Category Archives: HM Ward News

NEW Book! All the Broken Pieces Vol 2 by HM Ward Released Today

BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD Volume 2 in a new, tense, dark, and twisting fan-driven series

With divorce imminent, a second honeymoon in paradise was our last ditch effort to salvage the carcass of our mutilated marriage. But everything went horribly wrong. There was no reconciliation. Just anger and blame. Then the explosion shredded my face and ended his life. After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I ended up burying my husband.

I tried to put the past behind me. I went home to New York and resumed teaching. But nothing helped. I lived with the corrosive nature of non-closure for three years, unable to let the past die. Haunted by words I should have said. Hollowed out by things I’d done.

But when a new picture of Zach pops up on my Facebook feed—showcasing his beautiful sun-kissed body, standing on a dock, and surrounded by turquoise water—I cannot fathom it. He’s alive? Or, someone wants me to believe that.

Seeking to put my demons to rest, I head toward the place where my life blew apart, wondering if I’ll find Zach’s ghost or something more nefarious.

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense approx 100 pgs ea
~This is a fan-driven series. Want more? Read it and ask for the next volume.

GRAB ALL THE BROKEN PIECES 2 TODAY AT THESE VENDORS:

Nook:
Kobo:
IBooks:
Paper:
INTERNATIONAL:

The Arrangement 25 Live Launch This Weekend!

Sean Ferro is coming! More Sean. More Avery. And a baby or two!

When? This weekend on all sites (for 1 week only, then over to KU). So grab it now if you like to read via iBooks, Nook, or Kobo. After one week it will only be on Amazon. 😉

This has been a fan-driven series from the start and as you guys know, if you keep asking for more books, I’ll indulge you. 🙂 If you read through Arrangement 23, you’ll notice that the big dark story line closed. This is the what happens next. Ever wonder what happened to your favorite characters after the book ends? Is an epilogue just too damn short? Then keep reading!

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH 13+ MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 25 in the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Arrangement Series

Beautiful. Exquisitely so. The man could be a fallen angel, because Sean Ferro is an ocular orgasm. No wonder why I’m pregnant. Babies. Tiny Ferros. There will be four of us soon. I have no idea what to expect but I feel so caught in the middle. Some time alone with Sean is exactly what I need. Time to adjust to this massive change before it becomes reality.

I’m finally excited and slightly terrified. I can’t comprehend how this new family will come together, how it will act. I mean, can you imagine Frost Queen Ferro having grandbabies? I’m the lucky first Ferro bride to see how that goes. The woman still terrifies me and she likes me now. I can’t imagine her with a baby on each knee, and a white bear by her side. New York City is a strange place. No wonder why the Ferro clan resides here. Billionaires with bears are the new black.

Now, I just need to figure out how to be one of them, while protecting my new family. But first I have to know where Sean stands with his family’s illegal dealings…if he’ll stand by me or slip backwards towards his old life once the babies arrive.

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense approx 125 pgs ea
~Boxed Sets of The Arrangement Series have begun! Go grab box 1!
~Individual volumes of the The Arrangement Vol 1-25 are on sale now.
~The Arrangement is a fan-driven series. Vol 26 is coming soon~
THE FERRO FAMILY

The Arrangement (Sean & Avery)
Damaged (Peter & Sidney)
Stripped (Jon & Cassie)
The Proposition (Bryan & Hallie)
Easy (Jocelyn Ferro)
Broken Promises (Trystan & Mari)
The Wedding Contract (Nick & Sky)
Secrets & Lies (Kerry)

H.M. WARD’S NEW YORK CITY LOVE STORIES

Secrets (Cole & Anna)
Scandalous (Jack & Abby)
A Little Christmas Romance (Chris & Brooke)
Christmas Kisses (Ryan & Holly)

REVIEWS:

“H.M. Ward writes an emotional, deeply felt story that will rock your world.” -Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author
“H.M. Ward takes this series to a whole new level of intensity!” -Cary Mattiller
“One of the most emotionally charged novels I have read all year.” -Crystal via Goodreads
“If you love The Arrangement, then you will not be disappointed with The Proposition.” Linda Wallace
“Amazing, awesome, and unbelievably sexy.” -Cheryl, via Goodreads
“You can’t go wrong with any book written by H.M. Ward.” Christon Benford
“This a a story about true love/ first love never dying and making it through all odds. An incredible book.” -Gabby’s Book Blog
“This has to be H.M. Ward’s best work yet!” -Sheri via Goodreads
“The tension is palpable and so physically powerful; it literally reaches out and tugs at all my emotions. My God, it was beautifully erotic. When a story elicits so much emotion from you, you know it’s good.” Tessamari Reviews
“I want to marry this book and have it’s fictional babies”
“Move over Christian Grey and welcome Sean Ferro.” Reading, Eating, & Dreaming
“You can’t go wrong with a book written by H.M. Ward.” Christon Benford
“I thought nothing could top Damaged & The Arrangement Series. I was wrong.” -Curious Kindle Reader
“Serious sexual tension!” -Spare Time Book Blog
“Jack Gray was perfect.. Naughty, professional, drop dead GORGEOUS!” Reese’s Addict to Fiction
“Hilarious, witty, with a ‘gut punching’ story line.” Workman
“The sexual tension is great, the characters were great. It has everything….the fighting
to protect the girl, sexy scans, hot men, and the funny scenes.” Loving Read
“Amazing, hot, sexy, and leaves you wanting more.” -ENA
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY: H.M. Ward continues to reign as a NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author who sold 13+ million books, placing her among the literary titans. Ward has been featured in articles in the NEW YORK TIMES, FORBES, and USA TODAY to name a few. You can interact with this bestselling author on Facebook at AuthorHMWard. Text HMWARD to 24587 and get a text reminder on release & sale days.

The Arrangement 24 is Live

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING SERIES WITH 13+ MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 24 in the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Arrangement Series 

When the dust clears, it’s time for life to move forward with Sean Ferro. His beautiful wind swept hair and his jaw dusted with dark stubble makes me want to roll back with him into the sand. I don’t want to face what’s waiting at home. Not yet.

Life is about to shift again. Some parts happy, like expecting a beautiful baby and a second chance at love. My blue-eyed soul mate is eager, ready to begin anew. Other parts of life are unknown. Like where do I stand in the mess I left behind? How do I go on from here? It feels like we’re walking on demon husks, treading on our past sins so carefully so we do not rouse them. But in the end it doesn’t matter. Fate has already decided.

It’s not until we’re back in New York that I realize the chain of events that were set it motion. By me. Billionaires can’t save me. The Ferro name can’t protect us. If I want to ensure my family is safe, I have to be the one to do it. Surviving justifies anything, right? I finally understand the lengths to which I must go to ensure our survival. FML. Things are about to get hard again.

Genre: Dark Romantic Suspense approx 125 pgs ea
~The Arrangement Vol 1-24 are on sale now.
~The Arrangement is a fan-driven series. Vol 25 is coming soon~


CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO GRAB THE ARRANGEMENT 24 ON AMAZON

(Pppst! All Ferro titles are in Kindle Unlimited right now, which allows you to borrow them for free. Paperback and ebook editions are also available only on Amazon)


THE FERRO FAMILY

The Arrangement (Sean & Avery)
Damaged (Peter & Sidney)
Stripped (Jon & Cassie)
The Proposition (Bryan & Hallie)
Easy (Jocelyn Ferro)
Broken Promises (Trystan & Mari)
The Wedding Contract (Nick & Sky)
Secrets & Lies (Kerry)

H.M. WARD’S NEW YORK CITY LOVE STORIES

Secrets (Cole & Anna)
Scandalous (Jack & Abby)
A Little Christmas Romance (Chris & Brooke)
Christmas Kisses (Ryan & Holly)

REVIEWS:

“H.M. Ward writes an emotional, deeply felt story that will rock your world.” -Carly Phillips, New York Times Bestselling Author
“H.M. Ward takes this series to a whole new level of intensity!” -Cary Mattiller
“One of the most emotionally charged novels I have read all year.” -Crystal via Goodreads
“If you love The Arrangement, then you will not be disappointed with The Proposition.” Linda Wallace
“Amazing, awesome, and unbelievably sexy.” -Cheryl, via Goodreads
“You can’t go wrong with any book written by H.M. Ward.” Christon Benford
“This a a story about true love/ first love never dying and making it through all odds. An incredible book.” -Gabby’s Book Blog
“This has to be H.M. Ward’s best work yet!” -Sheri via Goodreads
“The tension is palpable and so physically powerful; it literally reaches out and tugs at all my emotions. My God, it was beautifully erotic. When a story elicits so much emotion from you, you know it’s good.” Tessamari Reviews
“I want to marry this book and have it’s fictional babies”
“Move over Christian Grey and welcome Sean Ferro.” Reading, Eating, & Dreaming
“You can’t go wrong with a book written by H.M. Ward.” Christon Benford
“I thought nothing could top Damaged & The Arrangement Series. I was wrong.” -Curious Kindle Reader
“Serious sexual tension!” -Spare Time Book Blog
“Jack Gray was perfect.. Naughty, professional, drop dead GORGEOUS!” Reese’s Addict to Fiction
“Hilarious, witty, with a ‘gut punching’ story line.” Workman
“The sexual tension is great, the characters were great. It has everything….the fighting
to protect the girl, sexy scans, hot men, and the funny scenes.” Loving Read
“Amazing, hot, sexy, and leaves you wanting more.” -ENA

NEW RELEASE! EASY by H.M. Ward (A Ferro Family Story)

EASY by H.M. Ward

THE SERIES WITH OVER 12 MILLION COPIES SOLD
Volume 1 in the new series by New York Times Bestselling Author H.M. Ward

My life is a lie. Terror courses through me at the thought of someone discovering my secret before I have a chance to figure things out, before I know for certain what happened that night. I can admit it, I ran like a coward and didn’t look back. No one expects me to be down here in the dust bowl of the forsaken, in the middle of Texas.

Three months have passed in startling silence since I left New York behind. There’s been no trace, no trail, nothing that points to this safe haven. Reporters haven’t figured out the girl they’ve been trailing in Manhattan isn’t me. Thank God.

Down here, I’ve kept my head down. No one knows what I’ve done. They can’t. But four simple words make my heart slam into my chest. The air is ripped from my lungs as I stare at the glowing computer screen.
I KNOW YOUR SECRET.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, approx 100 pgs ea
~Vol 1 of 5~

GRAB IT TODAY FOR ONLY $2.99 AT THESE RETAILERS:

      

SNEAK PEEK VIDEO TEASER FOR EASY (ignore the coming this winter part b/c it’s here now!)

EASY by H.M. Ward

Eeeep! I've been dying to share this with you guys! I just got the video teaser back and they nailed it! It's perfect. Drool warning. The song is awesome too. It's totally stuck in my head. This is a new 5 book series by H.M. Ward. It features Joscelyn Ferro and begins rapid releasing this holiday season. Amazon: http://amzn.to/1mSuO5rNook: http://goo.gl/Wa2vnViBooks: https://goo.gl/G6WXPeKobo: https://goo.gl/B4vf4N

Posted by H.M. Ward on Thursday, September 8, 2016

Happy reading! And yes! This is a FERRO STORY! 🙂

GIVEAWAY! Writer’s Retreat in South of France

WRITING RETREAT FOR 1 WRITER + 1 GUEST (non-writer)

Where: Southern France Wine Chateau
DATES: April 19-26, 2017

Details:

This workshop is by Cruising Writers in the south of France at an awesome French Chateau!

Built in 1886 on the foundations of a rest stop on the pilgrim Route de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, Les Carrasses resonates with history. Around two main courtyards, linked by a central avenue are the buildings traditionally found on an important wine domain: the château, the winery and cellars, the blacksmith’s house, stables, forge and granary and the estate cottages, all of which have been transformed into a truly special holiday estate. Beyond these exceptional suites, apartments, houses and villas, you’ll find a great range of facilities.

What’s Included:

  • Private luxury villa for 2 for 7-nights at Château Les Carrasses
  • 1-writer package which includes all meals, excluding one on-your-own lunch
  • 1-guest package which includes breakfast only (this can be upgraded to include all meals)
  • 1-writer pass to all retreat events, including pitch sessions, one-on-one sessions, all workshops, and write ins
  • Transportation for 2 into the village as specified in the itinerary
    (See Cruising Writers website for more details)

YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION TO THE EVENT. Airfare is NOT included. Expect it to cost an additional $1K per person or more. Check airfare to make sure you can afford to get there before you enter to win. Passport is required.

WINNER WILL BE REQUIRED TO:
1. Show proof of AUTHORSHIP (show me you’ve written and published a book)

2. Provide airline ticket proof of purchase are required.

Total value: $3600 USD

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Must be 18 years of age or older to win. No cash value. Void where prohibited. Open to international & US residents. *The winner will receive a non-refundable $3600USD pre-paid reservation at the Land Retreat – Southern France Wine Chateau – April 19-26, 2017 for this prize.* Winner must have: 1. an email account, 2. may be requested to fill out additional paperwork for tax purposes, and 3. must have published (1) or more books, 4. a valid passport through July 2017, and 5. must provide proof of purchase for airfare to France. Additional travel expenses are required. AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. We are not responsible for fees taken by for this transaction, nor are we in any way responsible for VAT and/ or taxes. We are not responsible for items damaged or lost. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability.  Terms of this giveaway can change at anytime without notice. By entering you agree that we are in no way to be held liable for anything pertaining to this giveaway. Winner will be contacted by email 24 hours after the giveaway ends. You must claim your prize within 12 hours or it is forfeited and another winner will be selected. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send us an email!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NEW RELEASE: THE ARRANGEMENT 23 (Series Finale) by HM Ward

THE ARRANGEMENT (Volume 23) – THE FINAL VOLUME in the New York Times Bestselling Arrangement Series

Hatred and insanity mingle together in this disgusting specimen of a human being that stands before me. I don’t know how I’ve wronged him or why I deserve this fate. My parents were slaughtered, my friends killed, and Sean Ferro was ripped from my side by this monster. The promise of picket fences and a little voice with tiny hands keeps me eerily sane. The ghosts of a future that will never happen whisper in my ear. They latch me to the present in a way that chills me to the core.

Every attempt to save me has failed. I’m left staring my demons in the face, alone. The man glaring back at me is made of nightmares and malice. For all I’ve lost and all I’ve suffered, for every person who came into my life only get ripped away, and most of all for me–I won’t walk away. Not this time. I’ve passed the point of no return. There is no tomorrow. Come sunrise, only one of us will survive.

GRAB IT NOW FOR ONLy $2.99

(reg. price resumes tomorrow at $6.99)

   

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Pages: 306
Series: The Arrangement
World: Ferro

Last Chance to Get Involved with the Ferro Movie!

Sensual woman kissing her handsome husband

Thank you SOOO much to the 230 backers who pledged to the FERRO MOVIE Kickstarter so far! Combined with my donation matching, we’ve raised over $22,000! There are only 9 hours until the end, so if you wanted to increase your pledge for a new item or grab one of the collectible scripts, do it now! GO TO: www.FerroMovie.com 

 
Thank you to all you amazing backers!
Robert Miller
Lisa Hennessey Young
Rhonda Roldan Laws
Kim Carnes Brooks
Chelsea Connell
Dianna McNeill
Carol Ann
Nancy Banuelos
Barbara Racine
Pamela Tyson
isabelle hamilton
Brenda Lara-Luna
Anne Bembenek
Carrie Johnson Yardley
Katherine Lynn Corley
Megan Crisp
Valerie Mallaley
B
Barb
Mai Coffey
Janiece Savage
Stacey Highley
Karen
Lisa Miller
Rhonda Freeman
Jennifer jennings
Alice Earles
Imee Bustos Ducut
Emma O’Brien
Shasta Horan
Charnay LyteBryte Fitzpatrick
KL Brisby
Alyssa
Lou Anne Reuter
Denice Bolden
Nancy Dawson-brady
Diane Bailey
Karen Shipman
Cary Irvine
Janine Gray
Debra Frazier
Sara Greco
Jean
Mie Louise Jørgensen
Sonya Sulton
Patricia Pendleton
Nancy Medell
Kristi Quilliams
Susan Williams
Elizabeth Swain
Regina Bennett
CMD
Mandy
Connie Streater
Laura
Cheri Katz Rotondi
celestial aarons-jenkins
Cheri Vincent
Shawna B Linville
Angela Brick
Pamela Burleson
Joely Somers
Shauna Dillon
Rachel Pickar Richards
Sheila Yax
Amy
Veronica
Helena
Brittany Duncan
Jane clough
Liz Hauth
Anita Guerra Selesky
Angela George
Natasha
Kristina Bensley
Stacie Marie Terrazas
Cara Soria
Kari Holmes
Rachel McLean
Vanessa Lyons
Candace Kamealoha
Melissa Boardman
Victoria Sams
Chasity Marie Runge
Erin Stumph
Sarah Watts
Tara Litzinger
Cary Mattmiller
Lori Jerrier
Peggy
Donna Whyte
Vivia Martin
Yovana Gomez
Tori Lehman
Denise Barnes
LG Castillo
cara aulman
Nicki Cook Holtzman
tamara keener
Jonna Hiltunen
Pamela Cox
Cheryl DeCoff
Belinda Leong
Brenda D
Mary-Ellen Gomez
Kelly meadows
Nicole
Carolyn Williamson
Anna
Leigh Anne Humphrey
Judy Holzer Unterberger
Rachel Spina
Crystal Calhoun
Susie Klapperich
Jennifer Micaletti
Darleen McColman
Sandra Allison
Tina
Jennifer Liberman Mendoza
Cathy
Clare Groves
marie
Tracey Slattery
Nicole Fabre
Andrea Chapman
Rise’ Thompson
Patricia J Taylor
Cassandra Sue
Jennifer Perry
Phyllis Kegel
Calla Harb
Chris O’Grady
Toni Hutchins
Maranda Marsh
Misty Bolton-Samuels
Karen Mendoza
Jessica
Vivian Tucker
Stacey Langley
Rose Stewart
Bev Reddin
Amanda Coleman Lind
Lynn Derouin
Cheryl Santorelli
Joanne Pezzuti
Trisha Wolfe
Bec Alvaro
Kirsty Fisher
Laurene Lindsay
Jennifer Legg
Lerna
Jodi Sterrett
Stina Larsson
wendi ernst
Dana Henning
Charlotte Rolle
KrisAnn MacPhee
Christina
Magie Cruz
Toni Severin
Robert O’Connor
Steffi Caelli
Keely Gilmore
Victoria Hendrickson
Andrea Harris Blalock
Merilee
Thomas OConnor
Candace Riffle
Catherine Baker
Jeanine Burnett
Brenda Pearson
Shannon Dettling
Holly Smith
Shannon McDonald
Diane Lupole
Jayci Minjares
Hazel Hunter
Betsy Beasley
Veronica Gonzalez
Amanda Holland
Stac sivak
Debbie Clarke
Lisa Philpott
Mike
Justina
dee59
Paula Hoskins
Theresa Russell
Francine Callaghan
Debbie Shiffler Clark
Taylor Summerell
Rachel Goodwin Foster
Shannan
Stacy Hahn
Karen Stevens
Tacha
Monica Benteler
Courtney Lynch
Kayla Lyberger
Sarah cadman
Samantha Sterling
Emily Thompson Dexter
Nicole Haas-Reynolds
Paulette Kelly
Christy Carter
Carla Bennett
JENNIFER STILLWELL
Lori Garcia
Lottie Miller
Tiffany Wiley
Nancy Dinsmore
Tammy Newman
Ann kreiser
Jennifer Naumann
Christina White
Sandra Galis
Dodi Gennello
Michelle Fagan
Sydney Brittain Peacock
Heather Noren
Kristin Wilson
Melinda Vazquez
Marianne Walter
Caroline Crawford
Shannon Erdman Gansner
Tracy Thompson Bellavance
Mary Ann D’Eufemia
Maria Antónia Pereira
Erica velez
Mary Beth Myers

Been wishing you could see Sean Ferro in the flesh? Here’s your chance!

pic

We came close to having The Arrangement come to life on multiple occasions. Then, the same thing happened: they read up to book 5 and decided there’s no way to do it. It’s too dark. There are several scenes like that in this series, scenes that were almost edited out, scenes that the fans voted on keeping in the book.

So we had two options: Keep Sean dark and keep those scenes the way they are — and never see Sean on the screen — or lighten him up and pander to executives that have never been a part of the story?

Then, a lot of people suggested a third option by asking: Why don’t we make this movie ourselves?

It’s a good question. The series was published independently, so why not make the movie independently as well? The truth is we took a run at this a few years ago. Everything was going great until my son was abruptly hospitalized for months. It wasn’t possible to continue then, but it is now. With a team of experienced film professionals by my side, I could get hit by a car during production and it wouldn’t stop things this time.

So there are just two questions:

  1. Do you want to see Sean Ferro in the flesh?
  2. Should we keep Sean Ferro as dark as he is the books?

What do you want? Because this project is all about you. You’re the reader, the fan who made this series what it is today. This series sold nearly 13 million copies worldwide because you love it, because you shared it, and because you couldn’t stop talking about it.

Offering a way for you to participate is huge, and crowdfunding allows for tons of involvement. The nature of it is communal, and it’s an easy way for you to be involved. No sane person would ever do a Kickstarter for fun, because it’s a massive amount of work–but for something like this? It’s worth it. The Arrangement books have been fan-driven from the start, so it makes sense that the film has lots of fan involvement, too. You are part of the DNA of this series.

Before you go totally nuts and squee all over the place, I want you to calm yourself down and then head over and read the crowdfunding page. Maybe you saw and read it the other day when I sent out the preview invite. Either way, I made a few last second changes based on your replies. Hopefully, I made it better.

I’d love to hear what you think. The campaign went live a few moments ago.

Your comments and feedback are more than welcome! I might be sitting here obsessively watching the screen. Maybe. Probably. Okay, I am! This is nerve wracking. Come over and talk to me. Tell me this isn’t for nothing.

I look forward to hearing from you!

FerroMovie.com

New! HOT GUY by HM Ward is only $2.99 Today!

HOT GUY - a christmas novel Over 12 million copies sold. New York Times Bestseller.

A STAND-ALONE HOLIDAY NOVEL BY NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR H.M. WARD

The holiday season is supposed to be fun and filled with magic. Norman Rockwell never met my family. There’s nothing but chaos at holiday meals, and I’m completely dreading it. Think pushy parents, a set of terrible twos in twin form, and a Grandma who wants to see bouncing great-grandbabies before she dies–no amount of turkey can make that situation into a good thing. Add in the recent breakup that no one knows about, then couple it with getting laid off from work, and I’m ready to walk to Mexico and Feliz Navidad myself.

That’s when I meet HIM–Mr. Tall and Irresistibly Beautiful. I bet he never heard the word no before in his life. After some animated banter, I decide drowning myself in Hot Guy would be way better than getting smashed alone. One thing leads to another, and I’m breathless in his arms when he walks out. Merry freaking Christmas. No early holiday package for me.

I pull myself together and jump headfirst into the holiday season when I finally get some good news—a job offer at a swank coffee shop in Manhattan. The problem? It’s not a building. I’ll be working in a food truck in ass-cold freezing temps, dressed like a slutty Swiss Miss. Oh, and Hot Guy is there. Every day. Every night. He’s the boss. I can take it if he can, assuming we don’t kill each other first.

GRAB IT TODAY FOR ONLY $2.99 (reg. $6.99) AT THESE VENDORS:

 Apple Nook Kobo

Amazon UK   Amazon AU

Readers are saying:

“Hot read to warm you up on a cold night”

“A double dose of Christmas hotness!”

“Hot Guy will put you in the Christmas spirit with its heartwarming HEA! 5 fantastic stars!!”

PAPER IS COMING SOON!

If you’d like a *SIGNED* copy of this book, head over here!

First Look at HOT GUY by H.M. Ward (A Christmas Romance)

HOT GUY (A Christmas Romance) by H.M. Ward

HOT GUY (A Christmas Romance) by H.M. Ward

TEASER! HOT GUY (A Christmas Book) Coming Nov 15th.
(this story is unedited! copy not final)

~AIDEN~
My heart slams into my chest like I’m having a fucking heart attack. I pull up Chad’s number and press CALL. He’s been my best friend since we were in boarding school together. I unload all my shit in the longest sentence ever heard. I don’t fucking come up for air until I’m done. Panic has its icy fingers around my throat and I can’t shake the bastard.

Chad’s on speaker phone as I floor the sleek black McLaren across the Verrazano Bridge and toward eastern Long Island. I’m bobbing and weaving through traffic, gripping the wheel so tight that it might come off in my hands.

I rant for a while and then slam my palm into the steering wheel. “What the fuck am I going to do? I did every last fucking thing that man ever asked of me! I’m screwed, Chad!”

“I’ll help you think of something. Don’t worry. You got this.” Chad gives me the pep talk I need as I drive away from Uncle James’s swank office in Manhattan. “Go have a few drinks, nails some hot chick, and we’ll work it out on paper tomorrow.”

I grimace and stare at the dashboard making the same expression I’d offer if Chad were here with me. “Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving asswipe. You’re supposed to be at your mother’s house.”
He laughs lightly, “She can wait.”

“She’ll kill you.” His mother is like Martha Stewart, pre-trial, on crack. Their estate home on the north shore of Long Island is pristine and the holiday will be exceptional, until Chad shows up in jeans and a T shirt instead of a tie. Formality isn’t dead, not in that house.

“Fine, then come with me. Eat turkey, talk turkey, and then poke your eye out with the wishbone, because my fucking Hallmark family is that boring. We’ll need some drama. If have to sit through another holiday meal and listen to shit about hedge funds, I’ll fucking snap.” His voice rises an octave as he speaks so fast that all the words run together.

Chad’s family has more money than God, but he doesn’t act like it. Not until he’s forced into the annual soul-sucking conversations about his future. When we were in college together, Chad nearly cracked from all the pressure put on him by his parents. Yeah, he has a set that’s still married after thirty-five years, which is a feat in of itself. At times, like holidays—like now, with all this shit raining down—it’s difficult to not be envious. He has meddling parents. I have an evil uncle. That’s it. No kin to call my own, no family watching my back come hell or high water. No cousins or brothers. Chad is my only family.

I assure him, “I’ll go with you. Calm the fuck down. Hedge funds are better than this shit.”
Chad laughs but there’s no joy in it. “I’d trade lives with you in a fucking heartbeat, Aiden.”

“Likewise buddy,” and I mean it, “but first, I need to get through this shit.”

“Tomorrow, Aiden.” He urges. “Tonight let your subconscious do all the thinking. Actually, let your dick do all the thinking. Pound some pussy and get smashed, in that order. It’ll give you something to be thankful for tomorrow.” Chad laughs and disconnects.

I sigh and rub my hand over my face. It’s not a bad plan, but I feel too wound up for that. I’m still pissed. By now I’ve driven so far out on the Island that I’m passing the county line into Suffolk. Shit. I’m it’s another hour to the summer house and an hour back to the city. When I took off, I was irate and started to drive without thinking about where I was going. All I could focus on was finding Ocean Parkway and letting the salty sea air fill my lungs as I gunned it down the road.
I groan and glance around. I left the Parkway behind a while ago, and am flying down an open stretch of Sunrise—a modest concrete wonder with six lanes that connects suburbia to the city. Buildings jut up from the landscape, nothing more than three stories. If you took Manhattan and tipped it over on it’s side, you’d have Long Island.

I drive like I have a destination in mind. I don’t want to go to the normal places tonight. I can’t face those people. They all know who I am, what I am. If they find out what happened, I won’t be able to bear it.

I drive a bit further and stop just outside of Bayshore, past the mall, in a sketchy part of town. I roll into the back parking lot of a bar and cut the engine. I strip off my jacket and tug on an old gray sweater I had laying on the passenger seat. It’s old and soft. Combined with a pair of shitckickers, I know I can handle myself.

When I walk into the establishment, I’m thinking bar fight. That’s why I stopped here. I need to beat the shit out of someone, and lose the anger building inside of me. This gutter looks like this is the perfect place to do it. But then, I spot this blonde in the corner with her nose in a book. Long tendrils of golden hair fall over her shoulders. Her face is perfect, fucking beautiful, not that I look at it too long because her tits are there in this red ribbed sweater, plump and perfect. I can imagine my hands on them as I kiss her senseless, spread her legs, and fuck her until she cries out in ecstasy.

I walk over to her and stop in front of her table. She’s reading a Chilton’s manual, which shocks the hell out of me. I pull out a well-worn wooden chair and sit without asking. “Light reading?”
She doesn’t glance up at me, just gives me the finger. “Fuck off, buddy. I’m not in the mood.” Her petite face remains downturned, her nose in that fatass book.

“Neither was I, until I saw you.” That makes her look up. She stops for a second, startled. I think she recognizes me, but then her eyes tell another story—blank. She has no clue who I am.

HOT GUY releases on NOV 15th, 2016

Reduced price during pre-order (reg. $6.99) now only $2.99