Friday, July 29, 2016

***Excerpt Reveal!*** RUTHLESS by Lexi Blake

   
Blake Ruthless plain fb ad coming soon

Ruthless_CVF 

The first in a sexy contemporary romance series featuring the Lawless siblings—from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

The Lawless siblings are bound by vengeance. Riley, Drew, Brandon, and Mia believe the CEO of StratCast orchestrated their parents’ murder twenty years ago to steal their father’s software program. And there’s only one way Riley can find some solid evidence...

Heir to the StratCast legacy, Ellie Stratton hires a new attorney to handle a delicate business matter—and she’s shocked by her attraction to him. Over the course of a few weeks, Riley becomes her lover, her friend, her everything. But when her life is threatened, Ellie discovers that Riley is more obsessed with settling an old score than in the love she thought they were building. And Riley must choose between a revenge he’s prepared for all his life and the woman he’s sure he can’t live without...

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EARLY REVIEWS FOR RUTHLESS

“Smart, savvy, clever, and always entertaining. That’s true of Riley Lawless, the hero in Ruthless, and likewise for his creator, Lexi Blake. Both are way ahead of the pack.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Steve Berry "I love Lexi Blake. Read Ruthless and see why.” ~ New York Times bestselling author Lee Child With Ruthless, Lexi Blake has set up shop on the intersection of Suspenseful and Sexy, and I never want to leave. ~ Laurelin Paige, New York Times bestselling author Ruthless is full of suspense, hot sex, and swoon worthy characters -- a must read!" ~ New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst 

Blake Ruthless teaser 1
    
 Riley’s mouth came down on hers again. She could feel his hunger, and his hands roamed over the curves of her hips and backside, rubbing himself against her. It fed her own. She’d never felt more wanted, needed by a man. He didn’t seem to simply want sex with someone. He seemed to need her—only her. She wrapped her arms around him and held on, letting him lead. His mouth moved down, kissing her jaw and ear. “Do you have any idea what I want to do to you?” A little bit. She’d always been quiet during sex, preferring to con- centrate on the sensations, but she wanted to hear him. She wanted to know he was with her. “What do you want to do?” She shivered with heat as his tongue ran along the shell of her ear and he nipped the lobe, a thrill shooting through her. His voice was a low, sexy growl in her ear. “I think about stripping you down all the time.” He turned her suddenly and her back was pressed to his front. She could feel the hard ridge of his erection against her backside. His arms wound around her, keeping her close. “You want me naked?” She didn’t want to stop talking. She could see now that her other sexual encounters had been defined by the walls she’d put up. Though she’d had a partner, she’d been essentially alone in whatever pleasure she’d found. With her ex-husband she would turn off the lights, enjoy the ride, and then sleep in silence, their physicality the only true intimacy between them. She didn’t want that with Riley. His hands moved up, cupping her breasts through the thin mate- rial of her blouse and bra. The warmth of his mouth and lips moved on her neck. “I’ll have you naked. I’ll get rid of every single thing that comes between us. I’ll strip you and then touch every inch of your body. You might be the boss in the boardroom, but I intend to lead here. I intend to have you every way I can have a woman, Ellie. Once I’m inside you, I won’t want to leave.” He was still giving her a way out. She wasn’t going to take it. “Yes, Riley. I won’t change my mind.” His thumbs rasped over her nipples. “I’ll fucking hold you to that. I will.” She had no idea why he sounded so resolute, but his hands were working the buttons of her blouse, dragging it out of the waistband of her skirt and peeling it back. Cool air hit her skin. Her brain was foggy with lust. Her whole system had softened in a way it never had before. She felt hot, her muscles tight with need, but she let Riley take over. He slipped off her bra and then sighed against her skin as he cupped her breasts again. “Fuck, that feels so good. These are beautiful, baby. Do you have any idea how long I’ve wanted to get my hands on these?” She leaned back against him, her head cradled by the strength of his chest. He was solid all over. His callused hands rubbed against her skin, the feeling of masculinity making her feel more feminine than she’d ever felt before. His fingers rolled her nipples and for a moment, she couldn’t breathe. “You’re going to give me everything I want, aren’t you, Ellie? You’re going to let me play with this body. You’re going to wrap your- self around me and let me have you like I’ve dreamed of. Without reservations, no thoughts of anything but how we can make each other feel.” Forgetting everything else seemed like the best idea ever. She needed this. Needed to let go of everything and simply be. She hadn’t done it in years, maybe never. But it felt right with Riley. It felt good and true. “Yes. I don’t want to be anywhere but with you. Only you.” His hand fumbled with the button on the back of her skirt and he cursed, finally managing to undo it. “Damn it. I’m not going to last once I get inside you. I’m going to be good for you, Ellie. I promise. I’ll make it so fucking good for you.” She loved the growl he got in his voice when he was really aroused. And the way his hands shook. She wasn’t in this alone. He was with her, right beside her in his need. She helped him, shoving the skirt down and kicking off her shoes. When she was down to nothing but her undies, she turned in his arms. She was a little too big, her breasts real. Unlike many women her age, she’d never lifted them or enlarged them. They sagged slightly and she was well aware that her hips were curvier than fashionable. Would he turn her away? Would he see she wasn’t as pretty as he’d thought? He stared, his eyes going right to her breasts. “You’re so gorgeous, Ellie. Do you have any idea what I’ve gone through since that first day? I’ve never masturbated as much as I have in the last week.” Yep, the man knew what to say to her. She was pretty sure she was glowing. “I’ve thought about you, too.” “I want you to tell me all about that, but later, baby. Right now, I’m going to do what I’ve wanted to do since the moment I met you.” 

 
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Refresh by S. Moose ~ Release Blitz




Title: Refresh
Author: S. Moose
Genre: New Adult/Romantic Suspense
 Release Date: July 25, 2016



Blurb

What's left when perfection is gone?

Perfection slipped through Caroline Spencer's fingers. One moment she had it all, and then it was gone. All she has left are her memories, her pain, and her close friends.

And Mason Ryan was not part of her plan--wasn't even on her radar. After all, he was her husband's best friend. But now that her husband is gone, he's the only person who understands her, feels what she feels, and knows her inside and out.

Together, they try to rearrange the shattered pieces of their pain.

Sharing their grief pulls them closer together--closer than either of them want to admit and Mason won't allow himself to fall for his best friend's widow. Ultimately, he's holding the one secret that will destroy Caroline--a secret he cannot even bear himself.

Will they find a way to refresh their lives when the pain of the past won't dissolve?



4 Stars!

Caroline's situation is one that I can relate to. Being married to a police officer is not easy. Though I did not go through the lost that she did, I can understand the worries of my husband coming home safely, as well as the long work hours. It takes a special person to choose that life to begin with, but for her to choose it twice, truly shows her strength.

Mason and Caroline have been best friends since high school. Mason has always been there for her and continues to be there for her through her hard times. When Mason needs Caroline the most, she's right there by his side and never gives up on him.

I liked Mason's personality. Yes, he could be serious when he needed to be, but when it was time to joke around, he knew how to have fun. He also liked giving Caroline a hard time. He never let a chance slip by without teasing her. One of my favorite parts was the cake batter scene that was mixed with the sexual innuendo..

“Why don’t you come try my batter?” He winks. “I’ve heard it’s extra sweet and addicting. Just stick your fingers into the bowl and put your fingers in your mouth. Swirl your tongue around the moist batter. Trust me you’ll get addicted.”

I'm pretty sure Mason can be pretty addicting! Especially in uniform. Everyone likes a man in uniform!

Refresh really did give readers a little of everything. There was love, loss, forgiveness, friendship, laughter, and even some suspense! Towards the end, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. It made me swoon and it also brought me to the edge of my seat! All around a great story.

- Review by Juls


Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / iBOOKS 





Excerpt

"Let me add," she says with a smirk, "sex and Mason are like desserts."

"What?" I burst out laughing.

"Now listen to me. Sex and Mason are like desserts. There are many sides of Mason and sex consists of different positions all of this like dessert. You see a dessert case and there's everything from fruit tarts to red velvet cake to brownies."

"I'm getting hungry now, thanks."

"Oh shut up," Tonya laughs and continues with her ridiculous explanation. "These two things go hand in hand. So you can take your time and look at these yummy desserts the way you look at Mason and sex and then when you're ready you'll pick the best most delicious dessert and boom, you and Mason will be having boom boom time."

"I can't even with you." I laugh and wipe my tears from laughing so hard. "You're too much."
"Dessert equals Mason and sex. Remember, variety and different tastes!"



Author Bio


S.Moose is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, living in Webster, NY with her family, friends, and shorkie, Charlie.

A 2011 St. John Fisher graduate, S.Moose loves to read and write. She enjoys getting lost in the fictional world and creating a place where readers can fall in love and swoon over the cute boys she brings to life. When she isn't in her room in front of her computer or a book, she is with her family and friends being silly and enjoying life. She's romantic at heart and loves anything with a happily ever after.



Author Links

Giveaway

Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer ~ Release Blitz




Title: Mistrust
Author: Margaret McHeyzer
Genre: Young Adult
 Release Date: July 29, 2016



Blurb

From New York Times bestselling author Margaret McHeyzer.... 

I’m the popular girl at school.
The one everyone wants to be friends with.
I have the best boyfriend in the world, who’s on the basketball team.
My parents adore me, and I absolutely love them. My sister and I have a great relationship too.
I’m a cheerleader, I have a high GPA and I’m liked even by the teachers.
It was a night which promised to be filled with love and fun until…something happened which changed everything.






 
5 Stars!

I'm beginning to believe that I will read anything that has Margaret McHeyzer's name on it. Mistrust is the third book that I've read of hers, and I have loved every one.

Dakota had a great junior year until one night, everything changed.. She found herself in a situation that showed her who her true friends were and who she could truly trust. Her true rock was her sister, Sam. I loved the relationship they had. Sam was always there trying to make her smile or holding her while she cried. I loved what Sam told Dakota about being each others strength...

“Sometimes, Dakota, we find the strength we need in others. My time will come when I’ll need you and you’ll be my strength, so for now let me be yours.”

Dakota also found comfort in Sophie and Reece. I liked that they all hung out together no matter what they did. Sophie and Dakota's friendship was new, but Reece and Dakota had been friends since they were younger.

I loved Reece. He was the perfect person for Dakota. He helped her get through everything, as well as being there for her as she tried to move on. He was patient and kind and that's exactly what she needed. I think I highlighted almost every loving thing Reece said to her. He really had a way with words.

“You, Dakota, put a spell on me when I was nine years old. Now, you damn well own me.”

“Feel the way my heart beats.” He presses my hand further to his chest. “It only beats for you. No one else holds it in their hand the way you do.”


That's just a little example of the things he said that had me falling for him. There were many more moments that made me fall! Although the story line was tough, I really did enjoy it. The connection that the characters had was perfect. I would love to read more about all of the characters from this story! I am looking forward to my next Margaret McHayzer novel.


~ Review by Juls 


Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Trailer



Excerpt

Dragging myself out of the gymnasium and down the hall, I try and get to the side double-doors. But with no one here to help me, it's difficult. I need to sit for a moment out on the steps leading to the back field and gather myself.

My legs become heavier as I get to the doors. The cyclone happening inside my head is growing thicker while my vision is so unclear I can barely make out any objects.

Stumbling down the first step, I barely recognize where I am.

“What’s happening?” I think I say.

There’s a cacophony of dense sounds; a combination of white noise, mumbling, and a beat which doesn’t make sense.

My eyes are now so heavy I can barely open them and my legs are completely weighted as I attempt to make my way down the stairs. I think I’m going to pass out.




Author Bio

There's something about the written word that is pure magic.

Possibly it's the fact there are 26 letters in the English alphabet, and they can create something so beautiful or so empowering they're capable to change our lives.

How important is it that we break suit and stretch our minds?

I like to think of myself as 'unique'. My stories aren't for everyone, and sometimes I may push what you believe to be 'normal'.

Normal is subjective.

I prefer to be known as a person who's never been 'bound by custom' but is 'unique by choice'.


I hope you do read and enjoy my stories.



Author Links

GOODREADS
WEBSITE

 
Giveaway

Mistrust by Margaret McHeyzer ~ Review by Juls

MistrustMistrust by Margaret McHeyzer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


5 Stars!

I'm beginning to believe that I will read anything that has Margaret McHeyzer's name on it. Mistrust is the third book that I've read of hers, and I have loved every one.

Dakota had a great junior year until one night, everything changed.. She found herself in a situation that showed her who her true friends were and who she could truly trust. Her true rock was her sister, Sam. I loved the relationship they had. Sam was always there trying to make her smile or holding her while she cried. I loved what Sam told Dakota about being each others strength...

“Sometimes, Dakota, we find the strength we need in others. My time will come when I’ll need you and you’ll be my strength, so for now let me be yours.”

Dakota also found comfort in Sophie and Reece. I liked that they all hung out together no matter what they did. Sophie and Dakota's friendship was new, but Reece and Dakota had been friends since they were younger.

I loved Reece. He was the perfect person for Dakota. He helped her get through everything, as well as being there for her as she tried to move on. He was patient and kind and that's exactly what she needed. I think I highlighted almost every loving thing Reece said to her. He really had a way with words.

“You, Dakota, put a spell on me when I was nine years old. Now, you damn well own me.”

“Feel the way my heart beats.” He presses my hand further to his chest. “It only beats for you. No one else holds it in their hand the way you do.”


That's just a little example of the things he said that had me falling for him. There were many more moments that made me fall! Although the story line was tough, I really did enjoy it. The connection that the characters had was perfect. I would love to read more about all of the characters from this story! I am looking forward to my next Margaret McHayzer novel.


~ Juls

View all my reviews

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Refresh by S. Moose ~ Review by Juls

RefreshRefresh by S. Moose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


4 Stars!

Caroline's situation is one that I can relate to. Being married to a police officer is not easy. Though I did not go through the lost that she did, I can understand the worries of my husband coming home safely, as well as the long work hours. It takes a special person to choose that life to begin with, but for her to choose it twice, truly shows her strength.

Mason and Caroline have been best friends since high school. Mason has always been there for her and continues to be there for her through her hard times. When Mason needs Caroline the most, she's right there by his side and never gives up on him.

I liked Mason's personality. Yes, he could be serious when he needed to be, but when it was time to joke around, he knew how to have fun. He also liked giving Caroline a hard time. He never let a chance slip by without teasing her. One of my favorite parts was the cake batter scene that was mixed with the sexual innuendo..

“Why don’t you come try my batter?” He winks. “I’ve heard it’s extra sweet and addicting. Just stick your fingers into the bowl and put your fingers in your mouth. Swirl your tongue around the moist batter. Trust me you’ll get addicted.”

I'm pretty sure Mason can be pretty addicting! Especially in uniform. Everyone likes a man in uniform!

Refresh really did give readers a little of everything. There was love, loss, forgiveness, friendship, laughter, and even some suspense! Towards the end, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. It made me swoon and it also brought me to the edge of my seat! All around a great story.

- Juls

View all my reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️Cover Reveal!⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Sexy One by Lauren Blakely


From the NYT Bestselling author of MISTER O, 
comes a sexy new standalone romance…THE SEXY ONE!
the sexy one cover reveal banner.jpg
Releasing October 17th, THE SEXY ONE will bring readers more of Simon, the hot single dad you met in MISTER O. 
Check out this fantastic cover created by Helen Williams
 with photography by Perrywinkle Photography. 
Pre-Order THE SEXY ONE now!
Amazon Paperback: http://amzn.to/2aceDNv 
Add to your Goodreads TBR here:  http://bit.ly/2asaN4m
Sign up for Lauren’s newsletter to receive an alert when THE SEXY ONE is live on Kindle on release day at http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter/.
the sexy one cover.jpg
Blurb
Let me count the ways why falling into forbidden love is not my wisest move…
1. She works with me every single day.
Did I mention she's gorgeous, sweet, kind and smart?
2. She works in my home.
Playing with my five-year-old daughter. Teaching my little girl. Cooking for my princess. Which means…
3. She's the nanny.
And that makes her completely off-limits…But it doesn’t stop me from wanting her. All of her.
***
The other nannies in this city don't call him the Sexy One for nothing. My boss, the amazingly wonderful single father to the girl I take care of every day is ridiculously hot, like movie star levels with those arms, and those eyes, and that body. Not to mention, the way he dotes on his little girl melts me all over. But what really makes my knees weak are the times when his gaze lingers on me. In secret. When no one else is around. 

I can't risk my job for a chance at something more…can I? But I don’t know how to resist him much longer either…
the sexy one teaser 2.png
The audiobook will release the same day as the eBook on October 17th and will be narrated by Sebastian York and Andi Arndt!
About the Author
lauren blakely.jpg
Since self-publishing her debut romance novel CAUGHT UP IN US three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With ten New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than fifty times. Her bestselling series include Sinful Nights, Seductive Nights, No Regrets, Caught Up in Love, and Fighting Fire as well as standalone romantic comedies like BIG ROCK and MISTER O, which were both instant New York Times Bestsellers. In the fall she'll release WELL HUNG, another romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter at laurenblakely.com/newsletter
Links:
THANK YOU!

Monday, July 25, 2016

Carter by Brie Paisley: Review by Lys

Carter (The Harlow Brothers, #1)Carter by Brie Paisley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love being a blogger, and I feel blessed to be in a position where authors trust me with their work. I can't imagine how hard it is to put your thoughts on paper and then to put it out to the world to critique. Not everyone is kind and keeps it classy when giving their opinion. That being said, as a blogger, I always like to be fair and honest when it comes to my reviews while still showing respect for the author. I feel the readers and author deserve nothing less. So here it goes...

I wanted to love Carter. I loved the cover (BT Urella!) and was hooked on the blurb and teasers. The story line was good, but unfortunately, it felt unfinished. I needed more. I tried to connect with the characters, but I just couldn't relate to their emotions. Again, I needed a bit more. Now don't get me wrong, this was not a bad read, but I just didn't love it. Would I read another book by this author? Absolutely! Would I recommend this book? Yes, I would. Everyone has a difference of opinion, and I believe there will be many readers who will love Carter. As you can see, there are many 5 star reviews already posted! My suggestion, read Carter today and check it out for yourself:)

♥Review by Lys

View all my reviews

IGNITE (A Legacy Novella) by Rebeca Yarros: Review by Lys

Ignite (Legacy, #0.75)Ignite by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

She did it again! Rebecca Yarros made me fall in love with yet another Legacy Hot Shot. I adored River and Avery's story. From beginning to end, I rooted for their happily ever after. I loved how their story started as best friends and how it turned into so much more. Despite being a novella, Ignite was full of everything I expect from a full novel. Love, angst, and emotion... I devoured this story and enjoyed every moment of it. I can't wait to read the next Legacy novella and to see who's story is next!

♥ Review by Lys

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POINT OF ORIGIN ( A Legacy Novella) by Rebecca Yarros: Review by Lys

Point of Origin (Legacy, #0.5)Point of Origin by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am going to start with saying that I do NOT like novellas. After reading a few, I no longer read/purchase them...I never even bother to read the blurb/synopsis' anymore. They are typically too short and don't give me enough to connect with the characters or the rushed story line. That being said, I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS NOVELLA! I took a chance on Point of Origin because it was written by one of my most favorite authors, Rebecca Yarros. Her Flight & Glory series blew me away, so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this novella. I'd read her grocery list! Like every other Rebecca Yarros book, I consumed it! There was so much love, angst, and emotion packed into a sweet, perfect story line. I adored these characters, and it left me wanting to know more about every Legacy Hot Shot firefighter. If they are anything like Sebastian Vargas....swoon!

♥ Review by Lys

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BROKEN PRINCE by Erin Watt: Review by Lys

Broken Prince (The Royals, #2)Broken Prince by Erin Watt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT THE?! Are you freaking serious?! OMG, OMG, OMG! Gah, the drama! I just got virtually sucker-punched. Not once, but TWICE! Erin Watt and her cliff hangers! Gulp, she is going to be the death of me! I sit here in shocked silence, partly stunned, partly excited; COMPLETELY in awe! OOOh, what a tangled web that has been woven. If it is even possible, this series is getting better with each book! Paper Princess had me breathless and throwing my Kindle across the room and now, Broken Prince has left me speechless and filled with immense anxiety. I can't wait to see what Twisted Palace has in store for me! Counting down the days Erin Watts! COUNTING. DOWN. THE. DAYS!

♥ Review by Lys

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***Blog Tour!*** CARTER by Brie Paisley


BLOG TOUR

Carter by Brie Paisley 
The Harlow Brothers 
Book #1



Photograph by Christopher Correia from CJC Photography
Cover model: BT Urruela
Cover model: Jessie Reis
Cover designer: Rebecca Pau from The Final Wrap



Carter
She was the one for me.
The one that I knew would be mine forever until I made the biggest mistake. I pushed her away and I’ve regretted that decision ever since. I’ve tried to move on, tried to put the memory of her behind me, but she’s always consuming my thoughts. Now, she’s back in our hometown, trying to rebuild a new life. I know she’s keeping secrets. She tries to hide them from me, and I will do whatever it takes to prove that I’m the one she needs. Because Shelby Ross is the other part of me that I can’t live without and I refuse to let her go again.

Shelby
He broke my heart.
I never thought I would be able to pick of the pieces he left behind. When he let me go, I ran away from it all, thinking it was the easiest thing to do. But, running has a price and I’ve paid it in full for years. Now, I’m back where it all began, back to putting my life together and starting over. It should’ve been easy, but Carter Harlow is reawakening long buried emotions that I thought were gone. He wants to make me his again. I can’t let that happen. He ruined me, broke me, and I’m afraid I’ll never survive it a second time around.


            









I don’t know what to say, so I just stare up at him. He smiles back at me, and slowly takes his hand off my face. I want to cry out at the loss of his warmth, but I know he needed to move away from me. I watch him as he walks back around the kitchen island, and swallow hard as he refuses to take his eyes off me. His gaze is intense, and I can’t stop the warm sensations that form in my stomach. I go to grab my necklace, but stop midway. Carter frowns then asks, “What is it?” I debate on whether, or not to tell him I still have his gift. Then again, maybe if he sees I’ve kept it all this time, he’ll know I never forgot what we had. I reach into my shirt and pull out my keepsake. I hold it in my hand for a moment, and stare at it before letting it drop. Carter sucks in a breath when he sees it. I watch him closely as a variety of emotions cross his face. Shock, disbelief, and when he looks in my eyes again, he looks at me adoringly. As if he’s seeing me again for the very first time, with such love in his eyes. “I know we didn’t end things on a good note, but I couldn’t bear to part with it. Every time I needed strength or a reminder of what I left behind, I would look at it, and just knowing I had a piece of you made things easier.” I’m surprised by my admission, but at the same time, it feels good to open up to someone again. It’s been so long since I felt like I could trust someone with how I really feel.
“I can’t believe you kept it after all this time.” He grins, shakes his head, and his eyes light up. “Do you remember what I said when I gave it to you?”
Of course I remember. It’s committed to my memory, and it’s one that I used to think of often. “I do. Instead of me giving you a graduation present, you gave me this.” I glance down at my necklace, thinking back to that day. It was a happy day, and I was so proud of Carter for graduating, and getting accepted into Harvard Law. I wasn’t expecting a gift from him, but I remember being excited when he showed me what he bought. I blink, coming back to the present as I say, “As you put the necklace on me, you said it was to remind me how much you loved me. That no matter how far apart we were, it wouldn’t matter because our love for each other was strong.” I glance away from him, as I repeat his sweet words from a lifetime ago. “I remember you saying, that my necklace was your way of giving me your heart and that we’d always be able to find one another.”
I look back at Carter, noticing he’s rubbing his chest. I want to ask him if he’s alright. But I don’t. I know that day meant so much to the both of us. I could see and feel how much he cared about me back then. Which made when he broke my heart that much more painful. He clears his throat before saying, “I’m glad you kept it, and it’s brought you good memories when you needed them.”
I suddenly feel shy, and a bit out of place. The emotions running through me scare the shit out of me, and the room feels as though it’s closing in. Reliving the past then the emotions running through me now … it’s too intense. I look away from him and place my necklace back in my shirt. I get off the stool and say, “I think I should head back to Annie and William’s. I’m sure they’re worried where I am.” I don’t look at Carter. I don’t want to see the hurt in his eyes because he’ll know what I’m doing. I hate that I can’t seem to stay around him, but the wave of all the past emotions and the present ones colliding is overwhelming. I have to get away from it.
“Yeah, okay. I can drive you there since it’s on my way.” I nod and head back to his room to grab my shoes. I remind myself to breathe and stop over thinking everything. It’s stupid of me to act this way, but going for so long without feeling any of this … it’s frightening.







Brie Paisley is a small town gal from Mississippi. She always wanted to write at a young age and was always filling journals with her thoughts and short stories. Brie started with the idea of Worshipped a year ago and with the encouragement of her husband and sister in law, she was able to write her first book. When she is not writing, you can find her reading a good book, painting, scrapbooking, or watching a good movie with her husband and her boxer.



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