Book Blitz for Loving Love by Jessica Frances (GIVEAWAY)......

Going home is never easy, especially after leaving behind a slew of regrets in this f/f romance of second chances.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Loving Love by Jessica Frances, then add this emotional tale to your bookshelf.  In honor of this seventh installment in the In Midsummer series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $20 Amazon GC too!

One friendship. One heartbreak. One messy past. One open-ended future. One chance to fix regrets. Multiple hurdles to jump.

Rian:

I knew returning home was never going to be easy. I hurt people when I abruptly left seventeen years ago. I hurt my brothers. I hurt the woman I loved. I lost touch with everyone and have missed so much. But running away can’t last forever. It’s time to face my demons and fight for the one person I can no longer live without.

Love:

Everyone knows me as the lovable, bubbly, happy girl. It isn’t untrue. Years ago, I had my heart broken and have hidden just how much that moment destroyed me. Every day that we have been apart has felt like a piece has been missing from me. But when Rian returns, I can’t bring myself to trust her. I can’t pick up the pieces of me that she carelessly broke and pretend everything is okay again.

However, when a story drifts into dangerous territory and someone important gets caught in the crossfire, sometimes you have to let the past stay where it belongs and forge a new future. There will be missteps, and maybe some tears, but fate cannot be stopped. So, what does fate have in store for us now, and what are the chances we will survive it?

EXCERPT:

“Sounds like you want to hang around here.”

“I do. I know I’m incredibly late on coming back here, but I do want to make Midsummer my home again. I’ve missed this place. I’ve missed you.”

I watch the impact my words have over Love, and they aren’t necessarily good. She looks gutted by my admission.

“I have to get back.” She holds up her hands that just have tape and no fliers left. “Thanks for keeping me company.”

“Of course. It’s been good to see you. I don’t suppose you’d be interested in hanging out again? I know I hurt you by leaving, but I’d appreciate the chance to tell you my story and, if you are open to it, becoming friends again.”

I want much more than friendship with Love, but I know I have to tread lightly. I have to gain Love’s trust again before I promise her more. If we don’t get this new foundation right, then we’re doomed before we get a chance to start.

Love doesn’t immediately respond, which has my heart jacking up in tempo, but soon, a smile graces her soft lips.

“I’d like that. I’m sure we can make some time next week. I’d love to hear about how the teaching goes. I might have a favor to ask of you.”

“Anything!” I quickly agree, knowing I would still do anything for Love. “And let’s lock next week in. Do you still have my number?”

Over the years, we emailed to keep in touch, though those emails turned few and far between in recent years.

“Will you actually leave your phone on? From memory, you were notorious for letting it die for weeks on end.”

“I traveled far and wide, often in places where electricity wasn’t common. I got used to living without it,” I admit, knowing I wasn’t the best at it when I was a teenager, either. I had to hide even having it from my parents, which meant I couldn’t always leave it out charging.

“Luckily, The Last Resort boasts electricity!”

“Yes, I was very impressed to see many outlets in my room. Very fancy.” I lightly elbow her and smile when she laughs.

“Yeah, I have your number. I’ll text you when I’m free.”

“I look forward to it.” I don’t exactly keep the wistful note out of my tone, and Love sure doesn’t miss it, given her widening eyes and the way they dart to my lips. She looks away quickly, but I catch it.

“It’s good to have you back.” She gives me another hug, though it’s less surprising, and I’m able to focus more on how it feels to have her in my arms and to have her body against mine.

I probably hold on too tightly and certainly for too long, but I can’t help it. I missed Love more than I ever realized, and being back, close to her, is like finally feeling fiery warmth after being out in a wintery storm for years.

She pulls away, and then I watch her walk back in the direction of the hotel. I get the feeling she wants some space, so I let her have it. I have a date to look forward to next week, and I need to make sure it goes off perfectly.

For now, I’m going to go off in search of Reed and tease him relentlessly about the fact that he’s going to be a father to twins.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Jessica lives in Adelaide, South Australia. When she is not writing, you can find her reading, napping or watching excessive amounts of TV. Connect with her on Facebook and Goodreads.

BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  INSTAGRAM

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour for Wild Wales by Patricia Evans Cox (GIVEAWAY)....

Two women looking to start over find themselves running a business together after getting an inheritance from their relatives which has them starting out as friends before becoming oh so much more.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Wild Wales by Patricia Evans Cox, along with hearing from Ms. Cox about why readers are drawn to lesbian romances, then discover even more about this book by visiting the other sites hosting this tour.  In honor of this charming lesbian romance make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a $20 bookstore GC too!

WHAT DRAWS READERS TO LESBIAN ROMANCES?

First of all, thank you for having me!

What draws people to lesbian romance? I think we are all drawn to it because it’s a long overdue reflection of our lives and the way we love. For so long our only option was to try to imagine two female characters in books written for a heterosexual audience; the problem with that is that we’re lesbians, not just straight women in a straight world, so that was a dismal thought to most of us.

Well-written lesbian romance it’s captivating because we can relate to those characters and the struggles they’re facing on the path to love; most of us are on the same path in our own lives. I learn from their mistakes, take courage when they’re brave, and fall in love with the characters and their love stories. I think we’ve gone far too long without good literature specific to our community, and I hope I can help change that.

I take representing our community seriously, and when I started writing I knew I didn’t want to just repeat what I’d read in some popular lesbian fiction: sanitized vanilla sex scenes without the passion, lust and connection we all know should be there.

So I write it all. The hot, the raw and the unexpected, even the scenes that push our boundaries and make us think. And I’m truly grateful for the amazing readers that have taken to time to tell me that it has made them feel seen and appreciated. I can’t speak for everyone, but please know that I see you, appreciate you, and applaud you for your part in making our community shine by supporting lesbian authors.

Aisling Moss is balanced on the crystal edge of success as one of the most sought-after wedding planners in London...until one ill-advised move brings her career crashing down around her feet like a toppled tower of champagne flutes. The next day, a letter from a family solicitor arrives at her flat, and she has to choose between picking up the pieces of her career in London or taking the next flight to Wales to honor the wishes of someone she loves.

Finn Morgan was forced to end her fighting career after an injury sidelined her dreams of being a star in the cutthroat world of professional women’s boxing. Her job as a short-order cook in a Brooklyn diner certainly doesn’t compare, but it also doesn’t require her to think about what she wants to do with her life. Sleeping with her boss’s wife and spending quality time with a punching bag is all she needs, until the day she comes home to find a letter from across the pond, surrounded by a pool of warm sunlight, on her entry table.

Once in Wales, long-kept secrets and unexpected demands surface for both Finn and Aisling, and they are forced to make hard decisions about their futures: Do they return to rebuild the lives they had, or take a chance on love in wild, windswept Wales?

EXCERPT:

Aisling spoke slowly, more to herself than to Finn. Her voice trailed off, but she snapped back to reality after a few seconds and looked back at Finn across the kitchen.

“I kissed the wrong person, I guess."

Finn waited for her to go on, but she didn’t.

“How do you lose an entire career from one kiss?"

Aisling smiled, letting the silence speak for her.

“Oh shit,” Finn said slowly. “You didn’t kiss the groom, did you?"

She laughed and pulled the pen out of her hair. “Um, no...not the groom."

“Then it can’t be that bad. What’s the big deal?"

Aisling ran her fingers through her hair and loosened the waves until they fell over her shoulders. “It was the bride."

“Wow.” Finn shook her head, smiling, and folded what was left of the charred cardboard box into the trash. “I did not see that one coming."

“I thought not. Most people don’t."

Finn smiled and stepped into the living room, then leaned back in as soon as she passed the door frame. “This fire is beautiful. Did you do that while I was folding myself into the bathtub?"

Aisling didn’t answer, just walked slowly into the room, where a cheerful fire crackled and warmed the air. When they’d walked into the house an hour ago, it had been empty and dark, but now the entire room looked gilded, as if the firelight had melted into gold over every surface. Once again, the hearth had been swept clean and even the dented copper bucket next to the fireplace had been filled with freshly cut wood. Aisling stared into the flames, then slowly raised her eyes over Finn’s head and up to the ceiling.

“What are you looking at?” Finn said, following her gaze to the cracked plaster ceiling arched above her head, secured at the apex with an unfinished wooden beam.

“Nothing,” Aisling replied, her eyes scanning the room, half expecting to see the golden orbs of light she’d seen in the castle. But there was nothing. “Just a memory, I guess."

BUY AT AMAZON here.

AUTHOR INFO:

Patricia has been slinging ink and falling in love with characters since her boarding school days, and continues to write in her hometown of Eureka Springs, AR.

Her handmade tiny home in the forest, strewn with leather journals and forgotten cups of tea, serves as her writing studio. Her dogs Dublin and Snoo do their best to help by snoring loudly at her feet.

Patricia has lived in Ireland and England and returns there frequently to write, as well as to a much loved tiny island off the coast of Glasgow, where the owner of the local pub saves her the red velvet chair by the fire.

WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Spotlight on The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite (GIVEAWAY)

Readers will find themselves drawn to this historical romance of star-crossed lovers as a young woman feels a surprising attraction to the woman she’s helping fulfill her dead husband’s scientific legacy.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of The Lady's Guide to Celestial Mechanics by Olivia Waite, then add this f/f-fueled story to your bookshelf.  In honor of this first installment in the Feminine Pursuits series make sure to fill out the form below for the chance to win a bound manuscript copy of this historical romance too!

As Lucy Muchelney watches her ex-lover’s sham of a wedding, she wishes herself anywhere else. It isn’t until she finds a letter from the Countess of Moth, looking for someone to translate a groundbreaking French astronomy text, that she knows where to go. Showing up at the Countess’ London home, she hoped to find a challenge, not a woman who takes her breath away.

Catherine St Day looks forward to a quiet widowhood once her late husband’s scientific legacy is fulfilled. She expected to hand off the translation and wash her hands of the project—instead, she is intrigued by the young woman who turns up at her door, begging to be allowed to do the work, and she agrees to let Lucy stay. But as Catherine finds herself longing for Lucy, everything she believes about herself and her life is tested.

While Lucy spends her days interpreting the complicated French text, she spends her nights falling in love with the alluring Catherine. But sabotage and old wounds threaten to sever the threads that bind them. Can Lucy and Catherine find the strength to stay together or are they doomed to be star-crossed lovers?

EXCERPT:

It wasn’t until Lady Moth set the bundle of cloth down on the desk that Lucy realized: one, she had been staring, and two, there was quite a lot going on with that bundle of cloth. It was deep navy blue, rolled tight, and looked very fine indeed. “What is this?” Lucy asked.

Lady Moth sat in her usual spot on the sofa, but the way she leaned forward and the spark in her eyes had Lucy’s pulse racing with anticipation. “A little something I’ve made,” the countess said. She smiled, not without some anxiety. “A gift.”

Lucy sat straight up in astonishment. “A gift for me?”

Lady Moth’s laugh was always soft, as if it had been packed away in an attic for too long, unused. “Who else?”

Lucy shook her head, feeling silly, and reached out a hand. The fabric unrolled and revealed itself to be a generous shawl, and Lucy choked back a gasp.

She’d thought at first it was an ocean blue, but there in front of her was spread the whole night sky.

Each edge of the shawl glittered with comets, icy silver spheres made of spiking stitches, a few with long wispy tails of single strands stretching out toward the center of the fabric. Arranged in a line they formed shapes like classical columns, or arches on some Palladian monument. Between these edges was a vast, starry expanse, tiny glass spangles scattered across the blue like diamonds on velvet. Lucy’s trained eye picked out the familiar patterns at once—there was the boxy bulk of Ursa Major, and spiky Cassiopeia the jealous queen, and the broad shoulders of Orion the hunter. She looked back again in wonder at the comet border, marveling at the subtle color variation in the silk threads. Silver and white and gold and even a hint of palest green, each thread as precisely placed as a brushstroke on a portraitist’s masterpiece, giving the impression that each comet was still somehow streaking across the nighttime sky on their impossible journey.

She wanted to wrap the whole thing around herself like armor—and oh, wouldn’t it make the most of all her gowns in their simple lines and mourning colors? Her lavenders and greys would look restrained and mature, rather than simply undecorated.

“Do you like it?” Lady Moth asked.

Lucy looked up, English and French and the language of astronomy spinning madly together in her brain. “I am trying very hard not to cry on you again,” she stammered, “but it’s difficult—because this may be the single loveliest thing I have ever seen.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  AVON ROMANCE  |  BN  |  GOOGLE PLAY  |  iBOOKS

AUTHOR INFO:

OLIVIA WAITE writes historical romance, fantasy, science fiction, and essays. Every first Thursday of the month she reviews romance old and new in the Kissing Books column for the Seattle Review of Books. When the birds are propitious, she sends out the Oliviary: a newsletter full of links, recommended books, and great pieces from all over the great wide internet.

You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or follow one of her glorious Pinterest boards. To pitch books for review, write to her at: olivia.waite.books@gmail.com.

NEWSLETTER  |  WEBSITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

**********GIVEAWAY**********

a Rafflecoptergiveaway

Book Spotlight on Mixtape: A Love Song Anthology (REVIEW)

Readers will find themselves entertained by this love song-inspired anthology that will put a sentimental smile on your face along with a blush or two.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of the Mixtape anthology, along with my impressions of it, then add it to your bookshelf!

What’s more romantic than a love song? A mixtape full of them.

Twelve bestselling and award-winning authors have curated an anthology of brand-new, standalone stories inspired by love songs, featuring a foreword written by NYT bestselling author Laurelin Paige. Press PLAY on this limited-edition collection that’s guaranteed to make you swoon.

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  BN  |  KOBO  |  GOOGLE PLAY

JOIN THE FACEBOOK GROUP here.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER here.

LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST THAT INSPIRED THIS ANTHOLOGY here.

MY IMPRESSIONS OF THIS BOOK:

Like other anthologies this collection offers a wide variety of themes, couplings, and steaminess.  There’s definitely something for everyone here, from sentimental stories that charmed me to erotically-charged tales that made me blush.  It’s ultimately a blast from the past as music and romance are blended together in these twelve tales that kept me entertained for hours.

While I found something satisfying in each entry in this collection, there were a few that were particularly entertaining.  The first story (Guys My Age by Saffron Kent) features an older man/younger woman romance that started when she was young and has been slowly burning ever since.  Fallon’s always struggled with depression but being around the older Dean gave her childhood a sense of security and acceptance that has turned into a woman’s love.  Dean however has felt only guilt for the intense feelings she’s always engendered in him in a battle he’s finally tired of fighting.  Theirs was a sweet and sexy connection, one that spanned years in a bittersweet build-up.  Issues of mental illness were briefly touched on as well as concerns over their age difference to add deeper layers to this couple in a satisfying story.

The next story to capture my attention was Toothpaste Kisses by Xio Axelrod, a m/m romance set in the art world that brings together a struggling artist and a rich lawyer starting over after being dumped by his business and personal partner.  It’s an atmospheric tale that uses art to amp up the eroticism.  While it’s not a definitive HEA it’s a scorching slice of life that hypnotized me.  Malcolm’s a bit bitter at the start of the story, but finds a savior and a reason to start over when he discovers the colorful artwork of Pellam.  Theirs is a crackling connection, one full of sexual tension, that had them crashing together in a steamy encounter that promises to be just the beginning.

In a story of unrequited love between two men who’ve been friends since they were young, emotions become even more conflicted as Shane makes a surprising marriage proposal to their mutual friend out of fear of admitting his true desires and disappointing his family.  Think I’m In Love by Leslie McAdam is a fully fleshed-out tale full of heartbreak as Randy’s feelings for his best friend Shane pulls at reader’s heartstrings.  Friendship and love war with the truth and obligation as their true feelings flare to life repeatedly with Shane continually fighting his feelings in this scorching story that frustrated me often but kept me glued to the pages too.  Their battle is hard fought, one that punches the gut, but once the smoke clears it’s an ending that had me cheering and ready for the fallout to arrive.

On a whole this was a satisfying collection of stories that gave me hours of afternoon delights.  Scorching stories and remembrances of classic love songs wove a web of sweet and sexy moments featuring appealing characters.  Readers will find much to like in this collection that will be a decadently delightful addition to your bookshelf!

My rating for this is a B+

*I got this book from the author for review in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book Spotlight on All You Need is Love Box Set Featuring Adriana Kraft

Romance Collections is proud to present these thirteen stories of love that knows no boundaries. Like rivers flowing through the canvas of earth, these stories will run deep, touch softly and leave you breathless.  No matter who it is with, passion is magnificent, desires are bold, and love is beautiful.
Keep reading to get a tempting taste of All You Need is Love Box Set, with its GLBT-fueled tales from a selection of reader’s favorite authors, then add this limited edition collection to your bookshelf.

The Omega Shift, by Tamsin Baker

Running in Circles, by Jess Buffett

Burning for Him, by Kristine Cayne

Three: A Love Story, by Adriana Kraft

Stop me Falling, by Cate Farren

Fall for You, by Valerie Ullmer

Homecoming, by Kai Tyler

Lesbian Alien Affairs, by Lexi Thorne

Bound for Landia, by Izzy Szyn

Wide Awake, by Aeryn Jaden

Once Upon a Crush, by Dana Kenzi

The Honest Change, by Celia Fay

Cupid’s Valentine, by Dani Gray

THREE:  A LOVE STORY

As erotic romance authors, my husband and I love writing ménage and polyamory stories because they offer so many options for sizzling sex scenes. We craft sexual encounters on the page that appeal to both of us in hopes they’ll appeal to the fantasies of other men and women, as well.

But what happens when these hot erotic fantasies run headlong into real-life obstacles? What does polyamory look like when it happens to ordinary people? That’s the challenge we set ourselves in “Three: A Love Story,” our contribution to the Boxed Set All You Need is Love.

Three lives—but how many loves? Two bisexual women deeply in love with each other also enjoy dating men and even arranging an occasional three-way. What if one of these women starts to fall in love with a man?

EXCERPT:

Jamie tilted her head to the side as Susan curled back in next to her. “So what do you think of Mason?”

“Ah, Mason. He’s the source of your stewing. Is he starting to wear on you? How long has it been—three months? Four months?”

“He’s not wearing on me. And it’s nearly five months.” Jamie paused to wet her lips. “You didn’t answer my question. What do you think of him? What do you really think of him?”

Susan flinched. “Well, I haven’t thought a lot about him, though I must say he has stayed around longer than any guy in recent memory.” Susan sighed. “Okay, to be honest. I think he seems like a very nice guy. When he’s over here, it’s because he’s come to see you, so I don’t really spend a lot of time with him. I’ve cooked a few dinners for you guys, but most of time he comes, you go out, you come back, and you fuck like two wildcats. I’m surprised the neighbors haven’t complained. And he’s usually gone before I’m up in the morning. And lately you’ve been spending much more time at his house than at our apartment…for your love nest activities, that is. I must say that’s easier on me. I get more sleep, and I don’t have to imagine what you and he are doing to each other.”

“That’s it?”

“What else do you want me to say? I’m an English professor, not a social worker. He doesn’t seem abusive. He’s easy to look at. He doesn’t…” Susan paused. “Uh oh. If he’s not wearing on you and yet you’re stewing about him...” She arched an eyebrow. “Jams, maybe you’d better tell me what’s really on your mind.”

Jamie didn’t miss the sudden flash of anxiety that crossed Susan’s face.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  BN

AUTHOR INFO:

Winner of the 2014 Bisexual Book Award for erotic fiction, author Adriana Kraft is a married couple writing Sizzling Romantic Suspense and Erotic Romance for Two, Three, or More. Whether readers open our romantic suspense or our erotic romance, they can expect characters they care about, hot sex scenes, and a compelling story. Our suspense stories deliver one man, one woman, danger and intrigue. Our erotic romance is edgier and nearly always includes ménage or polyamory, sometimes with two women and a man, sometimes with two (or more) couples.

Together we have published more than forty romance novels and novellas to outstanding reviews.

EMAIL  |  WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE  |  NEWSLETTER  |  GOOGLE+  |  BOOKBUB

Book Spotlight on Another Dance by Lucy Felthouse

Readers looking for a quick yet emotionally engaging romance will get just that with this tale of one-time friends whose relationship has evolved into something more.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Another Dance by Lucy Felthouse, with its sensual lesbian romance, then add this previously released short story to your bookshelf!

Can another dance help them forget the pain of the past?

Eden and Janine were best friends throughout their childhood and early teenage years. Then something happened that shattered their friendship, leaving Eden devastated and confused. Ever since her efforts to sort things out with Janine failed miserably, Eden has avoided her ex-best friend. Unfortunately, she can’t avoid her forever, since Eden’s sister is marrying Janine’s brother.

Thrown together in the same room for the first time in years, can the two women finally put their issues behind them and move on? Or is their shattered friendship beyond repair?

EXCERPT:

Eden had been dreading this day since the moment her sister, Carol, had announced she was getting married. A wedding was supposed to be a happy occasion, a cause for celebration. But not when your sister was marrying the brother of your ex-best friend.

Eden had done a successful job of avoiding said ex-best friend for ten years, crying off any get-togethers, school reunions, and even her sister’s engagement and hen parties. Understandably, it had made her incredibly unpopular with Carol and their parents, but she’d had to put up with their displeasure for the sake of her own sanity.

Today, though, Janine or no Janine, Eden was going to her sister’s wedding. It was kind of crucial, really, given she was chief bridesmaid. She was just thankful that Janine hadn’t been asked to be a bridesmaid. That would have been problematic.

“I honestly don’t understand what happened between the two of you. What made you fall out so badly that you still want to avoid her?” Carol was asking, as the hairdresser put the finishing touches to her up-do, then settled her tiara on top of it, leaving the attached veil trailing down her back.

Well you wouldn’t, would you? Eden thought, trying hard not to let her emotions show on her face. You’ve never been confused about your sexuality and come on to your best friend, have you? But she kept quiet, determined not to ruin her sister’s special day.

“Can you even remember what happened?” Carol continued, thanking the hairdresser and standing up. She moved over to the full-length mirror in the room and examined herself from every angle. The hairdresser held up another mirror so the bride could see the back of her hair. She nodded.

“Yes,” Eden replied shortly, then added, “You look beautiful, sis. Really gorgeous.”

Inside her head, though, she was already reliving that fateful night.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (UNIVERSAL LINK)  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  SMASHWORDS

AUTHOR INFO:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller), The Persecution of the Wolves and Hiding in Plain Sight. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 160 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. Subscribe to her newsletter and get a free eBook HERE.

Book Spotlight on Finally Found by Lucy Felthouse

The theme of friends-to-lovers drives this romance where one weekend changes everything for two women if only they’re willing to put their hearts on the line in this erotically-charged short story.  Keep reading to get a tempting taste of Finally Found by Lucy Felthouse, then add this lesbian romance to your bookshelf!

Natalia has been in love with her best friend Ashleigh for years, ever since they were housemates at university. Unfortunately, circumstances, and then Natalia’s unwillingness to jeopardise their friendship, mean that she has never confessed her feelings, choosing instead to be grateful for the close relationship they do have. However, on a weekend away together, a bottle or two of wine and an erotic book place the girls in a highly charged sexual situation. Will Natalia make a move, or is she too afraid to rock the boat and risk losing Ashleigh altogether?

***This story was previously published as part of the Lover Unexpected: Sappho Edition anthology.

EXCERPT:

Natalia smiled as she caught sight of the familiar redhead sitting at a table in the hotel bar. Thankful for the thick carpet masking her footsteps, she walked up behind her friend, ensuring she wouldn’t be seen. Then she slipped her hands over her eyes. “Guess who?”

An excitable squeak, then, “Oh, I don’t know. Is it Scarlett Johansson?”

“Hmm, close, but not quite. Guess again.”

“Oh, shut up you silly cow, and come here.” With that, the redhead stood and turned, throwing her arms around Natalia and pulling her into a tight hug. “Hey, gorgeous. I missed you! How are you?”

“I missed you too, Ashleigh. I’m good, thanks. How about you? You look great.”

Disentangling from their embrace, Ashleigh looked down at her clingy black top and skinny jeans and shrugged. “Thanks. I’m okay, I guess. All the better for seeing you. It’s been forever. Come on, sit down. Let’s get a drink.”

They sat down, and a waiter appeared. Natalia suspected he’d been waiting at a safe distance until they’d finished their enthusiastic greeting.

He smiled. “What can I get you ladies?”

Natalia looked at her watch. “You know what, it’s Saturday and it’s after twelve. I’ll have a glass of white wine, please. Something mid-range and not too dry.”

Ashleigh piped up. “Make it a bottle. Thanks.”

The waiter nodded, gave a little bow and walked away.

“So,” Natalia said, settling back into the plush armchair, “how was your journey? I always find getting into London a total nightmare, but it’s not so bad once you’re here. The Tube may be sweaty and crowded, but at least it’s fast.”

Ashleigh nodded. “It was all right, actually. The train into the city was on time and not very busy, and, like you say, the Tube is quick and easy. It was pretty stress-free. You?”

“Much the same. I’m just glad we’re finally here. I can’t believe it’s been a year since we’ve seen each other. It’s so easy to forget that when we talk almost every day.”

“I know. I’m sorry. It’s just life gets in the way, doesn’t it? Especially as we live so far apart. And then there was all that stuff with Kayla…” Ashleigh lapsed into silence and dropped her gaze to the table.

Natalia didn’t know how to respond to that, so she just nodded sagely. Kayla had been Ashleigh’s live-in girlfriend, until the discovery of some text messages and emails tipped Ashleigh off that she was being cheated on. Despite all of Kayla’s pleas and declarations of true and undying love, Ashleigh had no intention of being a doormat, so she’d thrown Kayla out, and that was the end of it.

Of course, Natalia had known that Kayla was going to be thrown out before Kayla did. As soon as Ashleigh had found the incriminating missives, she’d gotten straight on the phone to Natalia for advice. And as much as Natalia wanted to tell her friend to get the hell rid of the cheating bitch, she also wanted her to be happy, so instead she’d asked Ashleigh if she thought she was being too hasty.

“Fuck no,” Ashleigh had replied, “as far as I’m concerned, she’s destroyed my trust. Once that happens things are never the same, so it’s not worth it. And if I meant that much to her, she wouldn’t have done it, would she?”

FIND AT GOODREADS here.

BUY LINKS:  AMAZON (universal links)  |  BN  |  iBOOKS  |  KOBO  |  SMASHWORDS

AUTHOR INFO:

Lucy Felthouse is the award-winning author of erotic romance novels Stately Pleasures (named in the top 5 of Cliterati.co.uk’s 100 Modern Erotic Classics That You’ve Never Heard Of, and an Amazon bestseller), Eyes Wide Open (winner of the Love Romances Café’s Best Ménage Book 2015 award, and an Amazon bestseller), The Persecution of the Wolves and Hiding in Plain Sight. Including novels, short stories and novellas, she has over 160 publications to her name. She owns Erotica For All, and is one eighth of The Brit Babes. Find out more about her writing at http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk, or on Twitter or Facebook. Sign up for automatic updates on Amazon or BookBub. Subscribe to her newsletter and get a free eBook HERE.