A guy walks into a bar…

And finds the sweet girl he shouldn’t have left behind.

While book smart Candy Dillon went to college and embarked on an engineering career, Jeremiah Lange became a rodeo champion and country music icon. Their differences have kept these childhood friends apart until finally, the twists and turns in their individual paths lead them right back where they belong.

All work and no play has Candy aching for a thrill. Jeremiah is the perfect man to help check a few things off her bucket list. From bungee jumping to making out on a Ferris wheel and an emotional spin beneath bright spotlights, Candy’s having the time of her life.

But in the harsh light of the morning after can she really hold on to a shooting star?

 

Unruly black hair had been tamed to silky waves above big blue eyes she’d gladly drown in. His face was rough-hewn with sharp angles, and a rugged beard shadow softened the intensity of his square jaw. He’d grown into that coltish boy’s body and then some. Broad chest, powerful arms roped with corded muscles, lean hips….

Calloused fingers grazed her cheek, drawing her focus back to his smiling eyes.

“Of all the gin joints….” he prompted, beginning a familiar greeting they’d shared a million times over while growing up.

She grinned up at him. “In all the towns, in all the world….”

“She walks into mine.” He finished the famous movie line, cupping her cheek, his thumb repeatedly gliding along her bottom lip. “I can’t believe it’s you. What are you doing here?”

“At the hotel? Guest speaker at a conference. In San Antonio? I moved back to be closer to my mom. Dad—”

Her voice choked up, unable to say the words. It had only been three months since her father’s fatal heart attack. The wounds were still raw.

Strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her in to that incredible body, one hand holding her head cushioned against a delicious chest she wanted to lick, the other rubbing soothing circles over her back. He smelled good—sandalwood and leather.

“I heard about your dad.” His voice rumbled through his chest and into her, Candy eagerly soaked in the delicious vibration. “I’m so sorry.”

In his arms, she felt safe and loved, never wanting to leave. All too soon, he broke the embrace and stepped back. “Come on, grab your drink. Let’s find a table and catch up.”

With a nod, she turned back to the bar, got another glass and a bottle of the chocolate wine nestled in an ice bucket from the crestfallen Luke. She gathered her belongings and followed Jeremiah to a small table at the back of the bar.

Once they’d settled into seats, she turned his question back on him. “So what are you doing here?”

“Had a bad injury last year and can’t compete on the circuit anymore. Got tired of constantly being on the road with the band.” He shrugged. “So here I am, spinning my wheels while I wait to close on a ranch in the Hill Country.”

She’d known about the injury. It had been all over the news. That damn ornery bull’s horn had come disturbingly close to gelding Jeremiah. But the band? She hadn’t heard about him leaving Branded.

“A ranch? Wow! I thought you never wanted to be tied to one place?”

“I grew up. Had to happen sooner or later.” Shifting his chair closer, he reached out and placed his hand over hers on the table that suddenly seemed a lot smaller. He made a blatant point of checking her out, head to toe, a lascivious smile curving his lips. “You’ve certainly grown up.”

Review Companies

RomFan Reviews

Another hit by Nicole Austin that will have you wanting more! (full review)

You Gotta Read Reviews

Jeremiah is everything that a woman could fantasize about. He is a rodeo hero, a country music singer, and a hot piece of man flesh. But Candy doesn't love him for any of those reasons. She fel... (full review)

MR Review
Rating:
Reviewer: Sabine
Review:

Sugar Girl by Nicole Austin is short but sweet with enough heat thrown in to make you want to go on the Ferris wheel and spend a night in the Menger Hotel with your own hot stud!

I loved this story which is part of the Naughty Sleepover series. I think I am reading them backwards because Luke the handsome bartender makes a disappointingly short appearance and in the last book I read, he got taken by a lovely Rita Hayworth, and that one is worth reading as well!!

Candy Dillon used to know the child Jeremiah Lange. She doesn’t know the adult but boy would she like to. He left town and went on to become a famous bull rider and singer songwriter. Is he back for good or will he take off again and leave her behind for the bright lights that beckon?

Candy’s dad died a while ago, but with his death and the sudden reappearance of Jeremiah she decides she wants to live for the moment and do some very crazy things before reality settles in and she goes back to her normal life, the life that killed her dad.

Jeremiah literally takes the bull by the horns and takes Candy on a wild ride and shows her how to live in the moment and enjoy. Candy cannot believe the adult Jeremiah. He is a sexy hunk of goodness and she wants to do much more than lick him all over. Jeremiah has few regrets in life, but one is that he left Candy behind. Now he has a chance to get her back and he wants to make sure she stays! Will she be there in the morning or will he be the one left alone?

I love stories where the characters once knew each other but moved a way, grew up, changed and then came back to reclaim what they wanted. This was a short read but it was well worth it. Candy had some doubts after romping around with Jeremiah. He said the hotel was haunted and maybe the hotel’s ghosts played their part in getting these two lovebirds together! Will everything be rosy in the morning or will Candy go back to her normal dreary life? Grab a copy to find out! I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!  

 

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