for Natalie-Nicole Bates
This is the tale of first and last loves. And those that come in between…
Jack Harrison is a relentless overachiever who leaves little in the way of compromise. A businessman to the core—he’s hell-bent on being at the top of the food chain. After all, no one can trip you up if you’re on top, as he likes to say. The problem for Jack is there’s only one thing that continually trips him up—and that’s her.
Amelie Rose, with a name like poetry and a heart of gold, as her father always said, is a free-spirited photographer who has managed to land a job at one of the top travel magazines in the world. This is both a blessing and a curse since Amelie never stays in one place for long and has refused to commit to anything—ever.
It might seem to the casual observer that these two have almost nothing in common. But fate would disagree. The story chronicles Jack and Amelie’s lives from childhood into adulthood, beginning when they meet as then eight- and ten-year-olds at summer camp specifically designed for children who’ve lost too much.
As fate steps in, and that first summer seals the deal, they come to depend on each other in ways neither of them expected, with each summer bringing them closer than the last. As they come to terms with life and loss, with hanging on and letting go, they’ll teach each other that some bonds are meant to last. Together, they will travel the world, meeting in various places where they’ll come together, and fall apart, all the while struggling to discern if the other could possibly be the one.
This unlikely love story takes us on an adventure where two people come of age, fall in and out of love, and question the role timing plays in it all.
Their story is proof that neither time nor distance—perhaps not even death—can destroy what love creates.
So it seems the only question left to ask is whether love is enough?
My Dearest Jack,
If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably just had your heartbroken for the first time. Or at least it feels that way, anyway. But I want you to remember, son, that this isn’t the first time (nor will it likely be the last) that you’ve felt this way. You’ve been through so much already, and if you’re reading my letter, then obviously, you’ve survived thus far. And while it may not feel like it just now, you’ll survive this, too.
There are so many things I want to tell you about love, Jack. Oh, how I wish I were there to tell you this in person, to hug you, and hold your hand. Though,I’m guessing at this age, you might not like hand holding so much anymore. I try to picture you, what you look like now, where you are as you’re reading this, and it brings me so much joy to think of you all grown up. I looked in on you tonight as I’ve done every night since the day you were born, and as I watched you sleep, I pictured the man you’ll become. It’s hard not to feel a little bit bitter knowing I won’t be there to see it all. Oddly enough, though, it is with that sentiment that I want to tell you about love. If you are reading this and your heart is broken, you are lucky, Jack. I want you to pause a moment and let that really sink in. You are so damned lucky. Feeling this way, it means that you are living and more importantly—that you are loving. You cannot know how lucky you are to love until you’ve felt the immense pain of having to let that love go. It is a part of life. And as I am learning, it is also a part of death. Do not waste it. Do not play small. Lick your wounds, but then get back out there. Love harder next time. Most people don’t do that, you see. They get hurt once, and they hide behind it. They use it to excuse themselves into living guarded lives, never quite feeling the passion, the love that they are capable of. But not you, son. Don’t make that mistake. And I hope that if you consider taking that route, you’ll think of me and you’ll feel my love and know that even though I may have lost my battle, that I didn’t go down without a fight.
Neither will you, my love.
Neither will you.
I love you always,
Mom
P.S. Tips for healing a broken heart: time, above all else (don’t worry, you won’t feel this way forever), ice cream, and meaningful work. Now is the time to start a new project, Jack. Try something new, throw yourself into it, and let yourself get lost in it. You’ll come out all right in the end. You always have.
For those of you who prefer it straight up, no chaser: Mama to five. Writer. Juggler extraordinaire. That just about covers it…
The extended version and in third person no less ;): Britney is married to a man she adores (when he isn’t driving her crazy) and is the mother of FIVE pretty amazing kids, who (surprise!) also have a habit of driving her crazy. Her best guess is that it’s genetic. She is the author of two novels, Bedrock and Breaking Bedrock, with plans to release a third and fourth in 2014. In addition, she founded a local network for women in 2012, which has grown to over 1200 members. Currently, she occupies a job she enjoys–serving and running Austin Women’s Network. To further prove that she may in fact be certifiably insane, she decided to pursue her dreams and published her debut novel in May of 2013. Then and only then, could she consider her training to be an expert (life) juggler complete.
Secured: free from risk of loss, safe; not likely to fail or give way, stable; to guard from danger.
This pull in my chest, the tug of my beating heart, is stronger than it’s ever been. No one could ever compare to Avery. Everything about her makes me only want to experience more, the good and the bad. I’ll take whatever I can get because, as I’ve known from the very beginning, my heart belongs to her.
Why can’t she see it?
My beautiful angel, so filled with doubt and worry. I can feel her fears, but for once in my life, I feel helpless. There’s nothing that I can do that convinces her, nothing that speaks to her. Why can’t she see that she’s more than anything I ever dreamed of, that she’s perfect for me? This is enough.
Doesn’t she see?
I’ve only ever wanted her.
***
My heart races in my chest, pounding out a rhythm all its own. There’s adrenaline pumping all through my veins. It’s surging into my system and making me a nervous wreck.
I’ve waited forever to see my SEAL again. The wait is over, but I’m filled with doubts. Insecurities are hounding me left and right, plaguing me at every turn.
What if I’m not what he remembers, not good enough?
Our time spent in each other’s presence was less than a month. One month isn’t nearly enough time to get to know a person, is it? My head says no, but my heart screams that I know Kreed Jones better than I know myself. He’s spent eighteen long months convincing me of his love, growing my love for him with every letter, every phone call, but is it really enough?
What do we do now that he’s back?
I can’t be a Navy wife. I’m not strong enough, but how can I ask this selfless man to give up a dream, for me? He’s so hard to read. I just want to know where we are heading, what he’s thinking, am I still enough.
Am I still enough?
Tethered: the utmost length to which one can go; a range of allowable behavior; at the end of one’s tether, i.e. at the end of one’s patience or strength.
It’s been two miserable months since I last set my eyes on her gorgeous face, seven months since I’ve heard her voice. Hearing it now, coming from those sweet lips, God, it makes me regret everything, as if I didn’t already.
As if I don’t torture myself for the mistakes I made. Damn it, if I could only take them back! There’s nothing in this world that I wouldn’t give to take them back, to undo the hurt I’ve caused Drew.
As if I could ever forgive myself for the pain.
As if I haven’t spent every single second of my miserable fucking life missing those gorgeous, blue eyes looking at me like I’m a damned god, something to be valued and loved.
I think that’s what I miss the most.
My bright eyes.
***
That face! God, Trevor Rossi haunts my dreams, my every waking second. I see him in strangers in a crowd, in the park, in the supermarket. It’s been so long, a lifetime it seems, but not nearly long enough to forget. I’m not sure an eternity will make me forget the way he made me feel, cherished…adored. There’s nothing in this world that I want more than him. Even now, my entire being is always drawn to that man like a compass to true north, but…
He hurt me.
He didn’t fight for me. Through all the tears and anguish, the singular thing that destroys my soul is that he never even tried. Was giving up on us really so simple for him? After everything we had accomplished, how far we came, was it just a matter of walking away?
He ripped my already broken heart into a thousand shreds, stomping them against the hardwood of the club.
Despite all the wrenching pain, I want him.
My broken love.
Sealed: to conclude, establish, or settle definitively, excluding the possibility of reversal or loss; to decide irrevocably.
I’m leaving the naive, little girl version of myself behind in Pilot’s Point, and good riddance to her. Here, I can be whoever I want, a whole new Avery far removed from the drama of that former self. This one isn’t going to be afraid to take risks and go out on a limb or two. I’m done living in a self-proscribed bubble, always scared of the consequences of a poor decision.
There’s so many new experiences in Baltimore, new people, new places. I’m entranced by everything here from the snow to the men. There is no shortage of hot guys in Baltimore. They say everything is bigger and better in Texas, but I must beg to disagree.
From the moment Kreed Jones touched his soft lips to my hand, his mouth is the only thing my brain wants to concentrate on. Those sweet lips that refused to kiss mine, refused to take advantage, God, I want them. I want them so badly, but…
Trevor Rossi is sexy as sin, and boy, does he ever know! He’s gorgeous; that’s a given. The playboy lifestyle he exudes calls to me, drawing me near the flame. I know I’ll get burned, but would the end be worth one night in his arms? I am uncertain, still firmly on the fence, and after running into my professor, I’m even more confused.
Dr. James Saunders…James, as he insists…is handsome in his tailored suit, and the beautiful soul that shines behind those glasses of his, well, it’s a temptation, for certain. He’s off limits, and I think that’s the appeal. It’s wrong, oh so very, very, wrong. I just can’t seem to convince my mind of it.
These three men keep looking at me like I’m a prize, not the game, and for the first time in my life, I’m free of me. I’m not standing in my way, not anymore.
S.J. Sawyer is a twenty-something Okie girl who is mom to three, four if you count her husband! She is a full time author/photographer who enjoys making teasers to avoid working. She graduated from SOSU with a Bachelor’s degree in English Lit and a minor in Sociology. SJ is an avid reader, obviously, life long writer, and enjoys Happily Ever Afters above all else (though, the struggle to get there is good, too!)
Feel free to stalk S.J. (she likes that!) anywhere, including:
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Aaron closed his eyes and absorbed the warmth of Fiona’s arms around his neck. Her silky hair tickled his skin and filled the air with the fragrance of cherries from her shampoo. Just her touch pushed back the darkness that had threatened to overwhelm him. Much of the time he could keep his terrible memories locked away, but occasionally something would rise from the mire and he’d be right back there, reliving a shooting he’d witnessed, or worse.
He gathered Fiona’s hands in his and lifted them to his lips. He’d been such a fool. When he first went undercover, he’d imagined coming to tell her about it afterwards like some movie star playing at being a detective. The reality had shocked him. In the last six years, hardly a day had passed when he wasn’t terrified he’d be found out and killed. And the deeper he got, the more he had to play the role. He’d felt like he was digging his own grave and burying himself.
“Talk to me if it’ll help,” she whispered.
“I’m not allowed to until it’s come to trial and the cases are over.” Even then he wouldn’t want to tell her, wouldn’t want to disgust her and shock her. He kissed her hands again. “You’re sweet and good and everything that’s right with this world. I need to keep you separate from the darkness.”
Months after a secret admirer shook up his life, Roman Harper has found peace with the past that haunted him for eight years. He’s opened his heart to Bianca Baker. He’s made a name for himself in the art world. Life is good…
Until an anonymous package with a cryptic message changes everything.
When it happened before, it ripped him apart. This time around, he has so much more to lose.
I am a married event planner and life coach. My awesome friends and family and my amazing husband make my life sweet. I love to have fun and enjoy the life I’ve been blessed with. I love shopping and football with equal fervor. I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read and I enjoy sharing my love of books with anyone who will listen. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression.
With degrees in psychology, human services, and marriage and family counseling, I have a unique perspective on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. As an author, I combine an active imagination and life experiences to create stories that are easily relatable and intentionally intriguing. I want to offer you a peek into someone else’s life and for you to get lost in their story, their trials, their triumphs. My ultimate goal is to create a character or a story that stays with you long after you’ve put the book down.
In a nutshell, I am a Romance Novelist, Life Coach, Event Planner, Teacher, Karaoke Singer, and Professional Hugger.
Roman Harper is known for being three things:
A talented artist…
A charismatic loner…
And most notably, an unintentional heartbreaker.
Even though he doesn’t mean for women to fall in love with him, Roman Harper has left a string of broken hearts in his wake. But after a lie tore his world apart eight years ago, Roman doesn’t let anyone get too close to him. Sex is sex and love is…completely out of the question.
Using the past as motivation, Roman pours his heart out onto his canvas. His heartache inspires some of his best work. And at twenty-eight years old, his art is finally getting the recognition that he’s always desired. But when Roman wakes up on the morning after his successful event with no recollection of who left the cryptic message on his bathroom mirror, everything changes.
I am a married event planner and life coach. My awesome friends and family and my amazing husband make my life sweet. I love to have fun and enjoy the life I’ve been blessed with. I love shopping and football with equal fervor. I’m an amateur movie critic (i.e. my husband and I watch and critique a lot of movies for fun). I love to read and I enjoy sharing my love of books with anyone who will listen. I love music. A good lyric with a good melody can paint a vivid picture and invoke such a range of emotions. I have a soft spot for most mediums of creative, artistic expression.
With degrees in psychology, human services, and marriage and family counseling, I have a unique perspective on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. As an author, I combine an active imagination and life experiences to create stories that are easily relatable and intentionally intriguing. I want to offer you a peek into someone else’s life and for you to get lost in their story, their trials, their triumphs. My ultimate goal is to create a character or a story that stays with you long after you’ve put the book down.
In a nutshell, I am a Romance Novelist, Life Coach, Event Planner, Teacher, Karaoke Singer, and Professional Hugger.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am currently in a book funk. I finished reading Teased. Trevor Rossi has captured my heart and has left me stunned staring into space, with my mouth open, heart beating fast and tears down my face. This story took me in with the charming and hot awesomeness that is Trevor. Then it further pulled me in with the beautiful romance of Trevor and Drew; the only woman that was able to capture his heart. They meet, their relationship blossoms, I felt all giddy and happy. Just when I thought the ending was going to be a big resounding “YES” from Drew…I had to fasten my seat belt (so I wouldn’t jump out of my chair) and held on to my Kindle (I wanted to throw it against the wall). I was taken for a ride; a fast rough, hard ride. I did not see it coming and it hit me hard. I was screaming “NO!!! It cannot be!!” But, yes S.J. Sawyer did it, she took me there. I love Trevor and I will not give up on him!! This is a good read and a beautiful story with a tough ending. I am holding on waiting……
“I know you, Trevor, though. When life is too much, you need to numb all those pesky feelings.”