We are SUPER EXCITED to bring you the exclusive cover reveal for Nicola Haken’s new book, coming March 14th. This cover speaks so much to the heart of this book. The cover artist, the amazing Reese Dante, did an amazing job on this cover. So, page down, check out the synopsis, excerpt, teasers, and of course, the cover. There is a giveaway with this, too, so don’t forget to enter! Thank you to the awesome Nicola for everything!
When Theodore Davenport decides to switch his mundane job for a career, he walks into Holden House Publishing with enthusiasm and determination to succeed. As he settles into his new role, makes new friends, and dreams of making it to the top, everything is going to plan.
Until he meets James Holden, CEO of Holden House.
James Holden hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his encounter with the timid man he met in a club bathroom last week, and when he discovers the one haunting his dreams is an employee, he can’t seem to stop himself from pursuing him.
Just a little fun – that’s what James tells himself. He can’t afford to care for someone who can never reciprocate, not once they find out who he really is. James believes nobody deserves the burden of being attached to him. He’s a complicated man. Damaged. Difficult. Demanding.
Broken.
Is Theodore strong enough to confront James’ demons? More importantly, is James?
(M/M romance. Not suitable for readers under 18 years of age due to language and sexual content. ***Please note*** This book contains scenes of self harm, mental illness and suicidal ideation which may pose as a trigger, or be uncomfortable for some readers.)
My eyes are still closed when I wake up again. I’m in a hospital. I can smell it. What the fuck have I done this time? I tell my eyes to open but only manage a small flicker. My mouth is dry, my mind foggy, and I know instantly that I’ve been sedated. The knowledge forces a groan to trickle from my throat and within seconds I’m being poked and prodded.
“Welcome back, Mr Holden,” I hear, presumably from a doctor.
Patronising bastard.
“Can you open your eyes for me?”
I’m trying, dick. Breathing heavily through my nose, I concentrate. With each flicker they open a little wider, making me squint as the harsh, artificial light pierces my pupils. Blinking rapidly, I see four figures surrounding me, their faces a little hazy. I can make out the blue scrubs well enough to know that three of them are medical professionals, but the fourth…
Fuck.
The fourth is Theodore.
“Can you tell me your name?”
Here we go. I’m frustrated but I know the drill. If I don’t answer they’ll just keep me here longer. “James Holden.”
“Third of April, 1984.”
“Ah, happy birthday.”
Oh, fuck off. “Is it?”
“Who’s the prime minister?”
“David Cameron.”
“And what year are we in?”
“2015.”
I almost forget Theodore is here until he takes a step towards me. “Get him out of here,” I say, too disgusted with myself to look at him.
“You’re going to need somebody to accompany you home once you’ve been assessed,” the doctor informs me.
“Assessed for what?” Theodore asks, his voice low, timid.
“I said I want him out of here!” I demand. I don’t want him to see me like this. It will be all over Holden House by Monday morning. “Get my brother. His number’s in my phone.”
“I’m sorry, sir, we didn’t find a phone on you when you were brought in.”
Shit. I hear a woman’s voice telling Theodore he needs to leave but I raise my hand. “Wait. Theodore, give me your mobile.”
I can see him clearly now but I refuse to look into his eyes. He steps as close as he needs to, leaving a generous space between us, and hands me his phone. I tap Max’s number into it and pass it back. “Call him,” I say. “And then leave.” My tone is clipped. I’m ashamed, and I want him gone.
I don’t watch as he walks out. I can’t. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at him again. Instead, I close my eyes and continue to answer more inane questions while I wait for my psyche eval.
Jessica Lynn says
This cover is amazing and beautiful!!! The book sounds so good and I can’t wait! After reading the excerpt my heart is breaking and I can’t wait to read this book even more!!
Tyler Lenhardt says
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