#CoverReveal #Charity #AdultColoringBook #TwinsieSponored- Shaded With Love Vol 3

Title: Shaded with Love ~ Volume 3 ~ A Coloring Book For A Cause

Author: Jessica Hildreth

Release Date: July 1st, 2017

Genre: Adult Coloring Book

Join us in the fight against Suicide! Shaded with Love ~ Volume 3 is a special multi author, blogger and photographer collaboration. This adult coloring book includes a unique page designed just for each participant!

Enjoy pages by your favorite authors, blogs and photographers…or maybe find someone who is new to you!

100% of proceeds from this book will be donated The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to help fund the battle against Suicide.

Participants include (in alphabetical order):

A.M. Johnson, Amanda Lanclos, Amanda Leigh, Amanda Renee “Anastasia Marie”, Angie M. Brashears, Anna Erishkigal, Anne Mercier, Aurelia Fray, Avery Hart, B.L. Berry, Beantown Bitches Book Page, Belinda Boring, Books and Boys Book Blog, Brandy Ayers, C.M. Steele, Charlie Lee, Chelle C. Craze, Christine Hughes, Courtney Shockey, Darlene Tallman, Diana Marie DuBois, Diva Does 4 Good, Drew Elyse, Elizabeth York, Em Frances, Erin Lee, For the Love of Books & Alcohol, For the Love of Books & Author Events, Ginger Ring, Gwyn McNamee, Heather Anne, Heidi McLaughlin, HJ Bellus, Hollis Canon, Hot Books & Sassy Girls Book Blog, Imy Santiago, Isabella Rose Norton, Isabelle Peterson, J. L. Perry, J.C. Valentine, J.L. Drake, Jaci Wheeler, Jacquelyn Ayres, JaM Book Blog, Jamie Garrett, Jasmine Carolina, JC Santo, Jennifers Taking A Break, Jillian Anselmi, K. Renee, Kate Benson, Kate Lynne, Katharina LeBoeuf, Kay Thorn, Kiarra M. Taylor , Kirsty-Anne Still, Kristine Dugger, Lauren Firminger, Leigh Ann Lunsford, Little Shop of Readers, LK Collins, Loves Great Reads, Lynnette Brisia, M.C. Webb, M.L. Steinbrunn, M.S. L.R., Maria Vickers, MariaLisa deMora, Marie Skye, Mary B Moore, Mia Kayla, Mignon Mykel, ML Preston, ML Rodriguez, Muriel Garcia, Nicki Rae, Nikki Sparxx, PJ Fiala, Reading by the Book, Reading AfteR Dark, Olivia Savage, Roux Cantrell, Ruthie Henrick, S. Van Horne, Sam Destiny, Shane Robert, Skye Turner, Stacey Johnston, Steph Nuss, Stephanie Rose, Susan’s Books I Like, Sweet & Spicy Reads, T.K. Leigh, Terri E. Laine, The world was hers for the reading, Theresa Hissong, Thia Finn, TJ Penn, Tracy Millosovich, Twinsie Talk Book Reviews, Verlene Landon, Vicki Green, Winter Travers, Zach chopchinski

 

 

 

 

#ReleaseBlitz #Review #Contemporary More Than Need You (More Than Words 2) by Shayla Black

Release Date: June 13, 2017

Designer: Rachel Connolly

Photographer: Sara Eirew

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I’m Griffin Reed—cutthroat entrepreneur and competitive bastard. Trust is a four-letter word and everyone is disposable…except Britta Stone. Three years ago, she was my everything before I stupidly threw her away. I thought I’d paid for my sin in misery—until I learned we have a son. Finding out she’s engaged to a bore who’s rushing her to the altar pisses me off even more. I intend to win her back and raise our boy. I’ll have to get ruthless, of course. Luckily, that’s one of my most singular talents.

Sixty days. That’s what I’m asking the gritty, independent single mother to give me—twenty-four/seven. Under my roof. And if I have my way, in my bed. Britta says she wants nothing to do with me. But her body language and passionate kisses make her a liar. Now all I have to do is coax her into surrendering to the old magic between us. Once I have her right where I want her, I’ll do whatever it takes to prove I more than need her.

This book is the second in the More Than Words series. The books are companions, not serials, meaning that backstory, secondary characters, and other elements will be easier to relate to if you read the installments in order, but the main romance of each book is a stand-alone.

This book contains lines that may make you laugh, events that may make you cry, and scenes that will probably have you squirming in your seat. Don’t worry about cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed! (Does not contain elements of BDSM or romantic suspense.)

 

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book

Griffin Reed is Maxon Reed’s estranged brother. 3 years ago he believed his brother and the woman that he loved lied and kept him in the dark, his hurt ego caused him to shove them both away and to do a bad thing. It took years for him to realize what he did and why but now he wants them both back.
More Than Need You doesn’t pick up right where More Than Want You ended, but about a couple of weeks before.
Britta Stone loved Griffin with everything she had, he was her first in all ways and when he shoved her away he crushed her.
When she finally is moving on with her life, Griffin comes roaring back claiming that he didn’t know about their son and that he still loves her.
Man, Black wrote a good one here. Griffin trying to prove that he does in fact want to be the man that Britta need, even though she already is engaged, shows that he knows what he did all though years ago was beyond stupid. Britta still loves him and she fights so hard against it and its no wonder with how badly he hurt her, should she believe that he is changed and give him another chance or should she stand continue to guard her heart and marry a man she doesn’t love just because she knows he’s a safe bet.
Seeing Griff try to get her back is awesome, but seeing him be a father? That right there is panty melting!!!
Yes Griff did something stupid, but when he explains why he has such a hard time trusting the good in things you can see that it was bound to happen at some point, it just happened with his brother and Britta and it ended up hurting him too.
Also, seeing him get his brother back and to be working with him, shows that family is everything and you really need to talk before you do something stupid when you jump to conclusions.
I can’t wait to see what happens with Griffin and Maxon’s sister in the next book, if she’s anything like her brother’s it’s gonna be good.

 

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More Than Want You, Book 1

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More Than Love You (More Than Words, Book 3)

Available for Preorder – Arriving February 13, 2018

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Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty novels. For nearly twenty years, she’s written contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances via traditional, independent, foreign, and audio publishers. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

Raised an only child, Shayla occupied herself with lots of daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and realized that she could have a career publishing the stories spinning in her imagination. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America to pay the bills, her heart has always been with her characters. She’s thrilled that she’s been living her dream as a full-time author for the past eight years.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her teenage daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, reading, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

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#CoverReveal – Sweet Disaster by Sierra Hill

Sweet Disaster
Sierra Hill
Publication date: TBA
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Kady:

My life is a complete and utter disaster.

One major screw up after another.

In other words – I’m trouble.

I attempted college, but made a mess of that scene, too. Chalk it up to yet another disappointment in my parents’ ever-growing list of Kady failures.

Deciding I needed an escape from reality, my best friend and I flew off to Europe, where we were going to have the time of our lives.

The only problem with that plan is that I ran out of money after two weeks, and now I’m stuck in Florence, Italy with no means of getting home.

See? Trouble finds me wherever I go.

Gavin:
All I ever wanted to do was play basketball.

It’s all I’m good at.

I bypassed college and went straight to the pros. I’ve been playing overseas in Italy for six months, gaining fame, fans and having fun.
There’s only one problem. I miss home. I’m not too big to admit I’m homesick for my family and friends.
But that all changed when I heard from Cade Griffin, a former college hoops star. He called and asked me to rescue his sister, Kadence, who’s stranded and alone here in Florence.

Seems easy enough, right?
Except for the fact that Kady Griffin is gorgeous, completely off-limits and a sweet disaster waiting to happen all over my life.

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Previous books in the series:

 

Author Bio:

Since writing and publishing her first book in 2014, Sierra Hill has found her creative passion in writing about the fictional characters that live in her brain, who are constantly shouting for their own love stories to be told.

Sierra frequently indulges in what some might consider to be an unhealthy dose of reading, dark chocolate candy, and way too much coffee. She hates cold weather, and frequently finds herself traveling around the country to see her favorite live musicians in concert.

Sierra resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband of twenty years and her long-haired, German Shepherd. She is currently working on her next book.

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#ReleaseDay #Spotlight- Irreplaceable, Gulf Breeze Book #1 by Ava Lynn Wood

 

Irreplaceable

Annalee Montgomery left everything behind ten years ago, running away from her family and the boy she loved. Now, ten years later, with her life falling apart at the seams, she comes face-to-face with everything she tried to leave behind, including Will Caldwell. He’s sexier than Anna remembered, and angrier too.

When her feelings for him resurface, stronger than ever, Anna is torn, worried about what will happen if the secret she’s been carrying finally comes to light. Will she find herself back in Will’s arms, or will she lose him forever.

Anna must face her fears to finally find out if her love for Will is Irreplaceable.

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Ava Wood is an insomniac who writes to calm the voices. When the voices get too loud, stories are formed.

Ava was born and raised in Texas but got to Florida as quick as she could, enjoying the fresh sea air and summer storms. She believes there is nothing more beautiful than an evening summer light show.

She’s married to the love of her life whom she shares two beautiful daughters and four sweet fur babies. Their marriage is the perfect “North-meets-South” pairing.

When she’s not writing, Ava can be found chasing her children all over the county, snapping photos of any and everything, visiting one of her local theme parks, or just spending quality time with her family.

 

# NewRelease – Torrid by Nikki Sloane

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Torrid by Nikki Sloane is NOW AVAILABLE!
The release week special edition features a BONUS BOOK of Sordid (previously banned on Amazon!)
iBooks: http://apple.co/2pJ3f2Y
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2thTSpV
Nook: http://bit.ly/2sxxY5l
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2s77eWG

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PRAISE FOR TORRID:

“Hold my gun because I need some alone time after reading this! Nikki Sloane creates yet another stirring romance full of heat and mayhem to stir your soul. Five dark and panting stars for Vasilije and Oksana!” – USA Today bestselling author, Sierra Simone

“Scorching hot, darkly complex, and deliciously dirty, Torrid is one of the best mafia books I’ve read all year!” – NYT Bestselling Author, Anna Zaires

“Dark, edgy, and so deliciously dirty. Torrid is insanely good!”- USA Today Bestselling Author, Natasha Knight

“Definitely judge a book by its cover on this one! Nikki Sloane delivered a story that lives up to the amazing cover and beyond. So sinfully hot that I couldn’t stop reading. Dark, dirty and delicious. I want more from this author now.” – USA Today Bestselling Author, Alta Hensley

Torrid Cover

iBooks: http://apple.co/2pJ3f2Y
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2thTSpV
Nook: http://bit.ly/2sxxY5l
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2s77eWG

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Blurb:

Vasilije Markovic is the prince of the Serbian mafia and one of the most powerful men in Chicago. His smile may be razor sharp, but he’s crueler than the devil.

I’m playing a dangerous game and betting my life I’m going to win. I pretend to be his pawn. I do as he says and move where he tells me, letting him think he’s in control as I position myself for revenge.

Every turn brings us closer. His grin doesn’t seem as evil when we’re alone. Behind closed doors, I welcome his unrelenting and vicious personality. He’s confessed all his secrets, but I’m holding one back and it’s a game changer.

If I survive the board, this pawn turns into a queen. I become the most powerful player and send all the other pieces running. To get what I want, I must make sacrifices, but am I willing to draw the line at him?

Choke Teaser

Twist Teaser

About the Author:

Nikki Sloane landed in graphic design after her careers as a waitress, a screenwriter, and a ballroom dance instructor fell through. For eight years she worked for a design firm in that extremely tall, black, and tiered building in Chicago that went through an unfortunate name change during her time there. Now she lives in Kentucky and manages a team of graphic artists. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America, is married with two sons, writes dirty books, and couldn’t be any happier.

Stalk Nikki:

Website: http://www.nikkisloane.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkisloaneauthor/?fref=ts
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AuthorNSloane
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2fsTzpI
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/NikkiSloane

#Review #Contemporary Fabricating Jada by Vanessa Marie

I need to get my motor running.
Literally.
All I want is to learn how to build engines,
Cars, motorcycles–anything.
You name it; I want to feel it rev in my hands.
Fabricate it into something mine,
Bend it to my will,
Create what hasn’t been built before.

But nobody takes me seriously,
And I’m no damsel in distress.
I can and will get my hands dirty,
Very dirty.

And now, I have that chance,
Working with Jesse Valentine,
Top motorcycle and hot rod fabricator.
But he’s got a reputation for more,
Much more.

After all, he’s nothing but a cocky,
Overinflated jerk,
And I’m just interested in mechanics,
Cold, hard, machines.
I was born to bend, build, create,
And I won’t change for anyone,
Not even him.

At the Louisville Authors Event in May I was at Vanessa Marie’s table checking things out and she started telling me about this book. Said it had a Jesse James type guy, a strong female lead, and lots of angst. I thought to myself, hey I like all those things, so I had to check it out and I’m so glad I did!!
Jada Carmen is unlike most of the girls she knows. She grew up in a trailer park, still lives with her parents, and works at a job she hates just because it has a little to do with the one thing she loves. Don’t let all that fool you into thinking that Jada is a girl that is lazy and wants to do nothing with her life.
She lives in the trailer park with her parents because that’s what they can afford, after she pays her father’s medical bills. She works a job she hates because it’s close to home, helps pay those bills, and because it puts her around cars which she loves. Jada’s dream is to be a metal fabricator like her idol Jesse Valentine. However, being a chick no one wants to teach her anything so everything she has learned comes from YouTube or she has taught herself. That right, this chick is so resourceful that she has learned to weld watching YouTube videos!!
When her mom shows her a add that saying her idol, TV’s Jesse Valentine of Valentine Street Rods, is having a open to the public one time only class she flips!! When her mom gives her the money so she can do it and says she needs to follow her dream no matter what anyone says, including her father, she freaks even more but she applies and gets in!!!
Now enters Jesse Valentine, yummy tattooed goodness!!! That is until he opens his mouth!!! He totally ruins it by trying to bring Jada down and she’s the best in the class!!
Oh, the angst between these two!! She stand up to him, fights with him even though she stands up to no one else. There is pull to her that he just can’t get away from. The will they or won’t they just kills me.
If you are like me and like tension between your hero and heroine, like guys with tattoos, and love a strong female character, you have to pick this one up!!! Seriously, go out and get it !!!

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Always the cause of shenanigans, Vanessa is a heavily tattooed, sarcastic motorcycle enthusiast who started her career as a Jeep tech at the age of sixteen. The happily married mother of three little monsters—oops, children—lives in Kentucky by way of Las Vegas, Nevada. Once her life took a different direction—sidelined by Heart Disease at 26 and becoming a pacemaker recipient—she decided to write as a creative outlet, and Heartless was born. She realizes life can be dark clouds and acid rain at times, but her outlook on life puts a positive and sarcastic spin on it all.

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#WOTR #TwinsieForTheDayReview – Bryan & Jase by AD Ellis

 

*~*~*Bryan & Jase: Something About Him by A.D. Ellis!*~*~*

Bryan & Jase (Something About Him)

 

The blurb:

Jase Rafferty grew up hiding his sexual curiosities—until he meets Bryan Keating. Bryan’s sexual preference is no secret, and being deployed overseas together allows the two men to forge a solid friendship. The sexual attraction is undeniable, but after one lust-filled week, they must go their separate ways.

A year later, a chance meeting gives them one more weekend together, even though they know Jase can’t risk his military career or his family obligations to be with Bryan.

Several years pass before Jase finally accepts the desperate longing in his heart and body. But when fear and hatred threaten to tear them apart, Jase must make a tough decision, one that he isn’t sure he and Bryan can overcome. Together, they must choose to weather the storm or say goodbye forever.

 

**This is a male/male romance meant for ages 18+ due to adult language and adult situations.**

Review by Becky
This was the first book I have read in the M/M genre.  I wanted to read one of AD Ellis’.  She did not disappoint.
Bryan and Jase’s story would be just as I believe happens.  Sexual preferences may not manifest themselves early in life for everyone.  Bryan was out and well supported by his circle of friends.  He was comfortable in his skin.  Jase had the draw to Bryan and finally romantically connected near the end of their stint. Jase was married to a horrible woman.  He married her like his parents wanted.  Jase wanted to please his parents.  They had appearances to make.  Jase was told that he couldn’t father a child, yet low and behold even though his “wife” slept around, she was carrying Jase’s baby.  Although Bryan and Jase had feelings for each other, Jase went back to his wife leaving behind a heartbroken Bryan.
Bryan and Jase ran into each other unexpectedly at a friend’s wedding.  Jase’s wife knew of his and Bryan’s connection and used that to keep in him in the loveless marriage.  He would fund all her habits to keep his child close and his parents unknowing.  Jase had his little boy, Gray.  Bryan and Jase rekindled their connection.
Flash to five years later and Jase left everything to move to Bryan.  Bryan didn’t know.  Jase and Gray went to the convention and found Bryan.  They were meant to be together.  Their relationship had to weather threats, survive a week of living with Gray’s grandparents and promises to not go back to Bryan, and ultimately our HEA.  Jase put in motion a plan and talked to an attorney.  Jase would no longer be at his parents mercy and live unhappy.  Jase went back to Bryan and brought Gray.
AD wrote Bryan and Jase’s story beautifully.  What is important in life is the ability to share it with those you love.  Wonderfully written

You can get a #FREE short story of Bryan & Jase 

All links below—-

 Free short story:

Amazon getbook.at/ShortStoryFree

iBooks bit.ly/ShortStoryFree

 Full-length :

Amazon getbook.at/BryanJaseAmzn

iBooks bit.ly/BryanJaseiBooks

Kobo bit.ly/BryanJaseKobo

ARe bit.ly/BryanJaseARe

 

Add it on Goodreads! www.goodreads.com/book/show/29420630-bryan-jase

 

#WOTR #PreOrder #99P #KU #ReleasesJune15- Hot Zone Box Set

Lyssa Layne is attending author.

Sexy Sports Stars Serve Summer Up Hot, Hot, Hot . . .

~Get into the Zone~

SALE 99c/KU FREE preorder 6/1

BIG RELEASE 6/15

 

Libra Press’s Summer 2017 Box Set Release features 2017 RITA nominee Lyssa Kay Adams’ “The Prospect”.

https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Zone-Lyssa-Kay-Adams-ebook/dp/B072C8XKM4/

Lyssa Kay Adams: The PROSPECT

Baseball star Jax Tanner is everything Bree McTavish has been warned about. Easy smiles. Lethal charm. Sexy promises, satisfaction guaranteed. He’s a prospect! When Cinderella meets baseball, secrets and dreams collide in the greatest grand slam of all. . .

Lilly Christine: SNOWSLAMMER

Smokin’ hot snowboarder Shane McGreer shows intern Candace Bamberger legendary moves, and not just in halfpipe! It’s hot burn at high altitude and Shane wins big, but Candi’s heart and conscience are both on the skids. Then tragedy strikes, slamming them both back to a chilling reality. . .

Tamara Lush: RACING WITH THE ENEMY

Fast. Seductive. Italian. The first female tire changer in open-wheel racing, Savannah Jenkins is lured into deception with irresistible driver Dante Annunziata. Suddenly, she’s no pioneer. . she feels like his mistress! The race is on to save her heart from. . everything.

Rae Anne Hadley: DOUBLE NUMBERS

Quivering muscle. Coiled power. It’s the sport of team roping, and Valerie must choose between horse and man.

Lyssa Layne: DIG DEEP

Lindy James is hiding from her past, boosting herself into the public eye isn’t something she desires. One look at the blonde bombshell and her stellar volleyball skills and sports agent Kip Deevers knows she’s his next client, what he doesn’t expect is to fall for her.

Join the authors for fun and prizes at the release party on 6/15

https://www.facebook.com/events/1873351762917097/

#WOTR #ReleaseDay – My Kinda Night by Lacey Black @AuthLaceyBlack

Today we have the release day blitz for My Kinda Night by Lacey Black! Grab your copy today!

Title: My Kinda Night (Summer Sisters, Book 2)

Author: Lacey Black

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Photographer & Cover Design: Sara Eirew

About My Kinda Night:

Payton Summer doesn’t have time for love. Between running her own business in her hometown of Jupiter Bay and her monthly night out with her sisters, Payton has no room for men, dating, or the drama that it entails. Her life is fine just the way it is. Yet, her attraction to the one man she shouldn’t want can’t be ignored.

 

Dean McIntire has one rule: don’t date clients. It’s a lesson he learned the hard way, and sees the consequence every day when he looks at his five-year-old daughter. It’s not a rule he’d break again. Until he meets the gorgeous Payton Summer, and suddenly, Dean finds himself ready to throw the rule book right out the window.

 

What happens when the sparks of lust can’t be denied? One night turns in to two, and two turns in to more. Payton and Dean find themselves unable to stay away, but can they survive when their secrets are exposed?

 

*Though part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. It is intended for those 18 and over due to graphic language, descriptive sex, and the world’s most inappropriate grandparents.

Get your Copy Today!

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Catch up on the series today!

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Exclusive Excerpt:

It’s a Summer sister tradition that on the first Saturday of each month, the six of us get together. We take turns picking the location or activity, anything from margaritas and a movie to wine and painting classes at the small gallery uptown. One thing, though, is as certain as the sun rising over the Chesapeake Bay every morning; there will be alcohol involved.

Always.

Tonight, it’s another stupid painting class. Create and Paint, that’s what this class is called. I prefer to call it “Painting sucks, let’s get drunk!” while I chug my fruity Moscato because that’s the only wine worth drinking. Abby whips out red every once in a while and I swear to God Almighty that I’m going to shrivel up and die like those nasty, sour grapes used to create red wine.

I’m the oldest of six Summer girls. Of course, I’m the boss, the leader, and the best at everything (except painting, obviously). As I approach my thirty-third birthday in a couple of weeks at the end of January, I also realize that spending time with my sisters as much as I do is going to become more of a challenge.

Jaime is three years younger than me. She’s the sister who ran away to college and never came back. Well, at least until her fiancé left her the week before the wedding. She moved home, had to move in with our dad and grandparents, and worked for me at Blossoms and Blooms for a short period of time.

Then she met Ryan. Watching those two discover their love for each other was like watching soft porn. Sparks and hormones flew like fireworks every time those two were within a fifty-foot radius of each other.

AJ is the third sister at twenty-eight, or Alison Jane as her birth certificate states. Though, we’ve called her by her nickname for as long as I can remember. She’s the eighth grade math teacher at Jupiter Bay Junior High, home of the Hawks, where she’s taught ever since receiving her teaching degree. She has also enrolled in online classes for her Master’s degree. As of January twentieth, AJ will be a night student.

After AJ comes Meghan. She’s twenty-six and a hygienist at the local dental office. How someone can work inside another’s mouth all day and not get grossed out is beyond me. But she does it. Daily. Meg is also engaged to Josh, a man who treats her like the princess she is. Meg and Josh became engaged in December during a romantic trip to New York City for their anniversary. He went all out: Empire State Building, fancy dinner, down on one knee. It was perfect, just like they are.

Rounding out the Summer sisters are the twins, Lexi and Abby. Lexi, short for Alexis, gives me a run for my money in the boss department and is a hairdresser uptown. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, Chris, who rarely attends any of our family functions. He’s busy trying to take over the financial world, and believes that the only way to achieve that is to work nonstop. I don’t think it’s all roses and fairytales at the Jacobson house.

Abby, or Abigail, was born mere minutes before Lexi, but is as different as can be. She’s reserved, quiet, and shy in ways that the rest of us aren’t. Abby is an English Literature major and works as an editor for a major publishing house out of California. She’s on her computer all day, and rarely ventures out of her little apartment. It’s my goal in this new year to get her out and into the dating world, especially in light of the fact that her love for her best friend is unrequited. Levi is a great friend, but doesn’t see the wonderful woman before him. He’s too busy sticking his penis inside of every woman in the state of Virginia. (I say that lovingly.)

Let’s not forget our father, Brian, and our grandparents, Orval and Emma. Inappropriate doesn’t quite adequately describe the older couple who helped raise all six of us after our mom died. I was seventeen when she succumbed to ovarian cancer, leaving my father behind to get six girls through the teenage years. Enter the grandparents. I’ve got stories for miles, but we’ll get to those later.

Born and raised in Jupiter Bay, a small town of about eight thousand along the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve become accustomed to the small town lifestyle. I own the local flower shop, where I devote every ounce of my soul to making it a success. I’m not gonna lie, I had my doubts there at the beginning. I didn’t know anything about running a business, but was determined to make it work. It’s a lot of work, especially with a small staff of one other employee to keep overhead down, but I’m successful. And proud of it!

And that brings us to tonight. It’s the first Saturday of the New Year and we’re busy celebrating with sandcastles and wine. Hops and Grapes, a local retailer for microbrews and wines made on the east coast, is the place for tonight’s Paint and Create class. Right now, my beach scene resembles something a kindergartener would draw with finger paints.

“Mix together a little white with the brown until you get the light sandy color you’re looking for. Dab your brush in the water and then in the paint, and make long strokes across the canvas.”

Giggles erupt beside me. “She said long strokes,” Lexi whispers not so quietly.

“I get to make long strokes. Ryan is impressively large in the man-junk area,” Jaime says, gulping the last of her wine.

“Yes, we know. You tell us every chance you get.” This from Abby.

“Yeah, it’s starting to get annoying. If I had an impressive man-sword waiting for me at home every night, I’d never leave the house,” AJ adds.

“Not worth it. I’ll take my rabbit over a man any day. That baby has seven speeds and a rotating head,” I grumble, making a mess out of my sandy beach.

“Stop being so grumpy. Maybe if you actually had the real deal for a while, you wouldn’t be so damn cynical all the time,” Jaime says from across the table. She never takes her eyes off her canvas as she makes smooth, straight brushstrokes.

My face burns and I pray the vultures I share genes with don’t notice. Of course I don’t get so lucky. I’ve always said if it weren’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have any luck at all. Trying to concentrate on my masterpiece, I keep my eyes down and focused on the sandcastle in the corner of the scene.

“I think there’s more to the story! Do you see her blushing?” Meghan’s laughter flits from the opposite end of the table. How in the hell she can see my face is beyond me. It’s probably that sister-radar all of us possess. It’s so damn annoying.

“I am not.” It’s a weak defense, I know, but it’s all I’ve got.

“Deny it all you want, big sister, but your face is definitely blushing,” Lexi adds.

“Ladies, when you get your sandcastle the way you want it, we’ll add a few details and highlights before moving on to the water.” The woman instructing our class has worn a constant smile the entire hour we’ve been here, and frankly, I’m starting to think she hit the sauce way before our arrival tonight.

“Why does my sand look like cellulite?” AJ asks. “I give up. I’m just drinking from here on out.”

Jaime glances over at our sister’s painting. “My God, that’s horrible. Thank God you’re not the art teacher!”

“Cheers,” AJ replies, raising her glass and tapping it against Jaime’s.

“Any wedding plans yet, Meg?” Abby asks, wetting her brush before swiping it through the paint. Always the perfect student, that one.

“Not yet. We’re thinking fall, though.” Meghan’s face lights up at the mere thought of her pending nuptials to Josh.

“That’ll be the perfect time.” Abby’s able to keep her smile happy when she’s in discussion, but I’ve seen the desolation in it too. Even tonight, I see something in her eyes that makes me sad. I’m sure her best friend is the root of her anguish, but I won’t call her out on it tonight. That’s a conversation to have at another time (with less alcohol).

By the time our three-hour torture session is up, each of us has painted waves rolling onto the beach, with a shovel, pail, and sandcastle. We pose as a group for pictures, each of us proudly displaying the fruits of our labor. My sisters each discuss where they’re going to hang their newest creation, while I contemplate which closet I’ll throw it in.

“Yours is great,” Abby says with a big smile.

“Helen Keller could have done a better job,” I retort with a snort of laughter.

As we say good night and thank the instructor, we all walk out together into the crisp early-January night. Not surprisingly, Josh and Ryan are waiting. Jaime and Meg practically run towards their men, each one jumping into their arms as if it’s been days since they’ve seen each other instead of a few hours. Longing rips through my chest and settles into my stomach, heavy and unrelenting. I try to push those pesky feelings aside, but sometimes, it’s just no use. They plant in my chest and brain and dig in deep.

“Good night,” Abby says, pulling me into a hug.

“You going out tonight?” I ask, recalling her mention of Levi’s gig earlier in the evening.

“No, I’m going to take my new painting home and hang it on the wall.”

“Wow, don’t overdo it now on a Saturday night, Abs. Too much excitement will cause wrinkles.”

“I just, I don’t really go to his gigs anymore.”

“Why?” I ask, though already knowing the answer.

She shrugs her shoulders and gives me a small smile. “Just not feeling up to it.”

I let it go. I already know she doesn’t go anymore is because it’s too painful to watch him leave with some skanky bimbo with a dress size bigger than her IQ. Levi may very well never know what he’s missing with Abby, but the romantic in me is still hopeful of him getting his shit together and realizing he loves her.

Hey, I may be cynical as hell in the love department, but I’m still a woman. And this woman wants only the best and a happily ever after for every one of her sisters.

As for me? Well, I’ve decided that my happily ever after will be in the form of cats. I’ll be the little old lady wearing hair curlers and her bathrobe around town, picking up every stray feline she can find.

And you know what? That’s okay. Not everyone is cut out for the spouse, house, and perfect postcard life. Despite what they tell you in the romance novels or in Disney movies, there isn’t someone out there for everyone. Sometimes, a person is just supposed to be alone.

That’s my destiny.

About Lacey Black:

Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading, writing, and shopping. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves watching NASCAR races, shooting guns, and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.

Lacey’s debut novel, Trust Me, was released in August 2014 and has been an Amazon Bestseller twice for Free e-books, as well as #1 for Contemporary Romance. All of the Rivers Edge books have been bestsellers in the Romance and Contemporary Romance categories.

Connect with Lacey:

Email: laceyblackwrites@gmail.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthLaceyBlack

Blog: https://laceyblack.wordpress.com

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Ali Parker is a full-time contemporary romance writer who left a life in Corporate America to try living a dream. She loves coffee, watching a great movie, and hanging out with her hubs. By hanging out, she means making out. Hanging out is for those little creepy elves at Christmas. No tight green stockings for her. She’s from Texas, but they’ve pulled up their roots and have gone nomad across the country for the next 14 months. She might be coming to a city near you… be on the lookout!

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