No Backward Glances

No Backward Glances

by Kat Schuessler

Synopsis
When Lorelai Todd has her heart shattered by her boyfriend, she vows to never trust a man again. Six months later, she’s called to the hospital where she works to help with an emergency. She speeds to get there and is pulled over by Jay, a handsome cop who will eventually threaten to break down the walls she’s built around her heart.

After giving the sexy woman a warning and sending her quickly on her way, Jay regrets not asking her out. Fate seems to intervene when he’s called to the hospital to identify a potential kidnap victim and finds the nurse in charge is Lorelai, the beauty he pulled over for speeding.

He wastes no time in asking her for a date and she accepts, but hesitantly.
They learn they have much in common – from music to movies. But the most incredible thing they share is an amazing chemistry. The sex is red hot, they can’t keep their hands off one another.

Jay is falling for Lorelai fast, but he’s worried if she’ll ever be able to let her guard down and trust him. While he's wooing Lorelai, Jay is caught up in the investigation to find the kidnapper who shot the young victim who brought them together. Lorelai finds herself involved, in more ways than one.

Their relationship is complicated by a mystery, danger and ghosts from their past.

But one thing is clear, their hearts are involved.

Can they beat the odds and find a future together?

Because there’s one thing for certain –

In the game of love – there should be NO BACKWARD GLANCES.

EXCERPT

“So...I'm sorry if this seems a little forward, but I've been wanting to talk to you about something,” Jay said, sounding nervous.

“What's up?”

“Well, we've known each other a while now and we've been hanging out a lot, but I'm still not really sure what we are. Relationship-wise.”

Rory immediately felt her stomach plummet to the ground. She wasn't ready for this talk yet; in fact, she'd been dreading it.

“Oh, really?” She replied. She hoped he wasn't going to push the issue, but knowing Jay, he would. She didn't want to hurt him, but she was absolutely terrified to agree to any kind of commitment.

“Yeah. And I was just wondering what you thought, because I'd really like us to become kind of an exclusive thing.”

Rory felt her throat go dry, and she swallowed and forced herself to speak evenly. “I'm not really sure, either. I mean, we're great together. I'm just not sure if we should put a label on it quite yet. I know it feels like we've been doing this forever,” she said, trying to do this the right way, “but really, it's only been like, two weeks. Maybe we should just see where we're going first. For right now, I'd just call us friends with benefits.

“To be honest,” she continued, “That doesn't even feel like the right term. We seem like we're more than that, which is why I say we should avoid labels, just for now. For now, we're just..dating.” Rory refused to look at Jay. She wasn't sure what his expression was, and if it was sadness or disappointment, then she would feel awful. So she just kept her eyes on the road and made the turns that the GPS told her to make.

“Okay,” Jay replied.

The rest of the ride was silent.

Rory pulled into the parking lot and parked next to Jay's car, they got out of the car, and they walked up the stairs and into Jay's apartment, all without saying a word. Guilt was worming its way through Rory's body, and a momentary thought flashed in her mind; was this how Matt felt when he broke up with her? Did he feel as awful about hurting her as she felt about hurting Jay?

She sure as hell hoped so.

Rory took off her coat and shoes as Jay set up the movie and popped popcorn, even though they just ate and they each agreed that they couldn't eat another bite. Now she looked at his face, and it didn't tell her much. There were no emotions, just simple focus on the task at hand. It was almost like he was on auto-pilot, going through the motions but not really focusing on them. That worried her a little bit; Jay didn't do auto-pilot, not with her. He always talked to her while he did everything, no matter what it was. This was bothering him, and she knew it.

She wanted to say something, do something to fix this, but she wasn't sure what that was, so she just sat on the couch and waited for him to finish. He split the popcorn into two bowls, as he always did, brought them over, sat down on the couch and pressed “play” on the remote control. They sat through the first ten minutes before he paused the movie and turned toward her.

“Lorelai...are you seeing somebody else?”

“What?” She gasped, putting her bowl on the table in front of her. “Of course not. Why would you think that?”

“Then why won't you commit to me? I know that's what this is about; you don't want labels because you don't want to commit. Well, I do. I want to be able to be with you and say, 'Hey, this is Lorelai, my girlfriend, and for you to be proud to introduce me as your boyfriend. I want this to be something real, and possibly permanent. Why don't you?”

Rory sighed. “Jay...I don't want to go too deep into it, but the last guy that I really committed to broke my heart. It nearly killed me, and I'll be perfectly honest; I'm terrified. Just that first dinner with you scared me, let alone the idea of fully committing to you and opening myself up to you completely. Please understand that it isn't anything wrong with you; you're amazing. I just can't shake the fear that it's going to happen again.”

Jay took a minute, and then met Rory's eyes with his own. “Lorelai, you mean the world to me. There is nothing I would ever do to hurt you, not in a thousand years. If it will take a little longer to prove that to you, then that's okay; I'll do it. But even if I can't consider you my girlfriend, I want you to consider me your boyfriend, because I'm not going anywhere. Understand?”

Rory's heart melted, and she nodded, unable to speak. She leaned forward and kissed him, and he put his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.
“Now that we're speaking again,” he said, picking up the remote, “Let's watch this movie and actually enjoy it. Deal?”

Contact the Author

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Promises Kept

Promises Kept
The McBride Brothers

by Scarlett Dunn

Publisher: Zebra Pages: 352 Genre: Historical Western Romance Format: Kindle/Paperback

Lady of marriageable age with two young boys, in need of husband.
I am a good cook and hard worker. 

Victoria Eastman grew up in a Texas saloon–an experience that made her tough, resourceful, and determined to forge a new life. So she places an ad in a gentleman’s newspaper. . .and soon finds herself a suitable arrangement on a farm in Promise, Wyoming. Only problem is that her would-be husband turns up dead the day she arrives.

Rancher Colt McBride is known for his true grit and business smarts. Yet when it comes to his new neighbor, Victoria, he’s stumped: Who is she, really? She’s lovely to look at, of course, and has proven herself a gentle soul. She’s even causing him to question his staunch bachelorhood. But any kind of future may be shattered when a stranger reveals a secret about Victoria’s past–one that could destroy them both. Unless, together, they can take a leap of faith–right into each other’s arms. . .

ORDER INFORMATION

Promises Kept is available for order at  

Kensington

Amazon

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 About the Author

Scarlett Dunn lives in Kentucky surrounded by all manner of wildlife, and enjoys long “God walks” where most inspiration strikes. Possessing an adventurous spirit, and a love of history, particularly the pioneers of the West, she has a special place in her heart for all cowboys, past and present. Readers can visit her website: www.scarlettdunn.com.

For More Information

Visit Scarlett’s website.

Laurie Olerich - Primani 2nd Anniversary Celebration

It’s the second anniversary of the start of my Primani Series! Book one was released on September 3, 2013. It’s been a thrilling couple of years, and I think it’s time to celebrate! In honor of this milestone, my wonderfully talented cover artist has created beautiful new covers that I’m dying to share with the rest of the world. 

Primani (priman’i) noun: Primani are paramilitary soldiers with supernatural abilities granted by an archangel. Ruthless and powerful, they police demon activity that threatens humankind on a large scale. Before becoming Primani, all were superior warriors with unique psychic abilities. The series follows them as they cross lines, fall in love, and butcher demons to save the world. Living by a loose code of morals, they’re more mercenaries than angels, prone to violence, vengeance, and in the end, heartbreakingly pure love. The first three books follow Mica’s transformation from human to immortal after she becomes entangled in the Primani world. Each subsequent book focuses on the unique story of each Primani as they battle both Hell and their own inner demons. Sometimes dark, funny, full of twists, and steamy passion, the Primani series crosses the lines of paranormal romance, metaphysical fantasy, and occult suspense.

A Look at Primani:

 

Budding psychic Mica is a walking miracle. After surviving a brutal attack, she vows to live each day to the fullest. Little does she know her life is no longer hers to control. When Tall, Dark, and Annoying shows up to shadow her, she’s intrigued…

Powerful and ruthless, Sean’s assigned to guard more than Mica’s body. Her future is at stake, and it’s his job to keep her on the right path. There are plans for her. Plans that’ll change everything she believes if she lives long enough to learn the truth. Guarding one human shouldn’t be this complicated, but Mica makes it anything but easy.

As the clock ticks, Sean pulls Mica deeper into the Primani world until there’s no way out, and she doesn’t want to leave.

Excerpt:

“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.”

My eyes popped open at once. I blinked in the sunlight, disoriented. Domino was stretched out on the blanket with me, regally surveying the shore. Sean hauled me upright. I expected him to immediately step back like he usually did, but this time he didn’t. Instead, he held me at arms’ length, strong fingers entwined with mine.

“Regrets, Mica?” His eyes were unreadable in the bright light.

“What did you do to me?”

“You’re avoiding the question.”

“So are you.”

Anniversary Present! Primani is FREE on these sites!

 

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         A Look at Call the Lightning: 

The sizzle continues… After a year of heartache, Mica finally has everything she wants. Her soul mate Sean's back from the dead. She’s finally getting a grip on her unwanted powers. Life is good until Killian shows up naked in her visions. Is she seeing the past or the future? As she struggles to find the truth, a new threat looms. Something watches in the dark. It plots. It lusts. It hungers for more than her blood. It wants everything.

Killian has secrets--a lot of them. When he vows to protect Mica, he’s all in. His intention takes a dangerous turn when she becomes a pawn in the game. Desperate to keep her alive, he drags her into his shadowy world of ancient power and bloody altars with devastating consequences.

Bound by blood, there’s no turning back.

Excerpt:

I was humming “Chasing Cars” in the shower when the clear curtain slid back. Sean leaned against the sink, letting his eyes drift down my soapy body. He still wore jeans, but the button was undone, and they rode low on his hips. He’d already stripped off the t-shirt he wore today. I licked my lips and tried to say something sexy but nothing came out. My tongue got stuck in my mouth. Instead, I stepped back to make room. The jeans hit the floor in the blink of an eye, and his hands were everywhere at once. With my back against the warm tile, I closed my eyes and let the sensations overwhelm me. He dragged his lips away from my mouth and smiled wickedly. Nonplussed, I started to ask what he was up to, but it came out as a yelp when he scooped me up and wrapped my legs around his waist. His arms cushioned me from the hard tile as he impaled me with one quick thrust.

“Oh. My. God.”

Moving against me now, he bit my earlobe and murmured, “Not quite.”

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A Look at Stone Angels:

 

Mica’s got no options. Sean’s lost his mind. Violent and unstable, he’s teetering on the edge. Desperate to save him from falling, she risks everything she has, including Killian. How far will she go to pull him back? Every step moves her farther away from Killian’s plan. As they work together to save Sean and the rest of the world, she’s haunted by a sense of deja vu that leaves her feeling trapped between two worlds. Which future is the right one?

3,000 years ago, Killian made a promise. Since then, he’s waited for fate to right the wrong that stole his life. The time has come for him to be free, but it’s never that easy. Knowing that Mica’s love is the only weapon against Sean’s demons, he sends her to rescue him. He trusts her completely, but can he trust Sean?

His heart, her soul... Will the promises of angels heal them both?

Excerpt:

He tugged me to my feet and wrapped an arm around my waist. Leaning me back over his arm, he nibbled the pulse at the base of my throat. His breath was hot against my skin. He smelled of strawberries and bread and the wild forest scent that surrounded him. My head swam happily and I closed my eyes. Before lifting me upright, his mouth trailed kisses from my throat to the tie of the sarong.

“Are you okay?” he asked softly. “Your eyes are glazed.”

Groaning dramatically, I pressed against him and ran my hands underneath his shirt to feel the warm muscle there. “I’m not going to be responsible for my actions in another 30 seconds. You’re taking chances with my powers. Look! My fingers are glowing!” I wiggled the tips of my fingers. They were glowing whitely in the candlelight of the room. “I might accidently blow you up.”

With a smug glance, he said, “This is your fault. You wanted a full night with me. Are you telling me you can’t handle a full night with me?”

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     A Look at Broken Souls:

  

 

Rori Austin’s life is over. She just doesn’t know it yet. Plagued by recurring nightmares and terrifying fugues, she’s hanging on by a thread. When she blacks out and wakes up in 1969, she knows she’s out of control. Broke and alone in the city that never sleeps, she’s desperate to find someone who can hold back the darkness in her mind. When too-good-to-be-true Declan shows up out of nowhere, she’s thrilled until he starts asking questions she has no intention of answering.

Primani Declan Manning is a ruthless killer and a renowned healer. Demons fear him. Humans love him. Life is good. The last thing he needs is a human woman. After saving Rori’s life, he walks away, but can’t forget the fear in her eyes. It haunts him, dredging up memories better left buried deep. Intrigued by her secrets, he uncovers the horrifying truth. She’s been marked for Hell, and her time is up.

Excerpt:

Rori was all in now. By all measures a woman could use, Declan Manning was a keeper.

The perfect man snapped her from the delicious daydreams by asking with an annoyingly smug expression, “Are you thinking about me?” He sniffed the air like a bloodhound before cracking up at her horrified expression.

As if that just explains everything… she blushed and gave herself an experimental sniff. “I don’t smell anything.”

The rat laughed harder before finally settling those dimples into their cutest position. “Sweetheart, a man knows when a woman wants him. It’s obvious by the glazed look in your eyes, the way your mouth opens for a kiss, and most importantly, and I can’t stress this one enough, the scent of your, um, juices flowing. I have supernatural senses--all of them. I can’t miss it. Besides that, your pheromones are the best perfume I’ve ever smelled. Just knowing you’re sitting here dreaming about sex makes me hot as hell. We might have to pull over.”

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    A Look at Darkness Calling:

 

Finally freed from a century in purgatory, Aisling just wants to raise her son and live as a normal human again--Her demon hunting days are over. But her taste of freedom is cut short when her past catches up with her. Cain is the one demon she couldn’t kill. One she couldn’t resist, didn’t resist. Now he’s back to keep her on a short leash. When he threatens to take her son, she turns to the one man who can save them both. Sean.

Sean is sick and tired of his baby mama’s mood swings, and he’s seriously thinking of strangling her. But when a brutal old enemy shows up to destroy everyone Sean loves, he discovers Aisling is hiding more than her feelings for him.

Joining forces to protect their son, Sean and Aisling set out on a journey that leads them from the city streets of Manhattan to the elegant hotels of Vienna to the final terrifying showdown in the bowels of Rome.

Excerpt:

“Are you okay with this?”

Sean’s deep voice thrummed across her neck. She stilled in the doorway so she could soak in his presence. He gave her space, but she could feel the heat from his chest against her back. He couldn’t help it any more than he could stop breathing. Primani just burned hotter than humans. He seemed to burn hotter than other Primani, but that was probably his arrogance projecting. The fact that he was supremely comfortable in his skin made him bold. He came at life as if it was his right. No hesitation. Hesitation led to death. She envied him that courage. Shaking off the maudlin thoughts, she eased closer until the fine hair on his arms tickled her shoulders and bit back to urge to purr.

“With sharing the room with you?” Oddly enough, this was the last vacant room.

“Not just the room. There’s only one bed, and I’m not sleeping on the marble floor no matter how squeamish you are.”

She already noticed the bed. It was impossible to miss. Draped with silver silk coverings and set high on a platform, it was the room’s centerpiece. Overflowing with velvet ruby and sapphire pillows, the bed all but demanded to be used well.

Turning to face him, she said, “It’s only one night. You don’t sleep naked, do you?”

Grinning wolfishly, he countered, “Oh, always. You?”

“Never.”

She shivered in the cool breeze despite his nearness. With a soft sound of concern, he cupped her shoulders, rubbing them briskly before trailing off to a lingering caress. “You’re cold.”

“No...” She lowered her gaze to his mouth. Her fingers curled in the soft cotton of his shirt, reeling him close. “I’m so far from cold right now.”

The gentle stroke slowed until only the pads of his thumbs moved over her skin. His eyes gleamed with a low fire as he searched hers. Her heart took off in a gallop.

“Is that so?” The husky question sent a swirl of desire curling into her belly.

She licked her lower lip, unconsciously inviting him to taste, hoping he’d dip his head and take her mouth. Part of her wanted this, part of her shrieked to run the other way. Without breaking his gaze, he curled his fingers around the nape of her neck and closed the distance between them. His chest brushed her breasts as he tightened his hold. Her pulse fluttered like a hummingbird.

“I’m going to kiss you. If you don’t want me to, tell me now.”

 

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About the Author

Laurie Olerich is the author of the urban fantasy romance series Primani. She loves to create guilty pleasures full of exciting locations, roller coaster action, strong, quirky heroines, and steaming hot heroes who’ll raise the temperature in any room you’re in! Paranormal romance? Check! Urban fantasy? Check! Romantic suspense? Check! Her Primani series combines the best of the three. When not plotting, writing, or fantasizing about her next hero, she’s planning parties, traveling the world, and spending lazy nights with her son, her Dal pals, and friends. Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Germany. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo.  Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to a career spent around men with guns and cool toys...this explains her obsession with both!