Unfortunately though, I now realize why a "No Duchess Day" was a bad idea, because that woman is capable of anything in twenty-four hours. I run by the house under the pretense of asking Joseph to clarify something in one of the contracts and learn from Juliette that Elizabeth went out of the fucking country to meet some investor, without so much as a single word to me.
After that my brain and my body went on autopilot. Juliette fixed me something to eat, and I have zero idea of what was on the plate. I just wolfed it down while I thought about a hundred ways to get on a plane to the Bahamas with a non-registered gun. I asked Joseph about clause number twelve in one of the contracts, but I'll be damned if I have any recall of his explanation.
Not that it mattered.
It was all a front to get in the front door and put eyes on Elizabeth anyway. I just needed to know that she was okay. That she didn't hate me. I wanted to know if she had been thinking about me or about what we did. I'd know if I saw her. Elizabeth is easy to read. Those expressive eyes of hers tell the truth even when she does her best to lie her ass off. Especially to me.
Now she's gone.
When I finally made it home, and I definitely don't remember exactly how I got here, I sat down with my old friend Jack Daniels and drank myself into a coma and then later into a violent rage. That thing, that monster inside me, which I desperately try to keep at bay was rearing its ugly head. That thing telling me I'm not good enough. That I'm trash. That I can't be trusted. I start tossing shit all around the place, destroying my own home; my crowning achievement. Because it doesn't mean shit if I don't mean shit to the one person that is starting to matter to me.
So now I'm sitting on my couch, the same couch that I spread Elizabeth across and fucked her thoroughly on just a day ago, and I'm staring at a blank flat screen. Wondering when the hell did I turn into a complete pussy and what I'm going to do about it– because this shit sucks.
"What are you doing here?" I ask Jade in a very annoyed voice like the prick that I am.
"You didn't return my call or text for over eight hours, homie. You know the protocol. You created it. You could have been in jail or dead in an alley somewhere. What is going on? And don't tell me nothing, because we both know that's a bunch of bullshit. Is this about Joseph?"
"No, Jade."
"Your mom?"
"No,” I snap. Talking about my mother has always been off-limits.
"Then what?"
"Elizabeth is gone."
Jade's eyes grow wide with fear, and I know instantly that she knows something that I don't. Why would she react like that?
"What is it, Jade?" I ask with little patience in my voice. "What."
"Do you know where she went?" she asks nervously.
"To the Bahamas. Why?"
"Oh shit." Jade rubs the palms of her hands nervously up and down the front of her jeans. "You asked me to look into the ex."
"AND!"
"Well the boyfriend Ethan …he's not in rehab."
My chest constricts. I'm not liking this. I'm really not liking this.
"When did he get out?"
"He didn't. He was never in rehab. At least not in Arizona like Elizabeth thinks."
"So where the fuck is he, Jade?"
"I'm ninety-nine percent sure he's in the Bahamas."
♡ ♡ ♡
Dying to find out what happens next? The Story Continues In Masterson Unleashed (Book Two).
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TAP TO DOWNLOAD BOOK 2 INSTANTLY
Note From Lisa
Thank you for reading Masterson and taking a chance on me if I am a new author to you. I hope you enjoyed Roman & Elizabeth's story so far. I really enjoyed writing about those two; and stay tuned because the drama unfolds further between the two of them in a continuation of their story in–Book Two.
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I am someone who has always dreamed of publishing fiction but allowed life to get in the way. Writing this series has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life, and I look forward to bringing more stories to you as quickly as I can. When I came up with the concept of Masterson and started having people read sample chapters, a lot of people had strong opinions about Roman, Elizabeth, Ethan, Sloan and even Jagger.
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As an author I CRAVE feedback, so if you'd like to share what you liked, loved or even hated about this story, I'd love to hear from you. You can write me at [email protected]. I respond to all emails.
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xoxo,
Lisa
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P.S. Make sure to join my VIP readers list to be notified immediately of my next release.
Where You Can Find Me
MY VIP LIST (Get the nitty gritty)
I have a VIP Reader mailing list. I only send free books, new release, sales or special giveaway information to this group. No spam. You can join here:
http://LisaLangBlakeney.com/VIP .
* * *
MY PRIVATE FAN GROUP (Casual fun)
Join my private Fan Group on Facebook also known as my "Romance Ninja Warriors" where I share all things new going on, celebrate birthdays, post teasers, yummy pics, giveaways and just chit chat.
http://LisaLangBlakeney.com/community
* * *
MY ARC TEAM (Review my books)
I have a special ARC team. If you enjoy my books and would like a free advanced reader copy of my next book in exchange for an honest review on release day, then feel free to apply. There are only a certain number of slots with each release and participation is strictly enforced, but I’d love to have you:)
To apply, please go here:
http://lisalangblakeney.com/arc-reviewers/
Bonus Stuff!
Want access to all my bonus stuff? Read deleted scenes, character interviews, and extended epilogues for all of my releases when you visit the Romance Ninja Room.
CLICK FOR EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
http://lisalangblakeney.com/private-ninja-room/
Masterson Unleashed
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Discover What Happens Next With Roman!
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“I made a mistake and had a taste of something sweet, something forbidden, something highly addictive. Elizabeth. It's no secret that I'm greedy, and I want more. Now I just have to convince her pretty ass that she does too.”
READ NOW
Masterson In Love
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Want to see how Roman’s story concludes?
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“They all think that I'm a phase. A fetish. A temporary fixture. But I love Elizabeth, and there isn't sh*t anyone can do to change or destroy that … even her.”
READ NOW
Joseph Loves Juliette
How did Joseph and Juliette Masterson Fall In Love?
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Whatever she wants.
Whenever she wants it.
However she likes it.
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As teenagers, it was love at first sight for Joseph Masterson and Juliette Hill, but they were from completely different worlds and it wasn’t meant to be. When the two have a second chance meeting as adults, they discover that the powerful chemistry between them is still there and stronger than ever. But this time there’s no way he’s letting her go. In fact, this time, his mission is to give Juliette the world or die trying.
READ NOW
Claimed
Standalone Romance
Meet Alpha Camden King
I work for him, but I can't stand him. I slept with him once, and he never lets me forget it. Camden King thinks he can have me again…and again…and again. But he can't…I won't let that happen. I just have to last thirty days to prove it to him. Will I be able to hold out? Or have I finally met my match...
READ NOW
AVAILABLE ON AUDIO
Add To Goodreads
Indebted
Standalone Romance
* * *
Meet Alpha Cutter King
The
re's something about Cutter King that reminds me of every bad relationship I've been in and every bad decision I've ever made…
* * *
READ NOW
AVAILABLE ON AUDIO NOW!
Add To Goodreads
Broken
Standalone Romance
* * *
Meet Alpha Stone Barringer
First he lied to me.
Then he seduced me.
Now he’s broken me.
* * *
READ NOW
AVAILABLE ON AUDIO
Add To Goodreads
King Brother Drama.
King Brother Hotness.
A King Happily Ever After.
Novella Length
You are cordially invited to A King Family Wedding. The question is which one of the Kings will make it to the altar?
* * *
READ NOW
AVAILABLE ON AUDIO
Book List
The Masterson Series
Masterson
Masterson Unleashed
Masterson In Love
Masterson Made
Joseph Loves Juliette
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The King Brothers Series
Claimed
Indebted
Broken
Promised
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The Nighthawk Series
Gunslinger
Wolf
Diesel
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The Valencia Mafia Series
Coming Soon. Get Notified!
Acknowledgments
SO WHERE DO I START? When I was 17 years old and trying to figure out my future, my mother strongly advised me to NOT major in English, because there was no way that she was going to pay for a college degree that would lead me to being homeless and on the streets (her words not mine English majors:). I ended up majoring in print journalism and spending many, many years of my life writing for newspapers, magazines and websites.
Now that I've married, have children, and my mother is ill with dementia, I see just how fragile life is and how important it is to spend every minute of it hopefully loving what you do. So here I am full circle. Doing what I truly believe I was meant to do. Writing fiction and enjoying every minute of it. And of course there are many people who have helped me get here.
First, I want to thank my amazing husband who has been my best friend since I was 18 years old, and who has supported any and everything that I've ever wanted out of life. Without him in my life, I doubt that I would have ever made it back here. Writing strictly for the love of it and not for profit. I also want to thank my daughters who inspire and influence every decision I make in my life. While they can't read any of my work quite yet (or maybe ever!), they support me in all other ways imaginable. I love each of you EQUALLY. I swear:)
Next I want to thank one of my dearest and closest friends Kelly Green who has listened to me talk about writing this book endlessly for the last few years and has been nothing but supportive and encouraging. Although she doesn't buy into my obsession with romance (If there's no romantic HEA in a book or a movie, I want no parts of it!), she still gets me, and I love you for that Kelly Boo.
I also want to thank another two of my besties: Donna Kinard, who is my quasi beta reader and Robin Broughton Smith who is my #1 cheerleader. Donna reads all the important parts I need read, and gives me honest feedback that always works and makes me a better author. Robin serves as inspiration that following your heart will always lead you in the right direction. Thank you so much for all your encouragement and support ladies.
When I first finished writing this book, I thought to myself that my acknowledgements page would end right about here. I am a total new fish out of water in the world of romance writing. I am also an introvert. I didn't know any fiction authors or bloggers. Not one. Little did I now that there would be several people very willing to help a newbie along. Support me. Encourage me. And without them I know that I would have felt desperately alone.
Thank you to my editor Marla Esposito. (Shout out to all NYU alumni!) You are much more than an editor to me. Let's face it, without you I would have been writing ellipses … 'til the cows came home, and Elizabeth would have had very questionable and chunky hands:) Thank you so much for all that you do and in the nurturing way that you do it.
Thank you to Liv Morris a.k.a. Obie-Wan Kenobi, an author with a million other things to do other than help me– I'm so sure:) But she took time out of her day to have an actual conversation with me and talk about my career, my book, my writing and just shoot the sh*t. You are a wealth of knowledge and are hands down responsible for me making smarter decisions about my writing and my marketing. Plus you're one funny NYC gal!
Thanks to author Meredith Wild. The first author to ever actually respond to me on Facebook and give me actual concrete advice that I could apply to my marketing and my writing career. Thanks for all your help, your well wishes, and for being 'real'.
Thanks to author Katie Ashley who has to be one of the nicest authors on the planet. You are another author who was very nice to me (via Facebook) when I first considered writing this book, and you taught me that how you treat people goes a long way in how you're remembered. That's why I read all of your books and try to support everything you do. Not just because your work is great, but because you're a great person. I hope to pay it forward one day.
Thanks to author Jordan Silver a.k.a. Madame Butterfly a.k.a. MamaB. A writing dynamo who didn't know me from a can of paint and has served as true inspiration to what it means to serve your readers . Thank you for your kindness.
Thanks to R.L. Mathewson for writing How To Write, Publish, & All That Good Stuff. One of my favorite books on indie publishing from an author who's actually doing it and doing it well:) I really tried to follow most of your advice. I hope I did you proud!
Thank you to Yolanda Ann of Art Of Romance–the first blogger to take me under her wing and give me fantastic guidance on Facebook. I'd like to also thank bloggers: I Read Him First, the Goodreads New Adult Book Club, Escape N Books, Reading Is My Bliss and all the other bloggers and Facebook groups who work tirelessly everyday to promote indie authors and their work.
Thanks to The Hype PR, an amazing group of women who support and help authors get the word out with grace and ease. I look forward to working with you further in the future ladies!
Finally I want to thank my parents for nurturing my love of reading and writing all my life. It definitely is my passion thanks to you both. And I want to thank my Aunt Ruby who regularly sent me bags of romance novels when I was in high school that fed my desire for a Happily Ever After:)
About the Author
Lisa Lang Blakeney is an international bestselling author of contemporary romance sold in more than 28 countries. Worried that her fellow PTO moms might disapprove, she wrote and published her steamy debut novel Masterson under a different title and pen name in August of 2015.
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Thanks to strong reader support of her alpha male character, Roman Masterson, she was encouraged to continue with the series and published the entire Masterson Trilogy the following year. She hasn’t looked back since and continues to write novels featuring strong alpha men and the smart women they seek to claim.
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A romance junkie for sure, you can find Lisa watching a romantic comedy, reading a romance novel, or writing one of her own most days of the week. If she’s not doing that, she’s outside in the garden tending to her roses.
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Lisa is the wife of one alpha (whom she met in college), mother to four girls, and two labradoodles. Get news on releases, sales and giveaways when you become one of Lisa’s VIP readers at : http://LisaLangBlakeney.com/VIP
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