Starlight Christmas Christmas. A time for giving and receiving. A time for celebration. A holiday I’ve only read about in a storybook – page after page of seeing a little girl celebrating the joys of Christmas. I had envied that girl, reading her tale on the cold, library floor while she was surrounded by so much warmth. So many cycles trapped in the facility by my Owner, my only presents the old, tattered books that surrounded me, my imagination my only salvation. So many cycles, I’d spent wishing to be like the girl in the fairy tale, wishing I was surrounded by my loved ones, opening presents and enjoying their company. My wish had finally come true. This cycle would be different. Rescued by my star knights, I vowed to enjoy every minute of this season with them by my side. This Christmas, I would enjoy being free. This Christmas, I would enjoy being free. Starlight Christmas is apart of the Holiday Series. It will be FULL-LENGTH novel and does not take place during the same timeline as the main series. It’s recommended to read DARK WISH- BOOK ONE of the Starlight Gods Series to understand/enjoy this novel. Recommended for 18+ audience, containing mature sexual content and strong language. -- EXCERPT: Marcus turned his attention back to me – a satisfied grin formed on his smooth lips. I finally realized what he just did. “You’re evil.” “I’m smart.” “How long until they realize you totally lied?” “If I’m lucky thirty minutes, but knowing how sharp Elias is, he’ll find Kai in twenty.” “You do realize you’ll have three angry shifters after you.” “I’m prepared for that.” He reassured me. I was about to stand up when one arm hooked around me and his other arm hooked underneath my knees, lifting me up with ease. I quickly hooked my hands around his neck as I gave him a confused look. “What are you doing?” “I’m kidnapping the princess.” “I don’t think you’re supposed to reveal your plans.” “There’s no one here to stop me.” “How about if I don’t want to be kidnapped?” He buried his face against my shoulder – kissing my flesh. I moaned, biting my lip. He rose to kiss me on my lips before pulling away. “Trust me, my Firefly. You shall enjoy me kidnapping you. Now, we must scurry away to my evil lair, aka my bedroom.” 
Author Bio: Yumoyori Wilson is from Toronto, Ontario. She loves to sleep and write her days away. She works at night as a registered nurse. She has a little addiction to bubble tea and coffee but loves to workout. She has big plans for the writing world and can't wait to share them with everyone. Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Goodreads
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It Must’ve Been the Mistletoe Finding your soul mate is a dream Adeline Hamilton thought was just that … a dream. After several failed relationships, she realizes she’s not capable of falling in love. The only passion she’s ever had is teaching U.S. History at the local high school. A week before Christmas, Adeline is all set for her best friend’s wedding, even though she dreads having to go to it alone. But when she’s given a Christmas wish that could change her future forever, she’s whisked away to the past, to a completely different place and time. It’s also when she meets him, William Blair, the man who steals her heart. As their relationship grows, Adeline realizes that true love does exist. What she doesn’t know is that her wish can’t last forever, that soon she’ll have to leave the past behind. Will Adeline and William find their way back to each other? Or will their love have to stay where it all began . . . in 1865? With mistletoe and Christmas magic, anything’s possible. Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Smashwords / Google Play --
Author Bio: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries. She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols. Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae. L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency. Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter GIVEAWAY!
Title: Resurrected: An Anthology of Horror and Dark Fiction Authors: Amy Bartelloni, Bryon Lee Ray, Cat Camille, D.A. Roach, D. Nichole King, Elizabeth Roderick, Erin Lee, Joseph Paul Haines, Joshua Macmillan, Nykki Mills, Samie Sands, Sara Schoen, and Taylor Henderson
Genre: Horror and Dark Fiction
Release Date: December 19, 2017 Publisher: Limitless Publishing
 DEATH
“Noun: the action or fact of dying or being killed; the end of the life of a person or organism.”
It’s the only certain thing in life. A journey every living creature is forced to take. It cannot be eluded, and there’s no escaping its fatal claws. It’s the one constant in every religion that cannot be proved wrong…death will find everyone.
But what if death is not the end? What if it’s only the beginning?
Stories of the living dead have been told through the centuries. Some of us want to believe, and some of us are too afraid to face the truth that sometimes—just sometimes—the dead never leave.
This is a collection of stories bound to make you question every belief, filling in the blanks of the unknown. Whether it’s the woman scorned finally given a chance for revenge after death, or an evil force trapping generations of a single family in a home for eternity—these are the deadly tales told from the grave.
Do not think it’s over when the Grim Reaper comes to call.
Death is not the final masquerade.
13 is Resurrected…
Are you afraid?
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DA Roach
     
D.A. Roach is a YA/NA writer who enjoys the challenge of crafting stories in different genres. When she’s not writing, she enjoys going to rock concerts, hockey games, horror movies and gardening.
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Samie Sands is the author of the AM13 Outbreak series – Lockdown, Forgotten and Extinct. She’s also had a number of short stories published in very successful short story anthologies. To find out more about Samie and her work, check out her website at http://samiesands.com/.
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ERIN LEE is a freelance writer and therapist living with her family in southern New Hampshire. She is the author of Crazy Like Me, a novel published in 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, LLC. She is also author of Wave to Papa, 2015, Nine Lives, 2016, and Alters, 2016 with Limitless Publishing. She authored Losing Faith with Black Rose Writing. Other titles include Host, Merge, Her Name Was Sam, Take Me As I Am, 99 Bottles, The Morning After and award-winning When I’m Dead. In her free time, she works on her upcoming releases, Just Things, a novel built on the life of Jimmie Putnam as seen here in her story, “Jimmie’s Freezers,” (The trouble with) Butterfly Kisses, From Russia, With Love, and Between the Cushions: A poetry collection.
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ELIZABETH RODERICK grew up as a barefoot ruffian on a fruit orchard near Yakima, in the eastern part of Washington State. After weathering the grunge revolution and devolution in Olympia, Washington, Portland, Oregon and Seattle, she recently moved to a small cluster of houses amidst the vineyards of California's Central Coast. She earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and worked for many years as a paralegal and translator. She is a musician and songwriter, and has played in many bands, rocking some instruments she doesn't even know the real names for, but mostly guitar, bass and keyboards. Elizabeth writes novels for young adults and adults; short stories; and memoir which is way more interesting than it should be. Her stories are about love, death, gang warfare, and madness; her characters tend to be of the type that society generally shuns: addicts, convicts, and the mentally ill. She believes if people get to know these characters in stories and in real life, they'll find them more likeable than they originally thought. She applies Hunter S. Thompson's Gonzo method to fiction writing. It often gets a little heavier than what she had in mind, but she chalks it up to forced consciousness expansion. Her author webpage can be found at http://www.talesfrompurgatory.com
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Sara currently a Biology Major with a minor in Environmental Science and another in Spanish at James Madison University, and spends her time writing, studying, and ghost hunting. While writing is a great hobby that turned into a passion to share with others, school is her priority.
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Taylor Henderson
Taylor Henderson is a psychology major at the University of Mary Washington. She was born and raised in Northern Virginia and has been an adamant reader and writer since she was young. Taylor plans to continue writing, and hopes to continue to expand to different genres in the future.
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Joshua MacMillan
My name is Joshua Macmillan, I am an author of horror and dark fiction. My first publication is a short story within the 13:Night Terrors anthology published by Limitless Publishing! I am currently working on my first novel and plan to have as many short stories published as possible while I work on the novel! I look forward to hearing from you guys! You can find me on facebook and Twitter, as well as email me!
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Nykki was born and raised (mostly) in a cow town in Tulare county, CA. She moved with her mother to UT at 16. This is where she met her future husband and father to their three adorable children. They now live in the beautiful state of MT, exploring the wilderness one weekend at a time. Growing up her nose was always in a book, having read nearly every VC. Andrews book by the age of twelve. It wasn’t until 2011 that she discovered her passion for writing. Her debut novel SACRIFICED is available now on Amazon! It is a YA paranormal with horror elements. She also writes fantasy, sometimes with a little sci-fi elements spun through.
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Amy Bartelloni is the author of the three book YA dystopian Andromeda series with Limitless Publishing. Her work has been featured in the Prep for Doom, and Tricks, Treats, and Zombies anthologies. A reader, writer, & coffee addict, she lives with her husband, 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she's not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. Some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, Paulo Coelho, and Stephen King.
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Joseph Paul Haines
Joseph Paul Haines is an award nominated writer with over seventy published short stories in such magazines as Interzone, Aeon, Abyss & Apex and many more, having received honorable mentions for ten stories in The Year's Best Science Fiction, edited by Gardner Dozois. His short story, "Ten With a Flag," was translated into three languages for foreign publication, garnering a nomination for the Ignotus Award for the best foreign language story from the Spanish Science Fiction Association and included in the John Joseph Adams anthology, "Brave New Worlds," a collection of the best Dystopian short fiction ever written and including authors such as Neil Gaiman, Phillip K. Dick, Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Orson Scott Card and others. He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife, one bossy dog and four ferocious felines.
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D. Nichole King
I'm pretty sure I drink too much Pepsi. I'm also pretty sure that somedays it's what keeps me sane. Well, Pepsi and writing, that is.
I'm a dreamer, an inspirer. I find beauty in weakness, brokenness, and heartbreak. In life, and joy, and happiness. These moments don't define us, but the choices we make in these moments do.
I write about these moments. About the choices we make and the paths we tread. About the circumstances that make us who we are and the experiences that will lead us to who we will become.
I write about life. Love. Pain. And hope.
"It's not about the ending; it's about the journey."
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Cat Camille
Cat Camille is a writer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She writes poetry and fiction, and works as an editor.
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Byron Lee Ray
The author of: Our Precious Moments, The Guardian Ear of The Radio Nurse, and Stone Bamboo. Current lives in Colorado with his wife Alia and two daughters.
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Title: A Christmas in Paris
Author: J.O Mantel
Genre: Contemporary Romance Christmas Novella
Release Date: December 19, 2017
Ashford Tanner, a successful lawyer, has the whole world at his feet.
Dealing with an overpowering and demanding boss can be tough, especially when you’re trying to have a relationship.
But when a multi-million dollar murder case sends Ash and his boss to Paris, his world is turned upside down.
He meets Gabriela, a beautiful French woman, who immediately wins Ash’s heart.
A tragic accident and a shock encounter will bring shockwaves to Ash and his new love.
Will he get a second chance at happiness?
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Title: Handler
Author: Tish Thawer
Genre: Sci-Fi /Dystopian
Release Date: December 19, 2017
 Our world was perfect––until we broke the law: Don't go out at night.
Utopian by day, dystopian by night; this is the world I recently discovered. I now struggle with the fact that our whole society has been based on a lie. There's only one way to change it––conquer the darkness we've all been raised to fear.
Live the lie; fight to the death; become a Handler. It's the only way.
Award Winning Author, Tish Thawer, writes paranormal romances for all ages. Her magickal elements and detailed world-building are a welcome constant in every novel.
Before becoming a writer she worked as a computer consultant, a photographer and a graphic designer. She also operates a custom glass etching business, in addition to being a wife and the mother of three wonderful children.
She's been a fan of the paranormal for as long as she can remember. Anything to do with superpowers, myth and magic has always held a special place in her heart. From her first paranormal cartoon, Isis, to the phenomenon that is Twilight, this genre has always been a part of her life.
 
Title: Bring the Heat
Author: L. Wilder
Genre: Sport Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2017
Cover Models: Darren Birks and Rachel Morris
Photographer: Darren Birks Photography Cover Designer: Wicked Design
Southpaw, Tucker Michaels, was a player on and off the field, and he was looking for his next big score.
Tucker Michaels could bring the heat, striking out anyone who stepped up to the plate, and he was burning up the big leagues.
At least, that’s what I was told.
I had no idea who Tucker Michaels was, and I honestly didn’t care. From the moment I met him, I thought he was an arrogant, foul-mouthed jerk.
I’ll admit he was hot—if you’re into the gorgeous, athletic type, but there was no mistaking the way he looked at me, like I was about to be his next grand slam.
Unfortunately for him, he was about to be the one to strike out. I had no interest in playing games, especially when he was helping my little brother’s baseball team.
But after a week from hell and one too many drinks, I was starting to see another side of the sexy, charismatic player.
   
 
As we got to the parking lot, I noticed that Kaci was parked next to Colton’s car. Kaden was already sitting inside while she was putting his equipment in the trunk. She hadn’t noticed that we walked over, and I startled her when I asked, “How’s the book?”
With a surprised look on her face, she peered up at me and asked, “The what?”
“The book you’ve been reading. Is it any good?”
A light blush crept over her cheeks and she cleared her throat. “Umm … It’s okay, I guess.”
I gave her a skeptical look. “Oh.”
“What?”
“I just figured it would’ve been better than okay if it kept your full attention for the past two hours.” I shrugged as I continued, “But … what do I know!”
Her beautiful eyes flashed with what seemed like annoyance before she replied, “I’m surprised you even had time to notice what I was doing with all you had going on. I mean … first, you had to deal with practice and all those kids running around, and as soon as that was over, you needed to tend to all your adoring fans … get their phone numbers … dish out some advice … You’re a busy man, Tucker Michaels. A very busy man.”
“You noticed all that, huh? I thought you were too busy reading.” I teased—which ended up being a mistake.
With an exaggerated eye roll, she slammed the trunk and walked over to her car door. As she got inside, she snarled, “Goodbye, Tucker.”
 Leslie Wilder grew up in a small town in West Tennessee. A country girl at heart, she’s always thought that life is too short, but she had no idea how short it really was until her brother passed away in 2014. She’s always been an avid reader, loving the escape only a great book can give, and wondered if she had what it took to write one of the wild romances she’d come to adore. With the support of her family and friends, she published Inferno: A Devil Chaser’s MC, one year after her brother’s death. With him in mind, she fulfilled her lifetime dream of writing. Since then, she’s completed the Devil Chaser’s Series and continued on with the Satan’s Fury MC Series. She has so many stories in her head, and can’t wait to share each and every one.
Leslie has been blown away by the support of her readers, appreciating every message, review, and encouraging word she’s received over the past year. She looks forward to continuing this journey with them for years to come.
Title: It Must've Been the Mistletoe
Author: L.P. Dover
Genre: Holiday / Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 18, 2017
Synopsis
Finding your soul mate is a dream Adeline Hamilton thought was just that … a dream. After several failed relationships, she realizes she’s not capable of falling in love. The only passion she’s ever had is teaching U.S. History at the local high school.
A week before Christmas, Adeline is all set for her best friend’s wedding, even though she dreads having to go to it alone. But when she’s given a Christmas wish that could change her future forever, she’s whisked away to the past, to a completely different place and time. It’s also when she meets him, William Blair, the man who steals her heart.
As their relationship grows, Adeline realizes that true love does exist. What she doesn’t know is that her wish can’t last forever, that soon she’ll have to leave the past behind. Will Adeline and William find their way back to each other? Or will their love have to stay where it all began . . . in 1865? With mistletoe and Christmas magic, anything’s possible.
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Wit & Wonder Books - “Perfect and refreshing holiday romance by LP Dover! It Must’ve Been The Mistletoe was brilliantly written and crafted in a way in which it will make you smile from ear to ear this holiday season.” Anima - “A truly magical Christmas romance! Perfect for any age, historical romance lovers too.” Kathy Rouchelle - “This is a wonderful Christmas read and one that I am sure that people who love watching Hallmark Christmas movies will thoroughly enjoy.”
Book Trailer
Giveaway
Teasers
Meet L.P. Dover
 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author L. P. Dover is a southern belle living in North Carolina with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she began her literary journey she worked in periodontics, enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
She loves to write, but she also loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes and white water rafting, and has a passion for singing. Her two youngest fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime, usually Christmas carols.
Dover has written countless novels, including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, the Gloves Off series, the Armed & Dangerous series, the Royal Shifters series, the Society X series, the Circle of Justice series, and her standalone novel Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense, but if she got to choose a setting in which to live, it would be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
  
Visionary New Years New Year’s always ended with a bang, when I was partnered up with my best friend, Cece Alexandra Rose. She wasn’t just the demon queen – she was the party queen. I expected no different this year – my suitcase packed with flashy, skin-tight dresses and Louboutin heels that I could dance all night in. My mission was to get utterly wasted before the clock struck midnight on the New Year, 5033. Instead, I’m on an exclusive cruise for millionaires with my men in tow, assigned to a high-profile criminal investigation. I, Scarlet Sinclair, was now undercover as Irina Locksworth, rocking a brunette wig and running for my life in a hot pair of not-so-running-friendly Louboutin’s, while praying our secret weapon didn’t fall out of my bra as we tracked down a drug lord, each tick of the clock pushing us closer to the New Year…and our deadline. Time for Team Seven of Paranormal INC to end this year with a bang. I just prayed to the gods it wasn’t also the end of us. Visionary New Years is apart of the Holiday Series and does not take place during the same timeline as the main series. It’s recommended to read VISIONARY INVESTIGATOR- Book One in the Paranormal INC Series to understand/enjoy this novel. Recommended for 18+ audience, containing mature sexual content, violence and strong language. NOTE: Visionary New Years is written in CANADIAN ENGLISH (a mix of American and British English). -- EXCERPT: “Hey, what you-” I began lifting my head to question his sudden movement when his lips met mine. I smiled, closing my eyes; returning the kiss. We kissed for what seemed like minutes when he pulled away; both of us out of breath. “Do I have to distract you before you stay still?” He asked. “I like distractions. Especially ones that require good kisses,” I replied. I pulled out of his embrace; changing position on the couch to face him. He lifted an eyebrow; confused as to what I was planning. “Now I can kiss you and you can work on my back.” I grinned. “Really?” “It’s multitasking,” I emphasized. “Come here.” He whispered.
Author Bio: Yumoyori Wilson is from Toronto, Ontario. She loves to sleep and write her days away. She works at night as a registered nurse. She has a little addiction to bubble tea and coffee but loves to workout. She has big plans for the writing world and can't wait to share them with everyone. Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Goodreads
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Title: Our Broken Love
Author: Terri Anne Browning
Genre: Contemporary Romance Collection
Release Date: December 19, 2017
Five re-released novellas, one USA Today bestselling author.
Our Broken Love is a collection of novellas by Terri Anne Browning, three of which were originally written under a different pen name. Follow five stories of women who don’t realize just how strong they are until their hearts are shattered.
Kari
She’s loved him from day one…
But over the years he only pushed her away.
Until her twenty-first birthday, and he turns her world upside down.
Eve
She’s hidden her feelings carefully.
But after staring death in the face, she knew it was time to give in to what she felt.
Erin
After nearly six years, Erin Calloway has finally come home.
But she’s not alone.
What will she do when her past comes face to face with their daughter...?
Alexis
She was broken…
She nearly lost everything.
Needing a change of scenery, however, drops her right into the past she can’t remember.
Reese
She’s been running for too long.
But coming face to face with MMA champion, Kieran Stone, makes her wonder if it was time to stop running.
Terri Anne Browning is multiple USA TODAY bestselling author. Being dyslexic, she never thought a career in writing would be possible, yet she has been on best selling lists multiple times since 2013. Reese: A Safe Haven Novella was her first Indie published book. The Rocker Who Holds Me changed the tables and kicked off The Rocker... series featuring the sinfully delicious members of Demon's Wings. The Rocker... Series is now complete with 12 books and the occasional novella. Other books by Terri Anne include the Angel's Halo MC Series, as well as The Lucy & Harris Novella Series, The Vitucci Mafiosos Series, and The Tainted Knights Rocker Series.
Terri Anne lives in Virginia with her husband, their three demons---err, children--and a hyper Frenchie named Grunt.
Author Links
Title: Heart of a Cowboy
Series: Elk Heights Ranch #1
Author: Kristin Vayden
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp
Genre: Western Romance
Release Date: December 19, 2017
A stubborn cowboy has sworn never to forgive or forget—but one special woman may find a way to change his mind . . .
Hospice nurse Laken Garlington helps people face the end with peace and dignity, surrounded by their loved ones. But the son of her new patient didn’t come home to reunite with his dad. So why is Cyler Myer back in horse country? It’s clear the sexy, six-three hunk with the steely eyes has a score to settle, and Laken doesn’t plan on being collateral damage . . . no matter how irresistible she finds the prodigal cowboy. Dying is too good for the father Cyler will never forgive—not in this lifetime. Showing up at his family’s Washington State ranch is the first step in his plan. But revenge takes a back seat to desire when Cyler meets a bossy beauty who arouses feelings he isn’t ready to face. As they work together to save an ailing mare, Cyler realizes he must decide where his true destiny lies. With darkness . . . or with the woman who offers the promise of redemption with every kiss. 
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Excerpt
His gaze shamelessly took in her silhouette against the evening sun, and he edged closer. Yet with each step, it wasn’t enough. Rather like a magnet, she pulled him in, and he didn’t want to fight the impulse.
Softly, he reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his body heating as she met his gaze, then shyly diverted her eyes. He traced his fingertips down her neck then gently grasped her shoulder, encouraging her to turn and face him fully. Anticipation flooded him. Her breath quickened, and her pink tongue darted out to caress her lower lip, enticing him. Deliberately, he leaned forward, watching as her eyes widened, but quickly she stepped out from his hold, putting several feet of distance between them.
“No. I can’t.†She wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging herself. Her eyes were bright with suppressed excitement, encouraging him.
“Why?†he asked, stepping forward.
Laken edged back. “This is the very definition of conflict of interest.†She arched a brow but grinned, her posture relaxing.
“I’m not going to take no for an answer.†He gave a small grin in return, taking a step closer.
She laughed, rolling her green eyes. “Why am I not surprised?†“Just being honest.†He shrugged.
“Thank you. I think.†She chuckled again, the sound slightly nervous. “Unless you’re not interested?†He let the question linger, closing the distance as he watched indecision, desire, and hesitancy flash across her face. “That’s beside the point—â€
“That is the only point,†he interrupted.
“I...I could lose my job.†She spoke quietly.
“Are you on the clock right now?†Cyler reached up, tracing the line from her ear along her jaw, pausing at her full lips.
“It’s complicated. But in short, no.†she murmured, her expression softening.
“Good.†Without giving her a chance to protest, he closed the final distance between them and sealed her lips with his.
At first contact, he realized the danger he’d just invited. It wasn’t just a kiss; rather, each nerve had come alive, demanding more. Angling his head slightly, he was able to capture more of her kiss, deepening the exchange as his tongue ran along the seam of her lips, begging for entrance. He could feel her hesitation melt as she leaned into him, her lips caressing his, inviting, intoxicating him with each touch.
As she opened her mouth, her arms tentatively grasped his forearms before sliding up to his shoulders then pulling him in tight. Cyler’s already- burning body smoldered deeper, demanding more than just a kiss. Yet he held himself in check, in spite of the pounding blood that seemed to overtake every other sense.
His hand slid up her back, mapping the delicate curve of her waist. Her tongue met his, stealing every other rational thought as he accepted her invitation and tasted the full flavor that was Laken. Her fingers slid up from his shoulders, threading through his hair and tugging, causing his heart to pound harder, his body to grow even harder as he pressed into her soft curves. He breathed in her soft gasp as he bit on her lower lip, pulling her in, leading her. He mated with her lips, fusing his with hers, searing his brand with each brush of his lips, each caress of his hand across her waist.
Abruptly she pulled away, her green eyes wild as they blinked up at him, staring deep into his soul. Naked in his eyes—yet fully clothed—she studied him, and the kiss had him off guard just enough that all the careful walls he’d constructed were still lowered.
Damn it all.
“So...that just happened,†she whispered, a hand reaching up to touch her pink lips. “Whoa.†She swallowed, his eyes capturing each minute movement, each tiny shift of her gaze.
Then she smiled.
“To be fair, I did warn you I wasn’t taking no for an answer.†He relaxed slightly, feeling less exposed and vulnerable.
“You did.†Her gaze flickered to the ground as her lips tipped into a lopsided grin.
“And I’ll be straight with you. I’m going to kiss you again.â€
Her gaze shot back to his, widening slightly. “So, you’re saying I don’t get a choice?†She flirted.
He chuckled. “I’m saying you don’t really want one.â€
She rolled her eyes. “A little sure of yourself, aren’t you?†She tucked her hands into her back pockets, regarding him.
He took a small step forward, leaning in to her before whispering, “You kissed me back.â€
Her pert nose scrunched up. “Caught that, did you?â€
“Yup. Pretty much.†He laughed softly, reaching out and tugging on her elbow, and she willingly released her hand from her back pocket.
“Fair warning?†she asked as he leaned in.
“Fair warning,†he murmured before taking her lips once more, astounded at how her warmth captivated him, and how his blood went to an immediate boil.
He’d expected her to moderate the kiss, and he’d been fully prepared to tease her, to test the waters to see how far she’d let him push, but what he hadn’t been prepared for was her response.
Rather than play hard to get, she returned the kiss with full force, biting his lower lip and fanning the already-burning flames. Her hands mapped his back, kneading, tracing, driving him crazy with each touch, reminding him that he could—should—be closer. He groaned as she tugged on his button-up shirt, sliding her hand up his chest, skin on skin.
He breathed in her sigh as he splayed his hands across her hips, pulling her closer then rocking her against him. He was taken by surprise when she kissed then bit him gently on the neck before quickly disentangling herself from his grasp and walking away.
Confused, he turned to watch as she glanced over her shoulder, giving him a teasing grin. “Fair warning.â€
Cyler’s face broke into a wide smile, one that caused his cheeks to ache with an unfamiliar yet welcome pain as he watched her hike back up the hill. “Are you just going to stand there and stare, or are you going to hurry up? Daylight’s burning.†She taunted as she continued her trek toward the truck. Cyler rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, shaking his head, and grinning. “Is that how it’s going to be?â€
“Are you complaining?†Laken turned, taking a few steps backward on a flatter portion of the hike.
“No, ma’am,†Cyler replied, starting toward her.
“Good.†She giggled and finished the hike with him not far behind. When Cyler reached Laken, he grasped her hand in his and kept it tight the whole way back to the ranch. The sunset’s glow made her face appear even more flushed, and he couldn’t help the smug satisfaction that he’d done that to her. It had been a long time since he’d felt that way, since he’d even wanted a woman to wear his kiss. It was disconcerting, yet electrifying all at once, but as much as he wanted to ride the wave of excitement, he felt the familiar suspicion creep in, the kind that made him question if this were truly real.
Because heaven only knew how he’d been fooled before.
Cyler glanced over to Laken, meeting her gaze and smiling before he back to gazing out the window.
The past was the past. This was a chance for a new future. Let that serve as fair warning...to his heart.
Author Bio
Kristin's inspiration for the romance she writes comes from her tall, dark and handsome husband with killer blue eyes. With five children to chase, she is never at a loss for someone to kiss, something to cook or some mess to clean but she loves every moment of it! Life is full—of blessings and adventure! Needless to say she’s a big fan of coffee and wine…and living in Washington she’s within walking distance of both!
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