Kara Thorn had always been the confident one until the fateful day her heart was shattered. She lost the one person she thought would never walk away….
Devon McGraw, the man who had promised her forever.
When Kara returns to her hometown for a wedding, fate intervenes throwing her and Devon together once again. Their chemistry is stronger than ever before, but Devon is not the same guy that Kara fell in love with. The man he’d become had a past, and it was complicated.
He wanted a week, but Kara wants forever.
Will Kara forgive Devon’s past or will her own ruin any chance of her finding forever?
**Finding Forever is an Interconnected Standalone in The Chasing Series. Each book features a different couple.**
Devon in faded jeans and a ratty T-shirt was a sight to behold, but give this man a pair of dark gray slacks and a white dress shirt… well, his beauty left me speechless. He stopped to stand in front of me. The top button on his shirt was left undone, hinting at the dark, crisp, chest hair that peeked through the v against the whiteness of the shirt; the tip edges of the red and orange tattooed flames caught my eye. Someone else might not have noticed, but I noticed everything about Devon. Shirtless, that tattoo spanned his right shoulder and ended along the thick curve of his neck.
His eyes dipped, slowly taking in my appearance from head to toe. My breath caught. “That shade of pink is the exact same color as your…”
My hand covered his mouth muffling the rest of his words before he could finish saying it out loud. His lips curved into a grin against my palm. My cheeks felt flushed, and feeling his warm breath against my skin made me want to whimper. “Please don’t say it,” I whispered, staring up at him with pleading eyes. I didn’t think I could take it. His icy eyes danced mischievously.
He nodded in reply to my request. His fingers curled around my wrist. He gently drew my hand aside. Beneath his fingertips, my pulse hammered. “I was going to say lipstick, Kara.” He smirked. I rolled my eyes at him. Sure, he was.
Linda Oaks has always had a passion for books. At the age of five, she was a book of the month club member. Her love for books eventually led her to a love of writing. She resides in Eastern Kentucky with her husband, two children, three dogs and a pet rabbit named Dozer. She can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Wattpad and Instagram. She can be also be reached by mail at authorlindaoaks@gmail.com. She loves connecting with her readers.
At
the age of twelve, she wrote her first mini book, filled mostly with what took
place with her mother and her long tedious bout with leukemia. It was a short
story told as extra credit when she suffered a sprained ankle and had to be out
of school for over two months. School officials refused to believe a word of
what she had written until her grandmother, her guardian back then, entered the
school with the truth. Everything she had written down was exactly what took
place. Unfortunately, her mother succumbed to the disease.
She
earned a bachelor’s degree in history and culture. After living with her aunt
and uncle for over five years, she wished to explore her uncle’s native
heritage, and did so with vigor. She also has grad units in criminal justice.
Compassion is within us all, we just need to delve deeper to find it.
When we have compassion for ourselves, everyone else falls into place.
Understand how to be compassionate toward yourself and those around you.
How does one discover happiness? After long bouts of unhappiness, I
discovered something buried within me. What I kept buried deep inside me
was joy and happiness. At times I did not deeply love myself and
others, I did not love with compassion, or see myself as one with
others. Unhappiness stems from our pain and suffering, but we can let go
of unhappiness. This journey is not easy and after digging through the
pain and fear, I found happiness.
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION? The deeper we
go into who we are, the easier it is to find our passion. A passion is
anything we love doing, celebrating, or hold near and dear to our heart.
Do what you love. Your passion can be anything creative!
Finding happiness is not an easy
task for someone that never knew what true happiness was. Walking a path to
happiness can be very difficult. Issues fall on your path to ensure you are
willing to work for your happiness. That is what happened to me. This is how I
discovered my happiness.
After enduring unhappiness most of
my life, at forty-three years of age I finally had had enough sadness and faced
the truth about why I was not happy. My life was drowning in things and people
that were not positive. I had to change myself in order to change my life.
When a person feels and sees what is truly
complicating their life, they will release those energies and never look back.
The past is not a place to revisit. It is where it should be. Whenever we
glance behind us, we are all constantly reminded of the “should haves” and “would
haves,” and that is no way to live. I found true happiness, and this is how I did it!
North for Christmas by Christina Dymock
Ruby Jeavon takes a position as a Christmas elf in order to evaluate the Nashville North Pole Program from the inside. For years, the program has been losing money and investors want a reason to pull out. Ratting out a Santa isn't Ruby's style, but someone has to do it. She’s mortified by the striped tights and elf shoes, but she has a goal and nothing, not even the handsome Nashville native, North Foxwell, will stand in her way.
North’s dad was diagnosed with cancer. The news brings North home to Nashville for the holidays where he’ll have to face his past, his grudge, and his bossy sister. North gets more than he bargained for when Ruby steps into Santa’s workshop. He’ll do everything he can to save the North Pole Program, but in the end, it’s North that needs saving – and Ruby’s just the girl to take on the task.
“I’m Mitch.” He tucked the clipboard back under his arm. “We’re waitin’ for one more passenger.”
“Will it be long?” North’s stomach rumbled.
“Her flight just landed, so it should only be a few minutes.”
They made small talk as they watched the people gather around the baggage claim.
“I’ll bet that’s her,” said Mitch.
North followed his gaze. Walking toward them was none other than Ruby Jeavon in a pair of designer black boots, tight jeans, and an oversized, but somehow still flattering, sweater. She expertly maneuvered two large bags, a carry on, and her purse in their direction.
Maybe it was Karma that brought her here. Or maybe it was an angel with an overactive funny bone. Either way, North was not at all surprised to see the one woman who could make his trip home more awkward. He’d gathered from Ruby’s inclusion in the charity review meeting that she was on some sort of training schedule with Kathleen, and being here was probably a step up the ladder for the spoiled daughter of a powerful executive.
He still hadn’t figured out a way to explain his behavior yesterday. He hadn’t meant to embarrass Ruby more than she embarrassed herself, but his laughter in the elevator had done just that. She needn’t worry about him or Fredrick saying anything that would tarnish her reputation or the reputation of the company, but Ruby didn’t know him from Adam and had little reason to trust him at this time. Not only did North need Ruby as a future client, he couldn’t shake that moment when their eyes met over the conference table. He’d found himself thinking about it at random times throughout the day. He decided she may have a hard candy shell, but what he’d seen in those eyes was sweet and kind, even if he only caught a glimpse before she turned into Bumble the Abominable Snowwoman.
He’d put it off sending an email or flowers or a bouquet of candy canes to smooth things over so that the next time they met they could both just ignore it and move on. Deciding that was the best course of action, he put a welcoming smile on his face and stepped forward. “Can I help you with your bags, Miss Jeavon?”
Ruby blanched and an awkward silence formed between them faster than ice on a Memphis highway.
“Miss Ruby Jeavon?” asked Mitch.
Ruby ignored North. “Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m with the North Pole Express Shuttle Service. Can I help you with those bags?”
Ruby gave Mitch a genuine smile and allowed him to take the larger of the two bags and her carry-on. “Thank you.”
She took quick, long strides to keep up with Mitch as he led them toward the waiting van. North, who was used to being the tallest in the group, had to stretch his legs to keep up. He found Ruby’s hurried pace comical. It reminded him of the way he could get under his sister’s skin without trying.
Ruby glared over her shoulder. “Are you following me?”
North laughed. “Technically, yes and no. I think we’re riding together, so I’m not following you just to follow you. But you’re walking in front of me, so I’m following you.”
“Accountants,” Ruby muttered. She pulled up short and fixed him in place with a look that could make Jell-O hold still. “Wait, we’re riding together? As in, we’re going to the same place?”
“I guess so,” he replied with a cautious note.
She took off again, her shoes ticking against the concrete like a timer on a bomb. Tick. Tick. Tick.
“What exactly are you doing here?” she threw the question over her shoulder.
The airport doors slid open and an icy blast of air bit North’s cheeks. He braced himself for more than the cold weather as he contemplated his answer. His reasons were personal, and he had no intention of sharing them with a near stranger no matter how pretty she was with her cheeks pinked by the cold December air. Ruby shimmied into her coat and efficiently buttoned it up as she walked, never letting go of her roller. It was a feat worth admiring, and North found that he enjoyed admiring Ruby despite her obvious dislike for accountants.
His constant awareness of her beauty surprised North. Ruby, and her international Christmas travels, were the exact opposite of what North valued in a woman. He wanted to share his life with someone who was as dedicated to sharing as he was. A woman who wanted a family, a home, perhaps a dog…
Before he could come up with something to say, she demanded, “Did my mother send you?”
“Did your mother send you?” North fired back. He groaned in frustration as Ruby whipped around and climbed into the waiting van without another word. He wasn’t doing a very good job of making amends. Feeling a little like a lump of coal, North settled into his seat in the van.
Praise for North for Christmas
"There was so much heart and depth packed into this romantic and fun Christmas story, I loved every page of it. Ruby and North each have issues and pasts, making it that much sweeter when they can help each other through the hurt to find the joy." ~Cami Checketts, author of Christmas Makeover, An Echo Ridge Romance
Author Christina Dymock
Christina Dymock graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications. She currently resides in Central Utah with her husband and four children. Along with writing romances, Christina loves to spend time in the kitchen and has written several cookbooks. Among other things, she enjoys cycling, skiing, wakeboarding, sewing, reading, and baking.
Book Giveaway
To celebrate the release of North for Christmas Christina is giving away a copy of her cookbook The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook.
Open to US Only
Ends 11/4/15
The Healthy Family Slow Cooker Cookbook
Feed your family the foods they love—with a healthy twist.
Everyone knows slow cookers are a busy mom’s best friend, but it can be a struggle to find healthy Crock Pot recipes your kids will actually eat. Not anymore.
These delicious family-sized meals are perfect for parents and kids alike.
Chicken and Artichoke Fettucini
Teriyaki Pulled Pork
Cajun Rice with Shrimp
Butternut Squash Soup
Chicken Quesadillas
You’ll even find some tasty ideas for sugar-free desserts, like the Blueberry Pudding Cake. And every single recipe can be made in the morning and ready to eat by dinnertime. With a little prep and planning, you’ll soon be enjoying nutritious, healthy, home-cooked meals every night of the week!
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Rachel Van Dyken brings you Rip a complete stand alone novel that fans of the Eagle Elite series will devour! With twists and turns you won't see coming, this dark romantic suspense will keep you on your toes and leave you screaming for more.
Pretty things aren't meant to be broken.
But I broke her, and now we both have to pay the price.
I'm her nightmare.
I'm her savior.
And now that I have her signature on an ironclad contract, I
own her body and soul.
She doesn't remember me.
She will.
It's inevitable.
Because as much as I know I need to stay away, for fear of
unlocking the memories I helped her father bury--I can't.
She was the apple in the Garden, dangled in front of me, her
core so tempting and sweet. A voice whispered. Just. One. Bite.
I bit.
I tasted.
I fell.
Welcome to the world of the Russian mafia, where death, is
your only future.
Jewelz Review~
Rip is another great addition to Rachel Van Dyken's mafia series - it's more of a stand alone/spin off so if you haven't read the other books you won't be lost. This book takes us inside the Russian mafia (while the other books have focused on the Italians) and lives up to the emotional and intense experience readers has come to expect from Ms Van Dyken's work.
Nikolai Blazik, known as "the Doctor," has been working for Russian mafia lord Petrov. His specialty is hypnotherapy - some might call it brainwashing - but he has a little side job where he is researching STDs.
Maya, the only living child of Petrov, is working on her doctorate and has been begging her father to help her gain an interview with Blazik since her thesis is on STDs and he's the leading reasearcher. She finally gains an audience, but is unprepared for being presented with a contract showing her father basically sold her to Blazik for the next year.
What follows is a story of love, hate, fear, secrets, revenge, and family. Because that's what the mafia is all about, right? Family.
FYI - content warnings: violence, language, intimate scenes, mature topics
Honest Disclosure - I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rachel Van Dyken is the New
York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency
and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking
coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor. She keeps her home in Idaho
with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from
readers! Want to be kept up to date on
new releases? Text MAFIA to 66866! You can connect with her on
Facebook www.facebook.com/rachelvandyken
or join her fan group Rachel's New
Rockin Readers. Her website is www.rachelvandykenauthor.com
THE HOUSE AT HOMECOMING COVE by Ginny Baird
From New York Times Bestselling Author GINNY BAIRD
A breathtaking romantic mystery set at the Virginia Eastern Shore...
Seeking out solitude in which to work, New York City music composer Melissa Carter rents a century-old farmhouse on the Virginia Eastern Shore. There, she meets a loner with rugged good looks and smoldering gray eyes, who has long-term ties to the property. When strange things start occurring at the historic home, the handsome groundskeeper comes to her aid, but is Melissa really safer in his arms?
When Stone Thomas meets a pretty northerner with a musical gift, he's immediately drawn to her. He's also determined to protect her from the increasingly odd happenings at the fifty-acre farm where he's employed. Soon, Stone finds himself wondering whether he and beautiful Melissa might share a future. Yet the secrets of Homecoming Cove threaten to drive them apart.
Her words came out in a whisper. “Thank you for everything. For coming to my rescue, for…” She was saying goodbye, yet her chin tilted toward his and she took a step closer, her lips barely parted, inviting. She peered up at him and met his gaze with a look that was surprisingly heated, decidedly predatory. There was no mistaking it. Melissa wanted him too. That was all the encouragement Stone needed to take her in his arms and bring his mouth down on hers with a hungry desire that surpassed all expectations.
Melissa gasped with delight and sighed into his kiss. Stone’s empty mug slid from her grasp and landed somewhere on the sofa. Stone pressed his eager body to hers and ran his hands up her back, threading his fingers through her hair. She was glorious, beautiful, her gaze sparking with reciprocal passion. Stone groaned and kissed her again, savoring the taste of her, delighting in the sweetness of her body molded to his, as his blood pumped harder and his heart beat like a kettledrum gone out of control. It was more than a kiss; it was like coming home.
“Stone,” she said breathlessly. He opened his eyes to find his cheeks nestled between her palms.
She looked up at him her face flushed with longing. “I think you’d better go.”
“Yeah,” he said, his pulse pounding. “I’d better go.”
Thunder boomed and rain slapped the windowpanes, while the fire hissed and moaned.
Neither one moved.
“Melissa,” Stone whispered, brushing his lips over hers. “You and me… It’s like… I don’t know.”
“I know,” she replied, meeting his kiss. “I feel it too.”
Praise for Ginny Baird Paranormal Ghost Romance
The Ghost Next Door (A Love Story)
"A fine suspense and you just won't believe how it ends." ~ Barbara Baker
"The twist at the end took me by surprise! Great job to the author!" ~ Melinda Burchett
"Wow...wow...wow!! I did not see that coming." ~ Mary Ann
"This is a mind bender! Very well done!" ~ Sandra D. Griffin
The Light at the End of the Road
"A gripping tale with a hint of paranormal." ~ Dawn Pearson
"New, refreshing twists and turns." ~ Anna Gibson
"Ms. Baird has again exceeded any expectations." ~ Dianna Plano
"Wow. I mean, WOW. This is not your normal romance..." ~ Anita Slaugh
Author Ginny Baird
NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author Ginny Baird has published novels in print and online and received screenplay options from Hollywood for her family and romantic comedy scripts. She writes heartwarming contemporary romance about single women facing everyday challenges. Known for featuring holidays and family themes in her work, Ginny frequently portrays the struggles of single parents or others who've given up on finding true love.
Ginny has two novella series, The Holiday Brides Series (holiday romance) and The Summer Grooms Series (summer romance), a Romantic Ghost Stories series (paranormal ghost romance), and additional single titles available. She is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author, a Top 10 Best Seller on Kindle, NOOK and iBooks, and a #1 Best Seller in several Romance and Women's Fiction categories. Visit Ginny's website www.ginnybairdromance.com to learn more about her and her books.
BookBlast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 11/6/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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