Showing posts with label 5/5 steam. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5/5 steam. Show all posts

Friday, February 20, 2015

Review of Dirty...Bad...Wrong





Synopsis

They call him Masque.

I call him God.

The man I want to consume me, own me, 
break me and corrupt me.
Yet I've never seen his face.
His body ripples like an Adonis, sculpted in steel and
dripping in sin. His flesh is inked with the mark of the
chimera - one body, two very different halves.
He plays hard.
He plays rough.
He has no limits.
He's so fucking dirty bad wrong.
But I love him for it.

***
Lydia Marsh is always the strong one. The girl who never breaks, and sure as hell never cries. She's got it all - the perfect little life in cosy suburbia, with her perfectly nice boyfriend, and their perfectly sufficient sex life. She's even got her perfect little career plan all wrapped up at Trial Run Software Group.
But when it all falls apart, and Lydia's pretty, green eyes are fixed on a brutally sexual stranger - the man they call Masque - she comes to suspect that being strong isn't all it's cracked up to be.
For now Lydia wants something she's never wanted before...
And she wants Masque to give it to her.

**Warning - this novel contains graphic sex, and hardcore elements of BDSM. There are scenes of violence (consensual) as well as sexual practices some readers may find offensive.
If you aren't turned on by dirty bad wrong sex then please walk on by. Thank you.*** 

Review:

This book is down right filthy. It had me gasping at the beyond naughtiness of the book. The author gives you a warning. Heed the warning. It is no joke. I stopped reading this book twice. I was totally thinking, is she writing this for shock value because she got me. After the second time, I took a deep breath and worked myself through the book. At first it was difficult, kind of like childbirth.

While getting back into the groove of reading I discovered something in the book that Masque said, “ Let it all go.” I thought, well why the hell not. So I did. I let my ideas, standards, and my mind was free. No judgment zone.

I am now officially taken back that I liked the story, so of that shit, I just could not do but the author writes the scenes so well that I see the entire dirty bad wrong shit jump off the page.

Sex was so dirty bad wrong and at times I did not feel shame for observing it on my tablet.

Overall, the story is good, if you just let go and look for the true message. The shock value in this book is tenfold. And the things I read will forever be in my mind.



"The chains above rattle as I jerk in my bonds. My legs quiver, knees trembling, adrenaline pumping.
He circles me. I feel his footfalls. Heavy, purposeful. I can smell him, too. He smells of sex, and sweat, and musk. He smells of sin. He smells so damn dirty bad wrong. The tap, tap, tap of the cane against my thighs, so gently. I take a breath. The cane comes to rest, pressing against my skin, and he’s at my side, his lips at my ear. “Steady,” he breathes and his warm breath sends tingles down my neck. He trails a hand up my ribs, and my body flinches. Fight or flight. In my chains I can do neither. And I don’t want to. The glowing heat between my legs gives testament to one simple truth. I want him... the release he delivers through pain... the silky caress of the abyss beyond fear. I want him to break me. I want him to hurt me. I want him to own me. And then I want him to love me. “Tell me what you need, Lydia.” I gasp. His savage hand is on my breast. Gripping, twisting, hurting. My nipples come alive, begging for punishment, and I roll into his touch. It feels so fucking good. I hear my own ragged breathing, the incoherent murmurs coming from my mouth. He kicks my feet further apart, spreading me wide. I struggle to keep my balance, but the cuffs pull tight against the chains, taking my weight. Another tap of the cane on my stomach, harder this time, and then his fingers, teasing me open, grazing my clit. Fuck. Two fingers hook inside, pushing in deep. I hear how wet I sound. He groans his approval. My words catch in my throat, but I force them out. “Pain... I want pain...” I gasp again as his two fingers lift me onto my toes. “I did not ask you what you wanted, I asked you what you needed.” “Pain … please, I need pain …” He kisses my neck, and I’m lost in him, swimming in his darkness. “I’m going to hurt you now, Lydia Marsh. I’m going to mark you, and break you, and own you... and then I’m going to make you cum so hard you’ll scream my name. Will I tell you what I need? I need to see you cry, Lydia. You’re so fucking beautiful when you cry.” I screw my eyes shut under the blindfold and take a deep breath. I’m ready."

















Jade West is a contemporary erotic author from Warwick in the UK, due to release her debut BDSM novel, Dirty Bad Wrong, in February 2015. Jade is a real life submissive, and former sex chat-line operator, who is plenty used to getting people all steamed up with her dirty mouth. She has a healthy interest in pornography, men in suits and taking 100 strokes with a cane 'Mood Pictures' style.




Friday, February 6, 2015

{Review} Three Simple Rules

Three Simple Rules (Blindfold Club, #1)Three Simple Rules by Nikki Sloane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nikki is now on my one-click author list. This list is short and to be on it is a blessed honor. What it means to me, is that I will one click the hell out of her books and will not need to read a synopsis, or that pesky sample that is just a book slutty tease of which I craving to have.

Now that you know how I feel about Nikki and her wick ways of writing, I have to tell you that Three Simple Rules, is my number book of 2015. Now I have authors that I had let’s say pre-forecasted that they would be on this list. But Nikki is like the Cinderella team in college basketball. She came out of nowhere and just kicked my book ass with her SWEET AWESOMENESS.

This book is simple, girl love her job, makes a mistake and is afraid she will lose it. She has to come up with some money to cover her ass, becomes a human sex doll (my words) for one night by being sold to the highest bidder. When sold, her “Sir” gives her Three Simple Rules to follow while they engage in their dirty sexy sex. It sounds simple but throughout the book you see it is a consistent struggle.

Question that follows is: What do you do when your one night is up (as a human sex doll (again my words)) and you want more sex from your “Sir”. Such a dilemma!

I loved all the characters. They were perfect. The rules were awesome and difficult to follow at times. The men (Logan and Blake) in the book were sweet, then arseholes, and finally horny. They wanted their way and did anything to get it. Evelyn is a hot commodity for the men around her and she has no idea.

This is not a geek to beauty queen. Evelyn is gorgeous already; she just doesn’t use her womanly wiles like she should.

I think that Logan is simply fabulous. I like that he is a very matter-a-fact person, who needs order and is very straightforward and alpha. Nikki's twist on the alpha male and BDSM is something fresh and innovative. I love that the men were not billionaires or a millionaire, they literally are the guy in the office next door to you and the friend you get a beer with after work. Its refreshing.

Nikki did a great job and I hope she has many more books in this series.

Happy Reading!


View all my reviews

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Unexpected By: Amity Cross Genre




Series: Unexpected
Author: Amity Cross
Genre: Erotic Romance

UNEXPECTED


Synopsis


Blair is looking for an escape.
West is looking for a connection.
 
One down and out woman. One isolated rock star. Life at the top is lonely, but so is life at the bottom.
 
Blair is just looking for someone to take the edge off her crappy life. Dull the pain, breathe a little life into her neglected body. A chance meeting at a bar leads to a night of passion. No names, no personal details. Just sex.
 
Well, it wasn't personal until she sees the guy standing on a stage ten meters in front of her. How the hell didn't she realize that the guy who blew her mind is the guitarist out of that dirty rock 'n' roll band, Affliction? And why is he chasing her down the street? And how does he know her name?
 
Sometimes you find the things you didn't even know you were looking for in the most unexpected places.

Warning: This book is EROTIC ROMANCE and contains a lot of descriptive sex, strong language, lickable rock stars and one a** kicking female lead. 18+ due to mature sexual content


Author Note

Unexpected was originally released throughout 2014 as a serial in three parts. They were:

Unexpected #1
Unexplainable #2
Unintended #3 

NOW AVAILABLE AS:


 
Unexpected: Part 1

FREE NOVELLA

This edition is the first part of Blair and West’s story as told in the original version of Unexpected.








Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK / AU




Unexpected (Unexpected #1-3)
 
This edition is the entire collection as a full, stand alone novel.

If you enjoy Blair and West’s story, please consider reading Unexpected: Affliction. It follows the other members in the band as they chase their happily ever afters. It includes all three parts in the single edition.






Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK / AU






UNEXPECTED: AFFLICTION
(Unexpected #3-6)



Synopsis


Joe Fox is the calm inside the hurricane that is rock outfit Affliction. But underneath the surface he's struggling against his own brewing category five.

When he meets Alexis Storm something Undeniable sparks between them.

Sasha Montgomery has everything she ever wanted.

As the manager of Affliction, she's got everything she ever dreamed of. . . except guitarist Mick Savage.

Watching him from the sidelines is Unbearable, but when he finally realises what her feelings are…everything is going to change.

Rob Hancock was never the savior type.

When he saves Lilly Hunter from a nasty situation, he's about to get more than he bargained for. Now he's her savior and will do whatever it takes to make her safe.

And when push comes to shove, he'll be Unstoppable in his desire to deliver her from her demons.

Warning: These books are classed as EROTIC ROMANCE and contain a lot of descriptive sex, strong language, lickable rock stars and a whole lotta a** kicking female leads. Strictly 18+.







Links to Buy

AMAZON US / UK / AU








Author Bio


Amity Cross isn't her real name. That's no secret.

She is the author of wicked stories about rock stars looking for redemption, gritty romances featuring MMA fighters and dark tales of forbidden romance. She loves to write about screwed up relationships and kick ass female leads that don't take s**t lying down.

Amity lives in a leafy country town in southern Australia and can be found chained to her desk, held at ransom by her characters.

Don't send help. She likes it.



Author Links

Giveaway

Signed Limited Edition Paperback of
Unexpected: Part 1
$20 Amazon Gift Card

Monday, January 19, 2015

{Review} The Unexpected Collection: Complete Series #1-3 by Amity Cross

The Unexpected Collection: Complete Series #1-6The Unexpected Collection: Complete Series #1-6 by Amity Cross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am starting with the end, at the beginning. Amity has me for life. I am no longer just a reader but a follower. She had me in the bar, at the hotel, in the side room at the concert, and in the shower. She made me wet, angry, loved, and want to punch someone in the face.

Blair and West (those are the characters in this masterpiece) are the negative charges at the end of a magnet. They are not people who should be together (in the beginning, this was my opinion). They actually should repeal against each other but when they have the opposite to their charge (him needing to break away due to all his past discretions and she needing to be royally f**ked to get out of her own mind) they just connect. Their bad crap gives them the positive charge that they need.

I can’t give any spoilers about this GREAT story of love, growth, and triumph away. I will say that their love is classic. It is not perfect and with all the flaws they have they are perfect.

Everyone is against this self-destructive relationship. What can you do when no one wants what you believe you need? Nothing, and it sucks. While Blair and West are trying to be the positives in their lives, they are met with negativity. “Sad face.”

Blair is a nomad and West is just…lost. They have no solid ground or constant love that is present, which can be touched. Hence why they bump uglies on the daily. The sex in this book is HOT!!!! I digress…I believe that is one of the main reasons they discover one another. Because they are what each other needs.

I loved that it is book is about a musician. Since Kellan Kyle (Thoughtless series) and Jake Wethers (The Mighty Storm series), I have loved me a music man. I loved that it is about a girl who has no goals or aspirations. I mean, come on. No chick is be a size zero and perfect. This made Blair rock, as a character, so much more to me.

Amity made the characters imperfect which was perfect.

This book is truly a great, wonderful read.

If you like unpredictability, a “not so” prince charming, and a Cinderella with a potty mouth and attitude, this is the best book to read. There is no sweet without the sour and this book will make you think about what you want more, the sweet life or the not so sweet.

Give me the not so, anytime.

Happy Reading.


View all my reviews

Friday, January 16, 2015

{Review} Claiming Addison - 69 Bottles #1 by Zoey Derrick

Claiming Addison - 69 Bottles #1Claiming Addison - 69 Bottles #1 by Zoey Derrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ARC given in exchange for an honest review.

Zoey has brought us Sex, Drugs, and Rock n Roll in her new book Claiming Addison. She has most defiantly redefined the saying. The book introduces us to some sexually driven and gorgeous characters Addison, Kyle, and Talon.

We all know that Olivia Cummings provided us with rockers and smut (love it), Kylie Scott gave us Rockers, Sweet and those words, Lord have mercy she gave us those words. Well Zoey gave us Rockers, Words (Fantastic), hotness, and smut to the nth power.

The entire book in charged with a wonderful storyline and gorgeousness.

The first person we meet is Addison. I like her. She is brand new, not to Public Relations or the music industry but to love and showing herself to others. She is always behind the scenes being the fixer.

Next we meet Kyle. He is in control, the manager of 69 bottles and very complimentary to the band. He is sweet and smooth.

Last we meet Talon, the hot lead singer of the group. He can melt panties with his smile. He is know, like his band mates to have new women in his bed, nightly. I like his swagger (style).

When these three people meet, the idea of couplings and sex is changed. The sex in this book was flawless and will make you a little drenched. I could see people changing their panties a couple of times while reading. This book should come with a warning label.

There is self-discovery, sex, drama, sex, redefining, and sex. This book is not just about sex, though there is a great amount in the book, the development of the story was smooth and easy to follow. I didn’t want to put the book down but it was a must with the pantie change.

MMF, MFM, FMM, I am all for ménage’s and I generally do not read MMF books. I have in the past, well it is just not one of my interest. Zoey makes me very comfortable and brings out a side of voyeurism I did not know I had. I read the books but the detail in this book literally made me feel a though I was present during the bed/shower/wall a-shaking.

Zoey brings back Cami and Tristan. Yes! Loved them in series a Love’s Wings.

This book is part of a three book series and I want more book two and three now.

Happy Reading.



View all my reviews

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

{Release Blitz} Claiming Addison by Zoey Derrick

ClaimingAddisonRBBanner

eBook_69Bottles2  
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Synopsis
For Addison Beltrand, PR rep for Bold International, Inc. climbing the corporate ladder is all that matters in life. Her hard work is finally rewarded with the promotion she’s worked her ass off to earn—but the gig comes at a price. She leaves in two days for a twelve-week tour with America’s hottest alternative rock band, 69 Bottles.
Talon Carver, lead singer of 69 Bottles, has no problem with women--as long as they’re gone by morning. When Addison shakes up his world, it’s a huge problem—compounded by the fact that Addison’s not the only one he wants. Kyle Black, manager of 69 Bottles, has a secret. He and Addison are closer than she thinks, but telling her could keep her away. When Talon sets his sights on Addison, Kyle uses his secret to push her into Talon’s arms, only to discover she isn’t the only one he needs. Two men. One dilemma. Talon is wild, reckless and loves control. Kyle is calm, collected and loves passion. The perfect balance…or Addison’s ultimate undoing? Talon and Kyle push their boundaries and Addison’s, but can they throw their reservations to the wind and claim her together? Two men. One woman. A rock band. A tour bus. One Wild Ride… ****Content Warning**** Sexy, naked, bisexual rock stars…and a lot more… This book contains, but is not limited to the following sexual content – reader discretion is advised - hot sex between two men and one woman. M/M/F, M/F/M, M/F, F/M and M/M sexual content. There are no boundaries when these three crash together, as long as you’re over 18 years of age.
Teaser

ChasingAddisonTease
Buy Links
Excerpt  
“Addison?” Talon calls my name from the front of the bus.

I, on the other hand, am still trying to get over what happened in the room a few minutes ago. I jumped down, the bus stopped and I fell into Talon’s arms and HOLY FUCK! He was hard as a god-damn rock and it was pressing against my hip. But his eyes were alight with lust and my god, his lips twitched with a need to kiss me. Ultimately, the look that was exchanged between Kyle and Talon was beyond anything I have comprehension for. I could spend months analyzing that look, but instead I need to pull up my big girl panties and get to work.

“Be right there,” I shout back. “Hurry up. There’s people waiting for you.” What the fuck? 
“I’m coming.” Oh fuck, that was the wrong choice of words to use, especially after what just happened. 

Thank god there is a mirror in our room. I adjust myself and climb back into my heels, fluff my hair and check my make-up, pinch my cheeks and straighten my skirt. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I was straightening up after a mid-day sexcapade on a tour bus. I roll my eyes at myself. It might as well have been.

“Get your shit together, Addison. You’ve been here for like five hours out of twelve weeks,” I whisper, then steel myself as I head back to the front of the bus. When I come around the corner it’s just Talon and Kyle with two more members of the men in black patrol. I smile sweetly at them.
Giveaway  
Release Giveaway
About Author
Zoey Derrick is a Best Selling Author of Contemporary, Erotic, Erotic Romance and Paranormal Romance from Glendale, Arizona. She was once a mortgage underwriter and she now writes full time. She writes stories as hot as the desert sun itself. It is this passion that drips off of her work, bringing excitement to anyone who enjoys a good and sensual love story. Not only does she aim to take her readers on an erotic dance that lasts the night, it allows her to empty her mind of stories we all wish were true.
 Her stories are hopeful yet true to life, skillfully avoiding melodrama and the unrealistic, bringing her gripping Erotica only closer to the heart of those that dare dipping into it. The intimacy of her fantasies that she shares with her readers is thrilling and encouraging, climactic yet full of suspense. She is a loving mistress, up for anything, of which any reader is doomed to return to again and again.
Author Links
Tour Host OUAA

Monday, December 22, 2014

{Review} Nomad by Kelli Maine

 lilittt

image3

I see you. I know you. I am you. He should’ve put a bullet in her head when he had the chance. When Lucifer Bontrager wakes up to Liliththe satanic, sociopath bitch he left for dead in the desertholding a gun to his head, his first thought is the girl in the club’s basement.

That’s how he knows he’s screwed. He’s lived his life training women for Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club to take over the border and use for profit. Now he’s caught up in the innocent, young girl he’s supposed to hand over to a Mexican cartel boss in a few days.

There’s no way in hell he’s letting her go. But Luc can’t save her if he’s dead, so this time Lilith won’t get away from him alive. NOMAD is the second instalment in the Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club series and continues Luc’s story from LILITH.

Review:


***Spoilers. Sorry***This story was so hot, that it should have a warning not to read in public. I was around my children. Oh My.

I found it to be some good mindfuckery, that Kelli could get me to like Luc. He is a horrible man who helps his club take women and sell them. He kidnaps women and trains them. What the hell!

I thought at first, maybe I like him because he is the only person to like. But I've truly disliked all the characters in my book before. So it can not be that. Then I thought, maybe I like his sex. How he coaxed it and how he commands it if it is not given how he wants it. That....made more since to me. Luc is an Alpha asshole who knows how to get you off. He is the Master. His job is for evil and not for good. He is most definitely on the dark side.

I want his doggie style and Alpha behavior to be on the good side and let Angel go.  I have said too much. I am sorry for the spoilers. Hopefully you read the information above that said, not to read if you do not want to learn some shit.

All in all. This was a great read for me. I was outdone how Kelli has keep me wanting more. If you  read my page, I can not stand shorts. They have to be the shit for me to make a comment about it. Other than that, I will give it 1 star because, you are not telling me shit in a novella. Yet, Kelli provided me wrong. Way wrong.

This is 5/5 stars, with some seriously smokin action! The sexual activity was off the charts.

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She takes the sunglasses off. I rip them from her pretty fuckin’ fingers and toss them aside. She takes the bandana off. Her hair falls against her cheeks, hidin’ a few scrapes and bruises. I take the bandana away and tuck it in my back pocket. "Keep goin’," I tell her. She grabs the bottom of the sweatshirt and lifts it up. Her t-shirt rides up with it, showin’ me her pale stomach, skin like fuckin’ silk. My fuckin’ lips burn to feel every fuckin’ inch. The sweatshirt drops to the floor with her t-shirt, and she’s fuckin’ bare from the waist up. Those fuckin’ tits make my cock ache. I rub my palm over my dick through my jeans. I’m fuckin’ granite already, needin’ to come on this bitch. She works her pants down over her hips, takin’ her underwear with them. "I want that pussy on my face," I say, pulling her to the bed. I lie down and lead her onto her knees beside me. "Get on, so I can taste you when I make you come." I grab her leg and pull it over me, putting her knees by my ears. "Hold on to the headboard," I tell her, gripping her thighs and pulling her down onto me, thumbing her pussy lips apart. I run my fingers through her pink folds, breathing hot breath on her skin, but not licking or sucking—no contact until she’s writhing above me, shoving her fuckin’ pussy in my face. I inhale through my nose, smelling her ripe pussy. Fuck, there’s nothing better than a musky pussy that’s been on the back of my bike all day. I reach down and unzip my pants. My stiff-ass cock has to be set free. I stroke it a few times as I smell her cunt and run my eyes over her red, delicate lips, that hole waiting for my tongue to fill it. I touch her clit and her hole squeezes. Angel wants to come for me. I turn my head and run my tongue up her thigh, stopping right before her pussy. I plant my lips in the crease of her bikini line and suck hard, pushing a finger inside her. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doin’, ‘cuz this ain’t trainin’. All I know is I fuckin’ want to lick and suck every inch of her, and she ain’t gonna tell me not to. Fuck, from the way her body reacts, sometimes I think she might want me to. But, there’s no fuckin’ way she does. I kidnapped the bitch and forced her to do this shit, but fuck, she doesn’t fight it. "Why don’t you fight me?" I say, because my fuckin’ tongue is an asshole today and says every fuckin’ thing in my head. "You won’t be nice to me if I fight," she whispers. "Am I nice to you?" I ask, rollin’ my thumb over her clit and strokin’ her inside with my finger. "You don’t hurt me," she says.

"No, babe. I don’t hurt you."

The cartel boss will.

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NOMAD( Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club book #2)
LILLITH ( Lucifer’s Legion Motorcycle Club book #1)

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Kelli Maine is the erotic romance author of USA Today Bestseller and #1 Nook book, Taken, and the Give & Take series, along with the Dolls & Doms novellas and Chains. She lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, Kelli enjoys watching reality T.V., getting lost in random Wikipedia pages and searching online ads for vintage muscle cars.

Favorite Author: Diana Gabaldon
Favorite Food: Japanese
Favorite Superhero: Spiderman
Favorite Place I’ve Been: Yucatan Peninsula
Writing Must Haves: Coffee and chocolate
Plotter or Pantser: Proud Pantser
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kellimainebooks
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kellimaine/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KelliMaine
Website: www.kellimainebooks.com Newsletter:http://eepurl.com/0v8A5    

Friday, December 19, 2014

Blog Tour-Sins of September






Captionless image


September Dawson is not quite fourteen when her mother takes off, leaving her and her four-year old half-sister Scout, under the care of Jesse Ryan, her much younger husband, and September's step-father. 

Shortly afterwards, September is sent to live with her maternal grandparents in Mississippi. Four years pass before she returns to Arkansas, at the request of her step-father, to take care of her younger sister for the summer. It's the summer going into her senior year, and September becomes not only a mother-figure to Scout, but a slow spark ignites between her and Jesse. September is all about fanning the flame; Jesse, however, is all about denial. 


This novel is not about taboo sex; this story deals with what some may consider taboo love. September is not the 'vestal virgin' being seduced by a man nearly twelve years her senior the summer of 2010. In fact, September has a bit of a sneaky side when it comes to getting noticed, but in the process, she learns about the man she's come to admire and love, and gets some well-needed lessons about honesty, maturity and sacrifice. "Sins of September" is more than a coming-of-age story. It deals with the complications of life; the reality of abandonment, and the drama and suffering that ensues when others want what you have, and the extent they will go to in order to destroy it. Adult Content. 












Graysen Blue is a 27 year-old, stay-at-home mom who has previously self-published children's books under a different pen name. "Sins of September" is Graysen's debut novel in the New Adult fiction genre.

Born in the U.K., Graysen attended Princeton University, and holds a B.S. in Economics. She is married and makes her home with her husband, Michael, and their daughter, Scout, on the west coast.

Please visit Graysen on her FB page: https://www.facebook.com/GraysenBlueAuthor






EXCERPTS:


#1

My mind drifts back to the day Jesse said good-bye to me.
The day he came here to pick up Scout.
Scout was tickled to death to see him after being away all summer. She had asked about Mama and Jesse shook his head and said, “No word.”
He sent her out to the car after she hugged and kissed us all good-bye. Jesse assured my grandparents they were always welcome, and that he’d bring Scout to visit when he could. Gram and Grandpa were pleased about that.
“And you,” he said, crouching down to be eye level with me, my heart was hoping that the next words out of his mouth would be, “We want you to come with us if you have a mind to.”
But those weren’t his words.
“You behave your grandparents, and keep up with your good grades. You’re a smart girl, September. I know you’ll have a bright future. Now I’ll keep in touch to make sure you’re behaving, hear?”
I nodded, hoping that I could hold back the tears that threatened to spill. Jesse acted as if he didn’t notice. “I have something for you,” he said, reaching into the pocket of his jeans.
He handed me a small box. Inside was a heart-shaped locket on a gold chain. The locket was the kind that can hold a tiny picture. There wasn’t a picture in this one.
“I reckon you’ll be breaking hearts soon enough. That locket is for you to put a picture of your true love inside, that way you’ll always have him close to your heart.”
He hugged me, and I thanked him feeling like I’d never see him again. I waited until he and Scout where just a spec on the horizon before I went upstairs to my room and let the flood gates open.


#2

I’ve developed this major crush on Jesse—I mean are you surprised? It’s pretty damn obvious, isn’t it? But it’s not an adolescent crush like what I first had on Todd. There’s a sexual edge to this one and that’s totally on me—not Jesse. He’s never been anything but fatherly  to me and that part sucks no doubt. It only means that I’ve got my work cut out for me.
I need to bide my time. The woman in me is telling me that and I will listen because I have to handle this very shrewdly or I’ll look like a total adolescent.

#3

Jesse is in the living room playing a game of checkers with Scout when I make my appearance.
“How do I look?” I ask, twirling around to give them a full view.
I’ve added my brown heeled sandals, and I’ve pulled my blond hair up into a perky ponytail, to keep cool in the summer evening heat.
“You look pretty!” Scout says, her eyes widening. “Are you going on a date with Catherine’s cousin?”
“Sure am,” I answer with a smile.
I don’t miss the fact that Jesse’s eyes are perusing me as well, giving me the elevator stare, up and down, down and up. I see his brow furrow in concern. “Where exactly is the boy taking you?” he asks.
“He said something about going to a summer carnival over in Waldron,” I reply. They have rides and arcades set up—that sort of thing—and then a fireworks display.”
“Scout, go to your room for a few minutes. I need to talk to your sister.”
I’m stunned and Scout is pissed, not understanding why she’s been banished from the room. Her body language says it all.
“I’m not sure what you’re wearing is appropriate,” Jesse says, his eyes lingering a bit longer than usual on my breasts. “I mean, you need to understand what guys think when they see a girl—a woman,” he corrects quickly, “Dressed so . . . provocatively. I’m only saying this because I don’t want you having to spend your evening fighting off his wandering paws.”
I smirk quietly. “I dress like this back home,” I reply innocently. “I mean Todd never complained.”
“I’m only trying to offer advice. I’d hate for you to be lured into something you’re not ready for, is all.”
He’s clearly not comfortable with my outfit. Hah!
“Well, don’t worry. I’ve had to slap hands before. I can handle it.”
He’s staring a blazing hole through me now. I mean it’s a burning gaze.
“I want you home by eleven,” Jesse says.

#4

"You might’ve turned eighteen, but I’m still the adult here. If I wanna sit in my own house and get fucking hammered for once, then by God I will do just that! I don’t need a teenager watching over me. She’s my wife, goddamit!
“And she’s my mother!” I scream. “And she fucking left the both of us! Remember?”
“Hell yes I remember.”
“So that’s it? What? I mean are you gonna go through the rest of your life holding onto something—to someone—whether she’s dead or alive, that makes you feel the way you feel right this damn minute?”
I look into his eyes because I want to hear it from him. I want to know why he feels the need to punish himself for what she did.
He takes another sip of his beer, and shrugs. “Shit, maybe so. Maybe it’s what I deserve for not being enough, and not letting her be enough for herself.”
I have no clue as to what he means by that. I simply throw out a retort for good measure. “That’s weak,” I mumble. “Pathetic and weak.”
I start to get off the couch so that I can get away from his drunken ass. I can take almost anything except self-pity or self-loathing. I’ve no tolerance for it.
His hand clamps around my wrist and I’m jerked back around to face him as he stands, pulling me up against him roughly. “What did you say?” he growls.
“I-I think you’re acting weak,” I mumble, losing a bit of my courage.
He cocks a brow as he studies me intently. “What would you know about love—or life or any of it?”
“Maybe more than you think,” I reply softly, looking up at his beautiful, angry face, meeting his cool gaze with one of my own. Our conflicted eyes lock, and when they do, something passes between us; like a spark or something, and all I can think is that it’s about damn time.
He pulls me closer. I wrap my arms around his strong neck, and tilt my face back a bit to give him ample access because this will happen. I’ve decided that.
He captures my mouth with his roughly—almost savagely, but I don’t care. “Fuck you look so much like her,” he growls, “I need to see if you taste like her too.”
“Do it,” I dare.

#5

Things between Jesse and me have been quiet and strange. It feels as if we’re both aliens of different species. We don’t communicate because we don’t understand each other’s language, but some magnetic force is still inexplicably drawing us together.
I’m wondering if it’s the whole Venus and Mars thing. Funny, but it’s never been evident before now.
It was just after midnight this morning when he came into my room.
My instincts tell me I should refuse him—force him to talk to me in a language that I can understand, but my body has other plans.
Neither of us say a word.
How unusual.
Our bodies do all of the talking for once, and the message is loud and clear—at least it is for me.
This is our good-bye fuck.
Jesse can’t say those words, but with every touch I can feel the intent, the undercurrent, and the finality of it. It’s bittersweet and fragile. It’s a finely tuned instrument that is complicated to play but has the sweetest and most melodious sound emanating from it at the same time. It’s an exquisitely composed opera, pure rapture until the final act when the fat lady will take the stage.
Three orgasms later, she has sung and he leaves my bed with a whisper that carries no promise. “I love you.”