SUNDOWN SOMEWHERE (Hayes Family #3) by Claire Hastings | Cover & Excerpt Reveal
February 19, 2025
SUNDOWN SOMEWHERE
Hayes Family #3
by Claire Hastings
Cover & Excerpt Reveal
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Cover Design:
Y'all That Graphic
Photo: Lindee Robinson Photography
Model:
Drew Harwood
Genre: Contemporary Romance Standalone
Trope: Friends to lovers, jilted bride, accidental couples massage, small-town
Synopsis
It was my worst nightmare come to life—having to tell my childhood best friend that she was being left at the altar.
As Man of Honor, it was my duty to be the one to pass on the message, breaking both our hearts in the process.
Picking up the pieces is made worse when the small-town rumor mill runs rampant. There’s only one choice—escape. A weekend away, just the two of us. A chance to cause some trouble like we used to as kids.
Until one drunken kiss reveals a massive secret I didn’t see coming, leading to a bigger one I had no plan of ever confessing.
Next thing I know, Dolly’s in my arms—and in my bed—and all my wildest dreams are coming true.
If only it were that simple.
She’s the town sweetheart.
I’m the guy that will never be good enough for her.
Us being together would send Hickory Hills into a frenzy.
Lucky for them, causing a little chaos is my forte. Because now that I’ve had a taste of Dolly, there’s no going back.
Whether this town likes it or not.
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Excerpt
“Hux!”
“Dolly,” I greet her in return, smiling like I won the lottery as she sashays toward me.
I expect her to sit back down in the chair she was in earlier, exhausted from all her dancing, but she doesn’t. She walks right past it, over to me.
Climbing into my lap, she lifts one leg over, straddling me. The move is so quick, even as clumsy as it is in her drunken state, it takes a minute for it to register. Shifting, she drags her center along the front of my shorts, my dick reacting instantly.
Holy fuck…
So much for that semi. I’m fully hard in the blink of an eye. And I have no fucking right to be. This is Dolly. My best friend. No. Just no.
“Hux…” she whispers, wrapping her arms around my neck, pressing her forehead to mine.
“Doll…” I groan. I mean for it to be a warning, but it doesn’t come out that way.
Because this can’t happen. I can’t kiss my best friend. Not in this state. Not ever.
But especially not drunk. Not right after she’s been left at the altar.
“Whatcha doin’, Doll?” I ask, trying to control the situation. I grab ahold of her hips, telling myself that it’s so I can keep her steady, stop her from grinding anymore in my lap and finding out exactly what my body is doing in response to her being in this position.
“It’s sun…whatever…” she says, partially slurring the words. “So, I…maybe…”
Leaning in, she presses her lips to mine. The angle is weird at first, but she shifts, dragging herself against my dick, the mix of salt and sweet from her drink finding my tongue. Or maybe that’s her. That perfect mixture of the two is what Dolly tastes like.
Fuuuuuck…
Her lips are soft, light, and leave me wanting more. So much more. It would be so easy to kiss her back. To run my hands up her legs, under this sundress, feel the smoothness of her skin, and grab her ass. To have my way with her.
But I can’t.
She’s drunk and heartbroken. And I won’t do that. Won’t be that guy. I refuse to be something she regrets.
Pulling back, I gasp, trying to catch my breath, knowing that I need to find the perfect words. But there are none.
“Dolly…” I start.
But that’s all I can say before the rejection takes over. Dolly’s face falls, her body hunching, fingers flying up to her lips, tracing along them. The hurt is written all over her face, stabbing me straight in the heart.
I did that. I hurt her. And if it’s possible, she looks more hurt than she did on her wedding day.
Fuck.
“I think it’s time to get you back to the hotel.”
Pre-order Link
Giveaway
One of Five eARC's for Sundown Somewhere
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Other Titles Within this Series
BLUE JEANS IN LOW BEAMS
Hayes Family #1
FEEL IT IN THE AIR
Hayes Family #2
About the Author
USA Today Best Selling Claire Hastings is a walking, talking awkward moment. She loves Diet Coke, gummi bears, the beach, and books (obvs). When not reading she can usually be found hanging with friends at a soccer match or grabbing food (although she probably still has a book in her purse). She and her husband live in Atlanta.
Connect with Claire
Website: https://www.clairehastingsauthor.com/
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Amazon Author Page: https://bit.ly/3lK9Jhn
Bookbub Author Page:
http://bit.ly/3lV3d7S
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