Sep 1, 2018

Cover Reveal: Take Me in the Night by R.L. Kenderson

Unknown September 01, 2018 2 Comments

**Today we have the cover reveal for R.L. Kenderson’s TAKE ME IN THE NIGHT! Check it out and pre-order your copy today!**

Title: Take Me In the Night

Author: R.L. Kenderson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Day: September 21^st

About TAKE ME IN THE NIGHT:

First, he took my heart. It started in high school. I was his girlfriend…he was the love of my life. We had plans for after graduation. We were going to escape—he from his family’s reputation and me from my father’s control.

But all that changed the summer before college. Charged with a crime he hadn’t committed, he was whisked away from life, never to be heard from again. Then, he takes my body.

Twelve years later, he’s back. He’s bigger, he’s tougher, and he’s harder around the edges. He’s no longer the boy I fell in love with. But I’m no longer the girl who gave him her heart.

Everything’s changed between us. Anger, resentment, and bitterness have replaced happiness, love, and trust. Except for when darkness falls. That’s when he comes to me at night, taking what is still his.

Now, he’s going to take my soul. When the lines between our old love and our new hate begin to blur, I know that, this time, I might not survive if he leaves.

Pre-Order Your Copy Today:

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Exclusive Excerpt:

I didn’t know who was more surprised—Addison or me.

I certainly hadn’t expected her to walk through the door. When Foster had told me that he was going to get a lawyer, I had been so surprised that Brook Creek had one that I didn’t even think to ask who the person was.

She turned around. “Please close the door,” she said to Whitlock, her voice firm and full of authority.

It wasn’t the only firm thing in the room.

Whitlock shot me a dirty look before closing the door, and Addison turned back around.

She gestured toward the table. “Can we please sit?”

I shrugged, pulled out the chair closest to me, and sat.

Addison did the same and took out a notebook and pen from her purse. She started writing things down, and I took the opportunity to study her. Her chestnut hair had been down to her ass in high school, but now, it was only a couple of inches past her shoulders. Her breasts strained against the top, and I was pretty sure they’d gotten bigger since I last saw her, which was saying something because she’d had a pretty impressive set of tits back then.

And I couldn’t see it now, but I had noticed her nice, round ass before she sat down. Her black pants were so tight that I was ninety-nine percent positive she was going commando or wearing a thong. No panty lines for Addison.

She looked up at me. “So, can you tell me what’s going on?”

“Foster picked me up from the airport. I was driving my brother’s car when I got pulled over. Next thing I knew, Whitlock was putting handcuffs on me.”

“What for?”

I scowled. “Fuck if I know. That asshole’s always had a hard-on for me.”

She sighed. “What was his reason? What did he tell you?”

I snorted. “That I was speeding.”

“Were you?”

“I was going fifty-eight in a fifty-five.”

“Anything else unusual?”

“Other than the fact that I was driving? No.”

“As I recall, you didn’t always follow traffic laws.”

Her comment had me thinking of all the times we’d driven around in my beat-up Chevy truck and the things we’d done in it besides driving. It seemed Addison was thinking the same thing.

I totally recognized the look on her face.

It was the same one she used to give me before she pulled down my pants and sucked my cock into her mouth.

I’d grown up around adults with loose morals, so it was no shock that I’d lost my virginity at fourteen to my mom’s friend’s daughter. She was sixteen when she came to my house, looking for her mother. Her mom and my mom had left twenty-four hours earlier to go on a bender.

So, Sheila took me to the room I shared with my brother and showed me the things she liked to do in bed. I lasted all of twenty seconds before blowing my load, but thankfully, Sheila gave me a few more rounds that I used to make it up to her.

That was just the beginning. For a while, I had fucked anything that I could.

But Addison had grown up completely different from me. She had been a virgin when she and I started dating. Everything she knew in the bedroom, she’d learned from me. Including how to give the best fucking blow jobs.

I tilted my head to the side. I wondered if she still gave good head.

My eighteen-year-old self demanded I find out. My thirty-year-old self didn’t need the complications of being inside Addison Graham again.

About R.L. Kenderson:

R.L. Kenderson is two best friends writing under one name.

Renae has always loved reading, and in third grade, she wrote her first poem where she learned she might have a knack for this writing thing. Lara remembers sneaking her grandmother’s Harlequin novels when she was probably too young to be reading them, and since then, she knew she wanted to write her own.

When they met in college, they bonded over their love of reading and the TV show Charmed. What really spiced up their friendship was when Lara introduced Renae to romance novels. When they discovered their first vampire romance, they knew there would always be a special place in their hearts for paranormal romance. After being unable to find certain storylines and characteristics they wanted to read about in the hundreds of books they consumed, they decided to write their own.

One lives in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the other in the Kansas City area where they’re a sonographer/stay-at-home mom/wife and pharmacist/mother by day, and together they’re a sexy author by night. They communicate through phone, email, and whole lot of messaging.

You can find them at http://www.rlkenderson.com, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Join their Facebook Reader Group. Or you can email them at rlkenderson@rlkenderson.com, or sign up for their newsletter here. They always love hearing from their readers.

Connect with R.L. Kenderson

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr | Amazon | Goodreads | BookBub | Books+Main

Aug 28, 2018

Release Day Blitz: Review and Giveaway: Make It Music by Everly Lucas

Unknown August 28, 2018 0 Comments

Today, we have the release day blitz of Everly Lucas' MAKE IT MUSIC! Check out our review and don't forget to join the giveaway down below. And be sure to grab your copy of this fantastic new release today!

Title: MAKE IT MUSIC

Author: Everly Lucas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

About Make It Music:

House parties. Hot jocks. New friends. Typical college experiences, right?

Sleepless nights. Racing thoughts. Slipping grades. Drinking way too much and waking up alone in a strange bed with no memory of how I got there, then bolting before having to face whoever put my drunk ass up for the night… Slightly less typical.

Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m making a mess of my freshman year, but I can fix my own mistakes. I don’t need anyone swooping in to save me, especially not my overbearing, unfairly gorgeous psych professor.

So what if he manages to make tweed look sexy? So what if I get chills when he says my name? So what if he kisses me like it would kill him not to? None of that stuff matters once I finally remember that his was the strange bed I woke up in the night I blacked out.

Nope. I don’t need him. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting him like crazy…even when crazy is exactly how I feel.

My Thoughts:

Make it Music is one of those few novels that I read without expecting anything. I went into it with a blank, open mind. Most times, it gives you much more feels because the book can just surprise the hell out of you. I’m pleased to say that it worked and I savored every delicious word in this book.

I enjoyed reading this contemporary romance because it did not just focus on the romance part. It was more about the heroine’s growth as a person. There were so many emotions that can be felt and learnings that you can take in Lacey’s journey to understanding herself better.

Lacey and Jeremy met at a time when Lacey was in a very dark place in her life. She made poor decisions left and right and the consequences of her actions has taken a toll on her. Lacey wasn’t a bad person per se, but she was not your typical good girl type of heroine. She was erratic, impulsive, troubled, and frankly, a complicated mess. She can also be petty because of her jealousy.

What I really enjoyed about this book is learning more about Lacey. The good and the bad, the frustrating choices she made, and the rock bottom she fell into, these things are what made this book so fascinating to read. To get a glimpse into Lacey’s complicated thought process is the best part of this book. I was with her with her craziness. As I read, I’m like the friend who wanted to slap her and then hug her really tight.

Jeremy was the rock. He was steady. Throughout Lacey’s highs and lows, Jeremey was constant. Honestly, I think the pacing of how they fell in love in this story was a little too fast for me, but Jeremy’s dreaminess made up for it. He was the perfect match for Lacy because he was so patient in understanding her. Maybe, because in this story, he was a lot older than her. He understood Lacey’s frustrations because when he was really young, he had his own share of frustrations and dumb decisions. He let her be. He didn’t force her to choose him. He waited for her. He’s the ultimate dream man that any girl would’ve wanted.

I also appreciated that the conflict of this story didn’t drag on Jeremy being a professor. (Not that I personally agree with a teacher-student relationship, though it was fun to read in novels.) It was part of the conflict but not the sole focus. I liked how that conflict resolved itself without hurting my head or without it being cliché.

Another point that I really loved about this novel was Lacey’s friendship with her roommate, Snow, and Davey. If the next book in this series is about either of these people, then count me in. Their unlikely bond was formed because of what happened to Lacey. It was fun to watch how Lacey get real friends. Those who didn’t throw her away when things got tough.

Overall, this is one hell of a novel for a reader who likes to read about a not-so-perfect heroine get her HEA by fixing herself first, one with a dreamy hero who made everything all right, a hero who’s patient enough to wait for a complicated heroine. It has angst, adorable friendships, and steamy romance. What more could you want?

Get Your Copy Today:

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Exclusive Excerpt:

Unable to move faster than a tranquilized sloth, I make it to class with barely a second to spare. As soon as I step through the door, Professor Ryan looks my way, which is an improvement, but he also appears to be staring daggers at me, which is not.

Lacking the minimum amount of sleep necessary for taming my inner bitch, I fling eye-daggers right back at him. Take that, asshole.

But what does he do? He smiles.

I could’ve handled more contempt because that would’ve been an appropriate reaction this time. But the fact that he finds my sass amusing just pisses me off even more. If it wouldn’t mean instant expulsion and, in all likelihood, criminal charges, I’d claw his smug face right off.

Grumbling, I head for an empty seat in the back row.

Midway there, the professor announces, “Everybody, stand up.” He waits as the confused, groggy students slowly rise to their feet and glance around at each other. “Now find your desk from Tuesday. That will be your assigned seat for the rest of the semester.”

Crap. Crappity crap crap crap.

Several students groan—myself included—but we all resignedly take our things to our original desks. The front row and I will not be best friends today. Or any day, really.

I try not to sneak anymore peeks at Professor Ryan, but peeking is unavoidable. My traitor eyes are drawn to the man. His eyes appear to be drawn to me, too, as he watches me drop my bag on the floor and plop down in my chair. That infuriating smirk is still in place, so I stick my tongue out at him, apparently unable to control the childish impulses I usually manage to keep in check.

The corners of his lips turn up a few more notches and form a grin of massive, condescending proportions.

Paranoid thoughts creep in again. Was the assigned-seat thing because of me? Did he want me within easy teasing distance or something? Is he seriously that cruel? My logical brain tells me I’m being ridiculous, but paranoia is rarely ever open to seeing reason. It’s just there, being all unreasonable, and you can’t do shit about it.

Why can’t he go back to ignoring me? I liked that better than all this confusing attention.

While I’m busy convincing myself I’m not at the center of the decisions made by a man I hardly know, he takes attendance. His voice fades, becoming an underwater echo in my tired ears until he gets to my name. Then it rings loud and clear.

“Hunter, Lacey.”

My name on his lips sparks something. Just a flash of the ghost of a memory, the kind that slips further away, the more you try to chase it.

“Lacey Hunter,” he says again. “Lacey.”

“I don’t want you, Lacey,” the ghost-memory whispers in my mind.

“Jeremy?”

The room erupts in snickers and under-the-breath laughter, and I cringe when I realize what I said. What the hell is wrong with me that I can’t manage my own mouth?

Professor Ryan freezes. His lips form a tight line, and all color leaves his cheeks. Funny, because I’m pretty sure my cheeks are bright red. But in the time it takes me to blink, his features shift from shock to boredom. “Ms. Hunter, I’m afraid I’m not cool enough to allow my students to call me by my first name. In class, let’s keep it formal, shall we?”

About Everly Lucas:

After years of rooting for couples and falling for heroes created by other authors, Everly decided to create her own. She now has a crowd of characters hanging out in her head, with no intention of kicking them out. She lives in Philadelphia with her precious laptop, a cat named Bunny, and a kitten who falls down a lot. Her favorite things include Dr. Pepper, sparkly stuff, blissful silence, and singing while doing the dishes. Everly can be found on Twitter, like, all the time.

Connect with Everly:

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Enter Everly’s Giveaway:

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Aug 15, 2018

Cover Reveal: Not Quite Perfect by Rebecca Norinne

Unknown August 15, 2018 0 Comments

Today we are celebrating the cover reveal for NOT QUITE PERFECT by Rebecca Norinne. This is the first standalone title in The Rocky Cove Series, and it releases on September 26th.

Check out pre-order links, and a trailer for the book, below!

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Pre-order NOT QUITE PERFECT Now

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

Books2Read Universal Link

NOT QUITE PERFECT by Rebecca Norinne

Releasing September 26th

Blurb:

I can’t believe I met the perfect man...

On the ferry to my mother’s wedding, I met the most amazing man—his love of Faulkner notwithstanding. Professor David Carstairs was funny, intelligent, and had the sexiest hands I’d ever seen. A conversation about classic American literature led to a romantic dinner at his house ... and then a whole lot of dessert afterward. I’d never done anything like that before, but what we had was something special. Unfortunately, everything came crashing down the next day. Because my supposedly perfect professor? His dad just married my mom, and now he’s my stepbrother! Thanksgiving dinner just got a whole lot more complicated.

I’ve finally found the perfect woman...

En route to watch my father marry yet another young gold digger, I met the perfect woman—her hatred of Faulkner notwithstanding. Victoria Witherspoon was kind, witty, and had the most kissable lips I’d ever seen. We spent the day together, and then stayed up all night exploring each other’s bodies. I don’t do relationships, but for someone as perfect as Victoria, I was ready to make an exception. If only her mom hadn’t just married my dad, putting the object of all my fantasies firmly in the “off limits” category. And I thought the holidays were awkward before.

Pre-order it Now

Amazon | iBooks | Nook | Kobo

Books2Read Universal Link

Add the book to Goodreads!

Watch the Book Trailer!

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Norinne writes sexy romance from the heart. Her heroines are bold and headstrong, and her heroes will do anything for the ones they love. When not banging away at the keyboard, she is watching rugby, enjoying a pint of craft beer, or traveling the globe in search of inspiration for her next book. Originally from California, Rebecca currently resides in a small coastal community outside of Boston where she's renovating an antique colonial built in the 1700s and trying valiantly not to be eaten alive by mosquitos.

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Join Rebecca's Newsletter List

Aug 6, 2018

Book Review: Bend (The Water Series Book 1) by Kivrin Wilson

Unknown August 06, 2018 0 Comments

BEND

THE WATER SERIES BOOK 1

BY: KIVRIN WILSON

BOOK BLURB:

MIA

Jay Bradshaw. My boyfriend’s best friend.

He was never supposed to be anything more—until he was.

When my college boyfriend betrayed me and left, breaking my heart, Jay picked a side. He chose me. He stayed, and for the past six years, he’s been my rock, my anchor, my compass…

Now we’ve grown up, finished school, and have careers. Me as a nurse practitioner; Jay as a doctor. He’s been everything I needed, but now I want more. I can’t stop thinking about him, and I’m done hiding it.

It’s time to find out if he wants me, too.

JAY

A friend. Not a lover. That’s who Mia Waters is to me.

I’ve tried damn hard to make sure our relationship stays that way. I’m the shoulder she leans on, the last one to talk to her before she goes to sleep at night… And after six years, she means more to me than my own family.

The moment I met her, I wanted her. But she belonged to someone else, so I pushed the need down. I didn’t take what I wanted. I’m not that guy. Her happiness meant more.

Until now. Until she asks me a question that shatters our unspoken boundaries. "Have you ever thought about having sex with me?" Six years of keeping her at arm’s length, and I can feel myself starting to give in and lose control with her.

I can’t let it happen. There are reasons I didn’t get close. She hasn’t let go of her ex-boyfriend, not really. And she has no idea about the lies I’ve told her.

What if she finds out about me? What if she finds out who I really am?

And what will she do when I leave?

MY THOUGHTS:

You know all the best friends-turned-lovers thing is not new in the Romance Genre. It's always a hit or a miss thing. Sometimes it works and sometimes it stinks. This time it did work like a golden charm.

The plot that is as old as time which Kivrin Wilson used is a complete HIT straight to my heart. The characters are so alive inside my head. I fell in love with these characters. It felt like I was watching my friends fall in love and get that very elusive HEA.

Mia is a fun character to get to know. I liked how the female in this story was so brave. She was fun loving, adorably genuine, and just so courageous in facing her desires and wants. She was so open and that's why the male lead in this story fell for her.

Jay had so many demons inside his head. His past haunts him and the only solace he had was his intense work as an ER Doctor and his friendship with Mia. But when Mia suddenly wanted to change the pace of their friendship, he was so frustrated, angry, and down-right scared. He tried to dissuade her but Mia was coming on strong.

I loved the pacing of the story. The struggles and conflicts that Mia and Jay had to face together and on their own personally was really executed well in the book. It didn't drag. It felt natural and real. It wasn't overly dramatized but it's something that one can connect with and empathize with.

I read the book without stopping because I was too engrossed and my heart was too involved in it to ever consider putting it down and taking a beak. This book is really worth reading. It's for everyone who loves a good best friends to lovers romance. I'm so excited to read the next book of this series.

Kudos to Kivrin Wilson for writing this book right and for stringing my feels all the way to the last page!

THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS IS IT'S FREE! GRAB IT NOW ON AMAZON!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kivrin Wilson is a mother, wife, unabashed cat lady, avid reader, Netflix binge watcher, proud introvert, and a passably good cook. She grew up in Norway, but she's lived most of her adult life in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she currently shares a roof with her husband, their daughter, and two young male cats who behave very much like teenage boys and of whom she shares too many photos on Instagram.

Website: kivrinwilson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/KivrinWilson
Twitter: twitter.com/KivrinWilson
Instagram: instagram.com/KivrinWilson

Jul 24, 2018

Book Spotlight: Where the River Bends by Elsa Winckler

Unknown July 24, 2018 0 Comments

WHERE THE RIVER BENDS

by: Elsa Winckler

BOOK BLURB:

Kalinda Evans works for the Anglo-Boer war foundation in Canada. She's sent to South Africa to make sure everyone who lost their lives in the war will be remembered. On her drive to the guest farm in Kimberley, South Africa, Kalinda picks up a female hitchhiker and is startled when just moments later, the woman vanishes. Kalinda would be convinced she was dreaming…except there’s still a white lace handkerchief on the passenger seat.

Extreme sports enthusiast and computer game designer Zack Carter is always after the next big challenge. He’s far too busy for romance and adheres to a three-date rule, until he meets his parents’ latest guest. When she relays the story of her mysterious experience, Zack’s family shares the local ghost story. Kalinda and Zack work together to solve the puzzle of the ghost and how it all ties in with the war and the work Kalinda is doing.

As their attraction grows, Zack realizes he no longer feels the need to prove anything to himself. He only needs to prove to Kalinda that he’s more than a good time.

Available Here:

AMAZON KINDLE

iBOOKS

KOBO

About the Author:

Elsa Winckler

I like the heroines in my stories to be beautiful, feisty, independent and headstrong. And the heroes must be strong but possess a generous amount of sensitivity. They are of course, also gorgeous! My stories typically incorporate the family background of the characters to better understand where they come from and who they are when we meet them in the story.

I was fortunate to win the best romance award for an Afrikaans story in 2010 in 2014 and in 2016.

Oct 10, 2017

Blog Tour and Giveaway: From the Sky Saga by J.E. Nicassio (Free Book Inside)

Unknown October 10, 2017 0 Comments

I hope everyone is starting off with a great week and hopefully, you're in a mood to read something new today. Why not give J.E. Nicassio's From the Sky Saga? It's a YA Sci-fi Romance that's full of heartbeat raising adventure, action and feels. Get your free copy of the book from Smashwords. The link is posted below. Also, don't miss out on a chance to win a physical copy of the book down below.

From the Sky (Beyond Moondust Trilogy #1)

by J.E. Niccasio

Genre: YA Sci-fi/Romance

Summary:

From the Sky from best-selling author J.E. Nicassio writes the kind of close encounter that will leave readers spellbound.

When high school junior, Samantha Hunter, and her father move to New Mexico, it’s a chance to leave tragedy behind and start over. However, the arrival of a dark-haired stranger changes everything. Lucien introduces Sam to the prospect of enjoying life again, and to the hidden world of aliens. But crazier than that, Lucien doesn’t feel entirely like a stranger. Redemption and romance follow Sam in her new life as she works to understand the alien-human romance she’s developing—a romance that feels beyond her control. There’s something bigger happening around her, and to her, too, and this is just the beginning….

—J. E. Nicassio packs in the action like a superhero movie— From the Sky has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood blockbuster—ready to light up the sky like a fleet of UFOs. “A must read! It had me from the very beginning to the last word. Every page had a plot twist and turn to make my imagination run wild.” —Online Book Club.org Nicassio is a freelance writer and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) Field Investigator in Pittsburgh, PA, where she resides with her mother, two sons, and German Shepherd, Ava. She loves writing and is passionate about creating stories that entertain and comes straight from the heart. Her Children’s book, Rocky (About Rockefeller Center and a tiny Christmas tree named Rocky) made the Amazon Top Ten Christmas Book List in 2016.

Add to Goodreads

Equinox (Beyond Moondust Trilogy # 2)

by J.E. Niccasio

Summary:

"Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe, or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” Author C. Clarke.

From the Sky Saga Continues! The day after the winter solstice, Samantha Hunter is found naked and bleeding in a remote cabin in the Sandia Mountains of New Mexico. As Sam works to understand what’s happened to her, she is whisked into the Underground—a secret community of scientists, civilians, and aliens that are connected to her story and to the alien boy she’s in love with—Lucien. This is where the fight begins, and Sam must decide what price she’s willing to pay for life and love.

“Equinox gives the reader a totally different way of thinking about extraterrestrials. Anyone with interest in the possibility of life outside this planet—and for those who love a great romance—this book for you. It is exceptionally written and will leave you wanting more!” —Kelly Fait Goodreads “American teenagers have to grow up fast because dark forces are out to get them—J.E. Nicassio gives us a fast-paced and exciting tale full of car chases, close calls, and the angst of star-crossed love. Teens and even older readers will love From the Sky." —Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

Books available on Amazon!

From the Sky | Equinox

Smashwords free promo.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/746548

About the Author

J. E. is the bestselling author of the From The Sky series and was listed as one of the top 1000 authors on Amazon in 2015, and was Amazon all-star top ten-holiday children books for Rocky: The Rockefeller Christmas in 2016. She is a freelance writer and MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) Field Investigator in Pittsburgh, PA where she resides with her mother, two sons, and German Shepherd Ava. She loves writing and is passionate about creating stories that entertain and comes straight from the heart.

Author Links:

Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

Win a copy of From the Sky!

https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/7c21f59fb0a30326

Blog Tour Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

Oct 6, 2017

Cover Reveal: Sol by Leslie McAdam

Unknown October 06, 2017 0 Comments

I have a really, really exciting book cover reveal today. The truth is I'm pretty late in posting this and you might have seen this cover around the internet but here we go... I'll be posting a review of this book in a few days and let me tell you, I really have high hopes that this book will be an awesome read.

*fingers crossed*

Title: Sol

Author: Leslie McAdam

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Cover Design: Michele Catalano Creative

Photo: Cory Stierley

Model: Taylor Lotre

Release Date: October 15, 2017

BLURB:

The army taught me discipline. Order. Control.

None of that matters the day I walk into her classroom.

Or her bedroom.

What's more important than my grade?

Not failing her.

GOODREADS

A note from the author about the cover

On July 27, 2016, Cory Stierley sent a group text to me and our mutual friend Erin, a painter, completely ticked off about seeing a guy running. Since I don’t normally get upset about seeing people run—and neither do Cory or Erin—I thought this was odd behavior.

Cory: “Ok, this is common from me but I’m kinda pissed off right now!!!”

Me: “Let it out”

Erin: “…go on”

Cory is a professional photographer who has taken the cover photographs for half of my published books, in addition to other New York Times bestsellers. He loves color and celebrating bodies. He has an eye for beauty and a knack for getting amazingly creative shots.

Cory's text: “So, I was getting off the highway and I happen to see this dude running, red tank top with white edges, black and white shorts. He was running on a path next to a green field, so of course it stuck out to me. I had to go slow past him cuz the speed limit and the turn I was making. He immediately hit me as your next cover model.”

Me: “And why are you pissed about this”

Because why would anyone be mad about seeing a guy running in a park? Right?

But Cory was so upset because this was the one who got away. A muse, an inspiration. Marching orders from the creative universe to actually make something.

And his potential subject was gone.

Cory was adamant. “He NEEDS to model. … Leslie, I’m not lying when I say he is your IDEAL dude/model.”

He was right.

In an attempt to find the guy, Cory placed a “missed connections” ad on Craigslist, but was discouraged because of the slim-to-none chances that someone would see the ad and know the identity of the runner.

I tried to reassure him: “Well he’ll find you. And you’ll take his pic. And I’ll buy it. That’s all. Done. … This is the part where I expose to you all what a mystical weirdo I am. But that’s what happens. You’ll find him. .. Or he’ll find you. That’s the way the universe works. … Relax you’ll find him.”

(And then Erin and I discussed tattoos for a while. <3 Sigh.)

The next day, Cory went back to the same park at about the same time and hung around.

No dude.

The following day, Cory woke up and got the idea to stop by a local gym. Cory walked in and was relieved to see that there was a younger girl behind the counter. (He was grateful that it was a younger chick, thinking that a story like this wouldn't weird her out so much, and that she would help.) He went up to her and started describing the guy he saw running.

She got a knowing look on her face like, I know who you’re talking about. Reinstalling Instagram on her phone, she pulled up a profile.

And it was the guy!

Named Taylor.

So Cory had FOUND THE GUY despite nearly zero odds.

Looking at his profile, we were not only struck by handsome Taylor’s looks but also his incredible attitude. Nearly all of his posts were positive quotes and affirmations. There was just an amazing spirit about every single thing he did.

We all felt a sense of relief that Cory had found the guy, and both he and I direct messaged him on Instagram. (Cory made me redo my original message because he thought it sounded too stalkery.)

And we were relieved when he responded.

We found out the following. (1) He’d been wanting to model, and encouraged to do so by family and friends his whole life, but didn’t know how to go about it, and (2) this was his second day doing cardio in three years, since he had gotten out of the Army. But this was the first day, at the last second, he had decided to run a different route. If he would have gone the other way, Cory wouldn't have seen him.

You can draw your own conclusions to this story. My conclusion is that some things are meant to be. Taylor was meant to model and Cory was meant to find him.

And now, not only did Cory find him, they took the pic, I bought it, and he’s on my cover, but the fact that he served in Afghanistan provided me with a muse for this story.

AUTHOR BIO

Leslie McAdam is a California girl who loves romance, Little Dude, and well-defined abs. She lives in a drafty old farmhouse on a small orange tree farm in Southern California with her husband and two small children. Leslie always encourages her kids to be themselves – even if it means letting her daughter wear leopard print from head to toe. An avid reader from a young age, she will always trade watching TV for reading a book, unless it’s Top Gear. Or football. Leslie is employed by day but spends her nights writing about the men you fantasize about. She’s unapologetically sarcastic and notoriously terrible at comma placement (that’s what editors are for!). Always up for a laugh, Leslie tries to see humor in all things. When she’s not in the writing cave you’ll find her fangirling over Beck, camping with her family, or mixing up oil paints to depict her love of outdoors on canvas.