A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Sat, 05 Oct 2024 02:32:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 Just a Little Chase (A Dare Crossover #4) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-a-little-chase-a-dare-crossover-4-read-online-carly-phillips Sat, 05 Oct 2024 02:32:01 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-a-little-chase-a-dare-crossover-4-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Erotic Authors: Carly Phillips Series: A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)

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She’s in need of a fake, friendly boyfriend to charm her family.
He’s the last bachelor up for auction and a grumpy, last-minute stand-in.
Neither satisfies the other’s requirements but they might just be what each of them needs.

With Lauren Connelly’s ex marrying her sister, the last thing she wants is to show up at the wedding without a date. Which means finding a fake boyfriend ASAP. The charity bachelor auction provides a solution to her problem, except the man she bids on turns out to be a gorgeous but grumpy executive who scowls more than he smiles.

Chase Gossard wants nothing to do with Lauren’s plan to make him her plus-one at a destination wedding and pretend that he’s in love. He doesn’t do relationships, fake or otherwise—but she paid a lot of money for the privilege. So why does their touching, kissing, and sharing one bed feel all too real?

Lauren is smart and witty and sexy as hell. A down to earth combination that somehow softens his hard edges, and somewhere along the way, he’s falling hard for his fake date. But when the truth comes out and it’s time to part ways, can the confirmed bachelor convince his pretend girlfriend to make things real?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Lauren Connelly ate a bite of her breakfast cereal, her gaze fixed on the wedding invitation she’d propped up against the saltshaker on the table. It wasn’t every day that her little sister, Ashley, got married, and she should have felt excitement and joy for her sibling. Instead, she couldn’t shake the dread at the thought of attending the nuptials and having to watch her sister marry the man Lauren had once been engaged to.

The entire situation was bound to be awkward and uncomfortable, made even more so by the small town mentality of where she’d been born and raised. It had always dumbfounded Lauren that there had been no scandalous gossip revolving around her sister’s quick involvement with Greg after he’d broken up with Lauren. Rather, people looked at her with pity, because Greg had chosen the beauty pageant sister over the tomboy Lauren had been for most of her teenage years.

In Lauren’s opinion, the town’s perception was bullshit. Not many knew the real reason why their engagement had ended so abruptly, or that the two closest people to her at that time had deceived her. The truth would have blown up the gossip mill and branded Ashley as the other woman, and as much as her sister’s actions had hurt Lauren, she’d never exposed their betrayal for a few different reasons. Lauren had never been the vindictive or spiteful type and she didn’t want to fracture and divide their close family unit. And most importantly, long before she’d caught Ashley and Greg locked in a passionate kiss, she’d known that he wasn’t “the one”.

None of that excused the affair they’d had behind her back, but the painful breakup had been the impetus for Lauren to do the one thing she’d always dreamed of and leave her small Massachusetts town and move to New York City, where she now lived and worked as an event coordinator at the Meridian Hotel.

So, yes, awkward and uncomfortable was an understatement when Lauren thought about going back home for her sister’s wedding.

“You know, if you stare at that invitation any harder, you’re going to burn a hole in it,” Lauren’s roommate and good friend, Tara, commented, startling Lauren out of her pensive thoughts. “And that RSVP card is not going to send itself, by the way.”

Lauren sighed as Tara settled into the chair across from her with a plate of avocado toast and a cup of coffee. “I know, I know,” she said, setting her spoon in her cereal bowl. “I need to mail it this week. I’ve been dragging my feet because I want to take a plus-one to buffer things with my family, except I don’t have a plus-one in my life.” Because, unfortunately, the few men she’d met on dating apps had been complete duds. But maybe, possibly, she had an idea…

Tara grinned a bit mischievously and spoke before Lauren could share her thoughts. “You should shock the hell out of them and take a really bad boy to the wedding. Like a biker type. I could hook you up with someone from the shop, we could give you a few fake tattoos and body piercings—”

Lauren held up a hand to stop her friend’s wild suggestion before it got even more outlandish, even though she was laughing at the image Tara painted. “Thank you for your offer, but no.” A bad boy biker was more Tara’s type. Her friend worked at a tattoo shop as a receptionist, had a full arm sleeve of colorful tattoos and a few extra piercings, and was drawn to rebellious men who bucked societal norms.

Tara feigned a pout, emphasizing the gold ring in her lip. “You’re no fun.”

Lauren grinned. “There’s fun, and then there’s giving my conservative parents a heart attack.”

Tara rolled her eyes as she picked up her toast slathered in avocado. “Your straitlaced family could use a bit of shock and awe in their lives.”

Lauren didn’t disagree, but the last thing she wanted to do was draw unnecessary attention to herself while home for the wedding. She needed a low-key type of date, someone understated but attentive, so the gossip—and there was no doubt in her mind that there would be speculation about any man in her life—would lean toward Lauren having moved on from being dumped by her ex-fiancé for her sister, and was living a blissful life in NYC.

Lauren hated that she had to even consider such a ridiculous scenario in this day and age, but she couldn’t change the small town mentality of where she’d grown up. Her parents constantly worried about her well-being despite Lauren assuring them she was doing well in the city. Then there was her eighty-three-year-old gramps whom she adored, and he worried about her, too. Throw in the town’s old busybodies who felt sorry for her, and yeah, drastic measures were necessary.

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Dare to Rock (A Dare Crossover #5) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.ilovenovels.com/dare-to-rock-a-dare-crossover-5-read-online-carly-phillips Sun, 21 Jan 2024 18:55:37 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/dare-to-rock-a-dare-crossover-5-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Chick Lit, Contemporary Authors: Carly Phillips Series: A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 68247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 341(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)

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Avery Dare lives a quiet life in Miami as an online fashion/makeup video blogger. She has good friends, a close, large family and if her love life is lacking, she likes it that way. But when she receives an invitation to one of her ex's concerts along with an invitation to meet him back stage, she decides to take the risk… and comes face to face with the reality of his rock star lifestyle - the press, the crowds, and the half naked groupies.

At eighteen, Grey Kingston left everything he knew and loved behind to seek fame and fortune as a rock star, and he found it as the lead guitarist and singer for the band, Tangled Royal. Fans adore him, women throw themselves at him, and he can afford everything he couldn’t growing up. Yet at the height of his career, he’s ready to walk away and return home to a simpler life… and the woman he left behind, if he can convince her to give him another chance.

Except moving on isn’t as easy as Grey would like. When Avery is threatened by a stalker, it becomes evident Grey’s fans not only don’t want him to retire, they don’t want Avery in his life either. And Avery isn’t sure she wants the pressures that are part of Grey’s life… but she doesn’t want to lose him again, either. Can their recently renewed love survive the fallout?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Prologue

Sweat poured off Greyson Kingston’s body, and his heart beat a too-rapid rhythm, the high and the adrenaline rush from his performance still pulsing through his veins as he walked into the lounge backstage. He pulled off his soaked shirt and tossed it onto the floor, grateful for the stocked room and waiting pile of towels. He grabbed one and dried his face and hair, deliberately trying to slow his breathing.

The sound of Tangled Royal fans stomping their feet and demanding an encore echoed through the walls, but the band had performed their final song. Even as his pulse still soared.

He glanced toward the door. “Did she pick up the ticket?” Grey asked Simon Colson, their manager, who was busy texting on his phone.

“What? Who?” Simon, ever the well-dressed Brit, shoved his phone into his trouser pocket. No jeans for him. “Good show,” he said to Grey and the rest of the band, ignoring Grey’s question.

Lola Corbin, their lead singer and Grey’s best friend, was still bouncing in her heels, not yet coming down from their shared high either. “We did rock it,” she said, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder.

Milo Davis, their bassist, grunted something and fell into a chair in the corner. Grey narrowed his gaze. Milo barely had the energy for a full concert these days, and that worried him.

But right now, Grey had bigger concerns and turned to Simon. “I asked you if Avery Dare picked up the VIP tickets I told you to leave at the box office.”

Simon shrugged. “I couldn’t tell you.”

Grey scowled at his manager’s I don’t give a shit tone. More and more lately, Simon’s lack of consideration for what the band members wanted grated on Grey’s nerves. Lola might be considering using him for her solo career, but anything Grey did going forward wouldn’t be with the man.

At least he’d indicated he had left the tickets. He’d be out of a job if he screwed with Grey on this. “Fucking find out.”

“What’s so special about this piece of ass?” Simon barely got the words out because Grey grabbed him by his collared shirt and pinned him up against the wall.

“Talk about her like that again and you’re done.”

“Whoa.” Lola put her petite body between them, pushing Grey away from their manager. “Everyone breathe,” she muttered. “You. Go take a walk and calm down before your company shows up,” she ordered Grey.

He stormed off, missing whatever lecture she gave to Simon next.

Though the man had done his job well, helping maneuver Tangled Royal to the elusive top of the charts, he cared about the bottom line and not much else. Especially not the fact that Tangled Royal was more than a band, that they were also people with real feelings, issues, and lives. No wonder Simon didn’t believe how serious both Grey and Lola were about changing their futures.

Danny Bills, their drummer, already had a wife and two daughters who lived in LA. He was ready for home time, and everyone knew it. Milo was another story. If he didn’t stop the drugs, he wouldn’t have a future.

As for Grey, he hoped for more than the travel and fame that had been so important to him way back when. He hoped for her.

His eyes flickered to the door. No sign of Avery. He tipped his head back, wondering if she’d come backstage or ignore the invitation . . . and him. His stomach gripped painfully at the thought of not seeing her again. She was the one person who not only understood the loner musician he’d been as a teen but grounded him when he’d threatened to spiral. With her soft voice, that thick mane of dark hair, and those indigo-like eyes, she’d burrowed someplace deep inside him. Still, she hadn’t been enough to hold him, not when fame, fortune, and the need to be something more lived within him.

But it was Avery whose face he saw in the nameless women he’d fucked over the years. Avery whose belief in him kept him going when times were hard. Funny how that worked. He wondered if she’d thought of him over the years and if she was hyped up about possibly seeing him again now.

A loud scream brought him out of his thoughts. He glanced up as a group of women poured into the room. Half-dressed, teased hair, too much makeup, and enough perfume to make him gag. Fucking Simon never listened. Grey had specifically told him not to let any of their crazed female fans backstage.

Grey pushed himself off the wall and stormed over to his manager. “I told you no more groupies after concerts.” Especially not tonight, when he was expecting Avery.

He shot a disgusted look at the women fawning over a dazed Milo. They wouldn’t give a shit if he were dead; they’d want a piece of him anyway. The thought made him want to gag.

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Just a Little Promise (A Dare Crossover #3) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-a-little-promise-a-dare-crossover-3-read-online-carly-phillips Sun, 21 Jan 2024 18:55:32 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-a-little-promise-a-dare-crossover-3-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Carly Phillips Series: A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)

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He’s the one she’s never forgotten.
She’s the one he regrets letting go.
Now they have a second chance to get it right.

When Skye Tremont runs into her sexy former flame, Tripp Daniels, she’s reminded of the baby pact they’d made years ago… If she was single and childless by the age of thirty, he’d step in and be her baby daddy and fulfill her dream of having a child.

Now, after a bitter divorce that has left her guarding her heart, and wanting only one thing, Skye is ready to take Tripp up on his promise. When he’s one of the bachelors up for bid at a charity auction, it’s the perfect opportunity to have him all to herself for a weekend of baby making fun, as long as he agrees to her terms.

Tripp is on board to fulfill the promise he made to Skye. If he’s going to have a baby with anyone, it’s going to be the one woman he’d foolishly let slip through his fingers. But not this time because he’s all in. Skye is even more beautiful than he remembers, and the chemistry between them is hotter than ever, but while she gives him free rein with her body, she’s made it clear her heart is off limits.

Now, with a second chance within his grasp, Tripp is prepared to do whatever it takes to win the woman he loves and give them both the family they’ve always craved.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

“Come on. One last round, and this time show me what you’ve really got.”

Skye Abbott heard her brother’s encouraging voice but kept her focus on the punching bag he held in place for her to pummel. With every solid, direct hit she took, she imagined her ex’s smug, pretentious face.

Punch, punch, kick.

She’d been at today’s kickboxing session for nearly half an hour and felt the burn in her core and every other muscle in her body. Sweat beaded on her skin, and her ponytail smacked her back and shoulders with each jab at her target.

Punch, punch, kick.

The adrenaline rush was exhilarating. As was the capable, confident, empowered feeling coursing through her—all the things her ex had methodically stripped from her during the course of their marriage.

Piece by piece, she’d managed to rebuild her confidence and self-worth, and swore she’d never let herself be that vulnerable again. She ended the round with one final punch, punch, kick, punch, punch.

“Good job,” Spencer said, releasing the bag and grinning at her. “You were a savage today, sis.”

Still breathing hard, she took off her boxing gloves and accepted the bottle of water he held out to her. “That’s because I have an excellent coach.”

Spencer had encouraged her to give kickboxing a try when she’d moved to New York four months ago, after her divorce had been finalized. Not only did he want her to build her strength but also to make sure she had some form of self-defense to fall back on should the need arise.

“Well, you’ve come a long way from your first session,” he said with a laugh.

She chugged half the bottle of water, remembering that day so well. How timid she’d been. Her weak, uncertain punches. Feeling so uncoordinated and awkward. But Spencer had been relentless in his training, demanding she hit harder, faster, and beat the shit out of the bag like her life depended on it.

She appreciated his tough love approach, and gradually, over the past few months she felt her mind and body repairing itself and her return to the old Skye, the one she’d been before she’d met Jack Tremont. After four hellish years, it was as though she’d finally emerged from the stifling cloak of darkness and back into the light.

“So, any plans for tonight?” she asked as she wiped the sweat from her face and neck with a small towel she’d left on a nearby bench.

“Yep.” He glanced at her as they left the gym located in his apartment building and headed for the elevator. “Got a date.”

He waggled his brows, and since said date came without a name, Skye knew that it was probably just one of the casual hook-ups from his “Little Black Book” app. With his sandy blond hair, deep blue eyes, and flirtatious nature, along with being a stockbroker on Wall Street, there was no shortage of women vying for his attention. But her brother was an unapologetic bachelor through and through.

“Want me to find somewhere else to crash for the night?” Like a hotel room. She was starting to feel guilty about living at his place, and therefore hindering his ability to “entertain”, aka have sex with, those dates at home. And the last thing she wanted was to hear her brother in the room next to hers, doing that.

He shook his head and punched the button for the elevator, which immediately opened for them to step inside. “No, I can make other arrangements.”

Which he’d been doing for the past four months. “I’m cramping your style,” she said, and sighed. “I really need to find a place of my own.”

“I told you, there’s no rush,” he said, and she heard the protective tone in his voice. “I want you to feel settled before—”

“I venture out on my own in big, bad New York City?” she finished for him, albeit sarcastically.

His lips pursed in annoyance. “Yes.”

The elevator opened on his floor and she followed him to his apartment, then inside, while arguing her point. “It’s been four months since I moved here and it’s time. You can’t protect me forever.”

“I’m your big brother,” he said, turning to face her and placing his hands on her shoulders. “It’s my job to be overbearing and protective.”

She saw the pained look in his eyes, and knew the source. He’d worn that same expression the day she’d finally found the courage to leave Jack, and Spencer had picked her up, bringing her to her parent’s home with one suitcase holding all her meager possessions. He’d already been furious with her husband for his mental and emotional abuse, but Spencer had taken one look at her, and his anger had dissolved into guilt, because he hadn’t realized how bad things had become. Especially when she told him that Jack had finally crossed a line and hit her.

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Just a Little Secret (A Dare Crossover #2) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-a-little-secret-a-dare-crossover-2-read-online-carly-phillips Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:01:26 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-a-little-secret-a-dare-crossover-2-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Erotic Authors: Carly Phillips Series: A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >63

He’s not just a bachelor up for auction …

He’s her sexy birthday gift for the weekend.

But will she be able to forgive him when she finds out he’s hiding more than a little secret?

Georgia Brooks had no intention of bidding on a bachelor at the charity auction, but her sister has other ideas and gifts her with a man for her birthday weekend. But not just any man . . . Drew Daniels. A hot, gorgeous lawyer who makes her want to shed her good-girl image and learn all sorts of new and risqué things.

Attorney Drew Daniels is more than willing to introduce the beautiful Georgia to her naughtier side. Their weekend together is steamy and romantic . . . and it doesn’t hurt that a rival of Drew’s has his eye on Georgia, too. Stirring the other man’s jealousy is a fun side benefit.

Their tryst should have been just about pleasure, but Drew finds he’s attracted to more than Georgia’s outer beauty and he wants to keep her as his own. When Drew suggests they continue their affair, Georgia is too smitten to say no. Even if her parents expect her to marry her lawyer father’s right-hand man.

Georgia finds herself falling for Drew harder and faster than she could have imagined. Until she discovers he's keeping a secret that has the potential to break her heart.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

Georgia Brooks stepped into the hotel ballroom, aware that tonight’s Leadership in Law awards banquet was destined to be one long snooze fest, but her parents expected her to attend, and it wasn’t in her personality to argue.

“Incoming! Georgia-seeking, heat missile arriving on the right,” her younger sister said in a low, amused tone that only Georgia could hear.

She didn’t know whether to laugh or scowl at Courtney’s outrageous comment. Laugh, because the man making a beeline her way was so damn predictable—and irritating. And scowl, because, well, Elliott Eastman was so damn predictable. And irritating.

Georgia had been prepared to deal with Elliott, knowing that as soon as she stepped into the room her father’s protégé would notice and immediately seek her out. And she’d resigned herself to playing the good girl tonight because her father was being honored, and she didn’t want to make a scene.

Sure enough, Elliott rushed over as if he’d had his eyes glued to the entrance just waiting for them to arrive so he could make his move.

Regardless of the fact that her father raved about the man who was fast becoming one of the top attorneys in his firm, his stalkerish behavior was creepy and unnerving. He’d just made junior partner, and Georgia knew Elliott had even higher aspirations…that included dating the boss’s daughter.

“If it wasn’t for Dad being up for the lifetime achievement award, I wouldn’t have come tonight, and he’s the reason,” Georgia said, trying to tamp down her annoyance as Elliott neared. “I won’t be able to enjoy myself with him hovering over me.”

“I think he’s trying to wear you down,” Courtney said as they followed their parents further into the ballroom. “Be strong, Georgia. Don’t let the fact that Mom and Dad are hoping that the two of you fall madly in love and produce a dozen babies together make you weak.”

“Oh, my God, you are so gross.” Georgia glared at her sister while desperately trying to wipe that image from her mind. “What are you? In high school?”

Courtney shrugged in that unapologetic way of hers. “You know I only speak the truth.”

Unfortunately, she did.

In all honesty, Georgia envied her sister’s outspoken attitude. Courtney was four years younger than Georgia, and she’d gone from being a precocious toddler to a rebellious, wild teenager. Even now, as a twenty-three-year-old adult, she had an impressive take-it-or-leave-it attitude that she expressed in all ways. From the pink highlights in her beach-wavy blonde hair to the gold ring in her nose and the boho chic dress she’d worn, Courtney flaunted her unconventional fashion style. In a room full of elegant cocktail gowns, including Georgia’s classic little black dress, Courtney stood out. Most impressively, at least to Georgia, she didn’t give a shit. At all.

Whereas Georgia had always been the more serious sister, the quintessential good girl who followed the rules, Courtney gleefully broke and defied them. Courtney said what was on her mind, sometimes without a filter, while Georgia kept things bottled up to prevent any friction. Her sibling was daring and fearless, the opposite of Georgia’s more cautious and conservative nature. While she admired her sister’s fearless attitude, Georgia liked herself just fine.

The problem only arose when it came to her parents. Then, being a people pleaser often came at her own expense. There had been one time Georgia had stood up for herself and she had no regrets. They’d wanted her to attend law school so she could work in her father’s law firm, but she’d followed her passion and now had a degree in non-profit management. Her parents had been appalled and acted as if she’d caused a horrific scandal when they’d caused the awful family tension.

Their disapproval had nearly crippled Georgia with guilt, especially when her father’s heart attack and triple bypass came shortly thereafter, but it was a decision that made her happy. She’d recently accepted a position with Future Fast Track, a non-profit dedicated to helping foster kids transition out of the system once they were of age. She honestly loved her job.

But despite that one act of rebellion, her parents still had certain expectations, and she was coming to realize that marrying Elliott and making him a part of their family was one of them. She was going to have to find her big girl panties once more because there was no way she could do as they wanted. The thought made her want to throw up.

Elliott finally reached them, and her father greeted his protégé with a broad smile. With Elliott’s light-brown hair and hazel eyes, even Georgia could admit he was a good-looking man, but she felt no attraction toward him. At all. His egotistical air turned her off. Add in his twin habits of coming on too strong and kissing her father’s ass, and she wanted nothing to do with him.

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Just a Little Hookup (A Dare Crossover #1) Read Online Carly Phillips http://www.ilovenovels.com/just-a-little-hookup-a-dare-crossover-1-read-online-carly-phillips Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:04:12 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/just-a-little-hookup-a-dare-crossover-1-read-online-carly-phillips Genre: Billionaire, Contemporary, Insta-Love Authors: Carly Phillips Series: A Dare Crossover Series by Carly Phillips
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Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 61851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 309(@200wpm)___ 247(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >68

Being a bachelor has its perks. It also has its downside. Just ask Derek Bettencourt.
Standing on stage and being auctioned off in the name of charity is awkward AF… until his business partner’s younger sister wins him for the weekend. He’s all hers to do with as she pleases and he can’t say he’s unhappy with the prospect. Especially since she saved him from an ex-fiancée determined to get her claws into him again.
Jessica Cavanaugh never intended to bid on the man she’s had a lifetime crush on. But her spur-of-the-moment decision gives her a chance to exact a bit of playful payback, for old time’s sake. And Derek is all too happy to indulge Jessica’s whims.
What starts as a fun, flirty, game, with Derek acting as her personal handyman, quickly turns into a steamy and forbidden weekend. Lines are crossed that they never intended and emotions unravel their playful facades. Afterward, he can’t get the gorgeous, full-figured woman out of his head and he’s determined to make her his.

But how can they concentrate on a future when someone is threatened by their relationship and will do anything to come between them?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter One

“See anything you like?”

Jessica glanced from the larger-than-life poster featuring photos of the bachelors up for auction at tonight’s charity event to her best friend, Avery, who wore a knowing smile.

Jessica shrugged nonchalantly. “Twelve gorgeous single men up for auction. What’s not to like?”

“Let me be more specific,” Avery said, as other guests strolled along the adjoining tables near them, filled with items up for silent auction. “Is there anyone in particular you’d like?”

Jessica knew which bachelor Avery was alluding to. Dark-haired, green-eyed Derek Bettencourt, her secret crush since she was a teenager. He was also her older brother Ben’s best friend and business partner. If that little detail didn’t make him off-limits, there were two other very legitimate reasons why her attraction to him would never be reciprocated.

One, she wasn’t his type at all.

And two, he’d only ever treated her like a second little sister.

Unfortunately, her infatuation with the man was stronger than ever.

“I am not bidding on anyone tonight,” she insisted, finishing off her third glass of champagne for the evening and enjoying the pleasant buzz she was feeling. She’d already supported the charity in other ways . . . the per-plate fee for attending and even bidding on a few silent-auction items that interested her.

“No?” Arms crossed over her chest, Avery tapped her chin thoughtfully with her finger, a devious look twinkling in her eyes. “You know, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to get a little payback.”

Jessica tipped her head in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“Remember that summer our senior year when Derek blabbed about us sneaking out of the house and going to that party where we got drunk and stoned?”

Ten years had passed, but it was hard to forget any of the painful, humiliating things that had happened that last year of high school. Or the party they’d stupidly gone to, thinking that being around the cool kids and doing the same stuff they did would make them fit in. They never had—all because they were the chubby chicks none of the popular girls wanted to be seen with.

Instead, she and Avery had been the target of ridicule on a regular basis. At least they’d had each other.

“He didn’t really blab,” Jessica said, automatically defending Derek, since he’d been the one they’d called for a ride home from the party. “I mean, it wasn’t his fault that my mother overheard him telling my brother what we did.” Which resulted in her being punished for her antics.

“Still, you spent two weeks grounded and doing ridiculous chores, which meant you missed out on being with me at the lake house for the rest of the summer.”

The yearly vacation with Avery had been the one thing she’d been looking forward to, and her mother had known it. “Yeah, that part sucked.”

“Just saying,” Avery teased. “You could put him to work around your new place. Make him paint the fence or trim the hedges . . . shirtless. Watching all that sweat drip down his chest and into the low waistband of his shorts as he labored away on your . . . shrubbery.”

Jessica’s face flamed at the hot, sexy images of Derek now emblazoned in her mind, even if she knew Avery was just trying to play matchmaker in her own not-so-subtle way. “Okay, you can stop now. It’s not going to happen.”

As much as she’d enjoy having Derek’s undivided attention for a weekend, it would also be nothing short of sheer torture. Ogling but not being allowed to touch.

“Jessica!” a female voice called out.

She turned around to see Faith Dare approaching. Jessica had been introduced to Faith through her brother’s friendships with the Dare siblings, and the other woman was becoming one of Jessica’s best Curvy Girl Couture customers.

Jessica took in the red sequin mermaid-style gown Faith wore, the one Jessica had designed especially for her voluptuous curves and fuller figure. “You look amazing.”

“Don’t I, though?” Faith asked with a laugh and did a little spin that made her long, blond hair fall around her bare shoulders. “You outdid yourself with this custom dress. I was lucky that Jason let me leave the house tonight,” she said of her hunky husband. “He took one look at me and got that seductive gleam in his eyes. It’s been like that all evening, so it’s going to be a very good night when we get home, if you know what I mean.”

Jessica loved seeing Faith’s elevated confidence. Making women like herself feel beautiful in their own skin was all she’d ever wanted and why she’d created her own fashion line for females who loved their curves, which she sold in her boutique and online.

“By the way, the desserts you made for this evening were to die for,” Jessica said, complimenting the other woman right back. Faith ran her own successful business, Faith’s Sweet Treats, which were incredible.

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