TODAY'S FEATURED AUTHOR
R.C. Boldt
WILDEST DREAM
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Blurb:
The Teach Me series starts off with the story of Raine and Mac, the most unlikely of best friends…
Taken from his parents and bounced from one foster home to the next, former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, Callum “Mac” Mackenzie had a rough childhood. The only time he’s let himself get attached to anyone has been with his military “brothers”. He’s convinced he doesn’t know how to love and certainly doesn’t “do” relationships. He’s spent fourteen years in the Navy and now he gets to live out his other dream: teaching.
Her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, science teacher, Raine Thompson feels as if her time to find “the one” is running out. She knows life is short, especially after dealing with breast cancer two years ago, and wants to experience her own happily ever after. But is it in the cards for her?
Finally acting on the simmering attraction they have long ignored, Raine and Mac decide to have a fling and they discover what it’s like to have someone who knows you inside out also be the one who makes your body come alive.
But it was only temporary…
**The Teach Me Series is said to be similar to the former TV show, Friends, with strong emphasis on friendships, fun banter and silliness but with a definite steamy factor added to the mix.
*Wildest Dream is the first book in the Teach Me series, but can be enjoyed as a full-length, standalone romance.**
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EXCERPT:
He turned his head to see her in profile as she was lying there, staring up at the slivers of moonlight and shadows on the ceiling. Mac wasn’t sure what made him do it but he slid his hand over almost hesitantly, his fingers linking with hers. He watched as she turned her head to look at him, an easy smile coming over her face.
“So.”
“So,” he echoed, returning her smile. Lying there with her, her hand in his, with that trademark smile on him, he felt like his heart staggered a bit in that moment.
Mentally shrugging it off, he spoke. “That was . . .” he trailed off, trying to find the right words.
“Subpar? So-so?” she supplied, eyes wide in innocence.
The smile slipped off his face as he stared at her. “Really, Thompson? That’s how you’re going to be?”
Raine shrugged nonchalantly and gave a dramatic sigh, turning away as if to get up. “Well, I’ll be going, now.”
He rolled to his side, his arm snaking out and grabbing her, pulling her back flush against his front. “Oh, no you don’t, missy,” he growled. “Not before giving me a chance to redeem myself. It’s only fair,” he said, smiling into her hair.
“Well, if I must,” she sighed despondently and wiggled against him as if to get more comfortable. He felt himself start to harden in response to her movement.
“Oooh. Somebody’s ready for round two already?” she remarked. “Too bad I’m too tired,” she yawned loudly. A very fake yawn.
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Woman, you should know better than to provoke me.”
“Oh, yeah? You planning to punish me?” she teased.
He slid his hand up over her hip and down to the center of her thighs. Her legs parted easily for him as he glided his fingers over her to slide one inside with ease. The sound of her quick inhalation made him grin.
“I think I’m rather fond of your punishment,” Raine told him breathlessly.
If he were to judge by the way she came apart in his arms after that as well as the other three times throughout the night, he would have to agree with her.
HARD TO HANDLE
Release Date: February 2, 2016
Blurb:
RC Boldt's Teach Me series gives us a closer look at just how thin the line is between love and hate…
Fifth grade social studies teacher, Laney Kavanaugh, is no stranger to being left behind – her father taught her that at a young age. That's why she always has her eyes wide open when it comes to men. She's determined she will never again be the one left behind. She doesn't let sex blur what they're really doing; it's always just sex.
Until Zach.
Zachariah Mayson, fifth grade writing and English teacher, has been the bane of Laney's existence from the moment they met at their shared elementary school. She can't stand him. He gets under her skin like no other and is always utterly obnoxious in his attempts–and successes–in getting a rise out of her.
Until the wedding.
The night of their friends' wedding, Laney gives in to a moment of melancholy, knowing she'll never be able to let her guard down enough to let a guy close, let alone someday get married. She and Zach end up having the hottest night she'd ever experienced, showing her another side of him, a softer, sweeter one he'd hidden from her until now. Because now, he hoped she was finally ready to "see" him.
But when you've always guarded yourself against falling in love, can you let go of the past in order to embrace the future?
**The Teach Me Series is said to be similar to the former TV show, Friends, with strong emphasis on friendships, fun banter and silliness but with a definite steamy factor added to the mix.
*Hard To Handle is the second book in the Teach Me series, but can be enjoyed as a full-length, standalone romance.**
Buy links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1TRF3l9
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/Wtr5vL
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Excerpt:
“What the hell do you—” He stopped mid-rant as his eyes fell on who was standing on his doorstep.
Laney looked mad as hell … and never more beautiful. With anger flashing in her hazel eyes and lips pressed thin, red and kissable. And that dress she wore? Oh, hell. It had taunted him the entire time they had been at The Turtle. Just for the simple fact that it accentuated the curves on the body he’d had his hands on, mouth on, lips on just a few days prior.
“What the hell do I want, you ask?” she snarled at him as she shoved past him to enter the house, pushing the door shut behind her with a loud thunk. “Oh, I’m so glad you asked. I want to know what the hell was with that gift. The one you shoved at me.” Her volume increased, her words forceful, demanding. “Why did you give me that gift?”
She was upset because he gave her a nice gift? Fuck that.
“Because it made me think of you!” he practically screamed. He watched Laney’s eyes go wide, lips parting in shock or disbelief, he wasn’t sure which. They stood there, staring at each other, fiery gazes clashing.
He wasn’t sure who moved first, but one minute they were having their angry standoff and the next, their bodies collided, lips meeting in a kiss filled with a fierceness, tongues warring. Knocking into the wall before he righted them as they pulled off articles of clothing, they made their way down the hallway to his room. Leaving a trail of her flip flops, sweater, dress, panties, bra, and his pants in their wake, they made it to his bedroom.
Zach pulled his lips from hers. “Just one night, again, Kavanaugh?” He heard the slight bite in his tone.
Her eyes searching his, she quietly answered, “Just one night. Again.”
Hearing her repeat the words, he felt like there was a massive weight on his chest, making it difficult to breath.
Oh, he would give her one night, all right.
His mouth slammed down on hers, devouring her, tasting her deeply. Having her curves pressed against him made him nearly weak in the knees at how right it felt to have her in his arms.
It’s only for one more night.
Those words haunted him and he slid his fingers into her hair, tugging her head back to tilt it, moving his lips to her throat.
REMEMBER WHEN
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Blurb:
The third installment of RC Boldt’s Teach Me series returns with two people who once had it all…
Over a decade ago, fourth grade teacher Tate Donnelly was attending college with the love of her life by her side. She had been certain, even then, that it was the forever kind of love. But she was proven wrong when he left her all alone to pick up the pieces of her life—and heart—when her entire world imploded.
Former Navy SEAL Miller Vaughn once had the love of a girl he thought would be his, and be by his side forever. Unfortunately, that only lasted until after he joined the Navy. Then she vanished, never to be heard from again. Throwing himself into his training, he vowed to become the best, toughest SEAL he could be, and never let a girl get the best of him again.
Years later, a man who resembles a boy she once knew reappears in her life. A boy she had loved with her whole being. A boy who had eviscerated her heart.
Though much time has passed, Tate and Miller still feel that same “pull” they did years ago. When truths about the past are revealed, will they both be able to move on from their painful past … or are they destined for heartbreak again?
Can they remember when their love was the most important thing in their world?
**The Teach Me Series is said to be similar to the former TV show, Friends, with strong emphasis on friendships, fun banter and silliness but with a definite steamy factor added to the mix.
*Remember When is the third book in the Teach Me series, but can be enjoyed as a full-length, standalone romance.**
Buy links:
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Google Play: https://goo.gl/X8973T
EXCERPT:
What in the everloving fuck was he doing?
Oh, nothing much. Just driving around Fernandina Beach late at night, doing a pass by Tate’s place, every so often, to see if she were home yet.
And every single pass of her house that her car wasn’t yet there, the tightness in his chest increased. Because he knew what was keeping her. Or, more specifically, whom. Pearce Fucking Hadley. The former PJ and bonafide badass with a titanium leg. The guy who had been by Tate’s side the entire evening.
The guy had gotten way too fucking close to her as Miller had pulled out of the parking lot. A sick part of him had wanted to linger, to wait and see what would happen when the guy went in for the kiss. When, not if. Because Miller could see the writing on the wall. And it screamed “Pearce is going to kiss Tate tonight.”
Fuuuuck. He couldn’t take this shit. He should just call it a night and stop torturing himself over what might be happening in that parking lot between the two of them. Was he kissing her, fingers threading through her silky blonde hair? Did he back her up, push her against her car, needing to feel her body against his own? Was she sliding her own hands over him?
Hitting the steering wheel in frustration, Miller decided on making one final pass before going home. Turning the Jeep onto her street, he couldn’t deny the whoosh of breath that was released as he saw the familiar vehicle parked beneath the stilts of her tiny beach house. Pulling into her driveway, he parked, turning off the ignition.
Before he gave further thought to his actions, he quickly exited the Jeep. Pressing his key fob to lock the vehicle, he ambled up the stairs to her door. Giving two swift knocks, he waited. And waited. And waited some more. He knocked more firmly, louder, again. Still nothing.
What the hell? Was she okay? Had she brought Pearce back to her place? Maybe she had driven them back here together?
Running his hands over his hair, he muttered to himself, “You’re fucking pathetic, Vaughn.”
On his last word, the door opened. That was the moment Miller felt as though he’d been kicked in the solar plexus, unable to find his breath.
Because standing before him was Tate Donnelly, hair wet, face scrubbed clean, dressed in a pair of loose shorts and a tank top. A tank top which was displaying nipples that were pressing against it, reacting to the night breeze.
“Did I catch you talking to yourself, Vaughn?” Eyebrow raised, she looked at him curiously.
Wrenching his eyes away from the tantalizing view of her breasts, he saw her brows furrow suddenly.
“Wait a minute. What are you doing here so late?” A look of concern crossed her face. “Is everyone okay?”
Inhaling a calming breath, he answered, “Everyone is fine. I just …” his brain scrambled to come up with an answer, “I just wanted to check and make sure you’d made it home all right.”
Hey, that actually sounded pretty legit. Not bad, Vaughn.
“Really?” Tate seemed doubtful. Uh, yeah. He probably should’ve upped his excuse game since this woman standing before him had once known him inside and out.
“Can I come in?”
She stared at him for a moment before glancing away with a sigh. “It’s late, Miller.”
He regarded her suspiciously. “Do you have someone here?”
Her head drew back, the crease between her brows becoming pronounced and his thumb itched to smooth it out. “How is that any business of yours?”
Miller couldn’t identify what made him do it, but the next instant, he was crowding Tate, his body pressing against hers as he walked them inside her home, kicking the door shut behind him.
“Because I need to know.” His hands gripped her hips, fingers flexing at the feel of her, and he pressed his body to hers, her back against the wall. “I need to know if Pearce kissed you.” Miller’s lips found the side of her neck, pressing a light kiss against it before the tip of his tongue darted out to taste her. The sound of her gasp made his cock twitch.
“Yes.” Her breathless answer made his spine stiffen.
That fucker had kissed her?
“Did you like it, Tate?” He murmured against her earlobe, running his teeth over it before gently sucking on it. Hearing her elicit the tiniest moan encouraged him. One hand slid up from her hip, grazing her side to cup one breast, thumb brushing over her already hardened nipple.
“Did you like it, Tate?” he repeated. “Did you get turned on?” Pressing his hardness against her, he felt her body instinctively arch against him. His other hand grazed across the center of her shorts, between her thighs, feeling her heat and a touch of dampness.
“Did you get wet like this? For him?” Pressing a trail of kisses along the column of her throat, he slid a long finger beneath the hem of the leg of her shorts. Grazing over her clit in the slightest caress, he slid a finger deep inside of her.
Holy shit, she’s so wet. And so tight around his finger. He could only imagine how she would feel if he were to slide—
“Stop.” Tate’s palms pressed against his chest, pushing at him. “We can’t.”
A part of him swelled with pride at the breathless quality of her voice, arousal still lingering. Leaning away from her after sliding his finger from inside of her, he took in the sight of her chest which was slightly heaving, nipples pressing against the fabric of her top. Her eyes were slowly losing the glazed look of lust.
“We can’t do this, Miller.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “We just did. And it seemed to happen easily.”
Tate looked away briefly before returning to meet his gaze. Her lips—lips he was currently kicking himself in the ass for not kissing—rolled in as she chose her words.
Letting out a sigh, her eyes implored him. “It can’t happen between us ever again.” Her face took on a touch of anguish when she continued. “We’re different people now. And we have too much of a … past.” The last word came out in barely a whisper before she swallowed thickly.
LAWS OF ATTRACTION
Release Date: August 9, 2016
Blurb:
RC Boldt's fourth book in the Teach Me series shows us that sometimes the perfect person for you is the one you least expected it to be ...
Langley Ford is the definition of serious. Going through life as a pararescue jumper, working solely around men, she’s had to go above and beyond to prove she’s their equal. In fact, she can’t recall the last time she allowed herself to truly relax or let her guard down.
Always the one others rely on to crack jokes, the one to liven things up, Lawson Briggs is a fun, easygoing guy who doesn’t take life too seriously. But witnessing so many of his friends falling in love, he begins to wonder what the fuss is about. Will he ever fall prey to that infamous “love bug”?
Langley is now out of the military and working at a security consulting firm. When she meets the tall, bearded teacher who has endless wisecracks and comments, a part of her wishes she could be like him, wishes she could remember how.
While Lawson might be the best person to teach her how to live life to the fullest, will Langley be the one who teaches him all about love?
**Laws of Attraction is the fourth book in the Teach Me series, but can be enjoyed as a full-length, standalone romance.**
**The Teach Me Series is said to be similar to the former TV show, Friends, with strong emphasis on friendships, fun banter and silliness but with a definite steamy factor added to the mix.
Buy links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Rr5eM5
Amazon UK: https://goo.gl/oZKtcm
Amazon AU: https://goo.gl/j7GnzB
Amazon CA: https://goo.gl/H52XUq
iBooks US: https://goo.gl/trlFai
iBooks UK: https://goo.gl/HusUxm
iBooks CA: https://goo.gl/lUEehs
iBooks AU: https://goo.gl/nLOyP0
B&N: http://goo.gl/52VVlD
EXCERPT:
“I should go say hello to Momma K.” He watched as Lee’s lips twitched, eyeing Foster and Noelle, who were engaged in what appeared to be an epic staredown. Again. For like the millionth time.
Those two and their heated, sexual tension rivaled the fires of Hades.
Waving with a formal air for Lee to walk in front of him, he asked, “Shall we head to the kitchen, ma’am?”
She gave him a look. “Really? You’re ma’aming me?”
With a cocky grin, his answer was smug and thick with insinuation. “Don’t lie, Lee. You like me ma’aming you.”
“I find that I feel dirtier the longer I listen to this,” he heard Laney mutter from behind them.
Shaking her head, Lee walked in front of him and—oh, yeah—that made his Sunday evening veer off from pretty damn good to incredible. Maybe even stellar. He followed her through the dining room, distracted while his mind went where the typical male mind tended to wander when faced with a supremely attractive female.
Straight to the gutter.
Just as he began thinking of the ways he’d enjoy stripping her of those fitted khaki pants that showcased her firm ass, thinking of how he’d love to cup it in his hands as she rode him, it was brought to a screeching halt.
More like a grinding halt, maybe? Because when she stopped abruptly in front of him, just as they were about to walk into Momma K.’s kitchen, his hands instinctively reached for her hips to steady himself. And that slight arch of his lower body toward hers? Into her ass?
Oops. Color him shameless.
Turning her head to the side slightly, she mumbled, “Did you just grind on me? After I felt you staring at my ass the entire walk over here?”
“Guilty.” He smirked. “What can I say? Your ass is like the eighth wonder of the world.”
Before she could respond, they heard Momma K. call out, happily, “Langley! Come here, my dear girl.”
Thus, ending the awkward yet somehow enjoyable encounter with his lovely Lee.
And, yes. The teacher in him took pride in that impromptu example of alliteration.
Lovely Lee. Lovely, luscious Lee. Lawson’s lovely, luscious Lee.
Ding, ding, ding! The latter was absolute perfection.
Yeah, he knew that he was a supreme dork, but at least he was an alliteration genius. Surely that canceled out the dorky part.
Surely.
The Teach Me Series 4-Book Box Set:
The Teach Me series by author RC Boldt shines a light on a sexy, fun bunch of teachers and former military and exactly how their worlds merge, bringing us laughs, love and lots of heat. All four novels—Wildest Dream, Hard To Handle, Remember When, and Laws of Attraction—are now together in one, four-book box set.
WILDEST DREAM
You will swoon and get all hot and bothered. You will smile. You will get the feels. And you will definitely fall head over heels in love.—Renee Entress's Blog
Former Navy SEAL turned math teacher, Callum “Mac” Mackenzie is convinced he doesn’t know how to love and certainly doesn’t “do” relationships. Her thirtieth birthday fast approaching, science teacher, Raine Thompson feels as if her time to find “the one” is running out. She knows life is short, and wants to experience her own happily ever after. But is it in the cards for her? Finally acting on the simmering attraction they have long ignored, Raine and Mac decide to have a fling and they discover what it’s like to have someone who knows you inside out also be the one who makes your body come alive. But it was only temporary…
HARD TO HANDLE
I never thought I would dig teachers, but RC Boldt just writes them in the kind of light I never pictured. Sweet, sexy, sassy fun, this book thrilled me and melted me.—Marie's Tempting Reads
Fifth grade social studies teacher, Laney Kavanaugh, is no stranger to being left behind—her father taught her that at a young age. Determined to never again be the one left behind, she doesn’t let sex blur what they’re really doing; it’s always just sex. Zachariah Mayson, fifth grade writing and English teacher, has been the bane of Laney’s existence from the moment they met at their shared elementary school. He gets under her skin like no other and is always utterly obnoxious in his attempts–and successes–in getting a rise out of her. The night of their friends’ wedding, they end up having the hottest night she’d ever experienced. He shows her a softer, sweeter side he’d hidden from her until now. But when you’ve always guarded yourself against falling in love, can you let go of the past in order to embrace the future?
REMEMBER WHEN
This book is about second chances, forgiveness, new hope, and unforgettable love. It's full of love, laughter and amazing friends that will be there for you in the good times and bad.—Liz's Reading Life
Over a decade ago, fourth grade teacher Tate Donnelly had been certain that she had the forever kind of love. But she was proven wrong when he left her all alone to pick up the pieces of her life—and heart—when her entire world imploded. Former Navy SEAL Miller Vaughn once had the love of a girl he thought would be his, and be by his side forever. Unfortunately, that only lasted until after he joined the Navy. Then she vanished, never to be heard from again. Years later, a man who resembles a boy she once knew reappears in her life. A boy she had loved with her whole being. A boy who had eviscerated her heart. Tate and Miller still feel that same “pull” they did years ago. When truths about the past are revealed, will they both be able to move on from their painful past?
LAWS OF ATTRACTION
I couldn't get enough of. R.C. Boldt's talented writing style had me addicted from the beginning. Her added twists woven together with sweet romance made for an exciting read.—The Power of Three Readers Book Blog
Langley Ford is the definition of serious. Going through life as a pararescue jumper, working solely around men, she’s had to go above and beyond to prove she’s their equal. Lawson Briggs is a fun, easygoing guy who doesn’t take life too seriously. Witnessing so many of his friends falling in love, he begins to wonder what the fuss is about. While Lawson might be the best person to teach her how to live life to the fullest, will Langley be the one who teaches him all about love?
Amazon UK: http://goo.gl/0hFIvm
Amazon AU: http://goo.gl/PwydTa
Out of Love
Release Date: December 6, 2016
BLURB:
Foster Kavanaugh, former Navy SEAL, knows what it’s like to be the top dog, the man in charge, the one calling the shots. Now that he’s running his own security consulting firm, not much has changed.
Except the curvy blonde he hired as his office manager.
Noelle Davis has been through the damn ringer. Swearing off men after escaping a toxic relationship, she’s grateful for a fresh start—new job included. Of course, her job isn’t tranquil and calm. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Because her boss is the most infuriating man on the planet.
And, not to mention, sexy as hell.
Foster has limits. Rules. No attachments allowed because he doesn’t do love—and Noelle Davis foiled that plan and took a red pen to his list of rules. With her smart mouth and quick witted banter, he found the woman beginning to creep past his defenses.
When circumstances put Noelle in a perilous position, the first person to come to her rescue is none other than Foster Kavanaugh. She gets to see the man in action—not as her aggravating boss, but the man who will stop at nothing to ensure her safety.
The same man who makes her want to reconsider her self-imposed embargo of men.
The man she wants to get to know now that she’s seen another side of him.
The man who makes her want…more.
But is more possible when you're OUT OF LOVE?
**Out of Love is a full-length, standalone novel that does NOT need to be read in conjunction with any other book. **
EXCERPT:
The truth is, I do like his naked chest. A little too much. When he, without any hesitation, removed his own shirt to pull it down over me, recognizing the breeze might be slightly chilly for me, I nearly melted right then and there. Because the last time I had a man do that for me was back in Never Happened B.C.
But I have to stop this—this route my mind’s taking—because it’s far too dangerous. To recognize Foster Kavanaugh is a good guy is one thing. To start getting all kinds of romantic thoughts about him is a completely different—and not smart—thing. So that means I need a recap.
Facts I need to remember about Foster:
1) He is a manwhore.
2) I work for him.
3) I need my job.
4) He’s super hot.
5) His chest is beautiful.
6) Wait. Where was I going with this? Shit.
7) No. Foster is a big NO. No, no, no, noooooo.
I take another sip of my wine. Then a gulp because not only are my nerves shot, but I need to get my shit together. I need to stay on track. My whole plan for moving here was to start over, to start fresh and not get tied up with a guy for a while. At least until I found one who would treat me right; one who wouldn’t end up going all psycho on me. And the truth is, I haven’t really been tempted by any of the guys I’ve met since moving here.
Okay, okay. That’s a lie. Clearly. If I didn’t have all this damn “baggage” that, more now than ever before, would let me unpack and discard it once and for all, I would likely have been interested in Foster. Because, geez Louise… He’s delicious. But he’s a manwhore. I don’t want to simply be another notch on the man’s bedpost. I deserve better. My vajayjay, however, is a slut, and she wants Foster. Baaaaad.
Truth is, I love my job and my new life here. I was welcomed with open arms by Foster’s mother—whom everyone calls Momma K.—and Foster’s sister, Laney, who’s a freaking riot, as well as the rest of the gang. I don’t want anything forcing me to leave this place I’ve come to think of as home.
Setting my wine glass back on the table, I pull my legs up to rest my heels on the edge of the chair, wrapping my arms around them. Resting my chin atop my knees, I close my eyes, listening to the sound of the crashing waves upon the shoreline less than a hundred yards away. I’m not sure how long I sit, letting the ocean breeze mixed with the scent of the citronella candles wash over me, before I realize there’s another familiar fragrance I’m picking up. Lowering my head slightly, I sniff Foster’s shirt that’s engulfing me and the smell of cologne, or deodorant, or whatever the hell he wears, which is nearly intoxicating.
Who knows how long I would have continued sniffing his shirt like one of those creepers who collects random women’s underwear, lives with his mother at age fifty, and skins cats alive for fun, when I suddenly hear a strange sliding noise from behind me.
CLAM JAM
Release Date: January 10, 2017
BLURB:
“Clam Jam”
Definition: the female equivalent of a cock block.
Example: You’re chatting with a guy you’re interested in and your friend comes along and lays claim to him.
Maggie
That’s my life—except it’s worse. My friend who keeps “jamming” me is my gay roommate and if that isn’t a W.T.F. moment, I’m not sure what is.
Fact: He went home with three—yes, three—of the guys I had been so sure were into me.
Fact: He’s really pissing me off. I mean, hello? I’m trying to get back in the saddle, but I’ll never manage to get a boyfriend before the age of fifty if he keeps this up.
Fact: Secretly, I wonder what it would be like if he weren’t gay. Why do all the hot, sweet, tender-hearted guys have to be gay?
Fact: My gay-dar needs a serious tune-up.
Ry
The day I interviewed for the room to rent, everything changed. I knew I had met “the girl”, except there was one small problem: she didn’t want anything to do with men. I recognized a top-notch force field when I saw one. She’d been burned badly and didn’t want to deal with a heterosexual guy as a roommate. I could’ve turned around and found another place to live, but I wanted to live there—with her.
So I had to go “undercover”.
Fact: I’m in love with my roommate.
Fact: I’m a likely candidate for carpal tunnel surgery since all the action I’ve had for the past year has been my hand.
Fact: She’s going to hate me if I come clean now.
Fact: I’m not giving up. Which means, I’ll just have to continue to run defense until I figure out a way to get Maggie to see the “real” me.
The me that loves her.
The me that would never do her wrong.
Until then, I’ll keep running off every guy who shows any interest.
Until then, I’ll continue to Clam Jam.
GOODREADS LINK: https://goo.gl/4AKorK
Google Play: https://goo.gl/gdUjg7
EXCERPT:
My name is Maggie Finegan, and I’m the continuous victim of a “clam jam.”
To answer your questions: No, I’m not Irish—I was adopted.
And, yes, clam jamming is a thing.
I’ll wait until that one sinks in. Taps toe of shoe quietly.
Okay, ready? I’ll go on. It’s a pretty crazy story. It all started one dark, stormy night—wait, don’t roll your eyes at me, people. Fine. So it might have been more of a typical Upstate New York overcast kind of day. I had left work early since my boss, whom I fondly referred to as Sybil, left work at lunchtime for a meeting in the city. I took advantage of him skipping out early, knowing that I could hurry home and clean up the apartment I shared with my fiancé, Shane, and set the mood to get lucky. Things had been a little off lately, with both of our work schedules usually residing in the “heinously hectic” realm, and I wanted to remedy this.
Sliding my key in the lock of our apartment door, I stepped one heel over the threshold, and my favorite pair of Jimmy Choos slipped, sending me off balance. I barely caught myself as one hand flew out to brace against the entryway wall to steady myself. Prepared to take offense with whatever object had made me nearly land on my butt, the next moment happened in slow motion. You know what I’m talking about. Slooooow moooooooootion. Where a moment in your life is too freaking weird, crazy, or just all-around effed up, and your brain does some weird thing with the synapses, immediately slowing everything down. Like an out-of-body experience. That’s what I had going on. Because the offensive object that had me nearly falling on my butt was a pair of woman’s panties.
Fact: Those panties weren’t mine.
You know. In case you were wondering.
My slow motion continued as I bent down to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me because, yeah, that was my initial thought. They might be my panties. Because no way would my fiancé be getting “jiggy”—thank you, Will Smith, for that term—with someone else, right?
Go ahead. Say it. Say exactly what you’re thinking. Maggie, what the hell is wrong with you? Stop being delusional! I kicked those panties to the side, slid my briefcase’s straps off my shoulder, and set it in the corner of the entryway. Walking down the hallway, I could hear my heels clicking along the hardwood floors. And do you know what I thought the entire walk to the bedroom—to our bedroom? I thought, Wow, these floors are gorgeous. And those oversized windows looking out onto downtown Saratoga Springs have a gorgeous view. I’m so glad I chose this apartment.
Weird, right? I think I had an idea of what I’d find in that bedroom, and my mind had officially gone into full-blown protective mode.
The noises were the worst. Let’s be real here. I get that, in the heat of the moment, you’re probably going to have harsh breathing and some moans, but what I heard as I approached that bedroom was something you’d likely find on the Discovery Channel. Elephants mating, perhaps? Something large scale. Maybe if wooly mammoths still existed, that would be the closest thing to what I heard coming from that bedroom. That’s right. I know you’re cringing right now. It was absolutely mammaliciously awful. Yes, I made up that word, but you have to understand that mammals everywhere were shaking their heads in disgust at that moment.
I’m going to fast-forward a bit now because I’m pretty sure you know how what I call “the discovery” went. They both shrieked, he pulled out of her—out of her mouth, by the way—and claimed it wasn’t what it looked like.
Because, you know, his penis inside of a woman’s mouth was one of those blind taste tests or something. Like back in the day when they were all like, “This is Coke? Wow! I can’t believe it. I’ve drunk Pepsi my whole life.”
First of all, you should not be that amazed and mystified by a freaking beverage. That’s just lame.
Let’s move on. I kicked them both out. Luckily, his name was not on the lease since he’d moved in with me. Not so lucky was the fact that this place was on the pricey side of things, so I’d have to watch my spending on happy hours, takeout, and dinner nights out.
Here’s the quick rundown:
1. I left all of Shane’s belongings outside the door. ALL of them.
2. Okay, so I might have tossed some of his things in the trash. My bad.
3. Luckily, our lead building attendant, Mr. Charlie, has adored me from day one and once I informed him of what went down, he told me not to worry about anyone reporting the overabundance of crap piled up near the trash chute.
4. I Craigslisted the hell out of that mattress. Because God only knows what had gone down—pun intended—on that thing when I hadn’t been home.
5. I did the whole bawling my eyes out to my best friend, Sarah, between bouts of inherent desire to maim Shane. Because, let’s be honest, that’s what women do. After too much Pad Thai— wait, I’m kidding; no one can have too much Pad Thai—at my pity party, I made some new decisions about my life.
a. I was not going to date for a while. Now, I’m not saying I refused to ever date again because, really. It’s not like I have my sights set on being that woman with seventy-two cats or anything. Plus, I’m allergic, so that’s a no-go.
b. If I were going to be single, footloose, and fancy-free—thank you, Auntie Patsy, for that phrase that I hope never spills from my lips again—I’d need to get a roommate because I’d need the extra money. You see, I’m not a fan of women who expect guys to buy them drinks. We all know those drinks often come with expectations. The single’s world is flooded with douche bags, you know. Then again, so is the attached world, as my situation served as a prime example.
c. My roommate could in no way be a straight man. It couldn’t be a woman, either, because I’ve never been able to cohabitate with another female. I know it’s weird. But it is what it is.
d. I couldn’t exactly put out an ad for a “gay roommate” because, uh, discrimination? Who doesn’t want to get slapped with a lawsuit and has two thumbs up? This girl.
This is the point where the story really begins. Get comfy. Well, as comfy as you possibly can when preparing to read about a year of my life being clam jammed.
Shall we begin?
Out of the Ashes
Release Date: May 9, 2017
BLURB:
Phoenix /fēniks/: (in classical mythology) a unique bird inhabiting the Arabian Desert that burned itself on a funeral pyre before rising from the ashes with renewed youth to live through another cycle.
This isn’t mythology, it’s war, and Hendy is left in the hands of Hell’s cruelest gatekeepers.
His team is killed before his very eyes, and despite his efforts to save them, he’s captured and subjected to merciless torture—losing virtually every piece of his identity but his pulse.
After his rescue, he returns home from Afghanistan, saddled with facing the daunting task of healing his physical scars as well as the invisible ones—his emotional demons.
Dr. Presley Cole isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Embarking on a new journey, she makes it her mission to prove to Hendy that his life isn’t over; that he’s worthy of love.
Because sometimes even a phoenix needs help to rise…
Out of the Ashes.
EXCERPT:
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Bethesda, Maryland
Hendy
Two months later
I could hear the voices at the doorway of my hospital room, and while I recognized both, one of them stood out.
One of them caught me off guard.
That same voice elicited anticipation from within me. I’d never gotten serious about any woman, but she was one I thought might have potential, the only one I could see myself getting serious with.
Katie was a nurse I’d met while visiting another SEAL in the hospital, and we had hooked up anytime I returned stateside. For whatever reason, she hadn’t been a hit-it-and-quit-it for me, and we’d kept in touch via email and sometimes Skype—whenever I was graced with a decent internet signal on my deployment.
“How is he?”
“He’s…doing better.” The hesitation was clear from Nurse Ratched’s tone. That woman earned her nickname. Her bedside manner was non-existent—not to mention, she could give the Navy medics a run for their money when it came to the “I start an IV by shoving a needle in your arm and then dig around to find a vein” thing.
“They’ve been working me nonstop, and I just now got a chance to come see him.” Katie sounds nervous.
I’d be lying through my teeth if I said I wasn’t nervous as shit for her to see me.
“He’s been awake for a short time, but he might still be a bit groggy,” Nurse Ratched warns. What she doesn’t realize—or doesn’t care to notice—is the fact I rarely press the button that automatically dispenses pain medication via my PCA pump. After hearing “Pain is just weakness leaving the body” over and over from the start of BUD/S training—Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training—and throughout my career as a SEAL, it’s engrained in me.
Not to mention, feeling pain means I’m not dead, and I have to admit I’m still shocked I made it out alive.
The tentative footsteps entering the hospital room draw my attention from where a muted Jeopardy plays on the television. Katie comes into view; her blond hair pulled back in a clip, she’s clad in plain scrubs. Luckily for her, the door to the room is to my right, so she’s greeted by the unmarred side of my face.
Unlike the left side. Much unlike the left.
Drawing to a stop at the foot of my bed, she offers a gentle smile. “Hey, handsome.”
I attempt a slight smile—at least as much of one as I can offer. The scarring and muscle damage in my left cheek creates more of a lopsided grin now. When I turn toward her—allowing her a full view—I see it.
The revulsion.
The horror.
The disappointment.
It’s all written there on her face. It’s in those widened, hazel eyes.
“So, uh…” she falters, stammering as if we’re acquaintances and not two people who’ve gotten to know one another—intimately, if nothing else. “How are you feeling?” She winces as she realizes how lame her question is.
But I answer just the same. “I’ve had better days.”
Her laughter sounds stilted. “I can imagine.” Her eyes dart to the left side of my face before jerking away, as if she’s looked directly at the midday sun. Wincing. Painfully.
“It’s good to see you, Katie.” My tone is far too polite.
She needs to go. I know this, and so does she. Obviously, she was only into me for my looks, and I should’ve known better. After all, I was the manwhore who slept my way through quite a few single women before all this happened.
I never had any complaints—all of them knew the score. A SEAL. A guy who’d deploy to some random part of the world no sane person wants to visit. A guy who chose his country over himself. A guy who killed sometimes as much as he saved.
For those reasons, I was also a guy who didn’t do attachments—a fun guy. I’d never slept with a woman who turned into a “bunny boiler” or flipped out on me in some equally psychotic way. We always parted on good terms, amicably, thanks to the charm instilled in me long ago, courtesy of my mother.
But it isn’t until this moment that I realize how vain and callous I’d been. Shallow. Because at timeslike this, people need support—need to be appreciated and loved for more than their looks.
Life is totally giving me a big fat fuck you right now. That much is certain.
“Yeah, it’s…great to see you home.” She clasps her hands together; her expression so overly bright it’s painful. “And doing so well, too.” Her energetic tone grates on me.
“Well”—I blow out an exaggerated breath—“I’m actually pretty beat, so I think I’m going to rest.”
It’s an easy out. I know it, and she knows it. I’m giving her the reprieve she’s searching for, so she doesn’t have to look at the damage. More specifically, she doesn’t have to look at the left side of my face.
Relief washes over her features before she stifles it. She might have been quick but not quick enough.
“Oh, of course.” Her words come hastily, almost frantic. “I’ll let you rest.”
I close my eyes, partly to shut her out. “Take care, Katie.” Goodbye, Katie. Have a nice life.
“Bye, Hendy,” she says softly before her footsteps fade away.
Only then do I open my eyes. Training my gaze on the television, I press the button to increase the volume slightly.
“Who is Rembrandt?” I murmur.
And I continue doing so—rambling off answers and answer attempts—until exhaustion finally overtakes me. All the while, in the back of my mind, it’s confirmed; it’s a done deal. The damage to my face is far too extensive for anyone to see past it. I was right—I wasn’t completely off-base when I first caught sight of my reflection in the mirror.
My face is the sight of horrors, and no one will be able to see past it.
Not even me.
About the Author:
RC Boldt is the wife of Mr. Boldt, a retired Navy Chief, mother of Little Miss Boldt, and former teacher of many students. She currently lives on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, enjoys long walks on the beach, running, reading, people watching, and singing karaoke. If you're in the mood for some killer homemade mojitos, can't recall the lyrics to a particular 80's song, or just need to hang around a nonconformist who will do almost anything for a laugh, she's your girl.
Amazon: http://goo.gl/jgT1vR
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