The Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza #Giveaway Hop

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Signups Close On 4.12.19

**ATTENTION: Please be sure to read our giveaway policy before you enter my giveaway or any of the following giveaways. When you enter our giveaways keep in mind they are US only giveaways sponsored by us **

Welcome to the Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Hop hosted by Bookhounds. Be sure to scroll down and check out the linky on the bottom to follow the hop to win other great prizes!

For my prize for The Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway - I am giving away two Easter books for the little ones. An Easter Prayer Touch and Feel by Amy Parker and Jelly Bean Blessings by Maddie Frost

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Blitz & #Giveaway - From Geek to Greek Billionaire by Gloria Silk @glorialsilk #Romance

From Geek to Greek Billionaire
Gloria Silk 

(Anderson Brothers #5)
Publication date: December 12th 2017
Genres: New Adult, Romance

Olivia Moore has landed her dream job—to renovate a very special beach house for her best friend, Maria. The last thing Olivia needs is to bump into her teen crush, the geeky yet sexy Alexander Anderson. She fell in love with him so hard and completely and he broke her heart. Now he’s her best friend’s brother-in-law.
Despite his devastating mistake a decade earlier the shy, enigmatic bachelor now asks Olivia to help him with a special makeover and an infusion of confidence to woo a particular, special woman (unaware that she’s the one he’s after) she wants nothing to do with him. After all, despite her generous nature to help, she cannot risk getting closer to him. Her life has no room for romance or distractions. Still coming to terms with her secret past she fears that Alexander may discover it. She wants an uncomplicated life focusing on what she loves–redesigning homes–with no risk of being hurt.and , pain free and not risking being hurt.
This bestselling 40,000 word novel is an expanded and enhanced version of the novella first published as part of the amazing Billionaires on the Beach Anthology: which raised 100% of the proceeds for breast cancer in summer of 2017.
“…Ms. Silk’s uplifting stories pull you in and make you fall in love…” Elizabeth Lennox, Bestselling Romance Author

Goodreads / Amazon / Kobo / Google Play

EXCERPT

Prologue
Nine and a half years earlier
Olivia hadn’t imagined that her first time would be in a large walk-in linen closet, even if it was in a five star hotel. One tentative kiss from the shy, sweet Alexander had changed everything.
Both of them were shaking in each other’s arms, the napkins they had come for lay strewn beside them by their feet.
Alexander’s touch stole Olivia’s breath. Everything seemed to move in slow motion. The inevitability was mesmerizing.
This shouldn’t be happening…We’ve only known each other a few weeks. Six whole wonderful, romantic weeks.
But no words would come out.
Was that romantic music playing only inside her head?
Within minutes their world turned into a grown up paradise where only love and pleasure existed.
Enveloped within those large muscular arms, Olivia welcomed the heat in her pulsating body as she tried to control her erratic breathing.
She smiled under Alexander’s stare, grateful that he also looked as shaken up as she was.
“Olivia, wow.” His low voice surrounded her in their cocoon. She loved the delicious scent of his understated cologne mingled with the smell of lemony fresh laundry.
“I…I’m sorry, Olivia. Are you OK? Did I hurt you?”
When she shook her head he sighed and added, “Good. I couldn’t help myself, I love you…so much.” He kissed her again and she wanted to cry from his sweetness. Her heart thrummed even faster as she looked up into his frank, green eyes. They were filled with awe as if he hadn’t realized the intensity of what he felt until the words had come out.
Their incredible bond of having given each other the gift of their virginities could never be broken. She felt it in her bones and saw it clearly in his face that Alexander was in the same exact nirvana.
As if psychic, he whispered into her temple, his warmth breath sending shivers of delight through her body, “You know I love you very much, right, Olivia? So much…it hurts. This isn’t just…”
She nodded and smiled, blinking tears away to enjoy the vision of the adoration in his eyes. In his arms she felt absolutely beautiful, not overweight or clumsy, or geeky.
Everything felt so perfect, so right.
She could imagine meeting his large family, those Anderson boys and the parents. She visualized how much her parents and her younger sister, Lisa would love this humble, shy yet amazing guy.
But there was no rush for any of that. At eighteen she was still in college to pursue interior design, and he was considering his options right here in Wrightsville Beach or in his birth country, Greece.
“I can’t wait to show you off at the gala tomorrow.” Alexander’s deep slow laugh reverberated within his chest straight into her heart.
“You make me so happy, Olivia. I could never imagine feeling like this about anyone in the world.” His lips trailed her temple to her ear, then from her cheek to her mouth.
Another kiss to seal their love. It was magical.
She was about to admit her love for him when the loud knock on the door jarred her.
“Hey, Alexander, are you there? Where’d you disappear to?” Brittany’s nasal voice broke through their haven.
Cool air met Olivia’s exposed upper body, making her shiver.
Alexander sighed and with a regretful expression let her go. “Be there shortly.” He called out. Then he helped her with her with her blouse before adjusting his own clothing.
“This summer, today, they’ve been the most important times of my life. You’re unforgettable. My Olivia.”
She felt her lower lip tremble again as she kept her happy tears at bay and smiled. They would see each other later and she would tell him that she loved him too.
It would all work out, she just knew it.

Author Bio

Ever since Gloria Silk was little her passion was creating and sharing her romantic stories with others. She always loved reading contemporary and historical novels that grasped her imagination. Gloria now writes intense, sensuous love stories.
In addition to writing romance and women’s fiction, she enjoys writing intercultural romances and about family bonds. What can be more important in life than love and family?
Born in Russia, Gloria Silk has visited and lived in amazing, exotic places in the world. Loving Europe (especially the English, Italian and French countryside) and the Mediterranean, her other favorite country is Hawaii. She has yet to visit India and Australia, her dream destinations in the name of research, of course!
Being a writer gives her the privilege to explore, travel, and meet wonderful, new and exciting—and sometimes eccentric—people. Her background in English literature, writing, and psychology helps her create unique characters for her stories. Especially the charismatic heroes and feisty heroines who find themselves in sticky situations with each other, their families, and their cultures. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing readers love her warm heroines and the gorgeous enigmatic heroes, like she falls in love with them.
When she is not painting in various media or watching romantic movies, or cooking up a storm for her family and friends, she hangs out with her writing friends and other creatives.
Although she was brought up in England, she now lives – and writes – in the Toronto, Canada, with her own love of her life, soul-mate husband, her gorgeous and fun daughter and her smart, blonde Cockapoo, Princess Bella.
Please email Gloria Silk with any questions or comments at: contact@GloriaSilk.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Spotlight & #Giveaway - Taming Georgia by Ellie Wade @AuthorEllieWade #Romance

Taming
Georgia

The
Flawed Heart Series Spinoff Book 1

by
Ellie Wade

Genre:
Contemporary Romance

Pub
Date: 5/28/19

Georgia
Wright has never believed in fairy tales. That is, until Wyatt Gates
walks into her life.

But
fate has other plans in mind for these two, and their early
blossoming romance is over before it’s even begun. Ever since that
day, Georgia is determined to live an untethered life. She’s never
felt comfortable with the fact that she grew up with a trust fund
when others had so little. Now she travels to places where she can
help people in need and do her part to make the world a better place.

It
isn’t until seven years later, when the two meet again, that they
get a second chance to get things right.

Wyatt
has never found it easy to trust. Ever since his mother passed away,
he has a hard time opening up to anyone. Now the owner of a Pitbull
rescue called Cooper’s Place, he has slowly begun to turn his life
around. When the last person he ever wants to see again, Georgia
Wright, walks back into his life, the sparks they once shared are
impossible to ignore and the walls he so carefully built around his
world start to come crashing down.

Will
Georgia and Wyatt let the misunderstandings of their past keep them
apart? Or will their attraction to one another lead these two
passionate souls to finally find their happily ever after?

Add
to Goodreads

Amazon
* Apple
* B&N
* Indiebound

Ellie
Wade resides in southwest Michigan with her husband, three young
children, and two dogs. She has a Master’s in Education from
Eastern Michigan University, and she is a huge University of Michigan
sports fan. She loves the beauty of her home state, especially the
lakes and the gorgeous autumn weather. When she is not writing, she
is reading, snuggled up with her kids, or spending time with family
and friends. She loves traveling and exploring new places with her
family.

Website
* Facebook *
Twitter * Instagram
* Bookbub *
Amazon *
Goodreads

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the tour HERE
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Blitz & #Giveaway - Faithful by Frankie Love @frankieloveromance #Romance

Faithful
Frankie Love 

(The Mountain Man’s Babies, #10)
Publication date: April 18th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The moment I saw her I knew.
Knew that we would have a future, a family, a forever.

Her father says she’s too young, too naive, too innocent.

But she is more than he knows.

She’s the love of my goddamn life.
Then she’s gone in the blink of an eye.
But this mountain was made for miracles, and I’m fighting for ours.

I have faith in the impossible.

Faith in us.

And nothing will stop me from being the man she needs.

Dear Reader,

FAITHFUL is the epic conclusion to the most romantic series to ever land on your Kindle.

I didn’t hold back with this one.

Suspense. Secrets. Steam.

But most of all, babies.

I promise you, Jonah is the baby-daddy of the year.

Get ready, sweetheart…

This trip to Miracle Mountain is gonna be one heck of a ride!

Goodreads / Amazon

Book one in the series, TIMBER is FREE

from Apr 18-22 only!

Author Bio

Frankie Love writes filthy-sweet stories about bad boys and mountain men. As a thirty-something mom who is ridiculously in love with her own bearded hottie, she believes in

love-at-first-sight and happily-ever-afters. She also believes in the power of a quickie.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

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Blitz & #Giveaway - Demon Magic and a Martini by Annette Marie @annettemmarie #UrbanFantasy

Demon Magic and a Martini
Annette Marie 

(The Guild Codex: Spellbound #4)
Published by: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Publication date: April 12th 2019
Genres: New Adult, Urban Fantasy

When I first landed a bartending job at the local guild, I didn’t know a thing about magic. These days, I’m practically an expert on the different magical classes, but there’s one nobody ever talks about: Demonica.
Turns out they have a good reason for that. My guild is strictly hellion-free, because who wants to risk life and limb to control the biggest bullies on the mythic playground?
Well, some people do, and now a demon has been loosed in the city. My three best friends are determined to slay it, but even badass combat mages are critically out-magicked. And that’s not all. The monster they’re tracking—it’s not hiding. It’s not fleeing. It’s not leaving a trail of corpses everywhere it goes.
The demon is hunting too. And in a city full of mythics, it’s searching for deadlier prey.
If we can’t unravel the demon’s sinister motivations, more innocent people will die, but finding the answers means digging into dark secrets … and learning truths I never wanted to know.
—

Note: The three mages are definitely sexy, but this series isn’t a reverse harem. It’s 100% fun, sassy, fast-paced urban fantasy.
—

THE GUILD CODEX: SPELLBOUND

Three Mages and a Margarita (#1)

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (#2)

Two Witches and a Whiskey (#3)

Demon Magic and a Martini (#4)

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT

“Speaking of worry …” Sin’s eyes narrowed. “I heard all about how you went demon hunting with Aaron, Kai, and Ezra. I have to ask … what the hell were any of you thinking?”
“Um, well—”
“You aren’t combat trained, and demons are the fiercest, deadliest opponents out there! Why would Darius even approve it? You’re all idiots.”
I managed a bleak smile. “Thanks, Sin. Appreciate the vote of confidence.”
She sniffed angrily. “You know you aren’t ready for that, and I’d really prefer my friend not get herself killed.”
Couldn’t argue with her there. I’d also prefer not to get killed.
Lifting the tattered book off her lap, she smacked it down on the bar. “We need to look at options.”
“Uh … options for what?”
“Defensive alchemy.” She cast me a flinty stare. “Since you’re all for the dangerous jobs now, you need to be armed with more than a couple of artifacts. I heard you used a smoke screen. What else did you take?”
Bemusedly, I watched her flip the book open. “Just flash-bang potions. What is that thing?”
“My grimoire. All Arcana mythics have one—where we record all the spells or transmutations we’ve learned or invented.” She turned several spotted, liquid-stained pages covered in handwriting and diagrams. “I can make smoke bombs and flash-bangs easily enough, but you need something to stop an opponent. Personally, I don’t like sleep potions. It’s easy to get it on your own skin and then you’re asleep instead of them.”
“Yeah, that’d be bad.”
She skimmed a few more pages. “Enhanced strength is useful, but it doesn’t last long, and unless you’re in excessively good shape, you’ll crash hard

afterward. Let’s see … amnesia, no. Fasting potion, no. Enhanced speed, no.”
“What’s wrong with speed? I’d like to be faster.”
“It’s hopelessly impractical. Your body gets faster, but your reflexes don’t, so it’s difficult to control without training and practice. You’ll spend the potion’s duration tripping over your own feet and running into things.”
“Oh.” Too bad. “What’s a fasting potion?”
“Drink it and you won’t need food, water, or a bathroom for about forty-eight hours. Good for certain situations, but you pay for it afterward.” She perused more recipes. “Enhanced perception, air buffer, true sight, anti-emotionalizer, allure-fume—none of these are useful.”
“Allure-fume?” I repeated. “What’s that?”
She winced. “Uh, it’s a … um … perfume.”
I stared at her pointedly, waiting for an explanation, and her cheeks turned pink.
“A few drops on the skin will make the wearer especially alluring to the opposite sex. Like pheromones.”
“Why do you know a potion like that?”
“I tried it out when I was younger, okay?” she muttered defensively. “Lesson learned. You don’t have to lecture me.”
“What happened?”
“I wore it on a first date with this guy I really liked.” “Did it work?”
“It worked on him, plus every male who got within twenty feet of me. I spent our entire dinner date pushing random men out of our booth. I’ve never been hit on so many times in one evening. Most of the men were twice my age and married.”
Fighting back a snicker, I asked, “Did you go on a second date with your crush?”
“No.” She hung her head over the grimoire. “An early sign that my love life was doomed.”

Author Bio

Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it's not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Blitz & #Giveaway - Submitting to the Cowboy by BJ Wane @bj_wane #Romance

Submitting to the Cowboy
BJ Wane 

(Cowboy Doms, #3)
Publication date: April 12th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Tamara Barton had lusted after Connor Dunbar ever since she was old enough to know what those stirrings meant whenever he was near. Connor’s refusal to see her as anything but the young girl he’d befriended and protected for years soon drives them apart, but not before she catches an up-close, personal glimpse of him exerting the dominant control she’d heard rumors about.
Connor regretted the harsh words he’d spoken to Tamara when he caught her spying on him as much as his lustful response to the look of need reflected on her face. He’d been looking after the neighbor girl since the moment he saw her falling off her first horse at the age of ten and didn’t plan on stopping now that she was a grown woman who thought she wanted their relationship to go in a different direction. He knew his sexual proclivities were not for the young, sweet kid he was so fond of, and wouldn’t jeopardize their special bond by giving in to her desires.
But Tamara always had a way of getting what she wanted and when he saw she was serious about becoming a member of the private BDSM club he owned with his brother and best friend, Connor discovered he didn’t want her submitting to anyone but him. When he learns she’d kept things from him that could have impacted her welfare, would he allow his failure to protect her to drive another wedge between them or finally embrace a life with her at his side as more than just a cherished friend?
This is book three in the Cowboy Doms series but reads as a standalone.
Publisher’s Note: This contemporary western romance contains elements of mystery, suspense, adult themes, power exchange and sensual scenes. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT

Tamara pivoted, her eyes widening as none other than the object of her obsession for the last twenty years entered with a loose-limbed stride that never failed to draw women’s attention, including her own. Connor Dunbar looked the same at thirty-eight as he had five years ago; ruggedly handsome with sun-streaked, dark brown hair worn long enough to pull back in a short ponytail, his jaw covered with scruffy whiskers a shade darker than his hair that was sexy as hell.

“Tam?” Surprise colored his voice as those incredible eyes landed on her frozen stance.

The slow stretch of his chiseled lips hit her with a gut-wrenching sucker punch as warmth encircled her heart. No, no, no, she lamented, resisting the urge to turn and bang her head against the wall. That reaction would not do. She’d stayed away so long to get over him, praying with endless regularity for a much less potent response when seeing him again. Disappointment swamped her upon learning those pleas had gone unanswered. Given she’d returned to put this ridiculous, one-sided infatuation to bed once and for all, her response didn’t bode well for achieving that goal anytime soon. I can do this, remain professional and do my job, she lectured herself. Easy. Piece of cake. And then a blue flame of pleasure lit up his eyes as he strode toward her, shredding her resolve in less time than it took to come up with it.

“I heard you were back, maybe for good.” Gripping her shoulders with his large, calloused hands, he pulled her close for a bear hug she knew meant nothing more than an old friend greeting another. “It’s damn good to see you, sweetie.”

Tamara stiffened, the endearment a reminder he would never consider her anything more than a friend. Pulling back from the comfort of his muscled body, she cast a quick glance down at the list of appointments and saw what she hadn’t had time to check. He was her first patient. Dismay changed to sudden concern, overruling her silent objection as the meaning of that sunk in.

“What happened? Were you injured?”

Connor looked puzzled and then his face cleared with a rueful twist of his lips. Rotating his left shoulder, he nodded to the computer. “It’s in my file, I’m sure. Gunshot wound several weeks back, followed by surgery to repair some damaged tendons. I believe it’s your job to help me gain as much strength back as possible.”

Shot? Tamara pulled back from the urge to sink onto the desk chair before her wobbly legs took the choice from her. Instead, locking her knees, she reminded herself of her job. Given her reaction to seeing him again was as strong as always, she wasn’t happy about having to put her hands on him or with being subjected to his close presence for a few weeks. It is what it is, so get over it already. She’d been repeating that phrase for a long time and it looked like she would continue to do so.

Author Bio

I live in the Midwest with my husband and our dog, a lovable Great Pyrenees/Standard Poodle. I love dogs, enjoy spending time with my daughter, babysitting dogs and kids, reading and working puzzles. We have traveled extensively throughout the states, Canada and just once overseas, but I now prefer being a homebody. I worked for a while writing articles for a local magazine but soon found my interest in writing for myself peaking. My first book was strictly spanking erotica, but I slowly evolved to writing erotic spanking romance with a touch of suspense. My favorite genre to read is suspense.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Bookbub

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Blitz & #Giveaway - Beautiful Nightmare by L.C. Son @LCSonBooks #Paranormal

Beautiful Nightmare
L.C. Son
(Beautiful Nightmare, #1)
Publication date: February 14th 2019
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Damina Nicaud, a beautiful, successful art buyer in Washington, D.C., has been plagued by hauntingly romantic dreams of a mystery man every night. While she knows she shouldn’t consider her dreams to be anything more than anxiety brought on by her upcoming nuptials, she can’t help but be lured into its entreat. Unbeknownst to her, the dreamscape that plagues her mind will be all that carries her through eventual heartbreak and learning the truth of her orphaned lineage. She is more than human.
Escaping to New Orleans on the heels of her broken heart, she begins to unravel the mystery of her life while discovering a love powerful enough to unleash an ancient power residing within herself. Weaving through a world of artistic passion, vampires, wolves, and the supernatural, Damina Nicaud begins to take hold of her Beautiful Nightmare.

Goodreads / Amazon

On sale for 99¢ for a limited time!

EXCERPT

This is our spot. The place where he comes to see me. I know he can see me because the moonlit sky illuminates the area where I stand like a spotlight. But under the golden oak is shadow cast. I can only see his silhouette.
I’ve never seen his full face. Just his eyes. The look in his crystalline green eyes paralyzes me with awe, fear, endearment, and safety.
He stays in the shadows, waiting for me to come closer. But I cannot. There are stirring shadows all around us. He is unmoved. I am afraid.
My fear keeps me from going closer and running into his embrace. I know that he will wrap me in his arms, and I will be safe. But I stand still. Frozen.

—

“A well-written paranormal romance, Beautiful Nightmare seamlessly blends the real with the fantastic. The novel delivers with a creative story and the element of fantasy that’s simply put, quite fantastic. Son uses location and setting effectively to convey emotion and atmosphere; her dream sequences are eloquent with a poetic flair, and there’s a careful reverence in the words she’s chosen, elevating the novel over other works in the genre.” Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

“Filled with twist and turns, and an ending that makes me desperate for the next book, this book is definitely 1-click material. The characters, their connection, their journeys, and developments were well crafted and superbly detailed. Enjoy getting lost in this fabulous paranormal fantasy romance.” Bex ‘n’ Books, ★★★★

Author Bio

Wife of one. Mom of three plus a Beagle.
Well, at least that's how I'm described in the confines of my everyday life.
​Writing has always been second nature to me. I spent my childhood creating short stories and my collegiate years writing for the campus paper (Go TERPS!) Jump twenty years to the present--I'm still writing. At my day job I spend most of my time writing capability briefs, white papers, proposals--you name it.
Then one day it hit me! It was time to access my own creative power and bring to life the characters I've created in my mind.
In addition to enjoying life with my amazing family, I can usually be found with my head in a book, binging my favorite shows, and watching movies with jaw-dropping scores! (I love all things Danny Elfman!)
I hope you enjoy my first book, Beautiful Nightmare. It has everything you'd look to find in a paranormal romance-urban fantasy-new age novel. Vampires. Wolves. Love. And so much more!

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Release Blitz - Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder @SSchroeder_ #Romance

Today we have the release blitz for Just a Taste by Shannyn Schroeder! I am so excited to share this sexy new romance with you—check out the release festivities and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: Just a Taste

Author: Shannyn Schroeder

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Series: O’Leary’s, Book 4

About JUST A TASTE:

Grief has brought them together again—will love open the door to their future? When it’s an O’Leary in the picture, finding out is just part of the adventure…



Carmen Delgado is left reeling when her father dies. Taking care of him has been her sole purpose for so long, she’s forgotten what it’s like to have dreams of her own. And with steady, sexy Liam O’Leary inheriting a share in her dad’s successful food truck, Carmen is suddenly free to explore her life’s possibilities. She never expected Liam to provide the kind of temptation she’s not sure she can resist…





A talented chef, Liam O’Leary has been itching to open his own restaurant for years—and the death of his mentor is a reminder that time passes too quickly. Gus’s Taco Taxi isn’t exactly what he dreamed of, but he can’t desert Gus’s daughter. Working side by side is an unexpected pleasure—and grownup Carmen is alluring in all new ways. Is love on the menu—or will old fears and insecurities drive them apart?

Get Your Copy Today:

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Exclusive Excerpt

He entered the house and looked around. People packed the entire living room. He stood still for a moment, allowing the air of the room to warm him. He studied the faces and realized he didn’t know anyone. No one approached him, but many looked in his direction with open interest.

Then he spotted Carmen. She bustled around, taking plates and delivering coffee to older men and women around the room. He crossed to her and followed until she went into the kitchen. He waited in the doorway.

The kitchen was empty of guests. She put the dishes in the sink and then braced her arms on the counter and released a breath that shuddered through her. Guilt poked at him. He was interrupting a private moment and he should leave, but his feet wouldn’t listen.

He cleared his throat. “Carmen?”

She straightened slowly before turning to face him. A slow smile formed on her face. “Liam.”

He hadn’t been sure she would remember him. “How are you holding up?”

She lifted her shoulders in answer. The question was dumb. That was one of the worst parts of dealing with people after his father had died. The dumb questions from people.

“Here.” He held the flowers out to her. “I know it doesn’t help or ease the pain in any way, but I couldn’t come here empty-handed.”

“Thank you. They’re beautiful.” She took the vase from him and looked for a free space on the counter. The entire kitchen table and the length of the counter held trays and bowls of food. The smells made his mouth water even though he wasn’t hungry.

“Can I get you something to eat?” she offered after she stashed the flowers in the corner near the refrigerator.

“No. Can I help with some of this? Do something for you? You look like you have your hands full with all of your guests.” He removed his jacket and hung it on the back of one of the kitchen chairs. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, prepared to help.

She blinked a couple of times. “Uh… In all honesty, I’ll probably end up throwing most of this out. There’s just too much.” She turned in a circle. “Coffee. I need to make more.”

Liam moved forward. The girl looked dead on her feet. How could her family not see this? He pulled a chair out from the table. “Sit. I’ll make it.”

“No, it’s okay.”

“Carmen, sit down. Take a break and relax for a minute.” While not harsh, his tone was firm and she sat.

He remembered when Gus’s wife, Inez, died and the house had been filled like this. Gus loved having the family here, but Carmen had hidden in the kitchen, overwhelmed. Liam had joined her then too. He moved around the kitchen making coffee and then washed the dishes that were in the sink.

“You don’t have to do that, Liam.”

“I know. I like to feel useful. And I don’t think anyone in your family wants to chat me up.” He rinsed a dish and put it in the drain. “I came here to see you, Carmen. I don’t know anyone else. Your dad was my friend.”

He heard her hiccupping breath. When he turned, he expected to see her crying, but she just stared off at nothing. Drying his hands quickly, he squatted in front of her. “What do you need, Carmen? I watched you run around here, taking care of everyone. What can I do for you?”

Her focus shifted until her eyes met his. So much sadness. He wanted to wrap her in a tight hug, but they had never had that kind of relationship. They’d had a teasing, laughing one with minimal contact. And that had been years ago.

“Could you take the coffee into the living room? I just need a few minutes.”

He patted her knee before rising. “Take all the time you need.”

 

 

About Shannyn Schroeder:

Shannyn Schroeder is the author of the O’Leary series and the For Your Love series, contemporary romances centered around large Irish-American families in Chicago and the Hot & Nerdy series about nerdy friends finding love. Look for her new series – The Dating Challenge in 2019. When she’s not wrangling her three kids or writing, she watches a ton of TV and loves to bake cookies.

Connect with Shannyn:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Book + Main Bites

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