Page 160 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

I had everything I’d never known to want.

“Thank you.” The words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them as I gazed at Jude.

He stopped singing and stared at me. “For what?”

“Giving me this…you…our daughter…for never giving up on me.”

“Oh, baby,” his eyes softened as he stalked towards me, “you don’t need to thank me for that.” He kissed me slowly and Juliette stirred in his arms. I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes, soaking in his warmth with a smile on my face.

Happiness came in many shapes and forms. This happened to be mine.

The End

Continue for an Excerpt from Tempting Rowan

Acknowledgements

Writing THE END on this book was an extremely bittersweet moment. I can’t believe the Trace + Olivia series is over. It’s been a crazy year thanks to these characters and I couldn’t ask for more. I’m beyond shocked by the amount of love and support these characters have received. I hate saying goodbye to them as much as you guys do. But no matter what, their stories will always be there for you to go back to.

A tremendous thanks goes out to the fans of this series. Without you it would have never done as well it has. Thank you for embracing a crazy, ketchup-loving, plaid shirt wearing, mechanic in Finding Olivia. Thank you for loving these characters as much as I do and wanting more. Thank you all for your support, words of encouragement, and love. I know all authors say this, but I truly feel like I have the best fans in the world.

Thank you to my BAFF’s Harper James and Regina Bartley for keeping me sane. (Okay, I’m probably not completely sane…so let’s go with mostly.) Thank you for staying up late and doing writing sprints with me, Regina. If it wasn’t for you this book wouldn’t be done yet.

Regina Wamba, you kicked cover design butt with this one. It’s stunning and exactly what I wanted. Your talent never ceases to amaze me and one of these days I swear I’m going to watch you in action.

A big thank you goes out to Chloe and Max for bringing Tatum and Jude to life. You both did AMAZING and I couldn’t ask for more.

Thank you to my beta readers, Haley, Becca, Kendall, Stefanie, and Heather. You’re words of encouragement have meant the world to me. Thank you for shaping Saving Tatum into the book it is today. I know it’s much better with all your help.

Becca deserves a special shout out for sending the gummy bear cake my way. As soon as you showed it to me I knew it would make the perfect apology cake. I also have to thank you for chatting with me late night during my many freak-outs and for your often hilarious beta reading comments. They always make me smile.

Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.

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I’m drowning in the numbness. It’s pulling me under and I can’t see the surface. It’s easier to pretend I can’t feel. And the longer you pretend, the easier it is to believe. But he wants to save me. Only he can’t. I have to save myself…and I don’t know if I want to.

Rowan Sinclair’s life has been anything but easy. With an alcoholic mother and a

sleazy stepfather, it’s been her responsibility to raise her younger siblings. At twenty-one she’s chained to a life she doesn’t want, but sees no other alternative. After all, what would happen to her brother and sister if she were to leave?

Trenton Wentworth sees the pain behind Rowan’s eyes. He wants nothing more than to make it disappear. To hold her. To love her. Except Rowan keeps everyone at a safe distance. But if there’s anyone that can break down the walls she’s built around herself, it’s Trent. So she avoids him at all costs. But Trent isn’t one to be easily evaded. He’s stubborn and determined. He’ll save this girl even if it costs him everything.

Love, lies, and deception.

That’s the name of the game when you’re Tempting Rowan.

Available Now for Kindle and Nook

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