It’s not until sometime in the middle of the night, deep in a dream after passing out from three rounds of magnificent fucking, sexing, and love-making—in that order—that I jolt straight up in bed and it comes to me.
James Levi.
The best freestyle motocross rider in the world, known for his desire to attempt the impossible.
That’s who Dakota was talking to at Ember.
Huh. Interesting.
Mystery solved, I lie back down and cuddle Hudson close to me, fitting our bodies seamlessly together, and kiss her forehead.
“I love you, snow angel.”
The debate over the legalization of marijuana, for both medical treatment and recreational use, has been a hot topic in our society over the past several decades. Historical records dating as far back as 2900 B.C. describe the use of cannabis as a popular medicine, first documented in China, then Egypt, India, Greece, Rome, Arabic civilizations, and eventually, in the dominant British Empire. The Jamestown settlers originally introduced the marijuana plant to North America in 1611, and much like it had in many other parts of the world, medical marijuana became a commonly utilized form of treatment to suppress headaches and other minor aches and pains, to increase appetites, to aid in sleeplessness, and to improve symptoms of depression by the middle of the 19th century.
After a series of legislative acts in the first part of the 20th century, recreational marijuana use was prohibited in the United States, and several decades later it was also deemed illegal for medicinal purposes, despite the opposition from the American Medical Association. Fast-forward nearly half a century, after extensive research, testing, and overwhelming support from the medical community, on November 5, 1996, California became the first state to legalize medical marijuana, though many others had previously passed laws to decriminalize cannabis. Since then, twenty-two other states, as well as Washington D.C., have followed suit in making it legal to possess and use with a prescription from a doctor.
In 2012, Colorado and Washington legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults ages 21 and over. Two years later, Oregon and Alaska voted to do the same, and there at the time of publishing, there are a handful of other states to vote on similar laws in 2015.
Regardless of your stance on recreational marijuana use, the scientific facts regarding the medical benefits of both THC and CBD, chemicals found in cannabis, cannot be denied. People diagnosed with a variety of cancers, glaucoma, epilepsy, arthritis, eating disorders, mental health diseases, and hundreds of other illnesses are discovering the physiological and psychological benefits, and in turn, are suffering less.
Erin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband and two young daughters. While earning her degree in History at the University of Houston, she rediscovered her love for reading that was first instilled by her grandmother when she was a young child.
A lover of happily-ever-afters, both historical and current, Erin is an avid reader of all romance novels. Her titles published include the Book Boyfriend Series, the Dusk ‘Til Dawn Series, Translucent, Conspire — co-authored with SE Hall, Surviving Us, and MILF: Wrong Kind of Love.
Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list and the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoelleauthor.com, on Twitter @authorenoelle, and on Instagram @erinnoelleauthor.
This is one of my favorite parts of every book because without these people, there’s no way I would’ve been able to finish this book, at least not with some sort of sanity still intact. So without further ado, it is with much thanks and big hugs that I recognize the following:
My husband and girls ~ Y’all will be #1 on my list Every. Single. Time. I love you more than anyone else in the entire world and thank you for dealing with my crazy, manic writing schedule. Your support means everything. You’re why I try so hard.
Stacy Kestwick ~ Where have you been all my life, woman? There aren’t enough words to express my appreciation for how much help you’ve been in this book, and I can’t wait for the next ten that we do together! I’d skip around the globe for you <3
Jill Sava ~ Forever my Bright Side. Thank you for keeping me organized and scheduled. Thank you for being crazy and understanding my crazy. Thank you for all that you do, every day. Love you lots.
Hang Le, Trina Marie & Kirsten Papi ~ Three years later and here we are. Still together. Each of you ladies is so special to me and even if I never wrote another book, I know we’d stay close friends.
Toski Covey ~ Sister, you outdid yourself on this one, but you already knew that. Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing your talent. Thank you for being a genuine friend through it all.
Mo Mabie ~ One of my favorite hookers. I’m so happy that we found each other because now that I have you, I’m never letting go. Thank you for your never-ending support and for never judging. I can’t wait to cuddle soon!
Aly Martinez ~ My other favorite hooker. Who knew after I found you signing your books in a bar that we’d end up here? I’m still not sure how you do everything you do, but I’m blessed to be a part of it…even if you did make me the old, crotchety neighbor woman. Thank you for being a part of my every day and for always making me laugh.
Natasha ~ My cheerleader. My Crew lover. My whore. I finished my third book!! Aren’t you proud of me? Thank you for being the craziest person I know. Thank you for loving my characters, possibly even more than you love me. Thank you for being a part of my bubble.
Alison, Michelle, & Allison ~ My kick-ass betas. Thank you all for reading along with me, for taking this journey with me. Even the days you hated me ‘cause I left you hanging. This story is a better story because of each of your inputs, and I’m so very grateful.
Kayla ~ My awesome editor and Twinnie. I think I’ve said it all before, but you’ll never know how much I appreciate your fabulous work, how you deal with my sporadic submissions, and your friendship. Seven books down together, seven thousand to go…
Steph ~ My Smoops. Thank you for always being there for me.
Jessica ~ My writing date. Thank you for always being in my corner, even when we’re in a round room. I love our brainstorming sessions and our writing dinners.
CM Foss ~ My Clare Bear. Let me count the ways I love you. You never cease to amaze me (in the best way possible, of course) and I’m so very blessed to call you a friend.
Street Team ~ You ladies are the bomb. I can’t ever thank you ladies enough for your continued support and constant pimping.
Bloggers ~ The hardest working people in the business that get little credit and no pay. I greatly appreciate the time you spend reading, reviewing, and/ or promoting the books we authors pour our heart and soul into. We couldn’t do it without you.
Readers ~ I have the most incredible readers ever. I absolutely love getting feedback from you and visiting with you on a daily basis. You’re the main reason I continue doing this! Love you all!