The Devil's Contract ARC Giveaway!

ARC Giveaway! 

 Here at MSR, we love author Claire Contreras! So when she asked if we wanted to give an arc away, HELLO! OF COURSE WE WOULD!

But Claire isn't giving away very many arcs of her new book. In fact, I think she's only giving away handful of advanced copies. My Secret Romance, The Autumn Review, Schmexy Girl Book Blog, and Shh Mom's Reading Book Blog are the only blogs to host a give away for it!

There's a catch.

 The person who wins the arc is not allowed to share spoilers or post a review until release day. By accepting the arc, you are accepting the terms of the giveaway. And you should totally agree with those terms because this book is SO FREAKING AWESOME! I loved, loved, loved her last book, Catch Me, but this book out does that one! I don't know why I'm so surprised, but I am. Each book she writes only gets better and better.

To enter the giveaway, fill out the rafflecopter below. Share this post and tag Claire Contreras in it. A winner will be chosen on Saturday and the arc is expected to be sent out Sunday night. 

 


He gave them a choice.

She took it.

He made her promise two years.

She should have known there was a catch.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Jerk of My Dreams #19

Darkness Before Dawn is an intricately woven tale of lies, suspense, and deceit. It's utterly intriguing, thought provoking with engaging characters and sizzling hot romance- I couldn't put it down!

I don't give 5 stars away that often. I have to really, I mean, really love the book to give 5 stars. It has to move me deeply, make me feel, get me all wound up, knock me down, pick me back up and keep me entertained.

Clearly, I did.

I'm not sure where to even begin with this review! If you haven't read There Is No Light In Darkness first, then you need to do so before reading this book or you'll be lost. Darkness Before Dawn is the final conclusion in the series, ​​and the best of the two books by far. I can't even begin to say what a fantastic read this was! As much as I loved it, I hated to read it at the same time. I felt like I was saying goodbye to long time friends. No one likes to do that. Darkness Before Dawn was a bittersweet read for me. One that will stick with me long after I've read it.

After the kidnapping, Blake and Cole have steep mountains to climb. It's an emotional journey for them, one that they're struggling to overcome. There's no doubt in their mind that they're meant for each other, but the repercussions of Blake's kidnapping step in and cause problems between them. The tragic and mysterious past that they can't seem to escape is very present and with more secrets and lies then before. Just when you thought you have it figured out, think again.

I was blown away by this book for a few reasons. The writing is unbelievably different. Not that it was lacking in the first book, it was actually good, but much better in this story. Way better. Claire Contreras was able to latch on and dig deep into the characters emotions and psyche to the point where I could feel each and every word described. The characters are dealing with an abundant amount of stress in their lives and Claire did it so well to portray that on paper for the reader to feel. At one point I needed to pull back and remind myself that these are fictional characters in a fictional story. Yet that feeling I got from this book (as well as the first book) is what I live for in my reads.

The plot. Oh my lord, the plot! Holy shit! This story starts off right where the first book ends and it does not stop! I was truly gripping my kindle while my heart raced during this read. I swear, I was on the edge of my seat! I thought I had it all figured out and then BAM! and I was like, shiiiiit I didn't see that coming!

My only small issue would be that there are a lot of characters in this book, almost too many. At times I felt a little lost, yet in some strange way every character was needed. They all played an active part in the story, even making me fall for some of them. I have to give the author credit- My head was spinning in circles trying to remember the relations and connection with each person. I don't know how she did it! When I finally pieced it all together, I WAS IN SHOCK! My mouth was wide open and all I could think was what a mind trip this is for me! 

 It's what I like to call The Six Degrees of Blake Brennan. 

For real though, I needed a drink to process it all. It tangled with my brain.

 Cole...I can't write a review and not talk about the sexiest mofo around and the sweetest Jerk of My Dreams to ever exist! That guy knows how to WORK. IT! Gahhhh, I love him. Loved him since the first book.

 The guy has mayja swag.

I know I'm not suppose to fall for him, but damn I also LOVED Dean and would like to see more of him now. LIKE NOW.  




I feel like Claire Contreras is an author who doesn't receive the attention that she should. She definitely knows what readers want and knows how to deliver it. Both books flowed beautiful with a compelling storyline. The Darkness books is a series that should not be passed by. It should be read and devoured- with love.


Darkness Series Epilogue Review: 

Loved! Loved! Loved! A bittersweet epilogue to a series that I came to call a favorite. There isn't one part of this story that I can complain about. I truthfully just loved it. Perfect.




p.s. Cole is delicious in this little story. No. Joke.

 

Giveaway & EXCLUSIVE Sneak Peek from Darkness Before Dawn!!!!

For those of you who haven't read THERE IS NO LIGHT IN DARKNESS by Claire Contreras, you really need it. What the hell are you waiting for?? Because there's a tiny little cliffhanger? Stop being a baby. Suck it up and read it! It's where you meet Cole, who's madly in love with Blake.


Madly in love...FML. I want him for myself. I know, I know...he's a fictional character and all, but he's so real, and sweet, and addicting, and a jerk, and the sweetest jerk. LIKE EVER. You'll fall for him immediately. I remember telling Claire when I read the first book that she wrote a drool worthy male (I never say things like that either. lol). She laughed and said, "I did?"

She doesn't even know how much we drool over him.

Anyway, Claire's in the process of writing the second book in this series, DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN. She knows there are some very strong Cole fans out there dying for a piece of him, er...more of his story. ;)

So.....she has decided to release an exclusive excerpt in his point of view....on my blog!!! I nearly fainted when she told me she would. I, like never, get exclusive stuff!  Thank you, Claire!!!

It's delicious and it's going to leave you wanting more. But I'm sure you already are. haha I was nearly salivating over reading Cole's POV. He curses in it. I love when he does.

After I read this snippet, I sent Claire a text and told her she needed to send me all of what she's written so far.

I cannot reveal if I have it or not. <enter evil laugh>

Cole

I rub my forehead trying to contain the impending head ache that I feel coming my way as I pace our empty apartment.

            “Call again,” I growl at Bruce who has been trying to reach Spencer for the past half hour.

            As usual, when my flight landed I called Blake, and to my pure horror she didn’t answer the phone. She hasn’t been answering her phone all day and the one time she did call me, I couldn’t answer mine. Everything is exactly as it was that day. That horrible fucking day and I don’t think I can deal with any more heart palpitations.

            “Let’s go,” I demand. “We’re going to Mark’s. That’s where she was going when I spoke to her.”

I call Connor’s cell phone again and this time he picks up. He tells me that he left Blake with Aubry in the apartment earlier tonight and hadn’t checked in since he’d been busy.

            “I’m going to Mark’s.”

            “Don’t bother, he left the office after we did. Dude, you don’t even know what happened...” Connor says before he proceeds to explain.

            Needless to say, I feel like absolute shit that once again I wasn’t here when she needed me the most. I know there’s nothing I can do about it, my only options are to quit my job or take her with me everywhere I go. Since she’s not going to let me do either one of those, I need to figure out another solution to this. The worst part is, I wasn’t even working today. Not that I was any less busy, but on top of not being here for her, the fact that I was a car ride away and ignoring her calls because I was under pressure to finish shit...it doesn’t sit well with me.

            “So she met her dad?” I ask to be absolutely sure.

            “Yeah, man. It wasn’t pretty. She walked out of there...it was bad Cole. Really fucking bad.”

            “Fuck,” I mutter. “Thanks. I have to keep looking.”

            “Hold on,” Connor says as he switches over the other line.

I put the phone on speaker and place it on the seat next to me as I crack my knuckles and try to figure out who else to call. Aimee! I haven’t called her yet. I’m about to hang up the phone but Connor comes back to the line and apologizes.

            “I know where she is,” he breathes.

            “Where?” I ask on edge.

            “Green’s with Aubry.”

            “Did she just fucking call you?” I growl not able to hide my annoyance about it.

            “Nope. Dean did.”

            My mouth pops open in disbelief. I close my eyes and take deep breaths to control the rage I feel rippling through my body. “I need to get to Jimmy Green’s, Bruce,” I say through gritted teeth.

            “She called him, Cole. Remember that when you get there.”

            I let out a harsh laugh. “Oh yeah, that makes me feel so much fucking better, asshole. Fuck. Why would she call him?” I mumble to myself.

            “I don’t know, but...just be careful. Dean’s nice to Blake, but don’t try him Cole.”

            “Don’t try him? Don’t cross him? Are you fucking kidding me?” I shout.

            “Just be smart. Guys like Dean will shank you if you get crazy with it. Be careful. I wish I could go, but I still have some shit to take care of.”

            I hang up with Connor and place my elbows on my knees while I will myself to calm down. I know I need to be open minded about this, I know Blake wants her answers and he’s one of the only people willing to answer her, but fuck. And what the fuck is Aubry thinking? I’m going to kill him when I see him. I can’t wrap my head around why she would contact him and have him meet her at a bar. I decide to call Aimee, which ends up being a bad idea because she tells me that when she left our place Blake and Aubry were already pretty drunk. So Blake drunk dialed Dean, lovely. This just gets better and better. I’m working my ass off trying to build something for us and she’s calling a guy that helped kidnap her behind my back. I shake my head in amazement and turn my attention to the city lights around me. At least she’s okay, that’s all that matters.

            When we pull up to the bar, I take one more minute to calm down before wiping my clammy hands over my dress pants and getting out. I look inside and see Aubry sitting in the bar watching highlights of the game and I anxiously look around for Blake. When I spot her looking beautiful yet sad, so fucking sad, in a dark booth with a guy sitting across from her I close my eyes and count to ten. I see that Spencer isn’t far away from her and is watching them intently, and that calms my nerves some. I walk in and go straight up to Aubry and smack him in the back of the head.

            “Shit. What the fuck?” Aubry says ducking his head and glaring at me. “Oh. Cole.”

            “Oh. Cole?” I growl. “Oh Cole?! Where the fuck is your phone?”

            “Out of battery,” he slurs, his blue eyes glazed over.

            “You’re so drunk.”

            He laughs humorously. “So is Cowboy!” his eyes widen. “She’s with Dean.”

            I narrow my eyes at him, but make no comment before I walk up to the booth their in and stand with my arms crossed at my chest glaring at both of them. Their hushed conversation seizes and their heads turn to me, when they see me both of their eyes go wide. Dean recovers quickly and raises an eyebrow at me, Blake recovers as quickly and glares at me. She’s pissed at me. SHE is pissed at me? Hell no.

            “What the fuck is that face for?” I ask as I work my jaw and place my hands on the edge of the table, clutching it to try to maintain for chocking Dean and pulling her out.

            “I don’t want to talk to you. You can go home,” she states before returning her attention to Dean, which pisses me off even more.

            “You don’t want to talk to me?” I ask in disbelief. “You don’t want to talk to me? DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE FUCK I’VE BEEN THROUGH IN THE PAST HOUR?”

            Her gray eyes thunder before they become cat like slits. “You?” she asks as she slides out of the booth to stand in front of me. I take a step back so that I can see her face better. “You?” she asks again as she pounds one fits on my chest. “FUCK. YOU,” she screams before turning around to storm away. I grab her forearm and pull her back to me. She turns around and glares at me before jerking her arm away and continuing her walk to the front of the bar. By the time I reach her I’m fully aware that every head in this place is turned to us as she sways drunkenly and I shake in rage.

            “Blake, you better turn around and fucking talk to me. NOW,” I shout when I get outside.

            “Go home, Cole,” she shouts back as she continues to walk down the street. Both Spencer and Bruce are scrambling to get on either side of us and I just want to tell them to leave us alone for a goddamn minute. My mind processes her words slowly.

            “I am going home. We’re going home right now dammit!”

            She stops suddenly, making me crash into her back and put my arm around her waist to keep her from falling. She turns slowly and pushes me away from her. I step back enough so that I can see her face.

            “We,” she says while signaling her hand between us. “Are not going anywhere. You can go home. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” The mixture of the tone of her voice and her troubled eyes makes my heart begin to beat ten times more rapidly than normal. I feel the air constricting in my lungs, as her thunderous gray eyes continue to suck the life out of me.

            “What do you mean?” I ask quietly. Surely she’s not breaking up with me. God, no. I’ve felt this pain too many times already, you’d think I would be used to her pushing me away. It’s unbelievable that she has the ability to dissect my heart with just words.

            “I mean that I’m not going home with you tonight. You can go home by your damn self.”

            “Blake, just talk to me. What’s wrong? What did I do?”

            She shakes her head somberly as tears pool her eyes. “What did you not do?” she whispers hoarsely. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I’ll talk to you tomorrow. I can’t even think straight right now.” 

One very lucky person will win a KEEP CALM & LOVE COLE bag (pictured bellow), three different bookmarks (pictured below) and a magnet for the fridge (not pictured below because I am lazy).

To be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment for Claire letting her know what you think of the teaser, LIKE her Facebook page and add DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN to your Goodreads to-read list. Don't forget to leave your email address so a winner can be contacted. Thanks!!!

Jerk of My Dreams #4

Jerk. Asshole. Douchenozzle. Admit it- you hate to love the jerks. That alpha male character who is so arrogant and rude but sexy as hell. That foul mouthed douche bag of a man who rocks your traitorous heart. We've all read them and we've all liked them to some extent. In real life you wouldn't touch the man with a ten foot pole. But in the fictional world? Nothing can stand in the way! Everyone would be lying to themselves if they didn't admit that the meaner the man, the further we run... Towards them! *sigh*


When author Claire Contreras told me her character Cole, a sportscaster from THERE IS NO LIGHT IN DARKNESS was interviewing Jack, a baseball player from THE PERFECT GAME, I was all like....

Seriously, I was just like that.No joke.

I mean, we're talking about some of the top Jerk of My Dreams here, and you know how I feel about those kind of heroes. I fell head over heels in love with Jack. He's a top shelf jerk- kind of like where the top best tasting Whiskey sits. And Cole is a deliciously sweet jerk sitting pretty close to Jack. It was the first time I had ever used those words together making Cole a very memorable hero for me.

Anyway, I asked where Claire was posting this interview, because I was damn sure going to read it. No way in hell was I missing it! And then she dropped the bomb on me that it was going to be on my blog...

I was screaming on the inside!!!!!! I was at work and had to keep quiet since I work with kids so I was looking around for someone, anyone, other than babies to share my excitement with. I was all like (to the babies and walls- hey, don't judge!)....

And all I could think of was two hot jerks, together, interviewing, and it being....

I look down at my watch andshake my head noticing that the interview should be starting right now. Mitchthe camera man is still setting up and Jack Carter hasn’t arrived. So much forgetting out of here quickly. I look over at Blake who’s sitting on the couchflipping through a magazine and hope that Jack brings his girl with him. If hedoes, Blake won’t ogle him as much. She thinks I don’t notice her staring athis ass every time he’s up to bat. And what the fuck was up with her asking forhis jersey for Christmas? She doesn’t even like New York!

Finally the door opens and JackCarter strides in looking all dapper and shit, and Blake is suddenly fidgetingwith the magazine in her hand, dropping it twice before she sets it down andstraight stares at Jack. I roll my eyes and shake my head before I glare ather. At least she has the decency to look embarrassed. I extend my hand out toJack.

Cole: Mr. Carter, welcome tothe studio. Thanks for doing this interview with us.

Jack: Sure thing man. Sorry I'm late. Traffic was a bitchand I have a new driver.

“Yeah, one thing I don’t missis New York traffic,” I say with the shake of my head. A hot blonde make herway beside him and immediately recognize her as his fiancé, Cassie. She looksdazed and her lips are swollen as I greet her, I look back at Jack and shake myhead when he smirks at me. Yeah, traffic my ass.

We sit down in the two chairsprovided for us and small talk as we wait for the crew to finish positioning usand the cameras. Taryn comes in with two microphones for our jackets and looksat us expectantly. Jack and I stop talking and shoot her a confused look.

Taryn: You know the drill, takeyour clothes, er, unbutton your shirts and let me put this on you.

Cole: I have never taken off myclothes for microphones before.

Taryn: Oh, Ummm...this is ah...a new...High Definition Microphone that picks up on everything without it being seen. It makes you guys, ah, look more comfortable and casual. I just have to place it over your very sculp...er, pectorals. Then I'm going to run it down the center of your stomach and hook it to your pants.

Jack and I exchange a confused look before we shrug and get up to slide our jackets off. Cassie and Blake are both laughing at us and enjoying our discomfort as Taryn takes her time feeling up on each of us. I swear this bitch is always looking for an excuse to touch me. When she’s finally done, we take a seat again and the cameras start rolling.

“3...2...1...ROLLING...”

Cole: This man right here needs no introduction, but just in case you’ve been living under a rock. I’m here with Jack Carter, the hottest pitcher in baseball right now. Jack, thank youfor taking some time to visit Inside the Locker Room.

Jack: Thanks for having me.It’s good to be here.

Cole: Your team is in secondplace in the NL East right now and you've been a big part of that. What's beenthe difference this year that you guys have been able to have that level ofsuccess?

Jack: Our pitching is really consistent, our defensive is top notch and our bats are on fire. We’re really gelling as a team and it shows on the field.

Cole: You're featured in this month's GQ magazine, your face is in Times Square, how have you been able to balance the demands of being a star in the NY spot light while still maintaining such a high level of success on the field?

Jack:Baseball is my career and that’s where my focus lies. I wouldn’t have any ofthat other stuff if I sucked on the field, so I know what’s important and whatisn’t. I think growing up in LA helps with whole limelight factor as well. It’snot as shocking. 

Cole:I know how difficult having your life exposed for the world to see can be. Ifyou could go back, would you change any of the mistakes you made early on inyour career or do you take them as a learning experience?

Jack:Oh that’s an easy one and a tough one. There is definitely something I’d liketo take back and wish never happened, but the truth is, it didn’t end upaffecting my career. I’ve always been really focused when it comes to baseball.Other areas of my life could sometimes use the help.

Thecamera stops rolling and Mitch, the camera man says he needs a short break tofix lighting. I look over at Cassie and Blake who are engrossed inconversation, laughing. When Blake feels my eyes on her she looks at me andexcuses herself to come over to me. She goes over to Jack and says hi to himand I feel my jaw clenching at the coloring in her cheeks. I can’t fuckingbelieve this guy has her all flustered and shit.

“Isthere something you need?” I ask Blake with a raised eyebrow.

“Actually,I wanted to see if you would ask a question for the ladies, you know, sinceJack has a lot of female fans?” Blake asks biting her lip.

Jackcocks an eyebrow and looks at Cassie who is on her phone, but signals him toanswer the question Blake wants to ask. Apparently she’s in on it, and the factthat Blake asked this guy’s fiancé for permission tells me I’m not going tolike this question one bit.

Iexhale sharply. “What do you want to ask, Blake?”

“It’snot me! It’s for the ladies!” she says with a laugh before turning to faceJack. “Jack, we all heard about the quarters, which is so cute, by the way.” Igroan making Blake roll her eyes at me before continuing. “Anyway, how big isyour piggy bank now?”

Jack: *laughing* It’s fuckinghuge. I don’t spend quarters anymore. I never will again. I save them all.They’re my most valuable currency.

Jack looks over at Cassie andwinks.

Blake beams at him and walksover to me giving me a kiss and thanking me when Mitch tells us we’re ready toroll again.

“Sorry about that, Jack. Maybewe should have stayed rolling the tape to catch that answer on camera,” I saywith a laugh. “Last question, do you have a theme song or anything you listento before your games and what is it?”

Jack: I plug into my Ipod toget focused and pumped up before each game I start. I like a lot of differentstuff, So one day it might be something from The Mighty Storm, or the D-Bags toJay-Z, Eminem, Linkin Park. It all depends on my mood.

Cole: Those are some goodchoices! Thanks again for taking the time to visit Inside the Locker Roomtoday. We’ll be looking out for you and hope to see you at the All Star Gamethis year.

Jack smiles, shakes Cole’s handand they chat behind the music playing as the credits roll.

“We should do lunch one day orgo get some drinks,” I say to Jack as I shake his hand after the interview isover.

Cassie: I already got Blake’snumber, so we’ll plan something. Right, Blake?

She shouts over at Blake, whois busy texting someone on her cell phone. 

Jack: Absolutely man. With ourwithout the ladies.

Jack smirks toward Cassie whojuts out her bottom lip in a pout.

Cassie: Hey! No fair.

Jack: Let me know if you wanttickets to a game and I’ll hook you and your girl up.

Cole: Sure thing. I’ll let youknow when I’m back in town.

Blake: *jumps up and down* YES!*clears throat* um, yes, I am so down to go to a game and we definitely need toget together, Cassie.

I laugh as I shake my head andmake a mental note to hide Blake’s Jack Carter jersey as soon as we get home.

 

And that my friends, is how it's done.

I will be gifting one person both THERE IS NO LIGHT IN DARKNESS & THE PERFECT GAME as well as another surprise ebook. Please leave a comment with your email address so I can contact a winner. A winner will be chosen on Saturday. Thanks & Good Luck!!

GOOD BOY vs BAD BOY: Claire Contreras & Delilah S. Dawson

Name and which book you’re from. Are you good or bad?

There is No Light in Darkness. It depends, what do you want me to be? 

     It’s Valentine’s Day. What kind of night do you have planned for your lady friend?

I’m taking her to an art exhibit, then bringing her home and locking her in my room. Do you want details of what I’m planning on doing to her?

     If you could wield cupids bow and arrow, who would you shoot and why?

I’d shoot Blake’s fine ass, no further explanation needed. 

Whisper sweet nothings in my ear telling me what you will do to me on Valentine's.

<Cole leans in and grazes the outer part of your ear with his nose before he huskily whispers this> I won’t be doing anything to you because I’ll be bending my girl over and pounding into her...hard...until her voice is hoarse from screaming my name.

While us ladies love to be wined, dined, and *clears throat* loved on Valentine's... What is it you men want most on Valentine's?

Is this a serious question? Sex, obviously. 

Give me your sweetest/dirtiest twitter message (140 characters)

I don’t do twitter. That shit’s for losers. I like to relay my dirty messages in person.

What do you look for in a woman?

I don’t look for anything in particular in a woman. If I click with one, I give her my time. 

Lightening Speed questions!

Blondes, Redhead’s, or Brunettes? Blondes

Boxer’s or Briefs? Boxers

Chocolate, Strawberry or Vanilla? All, on the right body

Soft and Sweet or Up Against the Wall? Depends on my mood

Rain or Snow? Rain

Cabin or Beach Villa? Bed and breakfast

Cole's Valentine's limerick about Blake...

I bought you a Tiffany bracelet last year

you said it didn’t fit your small ass wrist.

This Valentine's Day I bought a box of condoms.

So I know you’ll have no complaints come tomorrow (again...)

Blurb:

A past hidden in darkness. Her present cloaked in secrets. The future holds the only truth that cannot be escaped.

After the mysterious and violent death of her parents, Blake Brennan finds comfort with an unconventional family. As the dramatic loss of her parents continues to haunt her—and hinders her from reciprocating love that others give freely—Blake embarks on a harrowing journey in search for the truth.

Living in a constant state of fear and need for control, vivid nightmares reveal details that lead to perilous situations. The past begins to collide with the present, and Blake must decide if the truth is worth losing the ones she loves.

Can love conquer all as her past comes to light? Or will Blake realize that there is no light in darkness?
Author links where readers can find you: http://www.facebook.com/CContrerasBooks

Name and which book you’re from. Are you good or bad?

Casper Sterling, and I've been in two books and a novella, so far. Wicked as They Come and The Peculiar Pets of Miss Pleasance, in which I don't get the girl. And Wicked as She Wants, in which the girl gets me. I try to be good, but... wine and women just go so well with song that I can't resist.

It’s Valentine’s Day. What kind of night do you have planned for your lady friend?

Even though she's a princess, my Ahna isn't big into saccharine romance. I might sneak up on her, truss her up with one of my cravats, and take a carriage deep into the ice forest near the palace. I'd toss her out in the snow and gallop away, let her get really angry. Then, when she tracked me down to murder me, I'd have a romantic bottle of bloodwine and a new song waiting, along with some snowdrops, her favorite flower. She might forgive me, and if not, I could convince her.

If you could wield cupids bow and arrow, who would you shoot and why?

I don't need a bow and arrow; I'm the best damn musician in this entire world. On Earth, I was good, but in Sang, I'm a god. Considering there's no Beethoven or Ravel here, I can woo any woman with my music. The looks don't hurt either, darlin'.

Jerk of My Dreams #2

Jerk. Asshole. Douchenozzle. Admit it- you hate to love the jerks. That alpha male character who is so arrogant and rude but sexy as hell. That foul mouthed douche bag of a man who rocks your traitorous heart. We've all read them and we've all liked them to some extent. In real life you wouldn't touch the man with a ten foot pole. But in the fictional world? Nothing can stand in the way! Everyone would be lying to themselves if they didn't admit that the meaner the man, the further we run... Towards them! *sigh* 

That's what this weekly meme is about- those jerky delicious men! Each Friday this meme will go up, and you can share your jerk anyway you want: review, excerpt, interview, lines and quotes, giveaway of a book. However you want! All you have to do is sign up and follow the linky. Any time you comment on someones post, leave your link so that person can comment back. To learn more about this meme CLICK HERE.


My post today is from THERE IS NOT LIGHT IN DARKNESS by Claire Contresas. This was a surprising read that I ended up really enjoying very much- especially since there is a jerk...a hot jerk in it. :) 

Here is a point of view from the jerk himself, Cole. *sigh* I like him a lot. In fact, for being a jerk, all the ladies like him, which is a rare thing. 

There is a giveaway for a signed copy of this book going on HERE.

Cole's POV in New York

I’m practically sprinting through the lobby on my way to dinner. I really didn’t want to be late tonight, but the damn cab I took got stuck in every corner. I tried calling Aubry and Greg to see where they were sitting, but none of them answered their phones. When I step into the restaurant, I see the most beautiful girl I have ever laid eyes on, and my heart stops beating. Her dirty blond hair is cascading down her shoulders, and she’s pursing her pouty lips as she eyes the menu. She’s wearing a tight black dress that pushes her tits up perfectly. I bite down on my lip as I picture my mouth on them, tugging at them. I lose my trail of thought when I see a masculine arm drape over her shoulder. Who the fuck is that? Her stormy gray eyes snap to mine, almost as if she heard my thoughts, and she gives me a smile that makes me want to drop down on one knee and propose right here. I shake my head and glare at her and at the arm that’s touching her. Who the fuck is this asshole? Blake rolls her eyes at me and shakes her head. I make my way to the table and greet everybody before I extend my hand out to Trevor. I barely recognized him with his haircut. Thankfully, he took his arm off my girl’s shoulder, so I won’t have to break it.

            “Mind if I scoot between you two?” I ask. “I haven’t seen my friend in a while, and we need to catch up.” I really want to say my girl, but I know Blake will call me out on it.

            “No that’s fine,” Trevor replies before looking at Blake. I see her smile at him and try my best not to say anything.

            I lean into her as I sit down. “You look beautiful, baby,” I whisper before I kiss her just below her ear. I know she loves to be kissed there and I hope to God that nobody else knows that.

            I hear her gasp. “Cole, we’re in a public restaurant. People will most likely recognize you. You need to think.” All I can do to keep me from devouring her mouth right now, is smile at her. She’s so fucking adorable.

            As the night progresses, I start talking to Greg and Aubry about the stupid shit we used to do when we were young.

            “Yo, remember the time you toiler papered Miss. Nancy’s car at the mall?” Aubry asks laughing.

            Greg spits out some of his drink back into his cup as he starts laughing. “Oh shit! I had totally forgotten about that! Dude,” he starts as he turns to his friend. “This fucking fool gets a whole pack of toilet paper that was in our trunk, because Maggie asked us to do the groceries, and he tears it open and starts putting it all over this lady’s car. The lady had just given him a D in History and he was pissed because they benched him for the week. How ‘bout in the middle of his fucking rant, because he was talking mad shit about this lady as he’s doing this, she comes out of the mall WITH HER BOYFRIEND WHO HAPPENED TO BE OUR FUCKING FOOTBALL COACH!” Greg starts laughing again and Aubry joins him and I start laughing because that day is pretty funny to me now. Through my peripheral vision, I see Blake lean forward and say something to Trevor, who’s also leaning forward and I stop laughing and start listening.

            “What room are you guys in?” Trevor asks quietly, but I can hear what he’s insinuating and I don’t like it at all. I grab the hand that she has closest to me and squeeze it a little to let her know that even though I’m talking, I didn’t forget about her.

            “One of the suites,” she replies.

            “Oh, it’s like that?” Trevor says. “I’m staying here too. I could just follow you up, you know?”

It’s taking every ounce of my willpower not to stop this conversation from happening in front of me. I know I’ve put Blake through a lot, she’s put me through a lot of shit too, but this has to end. This has to fucking end tonight. I don’t care what I have to do or how I do it, I’m getting her back, and if she’s openly flirting with this asshole, I know she’s not with Russell anymore. Either that or she wants to make it a point to piss me the fuck off, which she’s doing.

            “You need a key to stalk,” Blake says in a way too flirty voice. I let go of her hand and I squeeze her thigh instead. Maybe this will get her to shut up before I lose it. “So, Cole, are you still dating Erin?” Trevor asks studying my face. I didn’t realize I needed someone to scrutinize me to see if I would tell the truth or not. Clearly he doesn’t know shit about how Blake and I work. I would never lie to her. I notice her look away quickly.

            “We broke up recently,” I reply. She looks back at me and I grin at her thinking that she’s not getting away this time. She looks back at Becky who’s talking to her about shoes and I roll my eyes. Why is that damn girl always talking about clothes?

            “Oh, sorry to hear that. She’s a great girl. We’ve met a couple of times,” Trevor says.

            “Yeah, she is a great girl. She’s just not my girl,” I respond, still looking at Blake. I know she heard me because she’s blushing and she never blushes. The thought that she likes being called my girl makes my heart do some crazy shit.

            After we sort out the bill situation, I excuse myself to go to the bathroom. Aubry follows me in, still talking about soccer, which I interrupt to call Erin and make sure she got whatever clothes she had left in my house. I’m pretty sure Blake won’t want to stay over there, but I’d rather start over on a clean slate and that means no reminders of any previous relationships.

            “So no more Erin, huh?” Aubry says when I shut my phone off.

            “Nah,” I reply shaking my head. “Not for me.”

            Aubry lets out a laugh. “No shit. You’ve been saying that about every girl for the past seven years.”

            “Yeah, well, I’m a fucking idiot, what can I say? I’ve been eating shit for seven years too long. I can’t do it anymore. I don’t care if I have to take out Russell myself, I want him gone and I want Blake back. End of story.”

            “Good thing you won’t have to,” Aubry snickers. “Blake broke up with him.”

            I narrow my eyes at him. “She didn’t tell me anything.”

            “You didn’t tell her anything about Erin either,” Aubry replies with raised eyebrows. “You guys better start communicating or your relationship is going to go to shit before it even picks back up again.”

            “Don’t I know it,” I mutter. “That’s not happening again.”

When I go back to the lobby I see Blake looking up at Trevor with a smile on her face that makes me want to drag her upstairs and fuck her senseless. Instead, I contain my growl and wrap my arms around her waist. I try my best not to shoot her a pissed off look, but I know I’m failing miserably because she looks like she’s about to start laughing. She smiles at me as she looks deep into my eyes, and makes me get completely lost in hers. Those big gray eyes always suck me in and hold me hostage, even when I don’t want to be held. I turn her body so that her back is completely against me and nip her earlobe.

            “I love you too, baby,” I say in her ear so that only she can hear me. I know she won’t say the words back, but right now, her body shivering beneath mine is the only response I need to know she feels them.

            When we step finally make it upstairs, it takes Blake two seconds to get out of the tall sexy heels she was wearing. I wondered how she was standing to walk in them for that long, she hates heels.

            “Blake!” Becky squeals. “You’re kidding, right?”

            “Ugh. Shut up. My feet are about to commit suicide,” Blake groans, making us laugh. I effortlessly pick her up and throw her over my shoulder making her screech.

            “Cole, are you crazy?”

            “Only about you, baby,” I murmur into her hair before inhaling her scent. She smells like fresh flowers, she’s been using the same shampoo since we were kids, and I love it. She smells like home to me. Sadness floods me when our eyes meet again, I hate myself for fucking things up with her. I don’t even know what I’m thinking trying to get her back. This girl, my home, the only girl I’ve ever loved, has been through so much suffering, and the fact that I contributed to that makes me crazy. If I have to spend the rest of my days making up for my stupidities, I’ll do it, as long as I have her face to look at every day.

            “You can put me down. I can walk just fine,” she says. “I probably flashed everybody.”

            I put her down slowly as my eyes bore into hers. I look from her eyes to her lips a couple of times and all I can think about is sucking that bottom lip of hers into my mouth.

            “Uh...guys? Are you coming in or are you going to stand in the hallway, eye fucking each other all night?” Becky asks. Blake pushes off me and goes inside and I follow her. She goes to her room and I look around to see if the bell service brought my bag. When Blake comes back out, she’s wearing some tiny blue shorts and a red T-shirt that I recognize from high school. She turns around to put something back in her room and I read the “Murphy” on the back. I feel myself smiling so big, my cheeks start to hurt from it. I can’t believe she still sleeps with that shirt on.