 Release Date: September 28 I haven’t seen him in over a decade, but Joshua Luca can still get to me. And I hate it. At twenty-nine, I’m a doctor and I’ve travelled the world, but just the thought of him has me sliding my sweaty palms down my jeans and wishing I could steady my racing heartbeat. Joshua was an almost obsession until, at seventeen, he cost me my future. In one night, I grew up and let go of my silly crush. My infatuation for Joshua is dead and buried. Forever. It doesn’t matter that he’s my new flat mate. Or that he still has that same sexy smile. I barely notice how that, despite his billions, he’s the kindest man I know. Or that when he touches me, a thousand tiny fireworks explode all over my body. I’m completely over Joshua Luca.   ✯✯5 Joshua & Hartford Filled Stars!!!✯✯ I’m a huge fan of Louise Bay! I’ve read every book of hers and they’re all in my favorite read book. This was no different. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Joshua Luca. His mates have been the book’s before in this series and I’m glad to meet Joshua. Joshua Luca has made his millions by opening a successful marketing and advertising firm and are known for their luxury brands. He’s been single since his college day’s when he was stood up at the alter. Now, Joshua doesn’t do relationships. He has arrangements, like Miss Tuesday night and doesn’t plan to change it. No matter how many of his mates falling in love and pressuring him to do the same. Hartford Kent wanted to become a ballerina when she was younger. When she got into a car accident just before graduation and broke her leg she ended up going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Hartford has been in Yemen working with Medicines Sans Frontiers (Doctors Without Borders) and has broken her leg again and is forced to comeback to London to recoup and start her new job as a pediatrician. Hartford only has the clothes that fit in a bag and is starting off brand new. Her mother was nice enough to find her a place to stay till she can get her own place and she’s not happy about it. Hartford has had the hugest and biggest crush on her older brother’s best friend and she hates that her mom made it where she’ll be staying with him. Hartford can’t believe he’s even more gorgeous than she saw him ten years ago. She’s very quirky and tends to say whatever she’s thinking. But, they get along great. Hartford has taken up baking and even dating. She can blame it on her boss for wanting her to have a life outside of work but she’s enjoying her time. ESP the time she’s spending with Joshua. Joshua’s even set up a few of the dates. But, the more time they spend together the harder it is for her to keep her schoolgirl crush in the past. Hartford just needs to keep reminding herself no matter what vibe’s Joshua is putting out that he’s a playboy and she can never be a Miss Thursday. Even though he’s an amazing kisser she just can’t do it. Joshua doesn’t remember much of Hartford from when they were younger but she’s not the same as she was the last time they saw each other. Joshua’s realizing how much he likes spending time with her. She says whatever’s on her mind and not shy about what she says. Josh is also confused by his feelings toward her. He’s never become friends with a woman outside of his mates girlfriend’s. He thought having her live next door and make sure she’s OK would be a burden but he’s secretly loving every minute of it and he’s not looking forward to her getting her own place and moving out. With the help of his friend’s he realizes how he really feels about her and he’s afraid to lose her. He offers to take her on a practice date in hopes she’d realize how good they could be together. If that wasn’t the only hurdle these two had going on between them. They’re both working on a project at work and due to NDA they can’t speak about it. When they do find out they quickly realize that they’re on opposite sides of the same coin. Joshua will do whatever it takes to fix things with Hartford. It took him too long to finally found the one for him and he doesn’t plan on loosing her now. This was such a good book!! I couldn’t put it down once I picked it up. I lost two nights of sleep and I don’t care LOL. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Louise Bay releases next!! |
Grab Your Copy Here!    Meet Louise Bay  USA Today bestselling author, Louise Bay writes sexy, contemporary romance novels – the kind she likes to read. Her books include the novels Faithful (not currently on sale as undergoing maintenance!), Hopeful, The Empire State Series, The Nights Collection, The Royals Collection, and The Gentleman Collection (these are series of stand alone books each following different characters). Louise’s most recent novel is Mr. Mayfair which is available now! Ruined by romantic mini-series of the eighties, Louise loves all things romantic. There’s not enough of it in real life so she disappears into the fictional worlds in books and films.
Louise loves the rain, The West Wing, London, days when she doesn’t have to wear make-up, being on her own, being with friends, elephants and champagne.
She loves to hear from readers so get in touch! Connect with Louise Bay Newsletter | Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads Hosted By:  |
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
✯Release Review✯Mr. Park Lane (The Mister Series #4) by Louise Bay
Monday, September 27, 2021
✯Release Review✯The Deceit of a Devil (The Boys of Clermont Bay #4) by Holly Renee
Sinless. Stunning. Damaged. Tempting.
Allie Taylor had been the girl I hated for as long as I could remember.
And now she loathed me just as much.
It didn’t matter that I betrayed her to save her.
Completely devastated and infuriated by my dishonesty, she had no intentions of ever trusting me again.
Her trust was shattered, her hate raging on with each second. She would never look at me the same again.
Our past was full of pain and lies that could never be forgotten.
I knew what I did was irreparable, but I refused to let her walk away without another chance.
I should have left things in the past.
I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
I won’t.
I needed her. Even if it cost me everything.
When I finished The Taste of an Enemy that I NEEDED the second part of Allie and Carson’s story and I needed it ASAP.
We legit pick up where we left off at. Allie’s finding out from Eli that Carson was in on the bet. Allie wants nothing to do with Carson from that moment and Carson will do anything to get Allie to understand he didn’t it to protect her and his feelings are real.
Carson and Allie still have community service to finish up so Allie will have no choice but to see Carson until it’s complete. Allie can tell Carson she wants nothing to do with him but the way she looks at him and her breathing when he gets close to her tells Carson she’s lying and he’ll wait until he can get her to trust him completely again.
These two are back and forth between being on good terms and bad terms with each other. Poor Carson can’t seem to keep his foot outta his mouth for long. Every time he inserts it back in his mouth it pushes Allie away a little more.
Until Allie finally sees how much Carson truly feels about her. But, as soon as they seem to get things figured out tragedy hits. Carson tries to do what he does best. Tries pushing Allie away thinking it’s what’s best for her. Now, it’s up to Allie to fight for them. To make him see that he is good enough for her and to stop pushing her away but let her stay at his side.
I’m so in love with Carson, Allie and their friends. I loved Beck and Josie. I’m so excited that Olly and Frankie are next!!!
Download your copy today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gEbTKk
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/deceitdevil
Start the duet with The Taste of an Enemy!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xnd6Le
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/tasteenemy
Excerpt from The Taste of an Enemy, Book One
“What?” I chuckled as I slipped on my socks and shoes.
“Nothing.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m just impressed, is all.”
I chuckled and Beck shoved his sister’s chair, almost making her fall. “That’s my friend, asshole. You don’t get to be impressed.”
“No. She’s right.” Josie was still staring at me too. “I really expected you to have the smallest dick.”
“I feel like I should be offended.” I leaned back in my chair.
“It’s your personality.” Allie shrugged. “You know, cocky guy, small dick. Showy car, small dick.”
“Okay, Allie.” I pressed my elbows into my knees and looked across the fire at her. “Truth or dare?”
She stared at me, and I had a feeling that no matter what she picked she wouldn’t do it. “Truth.”
I let my gaze slide to Eli before it went back to her. I shouldn’t have even called her name. I should just ask her something stupid and move on, but my heart raced in my chest, and I didn’t hesitate with what I asked her next. “When was the last time that you were truly turned on? I mean really and truly, couldn’t-think-about-anything-else turned on?”
A few people snickered, but I didn’t look away from her. She didn’t pull her gaze away from me either as she answered, but I knew her answer was a lie the moment it left her mouth.
“When Eli kissed me.”
“Carson, truth or dare?”
“Truth.”
“When was the last time you were really and truly turned on? And I mean to the point that you actually considered kissing the girl?”
“Oh shit.” That came from Olly, but no one said anything to stop us.
“Just about any time I’m with you, but if you’re looking for a specific moment, the night the cops walked in while I was going down on you.”
Laughter rang out around us, but neither of us was deterred.
“Allie, truth or dare?”
“Truth.” There was no hesitation in her eyes. She wasn’t scared of what I had to say.
“Do you actually like Eli, or are you just pissed off at me?”
“This is the exact reason people think you have a small dick.” She crossed her arms. “You assume that everything anyone does it about you when it isn’t. I actually like Eli, for your information.” She tucked a blonde curl behind her ear. “Carson, truth or dare?”
“This is about to get messy,” Josie whispered to Beck, but I heard her. She was right. It probably was.
“Dare.” I cocked my head to the side and looked at her.
“I dare you to stop being such an asshole and just tell us what the hell your problem is.”
“My problem?” I rubbed at my jaw. “Currently my problem is you. You haven’t barely spoken to me in days, you’ve been avoiding me like the plague at community service, and now…”
“Now what?” She was angry.
“Now I have to sit here and watch you with him.” I pointed at Eli, and he had the nerve to fucking smirk at me.
“I haven’t spoken to you because the last time we spoke, you made it very clear where we stood. I’ve been avoiding you because I don’t want to deal with you, and you’re going to have to continue to watch me with him because I like him. And it’s the oddest thing, but he likes me too.”
“Truth or dare?”
“I’m done playing this stupid game.” She pushed out of her seat, and I knew that Eli was about to follow her.
“Truth or dare, Allie? It’s not that hard.”
She spun back around to face me, and I could see the anger in her eyes. “Fine. Dare.” She held out her arms because she thought by ending the truths, she was going to end this argument between us.
“I dare you to kiss me.”
“That’s not happening.” Eli had the balls to say that out loud to me, and it took everything inside me not to close the space between us and finish what we had started last weekend.
“The last time I checked, you weren’t Allie’s boyfriend, and you don’t speak for her.” I looked back to Allie, and she was staring at me. “Allie can either kiss me or she can drink.” I lifted the bottle of liquor and shook it between us.
“You kissing me changes nothing.” She shook her head.
“Then it won’t hurt.” I shrugged my shoulders and tried to act like I didn’t care one way or another, even though I didn’t know what would happen if she walked away from me now. “If you’re so into Eli and kissing me won’t change anything, then what are you so scared of?”
About Holly
I’m Holly Renee, a small-town east Tennessee girl who is obsessed with all things romance. I love bringing flawed, sassy, and real characters to life in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been best friends with them for years. No two Holly Renee books are the same, but if you love real, relatable, fun female characters and swoon-worthy heroes, I’m your girl.
When I’m not writing or reading, you can find me momming so hard, being disgustingly in love with my husband, or chilling in the middle of a lake with my sunglasses and a float. #lakelife
I have a 2-year-old adorable little man who is as wild and sweet as they come and a baby girl on the way.
Connect with Holly
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Cfk6xt
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VxNPkE
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Vn6kIh
Join Holly’s Facebook reader group Hollywood: https://bit.ly/37kgiNb
To stay up to date with Holly join her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3jm5a83
Website: https://www.authorhollyrenee.com
Friday, September 24, 2021
✯Release Review✯For Love Or Honey by Staci Hart
For Love or Honey by Staci Hart is a brand new enemies to lovers rom-com, available NOW! This new release is the perfect weekend binge. Grab your copy from your favorite online retailer!
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"Leave me with this book, the characters and the bees and I’ll be one happy reader - probably forever." - The Chatty Romance Reader
When the devil comes to town, you have to meet him head on.
Which is exactly what I did when Grant Stone rolled into our small Texas town, driving a sports car I could fit in the bed of my truck, wearing a suit as black as his soul. He’s here to acquire mineral rights to half a dozen farms in town.
And there’s no way he’s getting mine.
I don’t make deals with the devil.
So when he challenges me to show him the small town ropes, my motivation is the prospect of seeing him make a fool of himself. He might have an angle, but if he thinks he can finagle me into endangering my bee farm, he’s got another thing coming.
Until the line in the sand is washed away.
My farm in danger. A town in upheaval. A man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.
And me in the middle.
When the devil comes to town, you have to meet him head on.
And when he sneaks into your heart, he’ll only break it.
I been waiting for the Blum sisters to get their stories started ever since I read Friends With Benedicts.
Jo and the rest of the Blum sister’s are on the top of the bachelorette list of their town. But, due to an old family curse they’re doomed to fall in love and live a HEA. It’s why Jo has never went and fallen in love and she doesn’t plan on doing it now.
Jo and her family own and run their bee farm and have for years and years. Now, everything’s in jeopardy. A big shot company Flexion, is in town trying to get people to sell their mineral rights over to them. Jo and her sisters aren’t having it. No matter how hot the guy in the suit is.
Grant Stone is Flexion’s closer. He learned everything from his father. It’s the only thing that he’s ever learned from him.
Grant’s in Lindenbach Texas to get the last dozen people to sign the contract’s the company needs. He was warned about the Blum family. Knew that they were going to be the hardest ones. But, when Jo, the youngest of the Blum sisters threw an egg in his face in front of the town, the cameras for the news Grant knew one thing.
Grant knew that he’d do whatever it took to get her families mineral right’s as well as getting Jo and breaking.
These two start off as straight enemies. But, the more time they spend together the harder it is to stay on the track they started on.
Jo gets Grant out of his expensive suits she into a pair of jeans, flannel shirt, boots and a hat.
Jo refuses to let Grant or anybody takeaway their farm.
The more time she’s around Grant the harder it is to hate him. She’s enjoying making him work and won’t stop until she breaks him. It’s harder for her Bc he makes her body feel things that she hasn’t felt in awhile. Jo has one sister and cousin to go for it. Enjoy herself Bc he’ll be leaving soon and she’s got another sister telling her to keep her clothes on and stay away from him.
The longer Grant stays wearing his new clothes and the longer he’s in Lindbach and around the people the more comfortable he’s becoming.
Grant’s been alone most of his life. He travels for work and doesn’t have friends or family outside of his dad if you could even call him dad.
Grant’s been on a mission to get his job done. But, the longer he’s around Jo the more he realizes that he feels more comfortable and at home than he’s ever had in his life.
Then his dad shows up and Grant knows that he’s not going to be able to get the mineral rights and keep Jo and everything that comes with her. Grant realizes this will be the biggest fight he’s ever had.
Once I started this I couldn’t put it down. Their chemistry was off the charts sizzling smoking hot!!!!
I’m in love with every Staci Hart book that she releases and this was no different!!! The ONLY thing that has me scratching my head was in the previous book they were in I swear it was said that they were single Bc the sisters said they wouldn’t date until their mother went and found love. But, here it was all Bc of an old family curse. Other than that I loved everything about it.
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life -- a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can't forget that. She's also been a mom, with three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She's been a wife, though she's certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She's also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she's been drinking whiskey. When she's not writing, she's reading, sleeping, gaming, or designing graphics.
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Thursday, September 23, 2021
✯Release✯The Deceit of a Devil (The Boys of Clermont Bay #4) by Holly Renee
Sinless. Stunning. Damaged. Tempting.
The Deceit of a Devil, the second angst-filled new adult romance in The Taste of an Enemy Duet from Holly Renee is available now!
Sinless. Stunning. Damaged. Tempting.
Allie Taylor had been the girl I hated for as long as I could remember.
And now she loathed me just as much.
It didn’t matter that I betrayed her to save her.
Completely devastated and infuriated by my dishonesty, she had no intentions of ever trusting me again.
Her trust was shattered, her hate raging on with each second. She would never look at me the same again.
Our past was full of pain and lies that could never be forgotten.
I knew what I did was irreparable, but I refused to let her walk away without another chance.
I should have left things in the past.
I didn’t.
I couldn’t.
I won’t.
I needed her. Even if it cost me everything.
Download your copy today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gEbTKk
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/deceitdevil
Start the duet with The Taste of an Enemy!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xnd6Le
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/tasteenemy
Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3rP228A
About Holly
I’m Holly Renee, a small-town east Tennessee girl who is obsessed with all things romance. I love bringing flawed, sassy, and real characters to life in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been best friends with them for years. No two Holly Renee books are the same, but if you love real, relatable, fun female characters and swoon-worthy heroes, I’m your girl.
When I’m not writing or reading, you can find me momming so hard, being disgustingly in love with my husband, or chilling in the middle of a lake with my sunglasses and a float. #lakelife
I have a 2-year-old adorable little man who is as wild and sweet as they come and a baby girl on the way.
Connect with Holly
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3Cfk6xt
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2VxNPkE
Instagram: https://bit.ly/2Vn6kIh
Join Holly’s Facebook reader group Hollywood: https://bit.ly/37kgiNb
To stay up to date with Holly join her mailing list: https://bit.ly/3jm5a83
Website: https://www.authorhollyrenee.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
✯Cover Reveal✯Perceive(The Vindicated Series #4) by Addison Jane & K E Osborn
✯Release Review✯The Taste of an Enemy (The Boys of Clermont Bay #3) by Holly Renee
Rich. Vicious. Vengeful. Forbidden. The Boys of Clermont Bay had always been untouchable.
The Taste of an Enemy, the first angst-filled new adult romance in The Taste of an Enemy Duet from Holly Renee is available now!
Rich. Vicious. Vengeful. Forbidden. The Boys of Clermont Bay had always been untouchable.
And Carson Hale was the worst of them all.
He was pretentious and a player, and he had hated me for so long I forgot that we were ever anything more than enemies.
Brutally beautiful and savagely heartless, his only plan was to ruin everything I loved.
But dares were made, and even though I had no business saying yes, I found myself in trouble and forced to work with my rival to get us out of it.
He had always been cruel, but something changed.
The lure of him was too much. The way I craved his touch was unbearable.
Just as I fell for him, he proved himself to be exactly who he had been all along.
Allie and Carson weren’t always enemies. They were not only friend’s but they were best friends who were secretly in love with each other. But, one night changed everything between them.
Allie went on a date hoping it would make Carson see her and make a move. Instead thing’s at Carson’s home exploded and he needed his best friend. Carson called Allie and she never answered. That night was the last night they were friends.
Years later they’re still not friends and they don’t talk about why they’re not friends anymore. Whenever they’re in the same room they’re spitting insults back and forth. And now that their best friend’s are dating they’re around each other more than they want.
Carson just happens to be sitting with some of the guys from his team when the guy’s start a bet. When Allie’s name gets thrown in, Carson see’s
red. He might hate Allie but she was his best friend once and he refuses to let them humiliate and hurt her just for a bet and a laugh. Carson vows to win Allie over even if it shatters his own heart and makes it where she will never forgive him.
Allie regrets not answering Carson’s call all those years ago. He really knows what to say to get under her skin and hurt her more than she’ll admit out loud.
Allie just wants to find a guy to love her like her friend Josie had with Beck.
Allie’s shocked when one of the jocks notices her and wants to hang out. But, it’s not easy Bc Carson keeps cutting in and inserting himself on their dates.
Allie doesn’t trust what Carson’s saying. When he wants to make a truce with her, she’s even more confused but goes along with it.
Carson is making it harder and harder for Allie to hate him. They end up in trouble and end up in community service and have to spend more time together.
Carson knows his time for being nice to Allie is for a reason. He’s just hoping to get to the end so he can go back to normal with them hating each other. But, he knows his feeling’s for her go deeper then he realized. He wishes he could keep Allie for himself. But, he knows when the truth gets out she’ll never forgive him.
I have been wanting Carson and Allie for so long. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. I knew it was a duet and would end on a cliffhanger but that didn’t stop me from wanting to throw my kindle across my backyard when I finished LOL.
If only Allie and Carson admitted their real feelings to each other they could’ve spent all these years together and not fighting and insulting each other whenever they saw each other.
Carson’s got a lot of explaining, groveling Alle begging to do in hopes Allie ever looks at him again.
Holly Renee continues to prove why she’s one of my must read author with every book she releases.
Grab your copy today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3xnd6Le
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/tasteenemy
Pre-order the stunning conclusion, Deceit of a Devil!
Releasing September 23rd
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gEbTKk
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/deceitdevil
Excerpt
I walked into Wings and Things and spotted Eli as soon as I made it through the door. He smiled before standing and coming to meet me. I couldn’t tell if anyone else was already at the table, and I tried to remind myself that I shouldn’t care. Tonight was about having fun and getting to know Eli.
Carson didn’t matter for either of those things. I would just drown him out and pretend he wasn’t there. That was what I was used to doing. That was what the two of us had been doing for years.
Even though I was already a little but irritated that Eli hadn’t offered to pick me up. My dad was irritated by that fact too.
“You look beautiful.” Eli grinned before pulling me into a hug.
“Thank you.” I breathed in the scent of his warm cologne, the smell familiar and calming. “You look nice as well.”
I looked up at him as he let me go. He was much taller than me, although shorter than Carson, and he had a smile that made me feel comfortable.
He grabbed my hand in his and led the way back to the table. I fixed my hair while I was still blocked from view, and I planted the best smile I could manage on my face as he pulled out the chair for me that was directly across from Carson.
“Thank you.” I settled into my seat and tried to avoid making eye contact with Carson.
“Allie, this is Kimberly. Kimberly, Allie. I think you all might know each other.”
I looked across the table at Kimberly, and of course I knew her. We had gone to school together since grade school, and I had hated her almost as long. She was popular, conceited, and a perfect fit for Carson.
“Of course.” I nodded and pulled out my menu. “How are you, Kim?”
“I’m perfect.” She giggled and looked over at Carson. His hand disappeared under the table, and even though I couldn’t see it, I knew that his hand probably rested on her thigh.
I wanted to rip it off.
“Awesome,” I mumbled and tried to focus on the menu.
Carson laughed under his breath, but I ignored him.
“What are you getting?” I looked to my right where Eli sat. “Do you want to share some wings?”
“Oh.” He looked up from his menu. “I was thinking about getting the burger.”
“A burger at a wing place.” Carson scoffed and tossed his menu down on the table. “I’ll share an order with you, Allie. Kim’s getting a salad.”
He didn’t give me time to answer. As soon as the waitress came to our table, Carson opened his mouth. “My girl Allie and I are going to share a large order of wings, extra ranch for both of us. No carrots. She hates those.”
I looked at him like he had lost his mind because I was pretty sure that he had.
“What can I get you to drink?” The waitress was now looking at me.
“Um, just a Coke, please.”
Everyone else ordered their food, and I fidgeted with my hands under the table.
“So, Allie, how is school going for you?” I looked up at Eli. I had almost forgotten he was there.
“It’s all right. I’m so ready for fall break, though.”
“Me too.” He nodded. “Are you going anywhere? My family is taking a trip to Europe.”
“No.” I almost choked on the word. Sometimes I forgot just how far apart my family was from those who went to Prep. They were made of money, old money to be exact, and guys like Eli had never had to think about working or how he’d pay for college. “We typically stay home and do a Thanksgiving meal at our house. It’s real low-key.”
And my dad would still be working every day except for Thanksgiving, and my small house would be busting with people. My grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. We were always together on holidays, and I loved it.
It may not have been Europe, but it was ours.
“That’s cool.” He nodded and turned his chair to where he faced me better. “We’ve been going to Europe for years now. My parents love it, and they take us about every other year. Have you ever been?”
“To Europe?” I shook my head, and suddenly I felt ridiculous. “No. The farthest I’ve been is Disney World.” I didn’t mention that had been almost ten years ago.
I could hear Carson and Kimberly talking across from us, and I hoped he was too enthralled with her and her perfect face to even consider listening to our conversation.
Eli laughed like I had just told a joke, but I hadn’t. “That’s too bad. I bet you would really like Europe.”
“What makes you think that, Eli?” Carson was leaned back in his chair with his arm resting on the back of Kimberly’s.
Eli laughed nervously and looked between me and Carson. “It’s Europe.” He shrugged his shoulders.
“But you don’t know anything about Allie specifically that would make her love Europe, correct?”
Eli opened his mouth, but Carson continued.
“Like you have no clue that she’s been dreaming of going to Paris forever, and she has this little Eiffel Tower key chain that she’s had on her set of keys since she’s had them. Or that she thinks she’s part Irish because she has a little bit of green in her eyes.”
“I didn’t realize you knew so much about her.” Eli was no longer aloof. He was sizing Carson up, and I wasn’t here for a pissing contest.
“Well, now you do.” Carson stared back at him with the same unrelenting gaze, and I felt like I was going insane.
Carson hadn’t given a shit about me since that night he needed me and I wasn’t there. If he wasn’t ignoring me altogether, he was making me wish he was, and now all of the sudden, he wanted to share wings and spew facts about me like he was my best friend.
“Stop,” I hissed. “You’re being an ass. Aren’t you supposed to be on your own date?” I looked over at Kimberly, and she looked uncomfortable. I couldn’t blame her. I felt uncomfortable too.
The waitress arrived back at our table with food in hand, and we were spared from whatever Carson was going to say next. He looked down at the food, and his bright eyes looked so hollow. He scrunched his brow, something he always did when he was upset, and his jaw stiffened. I didn’t know if he was angry with me or with himself.
But I didn’t want to find out. I quickly grabbed a wing from our plate and took a huge bite. Sauce dripped down my chin, but I didn’t stop. The food was a distraction. If we were eating, then we weren’t talking, and I couldn’t stand to hear anything more from Carson right now.
Not after everything he just said. Not with the way he had brought up memories of me like it wouldn’t mess with my head.
“This is good.” I wiped at my mouth with the back of my hand. “Do you want a bite?” I looked over to Eli, and he shook his head as he looked at my half-bitten wing.
“Nah. I’m good.”
“Suit yourself.” I shrugged as I looked down at his measly-looking burger.
“I’ll take one.” Carson reached forward, his fingers wrapping around my wrist, and he stood in his seat enough to bring my hand to his lips. I stared at him, shocked by what he was doing, but there wasn’t an ounce of shame in his gaze.
He didn’t look away from me for a second as he bit down into the wing I was still holding, and I couldn’t stop myself from holding my breath as his lips met my fingers. Carson Hale wasn’t just taking a bite of my chicken. He was causing a scene, and part of me wondered how he had gotten so damn good at it.
He ran his tongue over the edge of my thumb, licking up the sauce that had dripped there, and I felt like he had just used his tongue on parts of my body that no one else ever had. I pressed my thighs together as I watched his mouth, and I couldn’t bring myself to care that Eli was watching me as Carson finally let go of my hand and settled back into his seat.
“You’re right, Allie. That’s absolutely delicious.” He licked his lip before picking up a wing of his own, then began eating like that display hadn’t just happened.
I picked up my napkin, quickly dropping my gaze to my lap as I wiped my hands, but I couldn’t get the feel of him off. And I didn’t know if I wanted to.
About Holly
I’m Holly Renee, a small-town east Tennessee girl who is obsessed with all things romance. I love bringing flawed, sassy, and real characters to life in a way that makes you feel like you’ve been best friends with them for years. No two Holly Renee books are the same, but if you love real, relatable, fun female characters and swoon-worthy heroes, I’m your girl.
When I’m not writing or reading, you can find me momming so hard, being disgustingly in love with my husband, or chilling in the middle of a lake with my sunglasses and a float. #lakelife
I have a 2-year-old adorable little man who is as wild and sweet as they come and a baby girl on the way.
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