Release Day Giveaway and Excerpt: LOVE ME LATER by Libby Rice
Love Me Later Synopsis:
Scarlet Leore enjoys a glittering existence amongst society’s elite. Ethan Blake is a prizefighter knocking his way through school, counting on his winnings to bankroll the dreams that won’t fit in a boxing ring. When the two meet, neither can deny the instant attraction that wells between the hulking fighter and the heiress who is miles and millions out of his league. But a vicious attack leaves Scarlet physically and emotionally battered, and for Ethan, her allure crumbles along with the rest of his life after she accuses him of wielding the knife.
Years later, Scarlet has abandoned the high life for that of a hard-working lawyer, while Ethan has clawed his way to the pinnacle of a business empire. Drawn into his world of high-stakes tech mergers, they dance to a tune of revenge, desire, and finally, redemption. But their world won’t tolerate an attorney falling for her client. They’ll need more than lust and forgiveness. They must bridge the chasm of a tormented past to understand who they are today. Only then can they forge a future in the face of the resurging enemy who once tore them apart.
Exclusive Excerpt:
LOVE ME LATER Release Day Excerpt
Ethan’s hand slipped to
Scarlet’s neck, and she inched away. Sober again, her face had lost its dreamy
tranquility. “Here’s the interesting thing, Ethan. I don’t owe you or anyone
else a play-by-play of my checkbook balance. Contrary to what you obviously
believe, I don’t owe you anything.”
He let a slow smile
spread across his face. “A pity, that.” A rush of pride at her defensive
posturing swirled into the potent desire he’d stopped denying.
Mute, she blinked at him,
chewing almost violently at her lower lip until he brought his fingertips to
her mouth. “Don’t.” His emotions yo-yoed. One minute, he welcomed her worry.
The next, he couldn’t bear to witness it.
Jerking away from his
seeking fingers, she burst out, “No.” Her eyes widened in shock before she
added, “I’m not for you.”
“Really?” he asked
silkily. “Then who are you for?”
He didn’t think she’d
answer. But after a second, a reply too raw to be fabricated slipped out. “Maybe
no one.”
Her honesty stripped his
defenses. “I disagree. You’re too…” Beautiful,
alive, real. “You can have anyone.”
“Except Ethan Blake.”
“Especially Ethan Blake.” Or at least parts of him.
She turned away without
another word, her petite form huddling under her lap blanket, curling into the
seat toward the window. The posture showcased her slender neck and a few pale
tendrils that had escaped her updo to curl invitingly against her flesh.
Grinding his teeth in
frustration, he fought to kick-start lungs that refused to function properly.
The tension inside him grew to an excruciating pitch until his breathing
tripped, and he barely resisted the urge to drag her to him.
Then his willpower gave him
a big “fuck you.” He shoved his laptop beneath the seat, stowed his tray table,
and reached for her. “Scarlet, let me—”
“Leave it.” The words
were harsh, signifying an end to his inquisition, whether he liked it or not. “I
told you—”
“Hush.” He dragged a
hand from the nape of her neck, down her spine, and up again. “Shh.” He kept
stroking, occasionally switching to knead the tension from her slim neck and
shoulders until he felt her relax into the seat. Anticipation leapt in his
chest when she accepted his touch. Leaning in, he placed a lush, closed-mouth
kiss against her nape, her delicious floral scent coiling in the back of his
brain.
Purposefully avoiding
anything threatening or overtly sexual—for now—Ethan used his hands and mouth
to first relax and then to gradually arouse, saying nothing for long minutes as
he continued the gentle massage. Finally, her body went lax in his arms, and he
traced the shell of her delicate ear with his tongue, marveling at his first
taste of her skin.
It was like he remembered.
One feel, and he would do anything, forgive
anything, for another.
“Can I touch you?” He
prayed for a yes, doubting his
ability to tame the need that steamrolled in through his fingertips.
“You are touching me,” she answered, her
voice husky but uncertain as she flattened her hands over the window shade. The
motion caused her to rock back into his arms as though she were unsure as to
why she responded to him the way she did, but was really interested in finding out.
He arched into her,
silently pleading for her to take more from him. “Scarlet? Can I make you feel
good?” Use my body to pleasure yours?
Libby Rice Bio:
Before becoming a writer, Libby was first a mechanical engineer in the data acquisition industry (voltmeter anyone?). Preferring writing to technical design, Libby headed to law school and eventually practiced patent law for several enterprising years (patent application covering a voltmeter anyone?). Finally realizing that technology just wasn’t her bag, she traded the voltmeters for alpha heroes and the women who love them.
Today, Libby writes contemporary romances from the foot of the Rocky Mountains, where she lives with her husband, a bona fide rocket scientist (he stuck with the voltmeters!). When not writing, Libby loves good food, even better wine, and traveling the world in search of the next great story.
Libby loves hearing from readers! Join the fun at www.libbyrice.com, where you can sign up for Libby’s new-release e-newsletter, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.
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