ONE TO LEAVE (One to Hold, #5)
(Stuart & Mariska)
By Tia Louise
A New Adult Romance
Meet Stuart Knight Dec. 29, 2014. #SexyCowboy
Blurb
Some demons can’t be shaken off.
Some wounds won’t heal.
Until a pair of hazel eyes knocks you on your ass, and you realize it’s time to stop running.
A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Purchase the Book!
Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Nook | Google Play | ARe
Paperbacks on …
Review
I’m a huge fan of Tia Louise’s One to Hold series. All of her heroes and heroines are strong and resilient; they fight for what they want every step of the way, and they never allow anyone or anything to stand in their way. Derek and Melissa, Patrick and Elaine, and Slayde and Kenny have all had to work through their pasts and overcome present obstacles in order to be together, and they’ve all done it because they knew they didn’t have a choice – their lives are far better and mean more now that they’ve found their other half.
As much as I’ve loved every single one of the stories before One to Leave, I knew going in to Stuart Knight’s story that it was going to leave a mark on me more than the others have. There’s something about the Wounded Warrior or Captain Asshat as he’s so endearingly called that made me want to wrap my arms around him and never let him go since his scene with Kenny in One to Love.
Stuart’s this tough, controlled man who right now has no control over his life because his addiction and his memories have commanded his every move. He’s lost his honor and his self respect, but he refuses to be another casualty of war, so he’s doing what he needs to do to get back to the desert and redeem himself in the eyes of his country and himself. Stuart’s life has always centered around his duty to his country, leaving him little time for anything else, especially love. He has always set a clear path in his life – one that focuses on being a Marine and defending the helpless. But at this time, Stuart is the one in need of assistance, but he has to be willing to accept the help and admit he has a problem, which isn’t easy for this independent solider.
Mariska Heron felt an undeniable connection to Stuart in their one brief encounter; in fact, she felt so strongly about her need to help him that she hops on a plane and heads into a situation that she knows nothing about. Even when it seems Stuart’s path is not headed towards her, Mariska can’t help but want to be near him and ease his pain. She’s a calming presence to Stuart, and he finds that he’s just as desperate to be near the light that she exudes regardless of his claim of having no room for love.
But in order for Stuart to realize that it’s okay to change paths and try something new, he’s going to have to face the darkness that surrounds him and find a way through it without feeling like he is less a man because he can no longer be the solider he once was. The fight on the battlefield may be where he wants to be, but the fight for his life, his sanity, and his self worth is a hell of a lot more important; he just has to be willing to let other people in and see that a woman can be an asset instead of a liability.
Stuart and Mariska’s attraction may have been instantaneous, but in order for anything to develop beyond a physical relationship, they’re both going to have to fight against every preconceived notion that Stuart has had in terms of what it means to be a man. It’s not going to be a battle easily won, but it’s clear that Mariska wants to be claimed by Stuart, so she’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen – even if it means walking away and giving him the opportunity to decide which battle he’s willing to fight for.
I absolutely adored One to Leave. I’ll admit, though, in the beginning of the story, I was cursing Tia Louise out a bit with Stuart’s interaction with Nikki, but Tia quickly put my fears at bay. For as much of an ass Stuart is, Tia provides the insights readers need to understand his attitude and his single minded objective. He’s an honorable man and that is clearly shown throughout the course of the text. I loved Mariska. She’s such a kind hearted soul who tries to see the best in everyone. She’s feisty and spirited and she takes risks and lets her heart lead her. She’s exactly what Stuart needs and deep down he knows that and that’s exactly why she scares the hell out of him.
Tia Louise’s One to Hold series just keeps getting better and better, which is exactly what I would expect to occur as she delves deeper into her characters’ psyches and shapes and molds her characters into revealing who they truly are. There’s still a lot more of these characters’ stories to tell and I can’t wait to see where Tia takes them as the series continues.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 poison apples
Exclusive Excerpt
One to Leave
By Tia Louise
© TLM Productions, 2014
Mariska
“Take off your top.” He gave the low order, and I obeyed it. My top was off in an instant, and I stood before him in only my bra and panties.
“Braid your hair.”
Blinking, I wasn’t sure where this was going, but I pulled the length over my shoulder and without breaking our intense eye contact, I started weaving my wavy locks into a thick rope over my shoulder.
“Bra.” I reached around and unfastened it. The straps tickled my hypersensitive skin as they fell down my arms. The entire garment fluttered to the floor, and his eyes broke from mine to study my body. I couldn’t breathe.
Reaching out, he cupped the bottom of my breast and slid his thumb across a tightening nipple. The rough touch of his palm against my delicate skin, the circling of his thumb around my straining buds. Hungry eyes darkened as he watched my body respond to him. Heat pulsed deep between my thighs. My breath hitched then became shallow and fast. I had no idea what he’d do next. I didn’t expect him to turn and go to the bed.
He climbed onto it and leaned against the headboard, eyes fixed on mine. I wanted to look down, to gaze at all of him, but I couldn’t.
“Remove your panties.” His voice had changed, but it still commanded. I only hesitated a moment before catching the thin sides around my thumbs and pushing them down. Standing before him completely nude, I couldn’t stop a shiver. My arms crossed over my stomach, and I tried to cover myself.
“Stop.” He spoke sharply. “Don’t cover yourself.” His eyes raked over me in a look so predatory I felt it on my skin.
I looked at him as well. His powerful, lined body was tense, ready, and his erection rose up his belly. Thick and long, I shivered at the size of it. Nothing like that had ever been inside me, still I ached for it.
“Come to me.” It was a lusty whisper speaking words I’d longed to hear since before I’d flown across the country. I crawled up the bed, but just as I reached his waist, he stopped me. “Do you want this?”
“Yes.” My voice was only a little shaky.
“I want be inside you, but first I want to be in your mouth.”
Moisture pooled between my thighs. I’d never been with a man who made demands, who told me exactly what he wanted and expected me to deliver, but it only intensified my feelings for him.
I leaned down to follow instructions, but he stopped me. “I want to taste you as well. I want to hear you come before I sink between your thighs.”
My brow must have lined because the slightest grin softened his stern face. He pulled me against his chest, and warm breath drifted across my cheek as he spoke to me.
“Beautiful Mariska.” Hands in my hair, he consumed my mouth.
A moan ached from my chest and was lost in him. Strong fingers tightened against my skull, holding me forcefully, taking no prisoners. I moaned again as he pulled my lip between his teeth before pillaging my mouth once more. I held his wrists, my head light.
In that moment, he pushed me back against the bed. Stunned, my eyes blinked open, and I tried to get my bearings. It was all happening so fast. He sat back on his heels and gripped my thighs, pulling my hips to his mouth. He gave me one slow, lingering look before licking his tongue from the top of my clit all the way down to my opening, wet and throbbing.
“Oh, god! Stuart!” I cried, flexing my ass in his hands. I was so close, I would come for him fast.
He didn’t stop, tracing his tongue back again and slowly circling that small, powerful bud. I whimpered as he repeated the figure eight pattern, circling and sucking until I saw stars.
Readers are saying…
“FIVE STARS: I swear Tia’s writing gets hotter and hotter, and some of the scenes (*phew*) were extremely spicy.” –Jezabell Girl Reviews
“If you’re looking for a super sexy cowboy-with-a-past to fall in love with One to Leave is definitely the book to pick up!” –Reading Past My Bedtime Reviews
“The story develops with a high level of anticipation and constant anger simmering just under the surface. And the craving…” –Anna K, Goodreads
Books by Tia Louise
One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013
One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014
One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014
One to Leave (Stuart & Mariska), Dec. 29, 2014
SIGNED COPIES: http://smarturl.it/SignedPBs
About the Author
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire all of her stories… wink)—turned wife, mommy, and novelist.
She lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations~
It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction.
Connect with Tia
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram: @AuthorTLouise | Tsu.com
Sign up for Tia’s Book News: http://eepurl.com/Lcmv1
Get Exclusive Sale and New Release text alerts straight to your device: Text “TiaLouise” to 77948*
*Max 6 messages per month; HELP for help; STOP to cancel; Text and Data rates may apply. Privacy policy available, allnightreads@gmail.com.
Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Fairest Of All Book Reviews 