Synopsis:
Persevere.
That's how I've gotten
through nineteen years of life. It's what I do every single day--no matter how
badly the odds are stacked against me.
Persevere, and survive.
Those are my two
guiding words. I never knew either of my parents. I have no family and no home.
The only person I could ever rely on was myself. In this cruel world, that's
about as much as I can ask for.
Love? Hah. Don't talk
to me about love. I stopped believing in it the day my first boyfriend ripped
out my heart three years ago.
That's why love is the
last thing on my mind when I leave a packed college bar with a captivating
stranger. Yet everything changes when I'm awakened in the middle of the night
by a pounding at the door. Suddenly, an arrangement meant for just one night
threatens to become something much deeper.
All expectations are thrown to the wind as
I'm tangled in a dangerous world unlike anything I can believe. The man I met
has secrets swirling around him like a dark cape. I'm about to become his
biggest one...
Author Bio:
I'm Scarlett
Edwards. I'm a full-time student (2nd year, undergrad) and part-time writer. I
hope to switch those around soon!
I love vintage
photography. I have an old-school film camera that was my mom's from before I was
born. I use it to take pictures almost every day.
Yours to Savor is the
first full book I worked on. It went through six drafts, and took me ten
months to complete. In the two months since getting it done, I finished
two drafts of brand new stories. I'm getting faster!
I love hearing
from my readers. I love getting feedback about my books. I'm just getting
started, and plan on doing this writing gig for a long, long time.
I take inspiration
from all the indie romance authors. Addison Moore, Samantha Young, Colleen
Hoover, Jessica Sorensen, and everyone else…. you girls rock!
Personal Message from Scarlett:
"I love hearing
from readers! If you read my book and want to share your thoughts, good
or bad, email me! Scarlett@ScarlettEdwards.com.
I'll be sure to reply!! <3"
Scarlett can also be found on Goodreads
****Teaser
Time ****
Together,
we stumble toward the elevator. Rich breaks away for a second to hit the
button. The light doesn’t come on.
“Damn,”
he growls, “it’s busted again.”
I’m
one step ahead of him. I’d spotted the stairs when we entered. I grab his hand
and pull him after me with no hesitation. I start up the cement stairwell,
determined to get to his room as fast as possible.
“Penny,
wait.”
I
look back, confused. “What?”
A
devilish smile plays on his lips. “Only this.” Without warning his hands wrap
around my waist, and I’m being lifted up
as easily as if I were a doll. He turns to the side and presses my body against
the wall, suspending me between him and the concrete.
His
mouth crashes down on mine again. I curl my legs around his torso, locking my
ankles together, and kiss him back with the passion reserved for a lover after
ten long years apart. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m getting even more
turned on. Rich’s hands move down to grasp the outside of my thighs, and I moan
into his kiss as the muscles of my core clench in sinful fashion. I want him so
badly.
If we don’t get somewhere private soon, I won’t be wholly opposed to jumping
him in public.
I
gasp as he steps away, freeing me from the wall. I start to fall, but one of
his hands darts down to catch me just beneath the knees. The other one cradles my shoulders. Before I
know it, I’m slung across his arms like
a bride on her wedding night.
“I’ve
always wanted to carry a girl up these stairs,” Rich admits.
I
laugh, and wrap my arm around his neck. “Oh, you are just the best type of
romantic.”
Four
flights of stairs later, Rich pushes open the fire door to a dimly-lit hallway.
He carries me down the hall and stops in front of an entrance on the right. He
sets me down, then fishes around in his jeans for the key. When the door creaks
open, he sweeps a hand out in front of him. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
I
walk in, curious about his apartment. I tend to side with the camp of people
who believe that a person’s living arrangements can reveal a lot about his
personality. But, I don’t find much to work with here.
The
apartment is sparse and dark. Pale moonlight filters in through the balcony
window, shining down on the only piece of furniture present: a queen size
mattress lying on the floor of the living room. The red brick walls are totally
empty—no girly posters or other things I might expect in a bachelor’s
apartment. There are no lamps, no chairs, no couches.
After
a moment, I notice a second piece of furniture: a small, old-school CRT TV
camped in one corner of the studio apartment.
Rich
switches on the light. “So?” he asks, “what do you think?”
I
walk past the entrance. There’s one hall leading away from the room. It is
filled with brown cardboard boxes. Lots and lots of boxes. “Did you just move
in or something?”
Rich
laughs behind me. “Yeah, something like that. You want a drink?”
“A
drink?” I say. “No, I—”
The
words catch in my throat as he grabs my hips and spins me around. I had no idea
he’d come so close. He’d moved from the door to me without making a sound. His
fingers lock together against my lower back, and he tugs me into him, pressing
my belly to his waist. I feel his growing erection right away, and a diabolical
excitement builds inside me.
Nothing
happens.
For
a long moment, Richard just holds me like that, staring into my eyes as I’m
left dangling off his arms. His irises are the color of sea mist. I’m
hypnotized by the deep intensity I see brewing just beneath the surface. I have
no doubt that that type of intensity is mirrored in my eyes.
Then,
moving slowly, as if restraining himself, Richard lowers his mouth to cover
mine. This time, his kiss is sweet and gentle. Subtle and caring. He explores
my upper lip first, then traces the line going to the corner of my mouth. His
lips form a perfect mold over mine.
I
was wrong before. This is the kiss reserved
for a lover you haven’t seen in ten years.
This is one
HELLUVA Giveaway: