Monday, July 23, 2018

NEW RELEASE BOOK REVIEW: The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland

THE NAKED TRUTH

A Standalone Second Chance Romance Novel

by #1 NY Times Best Selling Author, Vi Keeland
RELEASE DATE: Monday, July 23, 2018


It was just a typical Monday.

Until the big boss asked me to make the pitch for a prospective new client.

After two years on shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed. 

Or so I thought…

Until I walked into the conference room and collided with the man I was supposed to pitch.

My coffee spilled, my files tumbled to the ground, and I almost lost my balance.

And that was the good part of my day.

Because the gorgeous man crouched down and looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive, was none other than my ex, Gray Westbrook.

A man who I’d only just begun to move on from.

A man who my heart despised—yet my body obviously still had other ideas about.

A man who was as charismatic and confident as he was sexy.

Somehow, I managed to make it through my presentation ignoring his intense stare. 

Although it was impossible to ignore all the dirty things he whispered into my ear right after I was done.

But there was no way I was giving him another chance, especially now that he was a client…was there?

PURCHASE YOUR COPY:
Amazon Kindle: https://amzn.to/2LDEeyD
Amazon print: https://amzn.to/2LztVPi

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list and be the first one notified when it goes live! https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Prefer texts? Text the word BOOKS to 77948 and receive an alert when The Naked Truth goes live. (You will only receive new release alerts!)

Join Vi's amazing reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKeelandFanGroup/

BOOK REVIEW: 5 STARS
As always, Vi Keeland has delivered an absolute must-read! Just when I thought this was a lighter book, the rug was taken right from under me.

The first half of the book is mostly spent with us meeting Gray and Layla. We got to see what had happened to them both individually and as a couple and why they were how they were currently.

Then IT happened.

Vi Keeland threw a curveball I sure as hell did not see coming and that surprise shaped the entire second half of the book. The story stopped being light and funny and it became quite the emotional rollercoaster. There were times where my heart physically ached for Gray AND for Layla! Let’s just say, Gray was a GOOD man, dammit, but he and Layla could not catch a break at times.

Anyway, THAT is all I really CAN say and keep this a spoiler-free review.

Do know that you will fall in love with Gray and root for him from the very beginning. You will want him to succeed in every way possible because like I said, he is a GOOD man and not to mention, swoony AF.

What a fantastic read! Truly a 5 star book that I highly recommend you grab!



About the Author:
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over ninety Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all!


Wednesday, July 18, 2018

SNEAK PEEK: The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland


THE NAKED TRUTH
A Standalone Second Chance Romance Novel
by #1 NY Times Best Selling Author, Vi Keeland
RELEASE DATE: Monday, July 23, 2018



It was just a typical Monday.


Until the big boss asked me to make the pitch for a prospective new client.

After two years on shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed. 

Or so I thought…

Until I walked into the conference room and collided with the man I was supposed to pitch.

My coffee spilled, my files tumbled to the ground, and I almost lost my balance.

And that was the good part of my day.

Because the gorgeous man crouched down and looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive, was none other than my ex, Gray Westbrook.

A man who I’d only just begun to move on from.

A man who my heart despised—yet my body obviously still had other ideas about.

A man who was as charismatic and confident as he was sexy.

Somehow, I managed to make it through my presentation ignoring his intense stare. 

Although it was impossible to ignore all the dirty things he whispered into my ear right after I was done.

But there was no way I was giving him another chance, especially now that he was a client…was there?

PRE-ORDER LINKS:
Amazon print: https://amzn.to/2Lwf84D
Audio pre-order: https://amzn.to/2NYUa03

Goodreads giveaway: http://smarturl.it/lu0b99

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list and be the first one notified when it goes live! https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Prefer texts? Text the word BOOKS to 77948 and receive an alert when The Naked Truth goes live. (You will only receive new release alerts!)

Join Vi's amazing reading group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ViKeelandFanGroup/



“May I get you something to drink while you wait for the rest of your party?” the waiter asked.

I would normally wait to see what the client did and follow his lead on alcohol. But tonight was not the norm.

I rubbed at my stiff neck. “I’ll take a vodka cranberry, please.”

I hoped it would help calm my nerves and release some of the tension in my jaw before I gave myself a full-blown headache. Taking out my phone, I started to scroll through emails to distract myself while waiting for my drink and dinner companion.

My head whipped up at the sound of Gray’s voice behind me. “Sorry I’m late.”

My heart unexpectedly fluttered, and I fought against the feeling of excitement. “Are you really? Because I get the sense you don’t have any manners after the way you interrupted me a million times today.”

He completely ignored my attitude as he took the seat across from me. “Traffic is a bitch getting downtown at this time. Next time we’ll have dinner at my place.”

“There won’t be a next time.”

Gray’s mouth curved into a smug smile as he snagged my gaze. “Sure there will. There’ll be plenty of next times. And eventually you’ll stop pretending you don’t enjoy my company.”

I hated that my body reacted to him. Right from the very start, we’d had a crazy chemistry between us that was difficult to dull.

I sighed. “What are you doing, Gray? Why did you come to my firm?”

He lifted the cloth napkin in front of him and laid it across his lap. “Isn’t that obvious? I need new legal representation.”

“At my firm? And you’d prefer that representation come from an associate instead of my boss’s boss—the head of our securities division? Or even from Pittman, who would gladly hold your hand and provide you whatever legal advice you need from his fifty-plus years of experience?”

“Loyalty is important to me. I want someone I can trust with my business.”

“And you’ve decided that’s me? An associate with five years experience who just got off probation with the Bar Association for violating attorney-client privilege?”

The waiter arrived with my drink. “Here you go, ma’am.” He turned to Gray. “May I get you something to drink? Or would you like to wait until the last of your party joins you this evening?”

“It’s just the two of us. I’ll have a Macallan, neat, please.”

“Coming right up.” The waiter walked around to the other side of the table and started to remove the third place setting.

I put my hand out, stopping him. “We actually do have another party coming, so you can leave that.”

“Very well.” He nodded.

Gray waited until the waiter was out of earshot. “I didn’t invite anyone else to dinner.”

I sipped my drink and offered a saccharine-sweet fake smile. “I did. Figured an important client like you should have more than one attorney to answer his questions.”

Just as I set down my glass, I saw the other man I was waiting to enter the restaurant. He scanned the room, looking for me, so I held up my hand and waved.

“Perfect timing. There’s Oliver now.”

Gray glanced at the man heading toward us and back to me. Instead of being pissed off, the jerk was amused. “That’s cute. You invited a chaperone because you don’t trust yourself with me.”


About the Author:
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over ninety Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all!


BOOK REVIEW: Incognito by Stori Summers


INCOGNITO by Stori Summers is LIVE!

AVAILABLE NOW! 
AMAZON US | AMAZON INT. | B&N | KOBO

Southern Born Billionaire Book One


Alexandra Conrad runs Big Pines Marina, a southern hotspot for families and people who love to fish, enjoy the water, and spend time outdoors. Proud to see her family’s legacy thriving under her leadership, romance isn’t on Alexandra’s schedule. 

Dressed in blue jeans and his lucky fishing hat, Thorn Brooks doesn’t look like your typical billionaire. When he meets Alexandra at Big Pines Marina, he is immediately drawn to her. He loves the fact she has no reason to believe he is nothing more than your average guy who loves the outdoors.

Alexandra finds herself falling for Thorn, a guy who showed up in a junk truck with the fanciest fishing boat at the marina claiming to be a handyman. There is more to him than what he’s telling her and she is determined to find out who he really is. 

Will his lies be a deal breaker? Or will all the crazy and funny behavior add up to the happily ever after Alexandra’s always dreamed about?


AVAILABLE NOW! AMAZON US | AMAZON INT.  | B&N | KOBO

BOOK REVIEW: 5 STARS
What a pleasant surprise. I absolutely LOVED this book. From the author’s writing style to the characters to the story, everything was amazing! Quite the page-turner!

Thorn and Alexandra’s story isn’t one that I can say “I’ve heard before” and I truly enjoyed that.

Meeting wasn’t planned or expected, but it was surely destined! Both business owners and in the same field, more or less, it was bound to happen. The way it did, however, was perfect.

Thorne wanted some downtime from the craziness that his job added to his life, so he decided to stay at a hotel away from the city. Coincidentally, a hotel (marina and so much more) owned by Alexandra. What started off as an escape, turned into the rest of his life...because you know, fate.

I found myself giggling at some of the remarks in the book. And the things that happened to Thorne? LOL! Sometimes I felt like he couldn’t catch a break!

The secondary characters really added some sass too, let me tell ya! Rosa, especially, had me laughing out loud more times than not.

And Joy — oh my goodness, bless her heart!!!!!! (Said with the full southern meaning behind it, of course, LOL!) That woman could not take a hint! Sweet Lord Jesus, she drove me insane.

Anyway, as the story progressed, I felt anxious knowing that shit would hit the fan soon, and man, the anticipation was killing me! The secrets, oh my!! I needed to know how it would all unfold, so I found myself glued to my kindle, reading...until I was done.

I am happy to report that Stori Summers has gained a fan!!! I truly enjoyed this book so, so, so much!!! Will definitely be checking out the rest of the upcoming books in the series and anything she’s published. FIVE STARS!!


EXCERPT
She moved her hand from my shoulder and slid it down my chest. I thought she was going to push me back. I slid my hand down her back wanting to pull her closer, but I resisted knowing I’d probably already pushed her to her limit.

I could kiss your sweet mouth all night, and I would love every second.

She drew back, her hand still on my chest. Alexandra looked up at me and I could see a mixture of emotion in her eyes. “What is it?”

“So many people come and go. I can’t just—”

“If this thing between us turns to something more, you won’t be able to get rid of me,” I said realizing as the words came spilling out of my mouth that they were much more forthcoming than I’d intended them to be.

I was afraid for a moment that I’d probably just scared her away. Instead, she grabbed the front of my shirt and pulled me close. “Then I guess the only thing to do is give this a real shot,” she said as my arms wrapped around her.

Alexandra’s lean arms crossed at the back of my neck as she pulled me in closer. The soft curve of her breasts pushed against my chest making my body ache to feel her against my skin in a way that I couldn’t ever remember feeling before.

Everywhere her body touched mine came alive.

My tongue delved into her open mouth. I let out a groan as I tasted her deeply, gathering her even closer to me. She couldn’t possibly know how much she was undoing me with her kiss.

She drew on my tongue with her mouth in a sweet suction that made my already hard shaft throb with need.


MEET THE AUTHOR:
I was born in the southern United States in 1975. My family moved around so often that Anywhere, USA became home; as long as it was below the Mason Dixon line. I started college at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, but after three semesters decided I lacked the desire to follow the daily routine and strict schedule required to be a successful college student. I was a wild card...an ADHD poster child.

One day I realized that my life had been scattered, and in that moment I could suddenly, and clearly see the results of a life that held no sense of direction. It was my life, and a life that embarrassed me because of my lack of accomplishments. With different careers and life experiences littering my past, I turned to the one thing I had always been good at...being creative.

I was good at thinking up exciting tales which was a result of always wanting to be more and live a bigger life. I was a dreamer with a large imagination. I decided that it is never too late, and life was too short to not leave something behind for others. For the first time, writing made me feel accomplished. All my scattered thoughts and meandering paths that I had traveled suddenly made sense. Though my experiences didn't lead to any great accomplishments in my younger years, they are now finding their place in the characters of my stories. 

I am very excited to offer bits and pieces of my life experiences, fantasies, and observations to you in the form of words on a page. I am loosely woven through the pages of my books and I look forward to meeting you there.



Wednesday, May 30, 2018

COVER REVEAL: The Naked Truth by Vi Keeland

            A Standalone Second Chance Romance Novel          
               By: #1 NY Times Best Selling Author, Vi Keeland
      RELEASE DATE: Monday, July 23, 2018


Synopsis:


It was just a typical Monday.

Until the big boss asked me to make the pitch for a prospective new client.

After two years on shaky ground at work because of my screw up, an opportunity to impress the senior partners was just what I needed. 

Or so I thought…

Until I walked into the conference room and collided with the man I was supposed to pitch.

My coffee spilled, my files tumbled to the ground, and I almost lost my balance.

And that was the good part of my day.

Because the gorgeous man crouched down and looking at me like he wanted to eat me alive, was none other than my ex, Gray Westbrook.

A man who I’d only just begun to move on from.

A man who my heart despised—yet my body obviously still had other ideas about.

A man who was as charismatic and confident as he was sexy.

Somehow, I managed to make it through my presentation ignoring his intense stare. 

Although it was impossible to ignore all the dirty things he whispered into my ear right after I was done.

But there was no way I was giving him another chance, especially now that he was a client…was there?


Photo/Cover Details:
Photo Credits: Mondadori Portfolio/Paolo Stella
                              ARTeProduction/Jonathan Segade
Model: Simone Bredariol - Dmen - www.dmanagementgroup.com
Cover Designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative


**Watch out for a special excerpt sneak peak of The Naked Truth on July 18th!!**

PURCHASE LINKS:
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2H1t8k0
Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kuv7V6

**No Amazon ebook preorder. Will go live on Amazon on release day.**

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list and/or text alerts now and be the first one notified when it goes live! https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5  -  Text the word BOOKS to 77948.


About the Author:
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over ninety Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Sign up for Vi’s mailing list: https://www.subscribepage.com/i6h3o5

Do you like texts better than email? Receive text notices of Vi’s new releases by texting the word BOOKS to 77948 You will ONLY receive a text when a new book goes live - no other messages at all!


Monday, February 19, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Cross by USA Today bestseller, D.A. Roach: YA Fantasy


Congratulations to USA TODAY Bestselling Author D.A. Roach on the release of her latest YA Fantasy novel, CROSS! 

Ray Cross wasn’t a hero; he could die too easily. But some things are worth risking death...

Ray Cross was born with a genetic disorder, resulting in a fragile body; his organs and blood vessels will rupture with any hard impact, so standing up to his best friend's controlling boyfriend could kill him.

Ray's life in Midland, MI gets decimated when his parents reveal they are not his real parents and his real father, a king from a secret land hidden in the far north of Canada, is dying and wishes to meet his son.

With his doctor and newly-met twin, Ray travels to the forgotten village of Yardis, where magic, myth, and corruption are abundant. But the longer Ray stays in the village learning the truth of his past and reconnecting with his father, King Vintras, the more he discovers an evil force threatening the king and his village.

But there’s more than the king and a village tied to Yardis and Ray. He finds friendship and more from a band of brothers who are part witch, dragon, and healer. With new alliances and new abilities, Ray wars with himself on playing it safe or risking it all to save the ones he loves.

Can Ray rise above his fragile disorder to become the hero for once in his life?

ADD TO GOODREADS: 

PURCHASE YOUR COPY:
AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON AU | AMAZON CA | iTUNES | GOOGLE BOOKS

REVIEW: 5 STARS
D.A. Roach has the ability and talent to create a world that sucks you in right from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the very last one.

This was a truly FANTASTIC YA novel. Whether you enjoy this genre or haven’t read it yet, this book is a must. 

I absolutely loved Ray’s character (Cross). Going from a “normal” life to discovering he’s really the son of a King AND he’s got a twin brother he never knew about?? Talk about a life-changing afternoon! But even more than his cool life, I loved his easy-going attitude! His quirky comments made me laugh more than once and I also admired how despite his condition, he spoke his mind and did what he believed to be right...always. (I may or may not have squealed when Lauren and him kissed...just saying!)

Yes, there’s a romantic flame burning in the background, but this book is so much more. Once at Yardis, Ray and newly discovered brother, Torin, discover the truth behind who they really were and everything that had happened throughout the years to the village and its people. Curses, powers, barriers, forbidden romances...oh my!!! 

Seriously, GRAB THIS BOOK. If you want to dive into an amazing world that will truly have you glued to the pages, this is the book you want. D.A. Roach truly delivered a must read!!! FIVE STARS!!


WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CROSS:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
 ❝One of the best YA Books I have read in a long time. a fast read. Love all of the characters.I could see alot more coming from these Characters.I will recommend this book to all of my friends and book club. If you have never read anything by D.A. Roach. Give her a try. You will not be sorry.❞

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 
❝One of the best YA Books I have read in a long time.❞

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
 ❝If you love fantasy or just want a change in your reading genre then this is a fantastic quick book to escape reality from.❞


MEET THE AUTHOR:
D.A. Roach is a USA Today Bestselling author who has been telling stories since she was a young girl in the suburbs of Chicago. D.A. did not find a love for books until after college. Her parents were immigrants from Lithuania and found tv and radio easier ways to hear stories so they did not do much reading or encourage it. But once she finished college and D.A. had free time, she discovered how amazing it was to get lost in a story.

D.A. is a full time mom and wife. When she is not doing domestic things (laundry, bills, etc) she is writing, reading, creating mixed media art, advocating for a rare disorder, and gardening. Oh, and she is ALWAYS listening to music. Her favorite authors include Rebecca Donovan, Richelle Mead, Larissa Ione, Stephanie Meyer, E.L. James, and Nicole Williams. Reading great works from authors like these has motivated D.A. to write her own stories. She hopes to make positive changes in the world with her art and writing.

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”
― George Bernard Shaw


HOSTED BY:

Monday, February 5, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Follow Me Back by A.L. Jackson



Follow Me Back 
The next seductive, unforgettable stand-alone romance in the FIGHT FOR ME series from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson . . .



The next seductive, unforgettable stand-alone romance in the FIGHT FOR ME series from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson . . .

Kale Bryant. Arrogant. Gorgeous. Commanding.

This ER doctor is married to his job. His only vice is one-night stands and short-lived flings. He learned a long time ago loving someone isn’t worth the risk.

Harley Hope Masterson. Beautiful. Brave. Sweet.

The owner of a small coffee shop knows what it’s like to struggle. Embroiled in a bitter divorce, she’s threatened with losing everything.

When Kale accepts a new position down the street from Hope’s shop, he begins to question every wall he’s built around his heart.

He wants her in a way he hasn’t wanted anyone.

One touch is fire.
One kiss, and he’s spinning out of control.
But taking her won’t come without consequences.

Hope is in for the fight of her life. One neither of them saw coming.
Now Kale must decide if loving her is worth risking it all.
She will fight with everything she has.

But sometimes even hope needs a hero . . .

REVIEW: 5 STARS
Ever since meeting Kale in the previous installments, I was intrigued. I loved seeing him interact with Rex’s kids and loved how much he loved them. I knew he was always family-oriented despite letting his past get the best of his present.

This book was more emotional than anything. Evan, that sweet, sweet little boy walked right into my heart. I was so scared for him the entire time and my heart was constantly breaking!

Hope was an AMAZING mother. So, so, SO strong!!!! She and Evan were in many ways what Kale was terrified of, but exactly what he needed to face in order to start living again. Fate is an amazing thing...

This book—gosh, THIS BOOK. Get it. Experience it. Fall in love with not only a set of phenomenal character but an epic story.

FIVE STARS.



Kindle Fire HD 8 + Show Me the Way & Hunt Me Down Signed Copies + $25 Amazon GC Giveaway 



A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, and BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for A.L. Jackson’s upcoming novel, FOLLOW ME BACK, the second stand-alone novel in her brand-new FIGHT FOR ME SERIES.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson - Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.

Connect with A.L.

Facebook: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonPage
Reader Group: http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonAmzn
Bookbub: http://smarturl.it/ALJacksonBookbub
Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor
Snapchat: @aljacksonauthor

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Don't Be Afraid by CA Harms, Contemporary Romance

DON'T BE AFRAID by CA Harms
A Second Chance Contemporary Romance


Have you ever looked at someone and just knew,
knew that they were put in your life for a reason?
The one person that would be not only your best friend,
but would be your absolute everything?

That’s how I felt the first time I saw him.

That one day when a few little words changed our entire lives forever…

Don’t be Afraid, he said.

Life can change so quickly.

One moment you can be smiling and feeling as if you're walking on clouds and the next, everything you love, everything you treasure crumbles at your feet.

I told him to fight, I told him I needed him.
We needed him.
But there are just some fights that can't be won…

He was my angel then, and he’s still my angel now.
In a way, I believe he’s still looking out for us, giving us a future.
Sometimes it’s as if I can still feel his presence,
guiding us and keeping us safe.

So, I won’t be Afraid.
I'll live. I’ll fight.
It’s what he would have wanted.
I’ll do it for him…

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/DontBeAfraidTBR
PURCHASE: KINDLE (Available on KU!)

REVIEW: *6* STARS!!!!
OH. MY. GOSH. This book has ruined me in the best way possible. 

The rumors were true. You NEED TISSUES for this one. Tons and tons of tissues. I cried practically the whole time! For sure I cried the entire first 70% of this book consecutively. Then, even as I felt my shattered heart healing, I still cried!

Patrick. God, what a MAN. Seriously. I still feel like crying just thinking of him!!! He was PERFECT. Everything he did for Sawyer and his daughter... From housework to the letters!!!! OMG. *sigh* My heart...... THE FEELS, you guys!! THE FEELS.

Then, we also had Gage, Patrick’s best friend. So understanding, patient, kind, and LOVING. Now, of course, I NEED a romantic HEA in my books so I was super happy to see Gage and Sawyer find comfort in each other. C A Harms developed this slow burn flawlessly. They had so much to work through and it all went at the perfect pace. The guilt they felt was understandable and seeing them work through it, seeing them open up that side of them that was in many ways broken was beautiful.

Guys, seriously, READ THIS BOOK.

An emotional, heart-shattering book that will have you smiling and sighing with content by the time you’re done reading.

A top 2018 Favorite.
SIX STARS!!


EXCERPT:
I sat in the darkness with my legs curled up in the chair, my body shielded by the large blanket I had wrapped around me. I’d thought of going to bed a long time ago, but instead, I was listening to the Pat’s breathing patterns.

This was his third night sleeping in the hospital bed in the center of our living room, and though he hated it, I knew it was easier for him to sleep on than our old worn out couch.

Each night after he’d fallen asleep, I tried to go to bed, but I eventually found myself back in the living room, watching him and listening to his breathing. I guess I needed it for my piece of mind. Though his breaths were weak and labored, I still needed to be able to hear them. I think in some weird way it was comforting.

When he was asleep he wasn’t angry or fighting to push people away. He was just peaceful. I needed to see him this way, I guess, because the hard times were beginning to drown out those happy memories and each day I found it more and more difficult to hold myself together.

The room was dark, save for the illumination from the light above the sink in the kitchen. The gentle hum of the refrigerator was the only other sound. I’m not sure at what point I allowed myself to fall asleep, but I was jolted awake by the sound of his raspy voice filtering through the darkness.

“Sawyer.”

I sat up straight and the cover slipped from my shoulders as I leaned forward, looking him over from head to toe. My heart raced as the thought of being here alone with him when something catastrophic happened. The moment my eyes reached his, I found him staring back at me.

“Is everything okay?” He shook his head, and my heart seized in my chest. I stood and walked toward his bed, my hands shaking as I did my best to stay in control of my fears. “What hurts?”

He lifted his hand and rested it over his heart.

I stared at him in confusion.

“I’m sorry.” I could sense whatever it was on his mind was hard for him to face as his eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “Please don’t hate me.”

Suddenly it was hard to breathe.

“Why would I hate you?” I took his hand and offered a gentle squeeze. “I could never hate you, Patrick.”

“I’ve been such an ass and knowing this, but unable to control it breaks me.”

“You’re going through so much,” I said as I sat on the edge of his bed.

“So are you.”

I closed my eyes for only a moment when he ran his fingers through my hair that hung loose over my shoulders. “I’ve allowed the fear to consume me and gave it the power to make me forget what I have. I’m just scared.”

I opened my eyes, and his cheeks were wet from the tears he tried to control.

“I’m so scared of everything I’m gonna miss. I’m scared of not being here to protect you an Abigail.” He took in a shuddering breath. “I don’t want you to be alone, Sawyer.”


MEET THE AUTHOR:
C.A. Harms is like any other addicted reader. She enjoys happy endings and HEA love stories. She hasn't always been a lover of Romance and had once been addicted to a good Mystery. Just recently she has taken on a new liking and now is a full blown Romance novel addict.

She lives in Illinois and enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. You will always find her with her kindle or paperback in hand as it is her favorite pass time.