Sexual Politics - Review

 

Is the scandal worth it? Only she can answer that.

For two years Justine Hubbard has played the supportive wife role for her husband in public...and nowhere else. Senator Gary Hubbard’s philandering ended her love for him. But sometimes there are reasons people decide to maintain the illusion of a happy marriage when the relationship is over.

Living a lie until after the election wasn’t an issue—until she met Sean O’Donnell. She can’t fool the perceptive photographer. He understands her. He wants her. After feeling invisible to her husband, that’s an intoxicating discovery. But having condemned her husband for his hushed affairs, it would be hypocritical to give in to her desire for Sean.

All it would take is a whisper of scandal for her husband’s political enemies to bring him down. She wouldn’t dream of sacrificing Gary’s career, their causes, and her own good name. But how can she stay away from Sean now that she’s fallen for him?

 

Excerpt

The senator put his arm around his wife while she stood, frozen, her smile brittle on the edges. “Justine is a big patron of the arts. I’m glad she found someone interesting to talk to tonight. She hates these functions.”

Sean smiled tightly, noting her discomfort. “She’s not the only one.”

“Yes, well…” The senator rubbed his hands together. “The sooner I get out of here, the sooner I can get home.”

Sean felt the next perfunctory kiss was for his benefit. His heart went out to her.

“Don’t wait up,” the senator said to his wife.

One more insincere handshake with Sean and the man was gone.

She seemed to shrink, as if letting go of the tension took an inch off her height. “I think he forgot to call for my car.”

“I’m just about to leave. Would you like to share a cab?”

The corner of her mouth twitched and she nodded, her lovely hazel eyes shining, though not a tear fell.

They ditched their glasses and headed to the atrium. Twice his hand strayed automatically toward the small of her back as they walked. He had to remind himself not to touch her.

Collecting their coats, he helped her into hers then slipped on his own, winding his slate gray scarf around his neck.

He didn’t hesitate to offer his arm on the way out. Her high heels demanded it. Even though the sidewalk had clearly been shoveled once already, snow continued to fall, the scattered salt leaving circular patterns of melt amidst the slick. The doorman waved a cab forward and opened the door for them. Sean helped her into the back then slid in after her.

The doorman shut them in as Sean adjusted his long coat on the seat around him. “Let’s drop you off first.”

“All right.” She leaned forward and gave the cabbie her address.

* * * *

Justine was hyper aware of O’Donnell’s hand resting on the seat not eight inches from hers as they rode across the city. If they both stretched out a pinky, they might even touch. Beyond handshakes, she hadn’t touched a man in so long. Gary no longer counted. He only touched her in public. After his second brief affair, she’d insisted.

Her life, her marriage, her husband—all of it was a sham.

Glancing surreptitiously at Sean O’Donnell as he watched the scenery pass, she was struck by how handsome he was, in a completely natural way. There was no hint of product in his hair to tame and control the wayward curls flaring out behind his ears. If anyone gave Gary’s hair a little pat it would shift on his head like one solid, perfect helmet.

Even though it was faint, she could smell Old Spice coming off her quiet seatmate. It made her smile. Ah, memories. Back in the day, she used to love that aftershave. Gary only wore expensive cologne.

Sean cleaned up nicely, but she could tell he was as uncomfortable with the public side of his life as she was with hers. There was something genuine about him. After living with a facsimile of a human being for seven years, that was an attractive quality to have.

The cab turned onto her street and she began to worry the purse in her lap. Their ride had taken no time at all. They pulled to the curb in front of her townhouse and she started to open the clasp on her purse for her share of the fare. That’s when Sean O’Donnell finally touched her bare hand, stopping her.

“It was on the way,” he said.

“Thank you.”

He exited the car then held the door, assisting her out. “I’ll walk you up.”

Afraid it would feel too much like the end of an awkward date, she declined his offer, though she appreciated his consideration. “That isn’t necessary.”

“Don’t forget, the Russell Gallery. I hope to see you there, Mrs. Hubbard.”

Flattered, she laughed softly. “I’ll be there. But please, call me Justine.”

She liked how his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. “Sean.”

“Thank you for the ride.”

“My pleasure. Goodnight, Justine.” He stood there, silent and seemingly unaffected by the large, fluffy snowflakes settling on his hair and shoulders.

“Goodnight, Sean.” Feeling a blush coming on, she hurried up her front steps and slipped her key in the lock. He was still watching over her from the open car door when she turned on the light and stepped into the foyer. Lifting her hand, she gave him a final parting wave.

Nodding once in return, he dipped his head and got back into the taxi.

As the car pulled away, she fell against the door and turned the deadbolt, her heart racing in a thrilling and inappropriate way.

 

About the Author

Tara Mills is a contemporary romance writer, lover of laughter, wit, and all things beautiful.

I'm a pampered wife, mother to three fantabulous sons and one awesome daughter-in-law, and an immature nana who loves to play. Yep, I think I've covered it all. Oh, and I'm altitude challenged—teeny, tiny, little me.

Please visit my website Tara Mills Romance for some awesome reads and my quirky blog. You can also find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, or follow me on Twitter.

 

 

My Review

 

Tara Mills really does know how to evoke some pretty strong emotions. Her characters just seem to jump right off the page. Justine Hubbard is trapped inside a loveless marriage with a husband who continues to have affairs, but she stays with him because despite this, she can’t bring herself to damage his career by leaving him. She then meets Sean O’Donnell, a super sexy photographer who can see the cracks in their relationship. The attraction between them is so electrifying that it had me hooked, but it was the emotional side to the story that really had me unable to put it down.

This is a great story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. Well done Tara!

Review - Caution:Filling is Hot by Tara Mills

 

Blurb

Some men should come with a warning.
Here’s a recipe to share with friends. Take one prickly demonstration cook, handle carefully. Add one lonely widower, slightly beaten. Mix gently. Fold in two six-year-olds, one at a time to temper the batter and avoid scrambling. Then finally, add the mother with an agenda—but just a dash because she’s spicy. Whip into stiff peaks then spread over an ungreased sheet for best results. Method of cooking can vary, however--Caution: Filling is Hot.

Piper Frost is taking a break from men when contractor Chad Thomas crashes her cooking class and turns on the charm. His persistence annoys her but she’s already melting, even without his sneaky mother and conspiring twins in the mix. But just when things are really starting to sizzle, disaster strikes. Can Piper save her recipe for happily ever after or is it already ruined? Grab your oven mitts and find out.

Excerpt

“Looks like you’re ready to go. I’ll walk you out.” He took her arm and turned her down the hall.

Tenderness for this man was blooming to life inside her and he was walking her to the door? Tonight he had to behave like a perfect gentleman? Piper didn’t know what to think. She was all screwed up, totally confused by her feelings all of a sudden.

Just as Chad reached out to take the doorknob, Piper turned and leaned heavily against the door, keeping it closed. She took a deep, steadying breath.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to you, or that I haven’t fantasized about...well, getting intimate. But what happens then? I don’t have many friends here, and I worry about ruining the friendship we’re building if I give in to those temptations. I’d rather keep the friendship if I have to make a choice.”

His surprise was obvious. “Who says there has to be a choice? Friendships are the best basis for deeper relationships.”

She smiled weakly. “I knew if I brought this up, you’d have a good argument. But right now, friendship is all I’m prepared to give.”

She reached up and touched his face. It was a mistake. The look in his eyes was killer. There was so much roiling around in them. A storm of emotions he’d held in check were suddenly spilling out across his handsome face as he looked at her, needed her. The unmistakable strain he was under to resist touching her back was palpable.

His desire spoke to the gnawing ache inside her too. Even though it felt like she was letting them both down, she wanted to believe leaving was the right thing to do. She had to go, now, before regrets could start.

Please don’t stop me, please don’t stop me. Those words repeated over and over in her head. She knew, with absolute certainty, one more word, one more look from him, would destroy her already shaky determination to leave.

He was breathing deep and hard when he said, “Thanks for coming over. You were a lifesaver tonight.”

She was still leaning against the door, but she didn’t know why. No, that wasn’t true. She knew why, wasn’t comfortable exploring it, yet felt compelled to remain anyway. This just sucked. What was she supposed to do?

Probably not this.

“Have you ever heard of friends with benefits?” Piper asked then launched herself into Chad’s arms.

Buy Caution: Filling is Hot NOW on Beachwalk Press, Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Au, and Barnes & Noble, All Romance, and Bookstrand.

 

 

My Review

 

Once again Tara has blown me away by another great story!

Piper Frost has reservations when it comes to men after her last relationship, and Chad Thomas is recovering from a broken heart after his wife died. After stumbling into Piper's cookery class Chad just knows he has have her. Piper on the other hand tries to deny her attraction to him, jumping to conclusions about the kind of man he is.

The sparks fly as Chad goes to any lengths to persuade her he’s the right guy for him, including enlisting the help of his twins.  The tension between them sizzles, the sex scenes are scorching, and the family element of this book makes it a whole lot more than your average boy meets girl. Totally irresistible! Five stars from me!



If You Want Me by Tara Mills

 

 

Blurb

An　irresistible　woman. An undeniable proposal.

Even the unthinkable can sound reasonable when you mix alcohol, sexual frustration, and a bachelorette party—especially a bold proposition. Now in the light of day, Naomi’s hung over, horrified, and anxious about facing this complicated man again and the unexplored feelings their encounter brought with it.

She called, he came, but Ryan didn't exactly conquer. Is it too much to hope that Naomi will give him a do-over? She can’t avoid him, not when he’s walking her down the aisle. But who ever heard of a bridesmaid getting cold feet?　

On sale NOW at Amazon and Smashwords.

Excerpt

　"I really need to get laid," slurred Naomi, sagging drunkenly against her friend Becky.

　 　The entire table fell silent and stared at her. Every squeal over the upcoming honeymoon, every gush over the bridal gown came to a screeching halt.　

　 　Becky turned on her, aghast, then shoved Naomi upright in her chair again. "What the hell?" she hissed under her breath.　

　 　Naomi scrunched up her brow, perplexed as she weaved and wobbled, trying to focus on all the faces swimming in front of her. The female half of tomorrow’s wedding party. Each of them decked out and tarted up for tonight’s bachelorette blow-out.

　 　"What?" Naomi asked, stupefied by the wide eyes directed her way. "It’s been six months. Six damn months!" she added in a woeful tone. "Who wouldn’t have boner on the brain?"

　 　Two of the women across the table started to laugh behind their hands, but Becky shot to her feet anyway and grabbed Naomi’s arm, hauling her up too.

　 　"Sorry about this." Becky gave Melissa, the bride, a pained and apologetic smile. "I think someone’s had one too many appletinis."

　 　Becky grabbed both purses and slipped them over her arm and dragged Naomi through the crowded club and out to the sidewalk. She caught the eye of the first valet she saw and handed him the ticket. He dashed off to get their car.

　 　"He’s kinda cute," said Naomi, swaying on her heels, her eyes fixed on his back as he disappeared into the night.

　 　Becky gritted her teeth. "Would you stop?"

　 　"Stop what?" Naomi blinked, nonplussed.

　 　"The horny talk. It’s embarrassing."

　 　Naomi frowned. "Is it? I’m sorry. I just need sex. I really want it, Beck. I want it bad."

　 　"So I gather. No alcohol for you tomorrow."

　 　That comment earned a snort. "Who cares about alcohol?"

　 　"It makes you weird."

　 　"Don’t I know it!" Naomi nodded sagely. "Beck, I’m getting the strangest ideas."

　 　"Yeah, I noticed." Their car pulled up and Becky caught hold of Naomi’s upper arm and steered her to the curb. A second valet came forward to open the passenger door while the first man got out and waited for Becky on the driver’s side.

　 　Naomi gave the guy holding her door a sweet smile and cupped his ass before dropping gracelessly into the passenger seat. One of her shoes fell to the pavement next to the car. The guy bent down and picked it up. He had a funny little smile going, and if she wasn’t totally mistaken, he was chuckling.

　 　"Like Cinderella!" Naomi laughed when he handed it to her then stuck her bare foot out the open door at him. "Don’t you want to put it on me?"

　 　Becky snapped at her from the driver’s side, "Naomi! Shut the hell up and let the guy close your door."

　 　Naomi snickered and rolled her eyes at the valet, making a joke of her uptight friend. "Guess it’s time to go."

　 　He closed her in with a nod and a wink. She gave him a little wave that he returned as Becky pulled into traffic.

　 　"Who are you, and what have you done with my friend?" Becky asked, blowing her bangs out of her eyes.

　 　"She’s in here somewhere." Naomi drooped onto her door and squinted at the strobing lights coming right at them. "Did you notice Ryan at dinner earlier tonight?"

　 　Becky glanced sharply at her friend. "Is that what this is all about?"

　 　"Hmm?"　

　 　"Never mind. Let’s get you home, dump a ton of water into you, and put you to bed. You need to be in good shape by tomorrow afternoon or Melissa’s mom is going to kill you, and Melissa is going to be the one handing her the cake knife she’ll use."

　 　Naomi laughed as she pictured the mother-of-the-bride wielding the special cake knife with color coordinated ribbons fluttering from the handle.

　 　"That’s not gonna happen," she assured Becky.

　 　"Of course it’s not. Because you’re going home and I’m putting you to bed."

　 　Naomi gave a deep and disappointed sigh. "Party pooper."　

　 　"And whose fault is that?"

　 　Naomi shrugged then drifted off to sleep. She didn’t revive until the car pulled in front of her duplex.　

　 　"We’re here." Becky gave her shoulder a shake. "Wake up. Are you awake?"

　 　"Yeah." Naomi blinked and rubbed her temple. "Where’s my purse?"

　 　"On the floor, by your feet." Becky hopped out and walked around the car. "Come on, let’s get you inside."

　 　"I’ve got it." She shoved her shoulder against the door and nearly tumbled out. Luckily Becky was there in time to haul her back before she did a face plant on the driveway. "Thank you."

　 　Beck held out her hand. "Give me your damn purse. There’s no way you’re going to be able to unlock the front door yourself."

　 　Naomi didn’t argue. She took another stab at getting out and managed to close the car door without catching any body parts in it. Weaving on her feet, she clomped up the driveway, her gait even more ridiculous because she was still holding the one shoe the valet had given her at the club.　

　 　Becky had already gotten the door open and the inside lights turned on by the time Naomi made it up the three concrete steps, grabbing hold of the wrought iron banister to keep from staggering backwards on her way up.

　 　"Should I brew a pot of coffee?" Becky asked, coming back from putting Naomi’s purse in her room.

　 　Naomi yawned and mussed up her hair, destroying all the hard work she’d put into getting the big silky curls just right earlier that evening. "No, I can manage. Thanks for bringing me home."

　 　"Should I stay?"

　 　"No. I’ll be fine."

　 　Becky eyed her skeptically. "You’re sure? You weren’t yourself tonight."

　 　Naomi covered her eyes with both hands and expelled a big alcohol infused breath. "I know, Beck," she peered out, pouting at her friend. "I’m sorry if I embarrassed you tonight."

　 　"I guess we all have our off days. This was yours. I’ll get over it. It’s not like you do this kind of thing, well ...　ever." Becky laughed and came over, giving Naomi a hug goodnight. "So I’ll see you in the morning?"

　 　"At brunch."

　 　"Eleven. Don’t forget to set your alarm. Something tells me you’re going to need it."

　 　"I got it. I got it."

　 　Becky kissed her on the cheek, uncertainty in her eyes as she peered at Naomi one last time. "You sure I shouldn’t stay?"

　 　"Very sure."

　 　"Then I’ll see you in the morning."

　 　"Sounds good."

　 　Naomi limped to the door and locked it behind her friend. As soon as Becky had backed out of the driveway, Naomi kicked off her lone shoe, raced to her bedroom, and dumped the contents of her purse onto the bedspread.

　 　"Oh yeah!" she cheered. Grabbing the phone, she went immediately to the wedding party contact sheet on her dresser and followed down the line of ushers for Ryan’s name.

　 　He answered after two rings. Even tipsy she could hear the question in his voice. "Naomi?"

　 　"Yes. Where are you?"

　 　"At the bachelor party. Why?"

　 　"Here’s the thing. I know you had a problem with me dating Sam. You were his friend and I created a lot of tension between you two. I get it. But I’m guessing some of that attitude was just bullshit. I caught you."

　 　"You caught me?"

　 　"Yes, I caught you; watching me, looking at me. I could tell you were covering."

　 　"What’s this all about, Naomi? What’s your point?"

　 　"If you want me, I’m yours. I’m putting on sexy lingerie right now. You have fifteen minutes to get here. You know the address."

　 　Naomi cut the call and eased open the top drawer of her dresser.

　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　 　* * *

　 　Ryan pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it. Was she serious? Was this for real? Could he even make it in fifteen minutes?

　 　He hadn’t seen Naomi Kendall in months—five long and lonely months, and then …today. He could hardly tear his eyes away from her at the groom’s dinner. She looked incredible; that warm almond skin, those dark brown eyes, all that soft glorious hair. A man could get lost in that hair. They’d barely had a chance to speak to each other but he’d tuned in to her voice. No matter where she was, he heard Naomi over all the rest. Every one of her laughs registered with him. It was excruciating and thrilling at the same time. Then the party broke up and the guys and girls went their separate ways. Disappointed at seeing her climb into a car and drive away, he told himself it was okay, he’d get another shot at her tomorrow.

　 　Talk about being thrown for a loop.　 　

　 　Well, she’d read him right. How the hell did she do that? Clearly, he wasn’t as careful as he thought.

　 　"Dude! It’s your turn," said an impatient voice.

　 　Ryan looked up and found his friends watching him. He closed the fan of cards in his hand. There was only one thing to do. "I fold."　　

***

Please visit Tara Mills Romance for more great titles. You can also find Tara on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.

Stolen Moments by Tara Mills

 

Ella knew what Neil wanted when he called, what they both
wanted. Did she dare? Was an hour of passion worth the lies,
broken commitments, and the risk of getting caught? Yes.

Excerpt 

The sun was so strong at Ella's back, the heat of it practically shoved her through the heavy door and into the dim bar. She blinked, waiting for her eyes to adjust before she ventured forward. Given it was two-fifteen on a Wednesday afternoon it wasn't surprising the place was fairly empty, still her arrival did not go unnoticed.

Scanning the faces looking back at her, she let out a disappointed sigh. Damn. Neil wasn't here yet. Talk about awkward.

Acutely aware she was the only woman in the place, she felt every set of eyes track her walk through the bar. Leaving several stools between herself and the next patron, she hung her purse off the back and used the rung under the chair to hop up onto the elevated seat. The bartender sauntered her way and Ella made her hushed request, "White wine, please."

He had to uncork a new bottle but she was relieved to see it was a decent California label.

Now she waited, sipping her wine. The negligible amount of calm she'd possessed when she walked in here faded with a self-conscious whimper. She glanced at the door then at her phone once again, checking the time and warring with herself about calling him. The more uncomfortable she got, the more she kicked her toe against the foot rail. Unfortunately, the sound drew the attention of a couple of patrons as well as the bartender. She hooked her heel over the stool support below. It was the only way to keep from fidgeting.

Ella felt exposed and out of her element sitting in a place like this, nice as it was, at two o’clock on a weekday afternoon. She wanted to fold herself up small enough to hide out in her purse, but that wasn’t going to happen. The minutes stretched on and her anxiety over being approached by one of these men increased. She sent out a silent mental message to those in the room. Just leave me alone. Ignore me. I’m not here.

A subtle brush, very faint across her back, made her turn. The warm body and even warmer smile on the handsome face gazing down on her caused Ella’s heart to start beating in double time. She breathed a big sigh of relief.

Neil looked too good for words.

He casually drew his hand over the back of her chair, his finger teasing her as it skimmed across her shoulder blades. His smile deepened when she let out a soft, involuntary moan.

“I hoped you’d come. You look beautiful, Ella.” He slid onto the stool next to her.

She felt the heat of her blush, the pounding of her heart. “You know I can’t stay long. I shouldn’t have come in the first place. Neither should you. What are we doing? If anyone sees me I don’t how I could possibly explain this.”

“I understand your fear.” He covered her hand and gave it a squeeze. “We’ll be careful. You need to trust me. Try to relax.”

"I’m trying. I am. It’s just ... the more we do this, the more chances we take that someone is going to find out."

She looked down at Neil’s hand, conscious of the weight, the strength in it resting over her own. Oh god, she was going to waver. She knew she would. She always did—but only for him. All he had to do was ask.

Then it came, his low, seductive invitation. “Stay with me, please? Give me an hour.”



Interview

1. What was your inspiration for this story? 
It was something a friend said at work one day and all of a sudden, the words and images were just rushing through my head. I had to take a quick break so I could make a rough sketch of what was coming. When I got home that night I raced to the computer and did it properly, fleshing the story out the way I saw it. Stolen Moments just flowed, even the title was insistent.

2. Do you see a little bit of yourself in any of your characters? 
To the extent that we draw on our own experience and emotions in order to convey those same feelings in our characters, sure, but the situations and relationships are unique to the characters having them.

3. Do you prefer writing short stories or longer romances?
I’m actually just getting started on the short story front. I expect I’ll write more if I’m inspired but I think I prefer writing novel-length romance because it allows more depth.

4. Did you have any trouble writing it at all? 
No trouble at all. Like I said, it came in a rush.

5. Do you have any kind of writing schedule? 
I prefer writing during the winter months. My creative flow is better when I’m able to devote more time to the process of writing.

6. What is your writing environment like? 
I have a large bedroom space upstairs and my desk sits in one corner. There are windows bringing natural light in from three different directions so it’s nice.

7. And what would your ideal writing environment be like? 
I’d actually love to have a little writing shed. Nothing fancy, just hidden away among the trees. If I’m going to get anything done at all, I need absolute silence and privacy. That’s how I work best.

8. If you’re ever stuck for an idea, how do you go about finding inspiration? 
I read books, articles, newspapers, pay attention to current events, and get into some pretty interesting discussions with my husband. Ideas come from all over, you just have to be receptive to them.

9. Did you always want to be a writer? 
Yes. It was a childhood dream.

10. What’s the first thing you can remember writing?
I typed out a story for my favourite teacher and illustrated it. I expect it was probably really awful but her response was perfect. One kind adult can change the course of a kid’s life in a very positive way. I dedicated one of my books to her. I hope she learns of it one day.

11. Do you have any advice for new writers? 
Read, anything and everything; fiction and non-fiction. Take the time to identify and appreciate elegant sentences and quality writing. Always strive to improve as a writer because there is no finish line, no end point. Writing talent is like athletic talent. You’re born with the ability, but even the best know they need to practice all the time. There will always be something to shave, something to tighten.

12. How do you spend your time when you’re not writing? 
I watch movies, play games, do the usual chores, and work outside the home.

13. What’s the best way for you to unwind if you’ve had a hard day? 
One of us makes the drinks, the other makes dinner then my husband and I will put a favourite show on the DVD player. If we feel like a laugh, it might be The Big Bang Theory.

14. What are you currently reading?
Whirlpool by Elizabeth Lowell

15. What was the last thing you watched? 
Django Unchained. Loved it.

16. What, to you, would be a perfect day? 
Taking my book to the dock and reading while my husband fishes. It’s so peaceful.

17. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go, and why? 
I want to go everywhere! I want to explore quaint cobbled streets, feel history press in on me like humidity. I want to visit archaeological digs beginning with Herculaneum and Pompeii then on to Mycenae. I want to see grand structures like the roman aqueducts and bridges, ruined castles and gorgeous palaces. Show me thatched cottages with small rippled panes of glass or gardens to gasp over, snow-capped mountains and glittering blue seas. I want to ride more trains and maybe take a boat ride through Venice. Show me beauty, art, and architecture and I’m a happy camper.


18. And finally where can my readers find you?

Please visit my website Tara Mills Romance. I’m also on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+

 

My Review

Stolen moments is a short read that is both sweet and sexy. It’s the kind of thing that you can read in half hour, but will leave you smiling for the rest of the day. In just a few pages Tara creates two characters that are believable and intriguing. It is very well written and I got totally sucked in. I loved the twist, and thoroughly enjoyed this!

Grading on Curves by Tara Mills

 

 

Today I have a fellow Beachwalk Babe here, the lovely Tara Mills is promoting her new release Grading on Curves. Now just look at the cover! If that alone doesn't make you want to read it then this certainly will ;)

 

 



Blurb

One-on-one instruction never felt so right—or so wrong.
There’s nothing unusual about Mia Page’s attraction to the young science teacher at the middle school. After all, she’s not the only one who finds him enticing. But when he pulls her son aside to ask for her phone number, she knows she’s in serious trouble. Since her divorce four years earlier, she’s been out of circulation, choosing to focus on parenting instead, and she’s not entirely sure she can handle an entanglement with the sexy Mr. Walden.


There are also other reasons why getting involved with Curt would be a bad idea. He’s two years shy of thirty, and she’s on the downside of that unmentionable number.　He’s adamant about never having kids, and she has a son. Even the　guy’s romantic gifts are suspect.　Energy saving light bulbs? He has to be kidding.

On the other hand, he’s fun, sweet, and smart. He　stimulates her intellectually, emotionally, and Lord help her, physically, opening　her eyes to life outside her comfortable world. Yet their differences quietly gnaw at Mia even while she succumbs to their undeniable　chemistry.

As their romance deepens, so do Mia’s fears that　Curt will eventually　hurt her. On edge, all it takes is an innocent　comment　to provoke her into drawing first blood.　Mia recklessly wounds Curt, learning　only too late that this blade cuts both ways. Frantic to make amends, she fears it might be too late to admit the feelings she’s tried so hard to suppress.


Content Warning: contains sensual sex
Read the First Chapter Here: http://www.taramillsromance.com/grading-on-curves.html

Buy Links

Available now at Beachwalk Press, Amazon, Amazon UK, and Barnes & Noble

Author Info

I write stories I like to read -- contemporary romances with identifiable characters and themes. Life is hard, love makes it bearable. If you like stories with heart, heat, and humor, I have a title for you.

In the real world I'm a pampered wife, lucky mom to three amazing sons and one wonderful daughter-in-law, and I just became a very young grandma. I should probably underline the word very. Oh heck, why not the word young too? Nah, you get the point. I'm also the daily monitor of one naughty dog with an attitude.

Author Links

Visit Tara Mills Romance or find me on Facebook

Rafflecopter Giveaway (Two Digital Copies of GRADING ON CURVES)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Link to follow tour: http://tastybooktours.blogspot.com/2013/03/now-booking-tasty-blurb-tour-for_2550.html