A Shot In the Dark by Jennifer Burrows

A Shot In the Dark

by Jennifer Burrows 

Romantic Thriller

Date Published: 7/11/2013

Most of the patients that are brought to the trauma bay in the ER remain nameless, and for the most part, faceless.  For Laney Pearson and the rest of the staff, this makes it easier to move past the senseless death and destruction that they see on an almost daily basis.  But all of that changes for Laney when she finds herself trying to pump the life back into a young motorcycle rider who arrives by helicopter more dead than alive.

Skyler Smith has all the makings of the next great motocross rider, right up until he crashes while trying to perform the trick that will secure his future.  From the time his motionless body is lifted off the track, the question becomes not when his next race takes place, but whether he will live to see another day.  And now there is mounting evidence that the tragedy was no accident

Laney can never envision this boy’s crash and the ensuing investigation will have such an impact on her own life, but in the days that follow, she discovers a life within her she never knew existed.  While the police sort through the mounting evidence from the crash, Laney has to sort through her own feelings for the handsome trauma surgeon that she previously never gave a second thought.  Is he really as charming as he seems, or is there another reality hiding beneath the surface?  And just how long has he been watching her?   

Excerpt :

Laney stared at the television on the wall noting the ESPN announcers talking about the day's football games highlights. She barely noticed the man that slipped in the barstool beside her. She probably would have ignored him all together except the wonderful smell of his cologne made her tune in to the fact that there was someone sitting next to her. It was the same smell that permeates the Abercrombie and Fitch stores. Oh God I love that smell. She felt a warming sensation between her legs and was startled out of her thoughts when he turned towards her.

"You should probably eat something if you are going to drink like that."

"Excuse..."

Laney turned her head towards the voice of the wonderfully smelling man and was shocked to see Dr. Stone sitting next to her. She instantly turned bright red, embarrassed by the thoughts that had crossed her mind just a few seconds before.

"What. are.?"

"Laney, it's never good to drink on an empty stomach."

Annoyed, Laney responded. "I didn't realize that I asked for your professional opinion".

Dr. Stone looked a bit taken back by her sharp tongue. Laney instantly regretted what she said and the inclination of her voice.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean it like that. It's just.it was a really rough day."

The bartender appeared with the Grey Goose and soda. Taylor looked at Dr. Stone admiring him as though she could have him for dinner. Laney looked at Taylor checking out Dr. Stone and then looked at his reaction. He didn't even seem to notice that she had been checking him out. I can see why everyone is hot for this guy. He is pretty hot.... in an asshole sort of way.

"And what can I get for you?" Taylor nearly crawled over the bar as she was getting Dr. Stone's order.

"I'll have what she is having".

"Do you have a name?"

Now looking a little caught off guard, he turned his attention away from Laney and replied, "Josh. My name is Josh."

Taylor redirected her attention towards Laney. "Laney, is the good looking man your date for the evening?"

Laney looked at Dr. Stone and then back at Taylor and retorted. "Absolutely not."

"What a shame. A good looking guy like this will be snatched up quickly. So Josh, one Greygoose and soda coming up. Will there be anything else? Maybe a menu or maybe my number?"

Laney looked up stunned by the directness of the Taylor. She had never actually seen Taylor act this way towards any of the patrons. How rude! What if he were mine? Okay Laney, cool down. You did say that emphatically that he was not yours. She took a look at Josh who seemed to not even have noticed how easily the waitress asked for his number. As the shock wore off, Laney noticed how handsome he really was and felt a pang of jealousy begin to develop. His deep blue eyes were the color of the Caribbean and utterly electrifying. His dark brown hair was short and perfectly manicured. His olive colored face had perfectly chiseled features and his lips... so darn kissable. He was out of his scrubs and dressed in jeans and a tight fitting black silk t-shirt that accentuated his large biceps and unbelievable pecs. How have I missed this for so long?

"Ah, I'm good for right now," he stated without even batting an eye. It's as if getting asked for his number was part of an everyday conversation for him. Maybe it is. Laney thought to herself.

"Let me get you some dinner" he offered.

"No, thank you. I am not hungry. And no offense, but I prefer to be alone after a rough day at work."

She took a large sip of her drink and looked up at Josh. His big blue eyes piercing right through her made her catch her breath. What am I thinking? I have this gorgeous guy next to me, and all I can think about is being alone and drowning my sorrows into this glass. What is my problem? Laney, you know he's a jerk. Well maybe that is just the way he is at work.

Laney discontinued the conversation she was having with herself in her head and decided to get back to the conversation she washaving with Dr. Stone.

"I'm sorry, Dr. Stone. I am being selfish. Your day wasn't any better." He flashed a million dollar smile at her that would have swept any woman off her feet. She however was not willing to give in that easily. She was not ready to let go of her already formed opinion of him.

"No problem Laney. If you want to be alone I completely understand. I hope that you will decide otherwise. And please, call me Josh. We aren't at work."

Just then, Taylor walked up with Josh's Greygoose and soda. Laney took a sip of her drink and began stirring it with the little cocktail straw in the glass. She squeezed the lime to produce a couple more drops in her drink in an effort to distract her from the fact that Dr. Stone just told her to call him Josh. It didn't feel quite right. She had always known him as Dr. Stone.

"For what it's worth, Laney, you did a great job in there today."

"Thanks. You, too. You saved his life!"

"I would say that we both saved his life. He wouldn't be here without you pounding on his chest keeping his heart going. And I really like that move where you had straddled Skyler on the gurney doing CPR while rolling into the OR. If the situation weren't so horrible, it might have been slightly comical."

Laney's cheeks flushed. She wasn't used to taking complements especially not from someone she found so attractive. Laney downed the rest of her drink, threw down some money on the bar and stepped out of her chair. Laney knew that she shouldn't drive after having a couple of drinks. But, her judgment had become slightly clouded and, she knew that if she stayed there much longer, she might get herself into some trouble.

"Thanks for the company. I have to go. I have to work tomorrow."

Josh stood up from his chair and grabbed Laney's arm just as she turned to walk away.

"Laney. You just had two very strong drinks in the course of just a few minutes. And, you didn't have anything to eat. You shouldn't be driving. You of all people should know better."

"Excuse me, Dr. Stone, but I think I am very aware of my limits,and I don't need you to act like my dad!" Laney pulled her arm away and started to turn back around.

"Laney, at least let me get you some dinner or an appetizer. It won't take that long and you'll be back home and in your bed before you know it."

"I appreciate your concern. But, I am ok. I'll hit a drive thru and grab something to eat." She continued to head out the door. She looked back over shoulder to find him with a shocked expression on his face. She continued out the door and unlocked her BMW with the controller, got in and started her car. Just as she was starting to pull away from the curb, Josh knocked on the window. Laney pressed the button to roll it down.

"What?"

"Laney, how about I drive you?"

"I told you, I have to work tomorrow. I don't have any way of getting my car to get to work."

"I could pick you up in the morning to get your car."

"Don't be absurd!"

"Laney, really."

"Good night, Dr. Stone."

"Laney, please drive carefully."

Jennifer Burrows

Ten Favorite Authors and Why

I like a variety of genres.  But here are ten of my favorite authors in no particular order:

1.        Dan Brown:  I feel like I get an art history lesson every time I read one of his books.  I’m not particularly a fan of art history.  But somehow, Dan Brown makes me not only enjoy it but I want to learn more about what he’s referencing. 

2.       Bill O’Riley: As controversial as he may be, I find his books informative and thought provoking.  I can’t wait to read Killing Lincoln.

3.       Jamie McGuire:  Who doesn’t love Beautiful Disaster?  I felt like I was right there with Travis and Pidge.  I felt so many different emotions when reading the book.  And, who doesn’t love a bad boy like Travis?

4.       Samantha Young:  I just love her writing style.  I love her references to Scotland and how she builds her characters.  She always has a female who has had some trauma in her life and works hard to have a normal life and eventually fall in love.  Who doesn’t love a good love story?

5.       C.M. Stunich:  I just read the Hard Rock Serious.  Needless to say, I can’t wait for the third one to come out.  These rockers are hard core dirty.  At times, they are just so disgusting.  I have to admire anyone who can make me fall in love with characters that are so filthy they are hot!

6.       Tarryn Fisher: Her Love me with Lies serious was very messed up.  I kept finding myself shocked and it was unpredictable.  I love a book in which I’m not going to figure out the ending.  And she definitely captured my attention through the entire three book series.

7.       Tiffany Reisz: The Original Sinners serious is like nothing I’ve ever read before.  She develops her characters so well and the sex scenes are so well done.  I’ve read the first four books and I’m looking forward to the fifth.  She is definitely someone I’m going to continue to follow.

8.       Kylie Scott: I recently read Lick.  And again, I’ve never been into the rock star books.  But, something about her characters made me want to keep reading her book.  And, I’m glad I did.  It was one of the very few books I’ve read that makes me keep thinking about it for days after I read it.  I keep hoping to stumble onto something similar.

9.       Stieg Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.  The books reminded me a little bit of Dan Brown’s writing but without all of the art history.  I loved how he kept me guessing throughout the entire series.  It was suspenseful, had just the right amount of love scenes, and it made me feel like an intelligent reader. 

10.   Gillian Flynn: Gone girl was seriously a messed up story.  It’s one of those books where when you finished all you can say is WOW!

Jennifer is a Registered Nurse, and she holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Administration.  She has 15 years of experience working in the Emergency Room and the Intensive Care Unit of a major trauma center.  While she is equally adept at all facets of patient care, Emergency room nursing is her passion, and is the inspiration for this story.  Currently, she resides in Southern California with her husband and their three amazing boys.  This is her first published novel, with the sequel expected soon.

Website:  www.jenniferburrows.net 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferburrowsbooks

Twitter: @jenburrows234 

Blog: www.jenniferburrows.net 

BUY LINKS

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Shot-Dark-Jennifer-Burrows/dp/1612962165/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375999981&sr=8-1&keywords=jennifer+burrows 

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-shot-in-the-dark-jennifer-burrows/1116108601?ean=9781612962160 

Giveaway - Forbidden Surrender by Priscilla West

Forbidden Surrender 

by Priscilla West 

Contemporary Romance/Erotica

Date Published: 8/12/2013

“What gives you a thrill Kristen?”

The minute I saw Vincent Sorenson, I knew he was trouble. Billionaire. Bad boy. And dangerously sexy. He was everything I craved, and nothing I needed.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t just avoid him. The higher ups at my company decided they needed his business, and I was on the team to bring him in. Vincent Sorenson didn’t seem as interested in business as he was in me, but I knew that was a door better left unopened. If I got involved with him, it would only unearth the pain I spent years trying to bury.

I thought I had it under control, but I seriously underestimated Vincent’s seductive charm and silver-tongue. I would soon find out how delicious it would feel to let myself fall into this forbidden surrender.

Excerpt:

“Here we are, you can go inside. Vincent’s ready for you.” The receptionist stopped in front of a frosted glass door. The same glass formed a wall that stretched to either side of the entry.

I nodded thanks to her before pushing open the door and walking inside. Silence greeted me. Whatever the glass was made of, it completely blocked the noise from outside. In the corner was a black leather couch with a small coffee table in front of it. A large desk was set squarely in the center of the room, a metal and glass tribute to modernity. It was a stark contrast to his desk in Cape Town.

Vincent stood by the window, one arm behind his back, looking out. He was wearing a navy suit matched with a grey tie and white shirt. His long locks were slicked neatly back. Unwillingly preoccupied with wild fantasies, I nearly tripped on the rug in front of his desk as I walked closer. My pulse danced in my veins and a flush coursed through my cheeks. If I had fallen on him twice, I would’ve died from embarrassment.

Blue skies and skyscrapers along Central Park silhouetted his figure. He looked equally comfortable in a suit as he had in shorts and flip-flops.

He turned around, his dark eyes shimmering. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

I looked at his chin, chiseled with perfect angles, as if carved from a slab of marble. My eyes moved up to his mouth, his lips full and soft.

I cleared my throat. “Yes, it is. I’ve never quite gotten used to the view. Good to see you again, Mr. Sorenson.”

“Please Kristen, have a seat.” I stumbled to the guest chair in front of his desk while Vincent remained by the window.

I took it as my cue to continue. I set my bag down and reached inside for the glossy documents Richard and I prepared for a follow-up meeting.

Vincent studied me for a moment, his head tilted slightly to one side, as if examining a piece of art. Or his prey. Not knowing what else to do, I unleashed my rehearsed speech. “Thank you for meeting with me again. Waterbridge-Howser will be an excellent choice for your wealth management needs. We offer personal attention as well as products that larger—”

He held his hand up to stop me. “I’ve decided to go with Waterbridge-Howser.” He glided from the window to me, occupying the small space between my seat and his enormous desk. He leaned back and sat on the edge, his crotch inches away from my heated face.

For a moment I forgot where I was or what I was even trying to accomplish. Wait, did he just say he wanted to work with Waterbridge-Howser? I realized my mouth had been hanging open, and I closed it with a snap. Adrenaline surged through my body. I had just closed a big account—this was massive.

“Sir?” I said, ignoring his position so as not to draw attention.

“Please, Kristen, it’s Vincent. I let it slide when you called me Mr. Sorenson earlier, but if you’re going to call me ‘sir’ then I’m going to address you as ‘madam’. Now let’s get back to business.”

Vincent Sorenson, eager to get back to business. The irony wasn’t lost on me, even in my dazed state.

“I can sign the paperwork today, but there’s one condition.” He paused. “You must be my point of contact. I’ll need a number to reach you at any point in the day.”

His dark pupils drew my gaze and I found myself unable to look away. I knew there’d be a catch. “Richard’s usually the one who works directly with clients and I’m not sure I have the authority to—”

His expression implacable, he waved his hand to swat away my excuses. “Get the authority. Your partner is insulting and unacceptable. You’re smart, ambitious, and not afraid to take risks. It’s either you or I walk away.”

I blushed at his compliments, although I wasn’t sure why he thought I wasn’t afraid of taking risks, but I had bigger issues to deal with. Even though this would be an enormous boost to my career, Richard would be offended if I agreed to Vincent’s condition. Not to mention the obvious: I’d be spending much more time alone with Vincent. I doubted his true motives, but there was no way I could turn down this opportunity. I’d just have to figure out how to handle the complications.

I released a deep breath. “You’re certainly very demanding, Vincent.”

“You have no idea how demanding I can be.” His eyes traveled up the exposed skin of my legs as if possessing me with his gaze. I crossed my legs to quell the uncomfortable sensation growing between them.

And there it is again, he can turn it on and off at will. Despite the edgy feeling of being this close to Vincent, I had to admire his ability to make anything sound sexual. If he was willing to sign with Waterbridge-Howser based on the misguided belief he’d get into my pants, I wasn’t about to stop him. I’d just have to keep him at arm’s length.

“Fine, I’ll be your point of contact,” I said, pulling out a business card from my satchel and handing it to him. “My information is on the card, you can reach me at the office during the day. My Blackberry number is available for emergencies as well.” I hoped the emphasis was taken.

“Good,” he said, pausing as though there was something else he wanted to add before gesturing towards my bag. “Do you have the paperwork?”

I handed him the contract.

“Thank you for deciding to go with us. I’m looking forward to working with you,” I said, holding my hand out. He took it and squeezed firmly, the heat of his palm sending tingles up my arm. I didn’t know if I was more excited about landing a huge client or Vincent’s touch.

Without moving from his position in front of me, he signed and dropped the papers on his desk, rather than returning them to me. “Now that we have the business out of the way, we can get to the pleasure.” The last word rolled off his tongue like a satin ribbon, sensuous and inviting.

“I’m sorry?” Heat coursed through my face.

“We didn’t finish our conversation at the bar.”

“I thought we were quite clear,” I said, mouth drying by the second. He wasn’t going to make this easy.

He shrugged. “You made it clear you didn’t like mixing business with pleasure, so I didn’t. The business is done, now it’s time for pleasure.”

Priscilla West 

Priscilla West is the author of the popular erotic romance series The Sandstone Affair and is currently writing the Surrender series. She likes to write stories with sassy heroines and strong but flawed heroes.

She enjoys: cuddles, men in suits, eskimo kisses, life-sized teddy bears, and eggs over medium.

You can find her at priscillawest.com 

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6761816.Priscilla_West

Buy Links 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Surrender-ebook/dp/B00EEEVJ1M/

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/forbidden-surrender-priscilla-west/1116353285

GIVEAWAY! 

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Anniversary Blog Tour - Baby Series by Andrea Smith

Baby Series Anniversary Tour

By:  Andrea Smith

Blog Tour

September 20 - 27

Welcome to the Baby Series Anniversary Tour!!

 

Blurb: 

When college student Tylar Preston goes to work for the wealthy Sinclair family stables the summer of her senior year, she quickly meets with unexpected events and the disturbing unraveling of her past.  Is her past destined to taint her future?

Pulling Tylar from unspeakable danger, Trey Sinclair, an arrogant high-powered attorney makes it his mission to protect the innocent and unworldly young woman from the dreams that haunt her. Spirited and independent, Tylar proves to be a challenge to the stubborn and unyielding young lawyer. Together their often bumpy journey weaves itself mysteriously, comically, passionately and erotically down a path that promises to engage and move the reader in this emotionally stirring story.

For anyone who has ever been in love or in lust, Maybe Baby will stir those forgotten feelings of  passion and emotion within you; making you ageless as you travel the romantic and erotic journey with Tylar and Trey unraveling the secrets of their past.

This book is intended for mature audiences.

                                                 TREY

 

                                               TYLAR

QUOTES

BOOK 1

“Right to here,” I said, holding the can up to show her his length. Her eyes widened.

“Shut up!” she said, “you're lying, girl! Okay, okay,” she continued, “let’s look at girth.” She turned the can on its side so that the circumference of the bottom was visible. “Here,” she instructed, “I want you to take your thumb and your index finger and bring them as close to the tip of each one against the bottom of this can to show me approximately how thick his pecker is.”

I did as instructed, showing here that it was way too thick for my thumb and index finger to touch.”

“Not at all; I rather like it when you take charge.”

“You do?”

“Of course; just as long as you only do it when I let you,” he clarified, giving me his wicked grin.”

“Whoa there,” Trey said, pulling me back to him. “Not so fast, and I will ask you to be more careful, Ms. Preston. After all, you're carrying my birthday present.”

“He reached over, cupping my face in his hands and lowered his face to kiss me gently. I was so in need of my Trey fix; I felt at peace.”

“Then Tylar, I suggest we stop fucking,” he replied, a look of sincere concern on his handsome face. “I’d hate for our child to hear some of the things that Mommy screams when Daddy hits her special spot.”

“I took the liberty of oiling your chair, sir.”

“Thank you, Thatcher,” Trey replied, a devilish grin gracing his lips. I blushed crimson.”

“That reminds me,” he interrupted, releasing his hold, “don’t forget to call your doctor to let her know about fainting yesterday, okay? And ask about that other thing.”

“'I'll call her,” I groaned, taking my phone from the nightstand, “But I’m not asking about sex.”

AUTHOR BIO

Andrea Smith

Andrea Smith is an Ohio native, currently residing in southern Ohio.  Ms. Smith is the mother of two grown sons; grandmother of four.  The 'Baby Series' trilogy is Ms. Smith's first self-published work.  Having previously been employed as an executive for a global corporation, Ms. Smith decided to leave the corporate world and pursue her life-long dream of writing fiction.

Favorite Quote:	"You'll have to forgive me for speaking my mind, but I happen to believe that's what it's for." ~Lauren Bacall
Favorite Author(s):	Harper Lee, Kathleen Woodiwiss, E.L. James, Daphne du Maurier, Emily Bronte, Betty Smith, William Inge
Favorite Classics:	To Kill a Mockingbird; A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; My Cousin Rachel; Wuthering Heights, Splendor in the Grass
Favorite Historical Romances:	The Flame and the Flower; The Wolf and the Dove; Shanna; Ashes in the Wind. [Woodiwiss]
Favorite Current Day Fiction:	The Twilight Series, Fifty Shades Trilogy, Wallbanger
All Time Favorite HR Hero:	Ruark Beauchamp in 'Shanna' (Kathleen Woodiwiss)
All Time Favorite Alpha Male:	Wulfgar of Normandy in 'The Wolf and the Dove' (Kathleen Woodiwiss)
Favorite Books without a 'HEA':	Gone with the Wind; The Way we Were; Splendor in the Grass

Author Links:

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon

Baby Series Buy Links

Maybe Baby:

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/kl3ep3z

B&N:  http://tinyurl.com/ky6yqyh

Smashwords:  http://tinyurl.com/mjxm9lb

Baby Love:

Amazon:  http://tinyurl.com/lxuk8af

B&N:  http://tinyurl.com/kcahyrh

Smashwords:  http://tinyurl.com/lvgxvkh

Be My Baby:

Amazon:http://tinyurl.com/lzm5gd9

B&N:http://tinyurl.com/krupkwe

Smashwords:http://tinyurl.com/mkjn839

Baby Come Back:

Amazon:http://tinyurl.com/kccgnab

B&N:

Smashwords:http://tinyurl.com/mjkwfq2

  

Juls Review of Maybe Baby

I received this from the author for an honest review....

so here goes

I felt like Tylar was thrown into something that she still is trying to grasp. This relationship if you want to call it that, moved so fast it kinda made my head spin.

Tylar and Trey meet ONE time and an accident occurs and Trey becomes really possessive of Tylar. I wasn't sure why and then before I knew it they were a couple of sorts.

Things went from you are my possession to here are my expectations, we can sleep together but don't expect more than that. Trey was very back and forth. It kinda made my head hurt trying to keep up with him.

I did like that Tylar seemed to have her shit together. For someone that has a really dark past she was very put together. She met Trey's expectations head on and added her own twist.

She put him in his place and before he knew it he was falling for her fast and hard.

Of course you have the guy who was badly hurt and now has a hard time trusting anyone and then the jaded girl that has been exposed to so much but is so very innocent. It made for a dysfunctional romance.

Some parts were really drawn out and the sex scenes were very repetitive, I actually skimmed them. I had a hard time reading the words sweet spot. It was kind of cringe worthy.

I do want to give this series a go though cuz I'd really like to know the secret behind Tylar's mom. She's completely effed up! Something is seriously wrong with her and i'd like to find out what all that's about.

Overall lots of angst and bad assumptions of the other, which lead to someone running away only to be found again.

3.5 Stars

View all my reviews

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