Becca the Bibliophile: August 2014

Friday, August 29, 2014

COVER REVEAL: Every Soul by LK Collins

When you lose the one person who grounds your existence, your whole world changes.

In life, it is said that everything happens for a reason. If that’s true, how can you explain death? Especially when it happens to someone so young, so beautiful, and so innocent? My name is Bain Adams, and I struggle with these thoughts every day. I’ve been through hell and back, somehow surviving the unimaginable. My sister took her life six months ago, and now, what’s left is a shell of the man I once was, a shadow of the person I used to be. Do I miss that life? Absolutely. But I miss her more, every day. I pray time will ease the pain and help my suffering while I search for the answers…but so far, nothing.

Happiness is something I knew so long ago, and now it’s nothing but a faint, distant recollection of the life I once had. My name is Arion LaSalle, and seven months ago my life was shredded to pieces when my fiancé disappeared while deployed. He never came home, burning a hindrance of pain and agony within my soul. For so long, I lived my life believing everything happens for a reason, until now. ‘Cause none of it makes any sense. Why Nate? Why only him? Since getting through each breath is a struggle, I put on a fake persona, pretending I’m someone I’m not, living my life recklessly. Because for me, it was all taken far too soon.

Release Date: Sept 19, 2014

Cover Designer: B Designs

Model: Andrew England

Photographer: Michael Stokes

Created by Danielle Torella

~ TEASERS ~

LK Collins is first and foremost a devoted wife and mother. She loves music and has openly admitted that she's addicted to it. Without the strength of the words from some of her favorite artists, what she does...would not be possible. She works the normal 9 to 5 like the rest of the world, but is fortunate that she's allowed to listen to music for eight hours a day. When she gets home, she turns into Superwoman; juggling the crazy world of being an indie author, a mom, and a wife. Both her daughter and her husband share names with famous presidents. Her husband is referred to by her readers as "the Prez", a name well deserved.

LK has had a passion for the worlds created by authors for as long as she can remember and with the support of the Prez, she has successfully self-published three titles in the Life. Destiny. Fate Series. While her books are erotica, they are also known for dramatic storylines that will keep the reader enthralled from page one. Not to mention that while she may write a series, each is a stand-alone novel.

Social media links:
Facebook | Amazon | Website | Goodreads

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Tour Host:

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Thursday, August 28, 2014

On the Record by K.A. Linde

For political reporter Liz Dougherty, election day—a day of looking toward the future and saying goodbye to the past—seems like a fitting time to start a new relationship. But feelings for her former flame still linger...
The sexy second book in bestselling author K.A. Linde’s Record series decides whether it’s better to pick up the pieces and move on...or to pick up right where you left off.

AMAZON BUY LINKS:

Off the Record (Book 1): http://amzn.to/VxWiPL

On the Record (book 2): http://amzn.to/1pDEHSC

For the Record (Book 3): http://amzn.to/1yP1H1Q

“Liz . . . , you know I can’t talk about it. It’s a conflict of interest if I tell you and then you write about it. Sorry.”

“No, I know,” Liz said. She sighed and looked away, hoping Savannah didn’t notice the heat rising in her face. “I wasn’t planning to write about it. I mean, no offense, but right now he’s old news, with the campaign being over and him a freshman congressman. I was merely curious.”

Damn. How had she kept her tone neutral? Brady Maxwell was never old news. He was so hot that she could put him in any paper and make people read about him, but she didn’t, because most of the time it just hurt too much. And really, he had just gotten into office, so there wasn’t much to cover. Either way, she just hoped she could convince Savannah.

“None taken,” Savannah said with a laugh that told Liz she was relaxing. “I will tell you, though, it’s so weird having my dad and Brady in D.C. now. I always knew Brady would get there, but I’m not used to him being gone.”

“Yeah, I bet that’s hard,” Liz said. Savannah’s father was a sitting Senator in the U.S. Congress, and Brady had followed in his footsteps right into the House of Representatives. She knew they were all close.

“It is sometimes. I know you’ve heard some of his speeches about not wanting to leave North Carolina, and that’s not him spitting bullshit. He really did want to stick close. He made sure to still spend time with me, especially after Clay left,” Savannah told her.

“That’s sweet of him,” Liz managed. She and Savannah had never talked directly about Brady since that first conversation, when Savannah had made it clear that she knew Liz did not agree with Brady’s politics. She hadn’t wanted to be judged on her brother or by Liz’s political beliefs.

Little did she know.

Savannah shrugged and then nodded. “That’s Brady.”

Yes, it most certainly was.

They both turned to exit the newspaper together, but just before they reached the double doors of the mostly empty office, Liz stopped Savannah short. “Savannah, I don’t want you to think that I was digging for material back there or anything. It was just my own curiosity.”

Oh man, she was going to go all out, wasn’t she?

“And I know what my articles said about him last summer,” Liz said. She couldn’t believe she was about to do this. “But I changed my mind.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was wrong about him and his behavior, and I ended up voting for him in the election.”

“You did?” Savannah asked, surprised. “I didn’t know that.”

“I didn’t really talk about it with anyone. It’s kind of a personal thing.”

“Wow. That’s . . . unexpected.” She broke into a big smile. “I don’t know why, but I feel like a huge weight just lifted off my shoulders. Is that weird?”

Liz laughed and shook her head. “No.”

“It feels weird.”

“Well, I’m still glad I told you.”

“Me too.”

“Just don’t tell anyone. I’d hate to ruin my reputation as a hard ass,” Liz joked.

“My lips are sealed,” Savannah told her, pushing through the double doors.

On the Record Playlist

The Record Series Inspiration

My inspiration behind the Record series stems from my work on the presidential campaign in 2012. I worked on the UNC Chapel Hill campus as a campaign director at the time.

For the year before I started that job full time I'd interned for the campaign and been tossing around the idea about writing a political romance. I wasn't sure how people would take the book since politics have always been such a hot button issue, but when I finally started to write about it, I realized that the politics are really just a backdrop for the relationship in the story. Nothing is expressly controversially political in that aspect, it just is the setting for the romance that blooms between Brady and Liz.

I really loved the idea of writing a political scandal. I got my masters in political science right before writing this and I studied campaigns, congress, and the presidency so I already had a deep understanding of the process. So I thought it would be a bridge of all of my interests--campaigns, presidency, and writing!

USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde has written the Avoiding series and the Record series as well as the new adult novels Following Me and Take Me for Granted. She grew up as a military brat traveling the United States and Australia. While studying political science and philosophy at the University of Georgia, she founded the Georgia Dance Team, which she still coaches. Post-graduation, she served as the campus campaign director for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid traveler, reader, and bargain hunter, K.A. lives in Athens, Georgia, with her fiancé and two puppies, Riker and Lucy.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorkalinde

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorKALinde

Website: http://www.kalinde.com/

Goodreads Author Link: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5421050.K_A_Linde?from_search=true

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Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Wild Temptation by Emma Hart

In this sexy new CALL series spin-off series by New York Times bestseller Emma Hart, enter the intense world of a no strings relationship and experience addiction like you never expected...

The moment I walked in to find Mr. Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Oh So British--my mind-blowing one night stand--as my photographer for the shoot that could change it all, I knew life was throwing me a curveball.

The moment he, Tyler Stone, walked into my best friend’s apartment, I knew that curveball was heading straight for my gut.

The hit comes in the form of a no-strings proposition… One that gives him utter control over my body.

If I surrender, that curveball is steadily en-route for a collision course with my heart.

He’s a sex addict. I’m a love addict.

This is temptation.

*Wild Temptation is book one of the Wild series and a full-length novel at approx. 92,000 words.*

Wild Temptation

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1tSZ7GM

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/WildTemptationAmazonUK

B&N: http://bit.ly/WildTemptationBN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/WildTemptationKobo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/WildTemptationiBooks

Wild Attraction Prequel:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1mPLm7D
Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/WildAttractionAmazonUK
B&N: http://bit.ly/WildAttractionBN
iBooks: http://bit.ly/WildAttractioniBooks

Wild Addiction pre-order:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1tSZb9I

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/WildAddictionAmazonUK

B&N: http://bit.ly/WildAddictionBN

Kobo: http://bit.ly/WildAddictionKobo

iBooks: http://bit.ly/WildAddictioniBooks

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to a terrible two year old and growing bump, due September 2013. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of juice and writes books.

She likes to write about magic, kisses and whatever else she can fit into the story. Sarcastic, witty characters are a must. As are hot guys. Emma is currently working too many books to even count - including Playing for Keeps, the companion book to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel, The Love Game. She likes to be BUSY - unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to when all the ideas come to life.

I stalk from the bathroom into my room and put on some clean panties. He follows me in, and

when I turn, he’s pulling his clothes off.

“Uh, what are you doing?”

“We’re gonna do some of that talking shit, and we’re gonna cuddle while we do it.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “I don’t cuddle.”

“You didn’t sleep with a guy more than once when you met me, so shut up and get in your bed.

Lose the T-shirt.”

I stare him down. “I. Don’t. Cuddle.”

“I. Don’t. Care,” he retorts. He grabs my shirt and pulls me toward him. His fingers curl around

the hem and he meets my eyes. “You can take it off or I can rip it off. I don’t care, but it’s coming

off.”

I raise my arms and he pulls the material over my head and drops it on the floor. “The only

thing you should ever threaten to rip is my panties.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” He smirks. “Now get into bed. If I’m cuddling you, you can’t pull your

running-away shit when the conversation gets tough.”

I take a deep breath, my chest tightening. He walks to my bed and gets in without a second

thought. The covers pool at his waist, giving me a full view of his toned body, and I’m tempted to go

over there—if only to run my fingers across his stomach.

“Don’t make me get you,” he warns, pulling the covers aside.

I sigh and get into bed next to him. As sad as it is, it’s true. I don’t cuddle. I haven’t really

hugged anyone than Dayton or my parents in years.

Tyler slides me across the bed and lays us both down. “Roll over.”

I roll to face him, my head falling on his shoulder. His arms go around me, his cheek resting

atop my head, his body warm against mine.

The hilarity of this situation is how tender our position is when, ten minutes ago, we were

fucking so roughly.

“There. It’s not so bad, hmm?”

I jab his side. “It’s awful,” I lie. Truth: his arms around me make me feel more secure than I

have in a long time. Maybe it’s the subtle strength in his softly defined muscles, or maybe it’s the

tightness he holds me with.

“Why was your day so bad?” I ask, resting my hand on his stomach.

“Two big shoots—one this morning and another in the afternoon. Both with self-righteous,

stuck-up bitches who think the world and its mother owes them everything. It was a level of Hell

Dante missed.”

“Fun. And I take offense at you calling other women bitches. That’s my name.”

He laughs loudly, his body shaking, making me smile. “Oh, Liv. You’re not just a bitch. You’re

my bitch. My flighty, irritating bitch.”

“It’s good to know that you have such a high opinion of me.”

“Cuddle me properly and I’ll switch out the irritating.”

With a sigh, I lie my arm over his stomach. Instinctively, I snuggle in closer. His arms tighten

around me a little more.

“There,” I whisper. “Happy?”

“Yes.” He kisses the top of my head. “My beautiful, flighty bitch.”

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Seducing Lauren by Kristen Proby

In the second book in the Love Under the Big Sky series from this NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author of the With Me in Seattle series, life in Montana gets spicy when a woman and her divorce lawyer sign off the papers—and sign on to love.

Now that his best friend, Josh, has happily settled down with his true love on a Montana ranch, small-town lawyer Ty Sullivan starts thinking that maybe single life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. And when Lauren Cunningham’s no-good ex-husband comes after her for an unexpected trust fund, Ty steps in to protect her. But soon he can’t help but think of her as more than a client. Lauren’s in no mood to jump into another relationship, so how can Ty convince her that her mistake wasn’t getting married, but marrying the wrong guy?

I've said it once, and I will say it again. I want to live in Kristen Proby's head. Oh these men of hers! They sweep you off your feet and make you weak in the knees...guaranteed!

In Seducing Lauren, we head back to Cunningham Falls, MT. Ty Sullivan is a local attorney who has fallen for Lauren Cunningham, a recently divorced friend of his from his childhood. Ty is set on protecting Lauren from her scummy ex-husband. As he starts to fall deep for Lauren though, he needs to help her work through her mistrust of men, whom she thinks are only after one thing...her money.

This book was fun, easy flowing, hot and sexy. I loved Ty and Lauren together. Plus we get the added bonus of Josh, Cara, Jillian and even Zack and Seth. The only problem was the book ended. Can't wait for the next chapter in the Big Sky Series.

As I approach his house, I see his Jeep parked in the drive, the hood up, and a tight, jean-clad ass bent over the side. Okay, he’s definitely home.

I tentatively wander around the other side of the Jeep and lean against the side, looking at the engine. He hasn’t noticed that I’m here yet, and I’m not even sure how he’ll react to seeing me here, but I can’t seem to stay away.

His dark head is bent low, his arms buried in the engine, tinkering with something. His arms are bare as he’s pulled off his T-shirt, which is draped over the windshield. A thin sheen of sweat covers his shoulders and back, and his entire sleeve tattoo, which runs from just above his wrist all the way up to the top of his right shoulder, is on full display, making my girlie parts all tingle and come to life. Holy Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. He’s so fucking toned it’s crazy. Jeez, his muscles bunch and stretch as he pulls on the wrench in his hand.

“Come on, you motherfucker,” he mutters. I have to bite my lips to keep from laughing out loud.

“So, what seems to be the problem?” I finally ask when he doesn’t notice me, keeping my eyes trained on the engine when his head whips up to look at me. I slowly lift my eyes to his and grin.

“I didn’t hear your car,” he murmurs with a smile.

“I walked.” I shrug and look back down into the bowels of his Jeep. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“You walked from your house?” he asks incredulously.

“No.” I shake my head and chuckle. “From Sips. I had coffee with Cara this morning.” He stands up straight and leans his palms on the side of the Jeep, watching me. My eyes immediately fall to one drop of sweat slowly making its way down his hard chest. “You had coffee with Cara?” He smiles.

“Yeah.” I shrug shyly. “I’m sorry to just stop by like this. I was out for a walk and just sort of found myself here.” I feel my cheeks heat and I back away, but he shakes his head and smiles widely. “I’m glad you came by.” He raises his brows as I continue to stare. I shake my head and raise my eyes to his, then bust out laughing.

“Why are you laughing?” he asks with a wide grin.

“Because I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without a shirt. I didn’t realize the tats went all the way up your arm. Who would have thought that under it all you’re just a bad boy?” His eyes flash with heat as he narrows them on my face, watching me. He pulls a rag out of his back pocket and begins wiping off his hands, but his gray eyes stay on mine. Did I offend him?

“I’m not such a bad boy. Looks can be deceiving, Lauren.” He smirks as he lowers the hood on his Jeep.

“But from the look of you right now, you don’t seem to mind the tats.” “I don’t mind.” I shrug nonchalantly and try to ignore the way my heart picks up speed as he slowly saunters around the hood of the vehicle.

“Do you have any tats?” “Yeah.” His eyes widen in surprise and then rake over me from head to toe. “Where?” I grin, enjoying this flirtatious banter. “Here and there.” “I have ways of making people talk, you know.” “Bright lights and rubber hoses?” I ask with a raised brow. He tosses his head back and laughs, an all-out belly laugh. “I’m not a cop,” he smirks. “You might get to see them. Someday.”

He closes the gap between us and kisses me gently on the forehead, not touching me anywhere else. “I hope someday comes sooner rather than later,” he whispers before pulling back and smiling softly down at me. “I would hug you, but I’m dirty.” I wave him off, as if it’s no biggie, although I don’t mind so much that he’s a bit dirty and sweaty.

“What were you doing?” I gesture to the car. “Changing the oil.” “There are places you can go,” I inform him with a perfectly straight face, “where you pull into this big garage, and then you leave your car and go into this small room with five-year-old magazines and stale coffee, and the people there will change your oil for you.” “Or, smart-ass, I can do it myself in my own driveway.” “Suit yourself.” I shrug.

“Did you sleep okay on the couch?” he asks, changing the subject. “Yeah, actually, I did. But I could always sleep just about anywhere.” “Hence the chaise in your office.” He chuckles. I nod and stuff my hands in my pockets.

“I’m sorry that I interrupted your morning. I was just out for a walk and found myself here.” “I’m glad you did.” He scratches his stomach, and my eyes follow the movement. His abs are just delicious. For being so dark haired, he has little hair on his chest and stomach, but a light trail of hair falls from his navel and disappears into his jeans. He’s also sporting a V in the muscles on his hips that the heroes in my novels would covet.

“Lo?” he asks with a wide grin. “Yeah?” I drag my eyes up to his again. “I lost you for a second.” I blink rapidly and feel heat fill my cheeks. Jesus, get a grip! You’ve seen hot men before, Lauren.

“Sorry, my mind wandered.”

Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks

And don’t forget to read the first book in the Love Under the Big Sky Series…

LOVING CARA
Amazon**BN**iBooks

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Kristen Proby is the author of the bestselling With Me In Seattle series. She has a passion for a good love story and strong characters who love humor and have a strong sense of loyalty and family. Her men are the alpha type; fiercely protective and a bit bossy, and her ladies are fun, strong, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. Kristen spends her days with her muse in the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys coffee, chocolate and sunshine. And naps.

Links:
Website: http://www.kristenproby.com/
Twitter: @handbagjunkie
Facebook: www.facebook.com/booksbykristenproby
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/kristenproby
SEDUCING LAUREN Goodreads:

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Monday, August 18, 2014

Cover Reveal: Unforgiven by Rebecca Shea

A companion novel to "Unbreakable" & "Undone" and is the final book in the Unbreakable series -- This is Lindsay and Matt's story.

Lindsay Christianson seemingly has it all—the perfect career, the perfect boyfriend, and the best-laid plans for a perfect life—until one phone call changes everything. With a moments notice, Lindsay must choose between her perfect life and her professional dreams. The choice momentarily seems clear when the opportunity to propel her career abruptly sends her across the country, leaving everything she loves behind in North Carolina.

Navigating a new city with a broken heart and a job where her colleagues will do anything to sabotage her success, the pressure quickly becomes too great. When old habits resurface, Lindsay finds herself chasing demons she thought were long since buried.

With pain and destruction left in her wake, will Lindsay find a way to erase the damage she’s done, or will her sins remain unforgiven?

**This book is a Contemporary Romance and contains mature subject matter. It is not intended for those under 17 years of age.**

Unforgiven by Rebecca Shea from Becca the Bibliophle on Vimeo.

“All right, everyone.” Lindsay stands up and pushes back her chair slightly. She wobbles a bit on her heels and rests her hand on my shoulder to steady herself.

“Apparently, tonight is as good as any night to let you all in on a little secret.” She wipes the palms of her hands down the sides of her black dress. “So, for a little over a year now, Matt and I have been seeing each other.”
There are a few chuckles, but mostly everyone sits silently listening to Lindsay. “We’ve kept it quiet for a while simply because it’s what worked for us.” She shrugs. “It started off casual and just turned into more, and we didn’t really make a big deal out of it.”
She looks down at me and smiles the most beautiful, genuine smile I’ve ever seen. Her blue eyes sparkle in the lights from the crystal chandelier and her long, blonde hair hangs in waves. She looks almost angelic in the dimly lit room.
“So, cat’s out of the bag.” She laughs and raises her glass. I stand up and raise my glass next to hers. “To Matt and me,” she says with a smile on her beautiful face. I lean in and press a long kiss to her lips while everyone hoots and hollers around us.
“I love you, sweet girl,” I say between kisses.

Rebecca Shea is the USA Today Bestselling author of Unbreakable and Undone.

She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her family and her beagle, Miles. From the time Rebecca could read she has had a passion for books. Rebecca spends her days working full-time and her nights writing, bringing stories to life. Born and raised in Minnesota, Rebecca moved to Arizona in 1999 to escape the bitter winters.

When not working or writing, she can be found on the sidelines of her sons football games, or watching her daughter at ballet class. Rebecca is fueled by insane amounts of coffee, margaritas, Laffy Taffy (except the banana ones), and happily ever afters.

Facebook † Twitter † Website

♥SERIES READING ORDER♥

Book 1: Unbreakable

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Book 2: Undone

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes

Premier of Without You Trailer by Kelly Elliott -

I am thrilled to kick off the Without You Blog Tour for my friend Kelly Elliott. This girl knows how to write a true Texas romance like no one else I know. As a native Texan, when I read one of Kelly's books, it just feels like home. Just like the Wanted Series, the Love Wanted in Texas Series is going to reel you in with humor, home and hot romance. I can't wait for everyone to finally meet Will and Alex, all grown up and ready for love! Now without further ado...the Without You Trailer!!

Alex and Will have spent months keeping their relationship hidden from their families. Getting caught prematurely causes them to admit their love for each other to their parents.

One decision made by Alex's father changes her entire world, shattering her plans for the future. Alex always thought Will was the very air she breathed, but life has a way of causing doubts for the one thing she thought was absolute…their love.

Can Will's promise to Alex be enough for her to hold on to or will she find herself moving down a different path that she never imagined for herself?

Without You is book one in the Love Wanted in Texas series.

Buy Links

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

“Alex, just relax. Everything is going to be fine.”

I paced back and forth in our kitchen as I glanced up and looked at my mother. Relax? Relax! I can’t relax.

I was leaving for college in a little over a week. I was leaving Will.

“I don’t know if I can do this, Mom. I don’t know if I want to do this.”

My mother frowned and shook her head. “Nonsense. Of course you can do it, and you will do it. You’re getting your degree if I have to go and sit with you in each class for the next four years.”

I sat down and put my head in my hands. Tears were threatening to spill at any moment. I heard the screen door open, and I instantly relaxed when I smelled my great-grandmother’s perfume.

“Are you ready to go for our walk, Alexandra?”

I looked up at her, and she smiled her beautiful, bright smile. I stood up and walked up to her.

“Yes, Grams, I’m ready.”

We walked for what seemed like forever before she broke the silence.

“What are you afraid of?”

I shrugged my shoulders, but I instantly thought back to the other day when Daddy and I had gone for a ride.

I saddled up Banjo and Pinto and walked both horses out of the barn. I smiled when I saw my father walking up to me. It had become a weekly thing for us to go for our father-daughter ride. I would ride Banjo nearly every day, and my heart was breaking that I was leaving him. Besides Will and my father, Banjo was the only other man in my life. He was my comfort zone. Being with my horse relaxed me, and I felt at peace.

I had fallen asleep last night in Banjo’s stall, and I had woken up to Will whispering in my ear how much he loved me. He’d carried me all the way back up to the house and kissed me good night so tenderly.

“You ready to go for our ride, Little Bear?”

I smiled and nodded my head. “Yes, sir.”

We rode for a bit in silence before Daddy started talking about how much I was going to love UT.

“There are so many places to eat in Austin that it is unreal.”

I giggled and looked at him. “Places to eat, Dad? That’s what you want to talk about?”

He winked at me and looked straight ahead. “Are you getting nervous?”

I swallowed hard. “Yes. I’m scared, nervous, angry.”

He quickly looked back at me. “Angry?” than you will ever know.”

He gave me a weak smile in return. “I know you will, Alex. You just have to trust me. I know it will be hard to be away from Will, but if you’re truly meant to be together, it will work out.”

I shook my head and let out a sigh. As Banjo rode along, I closed my eyes and listened to the birds chirping. The hot sun felt so good on my face.

I love it here.

My father’s voice pulled me back to reality.

“Alex, the only thing you’ve known your whole life is Mason, this ranch, and your friends. Have you ever wondered what else could be out there?”

“No! Why is it so hard for you to accept that I want this life, Daddy? You don’t question Colt when he says he wants to take over the ranch someday.”

My father looked away. “Colt is different.”

My mouth dropped open. “How? How are his wants any different than mine?”

“Alex, I want the world for you. I want you to experience life outside of Mason, outside of Will.”

I sucked in a breath of air. “You want me to meet someone else? Daddy, I love Will, and I’ll always love Will.”

“Okay. Well then, why are you so angry, Alex?”

I went to say something back, but I stopped.

I’d had the same dream over and over again the last few weeks. It was me…kissing someone other than Will. What had scared me the most was…I was enjoying it.

“I just want you to keep an open mind, Alex. I’m not asking you to forget about Will. Hell, visit each other on weekends. I don’t care. Just keep an open mind. That’s all I ask.”

I nodded my head and quickly tried to push all my doubts and fears from my mind.

“Want to race?” I asked before kicking Banjo and taking off.

Grams stopped and looked at me. She grabbed my hand and made me stop to face her. “What are you afraid of?” “What if Will meets someone else?”

She raised her eyebrow at me and gave me that all-knowing look.

“You’re worried about Will meeting someone else?”

I looked down and away as I whispered, “No.”

“I’m sorry. What was that?”

I looked back up at her with tears in my eyes. “I’m worried I’ll meet someone else. Grams, I don’t know what is wrong with me. I keep having this dream where I’m kissing someone else, and Daddy keeps filling my mind with how I need to experience more outside of Mason. I’m…I’m…”

I started crying as she pulled me into her arms.

“I’m so confused, Grams. I love Will. I love him so much.”

“Shh…don’t cry, baby girl. Come on, let’s walk while we talk about it.”

“What was it like for you when you had to leave Gramps?” I asked as we started walking again.

She chuckled. “It was very hard. Remember though, Alex, you have ways of keeping in touch, unlike what Garrett and I had.”

“Did you ever doubt your feelings for him?”

She thought about her answer. “No and yes. I remember there was a boy…oh, what was his name? I don’t even remember.” She chuckled.

“Did you like him?”

She looked at me and smiled. “I liked the attention he gave me. It was different. He looked at me in a different way than Garrett did, and a small part of me enjoyed it. Would I have ever done anything with him? No. Never.”

I looked down and smiled. My grandparents had such a strong marriage. The fact that Gramps still held Grams’s hand, kissed her on the lips, and told her how beautiful she was warmed my heart.

“Your love with Gramps is so different, Grams.”

She stopped walking and put her hands on her hips. “Is that so? Are your other grandparents different? What about your parents? Their love must be different, too.”

I bit down on my lower lip. “Well…I, um…”

She shook her head and started walking again. “Let me tell you something, Alex, and you listen closely to me. Garrett and I are no different than any other couple in love. The same goes with your other grandparents and your mother and father. It’s true love, Alex. True love is a forever love.

It is tested and tried all the time. It’s sometimes broken, but it always, always heals itself. It stands strong during storms, even when it feels like it is about to fall apart. Love’s roots grow stronger and deeper after the storm. That’s true love. There are ups, and there are downs. You just weather them.”

Kelly is married to a wonderful Texas cowboy who has a knack for making her laugh almost daily and supports her crazy ideas and dreams for some unknown reason...he claims it's because he loves her!

She’s also a mom to an amazing daughter who is constantly asking for something to eat while her fingers move like mad on her cell phone sending out what is sure to be another very important text message.

In her spare time she loves to sit in her small corner overlooking the Texas hill country and write.

One of her favorite things to do is go for hikes around her property with Gus....her chocolate lab and the other man in her life, and Rose, her golden retriever. When Kelly is not outside helping the hubby haul brush, move rocks or whatever fun chore he has in store for her that day, you’ll find her inside reading, writing or watching HGTV.

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Email: authorkellyelliott@gmail.com

PUBLISHED BOOKS BY KELLY ELLIOTT:

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THE WANTED SERIES

THE BROKEN SERIES