Conflagration Prologue and Chapter 1!

Hey everyone! So you've all met Branson Wellington before, but who is his love interest? Here's your first sneak peek!! 

Conflagration releases 10/29. Don't forget to add to your tbr HERE!

Prologue

      “GET THE FUCK OUT OF THE CAR!” I yell frantically, trying to pull the door handle, but failing miserably. As my fist pounds against the window, I can feel my heart beating wildly—thump, thump, thump—and hear the fire roaring in my ears.

      Her beautiful eyes are wide with terror as she tugs on her seatbelt, only to confirm that it won’t budge one single fucking centimeter. Pounding on the window, I’m screaming at her, begging her, pleading beyond reproach, but it’s as if she doesn’t hear me. She keeps shaking her head, the expression on her face one of defeat. Like she’s accepted her fate—that the flames will destroy her—and somehow, she’s at peace with it. And there's not a fucking thing I can do to save her. 

      Turning to look at the wreckage around us, I know I’m racing against time and it won’t be long before the semi cab’s engine blows high into the sky. My brain is screaming at me to run away, to find safety, but then I look back into the car. Her hand presses against the glass, her fingers spreading, and she looks at me, tears filling her eyes. I press my hand to the window, covering hers, and in that instant, the world around us stops. Our eyes lock, knowing we may be the last thing each other sees, and for a split second, there’s recognition in her eyes. There’s a familiarity here, as if I’ve met her before, but I can’t place her. I’m transfixed on her for a moment, trying to figure out how I know her.

      I no longer feel the heat on my back, the flames on my face. All I see is her. All I feel is her. She’s someone important—I can feel it deep down in my soul, but I’m not sure why. Without question, something inside me shifts, and I start pounding my fist against the glass, knowing I need to get her out of there.

      She bangs on the window, our fists both working against the glass. Yet, instead of trying to break it, she’s telling me to get out, to move away. Valuing her life over mine, which really isn’t saying much.

      A small sense of victory washes over me when a crack finally appears in the glass. Motioning for her to move away, I watch and wait as she leans into the passenger’s seat, out of harm’s reach as I start hitting the crack. The sound of shattering glass brings on sweet relief as I finally break through the fucking window, my fingers fumbling as I dive into the car, barely registering the feel of glass stabbing my torso as I lean in.

      I try to unbuckle her seatbelt, but it’s no use. The fucking thing won’t dislodge, and I start to panic the moment I hear her sobbing.

      “Let me go. It’s no use. Get out of here before you’re burned to ashes, too,” she sobs, her voice wavering.

      She refuses to look at me, and in that moment, I don’t care about myself. I’d give my life for this beautiful, familiar stranger. It’s a surprising thought because I’ve always been a selfish asshole, but seeing her there, vulnerable and ready to give up for me, I’m aware that, for once in my life, I can put someone else first. And I goddamn fucking will.

      Grabbing the multi-tool from my belt, I thank the Lord my dad always made me carry one, even if it is more for cracking beer than tool use. I flip the knife out and make quick work of cutting through the material. Once she’s released, she falls against my chest, and I sigh in deep relief. A loud pop interrupts the moment, and she wraps her arms around my neck. With as much care as possible, I pull her through the broken window, wincing as every single inch of shattered glass pierces my skin.

      “Oh my god. You saved me,” she murmurs, and I watch as blood trickles down her forehead.

      “I’m no savior, baby. I usually destroy everything around me,” I admit, knowing she probably won’t remember this interaction.

      “That’s not true. You could’ve left me to die, and you didn’t. You came back for me. No one ever comes back for me,” she whispers, her voice trailing off as her head starts to lull off to the side. The blood from her head wound continues to trail down her face, and I mentally panic as she slowly falls into unconsciousness.

      Looking up, I’m straining to hear the distant sirens, begging beyond hope that help arrives in time. I’m standing in the middle of the road with a beautiful woman in my arms, and for once, I have no idea what to do. 

      Before I can catch my bearings, I hear a high-pitched hiss, and moments later, my vision explodes in flashes of yellow, orange, red, and blue. Somehow, I hold on to her tight even as I’m thrown forward, my arms tightening around her as we fall to the ground. Settling in on the side of the road, I roll to my side with her still in my arms. Pain flows through me, but she’s the one I’m concerned about. She’s the one I want to be safe. Me? I could die right now and no one could care. But her? I’d never fucking forgive myself if I don’t keep her safe.

      I feel the heat at my back, and I hold her tighter, my body cocooning hers to keep the flames at bay. Voices shout in the distance, but my vision turns blurry, and no matter how hard I try to fight it, everything fades to black.

Chapter 1

Ari

Earlier That Day

      “Breathe, Ari,” my younger sister, Alyssa, says soothingly as she rubs my back.

      Leaning forward, I inhale deeply and hold my breath, allowing the air to fill my lungs. A sense of calming washes over me and I close my eyes.

      “That’s it. You’re fine.”

      Opening my eyes to look up at her, I exhale slowly then steady myself. As I sit up straight, I finally make my own decision—probably for the first time in my life. “I can’t do this. No. I won’t do this,” I tell her emphatically, relief flooding through me as realization takes over. Things never should’ve even gotten this far, and I can’t believe how close I came to making the biggest mistake of my life.

      What mistake is that, you ask? Marrying Benjamin Cunningham the Fourth. Tomorrow is my wedding day. Or, well, it’s supposed to be. Tomorrow. I’m supposed to plaster on a fake smile and marry Benjamin—god forbid you call him Ben—the son of my father’s business partner and my boyfriend of two years. The man I’m supposed to love. Who I thought I did love. So why don’t I feel more distraught over my decision? Why do I feel relief that I’ve decided not to pledge my undying love for this man?

      Probably because I don’t have undying love for him.

      The thought crosses my mind, and I know it’s true. My feet have been growing increasingly colder the closer the day has come and now I know why. Benjamin doesn’t love me and he confirmed that fact just minutes ago when I overheard him telling his father that I’m nothing more than a means to an end—his perfect little trophy wife. And once he secures that ring on my dainty little finger, he’s going to start working on Dad to become his successor. The Covingtons and the Cunninghams. The perfect merger. 

      I should’ve cried. I should’ve felt heartbroken. And maybe I will once the adrenaline wears off. But in that split second, what I felt was instant relief. Because now I understand what our relationship has been—a business transaction. Unfortunately for Benjamin, this is one merger that isn’t going to happen, and the look on his face when I told him so was priceless. Shock, humiliation, and even anger flashed across his features before he steadied himself and dismissed me, calling me a silly woman who simply hadn’t heard him right. With a kiss on the cheek, he told me that he had a few things to do before the rehearsal and then left like nothing was wrong. Fortunately, Alyssa was right there, and she guided me back to her room, calling him all sorts of colorful terms that would’ve had Great-Grandma Covington rolling over in her grave.

      With renewed resolve, I straighten my shoulders and stand up. Smoothing down my dress, I grab my purse, holster it over my shoulder, and stroll towards the door. Alyssa scurries after me but she doesn’t say a word as we ride in the elevator of the hotel where the rehearsal dinner is being held. I don’t stop until I get to my car. Glancing into the back seat, I see my luggage and am thankful I’ve already packed for my honeymoon. This will make my getaway that much easier.

      “Where will you go?” Alyssa asks.

      Sighing heavily, I look up at her. I haven’t really thought that far in advance. “Anywhere. Somewhere far away from Atlanta where our parents—and probably his—can’t try and talk me into marrying him. I just need to get away. To regroup. I know I shouldn’t ask this of you, but can you cover for me? You know how William and Victoria have been waiting for this day to come, and now, it’s just going to be one more disappointment for them.”

      Now that I think about it, Benjamin’s probably not the only one who viewed our impending marriage as something less than love and more about the business. My father has always lamented not having a male heir to take control of the company. Because, apparently, if you have a vagina and two breasts, you’re incapable of doing so. Now, I’m wondering if he had ulterior motives when he set Benjamin and me up on a blind date two years ago. If I can’t be his successor, then why not his reputable son-in-law?

      The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. William was all too willing to embrace Benjamin, and he spared no wedding expense. Victoria, my illustrious mother, agreed and has done everything she could to talk me into quitting my job and becoming a housewife. In her words, my job is to keep the house clean, the children fed, and my husband happy. In reality, what she meant was: hire a maid, hire a cook, and turn a blind eye while my husband bangs his secretary.

      Shuddering at the thought, I realize that Benjamin did me a favor. I’m escaping an unsatisfying future, and now that I’ve come this close to being a carbon copy of my mother, I vow never to let anyone push me around again. If and when I do marry, it will be for love. Not for duty, purpose, or business. No. I’ll never let another man in unless I love him and he loves me. There is no way in hell I will ever be anyone’s trophy wife.

      Alyssa squeezes my shoulder. “You got it, sis. I’ll handle things here. Just promise to call me when you get where you’re going. And for the record, I’ve always thought you were too good for Ben. I’m glad you see that now, too.”

      Tears well up in my eyes for the first time since making my decision. Not for my wedding, but because I have no idea where to go. Benjamin—and William—talked me into taking a leave of absence from my job as an accountant, something easy to do since my father is my boss. I’m not due back to work for at least six months, and as much as I’d been dreading the time off, I’m grateful now to have the escape. My bank account will help me get by for a while, but for the first time in my life, I have no idea what to do. After a life of trying to please my parents and then Ben—and usually failing at both—I resolve that it’s time I live for me. I just wish I hadn’t spent twenty-seven years being a pushover. I guess growing a backbone late is better than never. 

      Looking back at Alyssa, I muster up a smile. “I love you, too. And I appreciate it, Lyss. I’ll call you as soon as I get settled.”

      I slip into my car just in time to see Benjamin running out of the hotel, his dad and mine right behind him. Apparently, he’s decided that I wasn’t just blowing smoke, but it’s too damn late. As I put the car in reverse, I roll down my windows and blast the radio, finding it not all that ironic that Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” is blaring over my speakers. I have to laugh, knowing I’ll be doing no such thing.

      Just before I peel out of the parking lot, I throw on my sunglasses and yell out to Benjamin. “Sorry, Benny, but you’re going to have to find yourself another trophy wife!” Using the nickname he loathes is probably childish, but I can’t help that final parting shot.

      His face looks aghast and shock fills his eyes. Yeah, it’s finally getting through to him that a kiss on the cheek doesn’t make everything better. Thank God I overheard, and just in the nick of time.

      My blood’s pumping and I feel just like Julia Roberts in Runaway Bride. But instead of running away from a man who loves me unconditionally, I’m running from what would have been a huge mistake. And running straight towards an unknown future.

      When I get to the highway, I’m not sure which direction I should take. At the last second, I choose north.

      I don’t know where I’m going, but anywhere is better than here.

***

Bzzzz. Bzzzz.

      The sound of my phone vibrating has become almost commonplace. It’s been doing so for the last four hours, and no matter how many times I hit ignore, Benjamin keeps calling. As does William. And Victoria. The only one who’s leaving me in peace is Alyssa, and I love her to pieces for it.

      I know I should’ve been strong enough to stay behind and face the music, but I couldn’t. The truth is that I’ve never been the strong one. I’ve always been the yes girl, and my resolve isn’t as strong as I’d like to think. No, putting as much distance between me and my wedding is the best thing I can do right now, even if it does make me a coward. I’d rather be a coward than wake up tomorrow married to the furthest thing from the man of my dreams.

      If I’d been stronger, I never would’ve allowed my father to set me up on a blind date. I never would’ve decided that complacency and security were enough in a relationship, and I sure as hell never would’ve accepted the ridiculously extravagant—and public—proposal last fall. Inhaling deeply, I decide that I’m turning over a new leaf. I don’t know where I’m going, but somehow, along the way, I’m going to find my own strength. And I won’t return home until I do. No matter how long it takes. 

      Glancing down at my phone, I see that the latest call is from Victoria, and I groan, knowing there’s no way I’m speaking to her now. I throw my phone into my purse on the passenger’s seat and then focus back on the road, looking out the windshield at the beautiful mountains in Tennessee. It’s a gorgeous view, especially with the setting sun, and I get distracted watching the sun dip between two rising peaks. As I round a corner, I look ahead just in time to see a semi-truck barreling into my lane, and before I can hit the brakes, I hear screams sounding in my ear—my own screams—as the truck slams into the front end of my car, sending it spinning.

      My heart’s racing and I squeeze my eyes shut, knowing this is it. This is the end. I steel myself against my seat until the car comes to a complete stop. Silence fills the air, and slowly, I open my eyes, one at a time, hopeful that I can make it out of this alive. My windshield is cracked, and smoke’s filling the air, but when I look down, I’m seemingly unscathed.

      My chest heaves as I try to unbuckle my seatbelt, but for some reason, it does nothing when I press down on the button. Looking out the windshield, I see the semi-truck only feet away, its engine already on fire. My thumb presses down on the release button, but I can’t get it to dislodge. Panic starts to set in as my eyes race from the seatbelt that’s holding me captive to the consuming fire that’s growing with every second. I’m simultaneously cursing God and anyone else I can think of while also praying for safety when I hear a loud bang on my window, my prayers seemingly answered.

      A muffled voice shouts and I strain my ear to make out the words as I turn my gaze to the driver’s side window. My heartbeat quickens when I see the handsome stranger standing at my window. My eyes widen in shock when I realize he’s not a stranger at all. Well, not really. We’ve met—only once—but his face is one I’d never forget. And one I never thought I’d see again. In fact, I’m almost not sure that he’s real.

      I’m distracted as he pounds on the glass, looking back and forth between me and the blazing inferno. I go to open the door, but it won’t move—almost as if something in the crash had knocked the mechanics off-kilter—and I have no way to escape. Panic washes over his face, and I feel the same panic flowing through me. Tugging on my seatbelt, I’m suddenly aware that it’s no use. Looking around, I see the flames, and when I look back at his face, I see it in his eyes. It’s too late for me. But it’s not too late for him.

      I press my hand to the window and hope my eyes are pleading enough to get him to save himself. Instead of fleeing, his big hand comes to the window, covering my own.

      “Get out!” I scream at him, not even sure if he can hear me.

      But it’s no use. He pounds against the window, determination in his eyes. My eyes flick to the semi-truck and I see the fire creeping closer. Panic surges in me and I start banging on the window, frantic and desperate for him to get away.

      A sob catches in my throat when I see his elbow actually cause a crack in the window. Leaning into the passenger’s seat, I cover myself as he hits it a few more times, finally breaking free. After he pushes the glass away, he crawls into the car and starts working on the seatbelt, but it still won’t budge.

      A hissing sounds fills my ears, and I know it’s just a matter of time before we blow sky high. I try to push him out of the car, begging and pleading for him to save himself, but he doesn’t. Somehow, someway, he cuts me free and pulls me into his arms, slipping me out of the car just in the nick of time. As my arms wrap around his neck, he holds me close and strides away from the burning vehicle. His arms tighten around me, and he whispers sweet words in my ear, but they’re indecipherable. Pain flows through my body, my head throbbing as warm blood trickles down the side of my face. My eyelids feel heavy and I can no longer keep them open.

      Just as I’m falling unconscious, the last thing I hear is, “I’m no savior.”

     As darkness takes over, the last thought I have is that it’s a lie. Because he most certainly is mine. 

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Combust Prologue & Playlist Teaser

Unedited/Subject to Change (but hopefully not too much, right?) 

Tentative Release Date: August 19, 2014

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Author Note: Combust, the first in the Wellingtons spin-off series, has younger characters than the Explosive series, 22 and seniors in college, but will still be considered a contemporary adult romance.

You already met and fell in love with Knox Wellington. Now it's his little brother, Cohen's, chance to earn a place on your book boyfriend shelf. In case you haven't met him, you can do so here in Incinerate!

If you haven't read Inflame, check it out! There's a teaser at the end for Cohen and Andi! Inflame on Amazon

Prologue

“You are such a fucking tease.”

Story of my life.Literally. That’s me, or what they like to call me. Andi Kane. Tease. Blue Ball Extraordinaire. The Virgin Queen. Yep, virgin. Did I mention that part? As a chronic masturbator from age fifteen,I've had a huge fondness for clitoral stimulation, and never minded using my own fingers to get myself off. In fact, it’s all I wanted. At least that’s what I thought. After one fateful dry humping make out session in the back of Blake Jackson’s Chevy, I was hooked on the act. The way he rubbed his hard erection in between my jean covered thighs had me moaning into his lips in no time.Before I knew it, I was moving at a frantic pace as the tingling between my legs started to increase until I was pushed over the edge, experiencing the first orgasm not from my own hand. I remember thinking to myself,Who needs sex when it already feels this good? and that’s been my motto ever since.

And it’s been one that came back to bite me in the ass, and not in a pleasurable way. What my naïve mind didn’t realize, or well, care about, at the time was that while a little over the clothes grinding might get me off, it certainly doesn’t do it for the guy, and eventually, they’ll get tired of you just using your hand.Don’t get me wrong, once Blake and I got a little more serious, I graduated up to blow jobs, but by senior year, he wanted to go all the way, something I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for. Blake and I weren’t in love. In fact, we had already talked about parting ways since I was going to the University of Tennessee and he was heading to Clemson on a football scholarship. Neither of us wanted to start off college by being in a long distance relationship, and we were smart enough to know this definitely wasn’t going down the marriage path anyway—and knowing there was no future for us made it so much easier for me to always say no. Until he no longer took no for an answer.

I don’t mean that in the way that he forced himself on me. Blake’s not like that, and I’d pepper spray his ass if he was. All I mean is instead of spending the rest of our senior year together, I walked in on him screwing Lisa Templeton at his dad’s New Year’s Eve party. He had the decency to look at little ashamed, but he shrugged and called me a tease, saying he didn’t want to wait any longer. I promptly closed the door, and haven’t spoken Blake Jackson since.

That doesn’t mean the damage wasn’t done. All the sudden I found myself being asked out on dates by guys from all over the county, and my smart ass continued to do what I do best. Tease. I knew what these guys were doing. Blake Jackson, star quarterback, couldn’t even get into my pants, and it became a competition to see who could bag the girl that he couldn’t. I didn’t mind. They could try; they’d all fail.Fingers, mouths, over the clothes rubbing? I was good with all that, but not a single one of those guys was worth losing my virginity to especially when it was just a game to them. Eventually one got bored and the next one moved in.Every single one of them calling me a tease. Which, in my defense, isn’t really true. I’m a tit for tat kinda girl and if I got off, so did he. I never promised sex, never teased they were going to get it, so I felt the moniker was a little unfair. Now when they labeled me The Virgin Queen, that one, I couldn’t really argue with.

“How was your date with Alex?” Reese, my best friend and soon to be roommate, interrupts my thoughts and I turn to look at her, rolling my eyes. “That bad?”

Groaning, I lie back on my bed and cover my eyes with my forearm. “I don’t know why I even bother. I can’t wait to get out of this small ass town and get to UT where not everyone knows why Blake and I broke up. It was my first date with the asshole and he was already trying to stick his hand down my pants in the movie theater before the trailers were even over. I don’t know what they talk about in the locker room, but I’ve never hooked up on the first date. I’m making a pact. No more dates until I’m in Knoxville. And probably not even after I get there. I need a break.”

She sits down on the bed beside me and pats my thigh. “Probably a good idea. Then you won’t have to deal with a bunch of horny assholes all vying to be the first to bang the mayor’s daughter.”

Yep, that’s me. Daughter of Mayor Kane of Bethel, Tennessee: Population 3,276. “Sometimes I think I should just get it over with, but at this point, there’s not a guy in all of Dyer County I’d even consider sleeping with. At least I know it’ll be different at UT and no one will be singing R. Kelly when I walk into a classroom.”

She laughs, then starts signing his famous Bump N Grind until I take my arm away from my eyes to swat her shoulder. “Hey, it’s true. There’s nothin’ wrong with it, but there’s also nothing wrong with taking the next step. You know me. I say go for it. Sex really isn’t that big of a deal. It’s 2010. The likelihood that you’re going to end up living happily ever after with the first guy you sleep with is probably pretty slim. I’m not saying go out and whore around, but just get it over with.Rip off the Band-Aid. Straddle the bull. Ride the cock. Feed the python. Get it over with,” she insists. It’s not the first time we’ve had this conversation,and until I take her advice, it probably won’t be the last.

Quirking my eyebrow up, I gape at her. “You just described sex in three different ways using animals. Excuse me if it doesn’t sound so tempting.”

Reese just waves me off and continues. “All I’m saying is we’re going off to college in two weeks.You’re eighteen years old and you won’t have Daddy looking over your shoulder everywhere you go. These are supposed to be some of the best years of our lives. Just promise me when we get there you’ll have an open mind. Have some fun. Live a little. Plus, I know you like the whole bumping and grinding action, but let me tell you. It has nothing on the real thing.”

She winks at me,and I have to grin. Reese tells me everything, and I’ve heard plenty of details of her extracurricular activities with her long-term boyfriend, Cy, who was a year ahead of us and is already at UT. “Well when you put it that way, who could resist? Trust me, I’m not saving myself for marriage or anything, and maybe you’re right. Maybe I need to just do it.”

Her eyes light up.“Good! Because, Cy’s fraternity is having a party the first weekend, and what better place to meet a hot college guy?”

“Right. Because the type of guy I want to lose my virginity to would be at a frat party. Are you crazy? Those guys are man whores.” I’ve heard the stories from my older brother, and I shake my head, knowing there’s no way that’s happening.

“That’s where you’re wrong. They’re the perfect type. Hot. Experienced. Part of the reason my first time didn’t suck so bad was because Cy knew what he was doing. But you have awhile to think about it. Just remember, keep an open mind.”

The thought of a hot, experienced guy for my first time actually makes perfect sense but not at a frat party where anyone could walk in. Lisa might not have cared about being caught; I’m not letting anyone watch me in the act. “Alright, I’m not making any promises, but I guess I’ll consider it.”

Squealing, she gives my shoulder a squeeze. “This is so exciting! My little Andi’s growing up.It’s about time I finally talked some sense into you.”

I shake my head and think about what she said. Rip the Band-Aid off? Maybe she’s right. It’s not like I’m waiting for my Prince Charming to walk through the door with the key to my chastity belt, and I’m definitely not looking for a boyfriend, either. As I listen to her prattle on about the party, I decide that I might as well go for it. Quick and painless—well as painless as possible. Now all I have to do is find the right, willing guy. On a campus of 20 thousand students, it shouldn’t be too hard. Hot and experienced, just like she said.

Remind me never to listen to Reese again.

Inflame: An In Depth Look

If you're reading this post, I hope you've read Inflame. If you haven't, everything that will be said from here on out will be a spoiler. So here's your alert. Close the web browser, or proceed at your own risk.

When I started Lucy and Kale's story, I had no idea where it was going to end up. I wrote the prologue and Chapter 1, and then delved into the past. To where Lucy and Kale first met. I loved them upon their first meeting. Their chemistry was undeniable, and it became so clear that these two people were meant for each other, even if they didn't know it.

And they found that as time went on. Lucy tried to move on. Kale thought he could forget her. They were both fools. Clearly. Have you ever seen two people more perfect for each other? Okay, maybe you have, but in my universe? Kale Montgomery and Lucy Dawson? That's a one in a million love.

So let me fast forward into the story. Y'all thought Kale was all sunshine and flowers didn't you? So did I. And then his back story snuck up on me. I originally had a very different outcome for Kale and Tara. Tara was never the villain. I still don't think Tara is the villain. I stand by Kale's statement. To him, she is a cunt. It was a long time coming for that tirade. She deserved it. And Kale needed to let it out. At the same time, I agree with Lucy. Tara was young, alone, and scared. What would you do? That's the thing. I cannot answer that question. Lucy can't answer. Kale can't.

That was the scariest part about writing this book. I didn't want anyone to get to the last page and think... Tessa Teevan is a pro lifer. Tessa Teevan is for abortion. It's NOT about that. My beliefs are my own, and they will never be in the pages of my books. I hope most readers will see Kale's reaction as that of a father, and not of a male. If that makes sense.

Kale makes this statement in the book:

What should have been the mother of my child decided, without me, that our child didn’t deserve living. Because I wasn’t there to protect him. And I know all the ‘it’s a woman’s body bullshit,’ but that was my child, too. What should’ve been my firstborn… But because I don’t have a uterus and can’t carry a child, I had no say so in whether or not my child was brought to full term, even though I would’ve gladly taken all parental control after birth. She wanted him before. I didn’t get how she could change her mind all of a sudden, and I just kind of snapped.

Kale is really dear to me in this part of the book, and I felt his pain. Honestly, it wasn't that long ago that I lived his pain. One of my best friends was Kale. He found out that the love of his life was carrying his child, and he was over joyed. He could not wait to start a family. And in the blink of an eye, that family was taken away from him, without his knowledge. He lived through this pain, this agony, and my heart ached for him every single day as he grieved for his lost child. The child he had no say so in what would happen to him, even though he would've done anything for that child. 

This is why I never give my stance on an issue. There is no black and white answer. When Kale talks about the woman's body issue, that's Kale. When Tara so coldly tells Kale that she terminated the pregnancy, that was her way of getting out of it. When I set out to tell Kale's story, there was no agenda. None at all. Tara isn't a monster. Kale was never perfect.

But the happily ever after that Kale, Lucy, and Sprout have? That's worth a million smiles. 

Picture Books? Pffft. Give me GIF books!

I was feeling very ADD tonight and decided to write a book in gif form. These two are exactly how I picture Andi and Cohen, and the more I went down the rabbit hole, the harder it became to stop. This has absolutely nothing to do with their real story, but this was too much fun for me not to share. 

Andi's tired of being a virgin. She meets Cohen, finds him hot, and is more than ready to do the deed.

Needless to say, it doesn't go well.

Three years have passed. They are reunited. Cohen knows he messed up way back when. He's more than ready to make up for it now. 

Andi's soooo not convinced.

He gets tired of her attitude. 

She's all... Whatever Dude.

Then one day she finds a cute, funny video of him online. 

She easily identifies...Clearly.

They become Spotify friends, sending each other recommendations back and forth as they realize they love the same music.

And then he sends her Call Me Maybe so she'll get the hint...

Ugh. Why did he do that?

If we're going to be friends.... here's a gift.

Seriously, Andi?

Yeah, seriously.

FINALLY!! One thing leads to another....

Cohen can work it!

ORGASM SUCCESS!!

And just when everything seems perfect, she cheats on him with Ryan Gosling. 

He was a Mousekateer for cryin' out loud!!!

HOW COULD YOU?!

IT WAS RYAN GOSLING!!!!!!!

Yolo? Really, Andi?

You were an asshole, Andi.

Good. You should. You should have realized Cohen's cock was 10x better than Gosling's. Seriously. He's tall and skinny. You know what that means. 

Yep. She's so over Gosling. Tall and skinny does nothing for her.

Screw you, Gosling! She's Cohen's!

Andi's sorry and just wants her man back.

Cohen is all in!

Music to Andi's ears

And just like that, Cohen found out he is next. HEA and all that crap. 

The End. But not really. It's actually just the beginning. Cohen and Andi will be on your bookshelves August 2014. 

Disclaimer: Ryan Gosling sadly does not make an appearance in this book. And his penis might be very nice, even if he is tall and skinny.

Also, if you made it this far, add Combust to your TBR!!! Cohen Will Thank You

Cover Reveal: Incinerate

Title: Incinerate (Explosive, #2)

Author: Tessa Teevan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 18, 2014

Cover Design: Wicked by Design

Cover Model: Joshua Saari

Cover Photographer: Josh Norris

 

 

Synopsis

When Knox Wellington opens the door to Charlie Davenport, he's not expecting the fiery brunette with whiskey colored eyes and a feisty personality. Sparks fly immediately, even though their initial meeting is nothing but hostile. Their chemistry is undeniable, but the chip on Knox's shoulder threatens to destroy any hope of him wooing the sweet, southern volunteer sent to help with his rehabilitation. Little does he know she's no Southern Belle, as she gives as good as she can take. As unexpected circumstances push them closer together, heads butt, patience is tested, and flames ignite as they dance around their mutual attraction, both of them jaded from broken pasts. They've both been burned before, so when their feelings of lust, desire, and wanting are inflamed in the heat of the moment, will they finally be able to get over the pain of the past or will their relationship be reduced to ashes before it can ever really begin?

 

 

Excerpt

Following after her, I find her bent over in front of the refrigerator holding the door open and staring at the contents inside. The way her ass is sticking out unleashes something inside me, and I go semi-hard just from watching her. I instantly feel the need to show her that I’m not some weak, damaged man. I walk up behind her and grab her by the waist, turning her around. Kicking the door shut behind me, I push her to the island, and if I thought I could get away with it, I’d be pressing myself up against so she could feel what she’s doing to me. She’s staring up at me with confusion in her big, brown eyes, and I wonder what the hell I’m doing.

“Hop up,” I tell her, and she complies immediately, surprising me by not fighting it.

I place my hands on her knees, spreading them and stepping closer to her so my hips are between her legs. As best as I can, I take a hold each one and wrap them around my waist, and she involuntarily tightens them around my middle, although her ass is still firmly planted on the counter. This isn’t how I imagined her legs wrapped around me for the first time, but I can’t deny that I don’t love the feel of her gripping my waist tightly.

“Arms around my neck, Charlie.” The confused expression on her face deepens, but she does as she’s told.

“What are you doing, Knox?” she asks, looking up at me, her face only inches from mine.

Swallowing hard, I ignore her question and bring my forehead to hers. “Just do this for me, okay? Don’t fight me on it. Just this once. I need to do this.”

She nods, and I’m not sure she knows what to expect, confirming it when I pull her off the counter. Gasping, she starts to struggle, and I have to brace myself against the counter to keep from falling. Jesus, this woman is so damn defiant, and it can be both sexy as hell and annoyingly irritating.

“Knox, what the hell?! Put me down!”

Fuck, I know I should probably listen to her, but I’ve gotten to this point and I’m not stopping until I can prove to myself that I haven’t completely lost all of my strength. She’s not exactly heavy, but her struggling is making it difficult to keep my one good arm around her as I make my way down the hallway, heading into the guest bedroom. Somewhere along the way she stops struggling, apparently having given up and figuring that it’s just easier to let me do this.

I’m slightly out of breath by the time I get to her bed, and I’m more than happy to release her from my arms. Relief washes over me when she plops on the bed, bouncing once. Whether the relief is from having been able to do it or from having freed myself of her weight. Either way, I’m fucking ecstatic, and even though I’m breathing heavy, it was a small victory for me and my bruised ego.

I begin backing away from her because I know the verbal assault is coming, and I don’t blame her, but I don’t regret it.

 

About Me

I'm a twenty six year old book junkie who is also obsessed with sports. Bengals, Buckeyes, Reds are my teams! I work for the government during the day, hang out with Air National Guard on the weekends, and am married to a guy 15 inches taller than me. We're quite the pair! We currently live right outside of Dayton, OH with our two cats. I've been reading since I was a kid. My mom was a librarian, so it was a given. Heck, she even made sure we watched Wishbone instead of the Smurfs. In 2011 when I graduated from college, my mom bought me a Nook, and then in the summer of 2012 I found this amazing site called Goodreads. I was introduced to so many amazing indie/self-published authors. After reading almost 400 books that year, my husband gave me the push to finally sit down and write my own. It was a rocky start, but over time the words started flowing and I couldn't get Jace and Lexi out of my head. If I’m not writing or looking through tons of photos of hot men, all in the name of research, then you can probably find me curled up with my Kindle, ignoring the rest of the world. I love my sports almost as much as I love my books. My other obsessions include red wine, hot men, country music, and all things Grace Potter. I LOVE to hear from readers, so please feel free to contact via any social media site listed below.  

Connect with Me 

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads | Email

 

Other Books by Tessa

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Giveaway

(10) $10 Amazon Gift Cards

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Thanksgiving & Michigan Week Sale and Giveaway!!

Amazon Sale

First of all, I have to say THANK YOU so very much for making this past month an amazing, successful, unforgettable month. The response to Ignite has been extremely positive and it's been such an incredible experience. I love getting all your emails/tweets/facebook messages as you begin to meet Jace and Lexi. 

Most of you know that I've signed model, Joshua Saari, to be the face of Incinerate. If somehow you haven't gotten a chance to meet him, check him out on his facebook page at Joshua Saari Official. The incredibly talented Josh Norris is the photographer and his work is amazing. Check him out here Josh Norris Photography.

The Cover Reveal will be at the end of December, so stay tuned! I'm tentatively setting the release date for Incinerate for early February. I'm working hard on Knox's story for y'all!

Lastly, I've had many people ask about signed paperbacks, so if you're interested, fill out this Google doc.

Purchase Signed Paperbacks

Again, I am so thankful for all the love and support that you all have given me. When I started on this journey, I never expected to meet so many amazing readers. Have a fantastic holiday weekend and GO BUCKS!

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Massive Holiday Extravaganza Giveaway!!!

This giveaway includes: a Kindle HDX, but a Kindle Paperwhite!

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