Friday 29 April 2016

REVIEW: The Little Book Of Skin Care by Charlotte Cho

RATING:


Amazon || Kobo || B&N || iBook 

SYNOPSIS

The secrets behind the world's most beautiful skin!

In Korea, healthy, glowing skin is the ideal form of beauty. It's considered achievable by all, men and women, young and old—and it begins with adopting a skin-first mentality. Now, this Korean beauty philosophy has taken the world by storm!

As the founder of Soko Glam, a leading Korean beauty and lifestyle website, esthetician and beauty expert Charlotte Cho guides you through the world-renowned Korean ten-step skin-care routine—and far beyond—to help you achieve the clearest and most radiant skin of your life With Charlotte's step-by-step tutorials, skin-care tips, and advice on what to look for in products at all price levels, you'll learn how to pamper and care for your skin at home with Korean-approved techniques and pull off the "no makeup" makeup look we've seen and admired on women in the streets of Seoul. And you'll get access to beauty secrets from Charlotte's favorite beauty gurus from around the world, including supermodels, YouTube sensations, top makeup artists, magazine editors, actresses, and leading Korean skincare researchers.

With the knowledge of an expert and voice of a trusted friend, Charlotte's personal tour through Korean beauty culture will help you find joy in the everyday beauty routines that will transform your skin.

REVIEW

It's funny how one thing can lead to another. Take my new obsession over skin care. It was only recently that I discovered the Korean drama Descendants of the Sun. After falling in love with the main characters, I started to notice that all of the actors and actresses on that show have flawless skin. I mean...FLAWLESS! No sign of pimples, and pores that are non-existent! As someone who has suffered from breakouts my whole life, I've always been enamoured (and yes...jealous) of those who have such smooth skin.

So, what's a girl to do? Look into what these people do in terms of their skin care, and boy, did I fall down hard into the rabbit hole. 

It's while doing my research of Korean products that I discovered the site SokoGlam, which not only sells skin care products from Korea, but also has a great blog called The Klog that has reviews.

When I found out that the site owner Charlotte Cho has a book out, I had to check it out. After reading the sample, I knew I had to get this book right away.


For those not familiar with the Korean skin care routine, it involves the famous "10 steps", beginning from the double-cleansing step to the application of sunscreen. I know, I know....it seems like a lot to do, and for a lazy person like me, hearing about the 10 steps for the first time made me think, "Are you cray cray!?!?".

The wonderful thing about this book is that it demystifies the whole thing. Charlotte Cho does a great job of explaining the differences with each products (ie. serums vs essences), and the importance of each step. She also explains that the whole thing doesn't really make time (and it doesn't!) and that you obviously don't do the 10 steps everyday. (For example, you can do the sheet masks about twice a week.) I also like her product recommendations for each step, which has now been my go-to guide when I go shopping in the Asian mall close by. (If anyone can tell me where I can get Son&Park here in Canada, please let me know:))

Another thing I love about this book is that the author also talks about her time spent in South Korea after having lived her whole life in California. It was really interesting to find out more about the cosmopolitan life in Seoul, which has now made me want to go there!

I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 napkins:)


~Rightie

Thursday 28 April 2016

BLOG TOUR: The Player and the Pixie (Rugby, Book 2) by LH Cosway and Penny Reid

ThePlayerPixie_Tour

The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid 
Publication Date: April 12, 2016 
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Sports, Humor

PATP


How can someone so smokin’ hot be so bad in bed? I mean, Sean Cassidy is absolute rubbish. RUBBISH. He is the epitome of walking, talking false advertising and I want a refund! Plus he’s an arsehole. So… what is wrong with me that I can’t stop thinking about him? The Pixie and the Player is a full-length, romantic comedy novel, can be read as a standalone, and is the second book in the Rugby Series.
THE PIXIE Lucy Fitzpatrick doesn’t like rugby. As the little sister of Ireland’s most infamous rugby player, Lucy can’t seem to escape the championship-sized shadow cast by her big brother, or her mother’s frequent attempts to micromanage her future. Her rainbow hair is as free-spirited as her quest for inner peace, yet overbearing expectations keep bringing her down. And when she’s down, her compulsive little problem lands her in seriously big trouble.
THE PLAYER Sean Cassidy is a cold-hearted brute… or so he’s been told. Frequently. By everyone. His blonde locks, baby blues, and rock hard bod make ladies the world over drool with desire. As the rugby world’s second most infamous player, he should be basking in his success. But Sean has never been content settling for second place, and his frequent confrontations with Lucy’s big brother leave him cold. And when he’s cold, his compulsive little problem lands him in the lap of Lucy Fitzpatrick. THE PLAN Sean has a problem only Lucy can solve. Lucy has a problem only Sean can fix. The solution seems obvious: you scratch my back, and I’ll bail you out of jail. But when their business arrangement unexpectedly leaves Sean scorching hot and Lucy on the precipice of inner peace, can they convince the world—and Lucy’s big brother in particular—that this is the real deal? Either way, both the Player and the Pixie are about to teach each other some pretty monumental lessons about family, life, but most importantly, love.


Review


RATING:






Oh my goodness, this is such a treat!

 LH is a new-to-me author even though I’m pretty sure I have 3-4 of her bks from the Hearts series in my TBR pile *hangs head in shame*, but Penny isn’t. I’ve had the pleasure of reading parts of her Elements of Chemistry series, the first book in her Truth or Beard series, plus I have some of her Knitting in the City series yet to be read… anyhoo, I know I can count on Penny to give me humorous witty exchanges when it comes to her characters, and yay, I got that here too!

 This is the second book in the series; I haven’t read the first one which is why I was twitchy when I first picked this up. It is a standalone but I don’t like reading out of order because just like most standalones, characters from previous book(s) are normally present and sometimes, the succeeding books end up giving away something from the previous one(s). I don’t think that’s the case here. Yes, it sounds like Sean has a lot of history with Lucy’s brother, Ronan, who was in the first book, and there were things that happen, but how much of a spoiler it is, I’m not sure. I’m still ok with it, and I know I will still read the first book, eventually, as I do want to find out how Ronan and Annie got to their HEA.

 Anyhoo, Sean and Lucy are such a pair. It starts out as having that forbidden feeling due to Sean’s history with Ronan. They both have interesting compulsions. They realize there’s a connection there. And thanks to Sean’s lack of certain skills, an agreement was formed, a delish one at that.

 If I can describe Sean in one statement, it’ll be that he’s like a big lug; an adorable, crass but well-spoken big lug. He is, anyway, especially when it came to Lucy. I don’t think I’ve read a H like him. It’s quite sweet to see his growth. And Lucy is just as endearing. She has her issues but she really is a sweet gal. There is a contradiction to her when it came to Sean, but I get it. On the one hand she’s confident how she handled Sean in the bedroom, on the other, there was that insecurity.

 I really enjoyed some LOL moments when I read this, especially with some of their bedroom interaction in the beginning and some of Sean’s thoughts. Not just that, the humor throughout was well laid out, including the self-deprecating ones. I think I got just the right amount of sweetness, and the angst wasn’t overplayed. YAY!

 So now, to get to Ronan and Annie’s story soon, and also getting a glimpse of the third book at the end of this book, I have more to look forward in the series. *happy dance*


L.H. Cosway

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favorite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books. She thinks that imperfect people are the most interesting kind. They tell the best stories.

Penny Reid

SEX! It all started with sex, between my parents. Personally I don’t like thinking about it, but whatever works for you is a-ok with me. No judgment. The sex happened in California and much of my life also occurred in that state until I moved from the land of nuts (almonds), wine, silicon… boobs, and heavy traffic to the southeast US. Like most writers I like to write, but let’s get back to sex. Eventually I married and gave birth to 2 small people-children (boy-6, girl-4 as of this writing). By day I’m a biomedical researcher with focus on rare diseases. By night I’m a knitter, sewer, lino block carver, fabric printer, soap maker, and general crafter. By the wee hours of the morning or when I’m intoxicated I love to listen to the voices in my head and let them tell me stories. I hope you enjoy their stories.

IndieSageBlogger



Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie



Wednesday 27 April 2016

RELEASE BLITZ: Mr. Perfect by JA Huss


Mr. Perfect
J.A. Huss
Publication date: April 27th 2016
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Wanting the perfect man doesn’t make me crazy. I just know what I like.
A powerful billionaire in a suit wasn’t even my first choice. Mcallister Stonewall was never on my radar, I didn’t even know he existed.
But I do now.
His hands are all over me at work. The heat of his chest pressing against my bare back as he bends me over the desk is the only thing on my mind.
He is my most forbidden desires unleashed. He is my new secret obsession. He is my Mr. Perfect.
Until the moment I realize… There’s no such thing as perfect.
teaser
EXCERPT:
“We own most of the land in the Tech Center. My father bought up the land thirty years ago before any of this was here. And we lease it out.”
Jesus. What kind of money is that? I can’t even begin to understand it.
“Anyway,” Mac says, standing. “I’m waiting in here for a reason.”
“Is that right?” I stand up too, but my heart beats a little faster when I take him in. He’s wearing a dark gray suit today, a blue shirt that is so light it’s barely a color, and another brilliant cerulean-blue tie that makes his matching eyes shine as they stare into mine.
I don’t know why, but I step backwards. His full attention on me suddenly feels more like a force than a look. He steps forward, hands reaching for me. I bump against the wall, no escape, and then he fists the front of my blouse and rips it open, revealing my silk cami.
My mouth opens in surprise.
He rips the cami apart too. And then, with one forceful whoosh, both garments are lying in a puddle of fabric on the floor.
“What are you doing?” I yell.
The intense stare turns to a boyish smile. “I’d like you topless for breakfast. And I get to call the shots for our dates.”
“Why do I even bother with you? Just why?” I refuse to cross my arms and cover my tits. F*ck him. Just f*ck him. “Every time I start to think you’re not a pig, you go and do something like this.”
“It’s fun, right?” His smile never cracks.
“No,” I say. “It’s humiliating.”
“Your t!ts are nice, Ellie. You should not be ashamed of them.”
“I’m not ashamed of them—”
“Good. Because I’d like to stare at them while we have coffee and discuss our date tonight.”
A knock comes from Mac’s office and I might have a panic attack that someone will come in and find me bare like this.
“Hold that thought,” Mac says, leaning down to kiss my lips. “Breakfast is here. Sit,” he says, pushing on my shoulders until I slump into the window seat again. “I’ll be right back.”
And then he enters his office, pulling our connecting door closed.
I listen to the conversation in there as I look down at my clothes. What the hell was he thinking? The cami is dust. Ripped straight down the middle. At least the silk button-up shirt is only missing all the buttons. I can probably tie it around my waist to make it out to the parking lot, but—
There’s a jingle of a cart and plates. We have… room service? What kind of company has room service?
I guess I’m not all that surprised they have it up here. We have several restaurants on campus. The Atrium has a cafeteria. Maybe this came from the cafeteria?
Mac is laughing on the other side of the door, then I hear a polite thank you just before the sound of a closing door.
The connecting door swings open again and Mac is there, a wide grin on his face. “I hope you like pancakes.”
“This is not happening.”
“Oh, this is happening, Miss Hatcher. You are sitting here.” He points to the middle of the window seat as he pushes the cart towards me.
“I have no clothes, Mac. You ripped my cami. I’m going to have to tie that over-shirt on and go home to change. In fact,” I say, reaching down to get my blouse and pull myself together, “I’m not coming back. I’m done. Just when I think you’re a human, you act like an ape.”
“Would you just relax, Ellie?” He rips the shirt from my hands, balls it up, and then tosses it in the air, where it arcs perfectly and sails into the new trashcan that matches the desk. “Three points,” he says.
“It’s like you live in your own world or something. I think it’s funny that you accused me of living in some delusional fantasy, but you, Mr. Stonewall, you’re a raving lunatic who thinks the world is his asylum.”
“I’m going to take that as a compliment. Now sit. I’ve got it all under control.”
EXTRA!!
COVER REVEAL – MR. AWESOME:

300ROMANTIC_ebook
Pre-order:
Amazon / B&N / iTunes / Kobo


Author Bio:
JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.
You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).
If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

COVER REVEAL: Kept from You by Nashoda Rose

Kept From You (Tear Asunder #4) by Nashoda Rose

COVER REVEAL
Kept From You (Tear Asunder #4) by Nashoda Rose

Book Title: Kept from You (Book 4: Tear Asunder) 
Author: Nashoda Rose 
Genre: Erotic Romance 
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

Goodreads Button with Shadow

Pre-order EXCLUSIVELY at iTunes

Cover photo: Copyright © 2016 Wander Aguiar Photography (http://www.wanderbookclub.com)
Cover design by Kari Ayasha, Cover to Cover Designs

meet the author

brim

Nashoda Rose is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Toronto with her assortment of pets. She writes contemporary romance with a splash of darkness, or maybe it’s a tidal wave.

When she isn't writing, she can be found sitting in a field reading with her dogs at her side while her horses graze nearby. She loves interacting with her readers and chatting about her addiction—books.
social media
 websiteblognewsletter signuptwitterFacebookpinterestinstagramGoogleGoodreads

giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
500x500 BEP Square

Cannot wait!!!

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Tuesday 26 April 2016

PROMO POST: B-Sides and Rarities by K Webster

BSIDES_BLITZ

B-Sides and Rarities: A Collection of Unfinished Madness by K. Webster 
Publication Date: April 26, 2016 
Genres: Anthology, Teaser Stories

BSides

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Peeking into the head of a writer is like opening the door to a room filled with lunatics, villains, and demons—all running amuck while screaming at exactly the same time. In other words, complete chaos. Most days, authors are able to quieten those voices in their head and focus on the ones who yell the loudest. They are able to clutch onto the hand of the most important character and pull them from the fray. But what happens when they’re all screaming much too loudly? What happens when they all speak at once and they pull the author into the depths of their fiery hell? Writer’s block, that’s what. Have you ever wondered why an author jumped into a different story while in the middle of a series you’ve been following or why they are taking too long to release or why they’ve gone genre hopping? Well, I’ll tell you why. They’re in hell. The hell of their own mind. In most cases, the writer will open new documents and tell portions of these character's stories if only to shut them up for a while. Other times, it’s because the author simply needs to feel useful or productive when their work in progress has come to a screeching halt. Regardless of the reason, you can ask just about any writer in this world and they’ll show you right to a folder on their desktop or a notebook of many scribblings of unfinished stories. This is our therapy. Our coping mechanism. And most days, as a reader, you’re only welcome into the world of our stunning, finished works of art we’ve spent months and months agonizing over. The beautiful final product of our blood, sweet, tears, and insanity. Nobody ever lets you in to see what wasn’t ever meant for the world. The imperfect. The incomplete. The utter madness. Nobody would ever share that with the world, right? Well, they’d have to be a little crazy. They’d have to be me. 

*** WARNING: This is a collection of incomplete stories. Some end abruptly, almost as quickly as they started. Others let you sink your teeth in just a bit before pushing you away. A couple will leave you pulling at your hair and cursing for more. In this collection, it’s all about beginnings…there are no climaxes or epic endings. It’s madness I tell you! Enter at your own risk.

About the K. Webster

K Webster2 

K Webster is the author of dozens romance books in many different genres including contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, and erotic romance. When not spending time with her husband of twelve years and two adorable children, she’s active on social media connecting with her readers. Her other passions besides writing include reading and graphic design. K can always be found in front of her computer chasing her next idea and taking action. She looks forward to the day when she will see one of her titles on the big screen. You can easily find K Webster on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads!

Website: www.authorkwebster.com

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bllgoP


IndieSageBlogger

Thanks for dropping by!

~Leftie

Monday 25 April 2016

RELEASE BLITZ: Always You by CM Steele


always you - release day.jpg








AP new - buy the book.jpg



goodreads-badge.png



Always you.jpg

AP new - synopsis.jpg

Alexander Richmond didn't expect to spend spring break with the most beautiful female he'd ever seen when he planned to visit his buddy. She was more temptation than a week of bikini clad women on South Padre Island. There was just one major hiccup. She was only sixteen. By the end of the week, he made the decision to wait for her to grow up. Two very long years.

Calista (Cali) Delaney was shocked at her immediate reaction she had to her brother's best friend. The tall handsome Alex was too perfect. After the first week together, she fantasized what a life with him could be like.

In two years many things could happen and did, but will it stop Alex and Cali from being together?

Of Course not, but follow their love story through pain and tragedy and a whole lot of loving.












AP new - excerpt.jpg
(WARNING: Graphic words/language)

Chapter 1

It was my final spring break before I graduated from college. Real life was just a stone’s throw away and I couldn’t wait for it. I drove my Lexus from Dallas to Irving. It may be spring break, but I wanted to spend it with my best friend instead of the beach. When Rob offered to let me stay at his place, I jumped at the chance at a normal, middle class, relaxing family visit. I hated the crowds and all the drunk b!tches trying to crawl up my body, looking for a ride on my c*ck. With my bag in my hand, I made my way up their steps.
I was about to knock on the door when it opened and I saw the hottest female I’d ever seen. Now, I’d let her crawl up my body.  “Hi, you must be Alex. I’m Calista, but most call me Cali. Rob’s in the back.”
I paused for a moment—stunned. This had to be Rob’s little sister. He talked about her all the time, but never showed me a photo. Now I understood why; she was beautiful. The first thing that popped into my brain was that she was only sixteen. She didn’t look anything like a normal sixteen-year-old. Everything about her from the way she stood, to the curvature of her body made her look older. Even her face looked at least twenty-one. She stood there with her blonde hair in a tight ponytail, in skintight workout clothes. My body had an immediate and very inappropriate reaction to her. I didn’t know how to get my boy down. I wanted her and it was wrong. I never did anything wrong, so it pissed me the f*ck off and like a prick, I took it out on her.
“Yeah, I am.” I swallowed deeply. “You know, you shouldn’t answer the door like that. It’s not safe.” I knew she took it the wrong way, when she looked down at her clothes like I disapproved. Granted, I did because that sh!t was too tight, but I was talking about the fact that she didn’t even look to see who was at the door before she opened it. I took in her appearance again because I couldn’t stop myself. Jealousy skirted through my mind, irrationally. She was technically a kid. It was not for me to even look at, let alone feel territorial over; but sure enough, I did.
“There’s nothing wrong with my outfit,” she snapped. “My brother’s that way. Excuse me, I’ve got to run.” She rushed passed me in a pair of yoga capris and a tight running shirt, making her way down a wooden path across the street from their home. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her ass bounced so nicely, I forgot she was just a teen. If I forgot, so did every other guy that she crossed paths with.
Rob came up behind me as I stared off into the distance watching her jog away from me. “So you met my sister.” He chuckled. “I told you men think she’s older. We’ve got a lot of trouble on our hands when she starts dating. Anyways, come on through, enjoy some food and let’s chill.”
I was still looking out the door when he closed it. “She’s fine,” he said, tapping my shoulder.
“Yes, she is,” I muttered under my breath. I let it slip and Rob shook his head.
“In two years, Alex. She’s legal in two years, but not before.” He gave me a look, warning me off. He knew I wasn’t a bastard toward women, but Cali was his sister. So it didn’t matter if I was perfect.
“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” F*ck, get it together, I mentally chastised myself. Calista was a little girl.
“You’re not the first, Alex.” That jealousy came back again with a vengeance. He just gave me a smirk and walked to the backyard.
The entire time we sat in the backyard, having beers and eating steak, I was looking at the door, waiting for her to return. Participating in our conversation was damn near impossible when all my concentration was focused on when she would get back.
“Don’t you think your sister’s been gone a long time?” I asked.
“No, man. She’s only been gone about an hour. She should be back soon. She’s usually gone about an hour and a half.” Damn that was a long time. Cali needed a f*cking treadmill. I was going to look into that Tread Climber when I got home.
~~~~~
Holy sh!t balls. I opened the door to the man who would steal my soul if I’d let him. Alexander Richmond was stupidly handsome. I couldn’t believe the way my body reacted the moment he smiled up at me. It didn’t last long, after the welcoming smile came the stone cold look that I noticed my brother give my friend Lydia anytime she was around. Immediately I knew what he was thinking. Rob thought Lydia’s crush on him was annoying and out of control. Did I look as pathetic as she did? Was I drooling like a silly school girl. I was a silly school girl, which was probably why Alexander was giving me that damn arched brow. He had to be about six three and built like a quarterback. His eyes were the brightest blue, brighter even than the Texas morning sky. They narrowed at me before he made a nasty remark about my clothes. What a f*cking d!ck! There went that crush. Oh well, Danny Moore was still handsome, and he didn’t give me that ‘I smell manure’ face.
Spotting Rob, out the corner of my eye, coming from the backyard, I excused myself to go on my run. My brother would try to make me stay to be hospitable, and I needed to get my head together before I talked to the sexy jackass Alexander again.
My usual route to the park wouldn’t be good enough, I had to go the long way around, through a few hills. The spring breeze cooled my heated body the minute I hit the trail. Within the first mile, I had managed to calm down. I didn’t know why I was so riled up. Maybe it was because I was offended. My outfit wasn’t any different than any other runner. It fit me snug like it was supposed to, but he had a problem with it—like I was inviting trouble.
I ran harder than before, hating that I wanted to ask him why he was being mean to me. I was about three miles in when I was focused on the image of Alex’s face. He had light brown hair with pretty baby blues. His jaw was taut with a little bit of facial hair. I was meditating on the crooked smile he gave me when I opened the door and didn’t see the other person on a bike. Trying to avoid a serious tangle up, I tripped up on my own feet and twisted my ankle. In frustration and emotional defeat, I sat there thinking about Alexander and his stupid face. I mentally accused him for making me careless.
Starting to make my way back, I was about two miles from the house and close to the main path when I saw my friend’s older brother. “Hi Mark. I didn’t know you ran?” I asked. I knew he hated it, but maybe he thought he needed to workout.
“I just started. It’s harder than I thought. Are you okay?” he asked, noticing my gait.
“Just tweaked my ankle,” I told him. I didn’t want to go into details. God, I hated to be interrupted while I was running. When I ran, all I wanted was my music and to be alone with my thoughts.
“So, do you run often?”
“Every other day,” I said blandly, hoping he’d get the hint.
“Maybe we could run together sometime. Well, at least until I quit.” How did I know that was coming?
“Ha-ha. I don’t have a set time that I run, so it’ll be kind of hard to meet with your work schedule.”
“I can make time to run with you. Besides, it would be safer if you had someone to run with.”
He wasn’t getting the hint. Sometimes I wondered if he and Lydia were truly related. Mark was so different. “Truthfully, Mark. I like to run by myself. It clears my head.”
“That’s cool.” He looked down the path closer to his house. “I’ve got to go. Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yes, thanks.” I gave him a half smile.
“Okay, don’t forget movie night. Lydia’s looking forward to it.” Somehow I had a feeling he was looking forward to it, too.
“You know I won’t.” He ran in the opposite direction. I liked Lydia’s brother, but the way he looked at me kind of unnerved me. It was like he wanted me—intimately.
I shook my head, wiping Mark from my brain, but unfortunately that brought Alex to the forefront. Damn it. I limped into the house, but no one heard me. I assumed they were all still out in the back, so I went to the upstairs bathroom. Looking in the cabinet under the sink, I couldn’t find the wrap for my ankle. I had no idea where Rob put it, so I had to shuffle back down the stairs to ask my mom. The moment I hit the backdoor, Alex’s eyes were trained on mine. I blushed looking away, but I could feel his presence. F*ck, he ruined me for anyone else—with just his concern.
~~~~~
It was almost dark when she came in sweating and limping. Her family was frantic with concern and invading her space, but as a stranger I had to stand back. I really wanted to knock them out of the way to take care of her. They laughed at me when I asked when she’d be back, but I was right; something bad had happened.
“What happened?” her mother asked.
“Some dumbass on a bike didn’t see me. I tried to get out of his way, twisting my ankle in the process.” She flushed with embarrassment when she noticed me standing there. Feelings of protectiveness washed over me the moment we made eye contact. I wanted to go find that dumbass and punch him in the mouth—accident or not.
“You sure it’s not broken?” I asked from the sidelines, wanting to take her to the hospital like they should be doing in my opinion.
“Yeah, it’s just swollen,” she answered, smiling back at me.
I gave her a little smile back, but grabbed my beer and headed to the kitchen to toss it, and get some air. We were in the backyard for f*cks sake and I still felt like I couldn’t breathe. If she liked me even a fraction, I would be in a heap of trouble.
I slept in the guest bedroom down the hall from her, and it was the longest sleepless night ever. I was hard, but I refused to jerk off to her. Even though we weren’t that far apart in age, she was still a minor. I felt dirty for even thinking of it, but my c*ck didn’t care.
~~~~
The next day, she was sitting at the kitchen table working on some homework. She turned up to me with a smile and asked, “Hi, Alex. Are you hungry?”
“I am, actually.” I needed to get some coffee and out of this house. There was more temptation at this house than I’d ever had at spring break anywhere else. Cabo was sounding like a better option at the moment.
There wasn’t anything spectacular about her appearance this morning. She wasn’t dressed provocatively and she didn’t have any makeup on, but she looked perfect to me. I wanted to walk back out of the room, but I also wanted to stay, maybe even more.
“My mom made some bacon and sausage before she left this morning. What kind of eggs do you like?”
“You don’t have to cook for me. I know how to do it for myself. Doesn’t your ankle hurt?”
“No, it’s feeling better. The wrap is tight, and I need to move a little bit since it’s been up all night. Besides, you’re a guest in the house. My mom would beat me silly if I let you cook for yourself.” She smiled, then asked, “So, what kind of eggs?”
“Scrambled would be great.”
“Do you like anything particular in them? Onion, salt, pepper?” Wow, that was exactly how I liked them. I wanted to growl because I was getting carried away with myself.
“That sounds good.” I looked at her and wanted to kick my own ass. I watch her sexy legs as she cooked for me. I never thought of myself as an old fashioned man, but a woman in the kitchen seemed really nice. Two years.
~~~~~
I could swear he was watching me as I made his eggs. I was trying to hide my blush because just his presence did new things to my body; every nerve was going haywire. He was everything a guy could be. He was smart, handsome, and sweet. The way he asked about my injury showed how considerate he could be.
I had a crush on one of my classmates a few weeks ago, but that was long gone. My feelings for Rob’s best friend were a thousand times stronger than that, but it really wasn’t a good thing. We had nothing in common, and I was too young for him to even consider a relationship with. My ankle did hurt like hell, but if he knew that he wouldn’t want me to cook for him. I wanted to take care of him and show him I could be domesticated. In honesty a total waste of time because we couldn’t be together—but a girl could dream.
Maybe I was reading more into the looks and concern he showed me since he had arrived. I thought about the way he bit his lip in nervousness last night. Those strong lips…I wondered what would his kiss be like? I know it would be better than Rick’s that kiss was sloppy and gross. I wanted the kisses I saw in those hot, madly in love movies. Oh sh!t. What if he had a girlfriend or fiancée?
I was so lost in my thoughts that I burnt his eggs. It took that funky smell to hit my nose for me to notice. “Damn it,” I hissed, tossing the pan off the burner to cool. Sh!t, there goes my homemaker skills.
“What’s wrong?” He stood up in a flash and came too close for my comfort. He was all in my personal space. Damn, he smelled fantastic. I wanted to press into him, but I knew it was wrong.
I looked up into his beautiful eyes that were full of concern. My heart was thumping. “Umm…nothing really. I just burned the eggs. Don’t worry, I’ll make some more.” He looked at my mess and gave a look that was hard to describe.
I hurriedly turned away, tossing the old eggs into the trash, ducking past his huge frame that nearly boxed me in. He gave me a nod and thankfully didn’t tease me about it before stepping back to give me some space. I was already feeling out of sorts with him in the house. Only five more days and he’d be on his way back to school.
“Where’s the coffee?” he asked, giving me an arched brow.
“Oh, I can make it.” I put the pan down to get it started.
“No, Cali. I got this. You’re making my food as it is, but thanks anyway.” I reached up in the cupboard and pulled out what he needed. I involuntarily took in a deep breath, inhaling his scent when he caught me. He gave me a look and swallowed hard. Sh!t. I must have looked like a pathetic young school girl.
“Sorry, I love the smell of fresh coffee. I don’t drink it, but I love when it’s first brewing.”
“Okay.” I didn’t think he bought it, but he took a seat quietly at the table just as Rob walked in. After that, the conversation took a turn toward business after they graduated. I excused myself to work on my homework somewhere else.
~~~~
Damn, the day wasn’t getting any easier. I tried to avoid talking to her this morning. After catching her taking in my scent, I needed to sit before she spotted how hard she made me. It would have been fantastic that she was interested, but it was two years too early. Rob’s entrance was perfect timing. We started talking about my plans to join my father at his corporation in Dallas. I was happily following in my dad’s footsteps. Being in Dallas may be a great thing. I needed space from this sudden fascination with the little blonde beauty.
Rob and I were going to a Mavericks game that night. We were just about to walk out when Cali came bouncing down the stairs. “Where are you going?” Rob asked her in irritation. I wanted to ask the same thing. She was dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a super tight top that emphasized her breasts, which were huge. I had to bite back a groan. So damn sexy.
“I’m going to hang with a couple of friends tonight. We’re going to see a movie,” she said with a snotty, mind your business tone.
“Does Mom know?” Rob asked again, seeing what I was seeing. She looked like she was going to more than a movie—more like sneaking out to a club.
She rolled her eyes at Rob. “Duh. Seriously Rob. This isn’t, like, the first time I’ve gone out.”
“Just be careful.” I heard the concern in his voice, but he didn’t try to take her with us. I should have suggested it; I wanted to suggest it. Even though it would put me in more danger of falling for her, it was better than her going somewhere I couldn’t supervise. Just because I couldn’t f*ck her doesn’t mean she couldn’t be having sex with someone her own age. I wanted to smash my head against the wall for my obsession.
“I will. Have fun boys.” She rushed passed us out the door to a red sports car and a tall man waiting for her. She gave him a super tight hug before he opened the door for her. There was a girl in the back, but Cali had shotgun. I thought that was weird, unless he was her boyfriend. I wasn’t liking that one bit. Cali should be coming with us.
“Who the hell is that?” I snarled, hating how jealous I was feeling, but it was unstoppable. I felt like running out there and knocking that smug looking motherf*cker on his a$$.
“That’s her best friend’s brother. He usually takes the girls out. Lydia is sitting in the back seat as usual.” He acted like it was no biggie, but if I had a little sister, I wouldn’t be letting her go out with an older jackass in a lame ass sports car. That just screamed predator to me. I didn’t have room to talk, but that didn’t mean I was going to run off with her. Now, when her birthday came, I’d make her mine. Until then…
"And you're going to let her go out with him?" I was seething with anger. Rob was supposed to be her protector and my best friend. She was mine. If I could only stake my claim, then she’d be sitting next to us at the game getting treated like an untouchable princess.
"Are you jealous?" Rob asked laughingly. This sh!t wasn’t funny.
"He's too old for her,” I grumbled as I watched the car pull out into the street.
"Yeah, and I warned him, too. He’s showed interest, but knows my parents won't even consider it until she's legal. I don’t want her with him, so don’t worry. I’ll put a good word in sometime in the next two years." He smirked again.
So he was one of the masses when it came to Calista. She had a following that I was going to have to monitor. There wasn’t anyone that was going to stop me in two years, but until then she could meet someone her own age. "How many more are there?"
He laughed at me. "At least two. You've got a lot of competition." He slung his arm around my shoulders, still chuckling. I pushed it off and we walked to my car. I didn’t drive a flashy sports car because I wasn’t that kind of guy.
He thought this was funny, but I sure as f*ck didn't. Two years was a long time, but one day she'd be mine.
After we got back from the game, she still wasn't back. I waited up, bullsh!tting about the game with Rob and his dad. It was an hour later when I was told that she was spending the night. I drank a beer, then went to bed really f*cking pissed off.
~~~~~
When I woke up in the morning she still wasn't home, but then again it was only seven. Needing to clear my head, I went for a run. I didn't give a sh!t that the skies opened up and unleashed a torrential pour on me. I ran and ran, hoping the burning in my lungs would stop the thoughts of her being in the same house with another man. I wondered if they had a secret relationship.
By the time I got back to Rob's, she was back. I wanted to tear her a new one for not coming back last night but I had no right. And, damn it, she looked great this morning.
"Oh my gosh! You're soaked. What the hell were you doing running in the monsoon out there?"
"Trying to clear my head. Excuse me."
I walked past her, jealous and angry.
I had to take a hot shower so I didn’t catch a damn cold, when I really needed a cold one. That run only served to make me more possessive. I wanted to set some ground rules for the next two years, but I didn’t have any damn right.
I stepped out of the bathroom barefooted with a pair of gym shorts and tee shirt, towel drying my hair. Needing to pass her room to get to mine, I noticed her door was closed, but I could hear sounds coming from it.
Rob took his mom grocery shopping and her dad was at work. It was just me and her in the house alone. It wasn’t a smart move on their part, and I wasn’t sure I could handle being alone with her. The smart thing would be to run to my room and lock myself in until they came back. I wasn’t smart, it seemed.
She let out a loud cry and I could have sworn I heard my name. I rushed into the room thinking something happened. There she was laying on her bed, her eyes wide with her hand between her thighs. She was looking at me in full embarrassment. Her face was flush. Was it because she got caught or was that the way she looked when she came, chanting my name?
“Sorry. F*cking sh!t.” I walked the f*ck out of the room before she could freak out.
“I…I…” I heard her stutter.
I got to my room as fast as I could, breathing harshly. My d!ck was about to f*cking explode. She was f*cking playing with her pu$$y while thinking of me. I pulled down my shorts, my c*ck stiff and thick. I was about to cum just thinking about her sweet little mound hidden under her tee shirt. I took my length in hand, giving it a few strokes. It wasn’t long before I came hard. Shame filled me up, and I refused to speak to her the rest of the day.
~~~~~
“Alex, can we talk about yesterday?” she asked meekly the next morning.
“I’d rather not.” My tone was harsh, but I didn’t want to talk about how beautiful she was when she came to visions of me.
“It’s just…”
I made her feel bad and I didn’t want that. It wasn’t her fault that I was too old for her. “Listen, I shouldn’t have rushed in there like that. We all do that. There’s nothing wrong with it,” I offered.
“So why are you avoiding me?” That was a good question.
“I thought you were feeling embarrassed about it. I didn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable,” I lied. I was trying not to sneak into her room and commit a crime.
“Can we pretend you didn’t see me?”
“Definitely.” I answered too quickly and she took my meaning the wrong way. It was better that way, though, but I didn’t like the sad look in her eyes.
“Are you two ready to watch the Mavs play the Heat?” Rob asked interrupting us, something about it told me he didn’t like me talking to her alone. This would be the last private conversation I would have with her during my stay.
The rest of my time at her house only made me fall deeper into her spell. My heart was like a fly teased and taunted into her spider's web. I knew by the end of the week I was in love and thoroughly f*cked.

Always you 4.jpg
AP new -about the author.jpg


C.M. Steele is a mother of three and a wife of one. Being a voracious reader of romance novels, she decided to create her own heroes to fall in love with. Although, the process was harder than she expected. There were times when she wanted to throw in the towel and go back to work in the business world, but it was the few readers that kept her going.

Now she's living her dream of creating characters she loves and sharing them with other readers. She's had moments of doubt and disappointment, but the voices in her head want their stories told, so she must go on. The voices are always naughty, bossy males. She knows they are never to be resisted so she must comply and tell their tales.


Author LInks





ArdentProse_LogoMain.jpg









Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...