How Much for the Whole Night? by RJ Scott

A seductive stranger gives Josh everything he wants, but one night of lust could get them both killed.

Driven by a combination of alcohol-induced recklessness and an overwhelming desire for something real, Josh ventures into a dark and seedy bar and lusts after a sexy, enigmatic hooker. When Josh negotiates a price for one night of pleasure he can’t know that when his time with Ethan is over, he'll be left shattered and forever changed by the encounter. Fleeing with his son is the only means of ensuring their survival amidst the chaos of what comes next, and there’s only one man he can trust to keep them safe.

A hooker who isn’t a hooker at all.

Ethan is on the brink of completing a covert operation that will enable him to infiltrate a human trafficking ring. Yet, when his conscience clashes with his mission, Ethan disobeys orders, jeopardizing everything he's worked for. Forced to escape, he takes Josh and his son, but he has nowhere to go, and now, their only hope lies in seeking refuge in an isolated safe house far from prying eyes.

Protecting Josh, Ben, and a tuxedo cat called Oreo, is Ethan's priority. Only he has no choice but to resume his undercover role, and he must leave Josh and Ben behind.

When a gun is pointed at his head, his final thought is that he’s lost everything that matters; can he make it home to his new family? Or will he have to die to protect the people he loves?

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This book is a brand new novel expanded from a short story of the same name.

 

 

Book 1
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Paperback (US)
~  Will be Available with KindleUnlimited on August 3rd  ~

 

 

The following excerpt is unedited.

Shit! It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Kill the security cameras, grab the asset, and walk out of the federal building without stress—that was the plan. Not once did I imagine I’d have to put a gun to the asset’s head or knock out my boss. In another life, a better life, I’d never have gotten myself in a situation where I’d signed up for the skin job in the first place.

I couldn’t see a way out.

“You don’t have to hurt me,” Josh’s eyes were wide with fear. “I won’t say anything.”

My resolve weakened for a moment—maybe it would be better to take Josh back inside, ignore everything I’d seen and done that made my skin crawl.

I wasn’t the bad guy.

I could leave and then he’d move on with his life.

How long would any of us get to live after that?

I needed to move the asset—Josh—find somewhere to stop and give myself time to think. I hoped that I hadn’t fucked everything up.

“This way,” I gestured with the gun.

Josh took a couple of stumbling steps backward, holding his hands out in front of him. “Please, you know I have a son. His name is Ben. Let me at least say goodbye. Please.”

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars of hotness and danger

This is the first in a new series, and was created out of a short story written a while ago.

I have to admit that I did not enjoy how the "meet-cute" between Josh and Ethan starts this engaging read. I get the reason that it had to happen, but the change in Ethan's actions followed by the intensity which develops in moments, it didn't quite gel for me. As the story progresses, it is ironed out and explained better, but maybe I needed to know Ethan better to understand his actions in that bar/room.

Once over that, I was fully invested in Ben being safe, and Josh and Ethan getting the chance to explore an attraction which clearly overrode good sense and job orders! I also enjoyed the mystery and double cross elements, which gave context to the situation.

I am certainly invested enough now to want to read the next installment!

 

 

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred and fifty romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ Scott

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Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of How Much for the Whole Night (Shadow Team #1) by RJ Scott to read and review.

Followill Loyalty by Erica Chilson Release Blitz

Life changes in less than a week…

Rayna Scott was showcased as her momma’s maid of dishonor, learned everything she thought wasn’t as it seemed, caught her boyfriend in the act during the reception, managed to graduate at the top of her class, reached the age of majority with little fanfare, and was deflowered in the most baffling of ways…

Those were just the highs.

Life as Rayna knew it ended in the most violent of lows, forcing her to swallow the stubborn pride her daddy instilled and welcome the torturous emotional side her momma tried so very hard to draw to the surface.

Falling off her high horse, Rayna figuratively breaks every bone, battered by life lesson after life lesson, learning the importance of loyalty and how it binds you into a family much tighter than blood ever could.

Followill Loyalty

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Followill series!
For book one, Followill, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

“He’s done!” Chad shouts at every officer in the vicinity, and there are a ton clogging up the hallway. A solid wall of uniformed officers and elected civilians. “I want him handcuffed, processed, and caged.”

Stunned stupid, the officer who brought me in sounds both hopeful yet cautious. “Sir, we need something to charge him with.”

“Gimme.” Chad turns me to face him, palms landing heavily on my shoulders. Then his fingers dive beneath the collar of my dress, plucking my new phone from my new bra. “You’re Heather’s daughter, so you use your bra as a purse, and cops don’t tend to pat breasts down when it’s a young girl. You’re also Russ’s daughter.”

Fiddling with the phone, half a dozen text message alerts ding at once. “There’s your proof. The video and audio were purposefully turned off in the interview room, but Rayna was thoughtful enough to record everything that happened from the time the first responders arrived. Goodbye.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Angela – ☆☆☆☆☆
For the quick and dirty first, there is no cliffhanger at the end of Followill Loyalty. Your fingers can relax. However, your tear ducts are likely to get a workout – at least mine did, several times, even when I read it a second time and knew what was coming. And they weren’t all sad tears either as I shed some tears in frustration, in anger, in empathy for Rayna’s poor self-image and the hits she kept taking, and bittersweet tears for a mother who, knowing her life was being cut short, prepared to be there for her daughter in the only way she could when she left this mortal coil behind. I also have to say, I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!! I KNEW IT!!! I can’t say what IT was that I knew because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t read book one yet, or who did and didn’t pick up on it, but I’m feeling pretty smug about it.

As for the book itself, I’m not sure how much I can actually say without giving too much away. A LOT of questions from the first book are answered, not all of them, but a lot of them, even if Rayna missed the answer or misunderstood what was being said. I adore Rayna and I empathize with her immensely when it comes to her poor self-confidence for her physical appearance and feeling like she doesn’t fit in with much of the world around her, but I am so glad I am the reader of her story because both of those characteristics severely color her interactions with those close to her, often leading her to misunderstand or misread the situation. Mind you, it doesn’t help any that Charlie is appallingly dreadful at communicating with Rayna and far too readily accepts her at her word when she says they’re on the same page. Of course, Rayna remains the queen of assuming how others feel about her, specifically assuming they harbor negative feelings toward her. But she does show the beginnings of change in that aspect during the farewell pool party with her interactions with a potential future Mrs. Followill – you’ll have to read the book to find out who the Mister is.

Some of the most significant scenes in Followill Loyalty are events I can’t discuss because of how spoiler-heavy they are. The injustices that Rayna experienced at the beginning and at the end of this book… UGH!!! I can’t even go there because my heart broke for her even as my blood boiled for her. She may have been forced to grow up too quickly with all that has happened so far, but she was wise beyond her years and capable of meeting the challenges she faced thanks to her parents. Oh yeah, Rayna’s rollercoaster ride did not slow down much during this installment and had more than its fair share of panic-inducing drops along the way. I’m buckling in extra tight for book three because I know her harrowing ride isn’t over yet. Don’t let the catharsis of the final chapter fool you, Chilson is sure to be saving the sharpest twists and turns and the biggest bumps and drops for the finale. But I’m gonna throw this out there right now, I would happily (and greedily) read more stories featuring the other residents of Followill once Rayna’s trilogy is complete because the Followills absolutely fascinate me, and I suspect there are far more secrets than Rayna can even begin to fathom. Bring on book three because I’ve got more questions than need to be answered.

 

 

 

ERICA CHILSON does not write in the 3rd person, wanting her readers to be her characters. Therefore, writing a bio about herself, is uncomfortable in the extreme.

Born, raised, and here to stay, the Wicked Writer is a stump-jumper, a ridge-runner. Hailing from North Central Pennsylvania, directly on the New York State border; she loves the changes in seasons, the humid air, all the mountainous forest, and the gloomy atmosphere.

Introverted, but not socially awkward, Erica prides herself on thinking first and filtering her speech. There are days she doesn’t speak at all. If it wasn’t for the fact that she lives with her parents, giving her a sense of reality, she would be a hermit, where the delivery man finds her months after expiration.

Reading was an escape, a way to leave a not-so pleasant reality behind. Reading lent Erica the courage she gathered from the characters between the pages to long for a different life. Writing was an instrument of change, evolving Erica into the woman she is today – a better, more mature, more at peace thinker.

Erica has a wicked mind, one she pours out into her creations. Her filter doesn’t allow all of it to erupt, much to her relief. Sarcastic, with a very dark, perverse sense of humor, Erica puts a bit of herself into every character she writes.

Connect with Erica Chilson

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Facebook Group: M&M of Restraint

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Followill Loyalty (Followill #2) by Erica Chilson to read and review.

Solstice by Eli Easton & RJ Scott Release Blitz

From the dramatic peaks of the Olympic mountain range to the small town of Prophet, murder is only a footstep away.

Gabriel is a former undercover cop haunted by the things he’s seen and done. He returns to his small hometown of Prophet, taking on the role of sheriff, hoping to mend his fractured relationship with his estranged brother and rebuild his life. But when a chilling murder occurs at Sentinel Rocks, a sacred Makah site on Lake Prophet, Gabriel’s dreams of peace and reconciliation are shattered.

Gabriel navigates a web of intrigue, where suspects abound; from local tribal elders to fervent Solstice worshippers and even those hunting the elusive Big Foot. When the brutal murder leaves Duke, a loyal Labrador retriever, as the sole witness, Gabriel stumbles upon an unexpected ally—a local animal behaviorist named Tiber.

Tiber, a newcomer to Prophet, seeks refuge in this remote haven, attempting to escape his own inner demons. Armed with his extraordinary ability to communicate with animals, he offers his expertise through video consultations, helping pet owners with their beloved companions. While he attributes his gift to his academic background in Animal Behavior, there is a mystical Navajo heritage at play that he cannot deny.

With the relentless rain washing away sins and good intentions alike, Gabriel and Tiber must begin to confront their own vulnerabilities and unravel the truth.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Big brown eyes stared back at me from my computer screen. They were set in a face with a shiny black nose and gray fur resembling an Ewok’s. The dog, Merci, looked away, but not before I saw that he was basically a happy little guy. Nothing too traumatic there. That was a relief. New clients were always worrying.

Denise, his owner, droned on over the laptop’s speaker. She was in her forties and wore a pink jogging suit that matched her one-inch pink nails. She and Merci were seated on a big white ottoman in a white room with windows overlooking the ocean.

She’d never have to worry over vet bills, that was for sure.

“…twice last week!” Denise complained. “On brand new pumps, too. I have a cleaning place I take them to, but you can’t get pee out of silk moiré. This is getting to be a serious problem! I just don’t understand where it’s coming from. Merci has always been such a good boy. He hasn’t had an accident in the house for years, and never before on my shoes.”

Her words were scolding, but her obsessive petting of Merci’s ruff told me more than her words. The way Merci leaned against her told me more still. She might be annoying to me, but Merci adored Denise Lafferty. And vice versa.

Which crossed several possibilities off the list.

“My friend, Lonny said you can read pets’ minds. Can you really do that?” Denise asked hopefully.

“I’m an animal behaviorist, Ms. Lafferty.”

“I know. But she said you knew what Snowball was thinking. And I figured maybe because you’re Native American… Or—is that the right term? First peoples? First nation? Merci and I don’t want to offend.”

I sighed inwardly. “Native American is fine.” I re-tucked my long black hair behind one ear. If a behaviorist had been reading me, that would be a tell. I always felt a bit like an imposter when clients assumed I was some kind of Native American shaman. I was only a quarter native, despite appearances suggesting otherwise. And I drew from my education—which I’d worked damned hard for—and not from anything supernatural.

Well. Mostly.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars of goodness

I love a good murder mystery, and this one has all the elements that one could want – out of the way location, dubious collection of suspects, great misdirects, and, at the heart of it, three vital characters... Gabriel, a sheriff who is back after a (very) rough time in the LAPD; Tiber, an animal psychologist who is hiding out after a horrible relationship; and the most heartwarming, grieving yellow lab who knows exactly what happened and is trying to get justice for his owner.

And whilst that would have already been enough, we also get the strong sense of how Gabriel needs to reconnect with his family; that ties were broken, and his brother doesn't believe that there could be any valid excuse for his absence... and yet...

Tiber refuses to trust his feelings after he was so manipulated by his previous boyfriend, so he'd rather live with his menagerie and far away from any suggestion of romance... But Gabriel is clearly attracted to him, and Tiber cannot deny that his body, even maybe his heart, is inclined to change the rules which his head is insisting stay in place.

I loved all of it, but the family times chez Tiber with Gabriel visiting were delicious! I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
Solstice is just the kind of story I love to read. It is a great mix of murder mystery in a small town with romance. The first murder in ten years in his quiet town brings up difficult memories from Gabriel’s past. He is also dealing with estrangement from his brothers, so life isn’t easy for Gabriel. On the other hand, Tiber, our animal expert, had a peace about him. I loved his “pack” of animals and his intuition.

The first few interactions between Gabriel and Tiber were not the most comfortable, but the clear underlying attraction was there. I was thirsty for every little bit of interaction between Gabriel and Tiber I could get. But I loved that nothing between the men was rushed and by the end of the story, it was clear this is just the beginning, leaving me wanting more.

For me, the relationship between Gabriel and Tiber was the highlight but I really enjoyed the mystery too. It isn’t too complex, but it was still interesting. Also, I have to take note of the blue chicken – it was certainly an original clue.

Solstice is a great start to a new series, and I eagerly await book two so I can spend more time with Gabriel and Tiber.

 

 

Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, a game designer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a fan fiction writer, and organic farmer, ELI EASTON has been a m/m romance author since 2013. She has published over 30 gay romances.

Eli has loved romance since her teens and she particular admires writers who can combine literary merit, genuine humor, melting hotness, and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story.

Connect with Eli Easton

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Facebook Group: Eli Easton's Mad Creek Clubhouse

 

USA Today bestselling author RJ SCOTT has written over one hundred and fifty romance books. Emotional stories of complicated characters, cowboys, single dads, hockey players, millionaires, princes, bodyguards, Navy SEALs, soldiers, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, cops, and the men who get mixed up in their lives, always with a happy ever after.

She lives just outside London and spends every waking minute she isn’t with family either reading or writing.

The last time she had a week’s break from writing, she didn’t like it one little bit, and she has yet to meet a box of chocolates she couldn’t defeat.

Connect with RJ Scott

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Facebook Group: RJ Scott – Special Secret Group

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Solstice (The Lake Prophet Mysteries #1) by Eli Easton & RJ Scott to read and review.

Just a Little Secret by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde Release Blitz

He’s not just a bachelor up for auction…
He’s her sexy birthday gift for the weekend.

Georgia Brooks had no intention of bidding on a bachelor at the charity auction, but her sister has other ideas and gifts her with a man for her birthday weekend. But not just any man... Drew Daniels. A hot, gorgeous lawyer who makes her want to shed her good-girl image and learn all sorts of new and risqué things.

Attorney Drew Daniels is more than willing to introduce the beautiful Georgia to her naughtier side. Their weekend together is steamy and romantic... and it doesn’t hurt that a rival of Drew’s has his eye on Georgia, too. Stirring the other man’s jealousy is a fun side benefit.

Their tryst should have been just about pleasure, but Drew finds he’s attracted to more than Georgia’s outer beauty and he wants to keep her as his own. When Drew suggests they continue their secret affair, Georgia is too smitten to say no. Even if her parents expect her to marry her lawyer father’s right-hand man.

Georgia finds herself falling for Drew harder and faster than she could have imagined. Until he’s forced to make a choice that has the potential to break her heart.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
I love the match-up between these two series, and even if this were new to you, it would be an enjoyable read – but if you are up to date with all things Kingston - Dirty Dare, then you will definitely love catching up with old friends. This installment has just the right level of naughtiness and heat surrounding a fun and fast romance.

Georgia has been tormented by her mother to do exactly as she wishes for years, including the latest plan to marry her off to the new junior partner in her father's law firm. At a charity bachelor auction, her sister gives her a date weekend with Drew Daniels – a man who had definitely attracted her attention!

This gift leads to some steamy rebelling from her usual life, and an awakening raunchiness that Drew makes her confident to enjoy. They certainly embrace the chemistry which swirls between them – delicious. Not all is smooth sailing, but as every romance fan knows, love rules!

This is escapism at its best.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Georgia is the good daughter. She does what she's told and hates to rock the boat. Her sister, on the other hand, is the epitome of what Georgia wishes she could be. Georgia's slight rebellion is the job that she loves. Knowing that her parents are already marrying her off to one of her dad's partners is not something Georgia is going to tolerate, but not knowing how to tell her parents is another story.

Drew is a confident, successful attorney who is liking his life. While he knows that he doesn't want to be alone forever, Drew is content for right now. When he is roped into a charity bachelor auction, Drew doesn't know that his life will change forever.

Georgia and Drew go on a journey of self-discovery, lust, romance, and love. These two set the sheets on fire and learn from each other on how they want their lives to go. I love Georgia's strength and really love how she embraces these new changes.

You won't be disappointed in this crossover and even if you haven't read the previous books, you'll get a kick out of this one.

 

 

CARLY PHILLIPS is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over eighty sexy contemporary romances featuring hot men, strong women, and emotionally compelling stories her readers have come to expect and love.

She is happily married to her college sweetheart and lives in Westchester County, NY. She is the mother of two adult daughters and three crazy dogs who star on her Facebook and Instagram pages.

Way back in 2002, Carly’s book, The Bachelor, was chosen by Kelly Ripa and was the first romance on a nationally televised book club.

Carly loves social media and interacting with her readers. For more information on upcoming releases, sign up for her NEWSLETTER and receive two free books!

Connect with Carly Phillips

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Facebook Group: Carly’s Corner

 

ERIKA WILDE is a bestselling author and is best known for her super sexy Marriage Diaries series and The Players Club series, and has also co-written multiple series with Carly Phillips, her best friend and writing buddy for the past twenty years.

She lives in Oregon with her husband, and when she's not writing you can find her exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

For more information on her upcoming releases, please sign up for her NEWSLETTER.

Connect with Erika Wilde

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Erika's Wilde Women

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Just a Little Secret (Dare Crossover #2) by Carly Phillips & Erika Wilde to read and review.

Don’t Mess with the Ex by DJ Jamison Release Blitz

For years, I've lived by one simple rule: Don't Mess with the Ex.

It was an easy rule to follow when Laurence Kensington III was on the other side of the country.

Now that he's shown up out of the blue to tell me we're still married? Not so much.

I followed my heart into a whirlwind romance with him once, and it ended in a heart-breaking annulment. Or at least, I thought it did. I don't know what to think of the news we're still hitched.

I've vowed to never be so impulsive or reckless again. But when he brings me a proposal that will help me achieve my dreams for Granville *and* refuse his entitled family something they want, I'm once more put to the test.

Laurie is as handsome as I remember, and so damn tempting. His sweet gestures, generous spirit, and open heart make it a challenge to stick to my rule.

But then, maybe messing with the ex wouldn't be all bad. Maybe it's time to write new rules.

Is it really so wrong to follow my heart if my heart was right all along?

Don't Mess with the Ex is book 2 of Rules We Break, a spin-off series from Games We Play, set in the small, quirky town of Granville, where nosy residents meddle in one another's lives, great friendships are made, and silly innuendos are a way of life.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Rules We Break series!
For book one, Don’t Date a DILF, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

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Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

When Laurie and I got married the first time, it had been a speedy elopement at a courthouse. I hadn’t cared, beyond a flicker of guilt that my mother would be disappointed. I’d never been one to want a lot of fanfare. But seeing everyone come together for us—everyone believing in us—made my stomach flip with a mix of nerves and excitement.

Laurie and I are just beginning to get to know each other again, I reminded myself. All of this is a performance.

But it didn’t feel that way, especially when my mother stood and raised a plastic glass filled with champagne. “To Tucker and Laurie! I’m so glad you boys have found your way back to each other. I don’t have to tell you to treasure each day together after nearly twenty years apart.”

LeRoy called from the crowd, “Imagine the fun of making up for all that lost time though!”

Everyone laughed, and I turned toward Laurie, a joke poised on my lips. The words evaporated and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of him.

The man’s smile was fucking magic, his eyes glowing with promise. This wedding reception might be for show, but I hoped we’d be enjoying a hell of a wedding night anyway, because I was done fighting this pull between us.

My mother scolded us playfully. “I know I don’t have to tell you two to never get married in secret again,” she said, wagging a playful finger at us. “You’re just lucky Laurie is such a delight, or I’d really be in a tizzy.”

“She was in a total tizzy,” my dad called out. “Don’t let her fool you! I heard about it for a solid week!”

My mother waved him off, wrapping up the speech with something a little more heartfelt. “I’m so happy to be able to celebrate this night with you, Tucker. And you too, Laurie. I’m so happy to witness this new chapter for the both of you and to see you looking so happy.” She lifted her cup again. “Let’s all drink to the next twenty years that Tucker and Laurie will spend side by side as true partners. I know you two are taking it a day at a time, and that’s good. It’s how all the best marriages work. I have no doubt, seeing you together like this, that you’ve got a very happy life ahead.”

We all dutifully sipped our champagne. The ringing of a bell sounded, followed by the chant of “Kiss kiss kiss.”

Well, hell, I wanted to kiss him anyway. I wanted to kiss him every minute of every day. I always had, since the very first moment I saw him on Hunter’s lawn, but now I could finally give in to the craving.

I leaned in, brushing his lips with mine—and even with the whole room watching—sparks shot through me and I had to fight the desire to deepen the kiss. Laurie caressed my jaw, his touch so loving and sensual I wanted to drag him beneath the table right here.

“Awww,” my sister crooned, rudely interrupting our moment. “Aren’t you two just sickening?”

I pulled away with a little laugh and shot her a mock glare. “Jealous?”

She glanced at Laurie. “Well, to be honest, a little. Laurie is one fine man.”

“Hey!” Her husband, Rusty, wrapped a possessive arm around her waist. “Maybe we’ve been together all fifteen years of our marriage, but don’t even think about trading me in for a flashier model.”

She turned a killer grin on him. “Just making sure you appreciate me.”

“I could help with that.” Wes Potter strolled up, a flirtatious smile on his handsome face. He usually wore grass-stained jeans and faded T-shirts, but he’d cleaned up fucking nice in a suit that molded to his muscled arms and chest. “Care to dance, Julie?”

His stepbrother, Beckett, was a step behind him, a scowl on his cute, freckled face. “Don’t the grooms get the first dance?”

Wes turned with a shit-eating grin. “My bad. Laurie, care to dance?”

Laurie tilted his head, gaze panning up and down Wes’s fine form, while Beckett looked skyward and shook his head, as if he was not the least bit surprised by Wes’s shit-stirring.

“Don’t even think about it,” I practically growled as I pushed my chair back and grabbed Laurie’s hand. “He’s dancing with me.”

Laurie chuckled good-naturedly, allowing me to drag him around the table. “I’ll have to send Wes a thank-you card.”

“For inviting you to dance?” I asked in disbelief.

“No,” he said, smiling up at me as we took our position on the dance floor. “For making you jealous enough to go all caveman on me.”

“Shit, sorry,” I said, glancing around self-consciously. “I might have let all this go to my head.”

Laurie took hold of my jaw, guiding my gaze back to him. “All of this?”

“The celebrating, the toasts, the congratulations. It feels…”

“Real?”

I nodded.

Laurie leaned in to brush a kiss to my cheek. “For me, it is.”

“Laurie…”

He wrapped his arms around my neck, pressing close, and spoke in my ear. “No, listen. I know we’re starting over and you’re not ready to make any promises. But we didn’t get this the first time, and… maybe we deserve to enjoy it. Just a little? What do you think?”

I gazed into his eyes, full of love for me. Full of understanding too. I was still a little afraid, taking this step, but Laurie knew where I stood. He accepted me and my reservations gracefully, just as he’d accepted my rejection, as flimsy as it was.

Every step of the way, Laurie took me as I was, I realized, and was grateful for whatever I offered.

And it was time I offered honesty. He deserved that much.

“Let’s enjoy it,” I agreed, dipping my head to kiss him. “I want to enjoy every moment we have together from now on.”

“Good, then go fucking caveman over me anytime you feel the urge,” he said, eyes hot. “Don’t hold back anymore. Please.”

The note of desperation in that plea nearly did me in. The reception was far from over, and all I wanted was to get this man alone and finally relearn the lean, gorgeous body that I’d once known so well.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in this series and a spin-off from the Games We Play series, so you may find a number of familiar characters if you are a return visitor to Granville. I would recommend that you read Don't Date DILF first as this story follows on directly from the end of that book, and you will be party to all the in jokes! You could still enjoy it as a standalone, I am sure.

Tucker, the City Manager, is trying to revitalise Granville and secure its future. When making an appeal for investors, he certainly didn't expect the man he briefly married 20 years ago to speak up!

This is such a great set up for an intriguing romance, which is poignant, romantic, and fun. It is difficult to understand how Laurie could be forgiven, however, the author manages to convince us of his honesty and that he deserves to be forgiven. The angst level is low, although the Kensington's certainly try to stop their marriage getting a second chance.

By the way, I dare you not to laugh with the verbal gymnastics caused by the naming of certain parts of Granville and the local retail establishments!


Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
Don’t Mess with the Ex is the second book in the Rules We Break series. I highly suggest you read this in the order that the author intended. It starts right after book one ends.

Tucker is the city manager of Granville. He has spent so much time trying to revitalize the town. When he is standing outside of Hunter's remodeled home speaking to a crowd, the last person he expects to come forward is his ex-husband, Laurie. They were married twenty years ago and ended because of Laurie's overbearing grandfather. When Laurie explains that the annulment they said all those years ago didn't get filed and they are still married, Tucker isn't expecting the favor that Laurie asks of him.

I love this little town. The residents are all up in each other’s business but in the best of ways. I so enjoyed the slow burn of this one, and Laurie doing what he needed to do to make sure Tucker knew he came first and Laurie wasn't walking away again. I can't wait for more from this fantastic little town.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series and even though you could read this as a standalone, I highly recommend you read the first book first as those couples are in this book as well and you'll have some back story. I started this book at 11pm and stayed up to finish it, that's how hooked I was. I was drawn in from the start and I just couldn't put the book down, I had to see how it unfolded with Tucker and Laurie. These two are so good together. I hate how they had so many years go by before they got their second chance. I loved the townspeople and their cheeky innuendo names of their streets, fairs, and initiatives. Remember the first book and Ball-Sack? LOL. This was a great addition to the series. I loved watching Tucker and Laurie reconnect. I can't wait for the next book.

 

 

DJ JAMISON writes romances about everyday life and extraordinary love featuring a variety of queer characters, from gay to bisexual to asexual. DJ grew up in the Midwest in a working-class family, and those influences can be found in her writing through characters coping with real-life problems: money troubles, workplace drama, family conflicts and, of course, falling in love. DJ spent more than a decade in the newspaper industry before chasing her first dream to write fiction. She spent a lifetime reading before that and continues to avidly devour her fellow authors’ books each night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, two sons, one snake, and a sadistic cat named Birdie.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Don’t Mess with the Ex (Rules We Break #2) by DJ Jamison to read and review.