Accidental Groom: A sizzling, sexy contemporary romance novel

Book 1: Accidental Love

by Dana Mason

Genres: Romance; Action & Adventure Romance; Contemporary Romance; American Romance; Sports Romance; Second Chance Romance; action adventure romance; steamy romance; coffeeshop romance; DJ Romance; accidental marriage; instant connection; standalone romance series; fling romance

Synopsis

“Out-of-this-world amazing.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was absolutely hooked.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“SEXY!!!... I'm obsessed.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I just loved everything about this book.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bad boy. Player. Commitment-phobe. Husband?

I'm Mac.
But you already know that, right?
You probably recognize my voice...
I'm the radio host with a f***-me-now baritone who sends a shiver down your spine when you sip your morning coffee – along with the rest of Sacramento's female population.
If there's one other thing you should know about me, it's that I'm a lone wolf.
Hell yeah, I get my fair share of the ladies. Plural.
But I've never been a one-woman man.
Not since my last screwed-up relationship.
Not since the drama, the guilt, that has haunted me ever since.
These days, there's only so much hurt I'm willing to give or take.
On the outside, I might seem perfect: blue eyes, built, a brave, alpha attitude.
But every day is another battle with my demons. A struggle to stay afloat.
And yeah, that fight's a whole lot safer on my own. For everyone.

But then I saw Kelley. She was alone, crying at the bus-stop.
From that moment, I knew she needed me.
I knew I needed her.
Full, sexy lips. Long chestnut hair. A dancer's body.
She's a work of art.
Next thing, our clothes are lying in a heap around us.
She's moaning in my arms.
She's screaming my name.
She's shivering in pleasure.
Before I know it, we're waking up naked. Except on my left-hand is a shiny, gold ring.
Kelley's not just a hot-as-hell one-night stand.
She's my wife.

I can't deny that I'm glad she's mine.
But I'm not husband material.
Knowing my track record, I'm bound to screw things up.
What's worse... It turns out there's something she's not telling me.
She's battling her own heartbreak and tragedy seems to follow her around.
Her walls are up, and it's going to be one hell of a challenge to crash them down.
The odds are well and truly stacked against us.
So this thing can't last, can it? Even if I want it to...

This is a full-length, standalone romance with some hot-under-the-collar action, no cheating, and a guaranteed HEA. For fans of R.S Grey, Whitney G. and Vi Keeland, Accidental Groom features a sexy AF alpha and a steamy will-they-won't-they love story that will have you completely hooked.

Readers absolutely LOVE Accidental Groom:
“Sizzler Alert is right on this book! What a great story! I was immediately drawn in... I couldn't read fast enough.” Goodreads Reviewer

“Their relationship is everything and I'm obsessed. You will be sucked in from the very beginning. I promise you will love it.” Goodreads Reviewer

“OMG! I loved all the strong raw emotions... It's a book I read in one day. Beautiful.” B for Bookreview, 5 stars

“I was hooked from the start. I love, love, love the chemistry between Mac and Kelley. Their relationship is oh-so-beautiful and got me hooked and invested with every page.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I LOVED this book with all of my being... Sexy, intense, real and addicting characters... I wasn't expecting to feel so many feels, but I don't regret it for a second.” Heather Van Fleet, 5 stars

“Honestly, I just loved everything about this book. If I pointed out everything I adored, we'd still be here in 2025... It'll have you laughing, crying, and feeling all of the feels!” Goodreads Reviewer

“Off the charts!” Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews

“Amazing... Mac, he is just so dreamy.” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

“This book has got it all. Drama, angst, a real, honest love story... You will not want to put it down... Dana Mason writes a darn good book!” NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

“Let me tell you, this author has the skill set of a flippin' pro... It is everything and beyond... Spectacular.” Reviews from the Heart, 5 stars

Release date: April 2, 2019

Publisher: Bookouture

Print pages: 286

Content advisory: This book has instalove.

Sample

Leaving the casino, I nudge Mac to stop at one of the gift shops. I’m worried about waking up with a headache from the cheap whiskey so I want to grab some painkillers just in case. Mac grabs beef jerky and a deck of playing cards and then checks out.

On our way to the elevator, we pass a group of showgirls dressed in full costume. With magenta feathers flowing down their backs, spiked silver stilettos on their feet, and top hats decorated with silver rhinestones, they walk toward the ballroom as if they were dressed in business suits heading to the boardroom. Mac discreetly points to them and whispers, “If the teaching gig doesn’t work out, you can always get a job here.”

Feeling the alcohol, I giggle like a schoolgirl and pirouette into the open elevator. After my third spin, Mac catches me around the waist and pulls me against him. “That was pretty good.” His voice is husky, deeper than usual, and the intense heat between us sobers me.

I rest my hands on his firm shoulders and nearly stutter my response. “Th-thank you.”

He slowly releases me as his eyes slide to my lips. “Do you miss it?”

I tug on my dress nervously as I lean against the elevator wall. Mac props himself against the wall too with his long legs stretched out in front of him. He’s lean and tall and staring at him brings heat to my face. “Yeah, I do.” I avert my eyes at the admission and say, “I miss the shows and the audience… and my dance friends… but I still dance. I just do it in the privacy of the studio.”

“Maybe you’ll let me watch you sometime.”

“Sure, yeah, that would be nice.”

We both go quiet and a second later, the doors open to our floor. I’m fidgety as I walk next to him, even though I’m trying to be calm. I’m not sure what’s going to happen once we reach the room. I know what I want to happen, but I also don’t want Mac to have the wrong impression of me.

I’m just so incredibly attracted to him, and I’m not sure I want to be the good girl this weekend. Besides, where has that ever gotten me? I’ve always tried to be good, always tried to do the right thing. And that’s only left me with a broken heart. At this point, I feel like, if I’m getting my heart broken, I need to make it worth it. I want to make sure that when I leave, I won’t have any regrets. I’ll have had fun, I’ll have met a really great guy who I’m sure isn’t interested in anything more than a good time, and then I’ll walk away. That’s how I want this to play out.

My stomach is fluttering like crazy, and I wonder what Mac’s thinking. I glance at him, and I see the heat in his eyes. I can’t miss it because he’s staring at me. When we enter the room, I walk in hesitantly. I’m nervous, and I look over at Mac, wondering how he’s feeling. He’s so well put together. I bet he never even sweats. He’s smooth and confident, and I admire that. I wish I could be more like that. I lean against the bar and stare back at him. We hold each other’s gaze for a long moment before he looks away. That’s a tell, and now I’m sure he’s going to keep his distance. I can see why Mac plays the slot machines in the casino instead of the tables. He can’t hide his thoughts well enough to win at the table games. He’s probably going to be a perfect gentleman because he thinks he’ll scare me away, which I appreciate, but tonight, for once, I want to emerge from my good girl shell and have a little fun.

“The minibar is covered if you want a drink. It’s a package deal for working the gig. Help yourself to whatever you want.”

“Are you serious? They really cover the minibar charges?”

“Yep. That’s how these things work.”

“Okay.” I raise a single brow and say, “Would you like a drink?”

He looks at me intently and shakes his head. “No. But you go ahead.”

I open the bar and inspect my choices. They actually have beer, and as soon as I see the bottles, that’s all I want. I pull out a Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and grab the provided bottle opener to crack it open. I take a few sips and look over at Mac. He’s watching me with a strange expression, and I’m not sure what to think. He almost looks envious, but that doesn’t make any sense.

With my beer in hand, I walk to the window and look out. It’s almost midnight and the main strip is lit up like Christmas with the other hotels’ colorful neon lights. To the left, it’s mostly darkness from the area terrain and Nevada hills.

When I turn and find Mac standing behind me, I watch him for a moment and then say, “I hope you’re not afraid of me.” Just saying those words sends my stomach into a dive. I’m not sure where my sudden bravado is coming from.

“Afraid of you?” he whispers.

“Yeah, like… afraid of offending me or afraid you’ll push me too far or maybe afraid it’s too soon. And, you know, maybe it is… but maybe I don’t care.”

He watches me as if trying to decide what to do next. Then he says, “I like you, and maybe I am afraid I’ll scare you away… but I don’t have the option of not caring. I’m not allowed to cross that line.” He shakes his head. “What I mean is, I don’t want to cross the line and screw this up. So… you just need to be honest and stop me if I do push too hard… or too far.”

“I can do that,” I whisper.

Our eyes are locked and after a long moment, he says, “Know how to play poker?”

I watch as he turns his back on me and I’m totally confused. Does he want to return to the casino? “I know how to play poker. Why?”

He removes the deck of cards from the gift shop bag. “Care for a game?”

I smirk at him and say, “What are the stakes?”

He pulls out a chair at the breakfast table and opens the pack of cards. I’m feeling a bit nervous about it because I’m not an experienced poker player, but I also know he has trouble hiding his feelings and that could play in my favor.

“Hm…” He cocks an eyebrow as he shuffles the cards. “Would clothes be taking it too far?”

“Oh… ah.” My brain freezes as I realize I’ve misjudged him. He has no problem putting it all out there… or with me putting it all out there. “Clothes… as in, lose a hand, lose an article of clothing?”

“Yup.” His eyes travel from my feet to my eyes, and he’s grinning wide.

“You do realize I only have three articles of clothing on, right?” I’m trying not to laugh at the expression on his face.

“Hm…” he says again, assessing my summer dress. “Okay, let’s make it fair.” He stands and kicks off his shoes and socks, then he removes his belt. “Now we both have only three articles of clothing on. Fair?”

A gentleman to a fault. I can’t help but laugh, but I agree. “Let’s do it.”

“Five card draw, jokers wild, okay with you?”

“Yeah, umhum, that’s fine with me.” I’m trying not to stutter as I agree. I pull out a chair and take a seat across from him. “So…” I say. “Ante up?”

“No, babe, you can keep your clothes on until you lose a hand.”

“Oh, okay. I’ve never actually played strip poker before.”

He deals a hand and I’m fighting with everything I have not to laugh. I can’t believe I’m in Reno playing strip poker with a hot DJ. I glance at him and he’s grinning ear to ear too. I’m hoping it’s not because he has a great poker hand.

I glance at my cards and realize I have two pair, aces high. I hold my smile and glance at him. He’s staring at his hand and it’s as if I can see the thoughts processing in his head.

“Do you need a card?” he finally asks.

I lay down a card and say, “I’ll take one.”

He slides a card across the table and I can see he’s trying to keep his eyes down. I wonder what that could mean. I pick up the card but it’s no help to my hand. I watch as he replaces two of his cards and when he does, the smile returns to his face.

Once his cards are in place, he looks up at me and winks. What the hell does that mean? I gesture to him and say, “So, now what? Do we just lay down our hands?”

His smile widens and he says, “Are you calling me?”

“Ah, yes, I’m calling you.”

Mac lays his hand down, face up. He has a full house.

“Holy shit, I’m going to lose,” I mutter.

He chuckles and says, “Do I get to pick what you take off?”

I glance up to see a sultry expression. Testing the waters, I say, “What would you pick if it was your choice?”

His eyes travel downward and my heart is fluttering like crazy. I’ve never done this before. It’s crazy, but damn, I’m enjoying myself.

Mac purses his lips and says, “I’d pick the dress, of course.”

“Of course.” I lay down my two pair. “Two pair. Did you actually shuffle those cards?”

He collects the cards and slides them across the table. “You can deal the next hand.”

“Dammit.” I stand and lean against the table for a moment, trying to figure out how to start.

Dress? No. Panties? I can slide them off and keep the dress on. “Screw it,” I say as I tug the dress off and pull it over my head.

Mac’s grin falters a little and he shifts in his seat. Good. I hope he has to bear a raging hard-on for the next several hands. I glance down at myself, thanking god I wore beautiful, matching nude lace under my dress. The only problem with nude underwear is that now I look completely naked.

“Bold move,” he says. “I admire your spirit.”

I start shuffling the deck, watching him the entire time, making sure his eyes stay up. No peeking. I deal five cards each and lay the deck in the center. Then I pick up my hand. “Jesus.”

“Oh, she’s losing her poker face already.”

I have a throwaway hand. Nothing really but a ten and jack of spades. “Do you need any cards?”

“I’ll take three,” he says, and that makes me feel a little better about my hand.

I push three cards across the table. Mac’s hand covers mine as he takes the cards I’ve offered. The touch is electrifying, like a jolt to my midsection. I lift my eyes to his and he’s staring at me.

“You don’t need to be self-conscious. You’re beautiful, Kelley.”

Oh, damn. This guy is good. “Thank you.” It comes out as a whisper and I think that’s because the atmosphere in the room has changed. We’re no longer smiling and I feel like I’m playing a game of chess, instead of poker. As if I’m waiting for his ultimate move or he’s waiting for mine.

I take my three new cards and when I see another ten and jack, I’m relieved. Two pair is better than nothing. I actually feel pretty good about it. He couldn’t possibly get lucky two hands in a row.

I glance up at him and say, “I call.” Of course, there’s nothing else to do, it’s not like I can bet more clothing. Not that I would with a measly two pair.

Mac lays his cards down and he has two pair as well, but he’s got two fours and two eights.

“Jesus. Thank you,” I say as I lay down my two pair, jacks high.

I grin at him and say, “Do I get to pick what you take off?”

He stands, turning in a circle. “Your choice.”

“Please, please take the shirt off.”

He grabs the hem and swipes his t-shirt off in one smooth move. I’m trying to keep my mouth closed. Holy shit. I’m absolutely sure I’m blushing… I can’t help it. He sits back down and I can’t help my stare. His muscles ripple as he moves and I can’t take my eyes off him.

He folds his arms over his chest and leans forward, trying to catch my eye. When I look up, he says, “What?”

“Ah, oh… um, don’t feel self-conscious, Mac. You’re beautiful.”

Now I think he’s blushing. His eyes are locked on mine when he says, “Thank you.”

I watch as he shuffles, wondering what happens if I lose another hand. What goes next? The thought makes me nervous and the tension in the room builds as we watch each other. I have to give the man credit, he is genuinely trying to keep his eyes on my face and he’s doing far better than I am because I can’t keep my eyes off his chest.

I grab my five cards and almost moan. Nothing good. At least not good enough to get his pants off. If these cards are good for anything, they’re good for blocking Mac’s view of my chest.

I tap the table. “Three cards please.”

Mac tosses me three cards and says, “I’ll take two this time.”

When I pick up the cards he hands me, I breathe a sigh of relief. It’s not great but three of a kind is better than nothing.

“I call you,” Mac says.

I lay down my hand and say, “Three of a kind. Kings.”

Mac grins big and lays his cards on the table. “Flush. Take it off, sweetheart.”

“Shit, dammit.” I drop my cards and shake my head. “How is that possible?”

I’m so embarrassed my face is hot. I lift my beer and swig it, hoping for some liquid courage. Jesus. Now what? Panties or bra? “Whatever,” I say as I stand and walk to the small kitchenette. I seriously need a drink of water.

I grab us each a bottle and turn to find him standing and staring out the large window. I’m holding a water in each hand trying not to let the cold bottles touch my naked skin but also trying to cover myself, which isn’t easy.

When I return to the table and set down the bottles, Mac reaches up and pulls the curtains closed. “Sorry, I guess I should have done that before you lost the dress.”

I shrug. “I don’t think people can see much all the way up here.”

He turns toward me and his blue eyes are blazing. That sends a swarm of butterflies floating around my stomach. With our eyes locked, I unhook my bra and let it fall to the floor.

I can’t help but let my eyes drop again to his bare chest. He may be a gentleman, but I’m not. I’ve been dying to see him without a shirt all day.

When my eyes dart back to his, he says, “You okay?” 

“I promised I’d tell you if I felt uncomfortable, and I will.”

He takes a step toward me. “Yes, you did.”

“Then why are you so worried about me?”

He takes another step toward me and before I have the chance to take another breath, his lips are on mine and I’m up against the wall. The coolness of the surface behind me contrasts with the heat of him, and I’m so glad because if it weren’t for that, I’d probably melt into a puddle of lust on the floor.

His hands rest on either side of me, his front pushes against me, and his lips, oh god, those lips are all over, searing my skin. But it’s not enough. I want his hands on me too. I slide mine down his chest to caress his hard abs. The feel of his skin makes me shudder in nervous anticipation and I’m a little taken aback by my own boldness.

I can’t believe I’m here, doing this, but I want it so badly. Mac’s smooth and so hot… almost feverish, and it makes me hot. My pulse is pounding and my stomach is flipping. I’m not sure how he’s keeping control or why he’s not touching me, but it’s driving me insane.

When his teeth graze the curve of my neck, I feel like I’m about to combust. I tug on the button of his jeans, wanting him as naked as I am, but when his hot mouth surrounds my nipple, I can’t quite get them undone.

His mouth is wet, firm, and all over me. “Oh, god, Mac.” I can barely get the words out, but as soon as he hears my voice, his hands are finally on my body, and it feels so good. Now he’s everywhere, both hands cupping my breasts, his mouth on my nipple and when I moan again, he wraps his arms around me and grips my ass firmly, lifting me off the ground and pulling me against him.