Showing posts with label 4 Sizzling Flames. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4 Sizzling Flames. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Roseanna’s Satin Sheets Romance Review of Hold Me Together by Felice Fox

 
Hold Me Together
AUTHOR:  Felice Fox
PUBLISHER:  M. Scribes Press
RELEASE DATE: October 27, 2013
PAGES: 118
BUY LINK: Amazon 


              
Blurb:
 After boot-stomping all night with every last Cameron man on the ranch, Holly can't wait to get her honeymoon started with her new husband, Gavin. He's her dream come true--smart, rugged and kinky as hell, but the very best part is marrying into his big family; a close-knit, loving clan who take care of each other. She'd never had that. Ever. "Do you take this man...?" was the easiest question Holly ever had to answer.
But when Gavin poses a new, unthinkable question on their wedding night, Holly must choose between the idealized happily-ever-after she'd always dreamed of and something much more than she ever knew she wanted-- or needed. Yet her happiness isn't the only thing put at risk by the unconventional arrangement she finds herself in, and when everything Gavin treasures is threatened, Holly must decide if she can give up the family she'd always wanted for the family that wants her... in every possible way.
Warning: This story may make you squirm like a little roped calf. It is a grit-your-teeth hot romance intended for an adult audience which includes questionable consent and issues of polyamory/open relationships.
Hold Me Together is a novella with a complete happily-ever-after ending and no cliffhanger. It is the first book in a series about the men of Cameron Ranch.


                                                                
Some may say love is blind while others may put definitions on love. Love is messy, confusing, hard, and grows every day with no set limitations or boundaries.  Everyone has faults, doubts, inner demons to fight.  This book was an epic tale of how messy love can be. How your inner demons, others’ views, limitations or self-doubt can rule your life.  At first I was prepared to not really care for Gavin’s character. He comes across as a little underhanded to highhanded at best. But in reality he has a vision of how he sees love and while it may not fit in a box on the self; he is willing to try to bring Holly over. Holly is so full of doubt and indecision. She is just floored at how Gavin tries to do this. While his method is harsh, I think that is what Holly needed to grow into the woman she became at the end of the book. At times, I was a little fearful that the e-ink from my kindle would permanently melt off while reading.  Talk about explosive chemistry some of the characters had.  Each character was developed to be so different yet the same as the others. It made interesting dialogue and interactions. I love the growth and strength each character developed near the end of the story. I like that there was a happy for now at the end. I could tell that while everything worked out, the story is not nearly over.  No dreaded cliffhangers in this one. I look forward to reading and learning more in upcoming books.

                                   





Monday, December 9, 2013

Anna’s Satin Sheets Romance Review of It’s a Sweet Life by Tymber Dalton

____________________________________________________________________
Anna’s Satin Sheets Romance Review of It’s a Sweet Life by Tymber Dalton


It's A Sweet Life (Coffeeshop Coven .5)

 
Title: It’s a Sweet Life
Series:  Coffe Shop Coven Prequal
Author: Tymber Dalton
Author's Website: 
http://www.tymberdalton.com
Publisher:  Siren Publishing
Genre: Erotica
Length: 266 pages
Buy Link:  Buy on Amazon


(Coffeeshop Coven prequel)
[Siren Menage Everlasting: Erotic Menage a Trois Romance, M/F/M, sex toys, HEA]

Libbie Addams has a mortgage on her struggling bakery, no love life, no health insurance...and fibromyalgia. She's worried about making ends meet when two hunks show up to rent her extra apartment. Not only do cousins Ken Dougherty and Charles Stackhouse make her money worries disappear, they offer to help out in their spare time. They also make her panties damp.

Too bad they're gay, but they're great eye candy.

The men have a secret-they're not gay cousins. They're twin brothers hiding from a vengeful mob boss. Charles is Allan Donohue, a prosecutor with the State Attorney's office in Miami. Benjamin Donohue is the undercover detective who helped break the case wide open. Now they're marked for death.

They hope their ruse can keep them, and Libbie, safe. Because now that they've fallen in love with the delicious baker, they'll never let her go. But when vengeance comes calling, will they ever get to enjoy their sweet life together?

Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings.

** A Siren Erotic Romance

Series reading order:
  1. Out of the Darkness (prequel)
  2. It's a Sweet Life (prequel)
  3. Many Blessings (Coffeeshop Coven - Book 1)

Anna’s Review
It’s a Sweet Life is an erotic and charming story.  Libby is struggling to make her bakery work while dealing with a debilitating disease.  To make some extra money she rents out an extra apartment above the bakery and gains two very hot new neighbors.
Allan and Benjamin Donahue and in hiding from the mob and are determined not to get involved with Libby even though they are very attracted to her.  The two sexy men can’t hold out for long and become involved in a very steamy three way relationship with Libby.  Libby gets two sexy men in her bed as well as helpers in her bakery.  What woman could want more than that?
Tymber Dalton gives you very hot sex scenes but she also takes the time to build rich characters including her secondary characters that are all loving and supportive.  The end result is a very hot and sweet story!  I highly recommend It’s a Sweet Life and I have already started reading the next book in the series, Many Blessings.  I suggest you do too!  








Saturday, November 9, 2013

Daria's Review of My Demon Determined by Alicia Dawn/Nikita Jakz

My Demon Determined 

(My Demon Trilogy, Book 2) 

By: Alicia Dawn and Nikita Jakz
Genre: Paranormal Romance

To Purchase : Amazon 



BLURB: 
“Into the bowels of hell I would follow you.” 
“Good because that's exactly where we’re going.” 
Never in her wildest nightmares did Seraphina see herself taking refuge in the underworld. Cole, however, should have seen it coming. Sera’s kin would never let her go and that was the one place their holier-than-thou feet couldn't tread. Unfortunately, residing in a realm where the vilest of depravity thrives only adds to Cole’s problems. Now he must keep Sera safe from not only her kind, but his debauched brethren as well. Even Cole’s demon-half has become more volatile, the constant subjection to evil taking its toll. His world is no place for an angel. He needs to find a solution so he can get her the hell out of there.  And he needs to find it fast.  When the opportunity arises to finally solve their dilemma, he jumps at it with talon-claws swinging. But it’s a dangerous mission - and Sera’s riding shotgun. As deadly adventures unfold and all hope seems lost, Cole is forced to search inside himself. With a soul that’s riddled with more questions than answers, can he find the lifeline they need? 

Daria's Review 
Most relationships have their ups and downs, but one with a demon and a angel will have your head spinning. Cole snagged his angel taking her with him to his home. Which for most it would be fine, but a angel in hell? Just bound to be problems. Sera what a joy and a pain, smiles. She almost reminds me of a kid in its terrible two's. On the run from her side of the family, she most happy in her demons arms. I just loved it! Both the story line and its wonderful characters. Yet and still
their adventure isnt over, if the end of the book is any clue. A few times Cole's demon side came up we arent really sure what that side actually
feels about the Seraphine, that His human side is courting. The Master will allow Sera to stay hidden in the depths of hell, but of course their will be a price for this. There are a few things Cole will do for the Master, as payment but Im sure it wont be that easily done. The sweet little angel hums with passion as her demon puts her body through the
paces. The sex is hot and often, full of love and passion. I think they both had some limits tested. (Smiles) Their adventures were fun made me laugh, I loved George, didnt like Lucy at all. The way Cole cared for Sera was awesome, sera herself showed her love for her Demon
, more than ready to help him fight. She did go against her family when they came looking for her. Again Sera like a impish child, with her want to try everything even after being warned. I loved the first one and loved this one. I cant wait for Cole and Sera's next adventure. Bring it on!! Enjoy.




Thursday, October 24, 2013

Patricia's Review of The Prince Charming Hoax by Elyse Grant

THE PRINCE CHARMING HOAX 


Author: Elyse Grant ( Click to visit website) 
Publisher: Visual Impressions Publishing 
Genre: Contemporary Erotic Romance

To Purchase: Amazon and B&N




Blurb:
The Prince Charming Hoax is the steamy hot and often funny story of best friends Leah Gold and Roxanne Stein, two boomer women trying to break free of the “happily ever after” fairy tale myth of their childhoods. Abandoned by her latest Prince Charming on the eve of what she expected to be the start of a new life, Leah is left without a home or a man. Frustrated by yet another disappointment in a string of romantic fiasco  she begins an introspective journey through her past for answers. When she discovers what really stands between her and happiness, she sets off on a mission to help spare other women the pain of looking for love in all the wrong places—even though she knows her crusade could be a battle that destroys her real prince.


   
In contrast to the reclusive Leah, her well-heeled best friend, Roxie, teeters on the edge of self-destruction as she tries to satisfy her unquenchable thirst for excitement. Drugs and sex don't diminish her cravings, and the man she falls for, while charming, is no prince 
On a crazy trip from South Florida to Philadelphia and New York, the duo stumble onto how to save themselves, each other, and perhaps womankind—surprising everyone, especially themselves.

PATRICIA’S REVIEW.
Lets just say reading this book made me think . Its a great book loved every page. It sucked you right into the lives of Leah and her best friend Roxie. With all their troubles with men, they just don’t know what to do . Leah a divorcee and coming off a bad break up with a married man and Roxie her carefree friend find that men and love aren't always the one and the same. As they negotiate their way through their messed up lives and realize they need to be the queen instead of a princess .  They start to prevail in their personal and professional lives . And sometimes the man of your dreams has been there the whole time and you just didn't realize it . 
  Even though this is a work of fiction it actually makes you think as you read . You think of all the dumb and laughable mistakes you made when you were younger to attract and keep a man. The hoops we jump through only to realize they were the wrong ones for us. You will laugh out loud and actually agree with a lot that goes on in the book. The characters are well written and are also flawed and sweet as they work their way through the world of men and wrong men. 
 I would recommend this book how loves a good story about good friends with a little romance thrown in and also a giggle or two . Leah and Roxie will give you the very thing you need in a good read. 



Monday, October 14, 2013

Samantha's Review of Vengeful Gaines by Camryn Rhys

 Vengeful Gaines  ( Book 2 in the Western Escape Series)
Author: Camryn Rhys
Publisher: Decadent Publishing Company, LLC
Genre: Western Contemporary Romance
Length: 45 pages
To Purchase :  Amazon and B&N



Blurb: 
Mattie Gaines has so much to be thankful for—three beautiful children who are well on their way to making great love matches, a successful family business that keeps her challenged every day. But a part of her will never forget her first love, and she longs for her own romance du jour.
Wanting a new start, Will Jordan returns to Freewill and wonders whatever happened to that firecracker Mattie Gaines. When he spies her at the first annual Thanksgiving cook-off, old feelings resurface. Will can’t forget Mattie’s kisses from long ago, and he wants to make her remember, too—even if it costs them both more than they bargained. 

Samantha's Review  
Mattie is at the Thanksgiving Cook-off with her daughter Jaime and Ranch cook/future son in law Kyle competing against her Brother and runs into her old flame Will. Before this she really didn't realize how lonely she really was. First thing Will has to do when he see's Mattie for the first time in years is save her from her brother and sparks fly. There is major heat between these two. They both try to find reasons to stay away from each other. One reason being he will be the person hearing the appeal her brother is bringing against her trying to get her Ranch. They  just can't stay away from each other. Jaime catches on to the tension between the two and questions her and although she doesn't get the full story she is there for her mother anyway.

This is the second book by Camryn that I have read and I absolutely loved it... I love stories that involve a second chance at love and that's what this was for Mattie and Will. The characters deal with the attraction and pain in seeing each other after 30 years and what really ended up being a mistake from all those years ago and goes to show what can happen when you are not honest and open about what you want with the person that you love.

This book definitely shows that you have a chance at happiness at any age... If you want a good quick romance this is definitely the book for you.. I highly recommend it... :O)


Thursday, October 10, 2013

Patricia's Review of An Unlucky Moon by Carrie Ann Ryan


Title: An Unlucky Moon

Author/Website:Carrie Ann Ryan
Publisher: Fated Desires
Genre:Paranormal Romance
Buy Link: Amazon






BOOK BLURB

 Humans aren't as alone as they choose to believe. Every human possesses a trait of supernatural
that lays dormant within their genetic make-up. Centuries of diluting and breeding have allowed 
humans to think they are alone and untouched by magic. But what happens when something changes.
 He's spent the last four years in hell fighting in the demon games and doing things that would haunt even
the fiercest of men's nightmares. But now Hunter Brooks is back in the human realm, ready to take on 
the Pack that left him behind and take the mate he just met  Becca Quinn is on of the seven lightning struck woman, a human who isn't so human and only needs to find her true half to unlock all that she could be. Hunter the dangerous sexy wolf has saved her life twice and yet she know nothing about him - only that she wants to know everything she can .Between the Pack's council and strangers who could take everything
away from them . Becca and Hunter have more to fight and everything to fight for . Hunter's dark 
past takes over their courtship and just when he thinks all is lost, he 'll find that Becca's more then he 
or she ever thought. WARNING: Contains a sexy wolf who broods with the best of them , a
woman who defies the term unlucky and a chemistry that is sure to make the wolf howl in all of us 

                                          PATRICIA'S REVIEW

 This is the third book in the DANTE'S CIRCLE SERIES. It doesn't disappoint. The author takes us on a 
roller coaster ride. Hunter the brooding sexy as sin wolf was first introduced to us in Her Three Wishes .
Was happy when he got his own story. This man is just sexy and when he finds his true mate. He will
do everything to get her and keep her safe. Becca is a beautiful but kinda klutzy . She knows that she is his true mate , but doesn't know a thing about him. So starts their story with a few bumps along the way . They will fight whatever gets thrown in front of them .  I will warn you that once you start to read this book, you won't want to put it down. You will get pulled into the characters and what they went through to get to each other. The hell that they endure between the Pack and the memories will they survive. You will cheer for the hero and heroine . The cast of characters are varied and lovable , from a dragon bar owner to demons , pixie and an angel . You will fall in love with them all . Carrie Ann has brought to life a good series with lots of 
suspense, action and romance . lots of romance . So if you want a good read with hot sexy men and the strong women that make them better check out this book actually check out the whole series




Thursday, August 22, 2013

Anna’s Satin Sheets Review of The Bottom Line by Shelly Munro

Anna’s Satin Sheets Review of The Bottom Line by Shelley Munro


 Title: The Bottom Line
Author: Shelley Munro
Author's Website:
http://www.shelleymunro.com/
Publisher:  Samhain Publishing 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 272 pages
Buy Links:  Buy on Amazon  
Buy on Kobo Buy on B&N


Spicing up her sex life sounds exciting…until the fantasy hits the fan. When Maggie Drummond buys an erotic romance novel by mistake, she gets more than an unexpected eyeful. She gets an introduction to a world that arouses her to a fever pitch. Spanking. Her boyfriend isn’t interested in pushing his vanilla-flavored sexual boundaries. Then there’s Connor Grey, who haunts her fantasies like a magical genie. As a source of masculine advice for her and her female friends, he’s off limits. The only safe place to explore her fetish is her anonymous blog. The recent changes in Maggie don’t escape Connor’s notice. Now that her boyfriend has dropped her, he can finally—carefully—make his move. Given his family history, laying a hand on any woman, even in fun, is a line he’s reluctant to cross. But for Maggie? Anything the lady wants. As Maggie gives in to the temptation to let Connor add some sin to her life, she finds herself juggling lies, half-truths, friendship and sensual delights. Her job is in jeopardy—and she’s falling in love. Exploring her fantasy is one thing, but she’s beginning to question if indulging her own pleasure is worth the cost to everyone around her. Especially Connor… Warning: Contains explicit sex, spanking, and the good, the bad and the ugly about friendship.


Anna’s Review

This is my first romance by Shelly Munro, but it won’t be my last.  I really enjoyed this book on so many levels.  This book does have a little bit of a spanking element to it, but really that’s not what the book is about.  Maggie and Connor’s story is a wonderful friends to lovers romance.   Both of these characters are incredibly likable and charming. Maggie’s character really changes and blooms as the story progresses.  She discovers what she really likes about herself and what she really wants out of life and apparently spanking during sex is one of them.  

I couldn't  help but be drawn to Conner since he thinks Maggie is perfect just the way she is and does everything her can to make their relationship work.  Maggie runs into some trouble because she breaks a pact with her friends where they had agreed that none of them would date Conner. I won’t go into details because I don’t’ want to spoil the story but the couple has to learn a great deal about themselves and honesty before they can find their HEA.

The story is engaging, funny and the sex scenes are hot. For your next great read pick up the Bottom Line!








Sunday, August 18, 2013


Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of THE REBOUND PACT by Eliza Knight





Title: The Rebound Pact
Author: Eliza Knight
Author's Website:Eliza Knight
Publisher: 
Create Space Independent Publishing Platform
Genre: Contemporary 
Length: 298 pages
Buy Link: Amazon , B&N

BLURB: 
The attraction between Gabrielle and Holden still sizzles on the surface even after all these years since their last encounter. Having just experienced serious relationship breakups neither one is ready to start again. Instead, they make a rebound pact. Casual sex, no strings attached—and rule #1? Don't fall in love. Problem is, with each scorching encounter, Gabrielle and Holden find themselves falling hard and fast.


Kimberley's Review... WOW!!! The cover is H.O.T. and the story is hotter. After Gabrielle makes a mistake and sleeps with her childhood crush , only to make it worst by telling him she thought he was someone else, when in fact she is happy she did. She runs off to Paris to study to become a Chef. Then we pick it back up six years later , and she is now a highly regarded chef , and engaged until her soon to be  tells her other wise. She moves back home , but on her way home she stops off to get a good bottle of wine so she can have that well needed drink.There she met the own of the winery ... her childhood crush the one man she has always wanted , and has always measured other men to.   Holden can't believe his best friends little sister is in his winery, after 6 years of wishing he could have redone that night over and gone after her. With his own break up circumstance he and Gabs makes a deal, better yet a pact to be each other's rebound. 30 days to help each other get over their break ups. But soon they know that 30 days is not enough...

I LOVED this book. It had all the elements you need to get you hooked. Two people who are made for each other , finally learning they are. A nosy brother, a witch of an ex girlfriend, and a weasel of an ex fiance. Great read, easy and satisfying. Eliza Knight has a winner on her hands. 





Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Krystal's Satin Sheets Romance Review of A MATING DANCE by Lia Davis

Title: A MATING DANCE
Author: Lia Davis
Publisher: Fated Desires
Genre: Paranormal Menage (M/M/F)
Length: 200 pages
Buy: AMAZON

Senior enforcer, Cameron Nickels has found her perfect mate. Blaine Andrews, leopard Pack Marshal, is strong, dominate, loyal, and passionate. He knows all her strengths and weaknesses--not to mention her pleasure points. Cam's known Blaine most her life, but she's always felt like something was missing and her jaguar refuses to fully accept him. Yet, she can't walk away from him. When architect and sexy mountain lion shifter, Graham Griffin, comes to town to design the new den nursery and school, Cameron finds herself in a mating dance that throws her and her jaguar into flight mode while Blaine must decide if he can not only share his mate, but welcome another.

After his lover walked out on him a year ago, Graham has no intentions of entering another relationship any time soon. But he realizes that the fates have other plans for him when he meets Blaine and Cameron. When his ex-lover's children are chased into Ashwood territory by a group of rogues, he discovers the male he shared a life with had died freeing the kids from the Onyx Pack. Graham must work side-by-side with the two enforcers to uncover lies from the past while his heart opens to his true mates.
Warning: Contains one-hot headed leopard, a man who thought he'd lost it all, and a woman who is about to rub up against both in the best possible ways. 

Krystal's Review...
I am a fan of Lia Davis. This short novel was action-packed and introduces the readers to a lot of new characters in the pack and even gives us a peek into the evil Onyx pack. My only hiccup with this book was all the characters. It's a huge cast and can be a little daunting to keep track of, that being said...I have really enjoyed Ashwood Falls so far and this book was a great addition. Lia does a great job building characters and relationships and you really get to know Blaine, Cameron, and Graham.

Now for the pink parts... This book is smok'n hot. Be warned it is a menage M/M/F (meaning the men are involved with each other in addition to the woman). Not my favorite type of menage, but it was excellently executed and the relationships built were strong and the sex was HOT!!!

Good job. I look forward to the next one!



Sunday, June 2, 2013

Anne's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Rain Is A Love Song by Vonnie Davis


Title:  Rain Is A Love Song
Author:  Vonnie Davis
Author’s Website:  www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press; Crimson Rose 1st edition (February 22, 2013)
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Length:  297 pgs
Summary:
What should be a wonderful trip to Paris turns menacing when Gwen Morningstar's daughter is kidnapped by The Red Hand terrorist group. Fortunately, Jean-Luc LeFevre of France's Counterterrorism Unit is there to rescue her little girl. Gwen is grateful, but her need to apprehend the abductors must override any desire she feels for the handsome agent with his own brand of justice...and danger.
Jean-Luc is not pleased when Gwen, a crime scene photographer with just enough training to get them killed, is assigned to work with him. Not only does she take too many risks, she drives him to distraction.
As Gwen and Jean-Luc track the terrorists, their feelings for each other grow as fast as the danger. Jean-Luc is determined to protect Gwen and her daughter, but the sinister grasp of The Red Hand is strong and far-reaching. It will take more than love to keep them all safe.


Anne’s Review:
This is the second book in the Red Hand Conspiracy Series and it was fantastic!!  At first I was concerned that I may not be able to catch onto the plot having not read the first book.  To my surprise I was able to jump right in and not feel lost. 
Jean-Luc is a tough, sexy, special agent who feels responsible for his sister’s abduction and struggles to let anyone get close to him. Gwen is a fierce, protective mother who is nursing her own broken heart after the tragic death of her husband some years before.  When Gwen’s daughter is kidnapped they work together to bring the Red Hand terrorists down, while fighting the feelings they have for each other.

This book has it all from edge of your seat action, off the charts sexual chemistry, intrigue and humor.  It made me laugh, cry, cheer and sweat at the same time.  I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed.  Well done Mrs. Davis now I am off to purchase Mona Lisa’s Room. 
 
 

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Kimberley's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Eternity by Tmonique Stephens







Title: Eternity            
Author: Tmonique Stephens
Author's Website:
http://TmoniqueStephens.com
Publisher: 
Soul Mate Publishing (August 29, 2012)
Genre: Paranormal romance,
romantic suspense,
Length: 332pages (
1140 KB)
Buy Link: Amazon::
http://www.amazon.com/Eternity-ebook/dp/B00943FVG2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349209186&sr=8-1&keywords=tmonique+stephens

BLURB :
ROMAN NICOLIS
Cursed for 2,000 years, he has tracked his lover's soul through each reincarnation only to lose her horribly every time. Reclaiming their love is their only salvation. He's been her friend, her father, her neighbor, but never again her lover ... until now.
STELLA WALKER
A late night walk home throws her into the path of a killer. The last thing she remembers are the deep blue eyes of the man trying to kill her-and the first things she sees after a seven-day coma are the same blue eyes in the handsome face of the man hired to protect her. Is he truly the owner of a security firm assigned to protect her, or the man who wants to finish her off? Is it fear she feels when Roman touches her, or the memory of something sweeter?
Past secrets haunt them. An angry demon stalks them.
Roman will do anything to recover what they had. Though Stella's ruined childhood has made her close her heart and body to any man, he must get past the walls around her to gain her love and trust, for it will take their union to defeat an unexpected enemy sent from the Egyptian Gods. A man Romans respects, and Stella trusts. TWO HEARTS, ONE SOUL, FOR ALL Eternity.


Kimberley's Review....
If you’re ideal reading must have any of these mythology, romance, and mystery, sexy, funny and erotic then Eternity by Tmonique Stephens is going to your new addiction. Roman and Stella are the new it couple! Ms. Stephens has blown me away with this first book. You feel like you are in the story and it doesn’t let you go, you feel every raw emotion, every smile and every tear. A true love story for the times, and one that just wasn’t a hi, hi ok I love you … she not only pulls you in, she wraps you in a warm blanket and makes you believe in romance once again.  I personally am looking forward to the next book in July. And learning more about the Nicolis Brother’s and I know I am going to love them all. So do yourself a favor find this book, buy it up and clear your calendar. B/c this is a wonderful, exciting, don’t want to put it down, I will eat when I am done kind of book.  Great job Ms. Stephens, I am so excited to put you on my favorite author’s list and will look forward to all your future books. 










Excerpt:
Damn, he woke her. After only a few hours of sleep, she was sitting up, her head tilted back to catch the whiffs of air generated from the ceiling fan. She pulled the collar of the robe from her damp neck.
He closed his laptop, retrieved a bottle of water from the kitchen and handed it to her. Perched on the edge of her coffee table, he waited while she rubbed the bottle across her sweaty brow and gave a throaty sigh before twisting the cap. Completely unaware of the sensual picture she presented, Stella tossed her head back, tipped the bottle to her lips and gulped until she drained it.
“How long have I been asleep?” She licked the moisture from her lips.
He ignored the lengthening poke of his cock. “A few hours. We need to talk.” Elbows on his knees, he leaned closer to her.
She paused, her eyes shifted around the room. “If not the most dreaded sentence in the world, it must be in the top five.” She took a deep fortifying breath and squared her shoulders. “Go ahead.”
She thinks I’m leaving her. He studied her until she squirmed uncomfortably under the glare. It galled to be lumped together with everyone else that hurt, left, and disappointed her.
“I believe you’re correct about the killings.”
Her eyebrows shot into her hairline. “You do?”
He nearly laughed. “Surprising, huh? Well you made a convincing argument and I’d be foolish to ignore the possibility.”
“So, you’re leaving now,” she stated flatly.
Every muscle rigid, he sat back. “Do you have a death wish? “Cause if there’s someone targeting me, they’re using you to do it.”
Stella nodded solemnly while her fingers twisted in her robe. She chewed the corner of her mouth before she mumbled, “When do you leave?”
His thumb swept across her full bottom lip. When her cheek turned into his palm, his heart caved.
“I’m not leaving, Stella. I will never leave you. I said I would protect you. And I will.” He leaned closer. “With my last breath.”
Her unflinching stare met his. “I want to protect myself. Will you show me how?”
A simple request. “Yes,” he nodded. “I’ll teach you.”
She leaned in. “Thank you.”
Temptation ate at him, but he stood and walked to the other side of the room.
“Go back to sleep, Stella.” He turned off the lights, yanked his shirt over his head and stretched out on the creaking floor.
“Why are you on the floor?” Her voice wavered.
Graced with superior eyesight, he watched her struggling with the robe twisted around her body. “My back wouldn’t appreciate sleeping in that chair and its cooler down here.”
“I can’t see you.” Fear etched her voice.
The mattress squeaked and he heard the soft slap of her feet on the wooden floor.
“I’m right here.” He touched her smooth foot and circled her ankle.
She didn’t pull away, but waited until he removed his hand to climb back onto the futon.  She punched her pillow and settled into a comfortable spot.
“Roman, isn’t the floor hard?”
She sounded like a child asking a question when she already knew the answer.
“I’ve slept on worse and in worse,” he muttered.
“Umm … the bed is big enough for both of us.”
Did she know she offered him exactly what he wanted and where he wanted to be? “You’re asking me to sleep with you?”
“I’m offering to share the futon with you,” she corrected.

Standing next to the futon, he whispered, “Why?”
She jumped, her hand stretched out in front of her, searching for him. “Damn, how can you move that fast? I didn’t hear you.”
“Answer the question. Why?”
“I … can’t let you sleep on the floor.” She scooted over and waited for him.
He should resist. The many reasons why ticked by, but the futon creaked as he lay beside her and stilled. Everything he wanted rested inches away.
“Can you see me?”
“No,” he lied, watching her bite her lip. Slowly, she relaxed, believing the darkness covered her. He sucked in a sharp breath when her hand brushed his bare chest.
“Sorry,” but a smile tweaked her lips.
Stella’s words darted through his brain. “No boyfriends,” she told McCabe. It was too ridiculous to be true. But … could she be a virgin?
“Roman,” she breathed his name and lust raced down his spine, igniting every nerve ending and wiping his brain clean of every thought, but one. He caught the belt of her robe and followed it up to the knot. A finger slipped in and loosened it.
“Yes.” His breath fanned her face. She tilted her chin up at the perfect angle for his lips to cover hers.
“I’ve never had a man in my home before.”
His finger stopped, and withdrew. What the hell am I doing? She drugged him with her words, frailty and covered body. He had to get out of her bed, her apartment, maybe the city, let one of his men protect her.
She touched him again, ran her palm over his stubbled jaw, then traced a finger over his eyebrows and down the bridge of his nose. She played with the shell of his ear until his chest rumbled with suppressed laughter. Then her fingers found his lips and the laughter stopped.