We are thrilled to get to bring to you the Review & Excerpt Tour for New York Times Bestselling Author Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES, the first standalone novel in her new American Royalty Series! Be sure to check out all of the stops in this amazing tour and grab your copy of BEDMATES today!
From the New York Times 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.
Order BEDMATES in ebook or paperback, releasing 10/4/16
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.”
Review
I love the premise of Bedmates - the President's daughter and the VP's son. As someone with a degree in Political Science, I'm sure you understand how I would geek-out over this idea. But Bedmates is so much more than an interesting premise; it has heart, tragedy, selflessness; selfishness; political gaming; social consciousness, without being preachy; love; and an adorable dog. Also, references to Buffy - who doesn't love a book that references Buffy?! And it's so much better when it's discussing watching Buffy in the White House!
Maddie and Jake are, for the most part, hilarious together and a seemingly ideal couple. Jake's harbouring some secrets about his time as a soldier and the aftermath, but otherwise, they are funny and sweet together. Jake's Mom is a bitch and a thorn in their sides and Jake's little sister has some abandonment/jealousy issues about Maddie and Jake together, but otherwise, the families are supportive (I LOVE the President's conversations with Maddie about the two of them).
But the course of true love never did run smooth and obstacles abound for our young couple. I will admit to shedding a few tears reading Bedmates. Bedmates is a fast-paced, fun read that will hit you right *there*. Bravo Nichole Chase! I cannot wait to see what's in store for the First and Second families next!
Nichole Chase’s BEDMATES Review & Excerpt Tour Schedule:
September 26th
September 27th
September 28th
September 29th
September 30th
October 1st
October 2nd
October 3rd
October 4th
October 5th
October 6th
October 7th
October 8th
About Nichole Chase: 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.