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Bump: A Secret Pregnancy Second Chance Alpha Bad-Boy Romance
-- EXCERPT:
“A surefire way to get pregnant is to have sex.” I look at my ob-gyn, Dr. Wong, who I’ve visited every year for the last ten years, and for a while during my marriage what felt like daily. “But you and I both know that’s impossible,” I say. “You having sex?” she asks. “No, me getting pregnant. That’s the impossible part. But…” If I think about it, the me having sex part is nearly impossible too—well, at least ever since Dave and I split up and I began my sex-less separated life. Until Becca and Jake’s wedding, that is. “The test doesn’t lie. You my infertile-myrtle are with child.” My heart drops to my knees. A mixture of surprise and shock and panic and sadness and…even in the midst of all those feelings, one emotion by the name of joy is there too. “But, how? I mean—” “Again, thought we covered this part, it’s the s-e-x that makes the babies come.” She makes the universal signal for sex by sticking her pointer finger through an o she’s made with her other hand. “Ha, ha, very funny. It’s just ever since Dave moved out I…” Oh. My. Fucking. God. My jaw drops open, my eyes widen, and panic takes the pole position in the emotional cocktail sloshing through my belly. “There it is!” Dr. Wong says and smiles wider. “Now you remember the sexy-times that led to the baby-making.” “Oh shit.” I press my hand to my forehead. “Not who you want for your baby-daddy? One night stand? Hotty-but-a-notty? I get it, we’ve all been there. You have options, you—” “No,” I shake my head. “It’s not that, it’s just…” I take a deep breath and sigh. “How far along?” Although if I do the math, with regards to my near-celibate post-separation sex life, I’m pretty sure I know exactly when this baby-making expedition took place. “Eight weeks?” she says. “That sound about right?” “To the day,” I say. The wedding. The fucking wedding that both me and Dave were in. Sure Becca made a beautiful bride, and Jake a gorgeous groom, and it’s been obvious to everyone but them for about twenty years that they should be together. How could I have known that me in a bridesmaid dress and Dave in a tuxedo would be like eating a dozen oysters on the half-shell and drinking a bottle of tequila at sundown? I close my eyes. Dave and I both ditched our respective dates and fell into the sack for a weekend recidivism sex fest. The beginning of our EWB arrangement: Exes With Benefits. Who’d think that any of this would cause me to get knocked up? Especially after the six years of infertility treatments we endured while married. I burp. “It explains that,” I say, referring to my burping, “and my weird fixation with green olives.” “I’ve heard green olives before,” Dr. Wong says, nodding, “but for me it was turkey burgers with cheese. Could not get enough. With a Ben & Jerry’s chaser.” She rubs her tummy. “Good times, you know, until you have to take all the pounds off. So, pre-natal vitamins and we’ll set you up on schedule for visits.” “Why now?” I ask, interrupting her. Again she makes the sexy-time symbol. “Maybe you were horny?” “No, no.” I shake my head. “Dave and I tried everything for so so so so long. Everything. Why now? And how? I mean I was told that the likelihood of me getting pregnant naturally was the same as if I was on the pill, used a condom, and spermicidal jelly all at the same time.” “Ooops!” Dr. Wong says, shrugging her shoulders. “Man, the one thing I’ve learned in this gig is that Mother Nature? That bitch? She finds a way! When she wants something to happen it does. I have this crabgrass in my front yard and I’ve done everything but blowtorch it and still it lives.” I squint at her. “You’re comparing my pregnancy to crabgrass?” “Well…kind of. Not really. But what I’m saying is that life is magic and sometimes I have people who sit where you’re sitting and there’s nothing I can find that’s preventing them from getting pregnant and still they can’t seem to conceive. And then I have people, like you, who’ve tried and tried and tried and have every physical reason why they can’t get pregnant and wham-o! They’re knocked up! The common element is fertilization. For natural baby-making to occur, that happens with the sexy-time. And sometimes, not always, but sometimes when the infertility treatments end and the pressure is off, sometimes Mother Nature decides to slide on in there and give you a bump.” “A bump?” “Yeah, a baby bump.” She makes an arc motion over her stomach. “But for you it’s gonna be a BIIIIG bump,” she says and makes a bigger arc over her tummy. “Me? I’m a cute short Asian woman, my bumps are much more compact.” “Uh, thanks?” I say. “Just going by what I’ve seen,” Dr. Wong says. “So like I was saying, we’ll get you started on the vitamins and a schedule.” Her words fade into the background and my mind wanders to the man who is the father of this baby that I’ve waited a lifetime to have. Shit. What am I going to do? How am I going to tell him? And how are we ever going to get through this? Especially since our divorce is meant to be final in the next couple weeks.
GIVEAWAY!
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RESTLESS by Michelle Bellon, Contemporary Romance, 204 pp., $4.99 (Kindle)
Title: Restless
Author: Michelle Bellon Publisher: Booktrope Editions Pages: 204 Genre: Contemporary Romance 
When she meets Garrett Taylor, she warns him that she’s not the marrying type because history has shown that long-term relationships are not her forte. She has a tendency to leave when things get too serious; the direct result of being raised by an emotionally detached mother and a stepdad with philandering ways. So she swore off men and surrounded herself with her best friends; three quirky, funny women who are facing challenges of their own. But Garrett is everything she’s ever looked for; charming, successful, fun, and sexy. Despite her better judgment, his persistence pays off and she finds herself falling for him. Learning how to love and be loved will be the hardest lesson she’s ever faced. The question is, will her relationships survive that lesson? ORDER YOUR COPY:
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As I walk down the aisle, avoiding eye contact with my husband-to-be, I remember the dream and feel the need to run.
I clutch the bountiful bouquet of flowers, red and white for our Christmastime wedding, and feel the sweat on my palms collect in the center. I want to rub them down the front of my dress.
But that would be unacceptable. My grandma has lovingly sewn every stitch, carefully placed every pearly bead, and worked every delicate piece of lace. It’s a work of labor and love.
Today, I am supposed to be a princess.
But as I look around at familiar faces, friends and family, watching me take this enormous step into life as a wife, as a life partner, I feel anything but princess-like.
I feel the lie. I feel the relentless pursuit of truth. Both follow me down the aisle, tapping on my shoulder and reminding me that I have no ability to live up to this responsibility.
I am quaking in my white heels. My knees are shaking. But still I march forward on the arm of the only male in my life I’ve ever thought of as a father. He isn’t really, but he’s the only man my mom brought home over the years to whom I formed any real emotional attachment before they’d split ways. Due to his philandering ways, he was out of our life more than he was in it. But when he was around, something inside of me recognized something inside of him, and I cared for him.
I swallow down my fear. It’s only nerves. It’s normal. This is the natural order of things: you grow up, you get married, you have a family. That’s how it’s done.
Then what?
I finally make eye contact with Garrett and search for…safety? Love? Answers?
Only my own fear reflects back. He can see the hesitation, the anxiety, the angst. He smiles cautiously. He’ll never admit what we both know.
Just before we reach the altar, I take one last look around. The gathering within the small church is there for only one purpose: to watch us get hitched.
I could run right now. This is my last chance. I could just turn around and make a run for it.
Michelle Bellon lives in the Pacific Northwest with her four children and boyfriend, Seth. She loves coffee and has an addiction to chapstick.
She works at a surgery center as a registered nurse and in her spare time writes novels. She writes in the genres of romance suspense, young adult, women’s fiction, and literary fiction. She has won four literary awards to include making finalist in the New Age category in the USA Book Awards for her latest release, The Fire Inside. Her latest release is the contemporary romance, Restless. For More Information 
The Divorce Planner
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo -- EXCERPT: “Are you leaving?” He stood. “Yes.” A flash of disappointment descended over her shoulders. “I think I’ll go.” “Let me walk you to your car.” “But you’ll miss the live auction and the dancing.” He offered his arm. “I’d rather spend the time with you.” A touch of kinship united them. She wove her arm through his. How delightful to find someone who enjoyed her company as much as she enjoyed his. Matching strides, they walked around the tables of guests. A few people stopped them to comment on how cute a couple they made. She blushed from the compliments. He nudged open the double doors. A gust of cool summer air blasted against her face. She shivered. He tugged her closer. “Would you like my jacket?” “No, thank you. I’m parked over there.” She waved toward the left. They strode over to an ancient sports sedan. Darcy unlocked her door and tossed her clutch inside. As she turned to say good night, she trembled with anticipation. Would he kiss her again? Standing in silence, he gazed into her eyes. A flicker of desire lapped at her feet and licked up into her belly. She had never seen eyes so big, so bold, and so beautiful. Oh, why wouldn’t he kiss her? 
GIVEAWAY!
What We Do For Love
-- EXCERPT:
From Chapter Four. Justin and Daniela have told Nicole that Daniela cannot return to her own home, but Nicole is nonetheless trying to reach Daniela’s parents. ## By nine o’clock, Daniela’s parents still hadn’t called back. Justin gave me a pointed look. Told you so. Shocked by the apparent indifference of these people, I asked, “How do they know you’re safe? You could be camping under the freeway right now.” Daniela’s voice quavered. “I’m sure they think I’m fine.” The sadness in her voice tore me up. “They’ve got to be worried.” The tiny crack in my mind had widened just a bit, and a tremor of … something ran through me… a premonition, maybe? Or maybe just nerves. “Even if you’ve had a disagreement, they still love you. They’re your parents.” “They’re not worried.” I tried to keep my tone brisk and matter-of-fact. “If that’s the case, then of course you must stay tonight!” “Thank you,” Daniela whispered. At my request, she dialed her phone again and handed it to me. I left another message. “Hello, Viviana. This is Nicole again. Since I haven’t been able to reach you, Daniela will stay the night here, in a separate room from my son. I’ll make sure she gets to school on time tomorrow. Please feel free to call me.” I left my phone number again, feeling my temper rise as I thought of what these parents had done tonight. “So,” I said, “let’s get ready for bed!” I kept my voice bright and chipper. “Justin, will you move your sheets out onto the sofa? I’ll put some fresh ones on your bed for Daniela.” By comparison to Justin’s male friends, whose presence resounded through the house like a herd of elephants, Daniela was almost ghost-like, blending into the background and whispery quiet. And eager to please. “Let me put the sheets on,” she said. “You shouldn’t have to do that.” “All right, thanks.” I found her an unused toothbrush and an old t-shirt of mine to sleep in. “And here’s a clean towel.” Justin’s small bedroom still had its blue plaid wallpaper. The bedspread had borne pictures of teddy bears until he revolted in his freshman year of high school, requesting a plain blue comforter. Justin’s stuff filled every corner, covered every surface: music posters, two guitars and a drum, his bicycle, a debate trophy, comic books, and books with art or math and logic puzzles. “Thank you again.” Daniela drooped as she sat down on the bed. “Are you all right, honey?” I sat down next to her. “Do you want to tell me a little more about what’s going on?” The two dogs galumphed into the room just as Justin’s tall, lean frame appeared in the doorway, dressed in the sweatpants and t-shirt he wore to bed. Midge and Margo rushed the twin bed, trying to climb aboard, but I pushed them gently down onto the rug. I put my arm around Daniela as she shuddered and the tears started to fall. She gripped her hands together tightly. “I did something… that my parents didn’t like. My dad especially.” Justin fastened his gaze on her as she spoke. His bleak eyes reminded me of the time he’d found a dead baby rabbit in the swimming pool. My throat suddenly felt dry, and a chill ran over me despite the balmy evening air. “My mom would forgive me, but Dad won’t let me live at home anymore.” “I’m sure he’ll reconsider. You know, once he cools off.” What could this girl have done? Totalled the family car? Burned down the house? Could she be…? No way… I wouldn’t permit myself to have the thought. She’s only sixteen. Justin spoke up, his voice harsh in the silence. “We have to tell her, Daniela.” Up until now I’d thought, or kidded myself, that Justin was only helping a girl with a problem. Now, the fear arose that it might be Justin’s problem, too. I held my breath. “Daniela’s pregnant,” Justin said. “And I’m the father.”
GIVEAWAY!
Ten Hours
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GIVEAWAY!
The Universal Mind
by Peter Weisz
Genre: Speculative Non-fiction, Spiritual, Mystical
Are we all slaves to a gross illusion? Who are we? What is the mind, what is consciousness and what is reality? This book offers educated answers and explanations to all these questions and more. This book motivates the reader to reconsider everything they think they know about themselves and the world today, examining the different models of creation, evolution of humanity and the universe, the essence of matter and of life itself, exploring all manner of scientific, theological, psychological and philosophical and metaphysical hypotheses and offering insights into ancient mystical wisdom and the road to enlightenment. Can it be, that this complex, living, breathing, sophisticated, opinionated, creative and conscious entity that we call human, is made up merely from a few invisible atoms of nothingness? We are not simply made from flesh and blood - we are beings of an infinity of dimensions, too vast to contemplate, but our brains and our senses are only able to perceive that which is rooted in matter, for that is the substance from which we believe we are made. What we call reality, is most definitely not what it appears to be.
Peter Weisz (Dip Psych, HND, BACP) was born in London, England in 1961 and practices as a psychoanalyst and therapist, specializing in psychodynamics and the study of the subconscious and unconscious mind. He majored in psychology, music, English language and literature. He is the founding director of “One 2 One Counseling”, an organization offering personal therapeutic support to those with emotional and psychological disorders. He has worked at a number of private rehabilitation facilities and treatment centres since 1998 including the world renownedPriory Clinicin London, England. Peter is knowledgeable in ancient and contemporary philosophy, transcendental thought, general science, theology and mystical & esoteric writings, both classical and modern. He has also worked as a professional musician, singer/songwriter, producer and stage director for 25 years, travelling the world with a variety of bands and is the founding director of “A Major Events”, a music production company in Cape Town, South Africa, where he currently resides.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
Under the Scrubs
by Katerina Baker
Genre: Romantic Suspense
My life is ordinary, steady, predictable. And I’m okay with that. Working long shifts at the hospital is all the excitement I need.
But when a simple rescue-attempt goes wrong, I find myself in the arms of an arrogant, yet sexy FBI agent.
Kai Evans is what I’d call way out of my league. Yet, we end up dating. Sort of. That’s if you count fast-bike escapes and kissing while bullets fly around us as a date.
While Kai tries to keep me safe and alive, Tyler Moore--an ex FBI agent with a smart mouth--slithers into my life. Turns out, Kai and Taylor have a history. The kind that can’t be erased with a simple handshake.
Now it’s all about settling the score between them, and Taylor has the perfect weapon to use against Kai…
Me.
Katerina Baker is a lucky gal who still attempts to have it all: full-time project management job that she enjoys, crazy family of four (with the ongoing threats of getting a pet to upset the family equilibrium) and writing.
Although on some days she is much more successful at managing her life than on the others, she still claims that she doesn’t want it any other way.
Katerina’s latest novel Under the Scrubs will be published in the spring of 2019 by Limitless Publishing. Her YA novel Blue is represented by Sharon Belcastro from Belcastro Agency.
Follow the tour HERE for exclusive content and a giveaway!
The author is also offering an additional giveaway on Facebook HERE!
Literature, Fiction
Theodore Roosevelt Crenshaw, "Best Heart-Throb" of his high school class, now in is early thirties is looking to get what he wants out of life regardless of what anybody thinks.
He meets Pamela White, a sharp 38-year-old business woman whose sexual hunger cannot be drowned in bourbon. She makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
At nearly the same time he runs into Beverly Simons, a slightly neurotic, rather plump high school classmate with whom he once had a one-night stand. She is now widowed with a strikingly beautiful six-year-old daughter.
Enter Jerry Weinstein, Esq., a rotund, gourmand bachelor lawyer specializing in criminal law and a very dead Bradford Vincente, the 17-year-old son of pizza king Tony "Pan-a-Mint" Vincente of Palos Verdes…
Set in the South Bay beach communities of suburban Los Angeles some thirty years ago, the novel is a lurid tale of murder, lust and the inevitable consequences of ravenous appetites that can never be satisfied.
About the Author
I've been a soldier, a newspaper reporter, a high school English teacher, a day trader and a poker professional. I've written literally millions of words in my career as a writer, and think of myself primarily as a writer. My work has appeared in popular publications like Playboy and Smoke magazines and in literary journals where it has won some minor awards. My novel A Perfectly Natural Act gained royalty publication from G.P. Putnam's in 1973 and was brought out in paperback the following year by Pinnacle. First Artists was considering an option on it when they went defunct. The novel would make a rather good movie. (Maybe I'll write the screenplay one of these days.) Additionally, I've written over fifteen hundred reviews (over a million words in all!) for various Web sites, most notably Amazon and the Internet Movie Database. Some of my reviews are among the best appearing anywhere (or so I have been told). Over the years I've also written about a dozen book-length manuscripts. My project now is to present perhaps eight to ten of these manuscripts before the public in book form. I was graduated from UCLA in 1969 with a major in Political Science and minor in English Literature.
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