Dirty, Dark, and Deadly, #2
This is a SERIES. This is BOOK TWO.
“Secrets keep the darkness alive,” Harper tells me. But that’s not how I see it at all. Secrets keep me alive. The truth is overrated. Honesty is never the best policy. And everything you know absolutely can hurt you.
The contracts I fulfill are just agreements. Death is a business deal. Secrets are currency in my world. I pay my debts with them. I feed on them. They ground me in the present and they promise me a future. I’ve lived a life filled with secrets for so long—I forgot what it’s like to… feel.
Until I saw Harper. Until I saw how beautiful she’s become. How perfect, and pure, and innocent of all the ugly that goes on around her. And that dirty promise I refused the night her father turned me into a killer twelve years ago is suddenly on the table again.
Harper can be mine. No—Harper will be mine. All I have to do is complete the mission.
JA never slacks in the suspense and angst department. Harper and James are back with a sidekick, Sasha, or is she? You never know with all the twists and turns JA dishes out that keep you guessing, that keep the characters guessing. Secrets, jobs, deals, revenge…when will they get their answers. Who’s controlling the plays, the moves? Who can they trust? Harper and James continue to be sensual and communicate effectively in a physical manner, but how do they communicate with their words when so many secrets and unknowns are involved? The back and forth deterred me at times because I wanted the answers. I know this is part of the journey but the whiplash of belief and then lack of left me flustered and consumed time where I felt action could’ve been taken. But the make-up from the arguing was hot, and the openness in communication allowed a inside picture to their minds and thought processes. The ending is a cliffhanger that will have me coming back for more!! Give this a try and continue your James crush!! Rating: 4 stars
Harper keeps her head down—invisible. Moving through life unnoticed, hiding from the past, evading the future.
James has no boundaries—invincible. Looking for a way out, looking for someone he can save instead of kill.
He must have her, take her, control her, keep her. She will submit. But she will do it when she is ready and willing. The bond is uneasy and the future uncertain. But one thing’s for sure.
So JA has got my mind reeling with this start (novella) to a three-part series on Harper and James. She wants to stay hidden but she hasn’t stayed hidden from James. Do they know each other from their pasts? Is he who she’s been waiting for? What are their roles? OMG so many questions left unanswered has left my mind reeling. But I was sucked in from the angst, the mysteriousness that is Harper and James. The sexual tension between the two and the commanding, domineering nature of James is sexy as hell. James can be my creeper any day! JA is fabulous at entwining your heart and mind with the characters enough to keep you itching for what’s to come. And this is just a novella, so she accomplished this quickly for me!! Did I want more history, yes…but that’s part of their roles that we can’t know yet so it fit that we weren’t privy to all of that information. And the information we were provided i.e. Nick (Harper’s brother), memories from the ship: leaves you wondering, guessing and waiting for more. Give this a try & find your next crush!! Rating: 4 stars
**THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE BOOK. YOU MUST READ ALL THE OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES FIRST. ALL. OF. THEM.**
Spencer Shrike is a man with a plan. Get in. Get out. Move on. He loves Ron the Bomb, and her safety is the only thing on his mind these days. But life is a tricky bastard, and conning criminals for the better part of ten years brings its own set of problems. Sure, Rook lied her way out of a sticky situation, covering for crimes Ronin, Ford, and Spencer committed, and getting them all off scot-free in the process.
But not everyone is buying Rook’s story, and Spencer is desperate to figure out who’s in town setting them up for a fall.
Veronica the Bombshell Vaughn has put up with Spencer Shrike’s shit for years and where has it gotten her? A big fat nowhere. No ring, no house, no kids, and no promises. In fact, Spencer is worse than ever—completely distant and moody. She’s done sitting at home, pining over a man she can’t have.
But she’s not opposed to fighting for him.
Ron the Bomb fights hard and she fights dirty, so she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get Spencer’s attention.
But now there’s another man in town with his eye on her. He’s got secrets too, but unlike Spencer, Bobby Mansi is more than willing to let Veronica in on them.
The entire Rook and Ronin series comes full circle. Every con, every lie, and every skeleton in the closet is back for one final shot at vengeance and the only way to set it right… is to get out the guns.
Bomb: A Day in the Life of Spencer Shrike (Novella)#6: Amazon| AmazonUK
Review
Spencer Shrike is all business and all about plans. He plans out everything…everything! The back-in-time memories JA takes us to is helpful in tying the current happenings to events of the past. This also further solidifies the plans Spencer’s put in place because of said situations. From the begging of Rook & Ronin, JA’s “team” she’s put together has left each of their defining marks on my heart and in my mind. I got hooked on Ronin, then on Ford, and now on Spencer. Spencer is protective of his Bombshell, Veronica Vaughn, and his techniques of doing so made me want to slap the shit out of him at times. And he would’ve deserved it too! But Spencer always had a purpose and never goes into a situation without a plan. Every move is planned. Every move. Guns, well let’s just say it’s full of guns, it’s full of cocked and loaded guns! Some remain concealed and some are whipped right out and firing wildly. There’s also revenge, paybacks, and the angst…holy shit I was sweating. In Guns, JA left me with pain from loneliness and feeling left out; anger, anxiety, and fear about what’s to happen; beauty from love of trees and buckeyes and pound puppies and holding hands; and tears at the honest beauty of eye contact, finger entwinement, and words spoken. Veronica/Bombshell/Ronnie is badass, independent, loves guns and will tell you how it is and not give a fuck what you think about how or what she has to say. She wants to be a part of something and she wants her part to matter. She left her mark on me, that’s for sure! Ronnie is on my team, no question!!
JA has also gifted us with the absolute best, ever Epilogue-Part Two!! No words..excitement beyond belief!! Give this a try & get crushed on Spencer!! Rating: 5 stars
Spencer Shrike is a plotter. Known for his ingenious, albeit illegal, plans that keeps the Team running efficiently and out of jail, he carries this same love of order into his personal life. He’s kept his long-time main squeeze on the sidelines for years as he builds the Shrike Bikes empire.
Veronica Vaughn is an explosion ready to happen. Ronnie lives in the here and now. She lives for today. She knows what she wants, and she wants it now. And right now Ron the Bomb Vaughn wants Spencer shrike to leave her the hell alone. She’s done playing his game. She’s done waiting around. She’s moving forward with her own plots, plans, and dreams and she’s moving forward tonight. Ron the Bomb is finally—finally—gonna get some satisfaction.
This day in the life of Spencer Shrike gave me that much needed in-depth sneak peek of the thoughts behind Spencer’s actions and feelings regarding his relationship and draw towards Veronica (Ronnie/Bombshell). Spencer is so much: sexy, talented with his hands, dedicated, consistent, and brutally honest. You’ll read his story and just be drawn to him, I promise!! He’s bold and he knows what he wants. He’s also protective of what’s his, and Ronnie is. his. Is there a cliffhanger, yes, BUT Guns will be here before we know it and we needed this piece of Spencer. We learn and know from JA’s previous books that Spencer is not innocent, but you may ask, what is he protecting Ronnie from? Well we shall get this answer and so much more in Guns. I love how Spencer plans for his actions, he’s definitely not impulsive. He says he’s not ready for Ronnie, but I think he his, it’s more of his life circumstances that make him not ready for Ronnie. But in his heart and how he makes his choices proves that he is ready for her. I have one regret, I wish I could’ve been in that art class!! JA’s writing takes me to Colorado. She sets the scene as I feel I’m there with the gang: spying/recon, following people down back alleyways, straddling bikes, and staring at Spencer as he removes his clothing. *sigh* I can’t wait for more from JA!! She has me hooked to this gang like their my own friends and I want to see their forevers. If you have yet to experience the magnificent writing of JA, begin with Tragic!! Give this a try!! Rating: 5 stars
Since A LOT of people have been asking here is the scoop on how this book fits in with my Rook & Ronin series: Ford first appears in Rook and Ronin #2, Manic. He has a bigger role in Panic, R&R #3, and then he has a novella, called SLACK. This TAUT book is only FORD. It’s not really part of the R&R series, as that plot has all been sidelined for this one romance book.
**
Description
Ford Aston is known for many things. Being an emotionless, messed up bastard, a freakishly smart social outcast, and a cold, domineering master who keeps “pets” instead of girlfriends.
And after Rook broke his heart, he plans to keep it that way.
Ashleigh is known for nothing, and that’s exactly what she’s got going for her. She’s broke, stranded in the mountains with a three month old baby, and Ford Aston is screwing with her head.
Big. Time.
And she plans to mess with his right back.
It’s a coy game at first, filled with flirting, and innuendo–but Ford soon realizes something is not quite right with Ashleigh. In fact, something is seriously, seriously wrong and the closer they get to their final destination, the closer Ford gets to the truth.
One night of devastation, self-loathing, and emptiness turns into the best thing that ever happened to Ford Aston. But one day of in-your-face reality threatens Ashleigh’s whole existence.
Ford is intense and I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up every tense-filled moment as though I was a sponge wanting to absorb all the water in the world. Ash, I swear to god she is Ford’s perfect match. She matches him up and keeps him on his toes. From the moment JA mentioned that Ash was a brunette, I knew. I just knew. If you know why I’m saying this, then you know why I knew. Ford & Ash both have their secrets, their pain, their sadness and the depth of these emotions speaks to their longing. For something. Ford and Ash both feel like their missing pieces and I think we can all relate to that in some way. The cryptic meaning behind words and actions kept me reading for answers and left me feeling hopeful. I loved that Taut was about Ford and who he is while his work becomes secondary because it seems like he’s been hiding behind his work for too long. Now we see his real. I absorbed all of Ford’s feelings as he was experiencing them, I’m a sponge, remember. And by god he can feel. And when he feels, he feels hard, he falls hard. And it’s beautiful. I want to see Ford with Kate as she continues to grow…I just want more Ford!! Period. Give this a try!! Rating: 5 stars
Slack: A Day in the Life of Ford Aston (A Rook and Ronin spinoff) by JA Huss
Description
Ford Aston is not too picky about what he wants out of Christmas. He’s not into this holiday—like at all. He doesn’t do presents, or family dinners, or parties, or church.
He does pets. And he’s got one lined up for Christmas Eve. In fact, it’s the highlight of his day. And if he can get through drop-in visits, nosy twelve year olds, an inappropriate conversation with his best friend’s girlfriend, dinner with a family that’s not his, and a party at his mother’s house—well, he might just get home in time to enjoy himself with a stranger and make it all OK.
SLACK: A Day in the Life of Ford Aston, is a prequel to TAUT: The Ford Book, and can be read as a standalone novella. TAUT Available on January 20, 2014
Ford has me screaming for more! We first met Ford as a secondary character in JA’s Rook & Ronin series and I’ve been itching for his secrets since I met him. He’s dark, mysterious, and mine!! I think I finally accepted that I was in love with Ford in Panic (Rook & Ronin #3) during his and Rook’s heated workout at Coor’s field where there was lots of yelling and he FINALLY opened up to her. I felt in that moment I truly understood his awkward, standoffish ways. BUT I know I didn’t because there’s still so much we don’t know and understand about Ford. Slack just got me jonesing for his explanations behind his pets, his history, and I want him to find his forever. Hell, I’ll be his pet–where’s the sign up sheet!! Ford is deeply intriguing. I love the exploration of figuring him out and Slack had just gotten me revved up for what’s to come in Taut (Ford’s full novel) on January 20, 2014. I explained in my review of Panic that I believe Ford connects with Rook in the Id ego state. And honestly I think first impression of Ford throws out that he lives in this ego state of wanting instant gratification. BUT once you get to know him and get a peek under his skin you realize that he’s very thorough, he rationalizes everything and there’s reason and much thought behind everything. His words. His mannerism. His actions. Gaaaaah I can’t wait to peel back these layers and get all of Ford. So sit back and enjoy and get ready for this peeling of clothing, I mean secrets, that just start to scratch his surface, I mean the surface. And to be a pet of Fords, you can’t be afraid of the claws he’ll most definitely sink into you!! Give this a try!! Rating: 5 stars
2013 has been another great year for reading some amazing books. As the year comes to an end, Karen, Kara, and Caryn would like to share some of the books we read this year and, as hard as it was, list our Top Ten reads for 2013 with the hope you may find your next Book Crush.
In no particular order ……
Caryn’s 2013 Top 10 picks
Fading by E.K. Blair
A Brutal Tenderness by Marata Eros
Beautiful Broken Rules by Kimberly Lauren
The Thrill of It by Lauren Blakely
So Much It Hurts by Melanie Dawn
A Love Like This by Kahlen Aymes
Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker
Going Under by Georgia Cates
Fueled by K. Bromberg
Every Breath by Tasha Ivey
Kara’s 2013 Top 10 Picks
Ethan by Nicole Edwards
Thief by Tarryn Fisher
Burning Up by Marie Coulson
Forever, Jack (Eversea series) by Natasha Boyd
His Ever After (Love Square series) by Jessica Ingro
Panic (Rook & Ronin) by JA Huss
Arsen by Mia Asher
Out of Breath by Rebecca Donovan
Hopeless series by Colleen Hoover
The Last Hour by Charles Sheehan-Miles
Karen’s 2013 Top 10 Picks
the Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Left Drowning by Jessica Park
Ruining Me and Ruining You by Nicole Reed
Breaking the Wrong by Calia Read
Ten Tiny Breaths by KA Tucker
Good by S Walden
Reckless Longing by Gina Robinson
Connected by Kim Karr
Arsen by Mia Asher
Feel the Rush by Kelsie Leverich
(Rook and Ronin #3)
Publication date: October 24th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Book Description
Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she ran from six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.
Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.
Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?
Rook is working through who she was, who she is, and who she wants to be. She has three magnificent men in her life helping her along the way. Ronin, Spencer, and Ford. I like to think of these men connecting with different parts of her personality: her id, ego, and superego. And here’s how my thoughts work out: Ford connects with her Id because that’s her impulsive desire to get her needs met and he’s able to control her and she’s able to submit to his control knowing he’ll make choices that are best for her, almost like a child having their needs taken care of by another…but does she fully submit to him? Her Ego connects with Ronin and bases on reality in that she gets her desires met from her Id but this is done so after weighing the pros and cons of a situation before she reacts impulsively. And finally, her superego I think connects most with Spencer in a moral sense of what is right or wrong based on decisions she’s trying to make. She needs all three of these men and imagining her life without one of them seems unfathomable because she needs each of them in a different way. I’m not gonna lie, I completely disliked Ford in Manic because he seemed extremely cryptic but he’s grown on me as his emotional side has made a 180 since building his relationship with Rook. Panic had my anxiety on sky-high because the past catches up to the team again and they have to work through it some how, some way. Panic had me laughing, crying, and gasping. It was the greatness of both Tragic and Manic but more intense and pleasurable, if I do say so myself. And JA doesn’t and won’t stop here!! You heard me correctly…there’s more to come with the gang/team!! The ending and Epilogue were perfection and have me jonesing for January to get here!!! Give this a try…today!!! Rating: 5 stars
Caryn’s Review
Holy Mother of all page turners!! Panic is fantastic!! A must read!! J.A. Huss, you are a rock star!!!
Panic picks up where Manic leaves off and once again, I was completely caught up in Ronin and Rook’s journey ….and let me just say…..what a journey it was!!! Ronin’s love for Rook is all consuming and that radiates off the pages of Panic.
~ Ronin ~ “My world will never be the same. This girl blew in like the spring wind and whipped me around like a hurricane. She took over my life, she got Spencer to commit to her, she made Ford feel things, Antoine and Elise love her so much they want us to be godparents and she got an entire city to cheer for her and set me free. She is a force. And she’s not done yet, I can feel it. Hurricane Rook is just picking up speed.”
Rook loves Ronin, but her past makes her hesitant, yet there is no denying her love for Ronin.
~ Rook ~ “Ronin Flynn, you are like a door. Not a window where you can see through to the other side and be sure of what’s coming. But a door, still closed and leading to every opportunity imaginable and requiring a leap of faith that the risk is worth it. You are my doorway to endless possibilities and I’m ready to take that risk.”
In my review of Manic, I stated that the jury was still out for me on Ford. Now, I have a new found love for Ford, wicked ways and all. ~ Ronin ~ “I give up. I can’t predict him, I can’t control him, and I can’t compete with him. He’s your weirdo friend now Rook. I wash my hands.” I’m so excited that he’s getting his own book and I can’t wait to read it!!! Spencer gets a book too and I’m equally excited for that one!!!
I also mentioned in my review of Manic, that I wouldn’t mind if the author stirred things up in Panic. Wish granted!!!! From the first page I was hooked. This story/series is like a drug and I can’t get enough!!
5 ~ Tragic ~ Manic ~ Panic ~ Brilliant ~ stars!!!!! Pick up all three and be prepared to be blown away!!!
Tragic and Manic are both now $.99 cents
BOOK 1
Tragic by J.A. Huss
Publication date: May 20th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
Rook Walsh is TRAGIC
Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…
Rook got a second chance.
And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.
Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.
Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s portfolio.
Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.
Series: Rook and Ronin #2
Publication date: August 1st 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Synopsis:
TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract!
It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.
Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? 😉
Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.
Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her good are on display, and you’ve Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).
She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
Publication date: October 24th 2013 Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Synopsis:
Rook is chasing her dream—film school and a chance at a life beyond the one she left behind six months ago. But before she can become the girl she wants to be, she must deal with the girl she left behind.
Ronin is also chasing his dream—a family of his own and a life away from erotic modeling. And he too, has a past he’s trying to forget. A past that makes Rook question everything about their life together.
Lies, secrets, and shocking truths will rock the foundation Rook and Ronin have built. Can they put the past behind them and move forward together? Or is this just another too good to be true relationship that will crash and burn in the end?
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).
She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
Series: Rook and Ronin #2
Publication date: August 1st 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Synopsis:
TRAGIC is over and Rook is ready for the future—Spencer Shrike and the STURGIS contract!
It’s three months of body art modeling! That means three months of Spencer Shrike’s paintbrush all over her body, three months in front of Antoine’s camera, and three months of twenty-four hour filming for Spencer’s Biker Channel reality show.
Wait a minute…what reality show? Maybe she should’ve read that STURGIS contract a little closer? 😉
Sure, Rook’s bank account is almost overflowing, but Ronin is angry, Clare is trying to escape rehab, Antoine is a worried mess, and Elise is just trying to hold everyone together. Her new family is about to fall apart before she even gets the chance to enjoy them.
Add in a mysterious man from her past, a road trip to the famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a final show in front of the entire world where all her good are on display, and you’ve Manic—a new adult contemporary romance that will definitely make your summer sizzle!
What Caryn thought…Holy ending for Manic!!!! Is it October 21st yet?????? I am anxiously awaiting Panic!! While I loved Tragic, I can honestly say I loved Manic even more. WOW…what a story. I love Rook and Ronin together. When reading these books, you can feel their connection; you can feel their intensity…….Ronin ~ “I’ve never dated a girl like you, Rook. You are everything I want. I love all your parts. I love the wary parts, the defiant parts, the independent parts, and your innocence and vulnerability. I want you next to me and when you’re not there I feel like a part of me is missing. I’m so in love with you Rook. So fucking in love with you, it scares me.” With every chapter, I felt so connected to every character and the writing flowed so well that I lost track of time and didn’t stop until I was finished. Now that’s the sign of a good book!! There were a few things that I certainly did not see coming, yet made Manic, that much better for me. As I’m reading the story the author is leading me down one path and then……bam…..it goes in another direction. Love that!! I like the dynamic of Ronin, Spencer, and Ford…although the jury (for me) is still out on Ford. He’s one of those characters that you love and hate and I’m still trying to figure out if I love him or if I hate him……..hopefully I’ll be able to answer that question in October when Panic is released. And call me twisted….but there’s a tiny little part of me that wants to see Spencer and Rook get together. Now that would definitely make for one hell of a love triangle. I really like the friendship between Spencer and Rook and I like the relationship between Ronin and Rook and while I hope they get their happy-ever-after, I wouldn’t mind if the author stirred things up in Panic, not to mention the situation with Clare. Do I trust Ronin enough to not do something stupid to mess up his relationship with Rook?? Time will tell………………4.5 stars. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed. Reviewed by Caryn
What Kara thought…This second installment picks up where Rook and Ronin left off in Tragic. The message I found in this book is to not hide from our demons. Does Rook struggle with this…hell yes! Does she overcome her demons…you’ll have to read and find out. Rook continues to debate the importance of freedom and making healthy choices with this freedom. Her support system grows in this installment, all of whom provide her with different fitting pieces of advice. JA Huss continues to bring the angst-factor for me and I live for this in an amazing book. She kept me guessing and questioning: “what’s this mean, how’s it going to effect the future”. There’s cryptic and psychological discussions mixed in that make you ponder meanings and definitely got my brain rolling. Ronin is still ALL MINE and his back and forthness had me freaked out, resulting in “what are you thinking??!! (thoughts in my head)”. I’m highly anticipating Panic, the third and final book in Rook and Ronin’s series. I have no idea where we’re gonna land with Panic but I do get anxious, so if I end up with a panic attack I won’t be shocked. Rating: 4.5 stars Give it a try! Reviewed by Kara
AUTHOR BIO
J. A. Huss likes to write new adult books that make you think and keep you guessing. Her favorite genre to read is space opera, but since practically no one reads those books, she writes new adult science fiction, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, urban fantasy, and books about Junco (who refuses to be saddled with a label).
She has an undergraduate degree in horses, (yes, really–Thank you, Colorado State University) and a master’s degree in forensic toxicology from the University of Florida. She used to have a job driving around Colorado doing pretty much nothing but shooting the breeze with farmers, but now she just writes, runs the New Adult Addiction and Clean Teen Reads Book Blogs, and runs an online science classroom for homeschoolers.
Publication date: May 20th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Synopsis:
Rook Walsh is TRAGIC
Because life so far – just sucks. Some girls get parents. Rook got the foster care system. Some girls get Prince Charming. Rook got an abusive frog. Some girls get lucky…
Rook got a second chance.
And she took it. Because when fate throws you a bone – you grab it with both hands and run.
Antoine Chaput knows the minute he spies Rook in his photography studio that she’s got The Look. The dark and desperate look he must have to land the exclusive TRAGIC media contract.
Rook is paired up with top model, Ronin, and he’s everything her abusive ex-boyfriend wasn’t. Patient, gentle, happy, attentive, and sexy! He knows exactly what to do to make Rook blush for Antoine’s portfolio.
Rook’s luck changes in an instant and suddenly she’s the darling of the modeling world. It’s a dream job to go with a dream guy and all she has to do is look pretty and follow directions. But there’s always a price to pay – and Rook is about to get the bill.