What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?
Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.
When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.
Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.
But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
Mixed martial arts fighter Reid Andrews’s chance to reclaim his title as light heavyweight champ is shattered when he’s injured only months before the rematch. To make sure he’s healed in time, his trainer sends him to recuperate under a professional’s care—Reid’s best friend’s little sister, all grown up. Disorganized and bookish Lucie Miller needs some professional help of her own. She’d do anything to catch the eye of a doctor she’s crushed on for years, so when Reid offers seduction lessons in exchange for 24/7 conditioning for the biggest fight of his career, Lucie jumps at the chance. Soon Reid finds himself in the fight of his life...winning Lucie's heart before she gives it to someone else.
So I am not going to lie. I had Seducing Cinderella in my TBR list FOREVER!! At least a good 6 months -what a fool I was! Boy from the first couple of pages I was sucked in. I read this book all in one sitting and totally fell in love with Reid Andrews and Luce Miller!
Luce Miller was just living her life. Married to her job, she didn't have much of a social life. Her life was at the hospital where she works as a physical therapist. Also at the hospital is her Dr. Dreamy - Dr. Stephen Mann. She has had a major crush on him for years. She just knew if she was given the chance that Dr. Mann could most definitely be her Mr. Right. That is until he shows up in her office asking for her best friend's phone number so he can ask her to a fundraiser. But things were all about to change for Lucie.
Reid Andrews is a MMA Lightweight Champion with an injury that could take him out of the cage for good. His trainer sends him home to do therapy and try to re cooperate but he only had a few months to get ready to defend his title. If he wasn't ready, he could loose everything. So when he walked in to meet his new therapist, he was surprised to see his best friend's little sister Lucis as his new therapist but she was upset and crying. What's a guy to do? Lucie ends up pouring our her story to Reid, who immediately comes up with an idea, even if for selfish reasons. He convinces Lucie to help him train 24/7 for his fight in exchange for helping her get her Mr. Right through seduction. Will Reid make it back into the cage? Will Lucie snag Mr. Right or will he turn out to be Mr. Wrong?
I absolutely adored this book. The chemistry between Reid and Lucie is scorching hot and steamy! I highly recommend this it. And if I haven't convinced you yet. Check out Ms. Maxwell's Muse - Parker Hurley!
And now the premier of my
Seducing Cinderella Book Trailer!
With my BBF (Best Blogger Friend) Christine from Shh Mom's
Reading
and myself - Becca the Bibliophile
As Reid is approaching, Christine whispers to Becca “OMG he
is GORGEOUS! Luce is one lucky lady –
quick – do I look ok?” As she starts
patting down her hair and clothes. Becca
whispers back, “Get it together – you’re fine.
Stop fidgeting!”
Becca:
Hi Reid! Thank you for taking the time
to meet with us today! We are so excited
to meet you in person after everything we have heard about you from Gina!
Christine: *with a big smile trying to
contain delight* And we are SOOO excited to show you the book trailer that
Becca made especially for you, Luce and Gina!
We hope you like it!!!!
Reid:
Thanks so much for inviting me, ladies. I’m really stoked to see the trailer. I
hope you captured my good side. *smiles and winks*
B: Oh honey, I don’t think you have a bad side!
*Looks at Christine who is giving me the wide-eyed look* Sorry, did I say that
out loud? *shrugs shoulders with a big smile*
C:Ok, so…Reid, what were your feelings when you realized that Lucie was your
physical therapist?
R: Well, there was the initial shock, of course.
With the different last name I never expected it to be anyone I knew, much less
her. But as soon as she walked into my arms for a hug…*shifts in his seat and
clears his throat behind a smirk*…well, let’s just say it would've been hard to
explain my rapid pulse just standing there had she checked it.
C: How did you tell Lucie’s brother that you
guys were dating and in a relationship? Isn't it guy code to NOT date a sister?
What was his reaction?
R: I don’t know about guy code, but I knew Jax wouldn't exactly love the idea of me and Luce. And I couldn't even blame him,
because I knew I didn't deserve her. In the beginning we didn't want to say
anything to him because we told ourselves it was only a temporary thing. But once we made the commitment to get married and
everything, we made plans to tell him, but we disagreed on how to do it. Lu
wanted to tell him on the phone, give him a chance to cool down, and then go
visit him in Oahu. I wanted to do it in person, man to man. I figured I at
least owed my best friend that. I managed to convince her to do it my way…but
things didn't go according to plan. Shit hit the fan, big time. I won’t go into
it now, but I know Gina is planning on giving everyone a
blow-by-blow—literally—of what happened that day as bonus content on her
website soon.
B: *raising an eyebrow* Oh I
can’t wait to read about that one. I have an older brother who is quite
protective, so I can just image how that all went down! *Christine whispers excitedly to Becca, “Do
you think they had their shirts off?
God, I hope Gina took some pictures that she can share with us!”*
C:
*Turning her attention back to Reid* Lucie mentions that she had
a crush on you from when she was a kid – did you realize? If yes, what did she do to make you notice?
R: No, I didn't actually. Lucie had always been
the quiet type, so it’s not like she tried flirting with me or acting out of
character when I was around. I mean, she was always wanting to tag along with
me and Jax, but I figured that was just kid sister stuff. She and Jax were
always really close.
B: Where did your nicknames for her come from? Do they have any special meaning? (Lu-Lu, Lubert, Luey, Lu)?
R:*big
smile* No special meaning. It was just fun to come up with different
versions of her name when she was younger and watch her reaction to them. Some,
like Lu-Lu, she’d give me a goofy grin. Others, like Lubert, she’d wrinkle her
nose like she’d just smelled Jax’s sweaty socks. *laughs*
C: With your mom leaving and your dad being so
torn up about it, what were your previous relationships like and why was it so
different for you with Lucie?
R:
My dad pounded it into me that no matter
what, women were only out for themselves. And once I moved to Vegas and started
moving up in my career, the types of women who frequented the after-parties and
hung around the gyms were exactly the kind my father warned me about, so I only
dated very casually.
But Lucie…*gets a kind of faraway look in his hazel
eyes*…man, she was—is—so different.
She wasn't hung up on any of the superficial stuff. Hell, it was like work just to get her into a new
wardrobe. But the moment I knew without a doubt she was different was during
our shopping trip when she insisted my passion for art wasn't something I
should shove under the mat. That if it mattered to me, then that was all that
mattered. I lost a piece of myself to her in that moment.
B: Awe, that is so sweet!
What a great guy! You and Luce were just meant to be.
C: Well have Lucie’s self-esteem issues gotten
better? How do you encourage her every
day?
R: Yeah, they’re much better. She’s not jumping
at the chance to walk down any red carpets or anything, but her self-image is a
complete one-eighty from when I saw her that first day in her office. How do I
encourage her? By telling her the truth: that she’s the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on. *cue wicked grin* Also by describing my favorite inches
of her body and then tracing them with my tongue. But don’t tell her I told you that.
C: *Christine sighs with a
dreamy look on her face* Jealous!
B: Now that you are not a fighter, what will you
do?
R:
Lucie and I converted her guest bedroom
into a studio for me, so I spend a lot of time in there sculpting and
occasionally sketching. I’m toying with the idea of doing a gallery show when I
have enough pieces I like. I also go to one of the local MMA gyms to keep in
shape and sometimes help out the younger guys with their techniques and drills.
I don’t think I’ll ever get away from the sport completely; it’s too much a
part of me.
C: You seem
to have a lot going on, anything new and exciting in the near future?
R: Yeah, I guess you could say that. I’m getting
married to the love of my life in Hawaii soon, and after that I plan on doing
everything I can to get her knocked up. Though I haven’t told her that part
yet. *laughs*
B:Well alright there stud
*winks at Reid* we’d like do some lightning round questions. So here we
go.
B: If you could go anywhere in the world with
Lucie, where would you go?
I’m taking her
on a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon. I think that’s a good start.
C: How high were you willing
to go at the auction to “win” her?
Until my bank
account was empty.
B: What does Lucie find most
annoying about you?
My reluctance to
make definite plans for much of anything. She thrives on routine, and I insist
on spontaneity.
C: What does she find most
sexy about you?
I think
she’s mentioned my smile, but I’d like to think it’s my affinity for Jessica
Rabbit.
B: What do you find most
annoying about Lucie?
When she
forgets how beautiful she is.
C: What do you find most sexy
about her?
Everything.
B:What is your favorite
recipe to cook for her?
Tiramisu,
because the look on her face when she eats it reminds me of how she looks during,
shall we say, more intimate times. *winks*
B:Oh, yeah *fans self*
C: What is your favorite subject
to paint/sculpt?
Luce
B:Best thing to do on date
night?
Find new
ways to make my woman gasp. Shit, that slipped. Let’s go with dancing and not
tell her I told you that.
C: Wow – those were some
great answers Reid. We are honored to
have met you and look forward to reading and hearing more about you from Gina! *Everyone gets up. Reid walks towards
Christine with an outreached hand; Christine grabs it and pulls Reid into big
hug. As Becca trys to unhook Christine from Reid, Reid just laughs while
shaking his head at Becca. She finally gets Christine pried off of Reid*
B:Yes, thanks Reid for
taking time out of your schedule to talk with us. Next time you will have to
bring the girls with you. *Becca waves good-bye. Reid just smiles while Becca
drags Christine from the room.*
Beautiful and loving husband.Three gorgeous little girls.
Successful career.
The only thing missing was the white picket fence. I really wanted that fence.
Three years ago, I lost that life. I lost my husband. And I lost myself. But, eventually, I found my way through the darkness. I’ve made peace with my new life. I have my girls, and that’s all that matters. They are my world. I have no illusions of ever falling in love again or getting whisked away on a white horse.
But then he came back into my life. On a freakin’ motorcycle.
There’s no way I’ll let him turn my life completely upside down.Absolutely no way.
The question is…
How long can I keep pretending that I’m happy with my life being right-side up?
I was thrilled when I was contacted by L.B. Simmons to read Running On Empty. The book had just come out and I had it on my TBR list after a suggestion from a friend who told me "This story sounds like something you would fall in love with"! A boy was she right! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this story! I was immediately taken in by the first couple of pages. I read the first two pages and immediately emailed LB to tell her I was crying from laughter and I loved every word so far. It was my life that very morning and I knew that this was going to be a fun ride. The characters were realistic and believable. I connected and took the ride along with them. It was exactly what I adore, a story that feels like your friend is sitting down and telling you about her life.
Alex is a single mom, to three adorable little girls, just trying to make it day to day. She lost the love of her life three years ago and with the help of her best friend, Harlow, is able to function - barely. Just when she thought she was somewhat in control - he showed up in town. He was once her best friend and then one day he was gone. It had been 10 years since she last saw Blake. After the morning Alex just had, she didn't need a knight on a motorcycle, no less, to save her. But an accident (which was really quite funny) occurs making it impossible for Blake to stay out of her life. Through it all their friendship slowly starts to mend itself and they both realize that maybe this friendship is just what they both need.
Now those of you who read my blog know that I am not a writer and am more of the creative type. So I keep my reviews short and sweet. I don't like to give too much of the story away. I want you to take that journey for yourself. This story made me laugh, made me cry and made me feel hope, that all is not lost and it is possible to turn around, even when you think you are at a dead end. And what I really love about Running on Empty is: it's great story telling and it's ability to covey an awe inspiring love story - WITHOUT any sex! LOL! L.B. Simmons, I can not wait to get more tales from you!
**Mature situations and sexual content - recommended for ages 17+**
Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years. I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn't give a crap about either of us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.
But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him.
The only thing he seems to want though is…
Me.
I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me.
Monica Murphy is a writer, a wife and a mom. She drinks too much coffee and spends too much time in front of her computer. She likes to read, she watches bad reality TV and she sometimes acts younger than she really is. Though most of the time she's sure her kids think she's a complete buzz kill.One Week Girlfriend, a new adult/contemporary romance, is Monica's first book.
Once upon a time in New York City, there was a down-on-his-luck actor named Reeve, who was talented and gorgeous in that dreamy, broody sort of way that makes all the women swoon. But show biz is a rough biz –
he lost out on a part in a big film, and now his day job hours have been cut too. What’s a handsome young thing in need of a role to do?
Enter Sutton Brenner. She’s sexy and shrewd and the most top-notch casting director there is. She’s this close to landing a coveted gig casting a film based on a best-selling mega-romance novel, but there’s a catch. After one too many transgressions with lovely single ladies, the film’s philandering producer has been put on a short leash by his wife, who’s forbidden him from working with anyone unattached.
So the happily single Sutton strikes a pact with Reeve – play the role of her fiancee until she closes the deal, and he’s guaranteed to get an audition for the starring role in the film.
But as the two play pretend, the lines between make-believe and matters of the heart start to blur. Especially after that hot night inthe balcony of the Broadway theater. And that scorching afternoon in the stacks of the New York Public Library. Who’s playing who? Or is someone else really the director in the secret affair of their lives?
PRETENDING HE’S MINE is a 30,000 word companion novella in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling CAUGHT UP IN US series.
(It’s not necessary to have read CAUGHT UP IN US to enjoy PRETENDING HE’S MINE.This is not a sequel. However, CAUGHT UP IN US fans should be pleased to know that Jill has several scenes and that both Kat and Bryan appear in a key scene in this novella! There will also be a bonus scene from CAUGHT UP IN US never seen before included in the novella!)
EXCERPT:
“You were all weird and awkward when I kissed you at your office,” he added.
“I’m sorry. I was just surprised.”
“I know. But we need to make sure you don’t jump the next time I kiss you.”
“We do?”
“Well that would give it away, wouldn't it? You need to get used to being kissed by me.”
“Okay,” she said with a business-like nod.
“That means we need to practice.”
“Practice kiss,” she said slowly, then nodded quickly. “Right. Of course. Like a stage kiss. Like actors. So of course we’ll stage kiss.”
She sounded chipper and cheery, as if she were trying to convince herself. She seemed to need the convincing, so he went along with it.
“Think of this as a dress rehearsal. We’re prepping for the big kiss scene that makes the audience swoon and totally believe we’re in love.
Got it?”
She nodded.
“Ready?”
“Right here in the dressing room?”
“What better place to rehearse a kiss than a dressing room?”
“Totally. Absolutely. Definitely.”
Reeve wondered how many more adverbs she’d need to utter before he kissed her. Perhaps they were a sort of liquid courage. Either way, he knew he had to lead. He suspected he had more experience with stage
kisses than she’d had.
So he looked at her, as if she were the woman he’d been dying to kiss for years. She was his leading lady, she was the only woman he wanted. She returned her gaze, and then it was as if a flame burst. Reeve pictured her ravenous and greedy, wanting to be consumed with kisses,and hands, and so much more. Her lips were parted slightly, and her breathing had become…lustful. Maybe she was acting too. In that moment, he didn’t care. He wanted to taste her lips, he wanted to feel more of her beautiful body. There was something about her, maybe it
was the age difference, maybe it was the power play. But there was no time for analysis because his head was turning cloudy with a need he hadn't had before. He wanted to do things to this woman. He wanted to make her feel the way a good boyfriend would make her feel – desired, wanted, craved. She deserved all that. He could give it to her now. He could give it to her for a week.
Becca the Bibliophile
is thrilled to welcome Monica Murphy to my blog with her debut novel. Monica, One
Week Girlfriend was such a fantastic emotional rollercoaster! Thank you so
much for stopping by to talk with me. Thank you so
much for having me as a guest, Becca! And I’m so glad you enjoyed One Week Girlfriend – the reader
response to the book has been overwhelming in such a great way. All the readers
who reach out to me—they’re the best!
Since you are new on
the scene, tell us a little about yourself.
What launched you into writing?
Well, I’m a
native Californian, I’ve been married for almost twelve years and we have three
children. They all keep me busy but I sneak in my writing where I can. I’ve
always loved to read, always wanted to write and finally one day I told myself
I needed to get serious. So…here I am.
What was your
inspiration for writing a book that bridged such difficult subject matters?
**Adding a spoiler
alert! If you haven’t read OWG, then skip this answer**
I saw a
story on our local news about a young, pretty female high school teacher who
was arrested for having sex with one of her students. She claimed she thought
he was eighteen. He was only sixteen or seventeen, I don’t remember, but I
immediately thought, “This sort of thing happens all the time yet it’s not
talked about so much, when it’s a boy.”
I think
society almost makes it a joke. As in, when a teenage girl is molested by a
parent/teacher/etc. it’s a tragedy—as it should be. But when a teenage boy is,
it’s considered more like, “Oh, he scored, banging the teacher,” or whatever.
That’s messed up.
So that’s
how I messed Drew up. His life may look perfect, but it is so not.
What is your process
for writing? Do you use social media (Pinterest, Music sites like Playlist or
Spotify) to help motivate and inspire ideas?
I didn’t use
anything really for One Week Girlfriend,
though I found the cover image before I finished the book so the couple on the
cover was certainly inspiration. At the moment, I’m furiously working on Second Chance Girlfriend, the sequel to Drew
+ Fable’s story and I created this fabulous playlist on Spotify with all sorts
of songs that are perfect for these two. And then I discovered The Weeknd and
his Trilogy album. I’ve switched over and he’s pretty much all I listen to
while I’m writing this book.
Specifically
the songs House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls, Wicked Games (explicit), and The
Party & The After Party. The entire album is moody and sexy and…I love it.
There is something so
fascinating about Drew and Fables chemistry. I really felt their hurt and their
excitement. Their relationship is so combustible. Drew and Fable are such polar opposites yet
so similar. Was it hard writing such passionately charged and scared
characters?
They weren’t
hard to write, thank goodness, but I did feel their pain, specifically Fable’s
as she watched all of the craziness that is Drew’s life unfold. These
characters came to me first…and then their storygrew and blossomedas I delved deeper. I knew where I wanted to take it as I
wrote, but some things that popped up were a surprise. Good ones.
Here’s the
deal—when I wrote this, I didn’t expect readers to view Fable as the hero. Or
that their story is different, with Drew as the one who needs help. It just
sort of happened. So many readers have responded to Fable and how strong of a
character she is and that makes me happy. It’s awesome that I created a
character so many people responded to positively.
I really had
a great time creating their world, even if the subject matter was fairly heavy.
And it’s been a lot of fun being back in their world currently, though these
two can hardly keep their hands off each other this time around, ahem. *winks*
I, for one, am
looking forward to the continuation of Drew and Fables story in Second Chance Boyfriend being released
in April. Do you have any other projects on the horizon?
I cannot
wait for you all to read Second Chance
Boyfriend. I’m both excited and scared—I really hope it lives up to
everyone’s expectations. *bites nails*
As for
future works, there’s a character in Second
Chance Boyfriend who I think deserves his own story so I plan on working on
his book next. Plus, I would love, love LOVE
to eventually write Owen’s story, Fable’s little brother. I’d start it a few
years later, make him older. I adore him. I hope readers do too.
New Adult Contemporary Romance
**Mature situations and sexual content - recommended for ages 17+**
Temporary. That one single word best describes my life these last few years.
I’m working at a temporary job until I can finally break free. I’m my little
brother’s temporary mother since our mom doesn't give a crap about either of
us. And I’m that temporary girl all the guys want to get with because I give it
up so easily. According to the rumors, at least.
But now I’m the temporary girlfriend of Drew Callahan, college football legend
and all around golden guy. He’s beautiful, sweet—and he’s hiding way more
secrets than I am. He’s brought me into this fake life where everyone seems to
hate me. And everyone seems to want something from him.
The only thing he seems
to want though is…
Me.
I don’t know what to believe anymore. All I know is, I think Drew needs me.
Monica Murphy is a writer, a wife and a mom. She drinks
too much coffee and spends too much time in front of her computer. She likes to
read, she watches bad reality TV and she sometimes acts younger than she really
is. Though most of the time she's sure her kids think she's a complete buzz
kill.One Week Girlfriend, a new adult/contemporary romance, is
Monica's first book.
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