THERE’S A FINE LINE As an emergency paramedic, Lauren Boyer is dedicated and highly capable. Until an earthquake strikes, trapping her beneath the freeway with a group of strangers-including Iraq war veteran Garrett Wright…
BETWEEN PERIL AND PASSION
Handsome and take-charge Garrett aids Lauren in her rescue efforts, even as the steely look in his eyes seems to hide dark secrets. When a gang of escaped convicts goes on the attack, Garrett’s bravery makes him more than a courageous bystander to Lauren. If they can save the others before time runs out, maybe, just maybe, they can explore the fire igniting between them-if the truth about who he really is doesn’t pull them apart forever….
Today Jill Sorenson is offering SEVEN print arcs of her upcoming December release, Aftershock.
To enter, just leave a comment. Open to US only through 11/28.
And if you want to read a little excerpt……
“Oh, Garrett,” Lauren said, putting her head on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry.”
“I haven’t had nightmares like that in years.”
“This has happened before?”
“A few times. I’ve woken up yelling orders, army-crawling across the floor.”
“Is that why you wanted to sleep outside?”
His muscles tensed. “No.”
“No?”
When she gave him a curious look, he amended his statement. “It’s one of the reasons. The other is more complicated.”
“What?”
“Never mind,” he said, a flush creeping up his neck. He took another sip of her water. “I’ll go back outside now and let you rest.”
“I don’t want you to leave.”
“Yeah? Do you still feel safe with me?”
She frowned at his self-derisive tone. “Safer than being alone.”
“Well, you’re not. Obviously, I can’t control myself while I’m asleep. It’s difficult enough while I’m awake.”
Lauren felt as though the conversation was slipping away from her. She was still reeling from the story about Morales, shaken by his actions during the fugue state. This was going somewhere…interesting.
A cautious voice warned her not pursue this subject. But another part of her, one that was seeking any distraction from the chaos, any sensation besides fear, spoke up instead: “What do you mean?”
“Being near you drives me crazy,” he said, his jaw clenched. “Even when I’m not looking at you, or talking to you, I’m aware of you. I can smell you.”
“You can smell me?”
“Yes.”
“Do I smell bad?”
He laughed harshly, shaking his head. “You smell like a woman.”
“Not a freshly showered one.”
“It doesn’t matter. Even if you stunk, I’d still want you.”
“You…what?”
His gaze dropped to her hand, where it was curled around his bicep. “I want you,” he said through gritted teeth. “And not in any soft, romantic way. I’m no better than Mickey or Jeb. I was excited by the sight of you with your shirt torn. I’ve fantasized about tearing the rest of your clothes off. Repeatedly.”
Her lips parted with surprise. That wasn’t what she’d expected to hear. She’d sensed the attraction between them, but she’d never felt threatened by him. He’d gone out of his way to protect her. “Do you enjoy forcing women?”
His eyes darkened. “No.”
“Then you’re not like them.”
“I’m exactly like them.”
“You wouldn’t have to force me, Garrett.”
He groaned, glancing away. “Don’t say that.”
“Why?”
“You don’t know me.”
“I know you’re a good man.”
“No,” he said shortly. “I’m not.”
After the story he’d told, she understood why he carried so much guilt and self-loathing. Every war veteran battled those demons. It was also clear that his confession about wanting to rip her clothes off was meant as a warning.
But she wasn’t afraid; she was aroused.
Her pulse throbbed at the base of her throat, and her skin tingled with anticipation. She longed to feel his hard body against hers.
She moved her hand from the crook of his arm to the nape of his neck. “I thought we went over this already,” she said, lifting her lips to his. They touched briefly and pulled apart. “I’m right about everything. To infinity.”
He stared at her mouth for a few seconds, struggling with himself. She imagined that his control was hanging by a thread.
She wanted it to break.
When she moistened her lips, tasting him on them, he snapped. With a strangled growl, he pressed her back against the side of the truck and covered her mouth with his. Thrusting his hands into her hair, he devoured her. He kissed suggestively, driving his tongue deep, making her open wide. There was no question about which act they were mimicking. She moaned, twining her arms around his neck.
His kiss was smoking hot and dirty. She could feel the grit on his skin and smell the faint hint of gasoline on his shirt. It thrilled her.
He broke the contact, his eyes trailing down her chest. Her breasts were heavy and full, her nipples tight. She arched her spine, biting down on her lower lip. Groaning, he took her mouth from another angle, letting her breasts settle against his chest.
She splayed her hands across his back, exploring the muscles beneath her fingertips. He was so built. Flicking her tongue across his lips, she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt and lifted, seeking bare skin.
She might rip his clothes off.
He raised himself up a little, but not to remove his shirt. His gaze dropped from her swollen mouth to her jutting nipples, mesmerized. She indulged his unspoken request by stripping her top off and tossing it aside. The lacy cups of her bra felt too constrictive, and he clearly wanted to see more. Reaching behind her back, she unhooked it.
When her breasts tumbled free, he looked like he’d died and gone to heaven. “Jesus,” he whispered, cupping her soft flesh.
His hands made an erotic contrast to her bare skin. They were dark, ravaged, bandaged. So large that her breasts appeared almost delicate in comparison. His thumbs swept over the sensitive pink tips, wrenching a cry from her lips.
He glanced up at her face, gauging her reaction to his touch. She trembled in his arms, ready to beg.
Thankfully, he didn’t make her. He stretched out on top of her and kissed her again, moving his thigh between her legs. Sliding his tongue in and out of her mouth. Stroking her taut nipples, again and again.
It was too much and not enough. She kissed him back hungrily, writhing beneath him and threading her fingers through his hair. Her hips rotated in needy circles. Panting, she rubbed herself against his hard thigh.
He shoved his hand between them, palming her hot sex. She gasped at the sensation, wound as tight as a wire.
Making a frustrated sound, he tore his mouth from hers. “I can’t touch you there.”
“Why not?”
“My hands are dirty.”
She stared up at him, blinking.
He lifted himself off her, moving slowly, as if in pain. Her eyes swept down his body, widening at the enormous erection straining at the front of his jeans.
Wow.
She thought about offering to skip the foreplay, but maybe that wasn’t such a great idea. “I have foam cleanser.”
A muscle in his jaw ticked. He kept his eyes averted, his shoulders slightly hunched. “No. I can’t.”
It was obvious that he wanted to continue, but wouldn’t let himself. His soiled hands weren’t the issue; his guilty conscience was. “You son of a bitch,” she said, her breasts quivering with indignation. She picked up her t-shirt and clutched it to her chest. “You’re married, aren’t you?”
Megan says
Not happy that this contest is for US only.
Cannot wait for this book, LOVE Jill’s work. Fantastic author!
kp says
Looks like a great read…would love a chance to win!
Pamela says
Love Jill Sorenson!!! Count me in!
Hannah says
Sounds great.
Stacy says
“I have foam Cleanser” Okay that was funny!! I would love to read this! Thank you for the opportunity! Great cover too!
Samantha says
This looks really good! Thanks for the giveaway.
Rebe says
I love capable heroines – this sounds great!
Lozza says
Is it weird that I’m even more interested in this book because the heroine shares my name? :)
Jill Alters says
Please enter me in the contest. Book sounds very interesting.
Melissa Cutler says
Hi, Jill! *waving* Congratulations on the new book. I’m intrigued by the premise and can’t wait to read it, especially after this excerpt.
~Melissa
TrishJ says
I found Jill through a blog about a year ago and have glommed everything I can find. Love to win this book.
Julie says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Zippy says
Ohh, I love angsty romances with a war vet. Can’t wait to read this one.
Jane says
I’m so excited about “Aftershock.” I love Jill’s romantic suspenses.
CrystalGB says
Sounds great. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lee says
this looks awesome! I would love to win it!
Ducky says
I would love to win this one…
Jama says
This has been on my to-read list – fingers crossed!
Lindy says
I enjoy books that take place during natural disasters or events. I’d love to read this
Karen C says
Sounds like a great read – thanks for the chance.
KellyM says
Thank you for the chance to win!
EvelynS says
Count me in! Thanks for the giveaway!!
kristen says
That was a good excerpt; bet the rest will be just as good!
Thanks for the opportunity.
Yadira A. says
Looks and sounds like a good read to me… thanks for the giveaway!
Little Lamb Lost says
Read the excerpt. Ye Gads! Sounds like an exciting read.
Sherrie Scott says
I would love a copy!
bn100 says
Very nice excerpt.
Kimh says
Love Jill books, whoo great excerpt thanks, great prize thanks
Have a great weeken all
Flora says
Wow sounds great!
Debbie S says
Different, I like it. Having lived in California this is something I can relate to. Thanks for the entry.
Kaye says
Love her books, count me in!
Maureen says
It looks like a great story.
Joder says
The book synopsis and excerpt totally have me intrigued. I love reading about emotionally scarred heroes, it makes me want to hug them. Thanks for the awesome giveaway that I ssssooooo hope I win!
Natasha says
Thanks for the chance to win!
Sounds really good!!
Heather Fowler says
This sounds AWESOME! Going on my TBR, for sure. Please enter me in the contest! Thanks!
Heather
hafowler at gmail dot com
Jen B. says
Hmmm, she concludes he’s married from that? Most men wouldn’t give a little dirt a second thought. My mind went directly to him having a problem with dirt. What does that say about my psyche!? Count me in to the giveaway!
erinf1 says
sounds awesome! Thanks so much for the excerpt and giveaway!
Martha Lawson says
Love, love her books!! I have been anxiously awaiting a new one. Thanks for the chance.
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Wendy Gregory says
Sounds very interesting!
susan says
I love Jill’s work–can’t wait to read this one.
Sophia D says
ooh this sounds juicy! ;)
Jenifer says
I’ve been impatiently waiting for this book, lol. Can’t wait!
Whitney C says
I would love this fun read.
Nancy says
I’ve never read a disaster romance. It sounds tense and interesting.
Denise Z says
I have not yet read this author’s work and would absolutely love to read Lauren and Garrett’s story, it sounds great and I cannot wait to find out what happened. Thank you for sharing with us. :)
Laurie says
Oh, this looks good! Thanks for the chance!
Victoria Zumbrum says
I must read this book. it sounds awesome. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com