfriend, I want to do something meaningful with my life. Something I can call my own.

Hooking up with the cute guy at the bar who seemed to figure me out with a single glance? Not exactly that kind of purposeful adventure I had in mind, but I’m living for me now, so what could one night of fun hurt?

Kaden

I met the girl of my dreams in a Denver bar. The only problem is I’m not the kind of a guy a lady like Carly thinks about when the night is over. And when she walked out of my hotel room, I thought I’d never see her again.

Until she showed up on Mason Creek on a mission.

She didn’t know she’d find me here, and I’ll be damned if I believe our running into each other again is anything less than fate. Chance brought us together once, and I’ve gotta believe there’s a reason it’s brought us back together again, too.

Turns out that reason isn’t what either of us had planned for our lives, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to prove I’m up to the challenge.

Only problem is…

I’m not the only one vying for Carly’s heart.

PreOrder: https://amzn.to/3tFvj70

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3MxTeOo

 

 

 

About The Author:

Molly McLain lives in a tiny Wisconsin town with her husband, three kiddos, and two adorable German Shorthaired Pointers. She’s addicted to 80’s ballads, 90’s rock, cheesecake, and office supplies, and she’s been scribbling down love stories in spiral notebooks since she was old enough to daydream about hunky boys and happily-ever-afters. Now she turns those daydreams into steamy, small town novels.

 

Website: https://www.mollymclain.com

Newsletter: https://www.mollymclain.com/newsletter

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

Facebook Readers Group :https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuthorMollyMcLainReaderGroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollywritesromance/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mollymclain

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KH6qz1

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/360c9Rm

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mollywritesromance

 

TOUR HOSTED BY: HEA PR More

 

REVIEW : Hearts and Bruises (Hearts #1) by A.M. Brooks

09 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in 4 STAR, BOOKSHELF, REVIEW

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

 

Hearts and Bruises

  

Hearts and Bruises
 Hearts #1
  A.M. Brooks
March 19th 2019

 

With love comes pain.
And with pain comes scars.

Believe me, I have had my share of it all.
After my mother’s death, my father couldn’t deal.
So once again, we’re moving.
To a town full of lies, darkness, and corruption.
All masked in sunshine and money.

But then I meet him…
My biggest mistake.
My biggest temptation.
A royal pain-in-the-ass.

And Darrian King is no prince.
He’s controlling, aggressive, and downright wrong for me.
But what he dishes out,
I give right back.
After all, love hurts.
And so do we.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Together We Stand Volume 2

09 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in RAMBLINGS

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Title: Together We Stand Volume 2 
 
 
 
Add on Goodreads
 
COVER 
 

 

BLURB
 

We are the ones who walk barefoot through hell, making it out the other side with nothing left except sheer will and a whole lot of grit in our pockets.

By losing everything, others hailed us as beacons of hope. Our journeys were by no means glamorous. Each of us left an important part of ourselves behind so that we might start anew.

We are the survivors.

This is our chance to grab happiness by the horns and make it our own.

Join 20+ USA Today, bestselling, award-winning, and up-and-coming authors as they weave tales of horror, loss, persecution, and unfair struggles, leading to new lives, new romances, and most importantly, well-deserved Happily-Ever-After endings. All proceeds from the print and digital sales of this book will be donated to organizations providing relief to the Ukraine.

**May contain MM/FF and/or triggering situations.

 

 

Moonlighter by JC Jaye

09 Wednesday Mar 2022

Posted by in RAMBLINGS

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

 

Moonlighter by JC Jaye is live and available on Kindle Unlimited!

Series: Dirty Boys Do It Better Book 3

Genre: Steamy Contemporary Romance

 

One-Click: https://amzn.to/3HIeSws

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/MoonlighterTBR

Start the series on #KindleUnlimited: https://amzn.to/3B2w0e3

This badass bartender is as tasty as the whiskey he pours.

Mitch ‘Moonlighter’ Tirone landed his nickname by excelling at two careers. Hardworking contractor by day, he trades the power drill for a bar apron at night, pouring ʼem strong at his old man’s gin mill. He’s cool as the brews he serves until he spies a flame-haired goddess cruising by on a bright pink bicycle. One gobsmacked glance, and ʼLighter turns loopy as a lush. First item on the gotta-have-her agenda: let’s find out what the beauty likes to drink…

His mystery woman is the town’s sexiest teetotaler.

Substance abuse counselor Andy Lachlan possesses a boy’s name, a centerfold’s figure, and a brutal past. Daughter of a violent drunk, alcohol is her no-go zone, and she’s passionate about assisting addicts while avoiding the liquor lifestyle like the plague. Hours spent advising clients or pedaling off the angst on a hippyish ten-speed don’t leave much time for fun-n-games, but this new girl in the ’hood isn’t about to settle for anyone less than the alpha abstainer of her dreams…

 

Professional partier, and despiser of all things booze. The chemistry is combustible when bad boy and bohemian meet, but can the star-crossed lovers make it work and find the ‘heavenly mix’?

Pre-Order: https://amzn.to/3HIeSws

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/MoonlighterTBR

Start the series on #KindleUnlimited: https://amzn.to/3B2w0e3

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

It’s all Rhett and Scarlett’s fault.

(Talkin’ the grand staircase scene, people.)

Stung by the literary lovebug at a tender young age, JC has been devouring spicy romantic fiction ever since. Seriously… What could be more delectable at the end of a rough day than a big, bad, moody male brought to his knees by a kick-ass, rock star of a heroine?

Well, besides Tom Hardy showing up on your doorstep with car trouble. Dreaming up “I wish” fantasies while slogging through her woefully alpha-scarce world, JC invites readers to indulge in decadent escape through her foulmouthed and passion-saturated tales.

Um.

You did hear foulmouthed, right?

 

Website: https://jcjaye.com/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cVQiLK

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcjayeauthor/

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3cXSvGt

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jcjayeauthor

Tour Hosted By: HEA PR More

Titans Of Manhatten Series by Anis Storm

08 Tuesday Mar 2022

Posted by in BOOKPROMO, SALE

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

Title: Titans Of Manhattan Series

Author: Anise Storm 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

 
 
Add on Goodreads
 

 

 
Title: Conveniently Yours
Series: Titans of Manhattan #1 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
 
 
Caspian Archer

Clothes, cars, property, women; none of life’s luxuries are out of Caspian’s grasp until the splendor he’s accustomed to threatens to come crashing down around him if he fails to fulfill his uncle’s dying wish.

– Find true love.
– Stay married for a year.

Only by accomplishing those two paramount tasks will he secure his inheritance. What he needs is someone willing to agree to an arrangement of convenience, and spare him the emotional ties of settling down.

Paisley Fischer

Evicted and broke, she didn’t think things could get worse. Then… they did. With her mother in a coma, and the insurance benefits running out, Paisley will soon be strapped with the financial responsibility of her care. She has no idea how she’s going to provide for both of them until a childhood friend comes to her with an unconventional offer.

– Her mother’s care covered.
– A Manhattan penthouse.
– One million dollars.

All she has to do is pretend to be happily married, but a lot can change in 365 days.
Read less
 

 

 
Title: Imperfectly Yours 
Series: Titans of Manhattan #2
Author: Anise Storm 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
 
Anton Kingston

As one of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs, Anton has everything he ever imagined. A career, fame, fortune; he is sought after worldwide, and at the height of his stardom. His personal life has also aligned and he finally has the things he’s wanted for a lifetime.

* Love
* Family

Elsa Fitzgerald

Raised in New York City’s high society, she has landed herself one of the Titans, and things couldn’t be better. Elsa is one of the most successful real estate agents in the entire city, and has the devotion of one of Hollywood’s leading men. All that’s missing is the two things she desires above all else.

* Marriage
* Children

Their love story is one for the ages, or so she thought. Just when it seems as if everything she’s ever wanted is within reach, tragedy strikes and threatens to tear it all away. As their fairytale starts to unravel, choices have to be made. There are consequences when chasing perfection. Will they be able to live imperfectly ever after? Or will their choices destroy those dreams forever?
 
 
 
Title: Seductively Yours
Series: Titans of Manhattan #3 
Author: Anise Storm 
 
PRE-ORDER NOW
 

Mason Steele

As one of the city’s most eligible bachelors and owner of the hottest new nightclub in the city, Mason’s fame and fortune were amassed by following two cardinal rules:

  • Always keep sex casual
  • Never mix business with pleasure


Following the rules had never been a problem until he hires a new dancer who turns out to be a recent notch on his playboy bedpost. Drawn to her in a way he’d never been to anyone else, will he be able to keep her that way?

Rhyann Ward
After being awarded a ballet scholarship to an exclusive arts school, this Midwestern girl trades one Manhattan for another, moving from Kansas to New York, ready to follow her dreams with two goals in mind:

  • Maintain her scholarship
  • Land a spot in a world-wide production


Quickly learning it takes more than passion, Rhyann discovers she also needs money. Convinced by her roommate to pole dance at a local club, she realizes her new boss is none other than the man she’d had a one night stand with.

Her life begins to unravel when she is pulled into a new and dangerous world. Lust, intrigue, seduction, and temptation have consequences. As the pieces begin to fall apart, his past and her future pull together to create something neither can resist.

 
 
ABOUT ANISE 
 

Anise Storm is a USA Today Bestselling author of Contemporary and Dark Romance. Possessing a life-long love of writing since childhood, she started by dabbling in poetry and other short stories.

A Southern transplant, Anise is married with children. She has a love of football, shoes, and tall, dark heroes. When not spending time with family or traveling, she can be found either curled up with a good book or writing.

 

FOLLOW ANISE

 

Twitter

Instagram 

Facebook

 

REVIEW : Strings by Dawn L. Chiletz

08 Tuesday Mar 2022

Posted by in 4 STAR, BOOKSHELF, REVIEW

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

 

 

Strings

  

 Strings
—
Dawn L. Chiletz
Published 2020

 

When Natalia Pearson changes her identity and boards a plane for her new job, she swears she’s leaving her past and all the drama that comes with it behind her.

That is… until she chooses between two empty plane seats and ends up right in the middle of Sebastian Corronov’s messy life.

Agreeing to fake a relationship with a stranger for a few hours doesn’t seem like too much to ask for someone who’s trying to be a better person. But when their paths cross again, that temporary agreement becomes a much longer, sexier, and more spirited commitment. One she may like more than she cares to admit.

We’re all attached to something. Some strings are invisible – until they’re not.

 

 

 

 I really like the way this author writes her characters – with flaws and all. The plot is also a good one,  well developed and written too. The female lead was an interesting character with lots of edges, clever and funny. I can not make my mind up about the male lead – sometimes he felt like a flawless gentleman and in other moments – well let’s say his mood swings gave me a whiplash but made an interesting read.

I read several books from this author that I also liked very much – yet this one here feels different and something would not let me connect with the characters fully – and I can not put my finger on the reasons why. It might be that some things did not add up fully – mostly when it came to the secondary characters/antagonists…. Going into details would mean spoilers – so that is a no go ….. Let’s just say that the female “antagonist” in this story did not really make sense at all most times, But let’s not forget the one secondary character I think everybody will love … Stella … hahahahaha – she needs a special mention …

Still, I really liked what I read and even if it wasn’t a tearjerker or anything to laugh about – it is a well-developed plotline and I would read this author’s books anytime because her writing appeals to me.

 

 

 

 

 

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

Taste by Melanie Harlow

08 Tuesday Mar 2022

Posted by in BLOG TOUR, BOOKPROMO

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

TASTE, an all-new sexy, stranded enemies-to lovers rom com from USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melanie Harlow is live now!

The last person on earth I want to be stranded with is Gianni Lupo.

But thanks to the blizzard of the century, I’m trapped in a roadside motel room with that cocky bastard for two straight days.

With one small bed.

Some women might thank Mother Nature for delivering a polar vortex that maroons them with six feet of solid muscle, those deep blue eyes, that sexy grin–but not me. I’ve known Gianni Lupo all my life, and he’s never brought me anything but bad luck and trouble.

So when the tension between us explodes with enough fiery heat to melt my icy defenses, I should have known what the disastrous end result would be–

A big fat plus sign.

After the snow melts, I’m left with more than just memories of the night we spent keeping each other warm. And he might be a rising star on the culinary scene, but he’s got no idea how to handle this bun in the oven.

He says he wants to do the right thing, but I’m not about to spend the rest of my life feeling like someone settled for me.

But just when I think I’ve got Gianni Lupo all figured out, he gives me a taste of the man he could be, of the family we could become, of the way he could love me if I let him.

I’m terrified of falling for him.

But one taste might be all it takes.

Grab your copy exclusively on Amazon or read FREE on Kindle Unlimited today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JIXsRM Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TasteMH Paperback: https://harlow.pub/Taste-pb Audio: Coming Soon

Excerpt

I sat at the foot of the bed and dialed Winnie’s number. She picked up immediately. “Ellie?” “Hey.” “Thank God! You guys okay?” “We’re fine.” I watched Gianni unwrap a candy bar and lean back against the headboard. “We found a motel with a vacancy.” “You mean you’re staying in a motel room together?” she asked, loud enough for Gianni to overhear. “Yeah. And there’s only one bed.” She laughed. “How’s that going?” “Fine.” “You guys are getting along?” Gianni made a lewd gesture involving his fist, his tongue, and his inner cheek. I gave him the finger. “As well you’d expect.” “I can’t wait to hear about it.” “We’re going to try to get out of here as soon as we can in the morning. I’ll let you know when we’re on the road.” “Sounds good.” She laughed again. “Sleep tight.” “Oh. We will.” I eyed the length of the bed. “We have no choice.” After ending the call, I opened the Truth or Drink app on my phone and picked up my wine. “Ready to play?” “Hit me.” I scrolled through the options. “Do you want to play normal mode, party mode, or dirty mode? Gianni looked at me like I was crazy. “Duh.” I sighed and reached for my wine. “Okay, fine. I feel like I’m going to regret this, but dirty it is.” “Can I take my pants off?” “No. What’s your age range for a one night-stand?” “Hmm.” Gianni thought for a moment. “Please say at least eighteen.” “No teenagers. I’ll say twenty to forty-five.” “Forty-five? Really?” He shrugged. “I think mature women are hot. But I can’t go near fifty because that’s my mom’s age and then it would be weird.” “Right.” “So what about you? Same question.” “I’d have to say . . . thirty to forty.” He looked offended. “Why thirty? You’re only twenty-three.” And so was he, which was why I’d said it. “I know, but I think older men are just better in bed.” (I’d actually never been with anyone over twenty-eight.) “In what way?” “Just . . . more patient. More knowledgeable. More generous. Guys in their twenties think they’re all that just because they have younger bodies, especially if they’re—you know—well-endowed. But it’s not just the size of the boat. It’s definitely the motion of the ocean.” He harrumphed. “You’ve been in the wrong boats.”

Add Taste to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3sWbzNO

About Melanie Harlow

USA Today bestselling author Melanie Harlow likes her martinis dry, her heels high, and her history with the naughty bits left in. When she’s not writing or reading, she gets her kicks from TV series like Ted Lasso, Schitt’s Creek, and Fleabag. She occasionally runs three miles, but only so she can have more gin and steak.

Melanie is the author of the BELLAMY CREEK series, the CLOVERLEIGH FARMS series, the ONE & ONLY series, AFTER WE FALL series, the HAPPY CRAZY LOVE series, and the FRENCHED series. She lifts her glass to romance readers and writers from her home near Detroit, MI, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and pet rabbit.

Connect with Melanie

Facebook: http://bit.ly/2RPwr51 Amazon: http://amzn.to/1NPkYKs Bookbub: http://bit.ly/36kL7yB Instagram: http://bit.ly/2NW3UtA Pinterest: http://bit.ly/2sVOz55 Facebook Reader Group: https://bit.ly/3mYzBBo Stay up to date with new releases and sign up for Melanie’s mailing list: http://bit.ly/2P7MATT Website: www.melanieharlow.com

Bringing Down the House by AR Casella

08 Tuesday Mar 2022

Posted by in BLOG TOUR, BOOKPROMO

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bringing Down the House, an all new crazy meets gorgeous rom com from USA Today bestselling author A.R. Casella is available now!

Can two anti-heroes save the day…and each other?

Nicole

People think I’m crazy…especially my ex-boyfriends. I prefer the term misunderstood. Still, there’s no denying I have a stunning ability to make bad decisions…like seducing the lead actor of the theater company where I just accepted a job.

An HR job.

In my defense, Damien Mitchell is the most gorgeous man alive, and worse, he’s interesting. Besides, I’m ninety percent sure my new boss up to something shady. Why should I behave if she won’t? I fully intend to find out what she’s doing, but in the meantime I’m reeled in by Damien’s charm, his secrets, and also his problems. Because he isn’t just a fantastic actor at a crappy theater, and—

Well, it’s his secret. But I’m going to help him with it and with saving the theater. Whether he wants me to or not.

***

Damien

I’m the only child of two rich narcissists. I’m used to being alone. I like it.

But Nicole’s not the kind of woman who can be kept at a distance. Worse, I don’t want to stay away. She sets my blood on fire and pisses me off…and makes me feel alive in a way I’d only experienced onstage.

I tell her my secrets. I show her my scars. I let her in.

We’re both screwed up, so there’s every chance we’ll destroy each other, but she’s not the only one who’s prone to bad decisions.

A full-length standalone prequel to the Bad Luck Club series!

Fall in love today! Amazon: https://amzn.to/34NWcgu Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/DownHouse Apple: https://apple.co/3I3A6VC Nook: https://bit.ly/3FnXqLN Kobo: https://bit.ly/3rzjqPh Google Play: https://bit.ly/33yzw2V

Add Bringing Down the House to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3qrr1jv

Excerpt

Nicole “This is the problem with you, Gary,” I say, warming to the topic. “You let other people impose limitations on you. You need to free your mind, Damien’s friend.” Gary opens and closes his mouth a few times, like a fish marooned on shore, and then takes a long sip of his tea. From the way he grimaces, it tastes about as good as it smells, like a licorice candy that’s spent years in someone’s junk drawer. He fires a look at Damien. “Remember what I said to you.” Damien gives a nod. “I remember. Doesn’t mean I agree.” “You’re obviously talking about me,” I say, annoyed. “You could at least be subtle about it. What have I ever done to you, Gary? Is this about the pretzel Goldfish? Because I won’t bend on that. They’re an abomination.” Gary gives me a wary look. “You’re a loose cannon.” “What is this? The Revolutionary War?” “It’s a common phrase,” he says, doubling down. He adjusts the hideous wire-rimmed glasses. “Do you need those glasses? What are your thoughts on contact lenses?” “You’re changing the subject.” I give a haughty sniff. “I don’t feel like talking about the Revolutionary War.” Gary practically growls, turning to look at Damien. “She’s impossible.” Damien smiles a little, amused. “That’s why I like her. Now”—he casts a sideways glance at me, his mouth lifting a little higher, before shifting his gaze back to Gary—“what are your thoughts on contact lenses?” “Screw you,” Gary says, but he looks a little amused at least. That’s Damien for you. He has a weird ability to charm people, and he doesn’t even seem to be fully aware of it. I dart a glance at him. Nah, he knows. “I’m going to make this happen for you,” I tell Gary. “Mark my words. What you do with the date is up to you, but I’m going to get it lined up for you. So long as you get contact lenses and cut your hair. Are you open to cutting your hair? My mom is a hairdresser. She’ll do it for you.” He sighs, and for a second, I think he’s going to make more comments about loose cannons and the comparative non- craziness of Damien’s ex-girlfriend, but instead he just nods. Excitement sparks through me. “You are not going to regret this, Gary.” “I already do. I’m more regret than person at this point, really.”

About A.R. Casella

A.R. CASELLA is a freelance developmental editor by day, writer by night. She lives in Asheville, NC with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and a variable number of fish. Her pastimes include chasing around her toddler, baking delicious treats, and occasional bouts of crocheting. Any Luck at All, co-written with New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank, is her first book.

Connect with A.R. Casella Facebook: https://bit.ly/3gOsV5v Website: https://www.arcasella.com/ Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zhUaQB Instagram: https://bit.ly/35gehAA

error: Content is protected !!