Thursday, November 8, 2018

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY of Exclusive & A Touch of Heaven by Samantha Chase




“A fun, flirty, sweet story filled with romance and character growth and a perfect happily ever after.”—CARLY PHILLIPS, New York Times bestselling author for I'll Be There


Exclusive
When little-known writer Taylor Scott is granted two weeks to interview a famous reclusive author, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. So is the chance to rekindle her friendship with Mike Greene, who happens to be the author’s assistant. But as feelings deepen and time winds down, Taylor will have to choose between the story that could launch her career and an unexpected chance at love.

A Touch of Heaven
As Regan Amerson makes the emotional decision to sell their family home, her mother wins a home makeover from a reality TV show. Regan is furious, and jaded host Sawyer Bennett isn’t thrilled either. That is, until he meets Regan—and finds himself enamored by the fiercely independent beauty. She may want nothing to do with him, but Sawyer isn’t one to give up easily…

What People Are Saying about Samantha Chase:
“Encourages readers to sit down, put their feet up, and enjoy.”—Publishers Weekly for Until There Was Us
“Chase just gets better and better.”—Booklist
“Classic, thoughtful, and as lyrical as the stars.”—Kirkus Reviews for A Sky Full of Stars

My Thoughts…

Samantha Chase is a go-to author for me.   I know that when I pick up her book I’ll lose myself in her words, find a setting that I can’t wait to visit and hate to have to leave, meet characters that I want to make friends with, and read a story that I can’t put down.     This book was a bonus for me.   Two stories in one magnificent book.    As I finished each one I thought oh, yes this one will be my favorite.    Exclusive was a great once upon a time friends to lovers story while A Touch of Heaven is a look at how life changes can open up new adventures and bring a new love to your life.    

Exclusive is the first story in the book and it is perfect.    A once bad boy now has turned his life around and has never forgotten a girl from his past.    The twists and turns of Mike and his illusive boss were not as much of a surprise to me as how deep Mike’s feelings were for Taylor after all these years.     I could see how this story would come together and loved watching both Mike and Taylor come to grips on their feelings, their lives, and their priorities while making decisions that affected their careers, their hearts, and each other.

A Touch of Heaven is a story showing how Regan is struggling with her mother’s decision to remodel and sell her childhood home.    While the mother takes Regan’s concerns into her thoughts while making decisions I liked that the mother did what she knew was right but didn’t push Regan’s concerns away.    She addressed them, gave them the weight they deserved, and explained her reasoning as to why she had to continue on the path she did.    The contractors who did the job were perfect.   Cute, fun, and professional as they took a family home and showed the ladies the potential it held.  

This is a great two story book.   I liked that they were both stand alone books.    

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads

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A TOUCH OF HEAVEN EXCERPT #1

As much as Sawyer hated to admit it, the house had potential. He knew he should pass on the job; there wasn’t a challenge here construction-wise. It was structurally sound, and other than being outdated, the project would be a no-brainer.

It was a shame, because now, standing in the master bedroom, Sawyer had all kinds of ideas how he could renovate the space and turn the room into the sort of retreat a couple would love. Taking out his tape measure, he let himself get caught up in the design in his head. “Change the lighting,” he muttered as he typed notes into his tablet, “add a ceiling fan and crown molding”—more typing—“rip up the carpet and replace with hardwoods”—type, type, type—“put a king-size bed in here because what couple wouldn’t enjoy a king-size bed?”

“My parents didn’t, actually,” a voice said from behind him. Sawyer turned and nearly forgot how to breathe. She was stunning and sexy and clearly mad as hell at him for being there, judging by her defiant stance in the doorway.

“You must be Regan,” he said when he was able to find his voice. Walking toward her, Sawyer extended his hand in greeting. When she met him halfway and placed her hand in his, he felt as if he’d gotten an electric shock. Meeting Regan’s eyes, he was pleased to see he wasn’t the only one.

“So,” she began and Sawyer heard her voice tremble, “you seem to have a lot of ideas for this room.”

Sawyer still hadn’t let go of her hand. He nodded.

And that’s when he saw it.

The T-shirt.

The bedazzled words emblazoned across Regan’s ample breasts mesmerized him. A Touch of Heaven, he read and actually felt the sweat breaking out on his temple. His gaze lingered more than was appropriate and when he finally forced his eyes away, they met a very angry pair of brown ones.

“The room, right,” he stammered and released Regan’s hand. “I was thinking with the high ceilings, it’s a shame crown molding was never installed. The lighting fixtures are outdated and a ceiling fan would work wonders. The French doors leading out to the yard could use a good rehab, as well as adding blinds for privacy.”

It hit him in that moment that he was nervous—and not just because she had caught him blatantly staring at her breasts. For some reason Sawyer felt that it was vitally important for Regan to see his vision and to win her over. Never before had the urge to get a client’s approval hit him so hard. It was quite disconcerting.

“That’s all fine and well,” she said, interrupting his thoughts, “but I don’t want this room touched.”
He turned and looked at her with disbelief. “Excuse me?”

“I’m sure my mother has already shared with you that I am against this project. If there was any way not to sell this house, I would do it. This is where I grew up; I have a lifetime of memories here, and changing all this around before we go is not something I’m happy about.”

Sawyer crossed his arms over his chest and studied her until Regan started to squirm. Finally, he said, “If we take on this project, I won’t be doing a lot of structural changes—if any. But you have to admit there is plenty here that’s outdated and in need of renovation.”

“Oh, I’m not denying it, Sawyer,” she said, her voice sounding a little breathless and a whole lot sexy. “But the fact remains that I don’t see why I have to make this house over for someone else to enjoy. I agree some paint is needed in the kitchen and the hall bathroom, but that was all I was willing to commit to. So, I think you can see this project is really a waste of your time.”

It was exactly what he wanted to hear—all the excuse he needed to get him the hell out of here. Yet now that Regan had said it, it was the last thing Sawyer wanted. Leaving here would mean not getting to know her and he knew right then, without a doubt, that Regan Amerson was someone he definitely wanted to get to know. It had been a long time since he’d wanted to get to know a woman, but something about this pint-sized beauty with wavy brown hair and angry brown eyes made everything in him want to know her. From the tips of her pink painted toes on up, she was like a present he wanted to unwrap.

In that king-size bed he imagined in here earlier.

Damn.

The smart thing to do would be to thank her for her time, collect his father, and leave—cut their losses and run. But suddenly that was the furthest thing from his mind. Honestly, now that he’d gotten a glimpse of Regan, Sawyer knew he’d need to find a way to drag out the three weeks he’d anticipated the job taking so he’d have more time to win her over.

And there was no doubt he’d have to win Regan over. Between the issues she was having with her mother over selling the house and the fact that he was going to be the guy doing the work on the house, he was going to be persona non grata with her. Well, Sawyer could certainly be charming when he needed to be—and he needed to be right now.

“Why don’t you let me present to you and your mother what I have planned for the house before you make a decision?” he suggested.

“I really don’t think—” she began, but Sawyer brazenly placed a finger over her lips to silence her. They both stared wide-eyed at one another at the charged contact.

“Promise me,” he said softly, “that you’ll at least let me make my presentation to you before you say no. Your mother is very excited about this project and I know we can do everything that needs to be done here and please you at the same time.”

If that wasn’t a loaded statement, he didn’t know what was.




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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

COVER REVEAL of Birthday Suit by Lauren Blakely

 

Temptation never tasted so good…

And it’s back in my life in an unexpected way.

BIRTHDAY SUIT, a brand new standalone forbidden romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, will be releasing on January 18, 2019 on all retailers! Don’t miss the fantastic cover below, and pre-order your copy today!

 

Photography by Wander Aguiar. Cover Design by Helen Williams.

About BIRTHDAY SUIT (Coming 1/18/2019):

She’s the ultimate off-limits woman...

There are only three rules in life you should truly follow to the letter.

One: Always make time to help a buddy.

Two: Definitely turn down that last tequila shot.

And three: Absolutely, no matter how beautiful, smart, clever and witty she is, do not--under any circumstances--fall in love with your best friend’s woman.

Oops.

Seems I missed following that last one. And the trouble is, she just walked back into my life in a big way….

Pass the tequila.

***

There are three things I've never been able to resist -- my friends, my family, and chocolate. Leo Hennessy? He was nowhere on that list. He's been a friend and only that. A friend who walked through hell and back with me.

Now, I'm stepping into my new future, and I didn't expect it to include a riddle-filled, race-against-the-clock scavenger hunt across New York City.

With Leo.

Suddenly, I'm looking at this man with new eyes...

But I can't risk a temptation as I start over and Leo is most definitely a temptation of the sexiest, sweetest, and most dangerous variety.

More delicious than chocolate...


PREORDER YOUR COPY TODAY!

✦Amazon PB ➜ https://amzn.to/2ySLrXw

✦Apple Books ➜ https://apple.co/2Ouk9eK

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✦Google Play ➜ http://bit.ly/2MuIULN

✦Kindle Preorder alert (via Lauren's newsletter) ➜ http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/

✦Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/BdaySuitGR

   

WISHING FOR ALL THE LATEST BIRTHDAY SUIT AUDIO NEWS?!

Check out Hypable.com TOMORROW and find out our BIRTHDAY SUIT secret!


  About Lauren Blakely: A #1 New York Times Bestselling author, and #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that's hot, sweet and sexy. She lives in California with her family and has plotted entire novels while walking her dogs. With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, and she's sold more than 2.5 million books. In December she'll release UNZIPPED, a fun & sexy romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter! laurenblakely.com/newsletter

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REVIEW & GIVEAWAY of Wicked Whiskey Love by Melissa Foster


Wicked Whiskey Love: Sexy Standalone Romance by [Foster, Melissa]
NEW RELEASE........

A new, emotionally riveting, sexy standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. 


Fall in love with Bones Whiskey in WICKED WHISKEY LOVE, an emotionally riveting, sexy new standalone romance by New York Times bestselling author Melissa Foster. A magnificent love story for those who enjoy fiercely loyal and insanely sexy alpha heroes, smart, sassy heroines, families, bikers, babies, and more!

In WICKED WHISKEY LOVE...
After escaping abusive parents and, later, an abusive relationship, Sarah Beckley has spent a lifetime watching snakes shed their skin. With two small children to care for and another on the way, she's finally found a home in Peaceful Harbor with the brother she hasn't seen in more than a decade. She's still searching for her sister, but life is good. If only she could stop thinking about the sinfully sexy doctor/biker who has taken to her children like a loving uncle--and to her like a hungry man.

Trust doesn't come easily for Sarah, but Bones Whiskey is patient and protective, amazing with her children, and he looks at her like she is the only woman he could ever want--and more. With two little ones underfoot, Sarah expects him to move on quickly, yet with every tender kiss and each trying moment with the children, Bones surprises her. But will the fiercely loyal biker stick around when Sarah's worst secret is revealed, or will he shed his skin, too?


**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

My Thoughts...

Bones and Sarah…how much more perfect can a couple be?    Sarah has “baggage” and I cringed when she called her life this but I can see how she thinks that.   Every person has baggage it is what makes them who they are.   Bones makes it his personal quest to prove this to Sarah while proving that he can be trusted with her baggage, her children, and her heart.  

Bones, sigh.   An oncologist who is part of a motorcycle club with a big bad alpha brothers backing him up yet he is the sweetest, most romantic, and most loving man in the Whiskey family.    I love how he connected with the kids while respecting Sarah’s need for control of her family.    He talked to Sarah’s brother before taking their friendship farther so that he had his okay to move forward.    He took her out on dates, took her to his bed, and then took her home so she could be there when the children woke in the morning.     The thoughtfulness, the respect, and the love in Bones is so strong, so pure, and so beautiful that Sarah didn’t stand a chance.    

Wicked Whiskey Love is Bones and Sarah’s story yet a lot of the book was a Whiskey Family story.    Bullet, Bear, Tru, Bigg all are Whiskey’s and they are a prominent part of the story.   Their spouses, their families, and their love all make up the life that Sarah and Bones are desperate to start.    I loved catching up with the rest of the family and seeing how their worlds have righted since they met their forever loves.  

Each book can be read as a standalone story but read together they are so much better.    The reader will have a better understanding of the relationships of the brothers, the feel of family of the honorary brothers/sisters, and the love that is the Whiskey Family.     My recommendation is to pick up a Whiskey book, meet the wonderful characters and then continue reading the rest of the series.  



Available to buy from ...

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WWL

For more hot Whiskey love, check out Melissa's other Whiskey novels.
DRIVING WHISKEY WILD
MAD ABOUT MOON (Releasing April 2019)
And don't miss RIVER OF LOVE, the first story in which the Whiskeys were introduced!


"Melissa Foster is synonymous with sexy, swoony, heartfelt romance!"New York Times Bestseller Lauren Blakely

"You can always rely on Melissa Foster to deliver a story that's fresh, emotional and entertaining. Make sure you have all night, because once you start you won't want to stop reading. Every book's a winner!" NYT Bestselling Author Brenda Novak

"Melissa Foster writes worlds that draw you in, with strong heroes and brave heroines surrounded by a community that makes you want to crawl right on through the page and live there." - New York Times bestselling author Julia Kent

Tru Blue (Sexy standalone romance) by [Foster, Melissa]
In Tru Blue…
There's nothing Truman Gritt won't do to protect his family--Including spending years in jail for a crime he didn't commit. When he's finally released, the life he knew is turned upside down by his mother's overdose, and Truman steps in to raise the children she's left behind. Truman's hard, he's secretive, and he's trying to save a brother who's even more broken than he is. He's never needed help in his life, and when beautiful Gemma Wright tries to step in, he's less than accepting. But Gemma has a way of slithering into people's lives and eventually she pierces through his ironclad heart. When Truman's dark past collides with his future, his loyalties will be tested, and he'll be faced with his toughest decision yet.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from ...
In TRULY, MADLY, WHISKEY…
Eight months is a long damn time to have the hots for a woman who keeps a guy at arm’s length. But Crystal Moon is no ordinary woman. She’s a sinfully sexy, sass-mouthed badass, and the subject of Bear Whiskey’s midnight fantasies. She’s also one of his closest friends. 

Just when Crystal thinks she has her life under control, scorching-hot, possessive, aggressive, and fiercely loyal Bear pushes all her sexual buttons, relentless in his pursuit to make her his.

The more Bear pushes, the hotter their passion burns, unearthing memories for Crystal that are best kept buried. But there’s no stopping the collision of her past and present, catapulting the two lovers down an emotionally charged road that has them questioning all they thought they knew about themselves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**
Available to buy from ...

Driving Whiskey Wild (A Sexy Standalone Romance): Bullet Whiskey by [Foster, Melissa]In Driving Whiskey Wild...
Special Forces veteran and Dark Knights Motorcycle Club member Bullet Whiskey lives to protect his family, their bar, and the residents of his small hometown. He’s rough, unapologetic, and haunted by a secret, painful past. He’s also a master at keeping people away, and when his sister hires gorgeous and sweet Finlay Wilson to help expand their biker bar, he knows just how to get rid of her.

After losing her boyfriend and her father, Finlay moves back to her hometown to be closer to the little family she has left. She needs her temporary job at Whiskey Bro’s to get her catering business off the ground, and she’s determined not to let the gruff, arrogant mountain of a man Bullet Whiskey scare her off.

Finlay is everything Bullet has never wanted. She’s afraid of his dog, afraid of motorcycles, and sweet enough to give him cavities, but as she weaves her way into the hearts of everyone around him, he’s powerless to resist her charms. Passion ignites, but trust doesn’t come easily, and when their pasts collide, Bullet finds out the true meaning of protecting those he loves.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from...


About the author

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Readers adore Melissa's fun, flirty, and sinfully sexy, award-winning big-family romance collection, LOVE IN BLOOM featuring the Snow Sisters, Bradens, Remingtons, Ryders, Seaside Summer, Harborside Nights, Wild Boys and Bad Boys After Dark, and the Montgomerys. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic and always family oriented-- perfect beach reads for contemporary romance lovers who enjoy reading about loyal, wealthy heroes and smart, sassy heroines with complex and relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet and clean romance under the pen name Addison Cole.

Melissa has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Her interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping others see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on Facebook or her personal website.

Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

Find Melissa on the following sites....

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I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!
Tru Blue (Sexy standalone romance) by [Foster, Melissa]
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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

REVIEW of City of Secrets (Counterfeit Lady #2) by Victoria Thompson


Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: November 6th 2018 by Berkley




Con artist Elizabeth Miles has determined that Society is the biggest con of all. So far, Elizabeth’s only real social success has been with Priscilla Knight. Priscilla is a dedicated suffragist who was recently widowed for the second time in her young life. Her beloved first husband, DeForrest Jenks, died in a tragic accident and left her with two young daughters and a comfortable fortune. Soon after his death, her pastor convinced her she needed a man to look after her. Before she knew it, he had engineered a whirlwind courtship and hasty marriage to fellow parishioner Endicott Knight. Less than nine months later, Endicott is also dead in a somewhat less tragic and even more suspicious accident.

Priscilla confides to Elizabeth that she had understood Endicott was wealthy in his own right, and she had brought a sizeable fortune to the marriage as well. Now her banker is telling her she has hardly any money left and that her house has been mortgaged. The banker has hinted at a scandal that could damage the family’s reputation and her daughters’ future prospects. Fearing destructive gossip, Priscilla doesn’t know whom to trust.

Elizabeth discovers some unsavory evidence that seems to point to the possibility that Endicott’s death may have been connected to blackmail. To save her new friend’s future, Elizabeth must use her special set of skills to find the truth. 

My Thoughts…

The City of Secrets is the second book in a series.   I did not read the first book but enjoyed this one very much.     It started slowly for me only because I was getting to know the characters and was trying to figure out how they all came together.     Elizabeth was a hoot.    She was not the straight-laced wife material that Gideon Bates wanted, she took risks, went beyond what was called for to help her friends, and stood strong when the man she loved pushed her to change her ways.  Priscilla was sad.   A widow left alone to take care of her two young daughters who were taken advantage of by people she should have been able to trust.   The other characters were equally as entertaining and I loved how they all came together to put those who had done other wrong in their correct place.     

There were a few times I had to questions what era I was reading about.    Sometimes the story seemed to be told in the time long ago but then it would change its tone and I’d feel like it was more current.     This was probably the only part of the story that threw me off from time to time.   I loved the idea of the women fighting the government for their rights, going to jail and having hunger strikes to prove their strength and belief in themselves.    After they were released from jail they went back to their lives and continued to hold strong to their beliefs.    

The City of Secrets is an interesting book.   I’m interested in more from Victoria Thompson and definitely interested in checking out the rest of this series.  

Add to your MUST-READ list on Goodreads
Purchase your copy at Amazon or Barnes and Noble


Monday, November 5, 2018

GUEST POST & GIVEAWAY from Jamie Beck author of The Memory of You


Meet Steffi Lockwood the Heroine from Jamie Beck’s The Memory of You

Thank you so much for inviting me to talk about Sanctuary Sound, I'm Steffi Lockwood. I admit it is strange to be back in my sleepy hometown after spending so much of my youth wanting to escape to something bigger and, in my mind, better. But life in Hartford didn’t live up to my dreams. I wouldn’t say I left because I got attacked, but it was a wake-up call for all the ways that life wasn’t really making me happy. One night while watching my favorite HGTV show, I got inspired to quit my construction job and return home to start my own home renovation business with my childhood friend, Claire, a designer.

While I enjoy the quiet beauty of our small coastal Connecticut town and am happy to reconnect with Claire, my dad, and my brother Ben, my homecoming isn’t all roses and sunshine. Although my mom died long ago, I can’t help but miss her when I’m at my dad’s house on Lilac Lane. I’m also dealing with some kind of brain fog, most likely from the many concussions I’ve suffered, including the last one I got when attacked. Then there’s the rift between Claire and our other dear friend, Peyton. We used to call ourselves the Lilac Lane League and were the closest of friends. I really relied on that sisterhood (having only brothers, myself). Now I’m trying to remain neutral, but that’s not easy when I have to live and work with Claire, and she’s still brokenhearted because her ex ran off with Peyton. But the biggest regret that follows me around town has to do with memories of Ryan Quinn, my high school sweetheart—the greatest guy in the world that I was dumb enough to ghost in college.

Like I mentioned, when I was younger, I thought I wanted a bigger life. I didn’t want to be like my mom, who married and died young without ever seeing anything of the world. I wanted adventure, and to get that, I had to break free from town and from Ryan. Fast- forward to now, when his mom just hired me to convert her porch to a family room. I didn’t know she needed to expand her house because Ryan’s marriage imploded and he’s just returned from Boston with his young daughter, Emmy. Let me tell you, ours was not a pleasant reunion. I did my best to apologize and be polite, but there’s only so much shaming I can take before I push back. Still, I’m not the same young girl I was back then and I’d love a chance to make amends with Ryan. His daughter is a real spitfire who makes me laugh, too.

Whatever happens with Ryan, I know I can take care of myself and make a success of this business, especially once this stuff with my memory heals. If I can also help my friends repair their relationship and win Ryan’s forgiveness, too, I’m going to try. At the very least, I can be the kind of friend to his daughter, Emmy, that his mom was to me when I needed one. Wish me luck!

The Memory of You Excerpt

“I do understand, Emmy. Better than you think.” Steffi took the partially folded tarp and snapped its final fold on her own, then crouched to Emmy’s eye level. “I wasn’t much older than you when my mom died. I missed her so much it felt like the whole world turned into a dark black hole. Most days I wanted to jump right through that hole and follow her to heaven. I was so angry that she left me like that, even though she couldn’t help it. But I kept all those feelings tight inside, like a ball right here.” Steffi pointed at Emmy’s stomach. “Holding all that stuff inside hurt, but it made me feel strong. It seemed better than crying, for sure. Then a girl named Claire moved in across the street. She was very sweet and sporty, and I liked her right away. I was lucky because she was patient with my moods. And at the end of our street was another girl our age, Peyton. Peyton was popular, but it turns out she was kind of lonely, too, for other reasons. 

“Anyway, somehow that summer we all started spending time together. We gave ourselves a name—the Lilac Lane League—and we started a journal, because Peyton liked to write. We wrote down our dreams and the things that made us mad, and the things that made us laugh. Our crushes, first kisses, all that stuff. Little by little, that knot in my stomach unwound because my friends made me less lonely. That’s how I know the fastest way to feel better is to make a new friend.” 

“You’re my new friend.” Emmy’s voice sounded small and shaky. 

“I am your friend, but you also need a friend your age. I know you miss your old gang, but try to make one new friend here, too. I promise there are nice girls. I grew up here, after all, and I’m nice.” Steffi smiled and brushed some of Emmy’s curls off her face. 

Ryan decided to enter the conversation now, before Emmy broke down in front of Steffi or put her in a more difficult situation. He exited through the kitchen door and crossed the partially framed porch to get to the yard. “Hey there, ladies.” 

Emmy snapped her gaze at him, and he saw the panic in her eyes. His daughter’s fear of him speared his chest like a sword. He’d failed at his marriage, and his daughter was paying the highest price. He couldn’t fail her, too. He dropped to his knees and opened his arms. She flew into them in a heartbeat. 

He hugged her and swayed, like he’d done when she was so much younger. Steffi quietly retrieved her toolbox and took it to her van. 

“Emmy?” Ryan asked once they were alone. “I’m sorry this is such a hard time for you. I want to help you, but I don’t always have all the answers. I do know one thing, though. You can’t call people names and expect to make friends.” 

She cried against his chest, each tear falling like acid raining on his heart. “Oh, sweetie, it’ll be okay. We all make mistakes. The important thing is to apologize and try to learn from it.” 

“You always say that,” she muttered into his shirt. 

“Because it’s the truest thing I know.” He kissed her head. 

“So why can’t you and Mom apologize and make up?” 

He hadn’t expected that question, although maybe he should have. “It’s not that simple.” 

“You always say that, too.” 

If a conversation with her took this much work at this age, he could barely imagine dealing with her in her teens. “You’re all dirty from helping Steffi. How ’bout you go inside and clean up before dinner? I need to talk to Steffi for a second. Then I’ll come in, and we can figure out how to apologize to Katie Winston.” 

Emmy nodded while swiping her arm under her runny nose. “Okay.” 

She wandered into the house just as Steffi came back from the van to get the rest of her personal things. He stood to speak with her. “I heard part of what you said to Emmy.” 

“I know you don’t want me to speak for you, but I just—” 

“It’s okay. Thank you for making her feel like she can confide in you. I should’ve listened to you the other day.” He crossed his arms and blew out a long breath. “I’m in over my head doing this on my own.” 

“You’re not on your own. You’ve got your parents. But even if you were, I know you can do it. She loves you. She wants to make you happy and proud.” 

He nodded, although he knew he was screwing it all up. 

“Well, I’d better take off. Benny’s expecting me for another training run.” 

“You guys are disciplined. I haven’t had a chance to get in a good workout in three months. Pretty soon I’m going to be too soft.” He patted his gut. Granted, he was still pretty fit. He could probably keep up with Steffi for a few miles, anyhow. 

“I’m sure your mom would watch Emmy if you need to hit the gym or the mean streets of Sanctuary Sound.” She tipped her head, grinning. “My brother might even like some male company now and then. He gets sick of my singing.” 

Ryan laughed. “Well, you were good at a lot of things, but singing wasn’t one of them.” 

“You didn’t used to complain.” She hit his arm. 

He grew quiet for a second, remembering the many times he’d listened to her terrible rendition of Lifehouse’s “You and Me” in the car or on the patio. “No, I never did mind those private concerts.” 

The air between them turned sweet and thick with fond memories. Holding hands, soccer footwork challenges, the first time he’d copped a feel, and the light in her eyes when he had. The images almost made him want to take hold of her hand again; his heart beat with that hot desire like it had at seventeen. 

“Dad!” Emmy called from the door, breaking the spell. 

“You’d better go,” Steffi said with a wistful smile before she turned and walked back to her car. 

He watched her go and waited … waited … Just before she got to her van, she peeked over her shoulder at him again, and everything seemed a little bit brighter.

***

About the Book

Title: The Memory of You
Author: Jamie Beck
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Series: Sanctuary Sound, Book 1


Summary

Steffi Lockwood has survived more than most. Recovering from an assault, she returns to her coastal Connecticut hometown to rebuild her life the best way she knows how: with her hands. But starting a remodeling business with one longtime friend puts her in the middle of a rift with another. Worse, being hired by her ex-boyfriend’s mother forces her to confront old regrets.

Public defender Ryan Quinn wasn’t shocked when his wife left him, but he was floored when she abandoned their daughter. With his finances up in the air, the newly single dad returns to his childhood home in Sanctuary Sound. The last person he expects, or wants, to see working on his family house is Steffi Lockwood—his first love who shattered his heart.

Although Steffi and Ryan are different people now, dormant feelings rekindle. But when Steffi’s secrets begins to surface, will it bring them together…or tear them apart for good?

Author Biography

National bestselling author Jamie Beck’s realistic and heartwarming stories have sold more than one million copies. She’s a 2017 Booksellers’ Best Award finalist, and critics at Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist have respectively called her work “smart,” “uplifting,” and “entertaining.” In addition to writing novels, she enjoys dancing around the kitchen while cooking as well as hitting the slopes in Vermont and Utah. Above all, she is a grateful wife and mother to a very patient, supportive family. Fans can learn more about her on her website, www.jamiebeck.com, which includes a fun “Extras” page with photos, videos, and playlists. She also loves interacting with everyone on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JamieBeckBooks.

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