Hate to Love You by Tijan • BLOG TOUR & REVIEW

Hate to Love You, an all-new standalone from New York Times Bestseller Tijan is available NOW!

Hate to Love You by Tijan 

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: August 28th

Rule #1: No hot guys.

It might sound ridiculous. I get it. It kind of is, but college was supposed to be my sanctuary. It was my place to start over. The rumors, the whispers, and the jealousy I endured through high school would all be gone.

No one would know me at college.

Rule #2: No drama.

I’d major in pre-law. I’d make a few loyal friends. Everything would be easy breezy. No one was going to use me or hurt me. I wouldn’t let them.

Rule #3: New year. New place. New me.

Right?

Wrong.

And all because of Shay Coleman.

Football captain and quarterback, he was the big guy on campus. The cocky guy in my political science class with a smirk. I hated him on sight . . .

. . . and he was about to break all my rules.

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Review by: Flavia 

So this was a bit different to the previous Tijan books I have read. More lighthearted than the angst filled Fallen Crest series we all know. But not a bad different, a good different.

Kennedy thought that starting college would be a change for her, she would finally be able to just be herself and no more of the high school drama and antics, time to start over for her. Make new friends, and just be who she wants to be. So she doesn't tell anyone who her brother is (popular guy on campus) and just acts like a loner and doesn't let anyone in. Which is perfect for her, because if you alone, NO Drama, right!!!

I started college with the plan of befriending one, maybe two people, and I was going to study. I was going places. There would be no boys, no gossiping, no cattiness. I wasn't going to get involved in any drama, and fast-forward a few weeks, and I'm sleeping with the star quarterback... 

But she didn't count on Shay Coleman. Football captain and starting quarterback. Hot guy, (Rule No 1 on her rules, not hot guys) who has the potential to be drama, (Rule no 2, no freaking drama) So easy right, just stay away from him, but Shay challenges her in every way and he is not giving up, and even though she hates it, and she thought that using him for sex (which is all guys are really interested in, right) it couldn't do any harm. But she didn't count on the fact that she might actually like him, that he might actually be just what she needed in her life. And maybe Shay isn't the guy that she actually thought he was?

This was just sex, but a budding actual friendship was starting too. I couldn't lie to myself any longer about that....The wall was down. That was what it was. I was feeling everything. I wasn't protected. one wrong word, one wrong look, and he had the power to hurt me. 

Loved it. As I said not your usual Tijan Drama, but still she knows how to get your attention. And everything about this book, was that. Attention grabber. Drama, Sex, Intrigue and definitely Romance and maybe a little bit of Angst too...

4.5 Stars 

Excerpt:

I was almost grinning from delight as I shoved open the back door. If I hit him, hey, all was fair in the war we were fighting of who could piss each other off the best. It didn’t. He was leaning against the wall, the back of his head resting on the brick, and he looked over to smirk at me. “I want to see your room.” I thrust my hand out. “I’ll take those notes.” That smirk just widened. He patted his bag and pushed off from the wall. “They’re in my email. I need to get on a computer.” He patted my arm and moved past me, heading inside. “I can use yours.” “Hey!” I followed him in. He was looking up the stairs. “Sabrina said you were on the fourth floor. You saw my place. I want to see yours. It’s only fair.” He wasn’t waiting for my go-ahead. He was already up and rounding second floor to third. He’d be at my floor before I could get there. “Stop! I am not okay with this.” He was at the third-floor door. He glanced down with that same goddamn smirk. “Better tell me which room or I’m going to hang out in the hallway.” “Why are you always smirking? Is it permanently attached to your face?” “What room, Clarke?” He was at my hallway door. Fucking hell. I gritted my teeth. “Wait. Just wait. My door automatically locks.” He’d opened the door but let it shut. Waiting as I covered the last set of stairs, I refused to let him see me panting. I stood there, purposely holding my breath until he narrowed his eyes and cocked his head to the side. “Breathe, Clarke. You’re going to pass out.” I almost burped out the small pocket of air I’d been holding. “I hate you so much.” “Yeah, yeah.” He waved that off. “We get it. Eternal damnation in hell, the whole shebang. Whatever.” He nodded to the door. “Stop stalling. I want to see your room.” I was picturing pitchforks and fire. Maybe that was the burning smell he mentioned. It was hell, and all the fire in there. I yanked the door, glaring as I did. “Was this Sabrina’s idea?” “Nope. All mine.” He was right behind me. I could feel his breathing. “She refused to tell me your room number, said I had to call.” My eyes widened at the thought of him coming up by himself, strolling down the hallway, and then knocking on my door. Good Lordy gracious. Too many would’ve seen him at my door. I would’ve been the talk of the dorm. I shuddered, unlocked, and entered my room.

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About Tijan:

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores. To find what to read next of hers, go to www.tijansbooks.com WALL STREET JOURNAL, NEW YORK TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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DR. NEURO by Max Monroe • RELEASE BLITZ

Blurb:

I’m Dr. Nick Raines.

Brain surgeon and notorious over-thinker, I take the analytical approach with everything, until I can determine the best, carefully calculated plan of action. It’s no shock the producers of the popular reality series The Doctor Is In have decided to call me Dr. Neurotic.   

Besides my more than full-time job as Chief of Neurosurgery at St. Luke’s Hospital, I’m a single dad and my number one priority is my daughter.     

But life had plans to add another priority to my list. 

Charlotte Hollis. Outspoken, impulsive, and beautiful, she’s everything I didn’t know I was craving. 

She makes me wonder What if?

What if I don’t have to be alone for the rest of my life to give my little girl the father she deserves? 

It's a battle—my battle: Head vs. Heart. 

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Sexcation by Heidi McLaughlin • BLOG TOUR & REVIEW

Title: Sexcation

Author: Heidi McLaughlin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 24, 2017

He’s British.

She’s American. 

They meet on vacation. 

And agree to fake name each other. 

One is lying about everything. 

The other is telling the truth. 

They’re about to embark on a sexcation.

But what happens when it’s over?

Review by: Erin 

This book was fantastic!! I was blown away by the storyline and the plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, desperate to know what was going to happen next! The first half of the book was full of hot, steamy goodness. The second half was raw and full of emotion. These characters were incredible and had me hooked in their story from the very first paragraph. This was an incredible read and I recommend everyone read it!!

5 Stars 

"Heidi McLaughlin does it again with this delightfully sexy read. Sexcation lines its chapters with rich character development, sex that doesn't have you skipping pages, witty banter/plot and belly laughs for days. These characters have jumped from the story and straight into my heart. 5 sweet yet sinful stars!" - K.Pinson, Author of Between the Raindrops

"With a sexy, British-accented hero & a tropical setting that had me longing for the beach, Sexcation is the perfect fictional getaway." - USA Today Best Selling Author, Cindi Madsen

"A sexy vacation romance perfect for your next summer read!" - Sarah Robinson, Best Selling Author of NUDES

"A book that kept a smile on face the whole time. I fell in love from the first word and couldn't stop reading till the end." - Natasha Madison, Best Selling Author

"The sexy as sin vacation we all dream about! Heidi McLaughlin does it again with Sexcation, a steamy read turned epic romance that will leave you rooting for that happy ending. Five sizzling stars!" - Best Selling Author, Amy Briggs

I laugh and find myself tempted by her hand, which sits on the metal table. After our impromptu snogging session, Jade put on a nice little sundress which has my imagination running wild and some strappy sandals. Her toes are painted a turquoise blue. I found it a little weird at first; normally I see reds or pinks on toes, but rarely a blue colour. I quite like it. I like it a lot. In fact, I’ve yet to find something about this woman I don’t like. 

“And yet, you didn’t. I came over and kissed you. You could’ve punched me, kicked me in the nuts, or groped me. I’m grateful you let me kiss you the way I did.”

She blushes again. “Why did you? I’m sure there are other, more beautiful women at the resort that would’ve been happy to oblige you.”

“But then I wouldn’t be here with my pretend wife, trying to get to know more about her.”

Her eyes don’t waver from mine as she takes a sip of her cocktail. “Do you really want to get to know me?”

“The fake you, yes. I don’t want to get cornered by one of the triplets and not know my facts.”

“Are they in fact, triplets?”

I shake my head. “I haven’t got a bloody clue, to be honest with you. Fake tits all look the same at the end of the day.”

Her mouth falls open into a sexy little O and images of other ways I can make that happen pop straight into mind. “I named them Muffy, Tuffy, and Buffy. The names seemed fitting,” she says with a shrug. 

I crack the fuck up. “Then that is what we’ll call them until they leave.”

“Do you know when that is? Or what room they’re in?”

I lean over the table and pick her hand up. “They leave after us, and no, I don’t, thank goodness. I don’t care either. I made you a promise and I always keep my promises.” I bring her hand to my lips and let them linger against her skin until a passer-by makes a comment about us being in love. 

Not love, lust though, and I couldn’t be happier that I chose her to be my distraction this week. When I finally let go of her hand, she picks up her drink and finishes it. 

“Want another one?” I ask, already standing by the time she nods. I lean down and kiss the top of her head, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. The smell of grapefruit assaults my senses, making my heart race. I groan as I walk into the restaurant. I could’ve easily waited for the waitress to come back to us, but I needed to step away from Jade for a minute. She’s fucking deadly with her innocent façade and I have a strong reason to believe I’m going to fall victim to her and love every minute of it. 

When I walk out, there’s a bloke talking to her as if it’s an everyday occurrence. I have never been jealous of any man until now. The pure rage I feel, watching him talk to my pretend wife almost takes over my body, yet I find the will to let it go. Who am I to stand in the way of her potential hook-ups?

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Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, will be in theaters on October 27, 2017, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

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THE TIME IN BETWEEN by Kristen Ashley • Release Day Launch

   

"She was the one then and nothing changed in the time in between."

 

✮✮✮A story of past decisions gone awry, secrets that change directions, and emotional second chances, this gripping love story is what happens when two paths again collide. The final standalone title in New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley’s Magdalene Series, THE TIME IN BETWEEN is a rich, heartfelt love story available now!✮✮✮

Explore THE TIME IN BETWEEN and grab your copy today!

 

About THE TIME IN BETWEEN (Magdalene Series #3):

After a painful loss, Cady Moreland is coming to Magdalene to start the next chapter of her life. A chapter that began eighteen years ago but had a heartbreaking ending. The time in between was full of family and friendship, but Cady could never get the man she fell in love with all those years ago out of her heart.

Coert Yeager has learned to live without the girl who entered his life right when she shouldn’t and exited delivering a crippling blow he never would have suspected. The time in between was full of failing to find what he was missing…and life-altering betrayal.

But when that girl shows up in Magdalene and buys the town’s beloved lighthouse, even if Coert wants to avoid her, he can’t. A fire in town sparks a different kind of flame that won’t be ignored.

As Cady and Coert question the actions of the two young adults they once were thrown into earth-shattering circumstances, can they learn from what came in between and find each other again?

Grab your copy of THE TIME IN BETWEEN today!

 

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5% of the proceeds from the first week of sales of THE TIME IN BETWEEN release will be given to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix, a no-kill shelter. HALO stands for “helping animals live on” and is a shelter started by a mother/daughter team of committed animal advocates who have done a huge duty for animals in this area, and continue to do so with unwavering love, support and energy.For more information on HALO or to donate to the work they do, go to www.halorescue.org.

     

And don’t miss the first titles in the Magdalene Series!

THE WILL SOARING

  EXCERPT: 

Present day… I took in the mess of the large, circular room we were in and at first saw nothing but the mess—decaying furniture, a soot-covered stone fireplace, a kitchen that might have been put in in the forties but had not only not been touched the last nine years, it perhaps had not been touched the last nineteen (or more). Then I saw more. The extraordinarily carved railing to the sweeping wood staircase that ran the curved side of the house. The red brick walls. The plank wood floors. “Once upon a time, long ago,” the realtor was suddenly talking wistfully, “someone loved this place. Put that love into building it. Put that love into keeping it. Nine years and more when no one really gave a whit, and still you can see it once had a lot of love.” Oh yes. You could see that. “It’s got a basement, more like a big crawl space,” the agent declared, surprising me with his quick change in tone back to businesslike and informative. “The furnace is down there. You can get down there through a door in the floor. The furnace was put in a while back, and full disclosure, though an inspection will catch it, it probably needs to be replaced.” Through his words I stared at the fireplace, which scoured would be magnificent, and I noticed it didn’t have a chimney as such, but the smoke probably went out a vent in the wall. “This floor has a powder room under the stairs,” the realtor kept on. “You can look at it if you want, but if you wanna save yourself that, I’ll just tell you straight, it needs to be gutted.” I decided to take his word for it and told him that. He looked relieved when I did before he stated, “Place has a garage, two car. Not in good condition, but think you saw that. Still, it’s close to the house and there’s a covered walkway to that door over there.” He pointed at a door that was across from the door we’d walked in. “Means you might feel a chill but you won’t get wet, unless it’s raining sideways, which happens.” With a breeze that plastered my jacket to me on a sunny, early spring day, I did not doubt that. “Garage has a loft space above it, which could be renovated as a studio rental if you’ve a mind to do that sort of thing. As for the property itself, it also has a building where the generators are stowed,” the realtor carried on. “Hook up for a washer and dryer and good space in there. Lots of it for storage. Which is good because there’s not a lot of storage in here for tools and Christmas decorations and whatnot.” I glanced around seeing he was right. There wasn’t even enough cabinetry to house the things a decent cook would need in her kitchen. Though there was room for them. In fact, if you fought back the gloom, there was quite a bit of room. “And there’s a place outside, could call it a studio, could call it a mother-in-law house,” he shared. “Whatever, it’s got goodly space, two bedrooms, big kitchen. Could be renovated to be a guest house. Or like I said, a studio if you’re artsy. Or you could rent it out like a B and B. I’ll show you all of that after we have a look at the lighthouse.” “Thanks,” I replied. “Now, since I mentioned full disclosure, you have to know it all,” the realtor continued. Slowly, my eyes went to him. When they did, he launched in. “Like I said, it’s automated. And like I said, you won’t really have to concern yourself with the functionality of that unless the electricity goes out, but then the generators automatically kick in. There are two. But you’ll need to keep fuel on hand to keep them going in case a blackout lasts awhile. And just to say, this is coastal Maine. We get weather. Blackouts can last awhile.” When I nodded to share I took that in, he kept going. “And if you’re, say, away on vacation, you need to make sure someone is playing backup in such a case.” “Okay,” I replied when he stopped talking, thinking this probably wasn’t a good thing since I knew no one in Maine (or not anyone who wanted to know me) and thus couldn’t call on anyone to do something like that. I also didn’t hold high hopes I’d make friends and win people. I hadn’t had a lot of success in that in my life. And last, although Patrick believed it completely, I held no hope that the reason I was out there was going to come to fruition. That being me having a happy ending. That being what Patrick thought would be my happy ending. Which might mean I’d have someone, a certain someone, or actually two (at least), even though I knew I never would.  

 

    

Direct Link:https://video214.com/play/MJZhoh1adHTsjuN64Jl3TQ/s/dark

   

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About Kristen Ashley:

   

 Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA and nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorize and she hadn't taken her first breath!). Her mother said they took Kristen away, put her Mom back in her room, her mother looked out the window, and Gary was on fire (Dr. King had been assassinated four days before). Kristen's Mom remembered thinking it was the end of the world. Quite the dramatic beginning. Nothing's changed. Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana and has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus, she's blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her family was (is) loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write. They all lived together on a very small farm in a small farm town in the heartland. She grew up with Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched). Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up. And as she keeps growing, it keeps getting better.

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Nineteen Letters by Jodi Perry • RELEASE & REVIEW BLITZ

Title: Nineteen Letters

Author: Jodi Perry

Publisher: Hachette Australia
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 29, 2017

Blurb

Nineteen. There’s something about that number; it not only brought us together, bonding us forever, it also played a hand in tearing us apart.

The nineteenth of January 1996. I’ll never forget it. It was the day we met. I was seven and she was six. It was the day she moved in next door, and the day I developed my first crush on a girl.

Exactly nineteen years later, all my dreams came true when she became my wife. She was the love of my life. My soul mate. My everything. The reason I looked forward to waking up every morning.

Then tragedy struck. Nineteen days after we married, she was in an accident that would change our lives forever. When she woke from her coma, she had no memory of me, of us, of the love we shared.

I was crushed. She was my air, and without her I couldn’t breathe.

The sparkle that once glistened her eyes when she looked at me was gone. To her, now, I was a stranger. I had not only lost my wife, I had lost my best friend.

But I refused to let this tragedy be the end of us. That’s when I started to write her letters, stories of our life. Of when we met. About the happier times, and everything we had experienced together.

What we had was far too beautiful to be forgotten.

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Review by: Leeann 

I was absolutely blown away by this book. It is not full of steamy sex scenes or conflict but it is jam packed full of emotion.

The heartache is tangible and the love is overwhelming.

This is story about a newlywed couple who quite literally have their lives turned on its head so much so that nothing will ever be the same.

What follows is a journey of rediscovering love at the most basic level.

As I was reading I thought to myself that although this story has some heartbreaking elements, it was lovely that they were able to take this journey together

And remember why they loved each other so much. At times I was teary due to the beauty in the letters and at other times I laughed at the funny stories.

This book will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and leave you feeling exhilarated at the end and leave you wanting more.

Ms Perry has done a wonderful job not only bringing her characters to life but in weaving a story that is complex and twists itself around your heart and soul

making you feel all the emotions the characters feel and at times leaving you breathless with anticipation and overwhelmed with the feelings.

This line “What we had was far too beautiful to be forgotten.” Is at the end on every letter and I really believe it expresses and sums up the story perfectly.

Brax & Jems love really is the once in a lifetime kind that most people search for, it is the forever kind!

This is one of those books that you could easily see turned into a movie and I would have no hesitation paying to see it on the big screen!

This is a must read for 2017 and definitely one click worthy!!

5 Stars 

Review by: Gina 

What a beautiful story!!! Not only was it was beautiful story, it was really beautifully written! The idea of this story isn't new but the author put a wonderful twist on it that made it her own. The author did a great job transitioning the reader from the present to the past with the use of the letters. I loved how that was done. 

These two characters had the loves that every dreams of. It was picture perfect. There were times of sorrow for them but you could feel the love and it was unconditional. The memory bracelet was probably my favorite part of the entire book. It was such a sweet idea. 

This is feel good book. You will feel all of the love these two characters have for  each other and the author did a fantastic job on capturing that for the reader. If you love a book full of emotion, I highly recommend this book! 

5 Stars 

Trailer

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

Jemma

It’s a wet and dreary morning is the first thing I hear when the radio booms to life, alerting me to the fact it’s time to get up.

Dreary doesn’t even come close. The thought of no longer being able to spend every waking minute with my gorgeous husband has already put a dampener on my day. I can’t believe our time off together has come to an end. I hate that I have to go back to work this morning, and leave the little bubble Braxton and I have been living in for the past four weeks.

Right up until the wedding, things were so busy with our careers, building our dream house and organising our special day. Everything combined seemed to take away from us being together. This one-on-one time we’ve had since tying the knot was just what we both needed.

‘Morning, Mrs Spencer.’

He rolls onto his side, pulling me further into his warm, luscious body. It has been exactly nineteen days since we exchanged wedding vows, and I’m still floating.

‘Morning, Mr Spencer.’ I lean my forehead against his. ‘I’m not ready to go back to work. I can’t stand the thought of spending the entire day without you.’

He chuckles as his teeth nip at my pouting lip. ‘I feel exactly the same way, babe. Our time off has gone way too quick. We should have taken two months off, instead of one.’

Despite him being a constant figure in my daily life, for the past nineteen years, I still get a rush when I think about what our future together holds.

I met Braxton when my parents and I moved in next door. We were just kids, but we’ve been inseparable ever since. He’s my one and only. He always has been, and always will be. He’s not only the love of my life; he’s my best friend, my soul mate, my forever boy.

He’s incredibly dreamy, with his movie-star looks. I run my fingers through his sandy blond hair as my eyes roam over his perfectly sculpted face; his big blue eyes pop against his tanned skin. He has a smile that makes my knees weak. His front tooth turns in ever so slightly, but it takes nothing away from his Colgate-worthy smile.

When he realises I’m checking him out, the sexy grin that I adore appears on his face. It highlights the cute dimple in his left cheek. To this day, he still manages to turn my insides to mush, but it’s his inner beauty that affects me the most.

‘I could always call in sick,’ I say, perking up for a moment, but in reality I know it’s not possible. I have a big client coming in first thing Monday morning, and I need to prepare.

‘If I didn’t have this damn meeting later this morning, I’d say do it,’ he replies, smiling.

‘I’m going to miss you.’

‘I’m going to miss you too, Jem. The past four weeks have been my kind of heaven.’

I sigh. ‘I’d give anything to be back in Kauai right now.’

My fingers move from his hair and skim down the side of his face as I speak. The beach has always been our favourite place. That’s why we built our dream home overlooking the ocean. The soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore as I drift off to sleep every night, and the sweet smell of sea air first thing in the morning . . . it’s cathartic. It’s also one of the reasons we chose Hawaii—a beautiful villa on the majestic shores of Tunnels Beach—as the place to spend the first two weeks of our married life.

‘Me too.’ He gives me a wistful look. ‘I’ll take you back there over the Christmas break, I promise.’

‘I’d like that.’ My fingertips dance over his collarbone, before moving across his shoulder. When I run a path down his strong back, he groans.

I sigh again when I think that Christmas is ten months away, but I guess we have the rest of our lives together to create the kind of memories we did in Hawaii.

Untangling my legs from his, I pause briefly. I don’t want to leave him. I exhale a drawn-out breath. ‘I suppose I better jump in the shower.’

‘Would you like some company?’

Reaching for me, he rolls onto his back, taking me with him. I laugh when he wiggles his eyebrows. I straddle his waist before covering his mouth with mine. My shower can wait. Making love to my man is much more important.

Sliding forward, I line myself up. His strong hands grip my hips, and we moan in unison as I sink down onto him. My eyes lock with his as I slowly rock my body against him. ‘I love you, Brax.’

‘I love you too, Jem. So much.’

He reaches for my hands, lacing his fingers through mine. We’ve always had such a strong bond, but when we’re connected like this, we become one. I’ll never tire of these feelings he evokes in me.

There are times I feel guilty because together, we’re perfect. None of our friends have the kind of relationship Braxton and I do. What we have is unbreakable. Sometimes my feelings for him overwhelm me. I’m not sure how either of us would survive without the other.

---

As I rush around putting the finishing touches on my make-up, I catch a glimpse of Braxton in the mirror. He’s leaning up against the doorframe watching me get ready. He’s shirtless and wearing a pair of grey sweats that hang low on his hips. My pulse quickens as my eyes rake over his bare chest, and each delicious muscle that defines his torso, from the perfect V just above the waistband, right up to his washboard abs. One of my favourite things to do is watch him work out on the small home gym he set up in the garage. I don’t think he even realises how sexy he is. Growing up, he didn’t notice the way all the girls swooned over him. But I did.

My eyes move back to his, and the adoring look on his face sends my heart into a flutter. The sheer love I feel for this man consumes every fibre of my being. It’s euphoric.

‘How long have you been standing there?’ I ask as my mouth curves into a smile.

‘I’m just admiring my beautiful wife.’ I love hearing him call me his wife.

He pushes off the doorframe and stalks towards me. When his arms encircle my waist, he pulls me back into him. A soft moan falls from my mouth as his lips trail a path up my neck. I tilt my head to the side, allowing him better access.

‘I’m already running late,’ I breathe.

‘I wish you didn’t have to go.’ His warm breath on my skin leaves goosebumps in its wake.

‘Me either.’

‘The next eight hours are going to feel like an eternity.’

I sigh in agreement. ‘I know.’

His tongue glides over the sensitive spot behind my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He did that on purpose. ‘Don’t make any plans for tonight, because I’m taking you out to dinner.’

‘You’re taking me out? Where?’

‘The Sea Shanty.’ He groans as he sucks my earlobe into his mouth.

‘What’s the special occasion?’

‘Our anniversary.’

My eyes fly open to meet his in the mirror. ‘Our what?’ My mind starts to race. What anniversary?

He turns me in his arms so I’m facing him, and pulls a small black box from his pocket. ‘I was going to give this to you tonight, but I want you to have it now. Happy nineteenth anniversary, sweetheart.’

My hands tremble slightly as I take hold of the box. That’s when I remember that today we have been married for nineteen days, and a huge smile breaks out on my face. The number nineteen has always held special significance for us.

Tears of happiness pool in my eyes as I open the lid. Inside I find a white-gold necklace that’s holding a diamond-encrusted number-nineteen pendant.

‘Oh Braxton, it’s beautiful. I love it . . . I love you.’