Renaissance: A Contemporary Erotic Romance (Iris Series Book 5) Read online

  RENAISSANCE

  Book 5 in the Iris series

  Rebecca Lynn

  Copyright

  Copyright © 2015 by Rebecca Lynn

  Cover image © Shutterstock

  All rights reserved.

  Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above author of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  Also by Rebecca Lynn

  Iris Series

  RELEASE (Book 1)

  REDEMPTION (Book 2)

  REVELATION (Book 3)

  REMEMBRANCE (Book 4)

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  What Readers are saying about the Iris Series

  Symbolism of the Iris Flower

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  What Readers are saying about the Iris Series

  Release, Book 1

  “Loved it! I couldn’t put the book down.” Samantha, 5 stars

  “Holy Hotness! This book consumed me from the beginning. I stayed up reading until 3am and the next day I was useless. I could not put this book down.” Jenny’s Kindle, 5 stars

  “Beautifully written! One of my favorite reads this year!” Amazon Customer, 5 stars

  “Love it...So good, I read it twice!” Danita, 5 stars

  “Loved it! Cannot wait for book 2. Rebecca Lynn is an author I would recommend to my friends...” Andrea, 5 stars

  “Awesome book! I can’t say enough about this book...not a cliffhanger...Love the blends of erotic/romance. You have to read this and add to your favorites.” Amazon Customer, 5 stars

  “Wonderful story. One of the better books that I have read...I love a story that is told in ONE book...I highly recommend this and look forward to the next in the series.” Amazon Customer, 5 stars

  Redemption, Book 2

  “Perfect. This book is absolutely perfect...It deserves a 10 star rating for sure. Just perfect. Highly recommended.” Bea, 5 stars

  “Great read. Second book in the Iris series. Loved the first and now the second as well. Love the way this author writes...Hurry up Spring and get here so I can buy book three.” Dmontgomery, 5 stars

  “I really like this series...This is the second book in this series and I can definitely say I’m addicted.” *FamilyKindleCoffeLover*, 5 stars

  “Amazing. Absolute fantastic follow up to Release!! ...lots of hotness!! Definitely recommend Redemption and CAN’T wait for Michael and Emily’s story! Write faster girls!!!” Hockey mom, 5 stars

  Revelation, Book 3

  “Love it! Probably my favorite out of the series so far! Although I really can’t wait for Janie and Luke! I loved Mike and Emily. They made me laugh in every chapter, I couldn’t get enough.” Amazon reader, 5 stars

  “LOL funny with SIZZLING chemistry! My absolute favorite of the Iris Series! Revelation is the most thorough, complex contemporary romance novel I’ve read in a long while… WARNING! Once you start this book, you’re going to get sucked in so plan accordingly!” DRC, 5 stars

  “Always an enjoyable read! It took me a little long to finish Rebecca Lynn’s books not because they are hard to read or boring (not the case) but because the chemistry is so intense I needed breaks! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the books in the Iris series and looking forward to more.” Chingona, 5 stars

  “Wonderfully written…Rebecca Lynn has written a wonderful story using the same characters but letting you see the stories of each different pair. I love this because I feel like I know these characters. I am patiently (or not so much) awaiting the next book to see what happens with Luke and Janie.” Yavette Hernandez, 5 stars

  “…loved all the 3 stories so far & never feel cheated because she gives a full in depth story! I am so looking forward to Janie & Luke’s story!!! This author is very talented…” Stacy Snider, 5 stars

  “Awesome series. I really have enjoyed all of these books! I love the idea of a group of friends finding love amongst themselves! Also the addition of new characters that are brought into each new book. The books are well written with a great plot to each one. I can’t wait for Janie and Luke’s story in the fall! …I enjoy this series a great deal, and I would definitely recommend them to other readers!!!!!!” Mathew A Weidner, 5 stars

  Remembrance, Book 4

  “Thank you so much for this series, I want to be a part if this circle of friends!” Joanne, 5 stars

  “I literally stumbled upon this series a few days ago and I can’t get enough! I adore this group of friends and love how you made all of their love stories, personalities, and trials so completely different, yet they intertwine so beautifully. It’s Sunday and I blew off all my responsibilities today and simply lazed around and read this latest installment, Remembrance, and I can truly say: Best. Day. In. Ages! I’ll be counting the days until the next installment - thanks Rebecca for such rich, loving stories!” ML Johnson, 5 stars

  “Cannot recommend this one enough if you like a sexy read.” Carrie A., 5 stars

  “This book has everything you could want in a great book...Hot men, romance, humor and a great story line.” Jen G., 5 stars

  “So glad to see Janie and Luke finally get together. The chemistry and sexual tension between the 2 of them was off the charts.” Amazon Customer “New York”, 5 stars

  “I swear the series just gets better & better with each book! Janie & Luke were driving me crazy with their sexual tension. So glad it worked out how it did. Gotta luv an alpha male & a woman who realizes her worth. Waiting for #5!” eMomma, 5 stars

  UK Amazon Reviews from our readers ‘across the pond’

  For Release:

  “I really loved this book. I already shared it with my friends even before I had finished it as it was so good. Well Done.” mags, 5 stars

  “Absolutely stupendous. …my oh my to have a man focus on me with the determination Jeremy did on Ryann....HOT! The book is well written love the diversity of the people in it too...you won’t regret it give it a shot....I envy you for not having read it as I’d love to experience it for the first time again...enjoy!” f.c., 5 stars

  “Omg. Love this book, can’t wait for so much more in this series. Loved the characters and keeps you engaged right to the end. Another one up there with Fifty.” Fil, 5 stars

  For Redemption:

  “Redemption. After reading book 1 I knew I was going to enjoy this book I found I couldn’t put it down. I fell asleep in the early hrs of the morning then woke up 2 hrs later to finish the book even though I had to go to work so be prepared to get engrossed in the story from start to finish. I am now going to start reading book3.” Lindarhc “Linda northeast�
�, 5 stars

  “Great good feel story. Really enjoyed the second in the series. Looking forward to seeing how the relationships progress. Yan and Jon make a great couple and I think Yan learned a lot from Jon and his family. Well done!” Mrs. T. A. M. Gray “Britbabe”, 5 stars

  For Revelation:

  “Revelation. I cannot wait to read the next book. Hope it is out soon in the mean time I might catch up on my sleep as like the other books I had to read until I finished.” Lindarhc “Linda northeast”, 5 stars

  “Great story and characters. As usual Rebecca you deliver the story that’s believable that touches on sensitive topics. Loved the charming Mike and strong Emily - they make a great couple. Looking forward to the next one in the series - just hoping there will be a marriage soon. Well done.” Mrs. T. A. M. Gray “Britbabe”, 5 stars

  “Great story. Absolutely loved this book. After reading Redemption & Release I had high expectations for Revelation and it did not disappoint. Great characters and story, and as always very hot. Although it is third book in series you can read as stand alone. Definitely well worth the money. Looking forward to Janie & Luke’s story.” Sam, 5 stars

  For Remembrance:

  “Oh my goodness how good was this.. Every single book in this series has been fantastic and Remembrance is no exception.” MLM 66, 5 stars

  “I absolutely loved this book. I have read the previous three books in the Iris series and had high expectations for this. It didn’t disappoint. Great characters and as always very hot. You are drawn in from the start.” Sam, 5 stars

  Symbolism of the Iris Flower

  Plants and flowers have been given as gifts for ages. “...While other plants are used to communicate very specific messages,

  the iris can be seen to symbolize the act of communication itself.” http://www.flowerexperts.com/meaning_of_the_iris.asp

  Traditionally the Iris flower has been chosen to symbolize faith, valor, wisdom, hope, inspiration, cherished friendship, my compliments and promise in love.

  [Other meanings include] kindness, passion, peace of mind,

  admiration and courage.

  White Iris flowers symbolize purity and kindness,

  Yellow Iris flowers symbolize passion,

  Blue Iris flowers symbolize hope and faith, and

  PUPRLE Iris flowers symbolize wisdom and compliments.

  http://www.iris-flower.net/iris-flower-meaning

  RENAISSANCE, n.

  1. a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.

  2. rebirth; revival: a moral renaissance.

  dictionary.com

  *****

  Fix You by Coldplay

  When you try your best, but you don’t succeed

  When you get what you want, but not what you need

  When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep

  Stuck in reverse

  And the tears come streaming down your face

  When you lose something you can’t replace

  When you love someone, but it goes to waste

  Could it be worse?

  Lights will guide you home

  And ignite your bones

  And I will try to fix you

  And high up above or down below

  When you’re too in love to let it go

  But if you never try you’ll never know

  Just what you’re worth

  Lights will guide you home

  And ignite your bones

  And I will try to fix you

  Tears stream down your face

  When you lose something you cannot replace

  Tears stream down your face

  And I will try to fix you

  Prologue

  New Year’s Eve

  …Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!!

  Tiffany Daniels nearly clutched her stomach at the flutters that took over the center of her body. She looked up into Drew Huntington’s gorgeous face smiling down at her with its dazzling white grin.

  He’s gonna kiss me. Holy shit, he’s gonna kiss me.

  You want him to kiss you. What the hell is wrong with you these days, Tiff? You’ve been wanting him to kiss you since the first time you met him in July. Hell, let’s be honest. You’ve been wanting him to do a lot more than kiss you. If you weren’t such a chickenshit…

  “Well, there you have it,” she said lightly with a breathy laugh, already feeling the abundance of nervous words bubbling up into her throat. “Another new year to celebrate.” She took a deep breath and continued talking. “And thank you for inviting me tonight. It was great to meet so many of the people who work with you at the Medical Center. I’m sure their names will come in handy when I’m looking for donations for the foundation,” she chuckled then swallowed around her tongue which felt like it was swelling in her mouth. “The rest of the crew is at Culture Club tonight, did I tell you that? Ryann wanted to go because she loves everything from the 80’s, and since they play all 80’s music there, they decided to go,” she said letting go of a nervous sound. “So.”

  Drew’s mouth was kicked up into a sexy smile with an expression of fascination in his eyes as the words continued tumbling from her mouth.

  Shut. Up. Tiffany. How can you be so intelligent and still not know when to shut up?

  “And I’m so happy for her and Jem, you know? And my brother and Janie? I can’t believe how fast he moves!” she laughed anxiously. “Janie’s been like a sister forever, so it’s perfect and we’ve all been hoping for years, but still. So many changes since the summer,” she exclaimed, her hands fluttering. “Everyone seems to be getting engaged all of the sudden. Now we just have to wait and see what’s going to happen with Ayanna and Jonathan, and Mike and Emily. Right?” She smiled then tried to calm her breathing, fighting the desire to fill the space around them with more words already adding to the surrounding noise in the festive atmosphere.

  Drew’s eyes watched her with a soft, yet heated expression. His body shifted closer. The speed at which she was speaking went into overdrive.

  “I mean now that Mike and Emily have gotten their place together it seems like they may be close behind with wedding nuptials. And Ayanna and Jonathan, well they were dating before Mike and Em, so,” she stammered.

  You’d been doing so well the last few weeks around him, Tiff. Now it’s back to verbally throwing up all over him.

  “Tiff,” he said quietly, immediately causing her words to halt. His milk chocolate brown eyes looked down into her light blue ones with humor. “I’m going to kiss you.”

  Her mouth opened and shut like a fish struggling for air and she stopped breathing for a moment. Then his head moved closer to hers as his beautiful skilled hands cupped her face gently and his eyes moved to her lips. Slowly, he leaned his face closer, then melded his lips firmly yet softly to hers.

  Time seemed to stop. As they experienced their first kiss together, the party noise whooshed loudly away from them as if being sucked out of the room by a vacuum. All sound disappeared, leaving only the melody of Tiffany’s heartbeat pounding out of her chest and the catch that came unexpectedly from her throat.

  And it said, Thank God, you’re kissing me.

  He pulled back only slightly to re-angle her head, then plundered some more, this time licking at the seam of her lips, entreating for entrance. She complied and opened her mouth so he could stroke his tongue with hers, causing a sigh to escape from her at the same time.

  He growled lowly while moving his hand back from her jaw to grip her hair lightly, pulling at her long, dark hair then stroking his thumb behind her ear.

  When she was touched there, she purred.

  He smoothed his hand down the length of her to settle at the small of her back, where he pressed her closer.

  She was tall, like her twin brother, Luke. Standing at 5’10” with a slim willowy build, she had felt gawky and huge next to most men her whole life. However Drew’s football player body coupled with his muscular size brought him a few inches above her own f
rame, and made her feel small and dainty next to him. She loved that.

  She’d been out with the doctor several times whenever all of their mutual friends had gotten together. Two and a half months earlier they’d been out to dinner alone and it had been a wonderful night. It had ended platonically, due mainly to her nervousness around him and the fact that he sensed she wasn’t ready for anything romantic, but they’d talked for what felt like hours. Due to their schedules, they’d only seen each other a couple more times since then, always with friends.

  Tonight, though? Tonight was definitely different. There were no two ways around it. Tonight was a date. He had asked, she had said yes, and here they were on New Year’s Eve.

  She sank more into his heady kiss, allowing him to taste her like no man had done in ages. He took his time, was patient and sensual in his movements, feasting slowly on her, savoring each lick and nibble. Her body began to hum, vibrating with restrained passion. God, she wanted this to go on forever. She hadn’t felt this aroused or safe in a man’s arms in over a decade. Had she ever?

  Her nipples tightened and she felt the pull of the rings that were pierced through them. That feeling brought her back to the present quickly. She needed to stop this before it went too far.