THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.
WORTH THE WAIT
Ella Tipton is a survivor. In the wake of an attack that left her nearly dead, she’s spent each day putting her life back together. Once vibrant and outgoing, she’s needed to reclaim the best parts of who she was while retaining the hard won lessons. There hasn’t been room for any romantic entanglements, even if she were ready. Still, it didn’t mean she had to stop sneaking looks at Mister Tall, Dark and Tattooed himself.
Security professional Andrew Copeland isn’t quite sure when his jones for the lovely and decidedly skittish Ella developed. He’s known her for years, has watched her triumph over the pain she’d been dealt. Cope is no stranger to women, but he knows the nervous flush he gets every time he talks to her is different than any attraction he’s had in the past. Determined to get Ella to let him in, Andy does the one thing he can think of to get close: he offers her hands-on training in self-defense.
While Ella’s sure he’s just being nice, the prospect of being able to touch him and gain the tools to push away the last vestiges of her fear is more than she can resist. Soon enough, Cope shows Ella his feelings are far more than friendly and re-ignites something deep inside her. Before long desire and love turn them both inside out.
The winner will have her choice of an eARC of INSIDE OUT or a copy of INSATIABLE. To enter, answer the following question. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow to see if you’ve won.
I’ve been turned “inside out” by love a number of times in life. Some of those times were romantic in nature, some not. How about you? Have you ever felt completely undone by your love for someone or something?
Excerpt from Inside Out
“Ella, you and me.” He paused, and right before her eyes, he took on that sexy attitude of his and it made her all breathless in a way that had nothing to do with the workout. “We should go out. On a date, all official like. Pizza and pool with the rest of the crew?”
She swallowed hard, her heart fluttering in her chest. “Really? Me?” Oh god, she actually said it out loud like a dork.
Cope saw her surprise and wanted to laugh at how clueless she was to her own appeal. He did like it that pleasure shone in her eyes. “Oh yes, you. How can you not have known?” He gave in and laughed. “You’re delicious, Ella. I want to take a big bite.”
Her hands flew up nervously as she blushed. “I . . . oh. Wow. Well, jeez! You flirted with me and all. But how was I to know it was different than any other day? Andrew, you flirt with everyone. I had a feeling you”—she shrugged—“changed the way you saw me. Or something. You started acting different about six weeks ago.”
God, she was so beautiful, especially when she got flustered. Her skin gleamed, so pale. The slice he seemed totally fascinated with the most, the nape of her neck, called to his mouth. She wasn’t even wearing makeup, but she didn’t need it. She was clean and fresh and utterly
Ella. And he wasn’t lying when he said he wanted to take a big bite. Or a lot of long, slow licks.
“My manner is flirtatious and friendly. I’m a flirty guy. People like to be flirted with; it makes them happy. But you’re different.” How different he continued to realize each time he was with her. “What you failed to notice all along is that I’ve always wanted to ask you out. I’ve always been attracted to you, so I decided after a long while of wanting you, that it was time to make my move at last. I come into the café every day. I kissed you at Elise’s bachelorette party, on the dance floor. Remember?”
She pressed her fingers to her lips, and he had to close his eyes for a moment.
“Yes. I remember it.”
Good.
They sparred for several minutes more, neither saying much.
Finally, as she toweled off and they’d finished, she turned to him again. “I just, well, I didn’t think it was real. The kiss I mean. I thought it was just a fun, happy kiss to a friend.”
He needed to fix that right then. His gaze locked with hers, he walked her backward until she bumped the wall next to the door. “Does it make me happy to kiss you?” Leaning in, he brushed his mouth over hers, taking in the soft sigh she gave in response.
She opened slowly to him as he deepened the kiss, settling his mouth on hers, tasting, teasing, drawing her taste into his mouth.
Her nipples were hard against his chest. He wondered if he should wish he couldn’t feel the points of her need against him, or if he should keep on reveling in how good it felt. Being a hedonist at heart, he went with the latter.
OH, I’ve heard such great things about Lauren’s books!
I don’t get turned inside out much as an adult… As a youth, yes… My first love in high school was no exception. But as an adult, I would say the birth of my two children turned me inside out. You really learn the meaning of unconditional love when you meet your newborn!
by Twimom227 August 21st, 2010 at 5:29 amI love my kids so much that whenever I see them doing their various sports n such I get such a rush of emotion I nearly burst into tears with pride
I tweeted the comp for you.
by Megan Bamford August 21st, 2010 at 5:31 amI’ve been turned inside & out many times.
by alba August 21st, 2010 at 5:45 amBut the one that completely undid me was when the Doctor told my Husband & I we would not have children Naturally.
we still have no children when I see my husband with little ones my heart always catches…..
Have a great day . Ann
Good luck everyone.
My grandmother on my mother’s side. When I visited her, she would peer into my face and, although her eyesight was failing, remembered me by name! She has long since passed away but I loved her very much and it was especially sad to see her fade away during her last few years.
by Tamsyn T August 21st, 2010 at 6:34 amI’ve been turned inside out (and upside down and every other which way) by my first (and so far) only love.
by Casey August 21st, 2010 at 7:27 amActually, you made me wonder if I have been turned inside out by anything yet. Romantically, I’d have to say no, but I’m hoping it will happen when I least expect it. For other things..I believe it happens very often. I’m extremely connected to my family, relatives & friends often the things that happen to them have a big influence on my life too.
Thanks a lot for this contest!
by Maja August 21st, 2010 at 7:59 amxoxo Maja
Oh, after the birth of our first child, my husband came to the clinic the next day with a huge bunch of red roses…I melted into a puddle on the spot!!!
And that is a fantastic cover on today’s book!!
Valerie
by Valerie August 21st, 2010 at 8:05 amvalb0302@yahoo.com
in Germany
Oohhh!!! I want and I doubt I’ll doubt I’ll be able to check tomorrow, but I’m trying anyway. *grin* I do love the covers for the Brown series….although Insatiable would be a-mazing as well. Mmm..
I’m really not sure how to answer the question. I am T-anytime now in having my second child and this monkey has totally been testing me. *grin* Taking his sweet time in coming. Does that count?
by Jackie (Literary Escapism) August 21st, 2010 at 8:37 amI don’t think I can convey how much want I have for this book. Flailing, exclamations, the works.
by limecello August 21st, 2010 at 8:38 amAs for being turned inside out by love… yes. Good and bad, romantic or not. Recently the hits keep coming :\
I don’t think that I have, but I have witnessed it in others and it can be wonderful but, also, heartbreaking.
by Marlene Breakfield August 21st, 2010 at 8:38 amThe first time I held my son when he was born, I felt completely undone by this small person who now depended on me for his needs; then again when my daughter was born 20 months later.
by Diane Sadler August 21st, 2010 at 8:41 amI’ve been completely undone by a book – Broken Wing by Judith James. When I finished reading it, I emailed everyone I could think of who reads romance to tell them they HAD to read this book. I read it 5 times in a row before I could let it go and move on to another book.
by KristieJ August 21st, 2010 at 8:41 amAND I’ve been completely undone by the BBC production of North and South – so much so that I started a ‘Crusade’ two and a half years ago to get romance readers to watch it. And I’m still on the hunt for new ‘Crusaders’ to spread the word about it to those who have somehow missed hearing or seeing it.
I’d love a chance to read Inside Out since I adore your books 😀 And now that I have a Kobo………..
I remember as a teen feeling so intense about many things. I used to feel passionate about music to the point of tears when a song seemed to say what I could not. Depeche Mode, Morrisey, Sugar, just to name a few.
Especially REM. It amazed me how Mike and the guys could peer into my soul and know just how lonely love or the want of love could be. I would play songs over and over just to keep the tears flowing. A very Emo move even before the term was in use! But it was the feeling of exhaustion after a good long session of purging all of my angst that kept me coming back for more. It felt so good to lay on my bedroom floor and let the music wash over me to the point of no return.
Now that I have a few decades under my belt, I no longer need that from music, but it can still be a powerful force in my life.
by Taylorea August 21st, 2010 at 8:45 amI’ve never been turned inside out from love, and after reading some of the comments left by others, I’m kind of envious.
by Stephanie N. August 21st, 2010 at 8:53 amI was engaged a number of years ago. I was totally turned Inside Out! He became the focus of everything I did. It didn’t work out, though, and the only way I get that feeling anymore is through books! LOL
by Jennifer August 21st, 2010 at 8:58 amHumm–turned inside out??? In real life I haven’t been turned inside out by love (though I sure it will happen when I least expect it), I get that sensation when I’m reading books and visualizing myself somewhere else.
by Jessi August 21st, 2010 at 9:14 amLove has turned me inside out. I was in love with my best friend and he was married. I couldn’t act on my feeling for him and couldn’t tell him that I was in love with him without consequences. I definitely didn’t see that coming.
by Kai W. August 21st, 2010 at 9:39 amlove that excerpt. I can’t wait to read this one. And the cover is yummy
by Pamk August 21st, 2010 at 9:44 amUnfortuneately, I’ve never [yet] meet a man who turns me inside out. I’ve had family members & situations do that, though – when my little niece was born. And my younger sister & myself had been best friends (until her untimely death 9 yrs ago).
by Lea-Ellen {night owl in IL} August 21st, 2010 at 9:56 amDefinitely turned inside-out several times during my long-term high school romance. We broke up and got back together so many times I lost count 😉 Although it wasn’t meant to be, our relationship was very passionate and changed me as a person for sure!
by Cheryl McInnis August 21st, 2010 at 10:16 amI’m looking forward to reading Cope and Ella’s story!
I have not had a great romantic love yet – that is one of the reasons I think I love reading romance novels so much. One day though hopefully …
by Becky Jean August 21st, 2010 at 10:21 amI’ve definitely been turned inside out by a couple of men many, many moons ago and none lately. The event that twisted me up and spit me out was when my dad passed away when I was 18 & also when I lost my cat after 16 years of him being “my security blanket” after my dad passed. Those kinds of events pretty much change who you are.
Thanks for having the giveaway! I’ve always wanted to read one of Lauren’s books. The cover is gorgeous and the excerpt… *sighs* Can I get a man like that to go please? 🙂
by Judi S August 21st, 2010 at 10:27 amI would say my children. Everytime they hit a new milestone I tear up and am sooo proud, which is almost daily, lol just kidding, but close….
-Brandy
by Brandy B August 21st, 2010 at 10:51 ambrandyzbooks@yahoo.com
Yes I have romantic and otherwise on various levels/degrees.
by Pam S August 21st, 2010 at 11:02 amLove that dragon…
by Colleen August 21st, 2010 at 11:04 amI remember being twisted inside and out with my very first crush… oh my! But no great love interest yet… just an adorable and mischief filled nephew…
Turned inside out as a teenager a few times, as an adult not so much
by Jean P August 21st, 2010 at 11:14 amI am always being turned inside out by the love my husband has for me. He’s not a very romantic man but his support for me and his forgiveness of my screw ups along the way shows me how much he truly loves me.
I’m also turned inside out by my love for my son. His excitement for life and his joy and laughter are amazing.
by Sharon M August 21st, 2010 at 11:22 amTurned completely inside-out or undone…. I’d have to say no. But there have been times where the potential has been there. So when it actually happens, I’m going to have to watch because I have some interesting doozies of reactions. And I’ll leave it at that!
by Rae M. August 21st, 2010 at 11:36 ami’ve been turned inside out by my husband and 4 daughters.
by REGINA ROSS August 21st, 2010 at 11:49 amI married my first (and only) love – we were high school sweethearts – we celebrated 41 this year and he still turns me inside out lol.
by catslady August 21st, 2010 at 11:54 amCan’t wait to read this one!
Been turned inside out a couple of times – some have been not so great experiences – a few that left me dazed and confused.
by Anna Shah Hoque August 21st, 2010 at 11:59 amI had twin boys born premature, and holding those healthy tiny miracle babies in my arms for the first time won me over heart and soul. I was definitely turned inside out by my unconditional love for them, and my heart swells with pride for the men they are growing into.
by Cathy M August 21st, 2010 at 12:05 pmI’ve never romantically been turned inside out but with family and friends, especially when one of my friends was having a pregnancy scare.
by Jeanette Juan August 21st, 2010 at 12:07 pmNo, haven’t been turned inside out. Not sure if that’s good or bad.
by Melody Ragan August 21st, 2010 at 12:09 pmI have not been turned inside out by love.Not yet anyways,still crossing my fingers on that one 🙂
I can’t wait to get this book.I just love that cover too.
by elaing8 August 21st, 2010 at 12:28 pmMine was from my family. My mom went to the hospital for some tests for her heart a few months ago and I walked in on the first one where she was flitlining. They got her back but those 30 seconds were the longest of my life.
by jenny Muraski August 21st, 2010 at 12:30 pmUnfortunately I haven’t been turned Inside Out, but there’s still plenty of time for it to happen. Until then I’ll just go with the flow 😀
by Jimena Diez August 21st, 2010 at 1:15 pmHave I ever been completely undone, oh yes. The Mr. has an amazing capacity to take me beyond anything I have felt.
by Natasha A. August 21st, 2010 at 1:32 pmI havent ever been turned inside out or been undone by love…but it is my fondest desire to have it happen.
by Devon August 21st, 2010 at 1:59 pmWell, of course 😉
by Chelsea B. August 21st, 2010 at 2:09 pmGreat excerpt!
I can’t wait for this book to come out!! I think I was turned Inside Out by my husband! I know it sounds corny, but he is 7 years older than I am and when we met I was 21. He had quite the reputation and I assumed whatever it was we had was a fling, but when out of the blue he told me that he loved me. Well what can I say that was the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard. Now after 9 years of marriage and two ornery little boys he still turns me Inside out. Good luck to all.
by Rachel Riddles August 21st, 2010 at 2:09 pmRach 😉
My first “real” love turned me every which way but loose! Then I realized it wasn’t love.. it was lust!
by Tracey D August 21st, 2010 at 2:26 pmI just had this a conversation like this with my sixteen year old daughter. She was saying that she doesn’t believe that you could be completely undone by a guy. My response was that someday you will meet him and you will be undone and so will he. So my answer is yes I have.
by Lisa F. August 21st, 2010 at 2:47 pmmy very first love turned me inside out and not in a good way. That first love for me was the hardest.
by Mary August 21st, 2010 at 2:48 pmBetween high school and college I was completely turned inside out by love, or what I thought was love. It wasn’t until I met my husband at 28 that I finally realized love was not suppose to be agonizing and heart breaking when it was the right person…we’ve been married 22 years now 🙂
by Brenda H. August 21st, 2010 at 3:45 pmI have had a bad experience with betrayal from a close person so guess that turned me inside out in a bad way. Maybe one day, I’ll get to experience it in a wonderful way.
by Preye August 21st, 2010 at 4:11 pmI remember when I lived overseas coming home for Christmas and going with my sister to one of the last appointments she had with the doctor before my nephew was born. I burst into tears when I heard his heartbeat. Absolutely amazing!!! I thought my heart was going to leap out of my chest. He was born on Christmas day – best Christmas present EVER!
by L August 21st, 2010 at 5:05 pmThe first guy I really serious about had me spinning in so many directions I didn’t know which way was up. He in a way was learning experience b/c he turned me up down and all around.
by Christine August 21st, 2010 at 5:18 pmI would have to say that the only thing I think could count would be my love for my best friend, or my love for my family.
by Lexee August 21st, 2010 at 5:23 pmOhhh boy have I ever. We were a classic Romeo and Juliet. In our twenties and something happened… Something that neither one of us could control. But everyone knew… thought without a shadow of doubt that we were soul mate, we were made for each other… and we were… Till this day my heart aches for him and the love we shared.
by Cecile August 21st, 2010 at 6:36 pmalliwantandmorebooks@ gmail.com
I’d have to say that my boyfriend has a way of seeing into me. It’s amazing.
by Cathie August 21st, 2010 at 6:44 pmI can’t say I’ve been turned inside out or upside down by any romantic situation. But there have been other things that I’ve been passionate about, and some things that really upset me.
by Vicki in Canada August 21st, 2010 at 7:53 pmThis book sounds good! Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂
I think the most “inside out” I’ve felt in connection with a romantic relationship were a couple of earlier romances–I don’t know if it was my maturity level (or lack thereof?) or if it is simply that I felt things so much more acutely then, or if it was the drama of the circumstances but those relationships (that ultimately ended up not working out) are the ones that I felt most twisted up about! It’felt both a blessing and a curse to be so emotionally wrought over those times.
by Fedora August 21st, 2010 at 11:04 pmWhen the hubby and I first started dating, he turned me inside out a few times! But we worked all those issues out! Thank God!!
by MinnChica August 21st, 2010 at 11:14 pmyes my first love , love at first site in elemantary school and counld not date
by kh August 22nd, 2010 at 12:33 amso i cried , he was so cute
beautiful cover!
by Asheleigh Deramo August 23rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm