Hello, and welcome!
If you’ve found your way to this page, I’m guessing you love reading romance, or more specifically, Steamy & Erotic Romance. If you aren’t interested in sexy open door scenes, more than a little dirty bedroom talk, and other such shenanigans in your romance, please turn back now.
No, really. I mean that. This material is meant for adult audiences, and I have specifically marked my books as Erotic & Steamy to make sure nobody stumbles into the pages unprepared. Hey, I read everything from sweet to scorching hot romance, so I get it. Everybody has their comfort zone, and that amazing. Live it. Love it. Read what makes you happy.
The pages of my books are devoted to strong female leads, professional women, women who might be exploring their sexuality, looking for love, or acceptance, or any of those many other things that humans need. The ladies are imperfect beings, and I love to throw them into difficult situations and watch them grow.
My stories are free of cliffhanger endings. Some readers love them. Some readers hate them. Me? I’m all about the full novel in one book, a beautiful story arc, with a satisfying conclusion. So, my books have been arranged into a collection of similarly themed novels, each it’s own self-contained universe, following one couple to their happily-ever-after. They are numbered, more to keep track of the order they were written in, but as I release further novels, feel free to read them in any order. One story will never be dependent on another in order to understand and enjoy the read.
Below is a sampling of the first chapter. Please excuse any minor typos or errors, as Love Me, Ella is with my valued editorial team, being whipped into submission and subjected to proofreading at this very moment.
I ask a lot from my characters, and I hope you love them as much as I do. So without further ado, I introduce my first novel in the Love Me Collection, Love Me, Ella.
Love Me, Ella
No girlfriend. No desire for permanent attachment. Drew is the perfect partner for a one night fling with no strings.
Fresh out of a bad relationship, Ella is ready to blow off some steam. What she’s not ready for is another serious relationship. Not when her heart is still raw and battered from the last one. Especially not when she is about to launch her career in the pediatric department of a major hospital.
When she meets Drew at a local pub, she’s ready to break free of her inhibitions and invites the sexy man back to her place. He doesn’t disappoint, the heat between them burning into an inferno of passion. Everything seems perfect.
Perfect that is, until Ella arrives for her first day of residency, coming face to face with Dr. Drew Bellamy. Working with the man after the night they shared might put their professional lives, and Ella’s heart, in jeopardy.
Chapter 1
Applause thundered in Ella’s ears as she hugged Jess, relieved that their karaoke duet was over. She usually didn’t love being in the spotlight, but tonight was all about breaking out of the box. Freeing herself from the rut. Or so said Jess, her best friend and staunchest supporter.
Ella stepped from the stage, winding her way back to their table, acutely aware of the dark-haired hottie leaning against the bar.
“Go talk to him.” Jess nudged Ella with her elbow. “You can’t peel your eyes away.”
“I dunno.” She shrugged. “Maybe it’s too soon. It’s too soon, right?”
Jess waggled a hand at the server, motioning for another round of cocktails. “It’s never too soon. Remember, the best way to get over one man is—”
“Get under another one,” Ella said, wrinkling her nose. “Isn’t that just a clichè?”
“It’s always worked for me. Anyway, Jason’s already been on someone else, so what are you waiting for?”
“He wasn’t so much on her as she was on him.” She grimaced, wishing she could erase that awful, painful moment. The sight of the dark-haired, naked trollop moaning and grinding as she rode Jason’s cock was permanently scorched into her eyeballs.
She’d told the cheating bastard exactly what she thought of him. Her directions on where he could stuff his apologies and excuses were clear and unequivocal.
Jason hadn’t wasted any time in retaliating, waving the lease in her face, slapping a finger against the line bearing his scrawled signature. “My apartment. Mine!”
The next three days were a tearful blur of screaming recriminations, tossing items into boxes, and frantic phone calls. That she’d found an even remotely habitable apartment had been miraculous. The place wasn’t ideal in size or location, but she couldn’t afford to be choosy. That would only lead to endless months of couch surfing, or crowding into Jess’s already overcrowded apartment. Sure, she was sorry for the poor sucker who’d flunked out of his medical program and was desperate to get out of his lease, but one person’s misfortune was another person’s stroke of luck.
Cheating boyfriend aside, of course.
Anyway, she preferred to reframe it into more positive terms, otherwise she’d never drag herself out of bed in the morning. She wasn’t homeless. She’d matched to an incredible residency program. She’d learned that Jason was a cheating douchebag before she wasted another precious breath telling him she loved him.
Jess preened, sweeping her silky black locks over her slim shoulders. “Mister Hot Stuff is looking this way.”
“Maybe you should jump him.” Ella smiled her thanks as the server set another Cosmo in front of her. “You’re much hotter than I am. Why go for for my barely b’s when he could have the full d’s?” She glanced down, wishing she’d worn her push up bra as Jess had suggested.
“Uh-uh. That was a test. He’s definitely staring at you, not me. He’s smoking hot.”
Ella tipped her chin, letting her thick curtain of wavy hair obscure her face as she checked him out, practically melting when he winked at her. “Annnnnd he knows it.” Yet she couldn’t stop staring. His dark hair, blue eyes, and killer sexy scruff made him the total opposite of her blondish surfer ex-boyfriend. “Not sure he’s my type.”
“Ha.” Jess snickered. “That guy is everybody’s type. He’s perfect. No ring, and he has big hands.”
Ella shot a glance toward the bar.
“Made you look.” Jess giggled. “You know what they say about big hands, right?”
Ella rolled her eyes. “Big gloves?”
“Let’s banish those PG thoughts. Big hands, massive cock,” Jess said in a low voice. “All the better to bang the memory of that cheating asshole right out you, with the bonus of those incredible hands roaming all over your body. Maybe you’ll even get a proper night’s sleep before we start residency if you decompress.” Her brows rose. “Clearly, douchebag Jason wasn’t fulfilling his duty. Why not binge”—she fluttered her fingers—“on Mister Sexy?”
Ella lifted her shoulder. Sex with Jason, though exciting at first, had faded into a rather uninspiring routine. A picture of a woman’s wild curls flowing down her back as her hips circled formed in her mind, and she shuddered. “Maybe it’s just me. Jodie seemed to be enjoying her ride.”
“No. Just no.” Jess glared at her. “Don’t you dare blame yourself. He’s an undeserving dickwad fuckboy. And maybe our dark-haired stud over there isn’t perfect, but he’s perfect enough to rev up your mojo. You wore your sexiest, naughtiest bits, right?”
“Such as they are. I can’t afford much right now, with my student loan payments and moving expenses.” Ella tipped back the Cosmo, draining the last drop. Tall, dark, and sexy’s lips twitched as her empty glass thumped onto the table. “Maybe you have a point.”
“I absolutely do. When was the last time you enjoyed a little bump and grind?”
Ella drew her brows together, searching for the last time she’d been truly satisfied.
“That long?” Jess looked alarmed. “Yikes.”
The man at the bar looked in their direction, then turned away, motioning to the bartender.
“Not sure he’s interested,” Ella said with a sigh. “He’s probably got a girlfriend. Guys like that usually do. I bet she’s tall and blonde, with big boobs and a tiny waist. A swimsuit model.”
“Airbrushed! Every single one, no matter how gorgeous, they airbrush them into an unattainable perfection that a real woman could never attain, with or without surgery.”
Ella lifted a hand. “Okay, I give. But still, I call girlfriend.”
“Only one way to find out. Get off that fine ass and introduce yourself.”
“Don’t we have an early morning? What time are rounds? Six? Maybe I should skip it for tonight and go over my notes. Unpack some boxes.”
“Don’t even think about bailing.” Her friend tapped Ella’s wrist. “It’s one night. You never have to see the guy again, so get your freak on.”
“What if my freak scares him off?” Ella muttered, earning an exasperated look from her friend.
Moments later, the server set a fresh drink in front of Ella.
“What’s this?” Ella asked.
“Grey Goose martini. Someone thought you might like it.” The server jutted her chin toward the bar, and then continued to the next table, delivering more drinks.
Jess grinned. “He’s definitely interested.” She slid from the booth. “I’ll just go, but first, promise you won’t talk about that cheating douchebag. Guys never want to hear about the big, bad, ex. Ta!” As she walked away, she added a sway to her hips.
Ella frowned at her friend’s retreating back. Yes, maybe she needed to move on, but she wasn’t sure her battered, raw heart could take any more rejection. Too late, though, as Mister Sexy had almost reached the table.
Maybe she should just go with it. One night, no strings attached didn’t sound so bad. Especially with a guy who looked like he knew his way around a woman’s body.
“You were great up there.” He motioned to the stage, an adorable dimple appearing in his left cheek as he slid into the seat vacated by Jess.
“Thanks. When’s your turn?”
“Never?” His hearty laugh and the deep baritone of his voice sent a shiver down her spine. “I’m a horrendous singer. People pay me to not get on stage and torture the masses. Did you have fun?”
“Surprisingly, yes. I usually hate being the center of attention.” She traced a fingertip around the rim of her glass. “Did you send the martini?”
“You needed rescuing from nineties.” He winked.
“Don’t hate on my favorite cocktail. Cosmopolitans are classic.”
“If you say so.” His eyes sparkled, the broad grin disarming her completely. “If you don’t like the martini, I’ll make it up to you on the next round.” His brows rose as the server arrived with a glass of dark ale and another martini, setting them on the table.
“Ahhh, I see what you’re doing.” Ella wagged a finger at him, fighting a smile. “Settling in all comfortable. Plying me with martinis. Planning the next drink order. So, you plan on hanging around for a bit, huh?”
“I don’t want to interrupt your girls’ night or anything, but,” he said, sweeping his long fingers through jet-black hair, “I couldn’t keep my eyes off of you while you performed. I’m Drew.” He reached toward her.
“Ella,” she said, taking his hand, a shiver running through her as he raised her fingers to his mouth. The soft, gentle pressure of his full lips caused a frisson of desire in her belly.
Goosebumps popped up on her arms as he smiled and ran his thumb across her palm. She stared, transfixed when he didn’t let go.
Mmmm. His hands were rather large and wonderfully masculine, strong with tidy nails, not rough and calloused. Everything about this man spoke to a cushy office job, right his artfully messy hair to his dark-washed jeans and cobalt cashmere sweater.
Down girl. She blinked hard and took a sip of her martini, swallowing hard. “This is pretty good.”
“Glad you like it.”
“What are you drinking?”
“A Winter Ale. Want to try?” He slid his glass toward her.
She sipped, rolling the dark ale over her tongue. “I’m not much of a beer drinker, but that’s nice. Dark, spicy, with hint of orange.”
“Good palate,” he said, retrieving the glass.
She tilted her head, studying him as she said, “I don’t see a ring. You’re single, I hope, considering the blatant flirting.”
He chuckled. “Yup, completely unattached. You? Or do I need to ask?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, your interesting song choice. Such enthusiasm for the lyrics. That’s more than a little telling. You’re showing your vindictive side.”
“He doesn’t even have a car, but yeah, my boyfriend—ex-boyfriend—screwed some random chick in our bed.” No need to mention that the woman had served them dinner last Valentine’s Day. Jason had taken an extraordinary amount of time retrieving their coats that night, so maybe he’d started his affair with a coatroom quickie. “I’m allowed to be angry.”
“Yes, you are.” He nodded. “I’m sorry.”
“Are you? Why?”
“Nobody deserves that, Ella. When?” he asked softly.
She bowed her head. “A few days ago. I moved into my own place.” It’s really over. I’m single, and everyone in here sees it.
He slid a little closer. “Are you okay?”
“I will be,” she said, fighting the tremble in her voice. “It’s been done for a while, I think. It’s just hard to admit failure.” As she spoke, she knew these words to be true. Jason’s laissez-faire attitude had worn her down. They no longer fit, each venturing in opposite directions. “Is this a good time to say that I’m not looking for anything serious? Before you make a mad dash for the door to escape this sad and needy dumpee?”
He pressed her hand gently between both of his. “It’s his loss, not yours. Anyway, I’m not looking for anything long-term. It seems we’re on the same page.”
“Career stuff keeping you busy?”
He nodded. “Please don’t ask what I do.”
“Is it illegal? You’re not a hit man or something, are you?”
“I’m not dangerous, I promise.”
Ha. That dimple and those blue eyes were plenty dangerous. Between her legs, a delicious tingle blossomed, her panties dampening as he smiled.
“When I go out, it’s to blow off stress and have fun.”
“Makes sense.” Ella bit her lip. “Is that why you came over?”
Drew lifted one shoulder. “Is it wrong to show interest in a sexy, single woman?” His lips twitched. “You caught my attention the moment you came through that door. The attraction seems mutual. Am I wrong?”
She shook her head. “I’m not good at this.”
“This?”
“Flirting. Inviting men back to my place.” She sucked in her bottom lip, nibbling it as she peered at him from under lowered lids.
“Am I invited?” His eyes darkened. “Want to blow off a little stress?”
The tingle between her legs turned into an ache, and she itched to run her fingers though his perfectly imperfect hair. “My stress level is over the top.”
He moved closer, his rock-solid thigh pressing against hers. His warm breath wafted across her cheek as he whispered, “Mine too. Your place?”
She closed her eyes, picturing the piles of cardboard cartons and the half-made bed. “It’s a disaster. Boxes everywhere. The bed’s not even made.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said, “when the plan is to tangle up those sheets anyway.”
Ella contained the moan and shudder as she pictured this man naked and entangled in her rumpled bedding. If this man’s voice practically took her over the edge, how would it feel to be with him? To enjoy his touch, his kisses, the weight of his body on hers? To be held and wanted in a way she missed with overwhelming intensity?
Drew rose and held out his hand. “Ready?”
Ella grabbed her purse from the bench, and entwined her fingers with his, following him through the crowd and out the door.
Once on the street, he pulled her against him, wrapping his fingers in her hair and kissing her, long, deep, and slow.
Ella sighed, opening her mouth and welcoming his sweet tongue, enjoying his gentle touch as he caressed her cheek. No girlfriend. No desire for permanent attachment. The heat between them threatening to burst into a flaming inferno at any moment. She couldn’t wait to get him home … to be continued.
Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed this small sample of my upcoming novel, Love Me, Ella, which is slated to be released March 31, 2021. The first book in the Love Me Collection, this is an erotic romance, with plenty of open door steamy scenes, dirty bedroom talk, and plenty of romance.
Love Me, Ella is a full-length novel, intended for adult audiences. Join Ella and Drew as they search for their happily-ever-after.
Love Me, Ella
Love Me, Ella is available for presale on select booksellers worldwide.
Tessa DeVante writes Steamy & Erotic Romance. When she’s not getting her leading ladies into difficult situations or otherwise stirring up their lives, she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
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