✯Review✯Needing Him(Bishop Brothers #2) by Kennedy Fox

   

   

Evan Bishop is your typical hotshot doctor. Hardass, brooding, and all business. Instead of working on the family ranch, Evan broke the mold and became an ER doctor. He’s good with his hands—in more ways than one—smart as a whip and is the definition of God’s gift to women. Being a gentleman is in his Southern roots, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t flawed. Exclusive dating has never been a top priority and his tragic past makes him stay at arm’s length. Deciding to let loose for a wild night, he takes a page from the Bishop brother’s relationship book and hooks up with a mysterious girl he’ll never have to see again, which is perfect for this self-proclaimed bachelor. Emily Bell is a city girl through and through but is determined to get away from her family and past. All she wants is a fresh start and to make a name for herself in the medical field. No random hookups and no dating coworkers—that’s her new motto after being burned time and again. When she agrees to attend a wedding as a plus-one, she’s soon ditched and left to drink solo—but not for long. Mr. Suit is the ultimate temptation with his Southern charm, messy blond hair, and irresistible sex appeal. Everything about him screams bad news, but he makes her reconsider her rules just for one night. After all, some rules are made to be broken. They want the same thing—one night of passion then they’ll go their separate ways. No cuddling afterward. No next day phone calls. No awkward goodbyes. Too bad the universe has other plans—one that’ll be obvious when they report to work on Monday morning.
*A contemporary romance with a little Southern drama. This is book 2 in the Bishop Brothers series. Each book features a different brother and can be read as a complete standalone. HEA guaranteed!* Not suitable for readers under 18 due to adult language and sexual content.    

✯✯5 Exploding Stars!!!✯✯

I’ve been in love with the Bishop siblings since we met Courtney and I was stoked when I found out her brothers were getting their own series. First was Alex and now Ethan. 

After Emily found her boyfriend cheating on her in the on-call room at the hospital they work at she snapped. She took their clothes and left. 

Emily moved a few hours away to a new town, new hospital and a new fresh start. The only person she knows is her best friend Kiera. Emily’s starting her new job in a few days but Kiera drags her to her friends wedding. 

While at the wedding she meets so many new people that her minds boggling. Emily finds herself flirting with one of the groomsmen. Emily gives a fake now expecting to never see him again. But, she wakes up the next morning with him laying next to her. Emily freaks bc she can’t remember his name. But, she’s pretty sure he’s the groomsmen who is married to the grooms sister. Emily does what she does best. She takes his clothes and run it’s not like she’ll ever see him again. 

Evan’s the only one of his brothers to not work on the family business. His parents own the ranch and the B&B but Evan decided to follow his heart. Evan is a Dr and working at the ranch on his days off. The Bishop brothers don’t do relationships. Evan was hooked to the mysterious girl at his brother Alex wedding. For the first time ever he told himself when he wakes up he’s not going to say thanks bye, but get her number. Except he wakes up and both the girl and his clothes are missing. 

While at work Evan is introduced to the new Dr starting there. Dr. Bell and Evan is shocked to see it’s the mysterious girl and he’s shocked to hear that Emily is her name. Evan’s seeing red and he’s her boss. Evan plans on showing her whose boss and making her life hell in the process. One minute Emily’s trying to explain to him why she did what she did and the next she’s testing his boundaries and making it hard to stay away from her. 

Holy hell this was one smoking hot read!! I’ve always loved enemies-to-lovers reads but this one lol no joke is prob my favorite one yet. Not just bc of Evan and Emily but the Bishop brothers are hysterical. I can’t tell you which one of them is funnier. Jackson is def the ball buster out of them. 

It’s not all about them going back and forth the whole book. Emily’s past has followed her and Evan takes off his doctors cape and put on his Superman/Batman/ cape and Thor hammer and goes into protection mode. 

If you thought the epilogue in Taming Him was crazy. OMFG just wait bc my jaw dropped and holy sh!t I’m dying for what’s next. 

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    I caved.   Fuck me. I caved, and now he thinks he’s in control and God’s gift to the world.   Fucking great.   I won’t let him manipulate me with sex. He must not be that smart if he thinks that’s actually going to work. I said those things in the heat of the moment and because I really needed to fucking come, but that doesn’t mean I meant it. Hell, I would’ve told him the sky was purple if that meant he’d give me what I needed.   Regardless, that was really damn hot. The way I yelled at him, and he yelled back, and then we just attacked each other. Every moment of our first night together has replayed in my head since it happened, but now… angry Evan is the one who will haunt me in my dreams. Angry Evan is hot and demanding and knows just how to tease the fuck out of me. I almost hate him for it. Except I could never hate a man who knows how to worship my body like he does.   But God, does he really have to be such a controlling asshole?   I scoop my scrubs and shoes off the floor and adjust my just-fucked hair. Once my top is on, I search for my panties. When I don’t find them on the floor, I shake out my scrub bottoms, but they aren’t there either. What the fuck?   Panic starts to surface at the realization that I lost my damn panties. Shit, shit, shit.   My pager beeps, and it’s painfully obvious I’m going to have to put my pants on without them. Quickly, I finish getting dressed and push my shoes on before grabbing my lab coat and the soiled shirt and flying out the door.   I throw Evan’s shirt in the trash before anyone can see me and ask questions.   Rushing to the nurses’ station for an update, I look around but don’t see any commotion or people scrambling like normal. “What’s going on? You paged me?” I ask, trying to catch my breath.   Fiona looks at me like I’ve gone crazy. She swallows and lowers her eyes before bringing them back up to look at me. She witnessed the heated argument back in the trauma room, and now she looks uncomfortable as hell. “Dr. Bishop asked me to page you. He wanted me to tell you that your break is over and to get back to work.” I can tell she’s uneasy delivering the news, but that doesn’t stop the anger from brewing inside me.   The vein in my forehead is about to burst, but I remind myself to play it cool. For all they knew, Evan sent me on the break to calm down, and now I’m the one looking like a slacker.   “Okay. Thanks.” I pinch my lips together to prevent any further words from spewing out of me. No one can know that Evan and I are…whatever the hell we are. Considering I came to this hospital to make a name for myself all on my own, the last thing I need is people thinking I sleep my way to the top.   Crap.   “Dr. Bell,” Evan barks from the other side of the room. He’s holding a pile of charts in his hands that are no doubt from the huge fire incident that just unfolded.   Taking a deep breath, I put my lab coat on and dig my stethoscope from the pocket and wrap it around my neck. We have to act impartially to each other publicly, but hell, I didn’t realize how hard it’d be now that we’re together.   “Yes, Dr. Bishop?”   He doesn’t even look up at me when I approach him, and I hate that it irritates me.   “I need you on beds seven through fifteen until the next shift rotation, then finish these charts before you leave.” His head tilts up, his lips in a firm line as he piles the stack in my arms. “I also need an update on the Brauer kids once an hour.”   Swallowing, I adjust the charts in my arms to prevent them from falling. I won’t let my pride get in the way of doing my job, and if charts are what I need to do right now, then I won’t make a scene. At least not in front of everyone. However, once we’re alone, I’m going to give him a piece of my mind for treating me like a damn intern again.   “Absolutely. Anything else, sir?” My tone is laced with fake sweetness, and he doesn’t flinch a beat at it.   “Yes, actually.” He takes a step forward and dips his head until his mouth hovers over my ear. “Make sure those charts are done correctly before you leave. I’ll be looking through them extensively.”   “Of course.” I grind my teeth, wishing I could give him a piece of my mind right now.   “And since I know you’re going commando, I won’t ask you to perform any oral procedures.” He winks before walking away, making my blood boil.   That asshole stole my panties!    

Brooke Cumberland & Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up to write under the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. They share a love of You’ve Got Mail and The Holiday. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make your lady bits tingle and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you! Keep up with all their social media platforms for updates & info!

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✯Release w/Giveaway✯Damage by Jennifer Vester

Damage (Lakefield Book 5) by Jennifer Vester

Genre: Romance Mystery Suspense

Release Date: April 24th, 2018

Cover Design: www.PremadeEbookCoverShop.com

What if the pivotal moment in your life, hinged upon all the events that happened in your past?

Suzanne had survived, had endured. At least that’s what she told herself. So many mistakes littered her life, and she was determined not to repeat them.

Living in Lakefield, with the memories of a man she loved and lost hanging over her, she decides to embark on a new life. It’s a choice that will put a series of events in motion, that could ultimately save her or break her.

When she meets a man who isn't who he says he is, her reality is suddenly altered, and nothing is quite what she thought it was. Everything in both of their lives will dramatically change.

Fighting against their pasts and a determined killer, two people that thought they knew what defined them, will have to rethink what they know about themselves and each other.

With love and their future on the line, they’ll have to find a way to survive the maniac that’s working to destroy them.

Available exclusively in Kindle Unlimited!

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Oliva wouldn't say she was paranoid. Maybe she read a few too many books on true crime, but it was all in the name of solid research. She was comfortable and cautious after a tragic event in her past. It worked for her.

At least it had, until she met Aiden Latimer. He was tall, muscular and did that eyebrow arch thing like a pro. The billionaire spotted her, and her life has been anything but comfortable ever since.

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He was bossy and annoying. He even has a problem with her cussing. He's done his own research on her and she's convinced he even bugged her house.

​

She wasn't prepared for her attraction to him, much less his ardent attention. Their worlds seemed so far apart that she was ready to end it on day one.

​

But things never go quite like you plan with an alpha male type.

​

Now, she's being bossed around by Aiden, trying not to get into trouble with her best friend and dealing with a psycho, stalker ex-boyfriend!

​

The question is, when things finally do hit the fan, will she face her fears or run?

**Full-length standalone romance. 67,000+ words. No cheating, or cliffhangers with a Happily Ever After!

GET YOUR COPY HERE

It was inevitable that Julia would run into Holden Saunders again. The one person she dreaded seeing and wanted to see the most.

He was still as gorgeous as the first time they had met. Muscular, tall, with his golden brown eyes that said more than what he spoke. They're opposites in so many ways. He was closed off, and so utterly irritating the last time she was around him. He was rude and bossy but the one man she had been dreaming about for the last year.

Now that she's back in Lakefield, Julia is getting to know the real Holden. He's resorting to blackmail, physical dominance and isn't listening to her protests. He's the one that tempts her with his vulgar mouth and makes her body sing like no other man.

She can't decide whether to punch him or kiss him. Maybe both.

They're up against stalkers, the media, and a lot of bizarre circumstances as she makes a decision about her music career.

But he's making his intent crystal clear: he’ll protect her, possess her, and make her beg.

Everyone hides something. Julia should know. She's been trying to hide from her past for the last year. But this troublesome, mischievous man, may not let her hide any longer.

**Full-length standalone romance. 70,000+ words. No cheating, or cliffhangers with a Happily Ever After! Suggested 18+.

GET YOUR COPY HERE

Everyone has their breaking point.

Kaitlyn has had a crush on Dr. Logan Matthews for months. His dark hair, blue eyes and fit body are just some of the reasons why he's the perfect guy.

The problem is he seems to want nothing to do with Kaitlyn. When they have bumped into each other, he's gruff, overbearing and he seems to cause the worst luck for her.

Until one day when everything seems to go unnaturally wrong in her life.

Now he's sending naughty pictures, playing with her, and acting more interested than ever. Although her friends find the encounters they've had funny and her best friend tells her to just have fun, there's something confusing about his attention.

He says they're just being friendly but they're moving into the "more than friendly" zone. Everything should be great. Right?

Things aren't always what people see on the surface. The greatest obstacles they face may be the ones that neither of them see coming.

**Full-length standalone romance. 67,000+ words. No cheating, or cliffhangers with a Happily Ever After!

GET YOUR COPY HERE

Andi had it all figured out.

She had a sweet job for the summer working at a luxury hotel and her brother was happy. That's all she really needed and that's all she wanted to focus on.

Her horrible past was way behind her and she was making a better life for them both. Even if it was built on a lie, it was better than the one they had. She gave up chasing her dreams long ago.

She would keep their secret. To protect her brother. To protect herself.

Then he showed up.

He's out to catch a criminal and asking for her help.

Brock, the genius -- He wasn't modest about it.

Brock, the incredibly inquisitive -- He wasn't going to give up.

Brock, the guy with the GQ looks and bad boy reputation -- He wasn't denying it.

He was asking for the truth about her past that she couldn't give. If she told him it could risk everything.

But Brock is in this to win and it's hard to deny those stormy green eyes and kinky whispers in her ear. Chasing her seems to be his new priority and he's playing dirty. If he caught her what would he do?

He may be digging into Andi's life but this controlling and complex alpha male has some secrets of his own.

Lies and secrets. Everyone told them and had them. How far would they go to keep them?

**Full-length standalone romance. 80,000+ words. No cheating or cliffhangers with a Happily Ever After!

GET YOUR COPY HERE

Jennifer Vester is a romance author whose ambition is to entertain readers with off-beat female characters and the over-the-top alpha men that love them.

Her books revolve around romantic suspense with a little something for every reader. Always an HEA....(but look out for those twists!)

Jennifer grew up in Amarillo, located in the panhandle of Texas. She currently resides in Dallas, Texas with her husband. She went to college in Amarillo and Colorado Springs for studies in art. She enjoys reading a lot of romance (of course), but also reads biographies, history, classic literature, poetry, mystery and true crime.

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She writes in her spare time, frequently burns food, loves dark beer, watches football and has a cookie addiction.

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✯Review✯Too Much Information(Awkward Love #3) by Missy Johnson

Title: Too Much Information

Series: Awkward Love #3

Author: Missy Johnson

Genre: Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2018

Blurb

We've all been there.

One minute, you're sprawled out on your bed, minding our own business and the next you're lying in the back seat of your best friend's car as she races you to the ER.

And not the closest one either.

No. You're headed to the one fifty miles farther out, because the one five minutes away is where you start your residency next week.

So there you are, lying in cubical nine, hoping like hell that the doctor about to examine you isn't young, sexy or male.

Of course he's all three.

Telling him about the clitmaster7000 I have lodged inside me is by far the single most embarrassing moment of my life.

Discovering he's my brother's new roommate is even worse.

✯✯4 Vibrating Stars!!!✯✯

Third times a charm is for sure. I read the previous two books and liked them. But, no joke this book is legit my favorite!!!! 

Laura’s getting ready to start her residency at a new hospital in a week. The past few years her life has revolved around her career, so dating has taken a backseat. Her best friend Becca got her a gift card for an adult store and when she finds it she decides what can go wrong. But, Laura is kinda on the shy side so she buys the smallest thing she can find. 

When Laura gets her package it takes her less then 5 minutes to get herself in one huge predicament that she can’t get herself out of. Laura calls Becca to take her to a hospital far away from the hospital closest to her where she’s starting her residency at. 

Laura might’ve requested a female Dr. but in walks the hottest, finest guy she’s ever seen. And, he just so happens to be the ER Dr on duty and available. With no other choice she needs him to relieve her of her not so little problem. Laura’s just glad she’ll never have to see him again. 

Luke goes to his friend Matt’s house for dinner. He’s finally back after being gone for a bit. Imagine Luke’s surprise when Matt’s sister walks in. She’s the lady in cubicle 9 whose been replaying on a nonstop loop since she left the ER. She’s definitely not happy to see him and let’s him know about it. It’s not helping that he can’t stop the comments coming out of his mouth. He’s nervous and trying to make her laugh and instead it’s just pissing her off. He’s shocked to learn they’re both starting at the same hospital on Monday. 

Luke’s been staying at Matt’s house until his place is ready. But, Luke’s wife is about to give birth to their first child and her parents are coming to town. Matt insisted on him not staying in s hotel but rather he go stay with Laura. Matt is such a smooth talker and getting what he wants because Laura didn’t have a chance at saying no. But, she’s not going to take it easy on him. 

Laura doesn’t pretend to like Luke. It’s not even that she doesn’t like him, it’s that every time she looks at Luke she’s brought right back to the most horrifying moment of her life and it’s on replay. Luke wants a chance to just go back to the dinner at Matt’s house and not put his foot in his mouth. When they’re locked out on the roof of the hospital they’re stuck together. Once Luke apologized Laura realizes they have a lot in common. Their friendship starts from there. But, so do other feelings and it’s on from there. 

These two were so hot! I mean oh-em-gee panty wetting hot. Laura made my heartbreak multiple times. I totally understood why she didn’t tell Luke and I was glad he handled it the way he did. Luke’s totally in my top book boyfriend list of 2018! 

I loved the secondary characters of this story as well. Laura’s brother Matt and her best friend Becca. Yeah she reminds me of myself and let’s say I’m beyond stoked she’s getting an Awkward Love story of her own. 

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Excerpt

Becca pounds on the door just as orgasm number six tapers off. I can barely move by this point, but I made it to the door to unlock it before number six and that’s the main thing. Now all I need is for her to get this thing out of me.

“It’s me,” she calls out. “Are you going to let me in?”

“It’s open,” I manage to get out.

She walks in, her eyes widening at the sight of me hunched over the couch, thighs clenched, rocking back and forth on the floor. At least I’m not naked. I managed to half squirm my way into a dress that I found lying on the floor in my room—though I must look a mess—with only one arm through the hole and the skirt bunched up around my waist. Now that I think about it, I’m not sure why I even bothered. She sprints over to me, crouching down beside me.

“Jesus, are you okay?” She glares at me as I let out a strangled sob. “Tell me what’s wrong?” she says. She looks me over, her eyes wide with concern. “Were you attacked? Did someone break in and rape you? Talk to me, Laura. Should I be calling an ambulance? The police?” Her dark eyes study mine as I struggle to form words to answer any of her questions. “For God’s sake, Laura. Say something.”

“No ambulance,” I mutter.

I groan and clamp my legs together, gasping as my body begs for relief. This is a nightmare. I point to the bedroom, where the box is still lying on the bed. Becca stalks through to my room, returning a few seconds later with the box in her hands. Her eyes widen, to the point where they’re nearly ready to fall out of her head.

 “No fucking way,” she hisses.

I nod, sweat pouring out of places I didn’t know sweat could form. She clasps her hands over her mouth and stifles her laughter, before quickly kneeling down next to me.

“What do you want me to do? Dig it out? I’ll do that for you,” she says as I glare at her. “Wait… I should’ve asked before offering. Front or back?”

“Becca,” I growl, my voice high noting at the end.

“What? I’m sorry, it was a legitimate question,” she cries, holding her hands up in defense. “You know I don’t handle poop. How on earth did you manage to get it stuck in there in the first place?” she asks, shaking her head.

“Can we discuss this later, after it’s been removed from my vagina?” I beg her.

“Yes, yes, I’m sorry. Okay, let’s get you down to my car.”

“Car?” I say, alarmed. “What happened to you offering to help me—”

“You seriously want me digging around in there like I’m looking for loose change down the back of the couch?” she asks seriously. Then she giggles, but she stops when she sees my expression. “Sorry. Disturbing mental image. You understand this is pushing the friendship boundaries, right?”

I nod weakly. Oh, I understand it, all right.

She sighs and helps me climb up properly onto the couch while I try to steady myself as my body begins to convulse. God, not again. I wipe a layer of sweat off my forehead and rock back and forth, riding out the orgasm as I whimper into the cushion. Then I gasp, clenching my thighs again, until it passes.

“You’re coming already? But I haven’t even worked my magic hands on you yet,” she jokes, flexing her fingers. “Hey, do you have any kitchen gloves, or—”

“Just get it out,” I beg her.

“Fine,” she grumbles as she gets down onto her knees. She lifts up the skirt of my dress and peers between my legs. “Hey, you smell really good. What kind of body wash do you use?”

“Becs.”

“Right, sorry,” she mutters. “Focus.”

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Author Bio

Missy lives in a small town in Central Victoria with her husband, and her confused pets (a dog who think she's a cat, a cat who thinks he's a dog...you get the picture).

When she's not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

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✯Release Review✯Jag (Diablo’s Throne #2) by HJ Bellus

Title: JAG

Series: Diablo's Throne MMA #2

Author: HJ Bellus

Genre: MMA Romance

Publisher: Crave Publishing

Release Date: April 17, 2018 

Jag

No matter how fast he runs, there’s one thing Jag can’t escape.

His past. 

It has the power to destroy the man he’s worked so hard to become.

Jag is slated to be the next MMA champion. It’s been years in the making. The hype surrounding his prized fight is ignited by his charismatic personality and smoldering good looks. 

But it’s all a shield protecting the storm brewing inside of him...

And now, there’s a new girl in town Jag can’t seem to stay away from. She’s quiet, mysterious, and sexy as sin. 

His demons. Her secrets. They collide when least expected.

✯✯5 Spongebob Filled Stars!!✯✯

Omg HJ Bellus!!! I fell for Jag in Cruz and I’ve fallen even deeper for him. He’s still the Jag I fell for but I never realized everything he’d been thru. 

If you were curious to see how Jag became Boss and Layla’s adopted son/brother well you’ll find out. Yup. It gutted me. I’m glad Boss stopped Jag all those years ago. 

Jag hasn’t had it easy. When Boss saves him and explains to him the proper way to fight he makes a promise to Boss and himself to use his fists for good. But, it took Jag awhile to get it straight. He was at the top of his game until he let his dad get into his head and it messed him up. 

When Jag hits rock bottom he heads to the bar where he runs into Sunni. He knows her from working as a waitress at the diner, but never knew she worked here too. It’s then he realizes his feelings are there for her. OMG I’d of loved to have been in the parking lot when he was drunk, I’m just saying lol. 

When Boss, Layla, Cruz and the rest of Jags fighting family show him the love and support he needs to step up to the one person who can get under his skin. Jag feels rejuvenated and goes to get Sunni. He wants her. 

Sunni has laid low since she moved to this town. She’s found a cheap apartment and 2 jobs that pay her under the table. But, when Jag comes into her life and wants her she can’t say no. She knows she must either tell Jag the truth or let him go. But, he makes it so hard for her to leave. Sunni has to figure it out bc the wolf is in sheeps clothing and ready to attack to take her, Jag, Boss and everyone she considers family down. 

Holy cow! This book I read in one sitting. No joke I thought I knew Sunni’s secret. But... HJ Bellus shocked me bc I wasn’t expecting what I got. 

I love the guys from this MMA world. And, their leader Boss he had me tearing up multiple times. There was so many good, laughable, tearful, painful moments in this book. You have to pick it up. I’m waiting for the next guy to step up bc I’m ready!!!

The announcer booms over the speaker. “Your hometown boy. The one your momma warns you about and the same one who can charm you out of your panties and knock your lights out. Jaaaaaaaaag the Punisher.”

Before the announcer’s deep booming voice ends, the crowd goes fucking wild. Sweat beads form on my forehead, and my stomach dips and dive bombs at the sound of his name. 

“The fuck?” I whisper to myself, looking all around the gym. 

Did they really just fuck up his music? The tune to SpongeBob SquarePants begins playing. I turn to Layla, who is bobbing her head to the music with a smile plastered on her face.

The crowd chants each word to the SpongeBob theme, not missing a beat. Layla screams each word right with them. I’m confused as hell. A sudden screeching sound serenades the gym. The song mixes up, cutting right into the middle of “Straight Out of Compton,” and I find myself shouting each word without second thought. I recognize the song from Jag’s playlist when he’s done cardio in his apartment. The only thing missing is the thumping of his sneakers on his treadmill.

I glance over to Layla with mysterious tears in my eyes as I shout the words. Her expression mirrors mine. Then I spot him. A bobbing black hood trimmed in vibrant teal. Boss and Cruz flank each of his sides. Other Diablo fighters follow right behind. The symbolic image of a family breaks the tears free from my eyes. The amount of pride surging through me is off the charts. 

Jag keeps his head down as he strides to the ring. Halfway there, he picks up his pace into a jog. I giggle, knowing it’s pure Jag. The man has one gear, and that’s overdrive. His crew doesn’t pick up the pace with him, letting Jag take the lead. He leaps into the ring, tearing off his black robe and thrusting his fists into the air.

He beats his chest with his face tilted to the heavens. His mouth is wide open, and by the way his throat bobs, I know he’s screaming at the top of his lungs. Jag has always been a force to be reckoned with, but in this environment, he’s a king. He owns the entire arena. I don’t recognize the man he is right now, but holy hell he owns my heart even though this Jag is a stranger.

He glances down to me, winks, and then takes his corner. I have no doubt he knew I’d be right by Layla. Everything is the same as Trick’s fight. Boss is large and in charge, slapping Jag around and screaming in his face. My chest tightens at the sight. Boss is Jag’s father, and the love expressed between the two is enough to bring the cruelest person to their knees. Boss doesn’t have to love Jag because of a blood bond. No, he chooses to love Jag without judgment. And that’s something you don’t find every day. 

“Layla,” I scream over the buzz of the crowd. “I’m scared.”

She smiles brightly back at me. “You should be.”

I crane my head in question.

“As hard as he fights in this ring tonight is as hard as he’ll fight for you. You should be scared for your heart, Sunni, because once Jag owns it you’re screwed, and I know he loves you.”

It takes me a few seconds to absorb her message. Once it sinks in, the crowd roars to a deafening state. My head whips back to the octagon. Jag and the other man are already dancing around each other. The long hair on the top of Jag’s head bounces back. It’s then I see his opponent connect a punch to his nose. 

The blood dribbles down his face. The other guy gets three more punches in, whipping back Jag’s head. All of my former excitement evaporates. My heart plummets to the cold cement ground, watching the man I love get the shit kicked out of him. Not once does Jag’s jackass grin fade as he takes his punishment. It does nothing to the turmoil brewing inside of me.

“I can’t,” I scream, turning to Layla and burying my face in her shoulder.

Her hand comes up to the side of my head, bracing me in comfort. The sounds of the gym echo around me. Layla’s steady grip keeps me grounded even though the bone-crunching sounds continue. I can’t. I just can’t watch the man who brought me back to life get the shit beat out of him. I squeeze my eyes shut, remembering his knee-weakening grin before his gorgeous face dipped between my legs. I focus on all the good memories that warm my belly.

Layla jumps, causing my head to bounce off her shoulder. Her screams reverberate through my skull. She’s long gone as a post to lean on. Her body bounces up and down, which gives me the courage to look up. 

I glance up. It’s all flashes of black, teal, and red until my vision narrows on Jag. His flexing calves come into view first. Then it’s his taut ass in spandex. It pains me to look at my safe place, his chest. When I do, all I see are his bulging and flexing muscles. A long arm comes out with a brutal force. Jag’s fist connects with the other guy’s jaw. He stutters back. Jag doesn’t stop throwing both arms, one after the other, some connecting and some not.

HJ Bellus is a small-town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.

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