If you would like to read Rowena’s review of BEDMATES, you can read it here.
Bedmates by Nichole Chase
American Royalty #1
Releases on October 4, 2016 by HarperCollins
From the bestselling author of Suddenly Royal comes the first in a sparkling new series about America’s favorite royal—the First Daughter.
Everyone makes mistakes, especially in college. But when you’re the daughter of the President of the United States, any little slip up is a huge embarrassment. Maddie McGuire’s latest error in judgment lands her in police custody, giving the press a field day. Agreeing to do community service as penance and to restore her tattered reputation, Maddie never dreams incredibly good looking but extremely annoying vice president’s son, Jake Simmon, will be along for the ride.
Recently returning from Afghanistan with a life-altering injury, Jake is wrestling with his own demons. He doesn’t have the time or patience to deal with the likes of Maddie. They’re like oil and water and every time they’re together, it’s combustible. But there’s a thin line between love and hate, and it’s not long before their fiery arguments give way to infinitely sexier encounters.
When Jake receives devastating news about the last remaining member of his unit, the darkness he’s resisted for so long begins to overwhelm him. Scared to let anyone close, he pushes Maddie away. But she isn’t about to give up on Jake that easily. Maddie’s fallen for him, and she’ll do anything to keep him from the edge as they both discover that love is a battlefield and there are some fights you just can’t lose.
Excerpt
“I asked if there was any sex.” His shoes came into view and I looked up slowly.
“Oh, there will be.” I met his eyes. “But not yet.”
His eyes widened just a smidge, his nostrils flared ever so slightly, and I realized how what I’d said sounded.
“I mean, um, that I wouldn’t mind—” Shit, that was worse. “I promise to cover her eyes.”
“What wouldn’t you mind, Madeline?” His voice dropped an octave, making my heart speed up. Madeline, not Maddie or MadLlibs.
“I, um—what?” My voice was breathy as he took a step even closer to me.
“You mentioned something about sex, I believe.” He reached out, using his fingers to brush some of the hair out of my eyes.
“I did? I mean, yes, I did. On the show.” I fumbled over the words. “Buffy! That’s what I was talking about. I wouldn’t mind having sex with—damn it—I mean I wouldn’t mind seeing—shit. No matter what I say this sounds wrong.”
“Nothing wrong with sex.” His eyes twinkled and I realized his hand was still on my face when he lifted my chin up.
“I—I—know that.”
His thumb ran over my bottom lip. “Then why do you have such a hard time talking about it?”
“I don’t!” My spine stiffened. “Sex doesn’t scare me.”
“Then it’s me.” He lowered his head close to mine and I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I make you nervous.”
I swallowed again, my throat scratchy like sandpaper. “No you don’t.”
“Yes, I do.” His hand swept around to the back of my neck. “I always have.”
“I was, what, seventeen when you left for officer training?” I tried to calm my racing heart. “So what if I was a little nervous around you?”
“So you admit it?” His eyes twinkled and his mouth moved a little closer to mine.
“I admit nothing.” I jerked my chin up.
“Are you nervous now?” His body pressed closer to mine and I licked my lips. “Am I making you nervous?”
“Yes.” I whispered the word, not taking my eyes from his.
“Is it a good nervous?” His eyes grew serious. “Or are you scared of me?”
“I’m not scared of you, Jake.” I touched his chest and noticed that my hand was steady despite how fast my heart was beating. “You never scared me.”
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About the Author
Nichole Chase is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Suddenly Royal, The Accidental Assassin, Flukes, The Dark Betrayal Trilogy, The American Royalty Series and several short stories.
Nichole lives in Georgia with her husband, energetic daughter, two rescue dogs, Sulcata tortoise, and two cats. When not writing, you may find her reading, painting, crafting, or chasing her daughter around the house while making monster noises.
Nichole is represented by Literary Agent, Rebecca Friedman of the RF Literary Agency. If you would like to ask about review copies of her books, public appearances, or Skype chats for a book club, please contact her publicist KP Simmon of InkSlingerPR.
Were I a public figure, I would probably look forward to and be leery of publicity. This sounds like a good series. Thanks for the excerpt and the chance to win.
Thank you so much! ~Jessica, InkSlinger PR
I would hate being in the public eye. This book sounds right up m alley!