#CoverReveal: The Wedding Deal from Cindi Madsen; #ComingSoon, #TBR

Cover Reveal – THE WEDDING DEAL by Cindi Madsen

About the Book:

The rules are about to change…

Former quarterback Lance Quaid just inherited the most losing team in the NFL. He’s got only a few weeks until draft day to turn things around, and after firing more than half his staff, he can’t do it alone. Thankfully, his HR manager is more than capable, if only she’d stop focusing on “due diligence” and stop looking so sexy while she’s yelling at him.

Charlotte James has made a life out of following the rules. But nothing could have prepared her for Lance Quaid––he’s a human resources nightmare. The man is brash, has no filter, and, as her new boss, is constantly relying on her to cover his ass. Which is admittedly quite nice.

When Lance begs her to join him on a trip down the coast for his brother’s wedding so they can finalize details––on a strictly business basis––she agrees...after they fill out the necessary forms, of course. Away from the office, though, sparks start flying as the team starts coming together. But both of them know anything more than the weekend would be a colossally bad idea––after all, the extra paperwork would be a nightmare.

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44006166-the-wedding-deal

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About Cindi Madsen:

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. 

Cindi’s Media Links:

Author Website: http://cindimadsen.com  

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindiMadsen

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindiMadsenBooks

Author Street Team/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/651357805026356/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindimadsenbooks/

Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cindimadsen/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1029223.Cindi_Madsen

Newsletter:  https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/submit/q4j6k1 

#CoverReveal: The Truth About Cowboys by Lisa Renee Jones; #ComingSoon, #TBR, #PreOrder, #Giveaway

About The Truth About Cowboys:

I had my life figured ellut.

Engaged to a successful man.

About to make partner at my firm.

Bought a high-rise apartment in downtown Denver.

And then, poof, it’s all gone. Now, like in some cheesy romantic comedy, my car has broken down in the pouring rain on my way to “find myself” in The Middle of Nowhere, Texas. Cue hot guy coming to my rescue and changing my tire. This is the part where we flirt and have a meet-cute, right? That’s how it works in romance novels, and I should know—after all, I’m coming to Texas to write my own cowboy romance. But nope. This sexy cowboy lights into me about not being prepared for the country roads and how inappropriate my high-heeled boots are.

Little did I know, Michael Montgomery would tilt my world into a new dimension with his sinful smirk and his bad attitude. Every time I turn around, he’s there to reluctantly save the day. And every time, I think there may be something to that spark we ignite. But there’s a reason the majority of country songs are about broken hearts. The closer I get to this man, the closer I get to learning the truth about cowboys.

PreOrder Links:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43593386-the-truth-about-cowboys

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-Cowboys-Renee-Jones-ebook/dp/B07MYX888W/

Entangled Publishing: https://entangledpublishing.com/the-truth-about-cowboys.html

Giveaway:

Prize: $50 Sephora Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Lisa Renee Jones:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara's character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy - a modern girl we all can identify with. In addition to the success of Lisa's INSIDE OUT series, Lisa has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists. Lisa's other bestselling series include: DIRTY MONEY and WHITE LIES. She is presently working on her LILAH LOVE series to be published with Amazon Publishing/Montlake Romance. Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women's Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine. Lisa loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her at www.lisareneejones.com and she is active on Twitter and Facebook daily.

Website: http://www.lisareneejones.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLisaReneeJones/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisareneejones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisareneejones/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/LisaReneeJones

#ExcerptBlitz: In The Dog House By Traci Hall; #ComingSoon, #TBR, #PreOrder

About IN THE DOG HOUSE:

Ten years ago, Jackson Hardy joined the Marines, leaving behind a woman he still dreams about. When he's called home to care for his ten-year-old nephew, no one is more shocked than he to run into Emma again. Or to still have those same feelings. But Jackson isn't looking for love, and neither is Emma, especially not with him. His precocious nephew, though, and a retriever named Bandit, are about to change that.

So what if Emma Mercer is an overachiever? She has plans to get her doctorate in psychology and create a no-kill shelter for the EST dogs she trains. Which leaves absolutely no time for romance. She's fine with a furry family—dogs don't teach you to love and then rip your heart to shreds. But young Matty's situation tugs at her heartstrings and there's no way she can't help him…and Jackson.

She may have hotter-than-ever chemistry with the soldier, but forgetting the past isn't easy.

PreOrder:

Universal Link

Excerpt:

She’d said she was proud of him—did she mean it? Her forearm brushed his leg, and her throat turned a deep shade of rose as she held his gaze. Sweet. She wouldn’t say what she didn’t mean.

He tilted to the right, wanting to touch her mouth with his. Sample a quick taste of Emma to add to his memories. Her lips slightly parted, the pulse at the hollow of her throat sped, her eyes dilated. They were so close to a kiss that all he had to do was move his head forward…

She stood abruptly, smoothing the yellow fabric down over her hip with an eye toward Matty, racing around the fountain. “I’ll get dessert.”

Jackson snapped back. Was she inviting him inside?

“I’ll help.”

She held the door open for him, and he followed her. The instant they were out of sight she launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him to hold him tight—he couldn’t have broken free if he’d wanted to.

And he didn’t.

He buried his hands in her soft, soft hair and cupped her head so that he could study Emma and memorize each new line and freckle. He gently brought the pads of his thumbs to her smooth jaw and plump pink lower lip. Her eyes, swiped with copper, glittered sensually as she absorbed his touch. Auburn lashes at half-mast as she relaxed into him.

He dropped one arm to her hip to balance her, the other still cradling her head as he lowered his mouth. She lifted to him, their lips whispering across each other’s mouths before crashing together like surf against the sand.

She tasted different but the same. It was meeting his other half, something he’d been missing and suddenly needed more than his next breath.

“Em.”

“Jackson.” Her words were hot against his lips and brought the embers of desire flaming bright.

She entwined her fingers behind his neck and pressed in to him.

He clasped her tight, feeling the warmth of her feminine curves, the temptation she offered.

The smack of sneakers up the porch steps made them break away like guilty teenagers.

Jackson’s chest heaved. They weren’t that anymore.

Em’s eyes flashed, the pulse at her neck fast as a hummingbird’s.

“Emma,” Matty asked, innocently entering the kitchen. “Can I have some lemonade?”

“Sure, hon. I was just getting the cannoli out. Are you ready for dessert?” Emma turned her back to him, and Jackson detected a tremor in her voice.

Jackson knew then that he’d never be over Emma Mercer, not if he lived to be a thousand.

#SaleBlitz: Entangled Embrace; #OnSale, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #99Pennies, #LimitedTime, #Giveaway

Calling all new adult readers! You don't want to miss this special Entangled Embrace sale. All full-length Embrace books are on sale for just 99¢ for a very limited time! Shop all books on sale here.

To celebrate this very special Entangled Embrace sale, we have a lightning round of questions and answers with some Embrace authors! Get to know them a little bit better, then shop the sale – 99 books for only 99¢ each!

What kind of Romance Hero is the sexiest?

Amanda Weaver: Brooding intellectual.
Beth Anne Miller: Man in Uniform.
Reese Monroe: Vampire
Magan Vernon : Man in a suit.
Delancey Stewart: Brooding Artist
Jennifer Blackwood: Man in uniform.
A.J. Pine: Tall, Dark, and Bearded.
Julie Patricka: Artist
Jocelyn Adams: Villain-turned-hero of any kind, but I am partial to vampires.
Robin Bielman: I love them all.
Lynn Stevens: Athlete.
D.R. Graham: The sensitive tough guy.
Kendra Highley: Snowboarder.
Christina Phillips: Man in uniform.
Katana Collins: Mmmm. I've always been partial to the bad boy with a heard of gold. The bad boy who loves animals or has a pet will always win me over!
Stacy Wise: Athletes are super sexy!
Season Vining: Tattooed and educated.
Cindi Madsen: Athlete.
Megan Westfield: Athlete.
Lindsey Frydman: An artistic and charming, yet tortured hero.
Jessica Lee: Vampire.
Amy Murray: All of the above as long as he's strong!
Jen McLaughlin: Man in uniform.
MK Schiller: Marine
Ciara Knight Man in Uniform.

Do you prefer romance that gets steamy or that closes the door?

Amanda Weaver: Steamy!
Beth Anne Miller: I like a little steam!
Reese Monroe: Closes the door.
Magan Vernon: Steamy, but not too steamy.
Delancey Stewart: I like sweet with heat (steamy with the door closed!)
Jennifer Blackwood: Steamy, please!
A.J. Pine: The steamier, the better!
Julie Patricka: Give me some steam!
Jocelyn Adams: Steamy all the way.
Robin Bielman: Steamy ;)
Lynn Stevens: Both!
D.R. Graham: A little bit of both.
Kendra Highley: In the middle.
Christina Phillips: Steamy.
Katana Collins: Oh, steamy! For sure, steamy!
Stacy Wise: I prefer romance that closes the door.
Season Vining: The more steam the better.
Cindi Madsen: I like both! Romantic chemistry & slow burn is my fave.
Megan Westfield: Closes the door.
Lindsey Frydman: I love a steamy romance read, but I do prefer to keep the door half-way closed in my own writing.
Jessica Lee: Steamy!
Amy Murray: Closes the door.
Jen McLaughlin: Steamy!
MK Schiller: Steam, please.
Ciara Knight: Both.

What is your all time favorite trope?

Amanda Weaver: Enemies to lovers.
Beth Anne Miller: Enemies to lovers.
Reese Monroe: Ugly duckling.
Magan Vernon: Enemies to lovers with a one night stand and accidental pregnancy
Delancey Stewart: Friends to lovers.
Jennifer Blackwood: Enemies to lovers.
A.J. Pine: Enemies to lovers!
Julie Patricka: Reading=enemies to lovers, writing=fake relationship.
Jocelyn Adams: Opposites attract.
Robin Bielman: Friends to lovers.
Lynn Stevens: Enemies to lovers.
D.R. Graham: Bad boy, good girl.
Kendra Highley: Fake relationship.
Christina Phillips: Enemies to lovers.
Katana Collins: Enemies to lovers. There is something about the contrast and then the couples discoveries about where they were wrong about one another that wins my heart.
Stacy Wise: Friends to lovers always satisfies.
Season Vining: Enemies to lovers.
Cindi Madsen: Friends to lovers.
Megan Westfield: Love triangle.
Lindsey Frydman: Enemies to lovers. *Swoons*
Jessica Lee: Enemies to lovers.
Amy Murray: I love a good enemies to lovers romance!
Jen McLaughlin: Best friend’s little sister.
MK Schiller: Fish out of water.
Ciara Knight: Friends to lovers.

Coffee vs. Tea?

Amanda Weaver: Tea
Beth Anne Miller: Coffee
Reese Monroe: Coffee
Magan Vernon: Coffee
Delancey Stewart: Coffee
Jennifer Blackwood: Tea
A.J. Pine: Coffee
Julie Patricka: Water. I have finally accepted that I need to drink all the water.
Jocelyn Adams: Coffee
Robin Bielman: Coffee
Lynn Stevens: When I run out of coffee, I drink tea. :)
D.R. Graham: Tea
Kendra Highley: Tea
Christina Phillips: Depends on the time of day!
Katana Collins: Coffee
Stacy Wise: Coffee
Season Vining: Neither (gasp!)
Cindi Madsen: Diet Mtn Dew
Megan Westfield: Coffee
Lindsey Frydman: Coffee
Jessica Lee: Coffee
Amy Murray: Coffee
Jen McLaughlin: Coffee
MK Schiller: Coffee
Ciara Knight: Coffee

Abs vs. Arms

Amanda Weaver: Arms
Beth Anne Miller: Arms
Reese Monroe: Arms
Magan Vernon: Arms
Delancey Stewart: Arms
Jennifer Blackwood: Arms
A.J. Pine: Arms
Julie Patricka: Arms
Jocelyn Adams: Arms
Robin Bielman: Can I pick both?
Lynn Stevens: Abs
D.R. Graham: Jawline, piercing eyes.
Kendra Highley: Arms
Christina Phillips: Arms
Katana Collins: Abs
Stacy Wise: Abs
Season Vining: Arms
Cindi Madsen: Forearms
Megan Westfield: Abs
Lindsey Frydman: Arms
Jessica Lee: Arms
Amy Murray: Arms
Jen McLaughlin: Abs
MK Schiller: Abs
Ciara Knight: Solid chest.

Mountains vs. Beach

Amanda Weaver: Paris
Beth Anne Miller: Beach
Reese Monroe: Beach
Magan Vernon: Forest
Delancey Stewart: I can’t choose! I love both.
Jennifer Blackwood: Mountains
A.J. Pine: Beach
Julie Patricka: Beach
Jocelyn Adams: Forest
Robin Bielman: Beach
Lynn Stevens: Mountains
D.R. Graham: I live in the Sea to Sky corridor of British Columbia, so both mountains and beach in one day!
Kendra Highley: Disney World!
Christina Phillips: Beach
Katana Collins: Beach
Stacy Wise: Beach
Season Vining: Beach
Cindi Madsen: Mountains
Megan Westfield: Mountains
Lindsey Frydman: Mountains
Jessica Lee: Mountains
Amy Murray: Beach
Jen McLaughlin: Beach
MK Schiller: Mountains
Ciara Knight: Mountains

Sale Blitz Giveaway

To celebrate this sale, Entangled is giving away a prize pack including The Zodiac Pressed Powder Shadow Palette from ColourPop & Kathleen Lights, a DIY Custom Light Box, and a Hidden Moon Stone Candle. Enter here!

#CoverReveal: Until We're More by Cindi Madsen; #ComingSoon, #TBR

Cover Reveal - Until We’re More by Cindi Madsen

About the Book:

Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she's finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.

By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.

And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40954477-until-we-re-more

About Cindi Madsen:

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. 

Cindi’s Media Links:

Author Website: http://cindimadsen.com

Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/CindiMadsen

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CindiMadsenBooks

Author Street Team/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/651357805026356/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindimadsenbooks/

Author Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/cindimadsen/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1029223.Cindi_Madsen

Newsletter: https://app.mailerlite.com/webforms/submit/q4j6k1

#ReleaseBlitz: The Backup Plan by Jen McLaughlin; #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Live, #Giveaway

Abut the Book:

I’m beyond help...

I threw a football before I could walk. Everything in my life revolved around football–and I loved every second. I was a star. Until, suddenly...I wasn’t. Now everyone thinks I’m the monster who killed his best friend. I’m an outcast on campus, silent and alone. Then Taylor Selmer walks back into my life. When will she learn–I’m beyond saving.

I need to save him...

Chase and I used to be friends. But after the accident, nothing was the same. We used to have something special–until we didn’t. But he doesn’t smile anymore. Doesn’t talk. Doesn’t play. It hurts me to see him this way, and I will do everything I can to get him back in the game. Whether he likes it or not.

Purchase Link: 

https://entangledpublishing.com/the-backup-plan.html

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38492056-the-backup-plan

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Excerpt from THE BACKUP PLAN:

The door opened...making me fall backward into Chase’s pitch-black room. When I landed against something hard and naked, arms closed around me without hesitation.

A palm brushed my right breast, sending a wave of awareness shooting through me. I tried not to think about that, though.

Guys were nothing but trouble.

I had bigger plans than falling for a smooth talker with bright eyes and a fake smile who would do nothing but distract me. Once I managed to regain my balance, I spun on my heel and looked at him.

The room behind him was dark, but the hallway illuminated his hotness. And once it did? I wished I hadn’t looked at all.

He stood in the doorway, looking completely unfazed by the fact that he’d basically just felt me up, and glowered at the guy in the hallway. He was shirtless, and wearing nothing but a pair of black sweats. His chest was hard and chiseled, and his abs...yeah. I wasn’t gonna touch upon those for the sake of my own sanity.

Waxing poetic over his abs wasn’t part of my job description.

“Uh, hey...” the guy in the hallway said, trailing off after a feeble attempt at pretending he hadn’t been talking crap about him moments before.

Chase’s green eyes met mine before focusing on the guy in the hall again. His sharp cheekbones were the same as I remembered, and so was his short brown hair. He used to have dimples in his cheeks when he smiled, which had softened the harsh lines of his face and given him a softer appeal, but I had no idea if they still existed since he hadn’t smiled at me yet. Or...at anyone all day. Had he forgotten how?

He said nothing. Just stared the other guy down.

Even I had to admit his stony silence was impressive.

Of course, he kind of reminded me of his dad right now, something he probably wouldn’t like. Or would he? I had no clue.

“I didn’t mean to...” The guy backed up, his face pale, and looked back at me. “She a friend of yours?”

Chase didn’t answer him. He just motioned me inside, his jaw ticking ever so slightly. When I didn’t move fast enough, he shot me a look with those gorgeous eyes of his, and I jumped slightly. “Um. Yes, I am.” I swallowed hard and inched past him, making sure I didn’t brush against his bare chest in the process.

Chase slammed the door behind me. I blinked across the inky blackness of the room, my heart hammering away in my ears. He’d been sitting here in the dark this early in the night? Had he been napping before hitting the books?

I’d learned college kids napped more than one year olds—and much more enthusiastically.

“Do you have something against lights?” I asked, forcing a little laugh at the end.

Dead silence met my joke. In all fairness, it was a pretty lame attempt. For a second I wondered if he was even in the room with me, but I heard him breathe. I turned my head, trying to figure out where he was. To my left, maybe.

“Okay. No lights, then. That’s fine. It’s cool. I’m not scared of the dark.” I paused. “Were you taking a power nap? I could use one. I got an hour of sleep last night.”

Still nothing.

I sensed him there, right next to me. He wasn’t touching me, but I swore he was thinking about it or something.

That makes no sense, Taylor.

I shivered, anxious and excited, all at the same time. “I don’t know if you remember me, but I’m—”

Without warning, Chase moved close enough for me to feel his heat. I backed against the wall until I couldn’t back up anymore. It wasn’t that he scared me. He didn’t. I just...

I just backed up, okay?

“You’re Taylor Selmer. Of course, I remember you. Why are you in my room?”

Giveaway:

(2) $25 Amazon Gift Cards

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About Jen McLaughlin:

Jen McLaughlin is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of sexy books with Penguin Random House. Under her pen name, Diane Alberts, she is also a USA TODAY bestselling author of Contemporary Romance with Entangled Publishing. Her first release as Jen McLaughlin, Out of Line, hit the New York Times, USA TODAY and Wall Street Journal lists. She was mentioned in Forbes alongside E. L. James as one of the breakout independent authors to dominate the bestselling lists. She is represented by Louise Fury at The Bent Agency.

Though she lives in the mountains, she really wishes she was surrounded by a hot, sunny beach with crystal-clear water. She lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her four kids, a husband, a schnauzer mutt, and three cats. Her goal is to write so many well-crafted romance books that even a non-romance reader will know her name. 

Jen’s Media Links:

Author Website: www.dianealberts.com

Author Blog: www.dianealberts.com

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/DianeAlberts

Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianeAlberts6/

Author Street Team/Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/501457736573962/

Author Instagram: @jenmclaughlin66

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#BlogTour: Toxic Desire by Robin Lovett; #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Live

Toxic Desire 

by Robin Lovett

About the book:

Nemona can’t believe she’s crash landed on the planet Fyrian with the brooding, golden-skinned alien who destroyed her ship and scattered her crew. She should want to kill him. But everything on Fyrian is an aphrodisiac. So she just wants to have him. Now.

Revenge. That’s all commander Oten has wanted against humans for more than a century, ever since they tried to destroy his kind. He never thought he’d end up in bed with one. But the desire the sex planet stokes for this human female is eating him alive. Keeping his hands, his mouth, and his vampiric fangs to himself proves impossible—especially when she’s begging him to touch her.

Nemona has no idea what endless sex with a Ssedez will do to her. But Oten knows all too well. They need to get off this planet. Before their coupling stirs an alien mating bond that neither of their hearts can withstand.

Purchase Link: 

https://entangledpublishing.com/toxic-desire.html

Goodreads Link: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36600258-toxic-desire

---

About Robin Lovett:

Robin Lovett enjoys trips to alien worlds to avoid earthly things, like day jobs and housework. When not reading romance with her cat or spending time with her husband, she’s busy writing sexy books, which may or may not involve anti-heroes, aliens, or both. Her favorite surprise in the world, or the universe, was finding out other people like to read the same kind of stories she loves to write. You can reach her on Twitter @LovettRomance or on Facebook @LovettRomance to chat or share ideas about what to put in her next story.

Robin’s Scoial Links:

Author Website: http://robinlovett.com

Author Blog: http://robinlovett.com/blog

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com@LovettRomance

Author Facebook: http://Facebook.com/LovettRomance

Author Street Team/Facebook Group: Robin Lovett’s Romance Lovers https://www.facebook.com/groups/robinlovettromancelover/?source_id=983752978374151

---

Excerpt from Toxic Desire:

“The leather holsters crisscrossing his massive pectorals contain knives of varying lengths, sheathed and available for him to grab.  

He stretches his shoulders and flexes his chest. “There is a reason why your entire species is afraid of my kind.”

“Fairy stories.” I don’t care how bright gold and incandescent his skin. It’s penetrable. No matter what the tales tell about his kind being unkillable. I’ve got a laser gun.

He steps toward me. “Go ahead. Try it.” His accent is strange, his tongue rolling over the consonants in a thick burr.

I should shoot. Now. But my trigger finger hesitates.

I don’t want him dead yet. I need to find out, how did he do it?

How did he and his band of brutes get onto my ship without my knowing? How did he accomplish what no other army or species in the Ten Systems has managed to do—catch me?

I have to know. “How did you get on board this ship?”

He pauses. “You invaded our sanctum airspace. You must have expected retaliation.” His dark eyes narrow into slits so menacing they send shivers down my spine. I don’t know what species he is, but he fits the stories I heard in childhood: the Ssedez descended from serpents, glowing like sphinxes, with fangs dripping in venom capable of making someone a slave to their desire in one bite. Well, thank God, his teeth seem normal enough, so that last part is likely myth.

Something odd happens to me that has never happened and isn’t supposed to happen.

Not only am I not afraid of him, but I become aware, physically, that he is male, I am female, and that I haven’t had sex since…

I can’t remember.

It shouldn’t matter. I’m a general, a ship captain, a career soldier, with ambitions that leave no time for personal anything. Physical desire serves no purpose in my life.

But the ruthlessness in him, the ferocious gleam in his eyes—it excites me.

The symmetry of his bone structure alone is blinding. The ferocious angles of his cheeks and jaw are paired with an otherworldly elegance in the gold sheen of his complexion. I’m glad my helmet hides that my eyes are wide in fascination.

His hair gleams, too, like it’s laced with gold flecks. The strands hang to his shoulders, unbound, a contradiction. He’s an untamed beast formed with siren-like beauty.

He moves, his lethal muscles stirring inside that gloriously brilliant body.

“Don’t come any closer,” I warn, grateful for the scrambler that hides the shaking in my voice.

His body is physically distracting. Hard, like metallic hard, and big. He is all brawn and possession—the epitome of conqueror in strength as well as deed. And it’s not just his chest and arms. Even his thighs, outlined in black leather, are thickly muscled and bulging. It has me hungering for a glimpse of what is no doubt equally impressive between them. And wondering if what’s between his thighs is as godlike as the rest of him.

Apparently, despite decades of denying it, there’s enough hetero-female left in me to know if I wasn’t supposed to kill him, I would want him to fuck me. Now.”