Tag: New Adult (Page 18 of 48)

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

February 21, 2019 / Jen / 4 Comments

I was so happy to join this tour because I adore Paranormal stories! So check out my review below and enter a fabulous giveaway. Enjoy!

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1)
by Sarah Lampkin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit is entering college as a freshman and starting to meet new people, but she hides a dark secret. Because of an accident that happened three years ago, her spirit wanders the Fade whenever she falls asleep. It's something she wants to keep hidden from the world, but when she sees someone watching her in spirit form, she fears the secret's out. With new friends, possibly new enemies, school, and a new crush, Brenna has too much to worry about for just her freshman year of college.

Review:

To Dream Is To Die was a story that kept me turning the pages. It all unfolded so effortlessly and each time we were given a piece of the puzzle, there was still so much I couldn’t wait to learn more about. There was a few different mysteries along with some twists and turns that kept me guessing. So if you adore paranormal stories, set in college, then definitely check this one out.

Brenna Whit was a dark, snarky college student who ended up dying three years ago. She came back from the dead and her life had been different ever since. Now, when she was supposed to be dreaming, she wandered the fade instead. Brenna moved into the college dorms for the first time and I loved watching her friendship unfold with Aeria. They were kindred souls and friendship definitely played a central theme in this story. And while each character was unique, I wasn’t able to connect with any of them. I tried my hardest, because the story line was a ton of fun, but sadly I couldn’t ever make that connection. Regardless, I still enjoyed reading about Brenna and her journey.

As the story unfolded, we learned more and more about the world that Brenna wandered while her body slept. I was beyond fascinated, especially since some of it seeped into the times when Brenna was awake. It was entertaining watching how it even affected those around her. So when I reached that final page, I was so happy that some of my questions were answered. Yes there is still so much for us to learn, but we stopped at the perfect waiting spot until the next book in this series releases.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

About Sarah Lampkin:

Sarah Lampkin is a New Adult/Young Adult fiction author from Southern Virginia. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her cat, Fox (who is practically a dog). When she’s not writing, she’s playing video games, rock climbing, or getting ready for hunting season. Sarah began writing over a decade ago with her first novella called Angels: Moon and Sun, which is now being rewritten as Tainted Wings on Wattpad. She draws inspiration from Celtic mythology in her stories and aims to create unique worlds following strong female protagonist. In 2015, Sarah was able to utilize her Dead Dreamer series in her graduate program and graduate with an MA in English.

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Giveaway:

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BOOK REVIEW: The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy

February 16, 2019 / Arielle / 6 Comments

The Risk (Briar U #2)
by Elle Kennedy
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Everyone says I’m a bad girl. They’re only partly right—I don’t let fear rule me, and I certainly don’t care what people think. But I draw the line at sleeping with the enemy. As the daughter of Briar’s head hockey coach, I’d be vilified if I hooked up with a player from a rival team.

And that’s who Jake Connelly is. Harvard’s star forward is arrogant, annoying, and too attractive for his own good. But fate is cruel—I require his help to secure a much-coveted internship, and the sexy jerk isn’t making it easy for me.

I need Connelly to be my fake boyfriend.

For every fake date…he wants a real one.

Which means this bad girl is in big trouble. Nothing good can come from sneaking around with Jake Connelly. My father would kill me, my friends will revolt, and my post-college career is on the line. But while it’s getting harder and harder to resist Jake’s oozing sex appeal and cocky grin, I refuse to fall for him.

That’s the one risk I’m not willing to take.

This was everything I wanted it to be AND MORE. Guys. At this point I could literally read Elle Kennedy’s grocery list and probably fall in love with it. She is the queen of hilarious banter and steam and I am all here for it. I had been so bummed when The Chase fell a little short for me last year so when I found out this was going to be Brenna and Connelly’s book, I was ecstatic. Enemies to lovers and a fake relationship? What could be better?!?!?!!!??!? Really, not much.

I loved Brenna and Jake’s relationship from the very beginning. They are both have such alpha personalities that I knew their clashes were going to be deliciously fun.

”You traumatized her for life with your filthy sex fantasies,” he informs me before digging into his pie.
“Sorry, Daddy.”
He snickers mid-bite, a few crumbs flying out of his mouth. He picks up his napkin. “You’re not allowed to call me that in public.” Mischief dances in his green eyes. “Save it for later.”

Basically these two are constantly at each other’s throats because Brenna’s dad is the coach of Briar. Connelly is the captain of Harvard’s team and is rivals with Briar. While they can’t deny they find each other attractive, they spend the first bit at each other’s throats for obvious reasons. Then, as Brenna is trying (and sadly failing) to land an internship at HockeyNet, she learns that her douchey/ misogynistic would-be boss basically is in love with Connelly and his hockey talent. She decides to try to up her game and lets it “slip” that she and this rival of hers are dating. Girls gotta do what a girls gotta do to get ahead, especially in the world of sports where they are constantly being overlooked. Connelly agrees to go along with this charade but only if he can snag a real date for every fake one they have.

Muahaha how great is that?! Their freaking chemistry was off the charts the entire time. Like I said, there was great banter, as always, and the writing was just so addicting.

I think what I really like about Kennedy’s books is that there is always that kernel of realism. Let’s face it, romance novels usually push the bounds of what is true and believable. Not every guy out there is going to be a 6’4” hockey god with an eight pack AND a great personality. No, but then she’ll add that certain relatable thing (Summer’s learning disability, Brenna’s View Spoiler », Garrett’s abusive dad, etc. They are real and true things that people have experienced and can relate to. It adds to the depth of the story and makes it just a little more than a hot piece of NA trash (and when I say trash I mean trash in the sense that I would still gobble it up in one sitting lol).

I just love them, okay?! These books are the reason that I have an unhealthy obsession with sports romances. ALSO, can we just talk about how I hope book three is about Hunter???????????!?!!!!??!?! I can’t freaking wait. Once again, I HIGHLY recommend this book and this author.

Huge thanks to Elle Kennedy Inc. for allowing me to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!♥

BOOK REVIEW: Bad Intentions (Bad Love #2) by Charleigh Rose

February 8, 2019 / Jen / 2 Comments

Bad Intentions (Bad Love #2)
by Charleigh Rose
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Lo
Moving to River’s Edge was supposed to be a fresh start.
Away from chaos.
Away from bad influences and worse relationships.
All I wanted was to give my little brother more of a chance than I ever had.
It should’ve been simple.
I didn’t count on my transgressions following me.
And I definitely didn’t count on meeting Dare.
Tall, tortured, and tattooed.
A Lost Boy through and through.
Falling for someone like him was asking for heartache.
But I was a sucker for punishment.

Dare
I had a routine.
Eat, work, sleep, repeat, only ever doing the bare minimum to keep up appearances.
I kept my circle small and my guard high.
I spent years making sure I didn’t repeat the mistakes of my past, forming an impenetrable layer of ice around my heart.
Then Logan showed up in my town, in my tattoo shop, testing my patience along with my self-control.
She was fire and I was ice.
I should’ve stayed away.
But I had been cold for far too long.

Review:

Bad Intentions is my second Charleigh Rose book and I am beyond addicted. She writes emotional, sexy stories that come to life off of the pages. The characters pull me in quickly and I keep finding myself with tears in my eyes, while I watch them try their hardest to find happiness, hope, and love. This book was smile inducing, crazy seductive, emotional and I can’t recommend Bad Intentions enough! While this book can easily be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with Bad Habit. It’s about Dare’s friend, Asher, who you have to meet! You can read my review of that book here.

“Aren’t small-town folk supposed to be welcoming, and I don’t know, nice? You don’t have to be a dick about it.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?” Who the hell responds with okay? His lackadaisical response only frustrates me further.
“Okay,” he repeats. “I’m a dick. You’re an asshole who can’t take no for an answer. Glad we’ve established that. Nice to meet you. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

It’s always just been Logan, aka Lo, and her younger brother, who is a senior in high school. Their father abandoned them and their mother was an addict. Lo and her brother, Jesse, just had each other. And I loved how deep their love ran for one another. It was one of the countless gems in this book! In desperate need of a fresh start, Lo tracked down their father and moved her and her brother to the mountains to live with him.

We’re all flawed, selfish humans doing what it takes in order to survive. Myself included. – Lo

I loved Lo’s voice and it felt like she spoke right to me, she was brutally honest and a realist. Even though life could be rough for her, she continually pulled herself together to take care of her brother. Lo had a heart of gold and was beyond resilient. I had so much respect for her. Even though it looked like life was finally starting to turn around, shadows from her past hung in the background. And we got to see exactly how tough she was when it all hit the fan.

Don’t ask her if she’s okay. Don’t ask her if she’s okay.
“You okay?”
Smooth.

While out searching for a job, Lo ran into Dare, who owned the local tattoo shop. To say he turned her down for a job would be an understatement ha. It quickly became obvious how tiny this new town was because no matter what happened, they kept finding themselves near each other. And what started out as a rough meeting, lead the way into Lo and Dare messing with the other. They made me laugh so hard because it was playful, but at the same time it was also seductive. While they toyed with each other, it was obvious that there was a carnal attraction that ran between them. But as time passed, they slowly started to become intertwined into each other’s lives and whatever was between them turned something else. Lust. Friendship. Feelings. And more. It all swirled together and was insanely addicting and hot as hell.

I decide that even though I don’t deserve her, I’m too fucking self-serving not to take the only thing that offers me peace. The only thing that allows me to feel warmth when I’ve been cold all my life.

I was obsessed with Dare. He came across as a closed off jerk, and you know how much I love those guys. But we eventually got to see all the different sides of him and he had such a beautiful heart. That heart caused me to have tears in my eyes a few different times. You see, he became protective of Lo. He stood up for her. He helped her out. He was such an amazing man. Yet while he was thoughtful for others, he was his own worst enemy at times. His past haunted him. Just like Lo’s did too. Unfortunately, not everything stays buried forever. No matter how hard you wish it would.

This girl is a part of me. The one part of me I love. – Dare

This was such an emotional book. Countless times I had tears in my eyes. But I loved how it was extremely sexual too. So I felt like we got the best of both worlds in this story. Now I want to go binge read her next two books, they’re so addicting! If you’re a fan of NA romance that is seductive, hilarious and will pull at your heart then definitely pick this one up!

I had so many countless favorite quotes….so here are a few more I loved:

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***Dare. That’s not a name. That’s a warning. And I’ve been with enough bad boys to heed the warning. I think***.

Well, that was one hell of a first kiss. And I didn’t even make it to her mouth.

“It’s gorgeous,” she breathes.
“Sure the fuck is,” I say, but I’m not talking about the drawing. She looks at it, but I’m looking at her.

**“Lo. Stop.” I hold her shoulders, trying to get her to meet my eyes. “I’m just…fuck, I’m concerned for you, okay?”
“I can take care of myself,” she insists, her voice still full of steel.
“I see that. I know that,” I agree. “But it doesn’t mean no one else can give a shit.”**

She’s been here for a couple of weeks, and she’s bringing shit out of me that I thought had died long ago. Conflicted doesn’t even fucking begin to cover it.

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BOOK REVIEW: Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins

February 3, 2019 / Jen / 2 Comments

Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts.

Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely.

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche from Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

Review:

Soul in Darkness was enchanting, seductive and smile inducing. This story was everything I love about Wendy Higgins. It had the most delicious sexual tension, characters that I quickly loved and a story that made me fly through this book way too fast. If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, retellings, or Wendy Higgins then definitely pick this one up. I absolutely loved this story and can’t recommend it enough!

“Bright soul, why must you make this difficult?”
In his nearness, I felt his words on my cheek. A scream immobilized in my throat as I was suddenly overcome by the surprising scent of rain and honeysuckle. That was not what a monster should smell like.

If you aren’t familiar with the mythology surrounding Cupid and Psyche, their story is an exhilarating ride. Princess Psyche was said to be so beautiful that the villagers brought her gifts, instead of the Gods. With Venus angered, she asked her son, Cupid, to punish Psyche. Psyche’s punishment ended up being married to a creature that was described as a dark-deeded winged serpent. Oh how I loved Wendy Higgins’ approach to this classic tale. What unfolded was a story woven with betrayal, love, twists, friendship, trust and sacrifice that completely enraptured me .

“Sometimes,” he said, “we fear that which we should embrace because we do not know better.”
I swallowed, shaking my head, closing my eyes.
“When I touch you,” he breathed, “your fear disappears. You enjoy my touch.”
“No, I don’t,” I blurted.
“Your lies are useless.”

Psyche was filled with such loneliness, beauty was truly her curse. She had no friends, she was terrified to make her sisters jealous and men saw her for nothing more than her beauty. My heart hurt for her. Especially when she showed us time and again what a kind heart she had. So when her fate of marrying a monster was laid out to her, her bravery was remarkable. Psyche proved herself in that moment that she was born to be a queen. She was spirited, determined, smart and I absolutely loved her!

“Trust yourself, Psyche. Trust your soul.”

Upon arriving on her husband’s land, Psyche discovered there were rules. She wasn’t able to see her husband, yet he could touch her. And while she had free reign of his lands during the day, she had to spend her nights with him. Psyche’s fears leaped off of the pages. Her thoughts were consuming and I truly understood her horror of being a prisoner, married to a monster. Yet her husband wasn’t anything like she expected.

“I cannot say all the things I wish to say.” His voice was deeper and huskier than ever, sending a ripple through me. “But if you listen, Psyche, listen to my touch…perhaps you will hear.”

Psyche’s husband showed her kindness. He was compassionate, heartfelt, listened and tried to make her happy. Yet creatures, especially those shrouded in mystery, can be deceiving. So Psyche was waiting for the moment that he would cause her physical and mental anguish. Now here’s the thing. I don’t care what others think, but I absolutely loved her husband. While it seemed like he could give her the world, I only wanted what Psyche desperately needed the most. To be able to see him.

All I knew for a fact was that if he was an enemy, he was the most dangerous enemy possible, because when I was with him, my heart, my body, and my soul wanted him.

I loved how Psyche’s husband made me laugh, he had such a funny way with words. And it warmed my heart that he called her bright soul. His words could be mesmerizing. But what I loved the most, was when he touched her. Soul in Darkness was extremely seductive, sensual and the tension between them was electrifying. Even with fear looming in the back of Psyche’s mind, she couldn’t deny that her husband made her body come alive.

When I got to his earlobe, my teeth grazed the skin there as I took it into my mouth and dragged my lips away. He whispered my name and shuddered. Everything in me felt animalistic and proud that such a small gesture could bring about a reaction from an immortal.

While I guessed some of the secrets in this book, I still found my heart beating hard in my chest. I could taste Psyche’s terror and I was even filled with dread over her fate. As the story unfolded, it took turns I wasn’t prepared for. I cried my heart out and I was ecstatic when I reached the end of the book and found an epilogue. It left the hugest smile on my face. So yes, I definitely recommend Soul in Darkness, this story was completely enchanting.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Tangled Like Us (Like Us #4) by Krista and Becca Ritchie

January 21, 2019 / Arielle / 2 Comments

Tangled Like Us (Like Us #4)
by Krista and Becca Ritchie
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
How to protect your heart:
Let your bodyguard have it.

Jane Cobalt is an American princess. The loyal and painfully curious twenty-three-year-old has inherited immense pressure to preserve the Cobalt legacy. But for Jane — sex, love, and life have been a series of royal failures.

After a friends-with-benefits ended in disaster, she's sworn to a “no sex” hiatus for, well, eternity — and she has no intention of letting anyone in her bed and definitely not her heart.

Twenty-eight-year-old Thatcher Moretti is painfully professional. As the stern 24/7 bodyguard to Jane, thinking about unbridled sex with his sweet client is a sin. One that he keeps committing.

But the real act is a hard line he’d never cross.

When a family member betrays Jane's trust, the media becomes obsessed with matchmaking the perpetually “single” Jane Cobalt and unwanted attention suddenly compromises her safety.

Thatcher would do anything to protect her, and one solution may level the threats:

Become the fake boyfriend to an American princess.

Entwined together with boiling chemistry, new “professional” parameters, and an oath, unsaid feelings threaten to rise and change everything.

The Like Us series is a true series, one continuous timeline, that follows a family of wealthy celebrities and the people that protect them.

Review:

“I like to believe in family first,” I tell Jane. “And there’s something about a generational tradition that seems fucking powerful to me.”

Lololol I’m in so deep with this family it’s not even funny at this point. This book was everything I wanted it to be and more, to say the least. I have been wanting Jane and Thatcher’s story since the time Thatcher made sure all of Jane’s cats were safe when they escaped the townhouse. We never truly saw much from him other than a tough and stoic exterior so you better believe I was dying to dive into his POV.

“It’s not checkmate yet,” I say to myself. I’m not a sad little cub about to be eaten. I’m a motherfucking lion.

Their relationship in this book was LITERAL PERFECTION. First of all, who doesn’t love a “fake” relationship that will guarantee turn into a real one? I honestly thought it was hilarious how fast they both said, screw the rules. Especially Thatcher. UGH. Seriously. They were so hot together I can barely stand it. Also, I was slightly worried that at some point one of them would try to hide feelings or that there would be some kind of miscommunication because nine times out of ten there ALWAYS is one. Nope, not here. These two were straightforward with each other right out of the gate. There were no hidden feelings, no beating around the bush. I freaking loved every second of it. Honestly I think these two have the most wholesome relationship out of all the pairings?? Maybe??? These Ritchie girls have time and time again written my favorite relationships of all times (family, romantic, AND friend oriented). I need their second book so badly it hurts.

“I want to know all about you, but I can’t ask fast enough—and when I think about you, I wonder what your hands have held. What your eyes have seen.”My pulse has skyrocketed, but I keep speaking. “What your ears have heard and where your feet have landed.”

There were just two..maybe three small things that I noticed while reading this that gave me pause. One, I realized how frustrating Moffy and Farrow’s back and forth is so me. Love them together, don’t love their particular brand of banter. Oh well. Two, in the very back of my mind I kept thinking about how I couldn’t comprehend how these families are STILL dealing with this batshit crazy level of stalker/hater fans and paparazzi. Nuts, but what do I know about famous people and their crazy followers? Not much. Third (and this one actually just gave me a good laugh) how freaking hilarious is it going to be when two more Omega body guards get paired off with two more of the famous ones bhahahaha. I want to know how much Price is going to flip his lid (and what the parents will think bhahaha). These things are all VERY minor though and I am ride or die for these characters. Super nervous about Tony and I’m sure he’ll be a threat of some kind in their next book but I trust Thatcher to take him out if need be, lol. BTW IF YOU COULDN’T TELL I LOVE THATCHER MORETTI. He may have pushed his way into top three guys from their books…Connor and Ryke are my one and two obviously…I’m obsessed.

I approach my grandma at the table. Short gray hair, petite, wrinkles and age spots blemishing her frail skin—her eyes already fill with tears seeing that I’m about to go. I take a knee in front of her chair and kiss her cheek. Whispering, “I wish we could stay longer with you.”
My grandma places a loving hand against my jaw, cradling my face.“You put too much on yourself, you hear? There’s only one thing you need to remember. Just one.” She brings my face closer to hers. “Be happy.”

^Ummmm not going to lie that quote made me cry because I’ll bet they added it for their grandma that just recently passed away and I lost my grandma (really the only grandparent living while I was growing up) over eight years ago and I still miss her every single day. So sorry for your loss, girls. I’m sure she was so proud of your writing.♥

REVIEW + GIVEAWAY: To Dream Is To Die (Dead Dreamer #1) by Sarah Lampkin

Synopsis:

Review:

About Sarah Lampkin:

Giveaway:

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BOOK REVIEW: The Risk (Briar U #2) by Elle Kennedy

Synopsis:

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BOOK REVIEW: Bad Intentions (Bad Love #2) by Charleigh Rose

Synopsis:

Review:

We’re all flawed, selfish humans doing what it takes in order to survive. Myself included. – Lo

Don’t ask her if she’s okay. Don’t ask her if she’s okay. “You okay?” Smooth.

I decide that even though I don’t deserve her, I’m too fucking self-serving not to take the only thing that offers me peace. The only thing that allows me to feel warmth when I’ve been cold all my life.

This girl is a part of me. The one part of me I love. – Dare

Dare. That’s not a name. That’s a warning. And I’ve been with enough bad boys to heed the warning. I think.

Well, that was one hell of a first kiss. And I didn’t even make it to her mouth.

“It’s gorgeous,” she breathes. “Sure the fuck is,” I say, but I’m not talking about the drawing. She looks at it, but I’m looking at her.

She’s been here for a couple of weeks, and she’s bringing shit out of me that I thought had died long ago. Conflicted doesn’t even fucking begin to cover it.

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BOOK REVIEW: Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins

Synopsis:

Review:

“Bright soul, why must you make this difficult?” In his nearness, I felt his words on my cheek. A scream immobilized in my throat as I was suddenly overcome by the surprising scent of rain and honeysuckle. That was not what a monster should smell like.

“Sometimes,” he said, “we fear that which we should embrace because we do not know better.” I swallowed, shaking my head, closing my eyes. “When I touch you,” he breathed, “your fear disappears. You enjoy my touch.” “No, I don’t,” I blurted. “Your lies are useless.”

“Trust yourself, Psyche. Trust your soul.”

“I cannot say all the things I wish to say.” His voice was deeper and huskier than ever, sending a ripple through me. “But if you listen, Psyche, listen to my touch…perhaps you will hear.”

All I knew for a fact was that if he was an enemy, he was the most dangerous enemy possible, because when I was with him, my heart, my body, and my soul wanted him.

When I got to his earlobe, my teeth grazed the skin there as I took it into my mouth and dragged my lips away. He whispered my name and shuddered. Everything in me felt animalistic and proud that such a small gesture could bring about a reaction from an immortal.

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BOOK REVIEW: Tangled Like Us (Like Us #4) by Krista and Becca Ritchie

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Review:

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Don’t ask her if she’s okay. Don’t ask her if she’s okay.
“You okay?”
Smooth.

***Dare. That’s not a name. That’s a warning. And I’ve been with enough bad boys to heed the warning. I think***.

“It’s gorgeous,” she breathes.
“Sure the fuck is,” I say, but I’m not talking about the drawing. She looks at it, but I’m looking at her.

“Bright soul, why must you make this difficult?”
In his nearness, I felt his words on my cheek. A scream immobilized in my throat as I was suddenly overcome by the surprising scent of rain and honeysuckle. That was not what a monster should smell like.

“Sometimes,” he said, “we fear that which we should embrace because we do not know better.”
I swallowed, shaking my head, closing my eyes.
“When I touch you,” he breathed, “your fear disappears. You enjoy my touch.”
“No, I don’t,” I blurted.
“Your lies are useless.”