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When Emma Mancini finds out the news of her impending arranged marriage to Samuel Mione, the future Underboss of the Outfit and one of Chicago's most sought-after bachelors, she is hopeful for their future despite their age difference. However, the never ending gossip surrounding their union and Samuel’s cold attitude extinguishes that hope. 

After an unfortunate decision made in the past-- guilt and bitterness are Samuel’s constant companions. He doesn’t have time for emotional nonsense, and a bond to a woman only adds another unwanted obligation.

Nevertheless, Emma isn’t someone who resigns herself to her fate. She’s overcome much greater obstacles than a cold husband who’s determined to keep her at arm’s length. 

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹’𝘀 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀? 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀?

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Samuel appeared at the table, dropping his sister Sofia off.  She and Danilo took off for another dance, and I watched them with longing.

Samuel cleared his throat, drawing my gaze up to his face.

He held out his hand. “Would you give me the honor of another dance?”

I bit my lip, nervously glancing around as I felt the gazes of the people at the surrounding tables on us. One dance had been expected, but this definitely caught the attention of several people. 

I put my hand in Samuel’s, then whispered, “I’d like to dance in my wheelchair.”

Samuel nodded slowly, but I could see the questions in his expression. I too wasn’t sure how slow dancing with someone would work. He led me toward the dance floor. We stayed at the edge so I wouldn’t roll over any feet. I had never tried a waltz since my accident. Samuel’s cool and resolute expression gave me confidence, so I extended my arms so he could clasp my hands. “Let me know if I do it wrong.”

I gave him a nervous smile. “I wouldn’t know. It’s the first time I've done a waltz like this.”

He nodded again, appearing even more determined. He pushed me back, then pulled me closer again, back and forth, back and forth, until I felt confident to release one of his hands and do a twirl. I giggled when I managed to avoid rolling over his feet. I had to pay for my overconfidence a moment later—or, rather, Samuel had to pay for it—as I rolled over his toes during another twirl.

“I’m sorry!” I exclaimed at the brief flash of discomfort on his face.

“I’m used to living on the edge,” he said in such a humorless tone that I couldn’t stop a flood of giggles from bursting out.

Samuel’s mouth briefly twitched into a smile, and my worries over how this day would go evaporated.

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Cora Reilly is the author of the Born in Blood Mafia Series, The Camorra Chronicles and many other books, most of them featuring dangerously sexy bad boys. Before she found her passion in romance books, she was a traditionally published author of young adult literature.

Cora lives in Germany with a cute but crazy Bearded Collie, as well as the cute but crazy man at her side. When she doesn't spend her days dreaming up sexy books, she plans her next travel adventure or cooks too spicy dishes from all over the world.

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Ruthless Devotion by Kitty Thomas

5 stars

It isn’t always the case, but in this one, a simple interaction from when they were small children, changed the trajectory of there characters lives! One of them is driving that force, while the other has no idea. As we delve into their history and get to know them, as all the layers are revealed, you begin to understand the lengths that have been taken. Aiden is a classic tortured anti-hero, Maddie a fallen pampered princess. Their connections run deep, deeper than they even realize, and their road is ripe with strife and pain. They get through it all, maybe not in any conventional way, but at a pace and manner that works for them. In the end, the synergy of them together is stronger than anything they way face <3

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✨It’s cover reveal day for REMATCH by @maricarrauthor releasing August 5 th !

PreOrderHere

https://maricarr.com/rematch/ Why you need to #ONECLICK this book… ��One Night Stand ��Oopsie Pregnancy ��Secret Bab ��Second Chance ��Hockey ��Love at First Sight One night, one kiss, and a spark hot enough to melt the ice.

Preston’s all in on his hockey career as a Stingray, and Chelsea’s just about to start a new adventure in Paris—until an unforgettable night at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party changes everything. A few drinks, some dirty jokes, and a kiss under the mistletoe leads to a night of toe-curling, name-forgetting, no-strings-attached fun. They part ways in the morning, no regrets—just a sizzling memory they both assume will fade. A year later, Chelsea’s in Baltimore, launching her dream bakery—and navigating life with a baby she never saw coming. The father? Mystery man from that one unforgettable night. What she really didn’t expect? Him walking through her door, very real, very sexy… and very much still capable of making her forget how to breathe. Preston hasn’t been able to get her out of his head. Now that he knows the truth, he’s not going anywhere. The question is—can they turn one accidental night into a real shot at forever?

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4 1/2 stars

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My Mountain Man’s Claim by Lena Rae

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Stick Fight by Cathryn Fox

5 stars

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Shelter from the Storm

A storm never felt so safe.

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For Theo, it’s love at first touch. From the moment he takes Gretchen’s trembling hand, he knows he’s found someone worth fighting for. Though he senses she’s hiding something, he’s determined to help her overcome her painful past.

When old demons come knocking, Theo calls on his family to help protect the woman who’s quickly claimed his heart. The Storms are a force of nature, and they quickly step up, ready to defend their own at any cost.

Will they succeed in keeping Gretchen safe, or will her dangerous past tear her and Theo apart?

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Shelter from the Storm by Mari Carr

5 stars

These two started out so meek and timid, and by the end, they were a full-scale hurricane force! Gretchen in on the run, Theo is a protector. They never should have met, but fate had plans for them. They have a slow burn, as she learns she can trust, and he works to gain that trust. By the time trouble finds them, they are secure and ready to face everything together <3

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Tenderfoot by Kristen Ashley

5 stars

That was AH-MAZE-ING!!!! These two had some issues to work through, surprise, surprise. She is light, he is dark. He has baggage, she has issues. They had a false start, they have some grovelling to get through. There are a lot of emotions, good and bad. There are confrontations, with varying results. They find peace, they find balance, they find calm. They have wild times, they have fun times, and they have crazy chemistry. And, at the very last minute, we get new players for our upcoming stories, and one of them, OH-M-GEE, IYKYK, just be prepared 😊

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Take The Sub and Run by Lila Dubois

5 stars

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An Unexpected Everything by Carrie Ann Ryan

5 stars

These two feel the weight of the world on their shoulders! It is no wonder they cannot let go and reach for what they want. It is no wonder that they cannot enjoy and fall into the goodness that is right in front of them. It is no wonder that they guard their hearts, shy away from feeling too deeply, and have trouble expressing themselves. Time and patience is what they need, and they give that to themselves this second time around. From there, and with a whole lot of family, they get to have the HEA that they have been denying themselves of for so long <3

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The Cowboy’s Best Friend by Megan Crane

5 stars

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Dirty by Belle Aurora

5 stars

audiobook

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Dark Hearts series and Wolfe by Cari Silverwood

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Wicked Weapon, 5 stars

That was warped, wild, and scary at times! Definitely not for the squeamish, as we learn even more about our characters, and what they are up against. The lines are all blurred, and there is a lot of uncertainty as things unravel. Looking forward to the next book and the conclusion of this jigsaw puzzle!

  Wicked Hunt, 5 stars

That was intense! Over and over, the action and the wildness had my heart beating so hard. Time and again, things did not follow any predictable path, as things continued to twist and pivot. We get our HEA, and even that was not at all what was expected. Lots of action, crazy heat, and wild times, as this trilogy wraps up!!!

Wolfe, 4 stars

I wasn’t sure where this could start, and certainly didn’t know where it was going, but it kept me guessing as it drew me deeper and deeper into the story! Much as our characters are, there were times I was confused, and others that were clear. Not every question was answered, but everything regarding our couple was solidified <3

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Blame it on Midnight by Juliana Stone

5 stars

All the heart, all the heat! These two connected while not really knowing the other. These two alternatively chased and avoided each other while pining for more. These two feel with their whole heart and soul while leaving themselves open to hurt. They had some bumps, some difficulties, and some baggage to overcome. They had fun in all their seriousness, and enjoyed being together. They knew what they wanted, and we just had to sit back and watch them come to that realization, and then act upon it, so they could have their HEA <3

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5 stars

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5 stars

audiobook

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