Melissa Collins

Release Day Blitz – ONE: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES

September 1, 2015

We thrilled to share the release of ONE: An Exclusive Collection of EIGHTEEN Brand NEW Sexy One Night Changes Everything Stories!! Happy reading!

Blind Date by Emma Hart ~ Blind Dates are the work of the devil… especially when your date could be the devil. My name is Bee Donnelly,
and I’m a serial one-nighter. Carter Hughes is tonight’s Kryptonite.

Like Emma Hart on Facebook

One Night with Harrison by Heidi McLaughlin ~ Alicia Tucker has had her eyes set on Harrison James from the beginning and all she wants is one
night to prove she’s the one for him.

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A Vegas Love by Jillian Dodd ~ Boy (so freaking hot) meets girl. On that drunken night, they hook-up (twice), then decide to party in
Vegas, and end up getting married. Consummate said marriage (quite a few times)
then girl sneaks out in the morning.

Like Jillian Dodd on Facebook

Lucky by JM Darhower ~ One night. That’s all Maddalena Bazzoli has left before family duty kicks in. Tomorrow, she’ll be a committed woman, so
tonight? Tonight she’s getting lucky and throwing caution to the wind.

Like JM Darhower on Facebook

One Taste by LP Dover ~ All Luke wanted was one night with the girl he wanted, but didn’t deserve. When he finally gets her, one taste might
not be enough. Unfortunately, it’s all he’s going to get.

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Before the Wreckage by Melissa Collins ~ It’s been eighteen years since David Andrews has seen Grace McCann. One night she’s in his dream
and the next she’s in his reality.

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Hold It Against Me by Alivia Anders ~ Alyssa Grace is determined to settle an age-old score, one that Mason Weston will never forget.
They say the easier way to get something out of your system is to indulge in
the fantasy.

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Prelude by Anna Cruise ~ After a fight with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, the last thing Nash needs is a mysterious stranger
knocking on his door in the middle of the night. Because as beautiful as she is, their encounter will only be a prelude to much uglier things headed his
way.

Like Anna Cruise on Facebook

Thou Shall Not Fall in Love by AO Peart ~ What happens when a frustrated-with-her-love-life professional matchmaker meets a
committed-to-celibacy divorce attorney? An explosive and delicious mixture of wild sex and brazen humor neatly wrapped in a friends-with-benefits agreement.

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Quintessence by Cameo Renae ~ One night. One stolen moment. One complete stranger. One bite. That’s all it took to change Kate’s life forever.

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A Frigid Encounter by Jennifer Foor ~ A winter storm brings a woman and man together during dire circumstances.

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One Night Wife by Kelly Walker ~ Cole wants one night with a pretty face before he deploys with his unit in two days, but the last thing he
expects is for his childhood crush to open the door. With only one night to spend together, can they make up for a lifetime of missed opportunities?

Like Kelly Walker on Facebook

Only Once by Julia Crane ~ With only months to live, Meghan Clarke throws caution to the wind when she meets an arrogant stranger who makes
her feel more alive than she has in years.

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A Night Worth Dying For by Lizzy Ford ~ In a city at the mercy of a serial killer, Alicia Donovan takes a chance on a handsome stranger – and
will never be the same again. Erotic thriller.

Like Lizzy Ford on Facebook

Finding Skye by Morgan Black ~ Skye Kellan just wants a body to snuggle up against during the lonely nights that remind her of a dark past. One
night with a potential client, is exactly the release she needs. No nightmares
when you don’t sleep, right?

Like Morgan Black on Facebook

Shattering all the Rules by Savannah Rylan ~ A rare night off. A girls night out. When Simon meets Carolina, neither can deny themselves any
longer, and both decided it’s time to shatter all the rules.

Like Savannah Rylan on Facebook

Press Your Luck by SE Anderson ~ Marko Veltriv is used to getting what he wants, but there’s always been one thing he knows even he can’t
have. Coogan MacNeal is a stranger with a dangerous temptation–one night, indulging in his risky fantasy. How can Marko possibly resist?

Like SE Anderson on Facebook

Surprised by You by Steph Nuss ~ Tessa Wilder is in for a night of surprises when Justin Jameson offers her a ride home.

Like Steph Nuss on Facebook

AMAZON

Book Promo: LET LOVE LIVE by MELISSA COLLINS FREE

August 27, 2015

freeLLL

From August 26th to August 29th ONLY, fan-favorite Let Love Live by Melissa Collins will be FREE!

Get your copy today!

AMAZON

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SYNOPSIS:

Who would you become if you lost the only person who ever mattered?

For twenty-six year old Dylan Hopkins, the answer is easy. He’s become no one. Memories of the happier times are all he has left as he finds himself meandering numbly through his now dull life. Though he cares about his work and family dearly, he’s yet to let himself find love again. Afraid of letting go of what he once had, Dylan chooses to keep his heart buried, where it belongs, having died a long time ago.

Conner Michelson is about to change everything Dylan knows. He’s every bit the bad boy persona – tatted up, ex-MMA fighter, but after an injury leaves him unable to fight, he has to rethink his goals. Having just opened his own gym, Conner can cross his first major life accomplishment off his very short list. Next up: find a man he can settle down with and build a family. Seems simple enough – a dream most people have, but when he meets Dylan, his carefree, easy-going life is thrown into a tailspin.

Determined to keep Dylan in his life, Conner vows to resurrect Dylan’s long ago buried heart and let love live once more.

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Here’s what people had to say about Let Love Live:

“Let Love Live is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking tale of a man falling in love, losing love and finding it again.” -Christy

“What a story! I lived it, breathed it and completely fell in love with this book and this author. Melissa Collins has definitely gained a new fan because I am hooked!” -Jen

“Wow. A book hangover isn’t something that happens to me very often, even from my very favorite reads. But Melissa Collins gave me one hell of a hangover.” -Mo

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If you’d like to stay up to date on all things Melissa Collins, join her Facebook group or sign up for her newsletter.

Review: LET LOVE BE (Love #4) by Melissa Collins

September 15, 2014

Synopsis

What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?

For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.

Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in his life, he’s tired of being alone.

Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.

Prologue

The I-beam swings haphazardly in the clouds. Teetering and tottering in the crystal-blue sky, it’s the perfect juxtaposition of artificial and natural – steel illuminated by the sun. Over a ton of metal effortlessly cascades through the air on the whim of a crane. It almost looks like a graceful ballet dancer as it swirls and twists, dips and dives. It’s mesmerizing, actually.

And then disaster strikes.

A deafening crack of a snapped chain sounds through the once peaceful air. The lively chatter of construction workers and architects instantly morphs into chaotic screams. Everyone runs, seeking cover from the impending doom.

As the massive beam plummets to the ground, people scramble, frantically grabbing others along the way to pull them to safety. It all happens so quickly. In the blink of an eye, it seems as if everyone will escape unscathed.

Until they don’t.

The beam changes direction, up ending itself. Head architect, Jimmy Crane, exits the shell of the building. Hardhat on and earplugs in, he’s always one to follow procedure to make sure that his work site is safe. His eyes are pulled away from the clipboard of today’s itinerary as the shadow of a passing figure flashes before him.

His eyes are drawn skyward. The sun blinds him; his sunglasses are tucked into his front pocket rather than perched across his nose. He doesn’t have a second to process anything.

Crushed beneath the massive weight of the steel beam, the last thought that passes through the mind of Jimmy Crane, is of his wife, Lucy and his unborn daughter.

Lucy Crane is consumed with decorating the freshly painted nursery. If ever there was a woman more excited to meet her first child, well, Lucy’s jubilance would put her to shame. Purple frills and pink lace don every surface of the room. It’s a princess’ heaven and a mom-to-be’s dream come true.

Lucy sits on the floor, sorting through baby gifts from her shower last weekend. Holding a glittery onesie with an attached pink tutu up against her eight-and-a-half-month pregnant belly, she whispers quietly to her unborn daughter, “Maybe one day you’ll be a ballerina…Melody.” She tucks a piece of hair behind her ear and taps a finger against her lip as she contemplates one of her husband, Jimmy’s, top name choices. “Hmm, no that just doesn’t sound right.” Still going through baby names, Lucy and Jimmy haven’t been able to find one upon which they both agree.

Last night, as they lay in bed, they settled on a short list of names they each liked. Lucy was leaning toward more trendy names – Jessica, Ashley or Emily. Jimmy, on the other hand, wanted his daughter to have a less popular name; she was one of a kind, after all. Well, how could Lucy argue with that? From the moment she’d told her husband of less than a year that she was pregnant, he had absolutely radiated with love and joy. Conceding on his name preference was a small way that she could repay him for how he’s taken care of her through the entire pregnancy.

They’d been high school sweethearts, and in the seven years that they’d been together, they’d shared a lifetime’s worth of love. When Jimmy would place his lips up against Lucy’s swollen belly, and talk to their child, she could swear that her heart would burst at the overly full feeling of love.

On a mission to finish her sorting all of the baby clothes, Lucy snaps out of her happy musings of her husband and their baby. But when she comes across a purple sequined outfit, she can’t help put place it across her belly and talk to her daughter once more. “This is going to look absolutely perfect on you…Melanie.”

The name rolls off her tongue and sings to her heart. It was one of Jimmy’s first suggestions, liking “M” names more than any other. Lucy had originally dismissed it, but now, sitting quietly in her soon-to-be-born daughter’s room, the name seems to fit perfectly. Smiling broadly, she says the name once more, “Melanie.” Rubbing her belly, Lucy talks to the kicking baby who is rolling around inside of her. “Do you like that name, little Miss Melanie.” Another kick and roll. “Well then, we’ll just have to ask Daddy what he thinks when he gets home.” Another kick widens Lucy’s bright smile. “Okay now, Melly Belly.” Lucy chuckles softly at the ridiculous nickname she’s just given her daughter. A smile spreads across her face because she knows Jimmy will be pleased with her sudden turn around on his top name choice.

With numb and wobbly legs, Lucy stands to put the piles of clothes away when she hears a knock at the door. Checking her watch, she realizes that it’s past four in the afternoon. She’s been so lost in her baby daydreams she didn’t realize she hadn’t heard from Jimmy all day. Knowing that he is extremely busy trying to manage this massive project, she immediately dismisses her concerns. No phone calls during the day means that he is guaranteed to chew her ear off at dinner. The man loves his building, that’s for sure.

Brushing her hands over her trendy and modern dark-blue maternity shirt, Lucy flattens out the wrinkles that set in as she was draping onesie after onesie across her belly.

As she peeks through the curtain that hangs across the top window of the door, she smiles cheerfully at her husband’s best friend and co-owner of Crane Building Associates, Ray Richards.

“Hey, Ray. What’s going on?” Lucy steps to the side allowing Ray to enter into the small foyer. Closing the door behind him, she continues talking. “Jimmy isn’t home from work yet, but come on in. Can I get you a beer?” Lucy’s bright voice does nothing to lighten the darkness that is cast over Ray’s face.

Ray shakes his head, declining the beer. He looks into Lucy’s bright blue eyes, and says, “We need to talk, Lucy.” His voice is even and curt. Ignoring her stunned reaction to his cold demeanor, Ray walks past Lucy into the sunken den of his best friend’s new home – a home to which he’ll never return.

Ray sinks into the old, beat-up couch and memories flood his head and heart. This is the couch that they had in their first apartment. It was a rat-hole of a place, but somehow Ray and Jimmy managed to make it work. The couch is a hand-me-down from Jimmy’s parents and has survived remarkably well through their college years.

Burying his head into his hands, Ray can no longer contain the sobs that have been threatening to swallow him whole since he pulled in the freshly-paved driveway.

Lucy waddles over to the couch and, not-so-gracefully, lowers herself onto the cushions. Tenderly wrapping her arm around his broad shoulders, she says, “What’s wrong, Ray? I’m getting a little worried here.”

It’s not unusual for Ray to stop over, but usually Jimmy is there getting ready for a golf outing or a ball game. There’s something about this particular visit that just feels…wrong.

Her concern only makes him cry more. He’s crying for the loss of his best friend. He’s crying for Lucy, who he’s come to love as his own best friend through the years. He’s crying for the baby that Jimmy will never get to meet – for the baby that Lucy will now have to raise on her own.

Twisting in his seat, he faces Lucy and wipes the tears from his eyes. Lucy’s face pales as all of the blood rushes from it. She can tell that this is not a routine visit on Ray’s part.

“Lucy…” Ray’s words catch in his throat, stuck behind the ball of emotion that’s been lodged there since he witnessed his best friend being crushed by tons of steel.

Lucy covers her mouth with her hands, but her gasp is still audible. “No, no, no, no….” It’s the only syllable her brain can manage. She’s shaking her head wildly as if it will keep away the horrific news that is so clearly etched across Ray’s tanned and youthful face.

Ray wraps his arm around her slumped shoulders and pulls Lucy into a tight squeeze. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. There was an accident and…it’s Jimmy. He’s gone, Lucy.”

With those words, her world changes instantly. No longer able to contain her anguish, her chest heaves in sobs as tears pour from her eyes.

How? Why? What? All of these questions swarm her brain, but the bottom line is none of it matters. Bits of Ray’s strained explanation filter into her consciousness, but she can’t make any sense of it. Something about a beam, about being in the wrong place at the wrong time, about wanting to come here to tell her himself, about not wanting her to have to drive to the coroner’s office alone, it’s all a garbled mess, because none of it is important. The only meaningful piece of information is that Jimmy, her Jimmy, the love of her life, is gone.

Visions that she will never be able to erase start filling her mind. In a vain attempt to escape them, Lucy shoots up from the couch and begins frantically pacing the room. But she’s too weak to stand for long. As pain, anguish and loss eat her alive, she crumples to the floor and wraps her arms around her round belly. Again, the only words she can form are, “No, no, no…”

Unable to let her suffer alone, Ray moves next to her on the floor and pulls her into his arms. Cooing softly to her, he tries to calm her. It’s a vain attempt at peace that will never come.

It’s always been Jimmy. He was her first friend, her first love, and now he’s her first true loss.

Calling on an inner strength that she doesn’t truly feel, Lucy tries to stand, but her body rejects the attempt. All she can do is let the sadness swallow her whole, and hope that when it spits her back out, she’ll be alive and whole enough to take care of Melanie.

Ellen’s Review

Let Love Be was a fantastic surprise for me – a gorgeous, sexy, heartfelt story about two people who have suffered losses and endured heartbreak in their past. I absolutely fell in love with Evan and even Lucy a little bit and devoured is book! Melissa Collins is a new author to me and has now become a favorite.

I love books about people in their forties and this is what Let Love Be is all about (Evan is even a little but older). Lucy has a college-age daughter, lives alone and Evan was a NYC firefighter who is also painfully lonely. I have not read the previous books in this series, and I absolutely jumped right in without missing a beat. With that said, I plan to read this series because I LOVE this author’s writing!

Melissa Collins did a fantastic job in making me feel an emotional connection to her characters. I literally was holding my breath at certain parts of the book. The love scenes are incredibly hot and yes, breathtaking! There is no insta-love here and I love that the main characters are not only a bit older, but have regular jobs, normal loves and great friends.

I loved everything about this book. It is a good old-fashioned love story with a healthy dose of steam. Melissa Collins is incredibly talented and I highly recommend this book!

(*ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)

Buy Now

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About the Author

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

http://www.melissacollinsauthor.com

https://www.facebook.com/MelissaCollins.Author

Twitter: @mcollinsauthor

Hosted By:

RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: LET LOVE LIVE (LOVE #5) by MELISSA COLLINS

July 20, 2014

Let Love Live by Melissa Collins is now available!

Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a STANDALONE.

Who would you become if you lost the only person who ever mattered?

Determined to keep Dylan in his life, Conner vows to resurrect Dylan’s long ago buried heart and let love live once more.

Click below to read the prologue on Wattpad!

(Click here)

Let Love In (The Love Series #1) Currently FREE!!

What would happen if you lost everything? If the people who were

supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how

would your world change?

That’s exactly what happened to Madeleine Becker when her parents

died when she was ten years old. Ripped from her home and everything

that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again. The

only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep

everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can’t get hurt if she

doesn’t fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during

her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He

understands Maddy’s pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean

breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted

between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate

his world. Maddy’s inner strength, snarky personality and breath

taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they Let Love In.

** AMAZON ** NOOK**

Let Love Stay (The Love Series #2)

If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love.

But what happens when that honest and pure love isn’t enough to erase

your fears? What happens when your past rears its ugly head and

threatens your future?

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth

shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love. Then life happened. Old

wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped

opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are

not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light.

Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need

to heal on their own before they can ever be together again. They must

face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way

through this crazy uphill battle called love.

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay.

** AMAZON ** NOOK**

Let Love Heal (The Love Series #3)

**Let Love Heal can be read as part of the series or as a standalone**

Perfection. We all strive for it, but what happens when the desire to

be perfect consumes you? What happens when the need to bury your

mistakes blinds you?

Melanie Crane has always been the perfect daughter, friend, student –

she’s been perfect at everything, in fact. But when she lets her

insecurities, the ones that she keeps hidden from everyone, get the best

of her, she falters in her pursuit of perfection. Melanie crumples

under the pressure and buries her pain. Numbed by sadness and guilt,

she is determined never to let anyone find out how broken she really is.

Bryan Mahoney may appear to have everything in order. He’s

charming, witty and completely swoon-worthy. In short, Bryan has life

all figured out, but appearances can be deceiving. When the landscape

of Bryan’s family changes in an instant, he’s left to pick up the

pieces.

Not all bruises leave a mark. Now, weary and afraid, Melanie and

Bryan must find a way to let love heal their broken and jaded hearts.

** AMAZON ** NOOK**

Let Love Shine (Companion Novella)

**This is a 26K word novella (about 100 pages) with approximately

11k words in bonus materials from Let Love In and Let Love Stay. This

is NOT a standalone and should not be read if you have not read Let Love

In and Let Love Stay.**

Maddy and Reid have seen their fair share of trials and tribulations, of

love and loss. Facing down the biggest challenges of their young

lives, they managed to survive and endure. With the future stretching

out before them, they must learn to navigate new and unfamiliar paths.

Being new parents, starting new jobs, and continuing college is

enough to overwhelm any couple. New challenges come up daily, as do

small victories. Watch Maddy and Reid grow stronger together in this

“one year later” tale of the everyday stuff that happens in real life.

With a solid foundation of love under their inexperienced feet – and

with the help of their family and friends – Maddy and Reid learn how to

let love shine, lighting the way for a beautiful future to come.

** AMAZON ** NOOK**

Let Love Be (The Love Series #4)

***Though this is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

Unlike the previous books in the series, this is NOT a New Adult &

College Romance; this is a contemporary romance featuring characters who

are more mature / not in their twenties. It is a full length novel of

about 90K words / approx. 350 pages.***

What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?

For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband

is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only

one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a

mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave

home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love,

Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s

always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how

to embrace love once again.

Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from

the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate

New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die

hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind

him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in

his life, he’s tired of being alone.

Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.

** AMAZON ** NOOK**

Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let Love In by Melissa Collins

June 4, 2014

Let Love In is FREE!!!

Book One in The Love Series by Melissa Collins is currently free on all platforms!

Synopsis: What would happen if you lost everything? If the people who were supposed to love you unconditionally were no longer there for you, how would your world change?

Madeleine Becker lost everything when her parents died when she was ten years old. Ripped from her home and everything that she has ever loved, she is forced to start all over again. The only way for her to move on is to build walls around her heart and keep everyone at a safe distance. Her logic: she can’t get hurt if she doesn’t fall in love.

That theory is blown to pieces when she meets Reid Connely during her freshman year at college. He is gorgeous and darkly mysterious. He understands Maddy’s pain all too well, but sharing his pain would mean breaking down the walls he put up around his own heart. Conflicted between loving Maddy and hiding his dark past, Reid starts to reevaluate his world. Maddy’s inner strength, snarky personality and breath taking beauty help Reid to make peace with his past.

Together they find out what happens when they let love in.

Get it FREE: Amazon US | BN | Kobo | iTunes

About the Author

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.

Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.

Connect with Melissa: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Google +

hosted by The Hype PR

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Let Love Be (The Love Series Book 4) by Melissa Collins

March 11, 2014

Book Title: Let Love Be
Author: Melissa Collins
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date:April 7, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions

What would bring you happiness in a world that was suddenly empty?
For Lucy Crane, the answer is simple: her daughter. When her husband is killed in a tragic accident, Lucy loses her desire to live, but only one thing keeps her going – her unborn daughter. Focusing on being a mother helps Lucy cope with her loss, but kids grow up and they leave home, eventually. Eighteen years after losing her first and only love, Lucy is faced with the opportunity to find the happiness for which she’s always longed. Her own fears become her worst enemies as she learns how to embrace love once again.
Evan Donovan is also facing his own struggles. Forced to retire from the FDNY because of lung damage caused by 9/11, Evan moves to upstate New York where he hopes to find a little peace and quiet. Old habits die hard, and Evan’s hero complex and survivor’s guilt constantly remind him of how difficult it is to be vulnerable. But for the first time in his life, he’s tired of being alone.
Drawing strength from one another, Lucy and Evan discover how beautiful it is to let love be a part of their lives.

“Oh, I love this movie.” She settles on Forrest Gump as I grab my second slice.
“So, you already know about my history. What about you? Have you ever been married?” Forrest’s proposal to Jenny plays in the background.
“No. I mean, I’ve had a few relationships here and there, but work always got in the way. Staying single was somehow easier.”
“Same here. I mean, when Melanie was a kid, it was much easier to just focus on that part of my life.”
“Now?” I hazard a question that takes even me by surprise.
She puts her plate down on the coffee table and swallows back a large sip of water. “Now, I’m not so sure.”
Suddenly, my mind races with the possibilities of what her words mean. It’s crazy to think how just a few encounters with Lucy have made me re-evaluate my feelings. Obviously, she feels the same way. A calm and peaceful air falls on us as a small smile curls at my lips.
A comfortable silence fills the space as we watch the movie, recalling some memories when certain scenes come up.
Nothing prepares me for Lucy’s reaction when Jenny and Forrest get married and she tells him she’s sick. I try not to look at her, wanting to avoid making her feel like she’s in the spotlight or anything like that. I do notice a few stray tears streaking down her cheeks so I can only imagine what’s to come.
As we watch Forrest sitting beside Jenny’s grave, reading a letter from their son, Lucy reaches for a napkin. Clutching it to her chest, I can see her breathing rapidly. What were just a few tears earlier is now a steady stream. She doesn’t say anything, won’t even look at me, but I can’t watch her cry like this.
I shift on the small, overstuffed sofa and drape my arm around her. The top of her head fits perfectly into the crook of my shoulder. The scent of her hair takes over my senses; the sound of her softly sniffling through her tears tugs at my heart.
I alternate between squeezing her arm and tracing my fingers up over her shoulder. When she seems to have gathered her emotions, calming down a bit, my instincts take over and I act seemingly without thinking.
Or maybe I am thinking and I’m just afraid of what I’m thinking.
Gently pressing my lips to the top of her soft, brown hair feels like second nature. She tenses momentarily, and I realize I may have just overstepped my boundaries.
“Sorry about that.” I straighten in my seat and try to move my arm, but her fingers fall to my forearm. She looks up at me through long lashes with puffy, red eyes from crying.
“Don’t be.” Her voice is soft, angel-like. “It’s nice to be held.”
That piece of information prompts me to pull her even closer. “Well, I’m glad I could be of service.”
She laughs softly and then takes a deep breath before she shifts to move away from me, which just makes me pull her close once again. “Don’t,” planting another quick kiss to her head, “it’s nice to have someone to hold.”

Melissa Collins has always been a book worm. Studying Literature in college ensured that her nose was always stuck in a book. She followed her passion for reading to the most logical career choice: English teacher. Her hope was to share her passion for reading and the escapism of books to her students. Having spent more than a decade in front of a classroom, she can easily say that it’s been a dream.
Her passion for writing didn’t start until more recently. When she was home on maternity leave in early 2012, she read her first romance novel and her head filled with the passion, angst and laughter of the characters who she read about it. It wasn’t long before characters of her own took shape in her mind. Their lives took over Melissa’s brain and The Love Series was born.
Web – www.melissacollinsauthor.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/melissacollins.author
Twitter – @mcollinsauthor

Let Love Be

Let Love Shine

Let Love In

Let Love Stay

Let Love Heal

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Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Let Love Stay by Melissa Collins

June 15, 2013

Title: Let Love Stay (Book Two in The Love Series)
Author: Melissa Collins
Release Date: July 31, 2013
Cover design © Arijana Karčić, Cover It! Designs

Synopsis:

If you’re lucky, you’ll fall in love – truly, madly and deeply in love. But what happens when that honest and pure love isn’t enough to erase your fears? What happens when your past rears its ugly head and threatens your future?

Maddy and Reid had that kind of love – the all-encompassing, Earth shattering, once in a lifetime kind of love. Then life happened. Old wounds that were thought to be long healed and scabbed over are ripped opened and they are forced to face the possibility that, maybe, they are not strong enough to fight their demons and embrace the light.
Together, they found out what love is, but now they will each need to heal on their own before they can ever be together again. They must face their fears and beat down their pasts in order to find their way through this crazy uphill battle called love.

They’ve let love in, but now, they need to find out how to Let Love Stay.

Excerpt:

I get out of the truck and walk over towards the two of them. Maddy’s back is to me as I approach her and her date, so she doesn’t see me right away. But once the guy sees me, she spins around to look at what has caught his eye.

Her face is shocked and when our eyes lock, my heart skips a beat. There’s a pull between us. As much as I hate to admit it, she owns me. Her eyes are magical. They dance with light and passion and when she looks at me, they are filled with love.

The love and passion that are sparkling in her emerald green eyes evaporate when she realizes the scene that I’ve just stumbled upon. I can only imagine what’s going through her mind, but I’m sure the images of me kicking Logan’s ass are flashing vividly through her mind.
I’m no more than a few feet from them when the guy pushes Maddy behind him to protect her from what he perceives as a threat. He’s not very far from the truth, but she’s not the one who needs protecting.
Menacingly close now, he pipes up. “Who the fuck are you? What do you want?” Okay, I’ll give the prick a little bit of credit for trying to stand up to me, but he has no clue what he’s competing against here.
The caveman in me wants to deck this guy and drag Maddy into a bed – any bed – and claim her, repeatedly, until she understands that she’s mine and no one else’s. I’m going to do that anyway, but hopefully I can refrain from knocking this guy on his ass. I’d like to have the use of my hands tonight.

My eyes never leave Maddy’s, but my words are directed at him. “Me? I’m the boyfriend, asshole.” Maddy’s eyes widen slightly as I say “boyfriend.” Did she really think we ever broke up?

I avert my gaze from Maddy for a minute to stare this douchebag down.

“And who the fuck do you think you are?” He falters, not enough that most people would notice, but I’m in predator mode. I see his throat work hard to swallow past the newly formed fear. His pupils dilate slightly and the pulse beating in his neck picks up as adrenaline surges through him. If he thinks he’s going to win this battle, he is wrong – so fucking wrong.

He puffs out his chest as he says, “I’m Maddy’s date for tonight.” He snickers lightly as he says, “You know? She never mentioned a boyfriend when I asked her out. Must not be much of a boyfriend if she doesn’t even mention you.” He swells with pride at his snarky little quip. In the split second he looks away from me to gauge Maddy’s approval, I lay him flat on the ground as I drop my shoulder into his gut and take his legs out from underneath him with one of my own. I freaking love my takedown skills. I didn’t even have to bust up my hands. I’m definitely going to need them in a little bit.

I straddle over him and pull him up by the collar. “Whether she mentioned me or not, she’s mine, so lay the fuck off. Got it?”
Maddy still hasn’t said a word and I haven’t actually spoken directly to her. I’m pretty sure she understands my actions though.

Wordlessly, I reach my hand out to her. This is her chance. If she still wants me, then she’ll come with me. This is who I am, who I’ve always been. If she can’t understand that I love her, that I want her more than anything, then it’s not because I haven’t tried as hard as I possibly could to prove it to her.

Hand still outstretched, I look her directly in the eyes, as I try to convey everything that I’m thinking, that I’m feeling. In what feels like an act of God, she understands me and laces her hand in mine.

The cover for Let Love In has also been updated!

Author Bio:

I’ve always been an avid reader. Majoring in English Literature was a no brainer. Becoming a teacher and instilling my love for reading into my students was also a no brainer. I’ve spent the last ten years teaching and I’ve loved (mostly) every minute of it. When I was home on maternity leave for my third son, I discovered a new genre that sparked my creativity. My passion for writing sprang from my love of reading and once I knew I had a story to tell, I couldn’t wait to get it out there. I only hope that my readers enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Author Links:
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Release Day Blitz – ONE: A COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES

Book Promo: LET LOVE LIVE by MELISSA COLLINS FREE

Review: LET LOVE BE (Love #4) by Melissa Collins

RELEASE BLITZ & GIVEAWAY: LET LOVE LIVE (LOVE #5) by MELISSA COLLINS

Click below to read the prologue on Wattpad!

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Let Love In by Melissa Collins

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Let Love Be (The Love Series Book 4) by Melissa Collins

Cover Reveal and Excerpt: Let Love Stay by Melissa Collins

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