REVIEW TOUR Ready To Run by Lauren Layne

Ready to Run
I Do, I Don't #1

By: Lauren Layne

Releasing August 22, 2017
Loveswept

Blurb
The Bachelor meets The Runaway Bride in this addictive romance novel about a reality TV producer falling for her would-be star: a Montana heartthrob who wants nothing to do with the show.

Jordan Carpenter thinks she’s finally found the perfect candidate for Jilted, a new dating show about runaway grooms: Luke Elliott, a playboy firefighter who’s left not one but three brides at the altar. The only problem? Luke refuses to answer Jordan’s emails or return her calls. Which is how she ends up on a flight to Montana to recruit him in person. It’s not Manhattan but at least the locals in Lucky Hollow seem friendly . . . except for Luke, who’s more intense—and way hotter—than the slick womanizer Jordan expected.

Eager to put the past behind him, Luke has zero intention of following this gorgeous, fast-talking city girl back to New York. But before he can send her packing, Jordan’s everywhere: at his favorite bar, the county fair, even his exes’ book club. Annoyingly, everyone in Lucky Hollow seems to like her—and deep down, she’s starting to grow on him too. But the more he fights her constant pestering, the more Luke finds himself wishing that Jordan would kick off her high heels and make herself comfortable in his arms.

Yet another wonderful Rom-Com by Lauren Layne. Jordan Carpenter is an up and coming T.V. producer and the one thing she needs to make or break her career is finding the new Bachelor. Well not "The Bachelor" but along the same lines except that the potential groom for the show need to be runaway grooms. Men who have left their fiancees at the altar and Jordan has found the perfect one. So far Luke Elliot has left three women at the altar, yet he still seems to be the town's darling boy, a well liked and still very sought after Fireman. To Jordan and her boss he is the perfect choice only one problem he doesn't want to do it. Jordan goes to his small town in Montana and says she won't leave until he agrees. Only now that she's there she realizes that he's not just perfect for the show but for her too, because Luke isn't what he seems he's better.   

This was such a fun read, I'm not big on reality tv shows and I was worried how this one was going to play out but it's quite a read. Lauren Layne does so well with the small town romance it surprised me because I'm so use to her big city love. Jordan and Luke have this great chemistry that confuses them at first so they start out not friendly but the more Jordan digs into Luke's past the more she likes him and the more that Luke sees of Jordan and since everyone in town is pushing them together it's not hard for them to finally give in. The story is funny and enchanting and I can't wait for more. 

Luke started to load up the gear and, realizing he was doing it alone, glanced over his shoulder to see where the hell his partner was. 

Unsurprisingly, his friend was chatting up City Girl. Neither Charlie nor Ryan seemed to mind in the least that these two fancy pants had swooped into their town to capitalize on Luke’s past. 

What was more surprising was that Jordan Carpenter was chatting right back, her smile seemingly genuine, her laugh real. 

Luke ground his teeth. 

He couldn’t say he’d put much thought into the woman behind the name as he’d been unceremoniously deleting her emails and voice messages, but if forced to assume, he’d have guessed aggressive shrew. 

He suspected he was wrong there. Because while there was no mistaking the ambition in the woman, it wasn’t the cutthroat, ball-busting kind. 

Her lean body might be all angles and long lines, but there was a softness to her as well. The way her hair did its own thing. The easiness of her smile, the quick laugh. The small but pert breasts. 

Damn. He was staring. 

He slammed the door shut. “Bander,” he shouted at Charlie across the lawn. “Let’s clear out.” 

Charlie leaned into Jordan, whispering something in her ear that made her laugh, before walking away with a last wink. 

Luke rolled his eyes. Really? This was happening? 

“Hey, Elliott,” Ryan called. “You want to come over for a barbecue tonight?” 

Luke crossed his arms and studied his friend suspiciously, waiting for the catch. “Who’s on the guest list?” 

He saw Jordan and her purple-shirt friend exchange a look. Well, that answered that question. 

Damn. Ryan never had been able to resist the urge to stir up trouble. 

“It’s no problem if you don’t want to join us,” Jordan called out, lifting her hand to shield the afternoon sun from her eyes. “I’m sure your friends here can fill me in on everything there is to know about Luke Elliott.” 

All about Luke Elliott’s romantic history was more like it. City Girl wasn’t even pretending to be coy about the reason she was here. 

All former positive thoughts about her evaporated. Only the worst sort of human would use another’s failed relationships to advance her own career—for entertainment.
Luke turned away without another word, hauling himself into the driver’s seat of the truck as he waited impatiently for Charlie to get done shouting goodbye to every single person within earshot. 

He drummed his thumbs against the steering wheel, refusing to even think about going to the BBQ tonight. If his friends wanted to stir up trouble, they could do so without his cooperation. 

As for the two New Yorkers, they’d flame out all on their own. Weren’t East Coasters known for being impatient and fast moving? 

Surely they’d be off to find some other glory-seeking asshole if he ignored them. One of the other guys could play the role for all he cared. 

As Charlie hauled his ass up, Luke started the truck, his eye catching on Jordan Carpenter, who was watching him with a stubborn, determined look on her pretty face.
Damn it. She’d stir up all sorts of trouble unless he ran interference. 

Luke pulled out his phone to text Ryan. 

I’ll be there. Have beer. 

Charlie leaned over, unabashedly reading Luke’s iPhone screen. “Ha. Knew it.”
“What?” Luke glared at his friend. 

Charlie grinned wider, gesturing over his shoulder. “You’ve got a boner for the hot blonde.” 

“Are you kidding me with this? She wants me to be the next bachelor.”
How were Ryan and Charlie not getting the absurdity of this? 

Charlie shrugged. “So? Maybe it’d be good for you.” 

Luke stared at his friend for a moment longer before putting the truck in drive. “The only thing that would be good for me is to push you out of this truck.” 

Charlie was waving goodbye to Jordan and Simon. “See you tonight!” 

Luke ground his teeth harder. He was already dreading the BBQ, but not going would only make matters worse. Clearly he needed to have a very blunt conversation with Jordan Carpenter.
 

Link to Tour Page: http://tastybooktours.com/tours-master/ready-run-lauren-layne

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33813136-ready-to-run

Goodreads Series Link https://www.goodreads.com/series/196758-i-do-i-don-t

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Author Info

Lauren Layne is the New York Times bestselling author of romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband.

A former e-commerce and web marketing manager from Seattle, Lauren relocated to New York City in 2011 to pursue a full-time writing career. She signed with her agent in 2012, and her first book was published in summer of 2013. Since then, she's written over two dozen books, hitting the USA TODAY, New York Times, iBooks, and Amazon bestseller lists.

Author Links:   WEBSITE   |   FACEBOOK  |   TWITTER  |   GOODREADS

Website:  http://www.laurenlayne.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/laurenlayneauthor

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/_laurenlayne

GoodReads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6969772.Lauren_Layne

Series Pre-Order Links

RUNAWAY GROOM (Book 2)

https://laurenlayne.com/runaway-groom

JUST RUN WITH IT (Book 3)

https://laurenlayne.com/just-run-with-it

REALIZE BLAST Someone Like You by Lauren Layne

A man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.

SOMEONE LIKE YOU

Oxford #3

Lauren Layne

Releasing Dec 6th, 2016

Loveswept

Lauren Layne’s bestselling Oxford Series continues with the poignant, heartwarming story of New York’s most eligible bachelor, Lincoln Mathis, a man who’s living a lie—until his dream woman takes away the pain.
 
Lincoln Mathis doesn’t hide his reputation as Manhattan’s ultimate playboy. In fact, he cultivates it. But behind every flirtatious smile, each provocative quip, there’s a secret that Lincoln’s hiding from even his closest friends—a tragedy from his past that holds his heart quietly captive. Lincoln knows what he wants: someone like Daisy Sinclair, the sassy, off-limits bridesmaid he can’t take his eyes off at his best friend’s wedding. He also knows that she’s everything he can never have.
 
After a devastating divorce, Daisy doesn’t need anyone to warn her off the charming best man at her sister’s wedding. One look at the breathtakingly hot Lincoln Mathis and she knows that he’s exactly the type of man she should avoid. But when Daisy stumbles upon Lincoln’s secret, she realizes there’s more to the charming playboy than meets the eye. And suddenly Daisy and Lincoln find their lives helplessly entwined in a journey that will either heal their damaged souls . . . or destroy them forever.

Advance praise for Someone Like You

“Fun and flirty, sassy and steamy, with a deep emotional pull that will keep you turning the pages.”—Kelly Jamieson, author of Top Shelf

“An unsung hero with a story that touched my heart. Emotional and gripping. A top favorite of 2016 for me.”—New York Times bestselling author Melanie Moreland

I was almost scared that I wouldn't like Lincoln's story that it wouldn't live up to the hype of Lincoln.

I'm so glad it lived up to it's hype. Lincoln's story is as witty and heartwarming romance as the others and so much more, and Daisy OMG! I loved her. Daisy and Lincoln are kindred spirits. I don't have a better way to describe what they have. Lincoln's backstory is so heartbreaking and his issues that he keeps firmly placed between Daisy and himself are all in his own making he just has to move on and accept what his heart tells him not what his head thinks his heart should feel. Daisy has her own issues but her heart is more open to loving Lincoln.

Overall, it was a heartbreaking and heartwarming story and so full of Lauren Layne's trademark wit. I love these books and Lauren Layne's writing voice is fantastic and while we thought this would be the last book in the Oxford series two new characters are calling for a book of their own.  

“Lincoln, you know that I love you like a brother, but if you make a move on my sister, I will end you.” 

Lincoln Mathis took a slow sip of his cocktail as he studied the fierce bride-to-be. “I hope Cassidy knows how lucky he is. You’re so delicate and gentle.” 

Emma Sinclair, soon to be Emma Cassidy as of this time tomorrow, lifted one elegantly manicured fingernail and flicked his chest. “Promise, Lincoln. No hitting on Daisy.”

“I don’t hit on women.” 

Emma gave him a look.  

He held up his free hand in surrender. “I don’t. They come to me. I’m like the stamen.”

Emma stared at him with wide, slightly accusatory brown eyes. “The what?” 

“The stamen. The pollen-producing part of a flower, Sinclair. Don’t you watch the Discovery Channel? Animal Planet? I just saw a fascinating documentary on bees. See, when the bees land on a flower, their little feet pick up pollen from the stamen— “ 

“Mathis. Are you talking to my fiancée about semen?” Alex Cassidy asked, coming up beside Emma and setting a possessive hand on her waist. 

“Stamen,” Lincoln clarified. “Not semen. Honestly, is sex all you people think about?” 

“Yes.” This came from Riley Compton, a brunette bombshell whose status as New York’s foremost “sexpert” meant she had zero qualms about discussing sex at her best friend’s rehearsal dinner. “And you know, actually, the stamen is rather sexual. I saw that bee documentary too, because these are the sort of things you do when you’re nursing a never-satisfied baby, by the way, and the stamen is a flower’s male reproductive organ. Sexy, right?” 

Emma inserted the arm not holding her champagne flute between the two of them. “Guys, it’s my wedding weekend. Can we not talk about flower boners?” 

“Fair enough, Bride,” Lincoln said. “What do you want to talk about? Cassidy’s boner?” 

Alex Cassidy choked into his champagne. 

“There will be no boner discussion,” Emma said. “Lincoln and I were just having a chat about how Lincoln will be maintaining his distance from my sister.”  

“Speaking of flowers, where is Daisy?” Riley asked, scanning the room. 

“Running late. Knowing my sister, her dress had a slight crease from the suitcase, and she won’t make an appearance until every wrinkle’s banished, every hair’s in place, and there’s not a speck of lint anywhere.” 

“Gosh, however will I keep my hands to myself?” Lincoln muttered. 

“Lincoln, I swear to God—” 

“He’s messing with you, Em,” Cassidy said, carefully tugging his fiancée away from Lincoln. “Don’t let him press your buttons. And Lincoln, man, what is with that drink?” 

Lincoln glanced down. “It’s called a Jasmine. Gin, lemon, some Campari—” 

“It’s pink,” Cassidy observed. 

“Right? You want one?” 

Cassidy rolled his eyes. “I’ll stick with wine, thanks. Ah shit, there’s my grandma waving us over. Emma, you up for talk about the state of your uterus?” 

 

Emma groaned. “Oh no. I thought she’d agreed to wait until after the wedding to talk about my eggs.” 

“I’ll go with you,” Riley said. “As the only one in our little group of friends who’s ever pushed a human skull out my—” 

“Okay, I’m going to expand my taboo list,” Emma said. “No talking about boners, flowers, or vaginas.” 

“Fine,” Riley said, as she entwined her arm in Emma’s and started leading her toward Cassidy’s grandma. “But if Grams starts talking about fertility, just follow my lead . . . ”

Lincoln smiled as he watched his friends walk away. He could follow, certainly, help run interference, but new mom Riley was a far better choice for this particular bridal-party duty. 

Besides, as best man, Lincoln had enough to worry about. The ring, reconfirming transportation to the church tomorrow, the speech that he was going to slay tomorrow, the— 

Lincoln’s best man to-do list scattered as his eyes landed on a woman standing in the doorway to the private event room. He did a double take. When had Emma found time to change? Generally speaking, he didn't consider himself particularly in tune with his friends' clothes. Especially the women, because, well . . .  he didn’t really give a crap. But he was pretty damn sure Emma had been wearing a white dress just ten seconds ago.  

Now she was wearing a short yellow dress, with fussy, flowy sleeves, high-necked and a bit demure— 

No, not demure, Lincoln amended as she turned. Hot. The dress was backless, showing a smooth expanse of lightly tanned skin from the small of her back all the way up to long dark blond hair. 

. . . Blond hair. 

Emma had shoulder-length brown hair. A wardrobe swap, he might be able to buy, but the hair? 

You idiot. 

He was looking at none other than Daisy Sinclair, the forbidden fruit, in the flesh. 

He’d forgotten that Daisy wasn’t just Emma’s sister—she was Emma’s identical twin.

Other than the fact that she was, apparently, not to be hit on, Lincoln didn’t know much about her. 

Well, he supposed  he now knew that she dyed her hair blond.

Or maybe Emma dyed hers brown? 

Whatever. Girl stuff he didn’t care about one way or the other. 

And yet he didn’t look away, captivated somehow. He racked his brain for everything he’d heard about Daisy Sinclair. 

He knew that she and Emma had grown up in North Carolina. But Emma left for New York City shortly after college, and Daisy had stayed. He thought he remembered talk of a recent divorce, although he didn’t recall the details 

Didn’t need to, really. Lincoln knew better than anyone that not all relationships had happy endings.  

Lincoln watched as Daisy hesitated just inside the doorway, unnoticed yet by the rest of the bridal party and out-of-town guests.  

Making people comfortable was a particular skill of his. Normally he’d be over there in a heartbeat with a glass of wine and some of his best banter until her shoulders relaxed and he’d coaxed a smile from her pretty face. 

But he wasn’t entirely convinced Emma wouldn’t make good on her castration threats, so instead Lincoln merely studied Daisy. The woman was beautiful. No surprise there, since Emma was gorgeous. Yet, though their features were identical, they were attractive in entirely different ways.  

Emma was all polished confidence, stunning in an untouchable sort of way.

Daisy was softer somehow. Gentler. She seemed . . . touchable. 

Lincoln’s cocktail froze on its way to his mouth as the forbidden rocked him back on his heels. Daisy Sinclair was not for him to touch for reasons that had nothing to do with Emma’s threats. 

As though sensing a man’s brooding thoughts on her, Daisy turned slightly, her eyes locking on his. Eyes that he’d known would be dark brown like Emma’s, and yet eye contact with Emma had never felt like this. 

Lincoln felt something akin to panic, because for a heart-stopping moment, it felt like Daisy Sinclair was seeing him. Not seeing the Lincoln he wanted everyone to see.

The real him. 

He gave himself a little mental shake. Get it together, Mathis. The woman doesn’t even know you. 

None of them did. 

Not really. 

He saw the moment of answering shock in her own gaze, sensed that for a split second, she considered turning and running. From him, from the party, all of it.  

Then he saw something else. Something familiar, because he’d done it a thousand times himself. She squared her shoulders, and he watched as a mask slid into place. 

He knew even before she approached that Daisy was exactly like him—good at being around people only because she chose to be. Knew that perhaps once it had been second nature, and now it was nothing but a deliberate attempt to make sure everyone thought she was okay. 

Daisy began making her way toward him, and he tensed for reasons he couldn’t identify before ordering himself to chill out. 

It was just his friend’s sister. The maid of honor to his best man. 

She stopped in front of him, and he caught just the faintest whiff of her perfume, a surprisingly elegant scent for someone named Daisy, before she extended her hand.

“You must be Lincoln Mathis, The Manwhore of Whom I Should Beware?” 

Her voice was a surprise. It had the same low huskiness as her sister’s, but years in New York had all but erased the Southern from Emma’s whiskey-raspy voice. Daisy’s drawl was very much intact—a mint julep on a hot day. 

He grinned and took her smaller hand in his. “Which would make you Daisy Sinclair, Delicate Flower to Whom I’m Not to Speak.” 

She grinned. “Nailed it.” 

Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart--cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.

In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back.

In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website!

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TASTY BOOK TOUR Tempting Tristan by Melissa Foster

Looking for your next sexy M/M romance?

TEMPTING TRISTAN

A M/M Contemporary Romance

Harborside Nights #3

Melissa Foster

Releasing Oct 19th, 2016

World Literary Press

Fresh off the heels of yet another bad relationship, Tristan Brewer is taking a break from men to try and figure out where he keeps going wrong. He knows his biggest fault—he leads with his heart, not his head—and that’s never going to change. But after several introspective weeks, he’s beginning to get a handle on things. That is, until badass heartthrob Alex Wells walks into his bar…

Alex has spent eight years in the Army, months in a hospital bed, and far too long hiding his sexual identity. He’s guilt-ridden, damaged, pissed off, and up for a Silver Star—for the incident that nearly cost him his life, and kept him from his grandmother’s funeral. But all he wants to do is forget his stint with the institution that allows but doesn’t necessarily accept, and live the life he’s always dreamed of.

The chemistry between Tristan and Alex ignites from the moment they meet, and the more time they spend together the hotter the flames become. But the closer Tristan gets, the more Alex’s walls go up, and when the two walk onto a military base, Tristan finds out Alex’s physical scars aren’t the ones that run the deepest.

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I have been anxious for Tristan's story since the start of the series, I normally don't read M/M, I got burned out on them a couple of years ago, but Tristan was special. If he was a real person it would make a straight woman complain why did he have to be gay. Alex is the kind of hot that has girls dropping their panties he also is a tortured alpha hero. Together Tristan and Alex are... WOW. 

I think the blurb says it pretty well what the story is about, and Melissa Foster is great at drawing out the characters and making them real. Your heart beats fast with their's and hurts when they do and you cry with them and not just the main characters either the secondary characters you really get to know and you look forward to them getting their own book (especially the little man whore Brandon, gotta love him). Tristan with how easy it is for him to give his heart and Alex who has been so used to pushing everything down they needed each other. Tristan needed Alex to show him he just needed the right person to love and Alex needed Tristan to show him how to love.

It was a great story, very dirty those scenes between the two of them, dang that's hot. It was a little draw out in parts but it all fit and was very well done.  

“Can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer.” 

Tristan shrugs. “Have at it." 

“Why were you taking a break? I get that your ex was a prick, but is there more to it?”  

He looks down the street, across the street, and then his hand cruises through his hair as it has so often that I’ve already come to expect it when he’s nervous. 

“Ian was a prick, but the rest is going to make me sound like a pussy,” he admits. 

“I’ve only known you a day, and I already know nothing can make you sound like a pussy.” 

He meets my gaze, and his jaw tightens. He lifts his chin and I recognize the struggle between feeling proud and worrying about looking weak. I fight that battle on a daily basis. 

“I give away my heart too easily, and I end up getting hurt.”
His eyes never leave mine, and that trust, that confidence, is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. 

“I was right. Nothing can make you sound like a pussy.” I slide my hand to the hard ridge of his jaw and lean in closer. “I’ve never given my heart away. That makes you braver than me.”

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance, new adult romance, and women's fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa's emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, perfect beach reads, and always family oriented. 

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TASTY BOOK TOUR For Better or For Worse by Lauren Layne

Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor 

stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells?

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

The Wedding Belles #2

Lauren Layne

Releasing Aug 30th, 2016

Pocket Books

Will a budding wedding planner and her bad boy neighbor stop banging heads and start hearing wedding bells in the sexy second novel in USA TODAY bestselling author Lauren Layne’s irresistible new series that marries Sex and the City with The Wedding Planner?

When small-town girl Heather Fowler finally gets promoted from assistant to actual wedding planner, she’s determined to make it as one of Manhattan’s elite Wedding Belles. Unfortunately, her first client demands an opulent black-tie affair at the Plaza…in five months’ time. Heather’s days quickly become a flurry of cake tastings, dress-fittings, RSVP cards, and bridal tantrums. But what she’s really losing sleep over is the live music blaring from her playboy neighbor’s apartment all night.

Five years ago, Josh Tanner was an up-and-comer on Wall Street, complete with the penthouse and the migraines. But a grim cancer diagnosis made him realize there is more to life than the corner office. If only he could convince his pretty, workaholic neighbor to let loose, too. As Heather lets down her guard, Josh is surprised when he starts falling for the sweet, vulnerable woman hiding beneath those power suits. Soon, it’s Heather’s turn to convince Josh to take the biggest risk of all: love.

I love Lauren Layne. Really. I have not read a bad book by her. Heather and Josh were like Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in Friends with Benefits. They all say I don't want to fall in love, it's just sex. yadda yadda...Famous last words.

Heather finally gets her chance to get promoted to full Wedding Planner, no longer an assistant but first she has to plan the wedding for a social media princess who just gave her the kiss of death, she gave her carte blanche to plan the wedding. 

Josh is living like he's dying, he survived cancer and now he gave up his high profile Wall Street job and is living life to the fullest. Well so he thought, but it's getting old. His newest entertainment trying to seduce his new neighbor.

It was just suppose to be sex but the more they got to know each other the more their feelings came into play. Spending Thanksgiving with Josh's family and then New Years together. Heather finding reasons to spend time with Josh never even realizing the feelings she was feelings were love. Josh trying to keep Heather at a distance because the possibility that he might get sick again and not wanting her to be hurt.

Overall, this was a fun and sweet story. Josh and Heather are such a fun couple with their teasing.    

“So this is where the noise happens, huh?” she asked. 

Josh’s eyes narrowed as his friend’s hand touched Heather’s back briefly. “Absolutely,” Trevor said. “We’re sorry it keeps you up though.” 

“Oh, it’s okay,” she said, waving her hand. “I mean . . . it’s not. But tonight I couldn’t sleep anyway, so you get a free pass. What do you all play?” 

“Donny’s bass, Felix is on drums. Josh is lead guitar, and I, as the most important member, have the pipes.” 

“Oh! I thought Josh was the singer,” Heather said with a quick glance over her shoulder at him. 

Their eyes locked, and Josh felt a flicker of . . . something. 

“Ah, is that what he’s telling the women these days,” Trevor joked. 

“No, I just . . . I hear him, singing sometimes,” Heather muttered. 

“Our boy can carry a tune well enough, but wait until you hear me, love,” Trevor said.
Josh turned away in mild disgust, pulling a beer out of the fridge as Trevor and the other guys coaxed Heather into the practice room, thrilled to have any sort of audience, even a reluctant one. 

“Yo, Tanner,” Felix called. 

“What,” he called, popping the lid off the bottle and tilting the beer back to his lips as he tried to shake off whatever was bringing down his mood tonight. 

“Let’s show Heather here that we’re more than a bit of noise coming through her bedroom wall.” 

Josh turned around to see Donny dragging one of his kitchen chairs across the room, disappearing into the practice room. 

“All right, love, you just sit down and get comfortable,” Trevor said. “Tanner! Come on, man.” 

Josh heard the low strum of Donny’s guitar, heard Felix do a little warm-up rhythm, and knew there was no way of getting out of it. If he refused to play a song now, he’d look like an ass. 

Still, his feet didn’t move, and he took another sip of beer. 

Feeling eyes on him, he glanced up to see Heather in the doorway, leaning one shoulder against the door jamb as she studied him. 

“Okay, 4A?” she asked. 

Her tone was lighthearted, almost slightly reluctant, as though she didn’t want to care about why he was out here alone, feeling oddly itchy with his life. 

He appreciated it. He’d spent enough time in the past few years dealing with people who walked on eggshells around him, cooing sweetness. Some of it genuine, some of it not so much. 

Heather’s no-nonsense question was refreshing—and exactly what he needed.
He was happy, and healthy and living the dream, damn it. 

Even if he was no longer sure it was his dream. 

“You going soft on me?” he asked, taking one last sip of his beer before setting it aside and strolling towards her. 

Heather’s eyes narrowed. “Hardly. I just wanted you to get your shit together so I can see your cute lead singer work his magic.” 

He deliberately stepped into the doorway so she couldn’t move in either direction without brushing against him, grinning at her discomfort. 

“You’re in a better mood tonight,” he said, his eyes skimming over her crazy curls and relaxed expression. “Why?” 

“Believe it or not, I’m not a shrew.” 

“Huh.” 

Heather shoved his shoulder with a little scowl. “I’m not!” 

“Does that mean you’re going to start making banana bread like Mrs. Calvin?”
“Yes, definitely. And coffee cake and sugar cookies and whatever other goodies you might like. All while wearing a frilly, feminine apron.” 

“Dare I hope there’s nothing under the apron?” he asked, leaning in slightly.
“Right again!” she said, in mock delight. “I just love to bake naked.” 

Josh’s pulse leapt, but Trevor interrupted before the sudden X-rated picture in his mind could turn into a full-fledged fantasy. 

“Dude, we doing this or what?” 

Josh looked at Heather. 

“One song,” she said, holding up a finger. “I may as well see what the music sounds like on this side of my the bedroom wall.” 

She slipped back into the practice room, sitting in the stuffed armchair in the corner. Josh followed her in, reaching for his guitar and slipping the strap over his neck before catching her eye and giving her a wink.

Heather rolled her eyes, and Josh couldn’t hide the grin as he ripped his first chord.

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Don't Miss Any of the Wedding Belles Novels

Lauren Layne is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen romantic comedies. She lives in New York City with her husband (who was her high school sweetheart--cute, right?!) and plus-sized Pomeranian.

In 2011, she ditched her corporate career in Seattle to pursue a full-time writing career in Manhattan, and never looked back.

In her ideal world, every stiletto-wearing, Kate Spade wielding woman would carry a Kindle stocked with Lauren Layne books.

For a list of all her works, please be sure to check out her official website!

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