RDL ~ Three Broken Promises by Monica Murphy

Three Broken Promises

by Monica Murphy

description

Breakout New Adult sensation Monica Murphy returns with a hot new contemporary romance—a heartfelt story of second chances, forgiveness, and redemption.

Commitment. That’s what I really want from Colin. Ever since my brother, Danny, died in Iraq, Colin’s done so much to help me, including giving me a job at his popular restaurant so I can leave my crappy waitressing job at the strip joint. But lying in bed with him every night to comfort him from his horrible nightmares isn’t enough anymore. I know he feels guilty about Danny’s death, about not going to Iraq, but I can’t keep living this double life. 

I love him desperately, but he’s got so many demons, and if he can’t open up to me now, then he’ll never be the real partner I need him to be. I gave him a month, and now I’m out of here. If he truly loves me like he says, he knows where to find me.

Excerpt

“You’re going to turn me away yet again, aren’t you?” she asks when I don’t 
say anything. The irritation in her voice rings clear as her entire body goes tense. “I 
can’t believe it. I offer myself up to you with no strings attached and you’re trying to 
figure out how to let me down easy. God, I am such a moron.”
Unable to hold myself back, I rush toward her, angry that she would insult 
herself. Panicked that she really is going to walk away and I’m going to lose my 
chance. Thinking too much sucks. I need to just let it happen. Take this opportunity 
that she’s presenting me.
And let her go when our time is up.
“You’re not a moron,” I murmur, reaching for her. I cup her face in my hands 
and position her so she has no choice but to meet my gaze. I skim my thumbs across 
her cheeks, feel her shudder at my touch. “You make an offer like that and a man 
needs to process it first.”
The unshed tears still glimmer in her eyes and one escapes, leaving a damp 
trail across her skin. Leaning in, I stop its descent with my lips, tasting the salt, 
hearing the catch in her breath. “We do this and it’s not going to be some half-assed 
thing, you know,” I whisper.
She closes her eyes, her tears tangled in her long, thick lashes. “What’s it 
going to be, then?”
“A discovery.” I nuzzle her nose with my own, breathing in her scent, her very 
essence. God, I could devour her! It’s taking everything within me to keep calm and 
not unleash all over her. “An exploration.”
“That sounds like . . . research.” Her breath hitches in her throat when I drop 
a tender kiss on the tip of her nose.
Chuckling, I shake my head. “It’s the farthest thing from research.” I drift my 
lips across her cheek, blazing a hot path on her petal-soft skin. “You’re right when 
you said I don’t do commitment. The closest thing I’ve ever been to commitment 
is . . . what I share with you.”
She tentatively places her hands on my hips, her fingers curling into the 
waistband of my jeans. Having her hands on me sends little darts of fire throughout 
my insides, making me harden in an instant. She has no idea what sort of effect she 
has on me. How much restraint I’m using at this very moment not to throw her over 
my shoulder like an oversexed caveman and cart her off to my bedroom.
“But it can be no more than friendship with added . . . benefits.” I lift my head 
so I can look into her troubled gaze. She doesn’t like what I have to say and I don’t 
like it either, but I have to be honest. Stringing her along and making her believe this 
is something more is a mistake.
The two of us together would never work. I’m too damn selfish. I’d 
disappoint her. I’d hold her back when she needs her freedom. I’m not worthy of 
her. She’s everything sweet and good in my life, where there’s little sweet and good 
remaining.
I’ve kept her—and our relationship—as pure as possible even after all of 
these years. With the realization that she’s leaving me, that we’ll never be together 
again, I need to take my opportunities where I can.
Jen bites her lip and drops her gaze. “I can handle that.”
Her body language is more than telling me she doesn’t really want to handle 
that, but I can’t worry about it now.
I want her too damn much.

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Author Info & Links

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.

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Blood on the Tongue: A Cooper & Fry Mystery (Ben Cooper & Diane Fry #3)by Stephen Booth

Title: Blood on the Tongue: A Cooper & Fry Mystery (Ben Cooper & Diane Fry #3)

Author: Stephen Booth

Genre: Mystery

Publication Date: December 3, 2013

Publisher: Witness Impulse, an Imprint of HarperCollins

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

It’s a new year for Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, and that means new mysteries to solve in the icy depths of a bitter winter.

It isn’t the easiest way to commit suicide, but the dead woman seems to have simply curled up in the freezing snow and lay there until her heart stopped. There was no one to observe her death but the foxes and the hares. Yet she is riddled with bruises. Her death is horrifying -- is it also suspicious?

When two more dead bodies are found, Cooper and Fry begin to wonder if these tragedies are connected, and whether they will survive the winter…

Purchase Links

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About the Author

STEPHEN BOOTH is an award winning British crime writer, the creator of two young Derbyshire police detectives, DC Ben Cooper and DS Diane Fry, who have appeared in twelve novels set in England’s beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.

Stephen has been a Gold Dagger finalist, an Anthony Award nominee, twice winner of a Barry Award for Best British Crime Novel, and twice shortlisted for the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year. Ben Cooper was a finalist for the Sherlock Award for the best detective created by a British author, and in 2003 the Crime Writers’ Association presented Stephen with the Dagger in the Library Award for “the author whose books have given readers the most pleasure”.

The Cooper & Fry series is published all around the world, and has been translated into 15 languages.

Connect with the Author: Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

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Review ~ Girls Are Players (G.A.P. #2) by Ingrid Seymour

Girls Are Players 

(G.A.P. #2)

by Ingrid Seymour

Date of Publication: December 4, 2013

description

Jessica Norton is a villain in the body of a gorgeous, rich, college girl. She cheats, lies, plays with people’s feelings, and purposely breaks unsuspecting hearts to avenge a personal loss. She’s the kind of girl people love to hate—even if it’s just because she has it all. Except . . . she doesn’t have it all. What she wants most is the love of her high school sweetheart, Taylor Drennon, the guy who got away, the one who left without telling her why and caused all her bitterness.

Not surprisingly, Jessica’s evil has made her a pariah. Alone, without friends or Taylor’s love, her college life is a nightmare. She’s haunted by her own mistakes and drowning in lack of direction. Something needs to change. So when the first opportunity to turn her life around presents itself, she takes it. Home for Christmas break, Jessica runs into Taylor. His unexpected friendliness seems like an invitation to rekindle their love. Inspired by a drastic idea that will both distance her from her heinous reputation and pull her closer to Taylor, she decides to transfer to OSU where he attends under a football scholarship.

Confident she can regain his heart, Jessica reenters Taylor’s life with a splash. Failing to naturally lure him closer, she is then forced to rely on her old games and underhanded scheming. Though Jessica’s heart is in the right place, it is hidden from Taylor by her blunders. More than once their powerful chemistry takes control, leading Jessica to believe she’s winning. But, it’s a hot and cold affair, and she’s not the only one to blame for their stormy love. If Jessica can only coax Taylor into explaining why he doesn’t want her, maybe she could finally walk away from him for good, maybe she could finally be happy.

book info

Title: Girls Are Players (G.A.P. #2)

Author: Ingrid Seymour

Date of Publication: December 4, 2013

Genre: Contemporary New Adult Romance

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review & rating

I absolutely hated Jessica in GAP #1 - seriously HATED her!!!  So I was like why the hell is Ingrid writing a book about her?!  Well you know me... I can't leave anything alone once I start - even if I don't like it (i.e. Hunger Games **don't hit me**)  So I had to read this, I had no choice, I would have drove myself nuts knowing it was out but not reading it... so now that we all know how odd I am, let me tell you - this book was really good!  I actually like Jessica more than I liked Maddie o_O 

oh I said it and I meant it!

ok so now that I've dropped that bomb let's just get to it!  This story is so interesting!  I really really enjoyed getting to know Jessica as she got to know herself!  I felt like we were able to follow her through her journey and it was awesome!  Taylor, holy shit, Taylor!!  I loved the complexity of the relationships in this book!  I was able to walk alongside Jessica in this journey and feel what she felt - this book is really emotional.  You see the change in her character and in her outlook.  She truly finds herself through this book - it is really great to watch.

The end quarter of this book basically gutted me - I couldn't put it down, like I pretended to work and didn't answer phone calls so I could read... shhhhh don't tell my boss!

ok so... I really dont' want to say anymore because I don't want to spoil it for you all.

As I expected the writing was well done and the flow was awesome.  The only thing I don't like about this book is the cover... but that is just me - so take that for what it is, from a self proclaimed cover-whore....

now for my rating & recommendation

rating

I'm giving this one 5 stars - I was stuck between 4.5 and 5 but while writing my review I decided on 5!

Recommendation 

well I loved it so I'm recommending to anyone who loves to read NA and Romance.  This is a NA book, so I say you should be mature to read it...  

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author info & links

Ingrid Seymour loves, loves, loves to write. Her favorite genres are Young Adult and New Adult fiction.  Her debut novel “The Guys Are Props Club” is an NA contemporary romance which she immensely enjoyed writing.  Her favorite outings involve a trip to the library or bookstore where she immediately gravitates toward the YA section. She’s an avid reader and fangirl of many amazing books. She’s sure that one day she’ll see one of her books made into a movie. She likes to dream big ;)

excerpt

For a long moment, we stood there staring at each other. I had the distinct feeling he was trying to calm down just enough so he didn’t have to walk out of here in handcuffs. His eyes had a murderous quality to them, after all. I crossed my arms over my chest and swallowed.
“Hi, Taylor,” I squeaked, knowing it was the stupidest thing to say. We were beyond pleasantries at this point.
“What the hell are you doing here, Jessica?” As he asked the question, his mouth twisted. The rumble of his deep, angry voice cut through me, making my fear redouble. Man, whatever happened to wanting to know me again?
“Um, I live here.” I said, looking around the room. “Don’t get cute with me! You know exactly what I mean.” Taylor took another step toward me. I responded with two steps backward. “You’re supposed to be in California. Why are you here?”
I rubbed my arm, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. “I—I transferred.”
“Why?” he demanded. Of course, that had been his question all along. Still, he wouldn’t get a straight answer from me. No one bursts into my room demanding things from me, especially not cheating bastards like him. Anger started pushing my fear aside, emboldening me. I hadn’t done anything wrong. He had. It wasn’t as if he held exclusive rights on this school, anyway.
“Because it’s a good school, and I wanted to come here. What do you care?”
Taylor pressed forward. I backed away until my heels hit the wall.
“Bullshit!” His exclamation was so forceful, and he stepped so close, that I felt his warm breath on my nose.
“What do you think gives you the right to force your way into my place and harass me?” I asked, thrusting my chin upward and trying to look as righteous as possible.
“I could ask you the same thing.”

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OOPS! I READ A BOOK AGAIN

Excerpt ~ All She Wants for Christmas by Sara V. Olds

All She Wants for Christmas 

by Sara V. Olds 

description

George Clauson is Santa's daughter, but she can't stand Christmas. All that ho-ho-hoing, caroling and people's greedy wants? No, thank you. She's left the family business and struck off on her own in the human world finding her niche as a humble second-grade teacher.

Ebenezer Herod is a descendent of King Herod. His family has never stopped trying to destroy Christmas. This year they may actually get their wish, but not if Ben can help it.

George wants nothing to do with restoring balance to the Christmas season, and she certainly isn't interested in the shockingly handsome and devilishly rich Ben. A determined do-gooder, Ben's used to saving the day, but he can't rescue Christmas alone. Can George and Ben find a way to work together despite their opposing heritages to make the Season bright?

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author info & links

Sara V. Olds has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. One of her favorite memories is of unfolding a tale for friends while they were all bundled in sleeping bags watching a comet shower in the Uintah Mountains.

Mother of three: Large, Medium and Small, she welcomes her newest role, that of mother-in-law.

Life has taken her from thither to yon and back again—she's moved 22 times during her marriage. She breathes to travel. Longs to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a horse. Is an addictive reader. Enjoys swimming, skiing, violin and movies. Wonders if she'll ever get to SCUBA dive again. And has found a calling that fulfills her in ways she never could have imagined—teaching history to—wait for it—8th Graders.

Her stories consume her. There's nothing she'd rather do than spend all day, all night and the next day conversing with her latest set of characters. History, adventure, action, romance, humor. Adults, YA and kids. Yep, she does it all. Looking for something to enjoy on a quiet rainy afternoon? Or wanting a pulse-pounding, stay up all night turning pages adventure? Or a you've-GOT-to-be-kidding romp? You'll find them in her pages.

excerpt

Ben stepped away at George’s comment, “I like to think they do.” Why did he hate thinking that she had children? That she was possibly married? His sudden frustration didn’t make sense.
His heart had stopped when she’d pushed back her hood and he could see her fine-boned face and her funny upturned nose. Not to mention her neck, which had looked so inviting. Ben had exercised a surprising amount of self-control not to take her in his arms right there on the sidewalk and investigate every exposed curve.
More importantly, her gift of those tickets touched him so profoundly that he’d blatantly broken every rule he’d set for himself. He had never allowed himself to use certain—gifts—out in the open. He smiled down at the children. They had loved their presents.
He informed the usher that the foursome would be sitting in his box and together they moved to their seats.
When George slipped off her jacket, Ben felt the air gush from his lungs. Her form fitting dress left little to the imagination. He longed to run his fingers up and down the velvet to feel the nap push and give against the pressure. Then he would slide his finger along her back and find his way along her spine to those creamy shoulders.
She seemed to be unaware how desirable she was in that gown as she sat working patiently to get those two little waifs settled. A further hint of thigh appeared when she stretched to help Timmy adjust his seat. As she reached up to curl her hair behind her ear, Ben thought he was going to die with the need to touch her.
But his reaction was ridiculous. He knew nothing about her, not even her last name. Women didn’t affect him like this. The fairer sex fawned over him. He, who could see their desire practically oozing off them. Yet she seemed unaware of his—let’s see how the Trisha Barrington’s of the world call it? Oh yes, his animal magnetism. His polished good-looks and finely tuned manners, as several magazine articles had described him as one of this city’s most eligible bachelors. Not that he bought into such nonsense, but she seemed so focused on the children almost to the point of ignoring him.
In all his years, he’d never met anyone quite like her. She possessed something different, something genuine, something magical… The thought stopped short of being fully formed. Magical? Who was he to bandy around that word so casually?
George looked in his direction just as the lights dimmed and music began to fill the hall. “Thank you,” she mouthed, then turned her attention to the stage.

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