Michael Gallo found his calling in life – he wants to kick ass. He works at Inked as a piercer, but spends his mornings training and dreaming of winning an UFC championship. Michael is the road to achieving his goal when a chance encounter alters his world forever. The title is no longer enough – he must capture the woman of his dreams.
Dr. Mia Greco is dedicated to saving lives and helping those less fortunate. She doesn’t have time to meet Mr. Right with her busy schedule. She buries herself in her work and helping humanity. Fate steps in and sweeps the carpet out from under her. She tries to deny the pull to him, a man that uses his fists for gain, but the universe won’t let her walk away so easy and Michael isn’t one to take no for an answer.
His past is filled with darkness and a secret that may rip them apart. There are forces bigger than them at work; drawing them in and making their worlds collide – not letting either one of them walk away.
*Purchase book 1 of the Men of Inked series*
Synopsis
Suzy’s a control freak and has her life mapped out – work hard, find a man with a stable job, and live happily ever after. She’s content with the status quo, but her plan comes to a screeching halt when he enters her life and turns it upside down.
City gave up on love when his heart was crushed in college, preferring to be the typical bachelor. He spends his nights hopping from one bed to another and his days working at his family tattoo shop, Inked. A chance encounter on a dark road makes him question what he had sworn off forever – a relationship.
A night of passion and lust causes them to question everything. Is City the knight in shining armor to the damsel in distress? Can their relationship survive when a fantasy falls apart and a secret comes out that changes everything?
*About Chelle*
Chelle is an avid reader; consuming contemporary romance, dark reads, young adult, and all things erotica. She wants to create a book filled with characters that readers could relate to with real world problems and matching wallets.
Chelle loves to travel and her favorite cities are New Orleans and Paris. She currently lives in Florida with her amazing boyfriend. He’s showed her the love and passion that she has poured onto the page.
Becoming a priest wasn’t his plan, but when Tyler Oswin suffers a tragic loss, the safety of the church seemed the perfect place to find solace and peace. Now Father Hugh, he works and tries to do good but his carnal nature always seems to get in the way of fully committing to his new profession.
Amy Lansing felt lost as a teenager after her father died and deals with her loneliness by joining the convent. She’s not living – she’s hiding. Holding onto the past is keeping her from dealing with her future and when she meets Father Hugh, her heart starts beating again, despite knowing that there can never be anything more than a friendship between them.
With all that has happened in the past, and the difficulty of their current situation, it seems that neither Tyler nor Amy will find the happily ever after they are both desperately searching for. But love has a way of bringing them together, only to find that his sins from the past will threaten their future.
†Reviewers Are Saying †
He’s No Saint is a love story for all who believe in fighting for love. It is a stand-alone novel written by AJ Harmon, author of the best-selling series First Class Novels.
“Phenomenal” and “Breathtakingly beautiful” is how this romance novel has been described by readers
My name is Mel Morgan and I’m a Tracker. I find people for a living. The people I help have no idea I know exactly how they feel because I’ve lost someone too. If only I could have found the one person I’ve been looking for all these years. My current case is no ordinary abduction. Before long I’m neck deep in blood magic – the worst kind. I need the help of a necromancer if I’m to free the kid. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. When sexy djinn Saleem asks for help things get a little hot to handle. But how can I say no? Dodging demons and sorcerers are just part of my day job.
“So you’ll arrest me because I spoke to a guy? Mighty protective of you, Detective.” I smiled, injecting a little charm into the turn to my lips. “I always knew there was a reason you followed me around twenty-four seven, Detective. I just never realized it was because you had the hots for me.”
A snort of laughter emanated from his dark-haired partner and I tilted my head to address him. “So who are you supposed to be? You the latest sorry sucker they found to babysit this fool?” I pointed a thumb at Fulbright who choked with fury at my words. Not that being polite to Fulbright had ever been my strong suit.
I have been a writer from the time I was old enough to recognize that reading was a doorway into my imagination. Poetry was my first foray into the art of the written word. Books were my best friends, my escape, my haven. I am essentially a recluse but this part of my personality is impossible to practise given I have two teenage daughters, who are actually my friends, my tea-makers, my confidantes… I am blessed with a husband who has left me for golf. It’s a fair trade as I have left him for writing. We are both passionate supporters of each other’s loves – it works wonderfully…
My heart is currently broken in two. One half resides in South Africa where my old roots still remain, and my heart still longs for the endless beaches and the smell of moist soil after a summer downpour. My love for Ma Afrika will never fade. The other half of me has been transplanted to the Land of the Long White Cloud. The land of the Taniwha, beautiful Maraes, and volcanoes. The land of green, pure beauty that truly inspires. And because I am so torn between these two lands – I shall forever remain cross-eyed.
You fell in love with Tristan and Nina in Crash Into Me, cheered for them as they fought to stay together in Fall Into Me, and watched them finally achieve their happy ending in Give In To Me. For all the fans of the Heart of Stone series who wondered if Tristan’s dream at the end of Give In To Me came true, this is for you. Join Tristan and Nina one more time and see how their happily ever after turns out.
K.M. Scott writes erotic contemporary romance and thinks she has the best job in the world! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she loves to write sexy Alpha heroes and the strong women they fall hard for, giving them stories that keep her readers turning the page until the very end. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction, always with a tall glass of iced tea (or a martini) by her side. Fans can find her on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, or through email, which she loves to receive.
Lucy Cooper has known The Phoenix family all her life, but one particular Phoenix has always caught her eye, Rafe Phoenix. Rafe is a triplet with his brothers Ryder and Reeve and the three of them form a band called Inside Noise.. Lucy and Rafe’s timing was always off, with boyfriends and girlfriends getting in the way but after a traumatic night at their high school bonfire, with a cheating boyfriend and a life changing event, Lucy and Rafe connect on a deeper level. Things happen in life that make you realize that you
need to escape and have time away to heal, so Lucy leaves. She needs to find herself again, which she does on her travels. After seeing the world and arriving back in LA months later, Lucy re-connects with Rafe, but will their friendship blossom into something more or will Lucy still hold him at arm’s length?
Money, sex, secret desires. Welcome to Club X, Tampa’s exclusive club dedicated to making fantasies come true. Meet the owners, tattooed, pierced, and built to please, they’re three of the city’s most eligible bachelors.
Cassian, the public face of Club X, seems to love the life of excess he leads, but beneath the surface craves something more. Is Olivia strong enough to handle the man he is when the suit comes off?
Stefan, the club’s manager, thinks every woman is his for the taking, but he may have just met his match in Shay. Will this player finally lose when it matters most?
Kane, half-brother to Cassian and Stefan, he’s big, bad, and dangerous, like the life he’s led. Resigned to a life alone, he hides his heart, but for Abbi, he might take the chance at love again.
Temptation Synopsis:
Cassian March, the public face of Tampa’s most exclusive nightspot, Club X, loves his life. Women, sex, and money are his for the taking, and no man indulges his desires more. He lives by only one rule—never let a woman get close.
Olivia Lucas needs a job, and if that means working at a club that specializes in making fantasies come true, then that’s what she’ll do. A girl’s got to pay the rent, right? She never expected to fall for the gorgeous owner of Club X, though, but a man like him would never go for someone like her. Or would he?
Surrounded by fantasy, can they find love, or will their fears hold them back?
Surrender (Club X #2) Coming October 2014!
Possession (Club X #3) Coming January 2015!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Author Bio:
K.M. Scott writes erotic contemporary romance and thinks she has the best job in the world! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, she loves to write sexy Alpha heroes and the strong women they fall hard for, giving them stories that keep her readers turning the page until the very end. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading or feeding her TV addiction, always with a tall glass of iced tea (or a martini) by her side. Fans can find her on Facebook, Twitter, her blog, or through email, which she loves to receive.
Who do you trust, and who do you love, when the secrets of your past are so painful that they have you Hiding Away?
Jane Whitford had everything she ever wanted, at the tip of her fingers, when it was violently ripped away. The man who was supposed to love her turned into a monster. Broken and bruised, she fled his clutches back to her hometown, ready to rebuild her life and her career. Love is the last thing she wants when she meets Cal. The only thing on her mind, when it comes to him, is fun. Lots of it. Will she open her heart to him before it’s too late?
Calvin Charles is a cop on the streets, working hard to achieve his goal of joining the SWAT team. He strives to live with no regrets and has everything he needs; friends, family, and the occasional woman to warm his bed. Until he meets Jane, and she quickly becomes everything he wants. Will he be able to get her to open up when she’s convinced that exposing her secrets will cost her his love and respect?
Will his love be strong enough to survive? Or will her secrets be the death of him?
J.M. Witt
I’m a stay-at-home mom with four young children and one extremely supportive husband. We’ve been married for nine years and reside in Highland, Michigan.
I’ve dreamed of writing romance novels since I was little. After having baby #4, who may or may not have been fathered by Christian Grey, I decided it was time to pursue my dreams.
When I’m not volunteering at the schools of my children, running to various appointments, enjoying time with my friends and my book club, dating my husband, or avoiding cleaning my house, I’m writing!
I love music and believe that books and music can’t exist without the other. My goal is for you to read more than a good book, but for you to have an experience!
Hope and Cameron made a five-year promise before college. Years pass and they never see each other again. But then one month before his planned wedding to Riley, Cameron looks outside and sees Hope in the pouring rain, watching him. Now, three years later, Cam has one day – a sick day on this last Friday of summer – to convince the one woman whose very existence breaths life into his lungs, that sometimes love like theirs actually does exist, and it’s that kind of love that lives forever, no matter how hard you fight to forget about it and move on. From the author of non friction and Hope, Sick Day follows one man’s day-long attempt to persuade the love of his life that sometimes it’s okay to break promises if it means keeping the ones that count.
**Sick Day can be read as a stand alone. However, Non Friction and Hope have some story elements tied to Sick Day. If you have not read Non Friction or Hope, Sick Day’s story will not be affected in any way.
Morgan Parker is the pen name for a shy and introverted former banker. Because he could never balance his cash at the end of the banking day, he made up stories in order to keep his job. None of those stories was Textual Encounters, which is great because readers will discover a truly unique and original romance that has never been told before.
5 – Roses – Romantic Love Story – Creative Unique Writing
I’m sure we have all had days where we want to play hooky, our physical beings are unable to go on, or maybe our emotional psyche is just in ruins. In this creative story we find sometimes love is the common denominator that filters into a blood stream and takes control of emotional and physical functions. Sometimes one cannot sleep, the mind continues to dredge up memories of past encounters. One cannot eat for our bodies are full of emotional turmoil and yet somewhat empty for want of more… what could have been… what could be…
5 – Hearts – Devoted Couples – Love
Cameron is engaged to married, he has a unfulfilling job, he is lost, confused and desperate to fill a void he is missing in life. Years ago he chose to walk away from a promise he once gave to his college love, his one true love, the one that got away, the woman he chose to let go and walk away from. Desperate to find this missing piece of his life he decides to take drastic measures and take a Sick Day from work to conquer a heart worth living for.
~Cameron: “I can’t have two halves of one life. One that belongs exclusively to you, and the other that belongs to the hope of replacing you. I can’t… exist without you.”
Hope McManus thinks she is stable enough in life where she came move on and settle down with someone she might be able to settle for. She finds she must have Closure from her past with the only man she ever loved in order to end this unsettled feeling.
~Hope: “I came here to find you, Cameron, but if you don’t tell me why you disappeared, you’ll never see me again. I can’t keep beating myself up over this.”
3 Tears – Emotional Drama
The emotional drama the author weaves in this romantic tale of woe and passion is enough to have hearts pumping and nerves are forever frayed. The author writes in detail about how the thoughts and feelings of each character are portrayed, the scenery around them is described almost as if you were there… in the park, at a candlelight dinner, on a beautiful yacht and falling in love all over again.
3 – Lips – Hungry Love-Making
The spice we find in between the sheets in this romantic love story is exactly what we would want to explore when two people come together and share their souls. The turmoil was evident when their touches consumed them, their past collided when their lips savored each others and their bodies connected when their desires took control.
My middle finger massaged her clit before reaching even farther south and dipping into her, just a shallow taste on my fingertip.
We kissed hard, lost in the thrusts, my hands gripping hers so fiercely that my fingers went numb.
Watching her, feeling her come against me.. it spelled my end as well.
Will this long ago promise survive the test of time. Will these long ago lovers reconnect. Will love last. Let’s find out in this drama filled romantic tale of passion, woe and LOVE reunited.
Lark Davies is the sole guardian of her younger sister, and the owner of The Cookie Jar. When she’s not working, she spends her free time at the Harris ranch. It doesn’t matter that they are werewolves. They are her family. When Devon Harris shows up at the ranch, Lark finds herself instantly drawn to him. However, Devon makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. But when enemies attack the ranch, Lark and Devon find themselves working together to save the people they love most. Their mutual attraction continues to intensify, leaving Lark aching for Devon’s touch. The closer they become, the further Lark is drawn into the werewolf world. Lark has known werewolves existed for some time. She just never knew how dangerous they could be.
Devon Harris has lived under his stepfather’s tyranny for too long. When his stepfather forms an alliance with a dangerous werewolf pack, Devon knows it is time to leave. He and his younger siblings seek refuge at his Uncle Rick’s ranch. There he meets the fiery human Lark. Devon instantly feels the attraction to Lark. With a war between the packs on the horizon, Devon tries to keep Lark at arm’s length. As battle lines are drawn, and Lark is sucked further into his world, Devon can no longer ignore Lark’s allure. Can Devon protect his family and keep her safe? He can only hope.
Excerpt
Lark opened her eyes, taking in the pitch black hotel room, illuminated only by the moonlight. Sweat beaded around her neck and brow. Hair stuck to the nape of her neck. She sat up and looked around at the barely visible furniture. Movement by the window caught her eye. Devon stood at the window arms crossed over his chest. His broad shoulders accented by the bright white of the moon. Lark stared at the fine plains of his bare back. She licked her lips taking him all in. Her body shuddered recalling the way he’d felt pressed against her – the way his lips had caressed hers a day ago. Lark blinked the images away. Thankful for the darkness that hid the heat creeping across her face. Her throat parched, she pushed the covers back to get a drink of water from the sink. The cool water alleviated some of the heat, and glided down her parched throat. She pushed the wet strands out of her face and walked to the window. Devon hadn’t moved. Preston and the three other guys lay sound asleep on the floor. They’d been kind enough to give her the only bed. “Do you not sleep?” Lark joined him at the window. Her eyes glued to the door across the street. To think, her sister was in that room. Lark wondered if Sarah was okay. Was she sleeping? In pain? Would they hurt her? The list went on and on. “It’s my turn to keep watch. Daniel said they wouldn’t leave till morning, but I don’t want to risk it.” Devon looked over at her for a moment his eyes slipped down to take in her plaid pants before he turned back to the window. She’d gone with Preston to the store earlier to pick up a few things. They’d both needed the distraction. She normally slept in boy-shorts, but after her run in with Devon the other morning, and considering she was sharing a room with five guys, she had thought better. “Oh, I didn’t realize you guys were keeping watch. I can keep a look out if you want to rest.” “It’s okay. Preston will take over in another half hour.” Devon shrugged. “I’m used to the late nights; it’s actually been a little bit of shell shock to get used to days. As an EMT I worked the twelve hour night shift. Most incidents happen at night, you get used to being up all night. My nights off I usually spent out too. Vincent likes to party. I went along for something to do and keep him out of trouble.” “I can see that about Vincent. I bet you’ve seen some interesting things on your job?” Devon smiled, the moonlight lit his hazel eyes. “People never cease to amaze you. I’ve seen the traumatic to the dramatic.” Lark laughed. “I can imagine. You see stories on the news every so often, where someone calls 911 for a cheeseburger, or something ridiculous like that.” “Those are the people who don’t understand the absorbent bill they get in the mail for our services either,” Devon chuckled. The smile lit his entire face. It gave her a rare glimpse of him. Lark wondered what had happened in his past to make him so distant. Slowly, he seemed to be opening up to her. She hoped he continued to do so. “I’m sure you get interesting characters in The Cookie Jar.” “Yeah, about half my customers are regulars. It’s kind of nice getting to talk to everyone. You’d be amazed what people tell you though. I’ve heard so many things that I really didn’t want to know.” Lark placed her hands on the windowsill, leaning forward. She peered out the sheer curtains. Her thoughts drifted back to Sarah and Emily; at least they had each other. “They won’t hurt her.” Lark looked up at him surprised, taking a moment to register his words. She nodded and sighed, eyes darting back to the door across the street. The street seemed to stretch endlessly. It felt like miles separated them instead of mere feet. She would feel better once she could hold Sarah in her arms again. “Have you ever thought about becoming a doctor or a nurse? You know taking your training to the next level?” Lark needed a distraction and she was curious about Devon. “My bedside manner sucks.” Lark met his smile. “But would you?” Devon leaned forward before rocking back on his heels. “I don’t know. I never really thought about it.” Lark nodded. “I always enjoyed baking. I never in my life thought I’d own my own bakery. But I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” “I do like the blueberry muffins.” “You guys do seem to have a sweet tooth. Well, actually, I’ve noticed you guys eat just about anything.” Devon laughed. “It’s our metabolism. Especially when we shift a lot; it makes us hungry.” “I can tell.” Lark looked over at him. “Do you do it often? Shift I mean?” “I try to once a day; some days, like when I worked, I couldn’t. The wolf is a part of who we are. Shifting is important for our mental well being. As a rule, we try to shift three to four times a week. The only exception is when women are pregnant. The shift is harmful to the fetus since the body transforms from a human into a wolf.” “Does it hurt when you change?” Lark couldn’t stop herself from asking. “It’s a pleasure pain.” “I imagine it’s exhilarating.” “You really are genuinely interested aren’t you?” Devon turned to her eyes locked on hers. Lark swallowed at the intensity of his gaze and lowered her eyes to the floor. “I…I’m not trying to be rude.” “I know.” Devon’s fingers grazed her chin, tilting it back up. “I’ve never met someone who’s been so understanding – who’s wanted to learn more.” His thumb cupped her chin softly eyes glued to hers. She licked her lips in anticipation. Slowly his face inched toward hers, their breath mingled. Her heart raced, and body scorched with arousal. His woodsy scent filled her nostrils. Eyes closed, his lips grazed against hers. Devon’s stubble scratched her chin; his lips so soft against hers.
After the devastating loss of his father, Gene Harris has become alpha of his werewolf pack. He has been training for this his entire life. Nothing could have prepared him for the brewing war, or the beautiful alpha female, Talia. Gene is instantly drawn to the mesmerizing she-wolf. He wants to trust Talia, but it’s hard to trust anyone–especially when they are related to the pack you’re at war with. Enemies are everywhere, and Gene must fight to protect his pack.
Natalia ‘Talia’ Alvarez grew up away from the pack. Around a year ago she was abducted and forced to become a member of her grandfather’s pack. After spending months as a prisoner, she was freed and brought to the Harris ranch. This experience leaves her weary of her werewolf heritage and unable to trust her rescuers. As a new mother protecting her son is her first priority. Talia knows her only chance at freedom is to team up with Gene. As they begin to work together, she finds herself falling for the alpha. The thought of trusting Gene terrifies her. She can’t help but wonder if he will betray her too. Trusting Gene and his pack will either be the best or worst decision she’s ever made.
Excerpt
Natalia leapt over a log, her paws sinking into the wet earth as she landed in the clearing where she’d left her clothes. Inhaling the smell of dank leaves and rain one last time, she scanned around the area. Satisfied that she was alone, she closed her eyes and focused on her transformation.
Wincing as her bones began to snap, Natalia gritted her teeth. Her black fur was sucked inward as her pink wolf flesh was replaced with honeyed skin. Long brown hair fell in her face as her bones continued to crack, realigning themselves. After several long, painful moments, the transition was complete. Panting heavily, Natalia sat back, trying to regain control of her breathing. Shaking, she rocked back and forth, waiting for the dizziness and pain to ebb away.
Transitioning shouldn’t be this hard. She knew that. Most wolves did it within seconds—how, she had no idea. Perhaps it was because she was part human, or maybe there was a trick to it. She couldn’t be sure.
Leaves crunched as footsteps creeped across the ground. Natalia stiffened, shooting to her feet. She scurried to get her clothes. Grabbing her panties first, she slid into them as the sound of footsteps drew near. She threw on her jeans next, followed by her bra. Her trembling fingers fought to fasten the back as Gene came into view.
“Go away,” Natalia screeched, snatching her shirt up and covering herself with it.
“I’m sorry,” Gene said, quickly turning his back to her.
She continued to fumble with her bra, finally hooking it and throwing her shirt on. “What are you doing out here?” she demanded, her face and ears burning while her body still twitched from the shift. Tensing her body, she fought to remain calm and in control of the spasms. She could not appear weak to him.
Gene turned around with one eyebrow quirked up, and a smile on his face. “This is my home. I was going for a run,” he said, gesturing toward the open woods.
Natalia drew in a deep breath, her eyes inadvertently wandering to his bare, toned chest. The moon hit his tanned skin just right, illuminating the scars on his side. Claw marks. Even with the blemish, he was perfect. The grey running shorts he wore fit snugly, showing off his muscular thighs. Taking all of him in, she veered up toward Gene’s face. His chiseled jaw and brown eyes stared at her intently.
Nora covered her mouth as she yawned. Her eyes focused on the road, she reached down, lifting her soda to her lips. Nora took a long swig of her Coke before returning it to the cup holder.
The green illumination of the dashboard clock read 12:03 AM. It was late, and she’d been driving for hours, but she wouldn’t stop until reaching her destination.
With a trembling hand, she picked up her cell phone and listened to her best friend’s voicemails one more time.
3:56 pm
Hey, Nora, it’s April. I just wanted to let you know that I made it home okay. I know this is going to sound weird, but I need you to stay away from the apartment for a few days. I’ll wire you some money for a hotel. It’d be even better if you found one far away from home. I promise I will try to explain everything soon, but I can’t right now. Just please trust me when I tell you not to go home right now. I hope you get this soon. Call me when you do. I’ll, uh, I’ll talk to you later, okay? Be safe.
4:15 pm
Hey, it’s me again. Um, listen, my families in trouble, Nora. I think you could be also. I’m going to text you my address. I need you to head down here as soon as you can. Please call me as soon as possible. Be safe.
The phone clicked and Nora jammed her finger over the buttons and set the phone back on top of her purse. Her hands trembled as she gripped the steering wheel. Her eyes stared out the window into the pitch-black night. She’d received that ominous message around five hours ago and had not been able to contact her best friend since. The calls went straight to voicemail. Terrified, she’d hopped in her car and started the long drive to Louisiana.
Stifling another yawn, Nora glanced over at her GPS. If it were correct, she should reach April’s home within the next fifteen minutes. Once there, she could check on her friend, and find out what the hell was going on.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a blur of yellow making a beeline for the street. She slammed on the breaks, causing the tires to squeal. A man dashed into the road, and she screamed as a loud crunch echoed through the car.
The man’s body rolled up onto her hood, colliding with the windshield. The glass cracked, and tiny spider webs erupted across the window. His body tumbled backwards, and he collapsed onto the pavement.
Nora held the steering wheel like a vice, watching in horror as he hit the pavement with an unforgiving thump. He rolled and attempted to get up, but quickly fell back to the blacktop. She held her breath, waiting for him to get up, but he didn’t. Her heart dropped and she took a shaky breath in.
Oh my god! Oh my god! Oh my god!
Pulse thrumming in her ears, she pushed her door open and unbuckled her seatbelt. Her eyes stayed transfixed on the deathly still person. Nausea rolled through her stomach, and she gagged on bile when she saw the awkward angle of his arm. Her knees wobbled as she forced her feet forward.
“Please be okay. Please don’t be dead,” she mumbled as she approached him.
Blood oozed into his brown hair, streaking the cocoa strands with red. His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven, breaths. The man coughed, groaning as he rolled. He placed a trembling hand on the road as he attempted to sit up again.
“Thank god you’re not dead! Are you okay? I’m not sure you should be moving,” Nora babbled as she held her hands out unsure if she should touch him or not.
He twisted, his emerald green eyes connecting with hers. Red dribbled out of his nose, pooling on his lips.
“Who are you?” he coughed, struggling to his feet.
“I’m so sorry. Are you okay. Gah. I need to call the police. You need to get to a hospital,” she rambled. Heat crept over her cheeks at her own stupidity. She’d hit a man, he needed medical help. How was he even standing? Why hadn’t she brought her phone with her?
“No!” he yelled, clamping his good hand around her wrist.
Nora jumped at his outburst. Her eyes widened, and pulse kicked up a notch.
“No,” he said quieter. “I…I don’t have insurance. Please, just help me get out of here. Give me a ride to a motel or something. What’s your name?”
Nora stared down at his fingers that still encircled her wrist. Tiny knicks marred his skin. As she continued to assess him, she saw a large gash along his cheekbone, and blood covered his yellow shirt and dark wash jeans. His left shoulder and arm were mangled, but she couldn’t tell if it was broken or dislocated.
Realizing he was still waiting for an answer to his question, she said, “Nora, Nora Jamison.”
“I’m Daniel McKinley. I think we should get out of here, Nora.” His eyes scanned the tree line to her right and she followed his gaze.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked. “I can call an ambulance—”
“No. Come on,” he snapped, hobbling forward and pulling her along with him.
Nora gaped as he stumbled to the passenger door and jerked it open. Yelling erupted from the trees, sending cold chills down her spine. Swallowing, she surveyed the brush. Her breath caught in her throat as three men emerged from the tree line, followed by a large white wolf. How is that even possible, she faltered, eyes transfixed on the large creature.
Nora flinched as the wolf howled and the three men bounded toward them. She took a few steps back, her feet faltering as her butt met her car. Pushing off the steel, she whirled around, and sprinted to the driver’s side door. A loud crackle rippled through the air, followed by a groan. Daniel slumped to the ground as his body contorted.
Horrified, Nora watched through the open door as his yellow shirt tore free from his body. Reddish-brown hair erupted onto his back. He positioned himself on his hands and knees seconds before his back jolted upwards. Another snap sounded, followed by a howl as he sprung forward.
Nora clamped a hand over her mouth as she watched the man become a wolf. She closed her eyes, and opened them again, still not believing. Yet, the wolf remained where the man had been. He lunged at the other wolf catching him mid air, and driving him to the ground.
A sob tore through her throat and she ripped her car door open. Sliding in, she was about to pull the door shut when an arm grabbed the handle, tearing it from her grasp. Warm, calloused, hands wrapped around her left forearm, and hauled her out of the vehicle. Her attacker yanked her into his firm body, holding her tight.
Frantic, Nora kicked her feet, struggling against the man in every which way, hoping to break free. Another man approached, easily dodging her swinging limbs.
“Get off me,” she screamed, throwing her head back as hard as she could. It hit something hard, and the man behind her grumbled obscenities. Lurching forward, she reeled back again, ignoring the pain slicing through her skull as it connected with the man. The assailant stumbled, his grip loosening ever so slightly. Unwilling to give up, Nora lifted her foot, and slammed her heel down. The man’s arms let go, and she ran forward, using her momentum, she ran straight for the other man. Raising her hands to her face, she swung her right leg instead, catching him off guard as she connected her foot with his manhood. The man cupped himself, and groaned, falling to his knees.
Her triumph was short lived as a strong grip wrapped around her torso. No! She bucked against her attacker to no avail.
“You’re going to pay for that you stupid, little, bitch,” the man rasped in her ear.
You’re a fighter, Nora, Fight!
Nora thrashed in his arms, but his hold was unforgiving. The man behind her stiffened, his fingers dug into her arms. Snapping her head up, she gasped as she watched the reddish-brown wolf tear into the man she’d kicked only moments ago. The man gurgled, sputtering as he coughed. Crimson poured from his mouth as his body trembled. The wolf growled and turned toward them.
“You don’t want to hurt her do you?” the man sneered as the reddish-brown wolf approached. “You’ll have to come through her to get to me.”
Nora whimpered, cringing away from the man as his hot breath blasted against her neck.
The wolf snarled, baring his massive, white, canines. Nora halted her movements, eyes transfixed on the wolf’s golden eyes. His head cocked to the side, watching her, then he lunged.
Nora shrieked as she was tossed to the side. Her hands rose up to protect her face, but it was too late. Nora’s forehead smacked against the edge of the door. Her vision clouded, then went black.
Daniel snapped his jaws as he dove at the man. Like a coward, the human threw the girl out of the way, and spun around to flee to the woods. Daniel grunted as he jumped, nails outstretched and tackled him to the ground. His jaws clamped around the man’s neck, and with one quick twist, the bones crunched.
With a grunt, he pulled back. His body throbbed and breaths came in unsteady, labored, pants. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath in and hobbled over ensuring that the three men and wolf were in fact dead. Satisfied, he sniffed at the young woman. The metallic stench of blood invaded his senses, and he whined as he inspected her. There was a laceration just above her eyebrow. He nuzzled her, relieved to see that her chest rose and fell evenly.
Daniel took a step back and lowered himself to the ground. Gritting his teeth, he whimpered as his broken body snapped, the bones realigning as he transformed. He stood up with a grimace, and stretched his stiff limbs.
Limping, he walked over to the closest man, and quickly removed his shoes and then tugged his jeans down. He was sure the young woman was going to have lots of questions when she awoke, and he assumed it would go a lot better if he were wearing pants. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her anymore than she already was. After he pulled the jeans on, he took the black tee off the man whose neck he had snapped. Setting the socks and shoes in the car, he carefully lifted the woman into his arms, and laid her across the back seat.
Daniel took a moment to look over the unconscious woman. Her copper hair fell in soft waves. Light freckles were sprinkled across her cheeks and nose. The scared amber eyes that had been alert only moments ago were now shut. Her breathing was even, and aside from a few red marks on her creamy skin, the only visible injury to her was the cut above her brow. She should be okay, he thought, at least he hoped she would be.
One way or another, she was involved in all of this now. It was his duty to keep her safe.
Happy Reading,
Review
Bethany Shaw is a sensational story teller. The words just simply come to her as her fingers flow over her keyboard…thus how each of her novels are created.
In 2013 Shaw released her debut novel Out of the Shadows. Which is Book 1 of the Werewolf Wars Series . This novel introduces the reader into the world of werewolves. It is the love story of Devon and Lark. Book 2, Into the Unknown is Gene’s love story (released January 2014). But all is not rosy. There are some bad guy wolves out there… who will win this war after all???
Well, we will have to just ‘Get our READ on’ and see…
Series Rating
5.0 Rosebuds of Writing Raves
This novel is takes the reader right into the novels themselves. One feels like they are right in the middle of the scenes taking place. Whether it be a day to day activity on the farm, working at the Cookie Jar, going up against the bad wolves, or even a fly on the wall when the Hero and Heroine have romantic rendezvous. Each novel picks up where the last leaves off, time frame of the story falls perfectly in place. Wolves are pack animals. Family is very important to them. When reading, the reader will gain a sense of how important this is to the Harris family. The Heroines are Brave, Intelligent, Independent women. The Heroes are Hot and Hunky as well as stopping at nothing to protect their family and love ones. Each chapter will capture the readers heart just a little more. These novels ado not only contain romance, but they also are filled with suspense. Each new chapter dealing with the warring pack is filled with twists and turns in this fight between good and evil…
3.0
With war comes loss. Yet, love and family bonds the Harris Pack so that they can get through the toughest and the happiest times. For some life and love begins, for others it ends…but they are never forgotten. Those you love will be in your heart forever…
5.0 Romance Rave
YES!!!! Some of the scenes between the Heroes and Heroines are pretty dang SEXY!!! Into the Unknown seemed to be a bit more on the sexy side in this reviewers opinion. Yet, there is more to physical love. There is trust, friendship, caring and wanting to protect the one your heart connects with. Romance in the series is emotional. With the war between the packs, is love enough to survive all that is happening to them? When the heart connects love blooms in a way that is tender and passionate. Just know that the Heroines can stand up for themselves. They are strong, smart and want to protect their men and family, just as much as the men want to protect them…
“Derek is hot! Patrick is equally
hot! Put these two hot men together and what do you get?!? Panty Dropping holy
mother of god hotness! The gang is back and I couldn’t be happier!” —Karrie,
Panty-Dropping Book Blog
“Each scene flowed into the next
effortlessly… drama, suspense and then a scene that will have your pulse racing
and your eyes dilating.”—Daphnie, Bound by Books blog
“5 of 5 breathtaking stars.” –Lisa,
Goodreads reviewer
“The sex scenes are hot, and the
story is great! The love Derek has for Melissa just pulls you in and you know
he would do anything in his power to make sure she is safe, which makes him a
new addition to my book boyfriend list!” —Chrissy, Reading Past My Bedtime blog
“I love this series. I think I
enjoyed this book the most because of the suspense element.” —Helen, Kinky Book
Klub
Synopsis:
One scar.One betrayal.
No escape.
When Sloan Reynolds beats criminal charges,
Melissa Jones stops believing her wealthy, connected ex-husband will ever pay
for what he did to her.Derek Alexander can’t accept that—a tiny silver
scar won’t let him forget, and as a leader in the security business, he is
determined to get the man who hurt his fiancée.
Then the body of a former call girl turns up
dead. She’s the breakthrough Derek’s been waiting for, the link to Sloan’s
sordid past he needs. But as usual, legal paths to justice have been covered up
or erased.
Derek’s ready to do whatever it takes to protect
his family when his partner Patrick Knight devises a plan that changes
everything.
It’s a plan that involves coloring outside the
lines and taking a walk on the dark side. It goes against everything on which
Alexander-Knight, LLC, is based.
And it’s a plan Derek’s more than ready to
follow.
“What have you done?”
His voice is full of warmth as he watches me from the sofa.
“Since you’ve been
working too hard—”
“Exaggeration.”
“Since you’ve been
working too hard,” I repeat, “I decided to recreate our relaxing spa vacation
in the desert.”
Placing the tray on
the coffee table, I hand him his flute and lift mine. “To family restrooms.”
He laughs and clinks
back. “To the gorgeous woman who drives me to crazy extremes.”
We sip and I crawl
forward on the couch to kiss him and tell him again. “I love you.”
He leans forward,
placing his flute, the tray, my flute, all of it on the coffee table. Then his
hands move through the open robe to pull me onto his lap in a straddle, facing
him. Just that fast, his mouth is on my neck, nibbling and kissing. My eyes are
closed, and I’m powerless.
“I love you more,” he
says beside my ear with a deep inhale. “You smell so good.”
Threading my fingers
in his hair, I kiss his temple. “I wore the red lace…”
A rumble of approval,
and his lips touch that spot behind my ear, a light scruff against my skin,
sending shivers flying down my legs.
“My favorite.” His
voice is thick as I pull his cheeks, reuniting our mouths.
For a moment, we make
out like teenagers, hot and breathless, tongues entwining. He holds me against
his bare chest, my elbows are bent, and my palms are on his cheeks. His mouth
is like some rich, decadent chocolate I can never get enough of tasting. As we
kiss, I feel him relax, and my hands slide behind his neck, my lips travel up
to his brow. He hugs me against his torso and doesn’t move. Neither do I.
This big, strong man
saved me twice. If comfort is what he needs, I’m here to give it to him. I’m
here to give him anything. After a few more breaths, his arms relax. I lean
back and study his face a moment. The robe has dropped around my shoulders, so
I’m basically sitting nude on his lap, but I don’t care.
“Hungry?” I reach for
the sandwich plate and hold it between us, right at our chins. “You probably
won’t think it’s as good as Central Grocery, but I think it’s delicious.”
His blue eyes take me
in before he bites. “Mmm…” is all I get.
Giggling, I lean
forward and take a bite myself. The tangy, savory flavor of olives and smoky
provolone fills my mouth.
“Delicious!” My voice
is muffled.
His smile glows as he
watches me, his voice full of love. “How’s the baby?”
Lowering the sandwich
to the plate, I turn and put it on the side table again. “I can’t feel a thing,
but the doctor said he’s doing great.”
My last checkup was a
week ago, and we both agreed unless something unusual occurred, Derek could
miss the routine exams. So far everything has been by the book.
“So he’s a boy now?”
I love his grin at the prospect of a little son.
Shrugging, I
acquiesce. “Maybe… it’s too soon to know.”
His attention moves
from my face to my abdomen. Large hands span my bare stomach before he leans
forward and kisses me right below my sternum, right at the top of my belly.
“I love you,” he
whispers to the little bean growing there.
I’m certain my heart
melts in that instant, and I catch his face again to cover it with kisses. He’s
right with me, lifting me in his arms and carrying me to the master suite. A
California king-sized bed fills the space, and he spreads me out on the soft
mattress, lying on his side next to me.
I trail my fingers
lightly over his brow, to his temple, following a line to his strong jaw. He
looks at me like I’m the most fragile thing in his bed—another detail he knows
isn’t true.
We don’t disturb the
moment, though. The truth might be that both of us are strong as iron, tough as
flint, but holding each other, we know how precious it is that we’re here,
together.
The randomness of
chance keeps us both in awe, and for that, we treasure these moments. After
working so hard, our reunions are the sweetest bliss. He holds me, and I feel
very needed and extremely sexy. This man is like water in the desert to me, and
it isn’t hard to see the feeling is mutual.
“I’m sorry I
interrupted dinner.” Leaning forward, he nibbles the skin at my neck, and a
surge rises between my legs. “Can you wait?”
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector
of beautiful men (who inspire all of her stories… *wink*)–turned wife,
mommy, and novelist.
She lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and
one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and
sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations…It’s possible
she has a slight truffle addiction.
WIN!!!
One of two signed copies of One to
Protect, an Amazon Gift Card, or a grab bag of SWAG, including signed
postcards, official Team Derek/Patrick dog tags, and more!
4 out of 5 read-ologists recommend this WordPress.com site. ups and downs of writer's insanity and day to day life. I will write whatever makes the voices happy, for a writer that ignores her inner voices is merely a mental breakdown waiting to happen. Keeping the voices happy and creating new worlds for them to play in is my main goal.
![5016460f61023d22dd2f82d5ff1467c5[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/5016460f61023d22dd2f82d5ff1467c51.jpg)
![ad1259546414c77b0069e37cd218c6cb[2]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/ad1259546414c77b0069e37cd218c6cb2.jpg)
![12ccd369b14ef1045c8810eb398556a0[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/12ccd369b14ef1045c8810eb398556a011.jpg)
![7a2d446e4ca363ebd174b0f66a1d750d[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/7a2d446e4ca363ebd174b0f66a1d750d1.jpg)
![bf777b17da48513ecf9e59dc6f5248aa[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/bf777b17da48513ecf9e59dc6f5248aa1.jpg)
![8c3a9002503336592ac1c48c41833a99[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/8c3a9002503336592ac1c48c41833a991.jpg)
![fc40f5ba217391b664ace1e4e4cde83a[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/fc40f5ba217391b664ace1e4e4cde83a1.jpg)
![pizap.com10.63078169757500291398189948920[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/pizap-com10-630781697575002913981899489201.jpg)
![10149322_816116118416008_1934648625_n[1]](https://readingwritingandbookreviews.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/10149322_816116118416008_1934648625_n11.jpg?w=535)
Reading Writing and Book Reviews 
Recent Comments