Review – Cake: The Newlyweds by J. Bengtsson

CAKE2_NowAvailableBANNER

Jake and Casey are BACK!
CAKE: The Newlyweds by J. Bengtsson is NOW AVAILABLE in ebook, paperback & audio!

Cake Cover Front

Amazon ebook
Amazon paperback
AUDIO BOOK

ADD TO YOUR TBR

You thought their story was over… but a love like theirs has no end.

Fate doesn’t own Jake McKallister. At least that’s what he tells himself. Life is better than ever. He’s at the top of his game, performing to sold-out crowds the world over.

He has his health and a solid, fun-loving family to keep him grounded.

And he got the girl – the beautiful, quirky girl he’s just made his wife.

Yes, life is good. If only fate would stop screaming in his ear.

Lucky is the word to best describe Casey McKallister. Life is not just great… it’s amazing.

She has an awesome, devoted support system, a nerd’s dream job at a prestigious accounting firm, and, best of all, she’s married to the hottest rock star to ever roam the earth.

Yes, life is perfect… until it comes crashing down around her.

They say love concurs all. That’s what Jake and Casey are counting on.

 

CAKE2_TEASER1

 

BFF K’s Review of Cake: The Newlyweds

 

Cake: A Love Story and the first three books in the series were among my most favorite books of 2017. So, I was thrilled to see a new book coming in the series and it did NOT disappoint! Cake: The Newlyweds was sweet and LOL-funny while being a bit tearful and heart-wrenching at the same time!

Jake and Casey experience many of the issues and emotions of any newlywed couple. But, add to it Jake’s traumatic past, his challenging career and some unexpected tragedy and you have a tale that does more than just check in with your favorite characters, it moves their lives and stories forward.

My only criticism is that I would have liked Jake’s trauma story to be a little more developed. This story found Jake continuing to work through personal issues related to his childhood. I wish there had been a few more scenes with him working through those issue, it was all tied up a little too neatly for me. I think it could have been even more substantial.

Cake: The Newlyweds is another great love story for Jake and Casey. But, it’s also a wonderful check-in with Kyle and Kenzie, Emma and Finn and some of the other members of the family. I really liked the scenes with Quinn and Grace and I’m excited to see where their stories go. AND, there were a couple of scenes that made me laugh until I cried.

This book has it all – highs and lows, terrific characters and unique storylines. You need to read the first three books in the Cake Series for maximum enjoyment. Then you’ll be sure to find Cake: The Newlyweds is just the icing….on the Cake! 😂

PS – the Audio Version is Andi Arndt and Joe Arden and sure to be AMAZING!

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

READ BFF K’s Reviews of the other books in the Cake Series!

A Series Review for Cake: A Love Story

 

music studio background with dj headphones

Start reading CAKE: A Love Story NOW!
Over 1700 Reviews on Amazon!

_CakeCoverBanded-latest

Amazon
FREE with #KindleUnlimited

-A reclusive rock star going through the motions-

Jake McKallister might have been a rock star, but he was no ordinary one. Surviving an unspeakable crime as a young teen had shaped him into a guarded workaholic, and he now lived his life trying to forget. If it hadn’t been for music and the redemption he found through it, he might not have survived. Career success came easily for him. Personal connections did not.

-A vivacious college student embracing life-

When outspoken and fun-loving Casey Caldwell was paired with the famously reserved musician for a friend’s wedding, she was prepared for the worst. What could they possibly have in common? She was a bubbly talker; he was a media-shy loner. His life was filled with music; she couldn’t carry a tune. She’d enjoyed a happy childhood; his was a well-publicized nightmare.

-Their worlds are about to collide-

Despite their obvious differences, Jake and Casey found each other, and her light balanced out his darkness. Would their love be strong enough to survive the weight of his tragic past?

 

CAKE2_TEASER4

 

About the Author

J. Bengtsson lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite things to do are laugh, go for walks, and hang out with family.

Connect with J.!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/CakeALoveStory
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/chhhbX
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2rxHjuK
Join her Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebananabinder/

 

 

New Release – Spark by S.L. Scott

Title: Spark
Author: S.L. Scott
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance

~FREE in Kindle Unlimited~

One break is all The Crow Brothers need and we’re about to get it.

Johnny Outlaw, rock legend and lead singer of The Resistance, is here to watch us play. But he’s not the only familiar face in the crowd-killer little body, heart-shaped face, and drop-dead gorgeous.

Hannah Nichols sitting at the bar makes it hard to concentrate, sparks already reigniting. The beauty was never a groupie and tonight she’s not here to catch our show. She came to drop a bomb. “You have a son.”

She underestimated me. I’ll prove to my son, and her, that I can be the dad he needs.

What is it about musicians? Why are they so damn sexy?

My heart was Jet Crow’s the moment he opened his sexy mouth and sang that first song. One stolen night with that man would never be enough, but I’m not here to fall into his bed. Again. I’m here to fight for custody of a son he’s never known.

There’s just one problem. Those sparks between us have become flames. If we’re not careful we’re both going to get burned.

 

 

 

 

Title: Spark
Author: S.L. Scott
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 22, 2018
Cover Design: RBA Designs

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/SparkGR

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from Spark

Prologue

Jet Crow

Subtle scents of cinnamon mix with the taste of whiskey on her skin. I lick her from collarbone to the back of her ear, her moans enticing me to take more than a gentle share of what I want.

I’m well past hooking up with groupies, but something drew me to the beautiful brunette. Under the bright spotlight of that stage, my eyes found hers as I sang about finding the missing piece of me. Maybe it was the way she pretended to not care, catching my eyes and then turning away as if she was too shy to come speak to me, but too good to be bothered. It didn’t matter. I was already caught up in her as much as she was caught up in me.

The set ended and I made my way over to the mystery woman, the one who hid in the dark of the bar just as two shots were served. I took the shot of Fireball and then took her home shortly after.

Fuck. She feels good.

Hard little body, but soft in all the right places. Tits that fill my large hands and legs that spread enough for me to squeeze between her thighs. I bet she wouldn’t reach my shoulders in heels. Speaking of, “Keep them on.”

I like the feel of the leather against my lower back, the hard heel scraping across my skin when she tries to power play me by tightening around my waist and pulling me closer. I didn’t ask her to my bedroom. I didn’t have a chance. What started out as laughing while we shared a two a.m. snack of Cheetos, hummus, and whiskey turned into me eating her as a snack on top of my kitchen counter. I don’t ever do that with a one-nighter, but damn if she didn’t make me want to break more rules with her.

She kisses me like a woman in need of water, taking as much as she wants while pressing her heels into my ass. The heat between us emanates until I’m dragging my shirt off to try to cool down.

I knew she was different the moment she opened her mouth back at the bar. “You sing rock with so much soul. Who hurt you?”

“No one gets close enough to do me any harm.”

“That’s a pity.”

“It’s a pity I’ve never been hurt?”

“No, it’s a pity you’ve never loved anyone enough to get hurt.”

My heart started beating for what felt like the first time as I looked into her sultry eyes. I could blame the booze, but I can’t lie to myself. She had me thinking twice on things I never considered once before.

Who was this woman?

Even with our stomachs full, we weren’t satisfied. She dragged me by the belt down the hall to my bedroom. Her clothes were off and mine quickly followed before we tumbled into bed.

Fast. I want to fuck her fast and hard, but every time our eyes connect there’s such sadness found in her grays that I slow down. Wanting her to hold contact, I cup her cheek. “Hannah?”

Her eyes slowly open, the long lashes framing the lust I find between them. “What?” she asks between heavy breaths.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m good.”

“Just making sure.”

She runs her hands up my neck and into the back of my hair. “I’m sure.” Pulling me down to her, our mouths are just a few inches apart when she whispers, “I want you. I want to do this.”

Shy isn’t something I’d call her considering we were in my bed two hours after meeting. I like a woman who knows what she wants. Hannah knows. And fuck if it isn’t a turn on that she wants me.

 

About The Author

 

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.

 

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.slscottauthor.com/
The Scott Scoop: http://bit.ly/2TheScoop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slscottpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/slscottauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.l.scott/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/slscott1
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/SLBookbub
Amazon: http://bit.ly/SLScottAm
Book + Main Bites: https://bookandmainbites.com/slscott
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Slscottauthor
Huffington Post Contributor Page: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sl-scott/
S.L. Scott FB Reader Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/slscottbooks
S.L. Scott GR Reader Group: http://bit.ly/SLScottGRGroup

 

 

 

Series Review – Cake A Love Story by J. Bengtsson


I happened upon Cake: A Love Story by J. Bengtsson via some recommendations in my most favorite audiobook lovers Facebook group. Shout out to Aural Fixation! I listened to Book 1, and immediately to book 2 and then book 3. It was 33 hours of audiobooks in 8 days. Don’t judge – I drove a lot, my house was spotless and all the laundry got folded! I’m in love with this series and I can’t wait to see what this author delivers next! If you’re an audiobook lover, you have got to get this series! If you’re a romance lover, you’ve got to get this series! I’m going to feature brief reviews below for each book, but you’ve just got to get them!!! This post contains: Amazon buy links, reviews, author bio and then book descriptions!

Buy this series TODAY on Amazon

All of the books are also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Cake: A Love Story

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

 

BFF K’s Series Review for Cake: A Love Story

BFF K’s Quick Review for Cake: A Love Story

This is a Rockstar Love Story that is ANYTHING but a typical Rockstar Love Story! There is a backstory combined with supporting characters that make this book something truly special.

I fell in love with Jake. He’s deep and broody, sweet and funny, moody and swoony and everything that a romance Hero should be! Casey is witty and charming, laid back, young and sweet. She is also Jake’s perfect match. No one else brings out the best in Jake. Casey doesn’t worship or coddle Jake, but she listens and supports and loves him unconditionally. There are powerful demons and unbelievable experiences in Jake’s past, but Casey proves woman enough to handle them and him.

Their romance is a wave that’s swift and powerful and an absolute joy to ride. Andi Arndt and Joe Arden deliver an engrossing and enthralling audiobook performance. Beware – once you start this series, you’ll be consumed until it’s over! But, it’s worth every minute, I know you’ll fall in love with Cake!

 

BFF K’s Quick Review for The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Kyle has lived his life in the shadow of his talented and sometimes troubled older brother. He’s spent his life being second to Jake. But, it’s a role he’s grown weary of playing and Kyle wants to see what else is out there. Is there anything else he can be good at or can he be content filling this role forever. In an attempt to figure out the answer to that question, Kyle signs up for a Survivor-esque reality show. He discovers a great deal about himself and finds the girl who lights up his world.

Kenzie has been sister, mother, daughter, and manager for her entire family. She’s worked harder than anyone her age should have to. Her efforts have kept her father and siblings going. But, she wants to see what life looks like outside of the tiny town she calls home. This reality game show will provide her with the perfect opportunity.

Kyle and Kenzie come together under the craziest of circumstances, but learn so much about each other and themselves. They’re not perfect. They’re flawed and damaged, naive and reckless. But, they’re also sweet and silly, charming and funny and absolutely perfect for each other! The cast of quirky characters makes this book a humorous tale of self-discovery and sweet love. Andi Arndt and Zachary Webber deliver engaging performances that drive the story. This book is second in the series, but holds its own in all the very best ways!

 

BFF K’s Quick Review for Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

 

Emma feels as if she was denied a childhood. Her family’s trauma (particularly her brother Jake’s) impacted her in ways that she never disclosed or dealt with. Emma is cautious and careful. She prescribes to specific plans and ideas for the best ways to live her life and she has no intention or desire to deviate. Until she meets Finn.

Finn blows into her life like the hot winds that whip up a wild fire. He is unlike anyone she’s ever met and absolutely the last thing she thinks she needs. Finn dances to the beat of his own drummer. He takes life as it comes and rolls with the punches. He doesn’t realize that Emma’s brand of structure and organization is just what he’s been searching for.

Apart, Finn and Emma are pretty much a mess in completely opposite ways. But together, they’re pretty much perfect! They bring out the best in one another, each smoothing the other’s rough edges. Are they just too different to make life work together for the long run? Or, can their differences become the glue that binds them together? This book is a stellar opposites attract love story and the perfect continuation to the Cake Series!

 

About the Author

J. Bengtsson lives in Southern California with her husband and three children. Her favorite things to do are laugh, go for walks, and hang out with family.

Twitter: @CakeALoveStory

jbengtssonauthor@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/jbengtssonauthor

Join the Cake series email list for updates on new books http://eepurl.com/chhhbX

 

Cake: A Love Story

-A reclusive rock star going through the motions-

Jake McKallister might have been a rock star, but he was no ordinary one. Surviving an unspeakable crime as a young teen had shaped him into a guarded workaholic, and he now lived his life trying to forget. If it hadn’t been for music and the redemption he found through it, he might not have survived. Career success came easily for him. Personal connections did not.

-A vivacious college student embracing life-

When outspoken and fun-loving Casey Caldwell was paired with the famously reserved musician for a friend’s wedding, she was prepared for the worst. What could they possibly have in common? She was a bubbly talker; he was a media-shy loner. His life was filled with music; she couldn’t carry a tune. She’d enjoyed a happy childhood; his was a well-publicized nightmare.

-Their worlds are about to collide-

Despite their obvious differences, Jake and Casey found each other, and her light balanced out his darkness. Would their love be strong enough to survive the weight of his tragic past?

 

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

 

-A brother who lives his life in the shadows of greatness-
Kyle McKallister is the younger brother to one of the world’s most elusive and embattled celebrities. He has carved out a comfortable existence touring with his famous brother and living in the lap of luxury with no commitments or plans of his own, only a deep, haunting loyalty to his brother. But Kyle’s life is about to be shaken up when the opportunity comes to compete on a popular reality show.

-A sister who sets aside her dreams for the ones she loves-

Small town girl Kenzie Williams has come on the show for one thing only: to win. But when a disastrous start forces her to rely on an eclectic band of misfits, she finds herself immediately smitten with a handsome and mysterious cast mate.

-Pushed together by circumstance, two outcasts find love-

But life on the island is just a game. Can Kyle and Kenzie’s fragile spark survive the pressures of the real world?

 

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

Emma, older sister of renowned rock star Jake McKallister, has crafted a quiet existence for herself. Fiercely independent, scorned at work, and indifferent to relationships, she’s spent the past decade trying to move on from the crime that shook her family to the core. Living by a promise she made to herself as a distraught sixteen-year-old, Emma has sworn off marriage and children… until a chance encounter with a scruffy hitchhiker throws her orderly world into chaos.

A wild child raised in mayhem by a teenage mother, fearless Finn Perry cruises through life as the perennial nice guy. Now a struggling actor, he supports himself by performing daredevil stunts. At a crossroads in his life, one thing has always remained constant in his world: Finn’s desire to start the family he never had. The mystery woman who rescues him from the side of the road sure seems like the perfect person for the job.

But unfinished business from Emma’s troubled past looms heavy, threatening to destroy the fledging love she’s found with the only man to ever jump-start her wounded heart.

 

Buy them all TODAY on Amazon

All of the books are also available on Kindle Unlimited!

Cake: A Love Story

The Theory of Second Best: Cake Series Book Two

Fiercely Emma: Cake Series Book Three

 

Review – When It’s Real by Erin Watt

 

Wealth, fame and a real-life romance she never expected—seventeen-year-old Vaughn Bennett lands it all when she agrees to become a pop star’s fake girlfriend in this smart, utterly addictive novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author duo Erin Watt 

Under ordinary circumstances, Oakley Ford and Vaughn Bennett would never even cross paths.

There’s nothing ordinary about Oakley. This bad-boy pop star’s got Grammy Awards, millions of fangirls and a reputation as a restless, too-charming troublemaker. But with his home life disintegrating, his music well suddenly running dry and the tabloids having a field day over his outrageous exploits, Oakley needs to show the world he’s settling down—and who better to help him than Vaughn, a part-time waitress trying to help her family get by? The very definition of ordinary.

Posing as his girlfriend, Vaughn will overhaul Oakley’s image from troublemaker to serious artist. In return for enough money to put her brothers through college, she can endure outlandish Hollywood parties and carefully orchestrated Twitter exchanges. She’ll fool the paparazzi and the groupies. She might even start fooling herself a little.

Because when ordinary rules no longer apply, there’s no telling what your heart will do…

 

Buy today on Amazon

BFF K’s Review of When It’s Real

rating_4.5

 

Oakley Ford and Vaughn Bennett could not be more different. At least that’s what it looks like to those on the outside. And, it shocks Oakley’s Fandom when he begins a relationship with Vaughn. After all, she’s NORMAL, just like them. But, the fans don’t know that this relationship begins as a set up. It’s 100% promotion meant to clean up Oakley’s bad boy image. The feelings and emotions shared by Oak and Vaughn are soon very real, but neither quite know what to do When It’s Real.

The dynamic duo that is Erin Watt (Jen Frederick and Elle Kennedy) is absolutely fantastic yet again! They have delivered another story with compelling characters and an engaging storyline that will draw you in and leave you wanting more! When It’s Real is more of a slow burn than the intense, fast-pace of the Royals Series by Erin Watt. But, the story is interesting and the characters possess the same wit, charm and banter that I expect from these authors.

When It’s Real is billed as more of a Young Adult read. The character’s ages are definitely YA, however there are a couple of steamy-ish scenes (that I loved) that would prevent me from handing it over to the 16-year-olds I know. I actually wish that the characters would have been a little older and the book skewed New Adult instead. BUT, that being said, I still loved the book.

If you’re looking for a wonderful story with characters that you’ll fall in love with while they fall in love with each other, When It’s Real is a must one-click! I hope Erin Watt plans to write many, many, many, many more books together because I want to read them all!

angst_4

cd_5

romance_5

supptchar_5

heroine_4

 

signoff_K_sm

 

 

 

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.
dual point of view

 

Book Trailer

About the Author

Erin Watt is the brainchild of two bestselling authors linked together through their love of great books and an addiction to writing. They share one creative imagination. Their greatest love (after their families and pets, of course)? Coming up with fun–and sometimes crazy–ideas. Their greatest fear? Breaking up. You can contact them at their shared inbox: authorerinwatt@gmail.com

http://authorerinwatt.com/

Review – Real Sexy by Meghan March

 

 

Real Sexy AMAZONIn Nashville, country stars are a dime a dozen.

I swore I’d never get caught up with one, but Boone Thrasher made a liar out of me.

I said I’d never put my heart on the line, but he didn’t ask before he stole it.

Now we’re facing my worst fears, and we’ll see if this country boy is tough enough to see it through.

Girls like me don’t get happily ever afters… but maybe he’ll prove that wrong too.

 

Amazon | iBooks  | BN | Kobo | Google Play

 

 

BFF K’s Review of Real Sexy

rating_5_80

Meghan March is brilliantly consistent in all the best ways! She delivers characters that are likeable, stories that are engrossing, sexy scenes that are steamy, plots that are engaging and books I LOVE to read. March delivers consistently exceptional stories. I will read absolutely everything that she writes because I know it will provide a superior level of entertainment and all the feels! Real Sexy, book #2 in the Real Dirty Duet, is another great example of this consistency.

There are romance books where the hero and the heroine struggle to come together and that struggle is the central part of the story. Then, there are romance books where the hero and the heroine come together, it’s clear they’re together for the long haul and they fight an outside force together. Real Sexy is an example of my favorite of these two approaches to romance. You’ll have to read it to discover which that is! 😉

If you’re new to Meghan March’s books, any of her duets provide a great entry point and a terrific reading experience. The Real Dirty Duet can absolutely be read as a stand-alone set, but for those who have read the rest of the series, this duet provides some glimpses into the lives of past and future characters. If you’re a fan of March’s writing, this duet delivers more of everything you expect – consistent goodness!

AND, if you’re an audiobook lover, Sebastian York and Elena Wolf provide absolutely stellar performances that enhance the story so much! It’s another audio lovers dream!

romance_5

steamy_5

hero_5

heroine_5

butterflies_5

supptchar_5

hea_5

 

signoff_K_sm

 

 

An advance copy of this book was received from the author. The reviewer purchased a copy of the audiobook. Receipt of the advance copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.
dual point of view

 

 

 

 

Start with Book #1 in the Duet! Read Real Dirty!

Real Dirty AMAZONI have everything a guy could want—a new single burning up the charts, more money than a simple country boy could spend, and a woman I’m planning to marry.

Until she doesn’t show up for my proposal.

The life I thought was so perfect, isn’t.

The guy who thought he had everything, doesn’t.

I’ve got my heart on lockdown, but life sends me straight into the path of a mouthy bartender who puts me in my place.

Now the only place I want to put her is under me.

I thought I was done with love, but maybe I’m just getting started.

 

Amazon | iBooks | BN | Kobo | Google Play

 

 

 

 

About the Author

meghanmarchpic

Meghan March has been known to wear camo face paint and tromp around in woods wearing mud-covered boots, all while sporting a perfect manicure. She’s also impulsive, easily entertained, and absolutely unapologetic about the fact that she loves to read and write smut. Her past lives include slinging auto parts, selling lingerie, making custom jewelry, and practicing corporate law. Writing books about dirty talking alpha males and the strong, sassy women who bring them to their knees is by far the most fabulous job she’s ever had. She loves hearing from her readers at meghanmarchbooks@gmail.com.

FACEBOOK | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | TWITTER

Release Boost – Rebellion by S.L. Scott

 

Title: The Rebellion
Series: Hard to Resist #5Author: S.L. Scott

Genre: STANDALONE Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 18, 2017

I met my muse at fifteen. I’d just gotten busted for smoking behind the school gymnasium. She inspired me with her laugh and nonjudgmental attitude and, before I knew it, we were inseparable. Then I left to pursue my rock star dreams—dreams she encouraged.

I got over Jaymes Grenier no problem. I never think about that little bow at the top of her pink lips, or the way her green eyes admired mine. Nope, I barely recall the way she fit so perfectly in my arms when I held her at night. The sweet way she would whisper she loved me has long faded from memory.

These are the lies I regularly tell myself in hopes of believing them one day. Yeah, I was told I’d get over my first love.

I didn’t.

Derrick Masters marked me the moment we met back in ninth grade. He called me over—all bravado and bad boy mystery wrapped in a James Dean-esque package. Dark hair and blue eyes with a rebel without a cause charisma. He was everything I was warned about, but I couldn’t resist. I was his from that moment on.

His career took off almost as soon as he did. I knew it would. I just thought I would be beside him as his partner in crime, best friend, and lover. That’s what we had always been … before he left me behind to fend for myself.
Fend? Fight is more like it.

I’ve been fighting ever since.

Fighting for survival.

Fighting for a better life in a world determined to keep me down.

I don’t have the luxury of letting my head live in the lure of La La Land. His dreams may have come true, but mine were extinguished. These days I fight for something bigger than me, bigger than we were ever meant to be.

When his dreams come crashing back into my reality, is this a second chance at that fairy tale ending or another heartbreak in the making?

Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

Trailer

Excerpt

On the front porch, leaning against the wood column in all his newfound glory, stands the most breathtaking man I’ve ever seen. As a teenager, I thought he was the best-looking boy I’d ever seen, and based on how I’m struggling to breathe just from looking at him now, I think he still holds the title. But now he’s a man.

Ace is talking about what some kid named Shiloh got in trouble for today at school, but I’m still staring at Derrick Masters.

Derrick Masters.

My very own Perseus, though right now I’m thinking he was more my Achilles heel in the grand scheme of things.

Derrick Masters is standing on my mother’s front porch like he belongs there. A smile that shines like the star he’s become appears and he waves. Not sure if it was the grin on his face or the wave that sends me tripping flat on my face into the grassy lawn, but I’m cursing the curb when I lift up and look right into the dark blue eyes I’ve tried to despise.

“Are you okay?” he asks, trying to help me up. His voice is deep, the timbre the same one that always made my heart beat a little faster. It’s not that thought that runs through my mind. It’s his hands on me, grappling to help me to my feet.

He’s touching me.

Derrick Masters is touching me and I consider lying there longer just to savor the feel of his calloused fingers again. Ace tugs at my ankle like that will help me up. “Mommy, you fell.”

Mommy.

Mommy.

Derrick knows I’m a mommy.

Oh my God. What does he think?

Does he hate me? Disappointed in me? Happy for me? Or not care at all?

I would care if I found out he has kids.

Maybe he already knew . . .

Maybe I’ll just lie here as long as I can until he goes away.

Ace lies down next to me and rests his face on my hand. Looking at me with wide eyes, he asks, “Are we playing a game? This is fun.”

“Yes, I quite like it here.”

I hear Derrick chuckling just above me, enough to feel his warmth covering my body like sunshine as I lie in the cool grass. I might be mistaken but it sounds like he’s behind me now. On the ground with me.

Ace’s eyes look over my head. “My friend is here too.” He giggles. “See? Right there.”

Lying like a dead fish, I smile at my cute son not quite ready to face Derrick Masters. “What’s your new friend’s name?”

“Derrick. He plays a guitar like you, Mommy.”

After a tap on the back, Ace’s new friend speaks, “Hi.”

I miss Derrick’s hands on me, even if it was just helping me up. Ace is a ball of laughter and gets up. I watch until he runs behind me. “I’m here now. We’re all here. This is fun. Oh look, the moon.”

I can’t avoid him forever and the grass is grounding, literally, and settles my anxiety over just this kind of thing happening. I’ve embarrassed myself and he’s found out I’m a mother in the course of one sexy smile and a wave. I shake my head and close my eyes annoyed with myself for acting so foolishly in front of him. He was once my everything. When I roll onto my back, the top of our hands meet in an innocent touch that neither of us bothers to retreat. Finally building enough nerve, I turn my head and look straight into his eyes again. “Hi,” I whisper.

That devastatingly charming smile reappears, and he says, “It’s good to see you, Jaymes.”

Also Available

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

About the Author

 

 

Living in the capital of Texas with her family, Scott loves traveling and avocados, beaches, and cooking with her kids. She’s obsessed with epic romances and loves a good plot twist. Her favorite color is blue, but she likens it more toward the sky than the emotion. Her home is filled with the welcoming symbol of the pineapple and finds surfing a challenge though she likes to think she’s a pro.

Author Links

 

 

 

Review – Stand by A.L. Jackson

 STAND is now live!

A Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel

From NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author A.L. Jackson comes the next seductive, unforgettable Bleeding Stars Stand-Alone Novel…
Zachary Kennedy has never been known as a fighter, but he’ll never regret fighting for her…
I’m Zee Kennedy.
Quiet. Reserved. Predictable.
When my brother died, everyone thought I was just the good guy who stepped up to take his place in the band.
No one knew what I was hiding. The one thing I’ve been fighting for.
For seven years, I’ve never lost focus.
Not until one chance encounter with Alexis Kensington.
Now she’s become my greatest temptation.
I knew better than to touch her, but now that I’ve had a taste, I can’t get enough.
Her kiss becomes my air. Her body my salvation.
She needed a savior and somehow she became mine.
Taking her was a betrayal. But keeping her means risking everything.
One look at Alexis Kensington, and I know she’s worth the fight.
Will my past continue to keep me down or will I finally find the strength to pull myself up and Stand.

 

Don’t miss out on the stunning conclusion unforgettable series BFF K has been raving about!

 

DOWNLOAD NOW

Amazon    iBooks     Kobo    Nook    Google Play

 

 

BFF K’s Review of Stand

rating_5_80

 

It was a little over two years ago. I found myself sitting in a Panera restaurant (when I probably should have been working) headphones on and engrossed in the most incredible book that I just couldn’t stop listening to. That book was A Stone in the Sea read by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt. I was hooked. I was hooked on the story, the characters and the unbelievable audio performance. When it ended in a cliffhanger, I thought my world was falling apart. I feel a little bit the same way tonight as I finished Stand, the final book in the Bleeding Stars Series. I’m more than a little heartbroken over the end of this wonderful series.

Zee has been the most mysterious member of the world famous band, Sunder. He’s so straight-laced and has always taken care of everyone else. He’s never succumbed to the temptations of women, drugs and booze. But, you could never really get to the heart of why he protected his bandmates so fiercely and denied himself so much in the process. Stand blows that wide open. Zee Kennedy has good reasons to guard his life and his heart.

But, one night, Zee meets Alexis and the world shifts on its axis. Suddenly his carefully constructed walls have are crumbling before his eyes. He’s powerless to stop the way his foundation is shifting. Alexis knows that Zee is hiding something, but is unsure what or if it even matters.

A.L. Jackson’s beautiful words are dripping with emotion and angst. She clearly lays out the afflicting wreckage that Zee and Alexis must navigate and it’s one hell of a minefield. The book is so carefully crafted and emotionally charged that you’ll be unsure if you should pick your way through it slowly or charge ahead with little regard for the safety of your own heart or emotions!

The Bleeding Stars Series started strong and maintained the brilliant intensity through every book. They’re lovingly crafted, pulse-racing stories that will take hold of your heartstrings and pull you along from each fantastic story to the end. I strongly recommend this series for several heart-stopping doses of angst and gut-wrenching emotion. It’s going to take me a long time to get over the final chapter for these rockstar, bad boys, turned-good!

angst_5

romance_5

steamy_4

heroine_5

hero_5

supptchar_5

hea_5

 

signoff_K_sm

 

dual point of view

An advance copy of this book was received. Receipt of this copy did not impact the content or independence of this review.

 

 

 

“6 Devastatingly Beautiful and Brilliant Bleeding Stars but Worth the Whole Constellation.

I felt every burn…every blaze…every beautiful and brilliant word…I FELT IT ALL. ”

~Karen, Bookalicious Babes Blog

Giveaway

Grand Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card + First 5 Bleeding Stars Novels Signed

 

 Celebrate the Release!

A.L. Jackson Reader Hangout ► http://smarturl.it/AmysAngelsRock

Stand Read-Along ► http://bit.ly/2pHRkiK

 

About the Author

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.
Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, as well as the newest BLEEDING STARS novels. Watch for the next installment STAND, coming Spring 2017.
If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.
Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson – Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 24587 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.
Connect with A.L.

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