by Louise Bay
I glanced around the room. Everyone I loved in the world watched as Jake and I were about to be pronounced husband and wife. And even though a few were missing, I felt them with us. My bouquet was lily of the valley—my mother’s favorite flower—and Luke’s blue glassy eyes as he placed my hand in Jake’s echoed my father’s. Unable to travel, Jake’s father had wished us well and we had promised to visit him soon.
As if marrying the love of my life wasn’t perfect enough, I got to share it with these wonderful people—Luke, Ash and Beth. My people. I nodded. Yes, I was ready.
I took a deep breath, recalling the words the registrar had just recited. “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, Haven Daniels, do take thee, Jake Harrison, to be my lawful wedded husband.” I slipped Jake’s ring onto his finger and interlinked our hands, not wanting to lose the feel of his skin against mine. I’d never smiled so widely or seen Jake look so happy.
“You may kiss the bride,” the registrar said.
Jake slid one hand around my waist and cupped my jaw with the other. He waited a beat, scanning my face and then pulled us together, crashing his lips to mine. I melted against him as his tongue pressed against mine, exploring as if it were our first kiss. I hoped it would always be like that between us. Sniggering from our family filtered through the moment and Jake’s kiss turned into a smile as he loosened his grip. Reluctantly, I pulled my lips from his and grinned up at him.
“So, now that we’re married, what happens next?” I whispered.
He leaned into my neck, his nose rubbing against my cheek. “Now we live happily ever after.”
U and ur Hand
P!nk
Through the Barricades
Spandau Ballet
Anticipation
Carly Simon
Magic
Coldplay
Beauty Has Her Way
Mummy Calls
You’ll think of me
Keith Urban
Into the Woods
Taylor Swift
Here comes the Rain Again
Eurythmics
I Miss You So
Diana Krall
I Won’t Give Up
Jason Mraz
There You’ll Be
Faith Hill
Turn my World Around
Gloriana
My thank you list is as long as this book itself. The more I’m in this world of writers, readers and bloggers, the more generosity and kindness I see. To each one of you who have helped me in my journey, thank you, thank you, thank you.
A series of three novellas
Part One: A Week in New York
Part Two: Autumn in London
Part Three: New Year in Manhattan
Anna Kirby is sick of dating. She's tired of heartbreak. Despite being smart, sexy, and funny, she's a magnet for men who don't deserve her.
A week's vacation in New York is the ultimate distraction from her most recent break-up, as well as a great place to meet a stranger and have some summer fun. But to protect her still-bruised heart, fun comes with rules. There will be no sharing stories, no swapping numbers, and no real names. Just one night of uncomplicated fun.
Super-successful serial seducer Ethan Scott has some rules of his own. He doesn't date, he doesn't stay the night, and he doesn't make any promises.
It should be a match made in heaven. But rules are made to be broken.
Praise for The Empire State Series
“An unforgettable first book in the series. It will leave you wanting more, but not frustrated. It was sexy and erotic, but felt authentic. I can’t wait for the next two coming. I highly recommend it!!” Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
“The writing is excellent and you’ll be hooked from the very beginning. I am definitely looking forward to the next instalment of the series. I was a fan of Ms. Bay’s after reading her novel Hopeful earlier in the year and A Week in New York has only helped to make me a bigger fan.” Love Between the Sheets
“Louise has done it again and created a fantastic read. This deserves every one of the five stars rewarded and more. Louise certainly can tell a story.” Kindle Friends Forever
“5 “I don’t Bullshit” Stars! If you haven’t started this series, you need to now!! It’s an easy, quick, and smooth read that you are sure to enjoy.” Book Bitches Blog
“I’ve become a total Louise Bay junkie. Love everything I’ve read by her.” Bare Naked Words
“I would give it 6,7,8,or 9 stars if I could.” Obsessed with Books
“The Empire State Trilogy is one of the not only good ones, but GREAT ones. I am so in love with Ethan and Anna. Book Briefs
“It is INCREDIBLE!!! I give this book 5 stars with 5 hands down the pants. I CANNOT wait for the next book, hurry up Ms. Bay!!” Beautifully RED
Guys like Joel Wentworth weren't supposed to fall in love with girls like me. He could have had his pick of the girls on campus, but somehow the laws of nature were defied and we fell crazy in love.
After graduation, Joel left for New York. And, despite him wanting me to go with him, I'd refused, unwilling to disappoint my parents and risk the judgment of my friends. I hadn’t seen him again. Never even spoke to him.
I've spent the last eight years working hard to put my career front and center in my life, dodging any personal complications. I have a strict no-dating policy. I've managed to piece together a reality that works for me.
Until now.
Now, Joel's coming back to London.
And I need to get over him before he gets over here.
Hopeful is a stand-alone novel.
Praise for Hopeful
“Louise skillfully combines humour and heartbreak with copious amounts anticipation to make this book one of the great finds of 2014. I loved every word, every feeling and every tear. ” Agents of Romance
“It gave me the good ache! This is a true love story and I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend!” Gwen the Book Diva
“I really loved this story and this couple.” Slick Reads – Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
“This book contains hot sex, angst and you are so desperate to know what happens next.” Kindle Friends Forever
“If done right, all you need are amazing characters...check...enthralling storyline to keep you wanting more...check...and sizzling hot chemistry...double check! This book hooked me right from beginning to end and I sunk right into the turbulent depths of their journey.” Page Turning Book-Junkies
“It was amazing.” Summer’s Book Blog
“Hopeful was simply amazing and soul consuming.” Just One More Page
“This intriguing book is written and played out beautifully! I've had tears and I've had tingles - I've laughed too. A romance can't give us much more than that.” Cariad - Sizzling Pages
Leah Thompson’s life in London is everything she's supposed to want: a successful career, the best girlfriends a bottle of sauvignon blanc can buy, and a wealthy boyfriend who has just proposed. But something doesn't feel right. Is it simply a case of ‘be careful what you wish for’?
Uncertain about her future, Leah looks to her past, where she finds her high school crush, Daniel Armitage, online. Daniel is one of London's most eligible bachelors. He knows what and who he wants, and he wants Leah. Leah resists Daniel’s advances as she concentrates on being the perfect fiancé.
She soon finds that she should have trusted her instincts when she realises she's been betrayed by the men and women in her life.
Leah's heart has been crushed. Will ever be able to trust again? And will Daniel be there when she is?
Faithful is a stand-alone novel.
Praise for Faithful
“I felt the emotions coming from the page over and over. I laughed at various points (Her friend is fab) and trust me we have some serious hot naughty bits to keep us warm.” Fun, Fab and Tantalising Reads
“The heat level on this book is off the charts.” Kelly’s Kindle Confessions
“An em
otional roller coaster ride from start to finish, this book has a realism to it that made it easy to get into and impossible to put down.” Slick Reads for Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
“I truly enjoyed this book. What I enjoyed most is the fact that this book could truly happen.” Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
Wowza...this book was jam packed with a hot, steamy, unadulterated sexual feast. I was frantically fanning myself throughout the majority of this book. I was completely hooked from the beginning. Page Turning Book Junkies
“Such a wonderful story of finding that one true love.” Book Happiness
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