Title: For Everly
Author: Raine Thomas
Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC
Release Date: May 27, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Event Organized by: AToMR Tours
~ Purchase ~
~ Book Description ~
Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly
Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy.
She's consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and
figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a
relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.
Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn't fought for anything in his life.
He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star
career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at
only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury
becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.
In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to
treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of
the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as
she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain.
Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind. When an act of
betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to
fight for the first time in his life...not just for his career, but for
Everly's love.
~ About the Author ~
Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA
Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the
Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult
Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of
Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer's
Voice. When she isn't planning weddings, writing, or glued to social
networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida's beautiful
beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit
with her Canadian friends and relatives.
~ Author Links ~
~ Excerpt ~
She folded her jeans and set them on
the lounge chair. Taking one final deep breath, she pulled her top over
her head, then set it neatly by her jeans.
Her gaze shifted to Cole, who was
suddenly silent. She realized he was staring at her with a rather
strange expression on his face. Had she somehow managed to shock the
world-famous Cole Parker?
She didn't speak, but walked over to
the stairs. His eyes followed her every move. He had yet to meet her
gaze. He was honed in on her body. Something about that was empowering.
Liberating.
Although she had no experience with
playing the temptress, the situation felt right to give it a try. Dark,
seductive lighting...clear, warm water...a hot, transfixed male. Yeah,
she was pretty sure the circumstances were right. She just didn't know
if she had it in her.
She slowly descended the steps into the
water. "So, Mr. Parker," she said in a casual tone, "what shall we do
in this magnificent pool of yours?"
"Um..."
He didn't move as she walked from the
shallow end to where he stood with the water lapping at his waist. She
allowed her gaze to move over the hard muscles of his upper body as she
approached. Even as she fully appreciated his fine physique with a
woman's eye, she felt pride for helping him maintain it.
"The water feels wonderful," she said.
She walked to his side until the water
reached her belly button, then came to a stop less than a foot from him.
His gaze finally moved to hers. For the first time, she read stark
desire in a male's gaze. Her pulse raced.
What in the world was she doing? Temptress? Yeah, right.
"Everly," he said.
His voice was low. Ragged. He closed the distance between them. Her nerves shimmied.
Oh, God. Was he going to kiss her? What should she do?
He paused. His eyes swept over her
face. Whatever he read there had him backing up. Once again, she felt
both relieved and disappointed.
Why was she so awkward with guys? With intimacy?
"You're not nearly wet enough," he said then.
Her mouth fell open. Then he grabbed
her and leaped with her into the deep end. When they surfaced, she
laughed and splashed him for dunking her. She realized the pool was
filled with saltwater instead of chlorine as she pushed her hair out of
her eyes.
"I'm totally getting you back for that," she said, fighting a smile.
The chase was on. He was a strong
swimmer, but she was lighter and sleeker. When he would have powered his
way across the pool to evade her, she zipped along beneath the surface
and paced him. After several minutes of pursuing him, she cornered him
near the waterfall that spilled in from a spa off the far side of the
pool. They were both breathless and laughing like idiots.
"I think grabbing my swimsuit to drag me back was playing dirty," he said as he caught his breath.
"Sure it was. Serves you right."
"Remind me not to dunk you again unless I want to skinny dip."
She laughed again. His back was turned
to her, the position in which she'd finally caught him. Only then did
she register that her arms were still around his waist.
The feel of his body pressed against hers...his taut skin beneath her fingertips...it was--
"Tell you what," he said, turning
around to face her. She didn't want to move her hands, and since he
didn't try to escape her touch, she didn't. "That was too easy. I'll
find you with my eyes closed."
"Oh, yeah? Marco Polo style?"
"Something like that. And when I do, I want a reward."
She could only echo him as she held his intent gaze. "A reward?"
"Yes, Ms. Wallace. I want a real kiss."
~ Giveaway ~
The author is hosting a Release Giveaway of (2) signed paperbacks of For Everly, a custom For Everly inspired bracelet worth $35, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card. This is open to the U.S. and Canada.
Code: a Rafflecopter giveaway