COVER REVEAL – EGO MANIAC by Vi Keeland

November 17, 2016November 17, 20161 Comment

Ego Maniac

(A standalone novel)

A Contemporary Romance novel

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author Vi Keeland

RELEASING JANUARY 16TH!

Exclusive eBook pre-order available at iBooks

iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2ghV4YU

Goodreads ➜ http://bit.ly/2fY2ChQ

Amazon (paperback) ➜ http://amzn.to/2f16fiz

Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Google Play (ebook)

No pre-order is available but signup to receive notice when the book goes live! ➜

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Cover designer: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear

Model: Clément Becq

Photograhper: Fred Goudon – www.fredgoudon.com

Blurb

The night I met Drew Jagger, he’d just broken into my new Park Avenue office.

I dialed 9-1-1 before proceeding to attack him with my fancy new Krav Maga skills.

He quickly restrained me, then chuckled, finding my attempted assault amusing.

Of course, my intruder had to be arrogant.

Only, turned out, he wasn’t an intruder at all.

Drew was the rightful occupant of my new office. He’d been on vacation while his posh space was renovated.

Which was how a scammer got away with leasing me office space that wasn’t really available for rent.

I was swindled out of ten grand.

The next day, after hours at the police station, Drew took pity on me and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. In exchange for answering his phones while his secretary was out, he’d let me stay until I found a new place.

I probably should have acted grateful and kept my mouth shut when I overheard the advice he was spewing to his clients. But I couldn’t help giving him a piece of my mind.

I never expected my body to react every time we argued. Especially when that was all we seemed to be able to do.

The two of us were complete opposites. Drew was a bitter, angry, gorgeous-as-all-hell, destroyer of relationships. And my job was to help people save their marriages.

The only thing the two of us had in common was the space we were sharing.

And an attraction that was getting harder to deny by the day.

About the Author

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author. With more than a million books sold, her titles have appeared in over fifty Bestseller lists and are currently translated in ten languages. She lives in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.

Other books from Vi Keeland

Standalone novels

Bossman

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2a8D5B6

iBooks: http://apple.co/25x2jyX

B&N: http://bit.ly/29sL4H2

Kobo: http://bit.ly/29lW19I
Google Play: http://bit.ly/29JqkL2

The Baller

Amazon: amzn.to/1PBF2hG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/iBooksBaller

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/KoboBaller

Google Play: http://bit.ly/GoogleBaller

Life on Stage series (2 standalone books)

Beat

http://www.amazon.com/Beat-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00ZOMUV12/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beat-vi-keeland/1121715501

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/beat/id983959123

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/beat-5

Throb

http://www.amazon.com/Throb-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00SS2RYBU

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/throb-vi-keeland/1121112695

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/throb-4

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/throb/id948747986

MMA Fighter series (3 standalone books)

Worth the Fight

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Fight-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00FLG5B9S

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-the-fight-vi-keeland/1117014180

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/worth-the-fight

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worth-the-fight/id805540252

Worth the Chance

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Chance-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00I2UKQOK

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-the-chance-vi-keeland/1118634058

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worth-the-chance/id813714461

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/worth-the-chance

Worth Forgiving

http://www.amazon.com/Worth-Forgiving-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00MWL78EG

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-forgiving-vi-keeland/1120173153

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/worth-forgiving

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worth-forgiving/id906130022?ls=1&mt=11

The Cole Series (2 book serial)

Belong to You

http://www.amazon.com/Belong-You-A-Cole-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BUTCXLE/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/belong-to-you-vi-keeland/1114962845

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/belong-to-you/id639401754

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/belong-to-you

Made for You

http://www.amazon.com/Made-You-A-Cole-Novel-ebook/dp/B00DPWVKS6

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/made-for-you-vi-keeland/1115883225

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/made-for-you/id84550637

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/belong-to-you

Additional Standalones

Left Behind (A Young Adult Novel)

http://www.amazon.com/Left-Behind-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00OJM92LI/

First Thing I See

http://www.amazon.com/First-Thing-See-Vi-Keeland-ebook/dp/B00AWXY3HG

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-thing-i-see-ms-vi-keeland/1114703332

Other books from Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

Playboy Pilot

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2d5XGHP

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2cL3PWq

Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2ctOkoz

iBooks: http://apple.co/1rGw4LB

Nook: bit.ly/2caXPEK

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2cJDXO1

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2c5WiRm

Stuck-Up Suit

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VK66ll

iBooks: http://apple.co/1Qbwy57

B&N: http:// bit.ly/1UC8wDC

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RJdUif

Cocky Bastard

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1LfN3fc

iBooks: http://apple.co/1PffE2J

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1UxCSUO

B&N: http://bit.ly/1EjxNpY

BOOK TOUR – BLOW (Virtuous Paradox #1) by Heidi McLaughlin

November 16, 2016November 16, 20162 Comments

In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! NOW LIVE!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eshtA8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eDFS3e

iBooks: http://apple.co/2e899lO

Nook: http://bit.ly/2dG6QKY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2esefwh

Blurb

Bodhi McKnight has always had everything handed to him on a silver platter: fame, success, money, girls. The raven-haired, blue-eyed hottie is the son of Hollywood A-listers, and when he’s asked to join the boy band Virtuous Paradox, his star shoots even higher. But so do expectations, leading Bodhi down a destructive path of addiction—until a drop-dead gorgeous guardian angel shows him her sizzling brand of tough love.

When Bodhi ends up in rehab, he doesn’t expect to meet someone as cool and down-to-earth as Kimberly Gordon. Although he’s enjoyed the company of beautiful, charming women before, none of them have tried to get to know the “real” Bodhi. But Kimberly isn’t fazed by his stardom. She’d rather go horseback riding, teach Bodhi to play guitar, or ask him about his feelings. Soon Bodhi realizes he’s fallen head over heels for her. He just hopes that he’s strong enough to protect what they have from all the pressures and temptations of the outside world.

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Small Teasers from Publisher

(Post as little or as much as you like. If you posted on for the excerpt reveal, please post a different one for tour)

And it was lust at first sight for me too. I’m not gonna lie. Bodhi is walking, talking sex, and I let that get to me. I couldn’t resist him, even though I tried. I let my body dictate how I was going to react, my job be damned.

I didn’t think I’d miss seeing Bodhi as much as I do. The feelings I have go beyond longing: my chest hurts, my mind is elsewhere and unfocused, my skin feels like a thousand needles are jabbing me at any given time, and I’m constantly hearing his voice even though I know he’s not here.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” Her tone is playful and gives me hope. And I need hope. Not to score with her, but to get through my days.

“You should join me in the shower.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and rub my hand over my abs, pushing up my shirt a little so she can see what’s underneath.

Kim shakes her head, but her smile tells me that she likes the idea. She covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, and I chuckle.

About the Author

Heidi McLaughlin

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production to be a major motion picture.

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY

Share link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MDk5NjRmMDM5ZDM4YTBjYWM0YzAyYzM0NGI2ODRhOjkyOA==/?

LIVE – FILTHY RICH by Raine Miller

November 15, 2016November 15, 2016Leave a comment

Are you ready for Caleb Blackstone?

Filthy Rich by Raine Miller is NOW AVAILABLE! #BlackstoneDynasty

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2e0dzek

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2e8kuXK

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2ejLSRM

Audible: http://amzn.to/2g7BXAE

Blurb

Billionaire Caleb Blackstone lives in the glamorous world of wealth and success, with every material luxury. But the moment he sees Brooke Casterley, none of that matters. Caleb is filled with a raw, undeniable need that he can’t ignore…for a girl who is so completely different from everything and everyone he’s ever known.

Only Brooke isn’t looking for love. She knows all too well just how much damage the wrong guy can do. Still, what sane, broke British girl can resist the charms of an incredibly sexy, chivalrous billionaire? What starts as flirtation quickly turns into all-consuming passion. Nothing could have prepared her for the searing heat of Caleb’s touch—or just how much she craves him.

Their whirlwind romance is the stuff of high-society fantasy—but for every moment of pleasure, there is a cost. Past mistakes and tragedy shadow them both…and falling for him might be the kind of trouble she can’t afford.

WRAPPED UP IN READING’s REVIEW OF FILTHY RICH

About the Author:

Raine Miller has been reading romance novels since she picked up that first Barbara Cartland book at the tender age of thirteen. And it’s a safe bet she’ll never stop, because now she writes them too! Granted Raine’s stories are edgy enough to turn Ms. Cartland in her grave, but to her way of thinking, a hot, sexy hero never goes out of fashion. A former teacher, she’s now writing sexy romance stories full time. She has a handsome prince of a husband, two brilliant sons, and two bouncy Italian Greyhounds to pull her back into the real world if the writing takes her too far away. Her sons know she likes to write stories, but gratefully have never asked to read any, thank God! Raine loves to hear from readers and to chat about the characters in her books. You can contact her at raine_miller@ymail.com or visit www.RaineMiller.com to sign up for updates and her newsletter with links to upcoming books. Join us on Facebook at the Raine Miller Romance Readers group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/raine_miller

LIVE – SWEET CHEEKS by K. Bromberg

November 13, 2016Leave a comment

An all new second chance love story by the New York Times Bestselling author of the Driven series.

Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg is NOW LIVE!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2g2ULAU

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eUgNn0

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2fJtIqu

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ePHc2J

B&N: http://bit.ly/2bMuSj7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2euz9Jc

Audible: http://amzn.to/2eUgZlT

It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it.Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

Enter Hayes Whitley. Mega-movie star. The man who has captured the hearts of millions. But I gave him mine years ago. He was my first love. He was my everything. Right until he up and left to chase his dreams without so much as a simple goodbye.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

And now we’re left wondering if the pieces of the life we once shared still fit together somehow. First loves are hard to forget. The question is, do we want to forget? Or do we risk the chance and see what happens next?

About the Author:

New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes who we love to hate and hate to love.

She’s a mixture of most of her female characters: sassy, intelligent, stubborn, reserved, outgoing, driven, emotional, strong, and wears her heart on her sleeve. All of which she displays daily with her husband and three children where they live in Southern California.

On a whim, K. Bromberg decided to try her hand at this writing thing. Since then she has written The Driven Series (Driven, Fueled, Crashed, Raced, Aced), the standalone Driven Novels (Slow Burn, Sweet Ache, Hard Beat, and Down Shift (Releasing 10/4/16)), and a short story titled UnRaveled. She is currently finishing up Sweet Cheeks a standalone novel out at the end of 2016.

Her plans for 2017 include a sports romance duet (The Player (#1) and The Catch (#2)) and the Everyday Heroes series (Cuffed (#1), Combust (#2), and Cockpit (#3). She’s also writing a novella for the 1,001 Dark Night series that will be out in February 2017.
She loves to hear from her readers so make sure you check her out on social media.

EXCERPT REVEAL – SWEET CHEEKS by K. Bromberg

November 9, 2016November 9, 2016Leave a comment

Excerpt

He chuckles and all of a sudden my back straightens. “That’s their schedule, Ships. Ours is a secret.” He abruptly stands and grabs my hand to pull me up. My body jolts at the connection that sitting side by side with him all this time has had buzzing just beneath the surface. As if knowing he was close enough to touch but not really touching was an awareness all in itself. I know he can feel it too. That I’m not alone. Because the words on his lips falter momentarily before he recovers. And a part of me wants to stay like this a bit longer but know it’s just that missed connection we lost so long ago that’s causing the sensations to simmer to the surface. Nostalgia. Muscle memory of the heart. “C’mon. Let’s go.”

“Go?”

“Yes. Go. It’ll be easier if you think of this whole trip as an adventure rather than their wedding.”

“And what? You’re my tour guide?”

“If that’s what you want to call me. I prefer cruise director though, considering we’re kind of stuck with the nautical theme, Ships.” He winks and holds his hand out.

“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes.

“Or captain.”

“You’re certifiable, you know that?” I shake my head and he pulls on my hand to help me stand.

“Quite possibly, but all that matters is I’m in charge of this schedule, and we need to get a move on it. Your adventure awaits.”

“And, oh captain, my captain, that adventure is what?” I drag my feet like a child, curious what he’s talking about but smiling nonetheless.

“Do you actually think I’m going to tell you?” He dazzles me with that smile I can’t resist. “Didn’t you know? Spontaneity is the best kind of adventure.”

Oh. Shit.

An all new second chance love story by the New York Times Bestselling author of the Driven series.

Sweet Cheeks by K. Bromberg is LIVE on November 14th!

Pre-order your copy here:

Paperback: http://amzn.to/2fz7rdH

iBooks: http://apple.co/2ePHc2J

B&N: http://bit.ly/2bMuSj7

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2euz9Jc

Amazon Live Release Alert: http://bit.ly/2bsdEGX

It all started with the invitation. To my ex-fiance’s new wedding.

I should have ignored it.Thrown it away. Set it afire. But I didn’t. I replied.

With a plus one.

And then my assistant accidentally mailed it.

When he showed up out of the blue ten years later, I should have known to steer clear. I should have rejected his offer to take me to my ex’s wedding. I should have never let him kiss me.

But I didn’t.

About the Author:

LIVE- BLOW (Virtuous Paradox, #1) by Heidi McLaughlin

November 8, 2016November 8, 2016Leave a comment

Meet the complicated men behind

the sexiest boy band in America!

BLOW by Heidi Mclaughlin is

NOW AVAILABLE!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eshtA8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eDFS3e

iBooks: http://apple.co/2e899lO

Nook: http://bit.ly/2dG6QKY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2esefwh

Blurb

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

About the Author

Heidi McLaughlin

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production to be a major motion picture.

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

EXCERPT REVEAL – LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (Love Not Included #4) by J.D. Hollyfield

November 3, 2016November 2, 2016Leave a comment

Excerpt

He’s staring at me with those eyes. Those scorching eyes screaming want in all sorts of languages.

“I am going to ask you this once, and if you say no, I will not ask again. But I think you and I may be on the same page here. So here it goes. Would you like to get out of here and continue this in my room?”

Wait, what was that? Sorry, I couldn’t hear the question over the sounds of Jackpot baby!

Right now, I am going to admit that I’m about to make some impromptu decisions. I only live once. And I deserve this. I deserve to get banged beyond belief by this totally hot guy. If he wants a ride, I swear to all that’s mighty I am going to give it to him. I may wake up and realize this was a huge error in my judgment, but right now I couldn’t care less. I will never see him again so who cares. My vagina has already started walking to his room, so I might as well just catch up with her.

“Yeah. Let’s get outta here.”

Life As We Know It by J.D. Hollyfield releases Fall 2016!

Add to your TBR here: http://bit.ly/2ald2nF

Blurb

Life has not been easy for Penelope Summers. Specifically, the last month, when her high-profile boyfriend dumped her, her indecent exposure record surfaced, and her favorite thing in the world, tequila, failed her.

Good thing for Penelope, she has her best friend to pick her up, and take her on the vacation of a lifetime. A seven-day cruise that will change the direction of her downward spiral. But will that spiral shift in the direction Penelope needs? Or will it throw her into a bigger whirlwind of trouble?

With Reckless Abandon as her motto, tequila as her wingman, and a hot one-night stand as her much needed reward, will the tables finally turn for Penelope, or will life as she knows it continue to fail her?

Sometimes you just have to ride the wave of crazy to find out.

About the Author

Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time superhero…

J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.

Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions to the Love not Included series, along with her charm, humor and HEA’s.

STALK J.D.: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

EXCERPT/PRE-ORDER BLITZ – BLOW by Heidi McLaughlin

October 26, 2016October 26, 2016Leave a comment

EXCERPT:

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” Her tone is playful and gives me hope. And I need hope. Not to score with her, but to get through my days.

“You should join me in the shower.” I waggle my eyebrows at her and rub my hand over my abs, pushing up my shirt a little so she can see what’s underneath.

Kim shakes her head, but her smile tells me that she likes the idea. She covers her mouth to stifle a laugh, and I chuckle.

In Blow, the start of an emotionally charged series from bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin, an insatiable heartthrob gets blinded by the spotlight—and learns to fight for love.

Meet the complicated men behind the sexiest boy band in America! Releasing November 8th!

Pre-Order NOW!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2eshtA8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eDFS3e

iBooks: http://apple.co/2e899lO

Nook: http://bit.ly/2dG6QKY

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2esefwh

Blurb

Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

About the Author

Heidi McLaughlin

When she isn’t writing one of the many stories planned for release, you’ll find her sitting court-side during either daughter’s basketball games

Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, is currently in production to be a major motion picture.

NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

COVER REVEAL – OWN/NEED Series by K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco

October 24, 2016October 24, 2016Leave a comment

Own by K.I. Lynn & N. Isabelle Blanco is the highly anticipated conclusion to the Need Series and releases on November 28th!

Pre-order your copy at:

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ewafgy

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2em4sud

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2eIE8Gh

Blurb

Kira’s finally mine.

Mine.

And nobody and nothing is going to take her from me. I’ll fight for her, to the death. Do anything for her.

There’s no more living without her. No more holding back my feelings.

If only it was enough.

We’re surrounded every day.

Watched.

Stalked.

Judged.

Everyone knows us. Now, they suspect. The odds are stacked against us more than before.

We live in the shadows, hiding our love from the entire world.

But not for long.

I refuse to live like this anymore.

I’ll do whatever it takes to own her. I’m waging a dark war against those that stand against us.

And I will win.

That girl is going to be mine forever, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

Haven’t read this series yet?

Now is your chance, Need & Take are now in a Box Set.

NOW ONLY $0.99!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2ewaic9

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2eBuq8Y

Meet K.I. Lynn

K.I. Lynn is the USA Today Bestselling Author from The Bend Anthology and the Amazon Bestselling Series, Breach. She spent her life in the arts, everything from music to painting and ceramics, then to writing. Characters have always run around in her head, acting out their stories, but it wasn’t until later in life she would put them to pen. It would turn out to be the one thing she was really passionate about.

Since she began posting stories online, she’s garnered acclaim for her diverse stories and hard hitting writing style. Two stories and characters are never the same, her brain moving through different ideas faster than she can write them down as it also plots its quest for world domination…or cheese. Whichever is easier to obtain… Usually it’s cheese.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Join her group | Goodreads

Meet N. Isabelle Blanco

Isabelle Blanco was born in Queens, NY (USA). At the age of three, due to an odd fascination with studying her mother’s handwriting, she began to read and write. By the time she’d reached kindergarten, she had an extensive vocabulary and her obsession with words began to bleed into every aspect of her life.

Isabelle Blanco spends her days working as an author, web programmer, marketer, and graphic designer. That is when she isn’t handling her “spawn”, as she calls her son, and brainstorming with him about his future career as a comic book illustrator.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

EXCERPT REVEAL – FILTHY RICH (Blackstone Dynasty, #1) by Raine Miller

October 19, 2016October 19, 2016Leave a comment

PROLOGUE

CALEB

MY father always said I would know when the right woman came along. He was such a wise man. When it happened, I didn’t even question it because the process was so effortless. I just fell into her . . . because my heart knew her right away.

Knew she was the one for me.

I’d known her for years actually. She came to Blackstone Island to live with her grandmother after her parents were killed in a car crash. A devastated fifteen-year-old trying to adapt to a new life in a new place, trying to find where she fit in to a world so different from where she’d come—a forty-square-mile resort island off the Massachusetts coast where her grandmother ran the household at Blackwater, the family ancestral home.

Should have known of her, that is.

Our paths didn’t cross that I am aware of, but it’s possible. I rarely visited the island in those days because I was a twenty-three-year-old junior executive fresh out of Harvard Business School, learning everything I could about the family business. I traveled the world, enjoying the excitement of international boardroom deals by day and socializing at off-hours business affairs by night. I worked hard at both. Affairs, liaisons, one-night stands had all come and gone without a backward glance. Nameless faces and unremarkable encounters filled my nights whenever I wanted them to. The hopping nightlife of the big cities with even bigger players vying for a piece of the pie became my normal. I embraced every aspect that came with the lifestyle. Wealth, sexual favors, a certain celebrity born out of my name, all collected with barely any effort. For the next eight years, I had the world in the palm of my hand as I went about amassing a personal fortune in addition to increasing the family coffers.

Or so I thought.

I didn’t yet know what was missing from my life. Until her. And then, when I realized exactly who she was, and how fate had gotten the last laugh on me, it was already far too late. She’d bewitched me utterly. And furthermore, I knew she had no idea who I was or what ties connected us.

Maybe that’s what made her so intoxicating?

I didn’t know and I didn’t care because it made absolutely no difference to me. I wanted her with a primal desire I could barely understand, yet I embraced that desire wholeheartedly because I was incapable of doing anything else with it. How could I not? She had enchanted me.

However, once my brain managed to catch up, it wasn’t quite so effortless to accept this new and unfamiliar reality of feeling something for a woman beyond the unquestioning curiosity of when and if we might fuck.

I struggled against the idea of her at first for a few reasons. She was too young. My mother would never approve of us together. Others in my world would probably chew her up and spit her out, destroying her sweetness. But I soon found out my heart didn’t give a flying fuck about any of those reasons. The heart wants what it wants, and I’d discovered that for my heart, “want” was all wrapped up in the package that was Brooke Ellen Casterley.

The death of my father from the evils of cancer was an eye-opener for my siblings and me. Money can buy a lot of things, but it can’t stop the grim reaper from calling on you if it’s your time to go. Death was called the great equalizer. And it truly was. Wealth is a trivial thing when it’s only extra fuckin’ zeros on a balance sheet that makes any difference between lives lived. Doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor when you die, because none of it counts at the end. You leave this life the same way you come into it. You go out alone and take nothing. “There has to be more to life than making money, son,” he told me at the end. He took hold of my hand and squeezed as hard as his frail strength could manage so as to make me understand the importance. He had regrets and wanted to share with me what he’d learned to prevent me from making the same mistakes. I understood him clearly.

The most essential value my father tried to teach me along with my brothers and sisters was the idea of family. Family took precedence over money. “Take care of the family first and the wealth will grow, Caleb,” he said.

A strong family moving forward was the only thing that truly meant anything at the end of the day.

The Blackstones had been here on the island since the days when the Mayflower made its treacherous journey to the untamed American shores. As the eldest son it was my duty to make sure the Blackstones would still be here a hundred years from now.

My plan to fulfill my duty included her. It wouldn’t work any other way for me. I knew it the first time I ever felt the heat of her eyes as they burned me from across the room.

I knew it down in my bones.

I was going to marry that lovely, beautiful girl from England, and she would be mine.