Love Me Like You Do: Books That Keep You In Bed

by Fields, MJ

  We live in a small Christian town of only seventeen thousand people. Everyone knows everyone, and if someone, God forbid, bounces a check at the local grocery store, it’s town news for weeks.

  How does a mega rock star live here and no one knows about it?

  I look toward my bulletin board where every kid’s name is spelled out, and I notice something. “But her last name is Tyler?” I ask, still a little confused. Then, it clicks—Linda’s last name. “Isn’t your last name—”

  “Jacobson.” She nods. “But he’s not my son.” She wrings her fingers together with a concerned expression gracing her face. “It’s not my story to tell. Adam Jacobson is his stage name. His real name is Adam Tyler. He’s worked really hard to keep her a secret from the media. We knew enrolling her in school would change that, but he wants her to have a normal life, and missing kindergarten wasn’t an option. We haven’t said anything yet because he wanted her to be known as just Cailin and not his daughter for as long as possible. Especially since he’s on tour and not here to help guide her through any media issues. Or, as Adam says, ‘haters,’ when people find out.”

  I slowly nod my head, letting everything sink in. My palms start to sweat as nerves take over, but I try to act unaffected by the news. She might think it’s because of his fame, but there’s so much more to the news she just dropped than she would ever understand.

  After a few breaths, I’m able to speak. “May I ask what your relationship is to Cailin?”

  She smiles fondly while turning toward Cailin. “I’m someone who loves them both dearly.”

  Cailin stacks some blocks on the carpet. I try to see any resemblance to Adam in her, but it’s hard to tell. She’s sweet and innocent, and he’s anything but.

  Her tiny voice starts to sing again, “Whoa, ohhhhhh-oh, it’s still Tuesday. Whoa, ohhhhhh-oh, it’s still Tuesday.”

  I raise my eyebrows to Linda in question, and she laughs out loud.

  “It’s a game they play. Every night when Adam calls, they discuss songs and make up lyrics. She’s singing the song Listen to the Music by The Doobie Brothers—you know, Whoa, ohhhhhh-oh, listen to the—”

  “Music,” I finish, trying to hide my smile.

  “It’s how they connect. She looks forward to every call, and he’s never missed one. Don’t worry though. I’ll talk to her. Thanks for letting me know.”

  She steps toward Cailin, grabbing her bag and pointing her toward the exit.

  Cailin stops and turns back toward me. “Bye, Miss Russo. Have a good day!”

  I wave. “You too, Cailin.”

  Once the door closes, I’m not sure if I should scream or faint from the bomb that was just dropped. After all these years, after everything I’d been through, did that really just happen? Is fate biting me in the ass again?

  I don’t believe in coincidences—not anymore. But how in the world is my life about to collide with his, especially here, in this small-ass, nothing town, so far away from that world I once knew?

  Download OUR SONG now for free on KU - https://amzn.to/2zGwjMO

  Gravity Playlist

  Don’t Take the Girl by Tim McGraw

  - Lily wants to learn this song when they start guitar lessons.

  Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd

  - The song Trevin’s mom wants him to learn.

  Comedown by Bush

  - Trevin plays this when sitting on Lily’s floor.

  Glycerine by Bush

  - The song that plays when they first kiss and later on when they are sitting on his car.

  All Along the Watch Tower by Jimi Hendrix

  - Trevin plays this during his audition.

  Paul Revere by the Beastie Boys

  - This plays on their car ride.

  Songs that inspired Trevin’s Lyrics

  Those Nights by Skillet

  - The song I envisioned Trevin writing about his past with Lily.

  Let you Down and Without You by Three Days Grace

  - Songs I envisioned on Escape Velocity’s album.

  Forever by Papa Roach

  - The song I envisioned Trevin playing for Lily while on the Oz Fest Tour.

  Gravity by Papa Roach

  - The song I envisioned Trevin playing at the end and what inspired this entire book.

  About the Author

  Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

  Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

  You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

  Sign up for her newsletter at http://bit.ly/2NEXgH1

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  You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

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  Other Books By Lauren Runow

  Sparks Fly

  http://amzn.to/2tNlRCZ

  I’ve had the most amazing night of my life — with a complete stranger. Solving a riddle led me on an adventure I never could have imagined, only to be left in handcuffs next to the last person I ever expected to see. Prince Sage Stevinson.

  I’m considered one of the lucky ones. One of only four women who are in line to marry the Prince of Canterbury due to some antiquated law that should have been updated five hundred years ago.

  Every stand-up-straight, hold your chin up, place your hand in your lap while you eat, and suck in your stomach directive, was all to bring me to this moment. Even my name, Everly, represents my happily ever after.

  But my happily ever after does not include marrying the Prince. I want to make a difference in this world and living the fake, pretentious life of the royal family is far from my dream.

  If Prince Sage wants me to be his Queen, he’ll have to prove he’s more than just one outrageous night.

  Black Widow

  http://amzn.to/2Hz8bxo

  Preston

  I bury my pain in a sex club. I can be anonymous and still be faithful to my deceased wife's memory. At the club, I can give and receive pleasure without guilt or attachment. My mask hides the lies of my past.

  Kamii

  My marriage ended tragically. Since then, the only excitement in my lonely, pathetic, workaholic life is reading erotic novels. However, I now have the chance to be whoever I want to be, where no one knows my past and will never be my future.

  When their worlds collide, fantasies become a reality by pushing boundaries. The anonymity of Bridge offers protection from painful pasts, cunning schemes and dangerous lies. But when the masks are removed, there are no safewords to protect hearts and lives from buried truths.

  Falling into the Black

  http://amzn.to/2FLaXPA

  Evangeline

  Ten years ago we said goodbye.

  I left the world I once loved to create a new life for myself. Away from the lies. Away from the pain.

  I thought I was at the top of my game, but little did I know that everything from my past was about to penetrate my present.

  Carter

  For ten years I’ve had to live with knowing that f
ollowing my dreams lead to the love of my life disappearing from everyone she knew and loved. I should have been by her side but I was thousands of miles away. I’ve never stopped searching for her and I vowed I never would.

  When she turns up in the most unbelievable of places, I work quickly to make sure she doesn’t know I’m here, too. I have to hide the truth until everything is in line so she doesn’t run on me again.

  This time, I will get the forever she promised me all those years ago.

  Last Chance

  http://amzn.to/2FHYRH6

  Mackenzie

  From the very first moment I laid eyes on him, I knew my heart was his for the taking. He was the boy who filled me with butterflies and made my palms turn clammy at the mere sight of him. There was only one problem… he was my best friend’s older brother.

  It’s been eight years since I’ve last seen him, and I refuse to live another day without telling him the truth. So here I stand, taking my last chance to get him to notice me, my last chance to see if he feels the same way.

  I need to know if he is just a fantasy, or if he could be my reality…

  Before my reality changes forever.

  Connor

  I never wanted a girlfriend; I was burned by love and vowed to never go down that road again. But when the beautiful girl I’ve known practically my entire life snuck her way into my arms there was something that changed in me. I wanted to be with her, next to her. Just simply kissing her lips made my life complete.

  Now I have one mission.

  To make hers complete, too.

  Unwritten Series

  http://amzn.to/2FFMhbd

  Charlie Ashley, or Mr. Ashley as his clients know him, is a high-end male escort who gets paid thousands for whatever services his clients require. He’s lived the last ten years alone, not letting anyone in, enjoying his success and provocative lifestyle.

  Allison Hayes has no idea the man she is falling in love with is a male escort. She connects with Charlie through their love of music, playing a taunting game asking herself if she loves him, hates him or if she is going to save him.

  After meeting Allison, Charlie enters a world where everything he knows no longer makes sense, leaving him too scared to move forward, yet making it impossible to look back.

  But can he give up his entire life for love?

  The High Road (a novella originally published in A Secret Affair Anthology)

  http://amzn.to/2FR6wGp

  I walk through these halls with my tight bun, form-fitting uniform and a fake smile plastered across my face. My career is everything I’ve planned. I’ve made Captain in the Air Force and, even though I’m a female, I’ve gained the respect and recognition from my peers both below and above me. On the outside, I look like I’ve got it all, but on the inside, I’m slowing dying inside.

  I never knew after one staggering night out, Alex would change my perception on life. He opened my eyes and gave me a glimpse into a world of what I was missing.

  More of what I yearned for.

  More of what I needed.

  But he forgot to mention one thing… he is my subordinate.

  Acknowledgments

  To say I thought this book was going to be the death of me would be a huge understatement. I wrote it months ago but had to put it on hold when everything started finally happening with the non-profit kids science museum I was opening.

  When I picked it back up, I felt like I was starting all over and without the help of Stefanie Pace and Jeannine Colette I might have given up. My other books are full of sex and twists and since this book had very little of that, I felt like the story had to be perfect. Stefanie pushed me through, I may or may not have wanted to hit her a few times in the process (LOL), but I can’t thank her enough now that it’s over. A huge thank you also to Sophia Scarlet and Autumn Gantz with Wordsmith Publicity for guiding me through my rough draft. Then lastly Kaye Blanchard and Grey Ditto for being my final proofreaders.

  To my TWOT’s, my favorite Secret Affair group, I’m so honored to be friends with you all. Having you guys makes this author journey worth it and it means the world to me that I can turn to you with anything and you are all there to help.

  To Leddy Harper and Stephie Walls, I can’t thank you enough for guiding me through, what felt like, word by word. Your guidance made the book what it is today and I’m forever in debt to you.

  I knew I needed someone who hadn’t been with me every step of the way to read it one final time for content and I’m so thankful I found Chelle Lagoski Northcutt with Indie Solutions. She was exactly what I needed to push me to the finish line and give you all what you hold in your hands now.

  To April Wells, even though you probably talk to me because I’m the only one awake while you work your night shifts ;-), your friendship has meant the world to me. I swear one day we will meet for real and I look forward to the day.

  To SueBee on Goodreads, helping a small author like me get noticed means more than you’ll ever know. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for your help.

  Poor Megan at Designed with Grace who I’m sure wanted to hit me a few times due to the craziness over this cover, but at the end it was all SO worth it. I am so in love with this cover and you rocked it. Thank you for putting up with all my shit. Love you!

  How could I ever leave out my own personal book boyfriend, turned cover model, my husband Chris. All of this may drive him nuts but in the end, I know he supports me and loves me more than any book could ever explain, and I’m more than lucky to have him in my life.

  And lastly, to all the readers, blogs and everyone who helps make this indie world possible and my dreams come true. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

  Wrecked

  By Jeannine Colette

  For Jen

  One

  “Come on, Leah! Ten more seconds,” someone in the crowd cheers from behind the rope.

  The record for the longest ride on the mechanical bull at The Bucking Bronco is one minute and thirty-five seconds, and I am on my way to breaking it.

  Thighs clenched, I use my lower body to keep steady while my upper body sways with the motion. It’s a balancing act I’ve gotten quite good at after riding this massive piece of metal, bucking beneath my butt, every week since I started working here five years ago. I throw my arm up over my head, exposing some skin as my shirt rises up my midriff. Sure enough, the boys go crazy, imagining they’re the bull, getting the ride of their lives.

  “Five, four, three, two, one! She’s beaten Dave’s record!” Paulie’s voice bellows over the loudspeaker.

  The crowd’s chanting rises to a crescendo as I add seconds to the clock. My hand and forearm burn from the hold they have on the rope of the bull’s neck. I’m starting to get dizzy, but I don’t want to stop. It’s the competitive nature of the Paige family. While we might be sweet-natured, we like to win.

  As if my body knows it no longer needs to hold on, it gives out without my brain’s permission. I fall to the mat below, flat on my back.

  “You did it, kid. And you won the bet. Guess I owe you,” Paulie says, helping me up.

  When I’m steady, he takes a hundred dollar bill from his wallet and hands it to me.

  “Thank you,” I say, dramatically shoving the cash into my back pocket and giving my butt a pat. “I’ll be putting this into the McConaughey’s bar fund.”

  “Still going with that damn name, huh?”

  He is not a fan of renaming his bar McConaughey’s. The Bucking Bronco is Paulie’s baby. But, after thirty-five years, he’s ready to sell and retire down south. Apparently, Cedar Ridge, Ohio, isn’t as nice as Boca Raton, Florida.

  “My bar, I get to name it.” I take my place behind the bar and drink from my water bottle. “Just remember our deal. No one will know the bar is mine. I’ll just tell them I’m looking over things while you’re playing golf—or whatever it is you retirees do,” I say with my free hand waving in the air.

  Paulie leans back
and looks down at me, the white hairs of his eyebrows sticking up in random directions. “Can’t say I understand, but I know you have your reasons.”

  The front door of the bar opens, and my best friend, Suzanne, strolls in with her friend Victoria. Suzanne’s brown curls bounce as she walks in and strolls up to a seat at the bar.

  “One minute, thirty-nine seconds!” I shout over the music.

  Her eyes widen behind her thick-framed glasses. “I missed it? Damn it.” She turns to Victoria with a scowl. “Leah already rode the bull. I told you that you were taking too long.”

  Victoria rolls her eyes and brushes her long black hair over her shoulder. “Whatever. You’ll see her do it again. It’s just a bull.”

  Suzanne’s mouth is agape. “Just a bull? You try riding that thing for more than four seconds.”

  Victoria ignores Suzanne and turns to me. “I’ll have a mojito.”

  I smash my lips together to keep myself from saying anything rude. I don’t care for Victoria. I don’t understand why Suzanne hangs out with her, but I tolerate her for Suzanne. The two of us have been best friends since kindergarten. That’s how Cedar Ridge works. Small town, tight friendships. And Suzanne’s and mine is the tightest. Even if it means I have to deal with Victoria, who moved here last year and latched on to Suzanne like a tick.