Excerpt & Giveaway THE KEEPER by Aimee Nicole Walker (Redemption Ridge #5)

The Keeper
By Aimee Nicole Walker

Redemption Ridge, Book 5

Sabotaged brakes didn’t kill Rueben Sanchez, but waiting for his assailants’ trial to start just might. A potential witness for the prosecution can’t explore his lusty feelings for the hunky sheriff who saved him, but that doesn’t stop his imagination from running wild. Rueben has already shaped his traumatic mountainside meet cute with Seth Burke into a happily ever after to tell their future grandkids. When the delay threatens to stretch on for years, Rueben feels his dreams slipping out of reach. Should he surrender gracefully or fight for his man?

Pressure and scrutiny are nothing new to Seth, but shouldering his duties has never felt like a burden until they keep him from the man he wants most. Cracking an unsolved murder, safeguarding a high-profile trial, and winning re-election should be enough to keep him busy. But he can’t stop thinking about the perfect weekend he shared with Rueben before everything careened off course. Are they as good together as Seth remembers, or is his memory swayed by the allure of the forbidden? And does he dare to find out?

Late-night phone calls and shared secrets lead to stolen kisses and a lakeside cabin rendezvous. But one encounter isn’t enough, and the two men will risk everything to explore their deepening bond. When a series of chilling events rock the county, Rueben and Seth must put more than their hearts on the line because one misstep could prove fatal.

The Keeper is book five in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Keeper contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

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Excerpt

Seth scanned the hallway again, and his gaze landed on the stockroom. “In here.” He curled his fingers into fists to avoid doing something stupid like reaching for Rueben’s hand. Seth opened the door and turned on the light. The space wasn’t huge to start with, and rows of tall metal storage shelves aligned both walls, leaving only a narrow aisle between them. Seth shut the door and gave in to the urge to take Rue’s hand, guiding him past stacks of toilet paper, napkins, and nonperishable food items. They stopped by a section of table condiments toward the back of the room. The aisle was barely big enough for one person, let alone two, and Seth ended up crowding Rueben against the metal shelving. Body heat drew him in, or maybe Rueben gave Seth’s heartstrings a little tug. Either way, it was nearly impossible not to react to the energy pulsing between them. “I want to apologize.”

Rueben’s gorgeous mouth curved into a wicked smile. “I can’t fault your style.”

Seth almost laughed and replied with a snappy comeback, but they didn’t have much time. He went for a direct approach instead, though he didn’t step back to put distance between them. How could he when Rueben smelled so damn delicious? Seth tried not to be too obvious when he inhaled a little deeper on his next breath. Mmmm. Sunshine and clean clothes. “And clear the air,” he added.

“I’m trying to decide if your growing erection is making things clearer or if it’s muddying the water,” Rueben said.

Seth’s exhale came out sounding more like a needy whimper than the heavy sigh he’d intended. Rueben’s warm chuckle was such a small sound, but it rippled over him like a seductive caress. Seth needed to take a step back, screw his head on right, and put things in proper perspective, but he settled his hands at Rueben’s hips and held on for dear life. Being together was so wrong but felt so fucking right.

“Not that I’m complaining, but I’m getting mixed signals from you today,” Rueben said. “You iced me out at the prosecutor’s office and wouldn’t even look at me. And now, you’re a few heartbeats away from rubbing one out against me.” Seth hadn’t moved his hips so much as an inch, but grinding against Rueben’s answering hard-on was the only thing on his mind. “Use your words, Burke. I don’t have enough emotional spoons left in the drawer to guess where your head is.” He raised his hand and caressed Seth’s jaw with two fingers. “This one, I mean. The other head’s desires are pretty self-explanatory.”

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Enter the Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Fortunate Son, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway 

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Join us for Book 1 in the Redemption Ridge Series with:
Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

---

About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:

BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Blog

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

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New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: THE KEEPER by Aimee Nicole Walker (Redemption Ridge #5)

The Keeper
By Aimee Nicole Walker

Redemption Ridge, Book 5

Sabotaged brakes didn’t kill Rueben Sanchez, but waiting for his assailants’ trial to start just might. A potential witness for the prosecution can’t explore his lusty feelings for the hunky sheriff who saved him, but that doesn’t stop his imagination from running wild. Rueben has already shaped his traumatic mountainside meet cute with Seth Burke into a happily ever after to tell their future grandkids. When the delay threatens to stretch on for years, Rueben feels his dreams slipping out of reach. Should he surrender gracefully or fight for his man?

Pressure and scrutiny are nothing new to Seth, but shouldering his duties has never felt like a burden until they keep him from the man he wants most. Cracking an unsolved murder, safeguarding a high-profile trial, and winning re-election should be enough to keep him busy. But he can’t stop thinking about the perfect weekend he shared with Rueben before everything careened off course. Are they as good together as Seth remembers, or is his memory swayed by the allure of the forbidden? And does he dare to find out?

Late-night phone calls and shared secrets lead to stolen kisses and a lakeside cabin rendezvous. But one encounter isn’t enough, and the two men will risk everything to explore their deepening bond. When a series of chilling events rock the county, Rueben and Seth must put more than their hearts on the line because one misstep could prove fatal.

The Keeper is book five in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. The Keeper contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add on Goodreads

---

Excerpt

Seth scanned the hallway again, and his gaze landed on the stockroom. “In here.” He curled his fingers into fists to avoid doing something stupid like reaching for Rueben’s hand. Seth opened the door and turned on the light. The space wasn’t huge to start with, and rows of tall metal storage shelves aligned both walls, leaving only a narrow aisle between them. Seth shut the door and gave in to the urge to take Rue’s hand, guiding him past stacks of toilet paper, napkins, and nonperishable food items. They stopped by a section of table condiments toward the back of the room. The aisle was barely big enough for one person, let alone two, and Seth ended up crowding Rueben against the metal shelving. Body heat drew him in, or maybe Rueben gave Seth’s heartstrings a little tug. Either way, it was nearly impossible not to react to the energy pulsing between them. “I want to apologize.”

Rueben’s gorgeous mouth curved into a wicked smile. “I can’t fault your style.”

Seth almost laughed and replied with a snappy comeback, but they didn’t have much time. He went for a direct approach instead, though he didn’t step back to put distance between them. How could he when Rueben smelled so damn delicious? Seth tried not to be too obvious when he inhaled a little deeper on his next breath. Mmmm. Sunshine and clean clothes. “And clear the air,” he added.

“I’m trying to decide if your growing erection is making things clearer or if it’s muddying the water,” Rueben said.

Seth’s exhale came out sounding more like a needy whimper than the heavy sigh he’d intended. Rueben’s warm chuckle was such a small sound, but it rippled over him like a seductive caress. Seth needed to take a step back, screw his head on right, and put things in proper perspective, but he settled his hands at Rueben’s hips and held on for dear life. Being together was so wrong but felt so f*cking right.

“Not that I’m complaining, but I’m getting mixed signals from you today,” Rueben said. “You iced me out at the prosecutor’s office and wouldn’t even look at me. And now, you’re a few heartbeats away from rubbing one out against me.” Seth hadn’t moved his hips so much as an inch, but grinding against Rueben’s answering hard-on was the only thing on his mind. “Use your words, Burke. I don’t have enough emotional spoons left in the drawer to guess where your head is.” He raised his hand and caressed Seth’s jaw with two fingers. “This one, I mean. The other head’s desires are pretty self-explanatory.”

---

Enter the Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of The Keeper, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

---

Join us for Book 1 in the Redemption Ridge Series with:
Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

---

About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:
BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Blog 

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

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New Release-Excerpt & Giveaway: FRIENDS LIKE THEM by Aimee Nicole Walker (Redemption Ridge #4)

Friends Like Them
By Aimee Nicole Walker

Redemption Ridge, Book 4

Owen Doyle’s rough beginnings taught him not to form attachments, yet he’s drawn to Tyler Booth like a magnet. Their relationship has blossomed from strangers to best friends, with each twist in the journey weaving their connection tighter. But Owen has a six-year secret that’s become unbearably painful to keep. As the seams of his resistance fray, Owen will lean into a new mentoring opportunity to keep from ruining the best thing in his life.

Tyler will never regret going to jail and getting sober because meeting Owen saved his life and taught him how to trust again. Their inseparable bond has earned much teasing over the years, but Tyler doesn’t recognize himself without Owen. When he senses a yawning chasm between them, he’ll turn to mutual friends for help. Their well-meaning advice opens Tyler’s eyes to unexplored possibilities and will snap missing puzzle pieces into place.

Some hopes are too big to stifle, and some truths are too big to ignore. A photo booth, smoking-hot kisses, and honest revelations will take Owen and Tyler’s intimacy to a whole new level. But before they can achieve their happily ever after, they must unload the baggage from their pasts. Will the road to discovery guide them to the necessary healing, or are the guys destined for the highway to heartache?

Friends Like Them is book four in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Friends Like Them contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

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Add to Goodreads

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Excerpt

“Ty, I want to get pictures with you in the booth.” Owen’s voice was soft, but his suggestion landed like a bomb. That tiny, cramped space wasn’t big enough. One would have to practically sit on the other’s lap. Tyler’s mind didn’t need additional encouragement to replay the earlier fantasy.

“Ty.” Owen’s voice was more urgent as he stepped beside him. “Are you okay?”

No, he wasn’t, but an honest answer would only invite additional questions he wanted to avoid. Tyler forced a smile and said, “Yeah. I’m great. Let’s go take pictures.”

Owen responded with an excited whoop before he bounded out of the kitchen. Tyler dried his hands and trailed behind him at a more sedate pace so he could coach his body and brain into remaining calm. It felt like every pair of eyes was on them as they made their way toward the booth, which looked even smaller up close. Owen reached for the door just as it swung open. Finley and Kieran stumbled out with mussed hair, swollen lips, and strips of photos in their hands. Clearly, the couples used the cramped space to suck face instead of smiling for the camera. Tyler’s heart skipped a beat before galloping like a racehorse.

“It’s all yours, fellas,” Fin said with a sweeping gesture.

Kieran winked at them as they passed by, and Tyler re-experienced the sensation he was the last to figure things out.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Friends Like Them, Aimee is giving away 3 e-copies of the release!

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

 

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

 

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Catch up on the rest of Redemption Ridge with Book 1:
Guys Like Him

Redemption Ridge, Book 1

Kieran Sullivan is broken when he arrives at Redemption Ridge. A wrongful conviction and twenty months in lockup will do that to a man. The ranch is a place for second chances and fresh starts, but for him, it’s an opportunity to discover who set him up. Get in, get answers, and get out. The plan sounds easy enough until Kieran meets an equine specialist whose sunny smile could warm the coldest heart.

Finley Ashe is a sucker for bruised spirits and sad eyes. The horse whisperer and broken-boy magnet is six months into a hiatus from love when Kieran, the king of emotionally unavailable men, gets assigned to work under his supervision. Mutual attraction is gasoline on proximity’s flame, testing Finley’s resistance in new ways.

Priorities shift, shields come down, and truths get exposed. Will the inevitable combustion redeem Kieran and Finley or consume them?

Guys Like Him is book one in the Redemption Ridge series. Though each story features a different couple, reading the series in order is essential. Guys Like Him contains mature themes and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

---

About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:

BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Blog

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

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Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway: ABOUT LAST NIGHT by Aimee Nicole Walker

 

About Last Night
By Aimee Nicole Walker

The bicurious cop and his sharp-dressed man…

 Detective Christopher “Topher” Carnegie is unlucky in love. He either tries too hard, doesn’t try hard enough, or hasn’t found the right person yet. But recently, he’s started seeing Julian Fine, his sister’s best friend, in a new light. If there’s one thing a fabulous tailor knows, it’s how to take a person’s measure. Julian recognizes a straight man when he sees one, but that doesn’t stop him from falling head over heels for the unattainable man.

Just a few short days and one shared bed…

When a white lie backs Julian into a corner, Topher steps in to save the day. He’s worked plenty of undercover assignments before, but pretending to be Julian’s boyfriend during a family wedding might be his most dangerous mission yet. Julian challenges everything Christopher knows about himself, and soon, reaching for each other feels as natural as breathing. But can their newfound feelings survive the real-world challenges they face? There’s only one way to find out.

 About Last Night is a low-angst standalone romance within the author’s Savannah universe.

This book contains mature content and is intended for adults.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

Excerpt

 “You ran the stop sign back there,” the officer said. He narrowed his eyes and studied my face. “Are you okay?”

“Okay?” I asked, then became aware of my wet face. I quickly wiped away the tears. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

The officer leaned over to look into my back seat before meeting my gaze. “Did you get into an argument with someone?”

“Nah, I dumped his dumb ass a few months ago.”

I didn’t see a flicker of reaction in his golden gaze, but his mouth curved into a wry smile. “Ouch,” he said. “Pretty sure more than a few of my girlfriends have said the same about me.”

I clasped my imaginary pearls. “Say it ain’t so.”

The officer chuckled and crossed his heart. “What upset you so much that you ran the stop sign?”

“Oh, I just drove by my aunt’s old place and was sad to see the new owners don’t love it as much as she did. It’s no excuse, and I’m sorry.”

Officer Hottie nodded and said, “I’ll need to see your license, registration, and proof of insurance.”

“You don’t want to frisk me for weapons?” One of these days, my mouth would get me into a lot of trouble.

The cop blinked a few times, and then a slow smile spread across his face until twin dimples peeked out from his cheeks. “Pretty sure you’ve shown me your weapons already.”

I knew he was talking about my sharp tongue and quick wit, but I couldn’t let him off the hook. “Oh, darling,” I cooed, “there’d be no doubt if I had.”

A series of beeps emitted from the radio hooked to his vest, followed by a tinny voice calling out codes and unit numbers. The sexy officer stood up straight and turned toward his patrol car. I glanced up in the rearview mirror and saw his partner, a super sexy Hispanic man, signaling for my new fantasy boyfriend to hurry up.

“You’re in luck,” the tawny cop said, startling me.

I clutched my nonexistent pearls again and said, “You sure move quickly and quietly for such a big guy,” I said.

“Like a lion,” he replied with a wink. “You won’t see me coming until I’m on you.”

“Promises, promises.”

Another flash of those dimples. “I have to answer another call, so I’m letting you off with a verbal warning.”

“Oh, good,” I purred. “Oral is my favorite.”

He shook his head and straightened to his full height, putting me at eye level with his big d*ck again. “Drive safely,” he called out as he retreated to his cruiser.

I shamefully stared at his ass in the side mirror and wiggled my fingers at them as they drove by with their lights flashing and sirens blaring a few seconds later. I released a sigh, relegated the handsome man to my fantasies, and drove to the store to grab a few staples before heading to my new apartment.

Carra's Review

Okay, Julian and Christopher together?  It’s everything.  They are so incredibly sweet together, and there was really no angst here—and this came to me at just the right moment where I just wanted and needed a story just like that.  I’ve been a fan of this author’s books for a while, and this one showed me again exactly why.

Julian is funny and spirited, and an all-around likable character.  Christopher is a very accepting, go-with-the-flow guy who is family-oriented and protective.  The two of them play off of each other so well, and everything flows so naturally between them.  It’s almost like them being together is the obvious outcome, we just have to wait for that realization to happen.

Making things even better is the cast of supporting characters, in particular Christopher’s family—which includes Julian’s best friend.  The way they’ve embraced Julian as one of their own is heartwarming.  They make for a great support system while Julian and Christopher gradually make their way over a pretty spread out timespan from friends to fake boyfriends to the real thing.

About Last Night was a 4.5-star read for me, and if you’re looking for a lighter, fluffier, and fun feel-good romance you might as well prepare your one-click finger to do its duty.  Definitely sweet, thankfully no major conflicts or “big misunderstanding” type moments, just a couple who will make you smile.  They’re also pretty hot together, so I’d recommend this book for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of About Last Night, Aimee is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-copy of About Last Night!

 

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

 

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

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About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day.

I’d love to hear from you.

You can reach me at:

BookBub - Twitter - Facebook - Instagram - Blog

Want to be the first to know about my book releases and have access to extra content? You can sign up for my newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/dlhPYj

My favorite place to hang out and chat with my readers is my Facebook group. Would you like to be a member of Aimee’s Dye Hards? We’d love to have you! Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AimeesDyeHards/

Connect with Aimee:
https://linktr.ee/AimeeNicoleWalker

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Review, Excerpt & Giveaway: BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA by Aimee Nicole Walker (Queen City Rogues #3)

Beautiful Trauma

Queen City Rogues Series, Book 3

Aimee Nicole Walker

M/M Romance

Release Date: 07.18.19

Cover model: Joel Leslie

Photographer: Christopher John

Cover artist: Jay Aheer

Blurb

Does trauma define or motivate a person?

Homeless and rejected, Henry Sullivan arrived on the doorstep of Ryan’s Place with nothing but the clothes on his back. Life as he knew it was over. Within those walls, Henry found the encouragement and love needed to turn hopeless into hopeful. Enrolling for summer classes at his community college was the first step toward achieving the dreams he thought were lost to him. There was just one little snag: the professor standing in the front of the room taught Henry the true meaning of human sexuality.

After a crushing breakup, Professor Ezra Meyer moved to the Queen City for a fresh start where everything was new—job, home, and friends. His first challenge: prove the benefits of his biology of human sexuality course outweighed the controversy. Ezra agreed to teach the class during the summer semester at a community college associated with his university to gauge interest. There was just one little problem: Ezra had personally demonstrated the unit on Sexual Technique and Behaviors with one of his students.

Random or Fate?

It was supposed to be a harmless hookup on a night when Henry was celebrating his birthday and Ezra was trying to ease his loneliness. Fast forward six months later, the attraction blazed hotter than ever, but acting on it could have dire consequences neither man was willing to risk. Or were they? Could true love be Henry and Ezra’s ultimate reward, or were they destined to become just another sad lesson learned?

Beautiful Trauma is a story about triumph over tragedy, embracing the unexpected, and a reminder that family is more than biology. Are you looking for a feel-good romance with witty banter, toe-curling passion, and a story that stays with you long after the final page? Look no further. Beautiful Trauma is the third book in the Queen City Rogues series but reads as a standalone book. It contains sexually explicit material and colorful language and is intended for adults 18 and over.

http://mybook.to/Beautiful_Trauma

Excerpt

Ezra lifted his head and smiled down at me. “I like the way you think.” He started to lower his head to kiss me but jerked back. “F*ck!”

“What is it? A muscle spasm?”

“Hey now,” Ezra said, sounding offended. “I’m not that old.”

“There’s no age requirement for a muscle spasm. Remember my limp earlier tonight?”

Ezra nodded to acknowledge my point. “It wasn’t a spasm; a mosquito bit me on the ass.”

He looked so outraged that a mosquito would dare take a bite of his ass. I couldn’t stop the laughter building inside me. “I-I’m sorry,” I managed to say before the dam broke and it burst from my chest. “I’d bite your ass too if I were her.”

Ezra tried not to laugh, but he joined me until he got bit a second time. “That’s it,” he said firmly, leaping to his feet. “It’s time for a bath, then you need to get some sleep.” He blew out the candles and crooked his fingers for me to follow.

On our way to the bathroom, I watched in puzzlement as Ezra stopped by his bedside table and picked up his phone.

“Checking your messages?” I asked.

“Adding citronella candles to my shopping list before I forget,” he quipped. He looked at me with a raised brow. “Not a single smartass joke out of you about faulty memories at my age.”

I held up my hands in surrender. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” My lips quivered and threatened to give way to laughter yet again.

“Get in the bathroom,” Ezra said, pointing to the doorway.

“Yes, sir,” I said cheekily then gasped when Ezra’s hand landed soundly against my bare ass. I spun around to face him. “Spanking wasn’t in the lesson tonight.”

“Keep it up, and you’re going to get a firsthand lesson in spankings, Henry.”

The idea thrilled me to the core, and I suddenly wanted to be naughty—very, very naughty.

Carra's Review

It’s been a long while since I’ve read a good teacher-student romance, and here in Beautiful Trauma, Aimee Nicole Walker nails it while also throwing in some extra complications for the characters.  Those extras include an age gap between the two main characters (18 years), a prior scandal for Ezra (our professor here), Henry’s painful not-so-distant past plus his unfortunate health situation.  Though the matchup here is between two adults in a college setting, there is still the issue of Ezra being in a position to influence Henry’s grade so that right there is a big no-no as well—even if they’d first become involved prior to school starting.  So right from the start there’s several factors in play.

I love how determined Henry is to make it on his own, and his resilience and focus are admirable.  He’s making the best of some difficult circumstances, trying to make things better for himself.  I was a bit bummed that we didn’t get to see the full extent of Henry and Ezra’s first encounter together before they met again at the university, it was kind of a tease to tell us about this amazing, sensual, mind-blowing hookup but not elaborate on the details—and no, that’s not a plea for a gratuitous sex scene…that night and following morning were the true start of their deep connection, so I’m looking more for the emotional connection.

I thought the two of them together were wonderful.  The age gap was really only a concern to Henry, when in most stories I’ve read it’s usually the older guy who harps on the difference in years.  That made it seem like Henry felt undeserving of Ezra’s attentions, while at other times Henry acted bold and possessive—so there was a bit of internal conflict for him, which lended just the right touch of angst to the story.

This story wound up being a solid 4-star read for me, and I’d definitely recommend it, particularly if you’re a fan of any of the factors I mentioned previously.  Though this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone and it’s meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.

About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you

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GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release-Excerpt: BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA by Aimee Nicole Walker (Queen City Rogues #3)

Beautiful Trauma 

Queen City Rogues Series, Book 3

Aimee Nicole Walker 

M/M Romance 

Release Date: 07.18.19

Cover model: Joel Leslie 

Photographer: Christopher John 

Cover artist: Jay Aheer

Blurb

Does trauma define or motivate a person? 

Homeless and rejected, Henry Sullivan arrived on the doorstep of Ryan’s Place with nothing but the clothes on his back. Life as he knew it was over. Within those walls, Henry found the encouragement and love needed to turn hopeless into hopeful. Enrolling for summer classes at his community college was the first step toward achieving the dreams he thought were lost to him. There was just one little snag: the professor standing in the front of the room taught Henry the true meaning of human sexuality.

After a crushing breakup, Professor Ezra Meyer moved to the Queen City for a fresh start where everything was new—job, home, and friends. His first challenge: prove the benefits of his biology of human sexuality course outweighed the controversy. Ezra agreed to teach the class during the summer semester at a community college associated with his university to gauge interest. There was just one little problem: Ezra had personally demonstrated the unit on Sexual Technique and Behaviors with one of his students.

Random or Fate?

It was supposed to be a harmless hookup on a night when Henry was celebrating his birthday and Ezra was trying to ease his loneliness. Fast forward six months later, the attraction blazed hotter than ever, but acting on it could have dire consequences neither man was willing to risk. Or were they? Could true love be Henry and Ezra’s ultimate reward, or were they destined to become just another sad lesson learned? 

Beautiful Trauma is a story about triumph over tragedy, embracing the unexpected, and a reminder that family is more than biology. Are you looking for a feel-good romance with witty banter, toe-curling passion, and a story that stays with you long after the final page? Look no further. Beautiful Trauma is the third book in the Queen City Rogues series but reads as a standalone book. It contains sexually explicit material and colorful language and is intended for adults 18 and over.

Universal Link:

http://mybook.to/Beautiful_Trauma

Excerpt 

“Can we talk?”

“Is this about missing class, Ezra?”

I pinned him with a disbelieving look. “You think I drive around to my students’ apartments when they miss school?”

“I know how important this class is to you, and my poor attendance reflects badly on you,”Henry said. 

“I’m not here to discuss your absences, Henry.”

Henry tilted his head slightly then studied me. “Then why are you here?”

How did I answer him? Did I tell him I didn’t know, or did I tell him the truth? Maybe not knowing why I came was the truth. No, I could lie to myself all I wanted, but I couldn’t lie to him. I crossed the room until I stood directly in front of him. Even though I wanted so badly to touch him, I kept my hands to my sides. “I couldn’t stay away.”

Henry: 3 

Ezra: 0

About the Author

Ever since she was a little girl, Aimee Nicole Walker entertained herself with stories that popped into her head. Now she gets paid to tell those stories to other people. She wears many titles—wife, mom, and animal lover are just a few of them. Her absolute favorite title is champion of the happily ever after. Love inspires everything she does, music keeps her sane, and coffee is the magic elixir that fuels her day. I’d love to hear from you 

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