To judge and execute. That is Ruin’s power and desire. But Ruin’s memory is empty of how he came to be here on Earth and why. After saving Isadore– a neuroscientist living in the swamps of Louisiana– from a sexual predator, she volunteers to help him.
Ruin soon discovers that judging and executing wicked humans while linked to such a difficult and beautiful woman who can’t help but involve herself in every aspect of his business, is proving to be more difficult than judging the world.
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Author Bio
My name is Lucian Bane, and I’m an Ineffable Dom. That just means, do yourself a favor and please don’t try to fit me into categories. Complicated Dom, Intricate Dom, or Confounding Dom work too.
I don’t want a woman I can break, or overpower, or exercise my dominance over. I want a woman I can come undone with. I want a woman I can jump off the cliff with into that abyss of holy hell, this is beyond me, beyond my control.
I think there are many men like myself, and I hope my writing will be a map for them. (A map for women as well, to let them know Doms like this exist.) I want to challenge them to go for the complete power exchange with a woman, but don’t be a coward and not give the same that they demand or expect. Consider that when you give one hundred percent of yourself to a person, there is no more of you to give away. You now belong to them the way they belong to you.
Inner Doms need a master to train them. I once bowed to my Dom’s reckless and tireless desires, but when I gained control, he bowed to my will. The transformation made me into what I am today. What many would call an Ineffable Dom. But its equal term in the Vanilla world, in my opinion, is a real man.
Bad things happen in threes. For Nora Jamison, this couldn’t be truer. Her grandmother just passed away, her best friend is in trouble, and she just hit a man with her car. It cannot possibly get any worse. Wrong! Nora quickly finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed. Werewolves are real, and they are after her and the mysterious stranger she hit. Running for her life, she ends up on a ranch in Texas. Stuck in a new, unfamiliar world, she gets to know the man that helped rescue her. Daniel McKinley is different than anyone Nora has ever met. Despite his rough exterior, Nora can tell there is more to him than meets the eye. However, Nora has a tiny secret of her own. She can only hope that when Daniel learns it he will still look at her the same way.
Daniel McKinley has always been a loner. His father trained him to be an alpha through brute force—not through people skills. Now that Daniel’s older brother is alpha instead, he has become even more of an outcast. Despite their differences, the wolf in him craves the acceptance of his brother—his alpha. While trying to prove himself, he is involved in an accident that draws a human into the line of fire. Unwilling to see an innocent hurt by the enemy wolves after him and his pack, he vows to protect her. Nora is kind, caring, and strong. His past is dark and he fears if she learns too much it will scare her away. Although, he tries to keep his distance, there is something about her that draws him in. Can he keep Nora safe and earn his brother’s trust in the process?
Nora covered her mouth as she yawned. Her eyes focused on the road as she reached down, lifting her coke to her lips. Nora took a long swig before returning it to the cup holder.
The blue-green illumination of the dashboard clock read 12:03 AM. It was late, and she’d been driving for hours, but she would not stop until she reached her destination.
With a trembling hand, she picked up her cell phone and listened to her best friend’s voicemails again. She’d been stuck at work when April had called earlier, and had only just gotten the frantic message when she’d gotten off.
3:56pm
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 will 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. 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 too. 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.
The phone clicked, and Nora smashed her finger over the buttons, setting the phone back on top of her purse. Her hands shook 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, shortly after she’d left work. She still hadn’t been able to reach her best friend. Every call 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.
Nora held the steering wheel as a vice, watching in horror as he hit the pavement with an unforgiving thump. He rolled and attempted to stand, 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, unbuckled her seatbelt, and climbed out. Her eyes stayed transfixed on the deathly still person. Nausea churned in her stomach, and she gagged seeing 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 quivering 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. His intense gaze gave her pause and she felt her breath catch as she got lost in his beautiful irises.
“Who are you?” he coughed, struggling to his feet.
Nora blinked, snapping out of her trance. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I need to call the police. You need to get to the 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 out of the car 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.” He stared at her for a long moment. “What’s your name?”
Nora looked down at his fingers that still encircled her wrist. Tiny nicks 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 interrupted, hobbling forward and pulling her along with him. His fingers were warm on her wrist and a tiny tremor of heat crept through her.
Nora allowed him to lead her 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 grey wolf. How is that even possible, she wondered, 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 passenger 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 and easily dodged 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 raced forward, using her momentum, she ran straight for the other man. Raising her hands to her face, she swung her right leg, 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 before. 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 before he lunged.
Nora shrieked as she was tossed toward the car. 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 with his nails outstretched, tackling his enemy 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 long 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, quickly removed the man’s shoes, and tugged his jeans down. He was sure the young woman was going to have a lot 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. He stripped the man with a broken neck down to his boxers. Then put the jeans and black tee on. Setting the socks and shoes in the car, he carefully lifted the woman into his arms and laid her across the back seat of her car.
Daniel took a moment to look over the unconscious woman. Her copper hair fell in soft waves. Light freckles sprinkled across her cheeks and nose. The scared amber eyes that had been alert only moments before were 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. Once they got someplace a little safer, he would stop and clean her up, and tend to both of their injuries.
One way or another, she was involved in all of this now. It was his duty to keep her safe.
He climbed into her Cavalier and shut the door, taking off down the road.
Nora chewed on her lower lip, taking in Daniel’s shirtless torso. Muscles rippled across his chest as he dodged a punch. He caught his opponent and threw him to the floor. The men around them cheered as the bloodied man held up his hands in submission.
“Daniel’s one of the best fighters here,” April told her.
Daniel turned so his back was to them. He slowly backed away from the fallen man. Nora gasped her eyes transfixed on his back. Long dark scars covered his sweat-covered skin.
“They’re claw marks,” April whispered. “Probably why he’s such a good fighter.”
“Any idea what the tattoo means?” Nora asked as she admired the symbol written on his left shoulder blade.
“I’m not sure.”
“It looks Chinese,” Nora wondered.
April shrugged. “Guess you’ll have to ask him,” she grinned giving her a playful nudge.
Nora snorted. “I haven’t spoken to him since the day I arrived. I’m not sure he wants anything to do with me.”
“He’s been really busy. All the guys have,” April said, earnestly. “They’ve been constructing a new building and putting up fences. From what I’ve seen, he’s not much of a talker either. You might need to approach him. He’s kind of hot.”
“April,” Nora flushed. She put her fingers to her lips hoping no one noticed the heat creeping across her cheeks.
“Well, he is. Clearly you agree.”
“Maybe a little,” Nora mumbled.
April giggled bumping her lightly on the arm. “You should try to talk to him. He’s kind of a loner, but he did risk his life to save all the people who made it out of my pack. He’s a good guy—just quiet. Kind of reminds me of someone I know.”
“I’m not quiet,” Nora huffed.
“Not now. But you used to be when we first met. And you can still be reserved sometimes.”
“Well, I am in a different state surrounded by people I don’t know who just happen to turn into wolves. You’ll forgive me for being a little reserved right now,” Nora replied, rolling her eyes. “Speaking of guys,” Nora started, nodding toward a guy with dark blonde hair and brown eyes. “Who is he? He’s staring at you.”
April followed her gaze. “That’s Jackson.”
“Your on-again-off-again?”
“Yeah.”
“He’s cute.”
“Yes, he is.”
“You two starting something up again?” Nora questioned.
“I don’t know. The romance is there, the love is there, we just can’t seem to agree on anything,” April sighed. “He’s not like Juarez; he would never stop me from doing anything. But, he’s been very vocal about me going to school. I’m kind of an outcast amongst my group. My need for normal, human life is very taboo. At least according to them.” April stood up on her tiptoes and waved at Lark and Natalia as they entered the barn. “I fit right in here.”
“Hi,” Lark smiled as she waved to them.
Natalia gave them a nod and her eyes wandered around the barn. Nora couldn’t help but notice how uneasy the other woman appeared. Nora didn’t know a lot about the werewolf world, but it seemed odd that the alpha female would be so standoffish.
“You feeling up to this?” Lark asked.
“Yeah. I do yoga and run, but April tells me this is a little more intense,” Nora shrugged.
Lark nodded. “It is. Devon and I usually work one-on-one, but with all the new people we want to make sure everyone is prepared.”
“So this is like basic training?” Nora asked.
“You could call it that,” Lark agreed. “I could also work with you on learning to shoot if you’re so inclined. The wolves aren’t too keen on it, but it could come in handy. We humans are at a disadvantage.”
“I’ve never shot a gun before.”
“I’ll teach you if you want,” Lark offered.
Before Nora could respond, Gene’s voice boomed through the crowd instantly silencing everyone.
“Good evening. Thanks for joining us tonight. I thought we’d start tonight off with a run, and then break into groups for sparring. We’ll run a two-mile stretch tonight around the perimeter of the buildings. Everyone take a minute to stretch and warm up.”
Nora lifted her ankle and tucked it up. By chance, her eyes caught Daniel’s, he gave her a small smile and started moving in her direction. Her heart kicked up a notch and she forced an even breath in. However, several feet before he reached her he pulled up short. The smile slipped from his face and he turned around and left. What in the world, Nora wondered.
“Hey, Devon,” Lark greeted, melting into the alpha.
Devon wrapped one arm around her and placed a kiss to her head.
“All right. Everyone warmed up? Let’s get going,” Gene shouted.
“Don’t push too hard, Nora. Stop if you need to,” April suggested as people started filing out of the barn.
Nora grumbled under her breath and she was about to lash out when she noticed Daniel hanging back. This could be her chance to talk to him, she realized.
“I’m fine. But I’ll probably pull up the rear just in case.”
April gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze and then followed Lark, Natalia, and Devon out of the barn.
Nora turned her attention toward Daniel, who still stood against the haystacks. Most everyone had already exited the barn, but he hadn’t moved. Inhaling sharply, she walked toward him.
Daniel’s eyes focused on Nora as she approached. Her copper hair was pulled up, except for a few loose strands around her face. The black tank top and shorts she wore clung to her body accentuating every glorious curve.
“Hi,” she greeted.
“Hey.”
“You running tonight?”
“Yeah. I like to run alone though, so I usually give everyone a few minute head start.”
“Oh.”
Daniel grimaced realizing how she probably took that. “I mean,” he cleared his throat. “We could run together if you’d like.”
Her eyes lit up and a smile slid across her face. Daniel relaxed, relieved. He gestured for her to lead the way.
Once outside, they both started at a steady jog.
“Do you do a lot of running?” Daniel asked after several moments of silence.
“On the treadmill. This is a little bit different,” Nora admitted, sucking in a deep breath through her nose. “What about you? Do you do a lot of running like this?”
“I’m more used to being in my wolf form, but this is nice too.” When she didn’t say anything else, he elaborated. “It’s more intense as a wolf. You can see things, feel things; everything is so much more vivid.”
“That must be nice. I saw you fighting earlier. You’re pretty good.” She cleared her throat and sucked in another breath. Daniel peered over at her to make sure she was doing okay. A fine sheen of sweat glistened on her brow, but her breathing seemed even. Her head turned toward him. “Maybe you could, uh, teach me how to fight too.”
Daniel hesitated for a moment, causing his steps to falter. She wanted him to teach her. “I’ve never really taught anyone. I’m not sure I’d be a good teacher.”
Nora shrugged, pushing forward. “I’m sure Devon or Gene could teach me then,” she replied after a long moment.
Daniel gritted his teeth. Great, now she thinks you don’t want to, he berated himself. “I could give it a try.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll team up with you when we break down into sparring teams.”
“I’m not really a fighter. You might have your hands full,” Nora admitted, casting a glance his way.
“We all have to learn sometime. Besides, I’ve seen you in action. You have good instincts. I’m still not sure how you did that flip thingy when that guy had you over his shoulder,” Daniel admitted. He’d never seen anything like that before.
“I took gymnastics as a kid and I’ve been doing yoga for years now.”
“I think you’ll do just fine.” He nodded toward the light of the barn. “Home stretch.”
Daniel stood up, walked to the dresser, and set up the computer. He tapped something and the red screen popped up.
“Avengers?” Daniel asked.
“Sure,” Nora said sliding back so she was lying on the pillows. She patted the spot next to her and Daniel lay down, resting one arm behind his head and pulling her close with the other.
Nora sighed relaxing her head against his chest. The movie started and she smiled as Daniel’s hand rubbed tiny circles into her back.
Nora grunted as her warm cushiony pillow moved out from underneath her. Her eyes fluttered open and she squinted in the darkness. Daniel’s silhouette moved toward the laptop. The screen was black as white names scrolled over it. She’d missed the entire movie.
She sat up and stretched her arms up and over her head.
“I didn’t mean to wake you,” Daniel whispered, dragging his finger over the touchpad.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t a very good movie buddy,” Nora smiled. “Did you like it at least?”
“It was good. I heard there is a third one coming out, maybe we could go see that together,” Daniel offered.
She didn’t think the other movie was coming out for some time yet. That meant he didn’t know that, or he was planning to be with her for a long time. “I’d like that.”
Daniel shifted on his feet. “It’s late and we have an early morning,” he said, running a hand through his hair.
Did he want to stay but didn’t want to force it or was he trying to get out of staying, she wondered. He wouldn’t have spent all evening with you if he didn’t like your company, she reasoned. “Will you stay with me again tonight?” She tucked locks of hair behind her ear as she peered up at him.
“Yeah,” Daniel said. “Do you mind?” he asked. His hands rested on the hem of his shirt.
Nora licked her lips and shook her head. Her breath caught in her throat as she rose up to her knees. Feeling bold, she rolled her shirt up and let it fall to the floor. Daniel’s eyes appraised her for a moment before he lifted his shirt up revealing his taut upper body. She reached out, skimming her fingers up his chest. Daniel bent down, his lips capturing hers. Gently, he pushed her back until he hovered over her on the bed. His stubble scratched at her mouth as his tongue met hers. Nora moaned into his mouth as heat pooled between her thighs. She needed him.
His hand dipped down between them, flicking her jeans open. Nora gasped as his warm fingers slid down into her panties and he inserted one digit inside of her. Daniel kissed down her neck and shoved her bra strap out of the way, as he peppered his way to her breast and took the mound into his mouth. Nora cried out as he added another finger.
Her hands flew to his hair. She threaded her fingers through his thick locks. His free hand found her other nipple, and he rolled the tight bud between his fingers. Nora’s hips rose up greedily meeting his thrusts. His digits slipped in and out of her folds as her core ached for more.
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Review
I have read the Werewolf Wars from the beginning of the Series. The first novel, Out of the Shadows released in 2013, with the second, Into the Unknown to follow in January of 2014. Each novel seems to get more and more intersting! The characters show growth and the situations that that the Harris Pack are in keep gettting more dangerous. Bethany Shaw is a Talented Indie Autor! I look forward to reading more from her. Want to know a secret? Book #3, Finding Our Way was my favorite yet in this series !!!
Ratings
5.0 Rose of Writing Rave
Werewolf Wars Book #3, Finding Our Way follows right off from the end of Book #2, Into the Unknown. Getting the readers attention and directly into the action of the story. Chapter one introduces the reader to the Hero and Heroine of this novel. Thus where the heroine is thrown right in the middle of the war and learning that werewolves exist. Each chapter will leave the reader wondering what threat is will be around the corner next.
In reading this novel I especially liked that the characters from Books one and two weaved in and out of the storyline. The way they interacted with the main hero and herione made the story seem so real. Plus it was nice as far as learning about these characters more and just how important family is to them.
The writing flowed, the plot took twists and turns. Just wait till you read about Sarah in this book!!!
The women are shown as hard workers. They want to do their share in protecting the family and the pack. Deep inside the human females may be scared, but they show courage, bravery and strength when needed throughout the plot of the story. The ending of the novel will have you craving more from this series.
2.0 Teardrops
Both Nora and Daniel have had unhappy childhoods. When each shared that part of their lives of course this reader had to get a little emotional. You know I am just a big old emotional reader. So to hear how they were treated growing up it just made me sad. It made me want to fight for them to be a couple. Both would like to find that someone special. Yet, both have secrets that may change how they see each other. Plus the whole war situation has everyone on edge making emotions run high for everyone in the novel. You will just have to read and see how emotional things can be…
4.0 Romance Rave
The hero and heroine have an instant attraction starting from the first time they ‘run into each other’. However the relationship builds bit by bit with Nora and Daniel. Each would like a relaltionship with the other, but secrets and trust issues cloud their hearts. Yet, as they get to know each other better they grow closer to one another. There is constant danger lurking from the enemy Pack. This danger plays a big part in how these two feel for each other. Each wants to protect the other. Which ramps up the romance placing this sweet couple in each others arms. For who knows what tomorrow will bring…
Bad things happen in threes. For Nora Jamison, this couldn’t be truer. Her grandmother just passed away, her best friend is in trouble, and she just hit a man with her car. It cannot possibly get any worse. Wrong! Nora quickly finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed. Werewolves are real, and they are after her and the mysterious stranger she hit. Running for her life, she ends up on a ranch in Texas. Stuck in a new, unfamiliar world, she gets to know the man who helped rescue her. Daniel McKinley is different from anyone Nora has ever met. Despite his rough exterior, Nora can tell there is more to him than meets the eye. However, Nora has a tiny secret of her own. She can only hope that when Daniel learns it he will still look at her the same way.
Daniel McKinley has always been a loner. His father trained him to be an alpha through brute force—not through people skills. Now that Daniel’s older brother is alpha instead, he has become even more of an outcast. Despite their differences, the wolf in him craves the acceptance of his brother—his alpha. While trying to prove himself, he is involved in an accident that draws a human into the line of fire. Unwilling to see an innocent hurt by the enemy wolves after him and his pack, he vows to protect her. Nora is kind, caring, and strong. His past is dark and he fears if she learns too much it will scare her
away. Although, he tries to keep his distance, there is something about her that draws him in. Can he keep Nora safe and earn his brother’s trust in the process?
Finding Our Way is the third book in The Werewolf Wars Series.
Available in Ebook and Paperback Format
Excerpt 1
Nora covered her mouth as she yawned. Her eyes focused on the road as she reached down, lifting her coke to her lips. Nora took a long swig before returning it to the cup holder.
The blue-green illumination of the dashboard clock read 12:03 AM. It was late, and she’d been driving for hours, but she would not stop until she reached her destination.
With a trembling hand, she picked up her cell phone and listened to her best friend’s voicemails again. She’d been stuck at work when April had called earlier, and had only just gotten the frantic message when she’d gotten off.
3:56pm
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 will 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. 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 too. 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.
The phone clicked, and Nora smashed her finger over the buttons, setting the phone back on top of her purse. Her hands shook 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, shortly after she’d left work. She still hadn’t been able to reach her best friend. Every call 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.
Nora held the steering wheel as a vice, watching in horror as he hit the pavement with an unforgiving thump. He rolled and attempted to stand, but quickly fell back to the black top. 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, unbuckled her seatbelt, and climbed out. Her eyes stayed transfixed on the deathly still person. Nausea churned in her stomach, and she gagged seeing 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 quivering 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. His intense gaze gave her pause and she felt her breath catch as she got lost in his beautiful irises.
“Who are you?” he coughed, struggling to his feet.
Nora blinked, snapping out of her trance. “I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I need to call the police. You need to get to the 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 out of the car 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.” He stared at her for a long moment. “What’s your name?”
Nora looked down at his fingers that still encircled her wrist. Tiny nicks 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 interrupted, hobbling forward and pulling her along with him. His fingers were warm on her wrist and a tiny tremor of heat crept through her.
Nora allowed him to lead her 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 grey wolf. How is that even possible, she wondered, 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 passenger 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.
Bethany Shaw has lived in Ohio her entire life. She is happily married to her husband of nine years and together they have two wonderful children. They also share their home with three dogs and two cats. Most of the time, she has at least one of her pets by her feet while she writes. Writing has always been a passion of hers and she is thrilled to pursue her dreams. She enjoys reading romances, young adult and fantasy.
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. She knows that they are werewolves, but it doesn’t matter. 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 intensifies the more time they spend together. Lark has known werewolves existed for some time, but she 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.
Gene Harris is a new alpha. Although, he has been training for this his entire life, nothing could have prepared him for the brewing werewolf war. Enemies are everywhere and Gene must fight to protect his pack. Gene’s morals are called into question when he is offered amnesty for his pack in exchange for their newest member, Natalia. Gene wants to protect his pack, but he also believes in doing the right thing. There is a mystery surrounding Natalia, one that Gene wants to uncover. She is mesmerizing, beautiful, and an alpha female. The more he gets to know the timid she-wolf, the more he falls for her. Together they must fight for their freedom and the pack. Failure is not an option.
Natalia ‘Talia’ Alvarez was abruptly thrown into the werewolf world when she was taken prisoner by the Gulf packs. After nearly a year in captivity, Natalia was rescued and brought to the Harris ranch. She is a new mother and her only wish is to protect her infant son. The thought of trusting other wolves terrifies her. However, Talia knows her only chance at freedom is to team up with Gene. There is something about the other alpha that calls to her—she wants him—needs him. Trusting Gene will be either the best decision or the worst mistake of her life.
Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her whole world.
Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce her to his world.
There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they’ve taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe.
Roxy will find that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined. She’ll also learn that not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless.
Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?
She slipped past him, and onto the wings of the stage. Her gaze fell on Mr. Voice who was tall, dark and smokin’ hot. Holy shit, I want to lick him. Scuffed combat boots were laced up over black leather pants that clung to muscular thighs, and his black shirt molded to the most impressive set of abs she had ever seen. Roxy wanted to trace the ridges with her fingertips. He turned, his voice dropping low as his eyes locked on hers. His words enveloped her. “… you’re the only one.” Her heart paused a beat before slamming into her chest at a rapid pace. His full mouth lifted into a grin that spoke of confidence as he held her full attention. Entranced, she fell deep into his eyes and the world stopped. Until a drumstick hit him in the head. He looked over his shoulder and shrugged sheepishly at his drummer before turning back to launch into the next verse. Mikey gently shook her shoulder. “Hey, Rox, come on. We have to warm up.” Her head bobbed in a nod at her brother, but she didn’t look over. She muttered, “Yeah, give me a minute,” or longer. As if he heard, Mr. Voice glanced over and winked at her before the next song started. “Blinded by beauty, falling at first sight, head over heels…” There was raw passion in his voice, and she couldn’t help wishing he was singing about her.
Spotify Playlist
1 – “Like Nobody Else” by My Darkest Days
2 – “Breathe Today” by Flyleaf
3 – “She Hates Me” by Puddle of Mud
4 – “Move Like You Stole It” by ZZ Ward
5 – “Not Myself Tonight” by Christina Aguilera
6 – “Lollipop” Framing Hanley Version
7 – “Come Undone” My Darkest Days version
8 – “Still Rainin’” By Jonny Lang
9 – “Secrets” by OneRepublic
10 – “Trouble” by P!nk
11 – “What’s Your Name” by Theory of a Deadman
12 – “Give Me Love” By Ed Sheeran
13 – “Tell Me ‘Bout it” by Joss Stone
Nights Embrace Character Bios
Roxana Nights, also goes by Roxy
Age 24
Nationality: American
Description: Black hair, blue eyes, curvy, tattoos, 5’10”
Occupation: Paranormal Author. Sings in local rock band Nights Embrace
Personality: Generally rolls with the flow. She can be blunt. She tells it like it is. People person, who likes everyone until she has a reason not to.
Trevor Malone
Age 147
Nationality: Irish
Description: Dark brown hair, Green eyes, muscular build, 6’0”
Occupation: Lead singer for Lunar Storm, which is a rock band.
Personality: Easy going but tends to worry. Prefers to keep the company of close friends.
Michael Nights, also goes by Mike. Or Mikey but only for Roxy.
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Short dark hair, blue eyes, sturdy, 6’3”
Occupation: Graphic designer, guitar player for Nights Embrace.
Personality: Protective of his sister. Generally friendly, but doesn’t go out of his way to make new friends.
Jordan Long
Age: 26
Nationality: American
Description: Blond, blue eyes, Tattoos, Lean, 6’1
Occupation: Works in a music store. Also the drummer for Nights Embrace
Personality: Abrasive, self-involved.
Joseph Mullens, also goes by Joey
Age 156
Nationality: Irish
Description: Short dark hair, brown eyes, big and strong, 6’5”
Occupation: Drummer for Lunar Storm
Personality: Finds humor in everything. Loves people.
Sorcha Mullens
Age: 36
Nationality: Irish
Description: Chin length bright red hair, blue eyes, 5’7”
Occupation: Waitress
Personality: Spunky, humorous.
AUTHOR BIO:
My name is Brandy L Rivers. I’m a wife and mother of three with an overactive imagination. I’ve been obsessed with monsters and magic for pretty much ever. I decided to write the stories that keep me awake at night.
Roxy is spunky, independent and can take care of herself. Trevor seems caring, protective, and Oh So LOVING!!! Uh Oh, just ran into trouble– her name is Dina…
Both Roxy and Trevor have pasts that pains their hearts. Will the past get in the way of these two being together? Going to have to read to find out!
Rating
3.5 Rose of Writing Rave
I have read all of the Others of Edenton novels thus far. The others I could not put down. They held my attention and I could not wait to see what would happen next. This one it took longer to get into. Was still a good story, just did not hold my rapt attention as it seemed to take longer to get to any romance or thrilling danger.
4.0 Romance Rave
Once the romance started it did not stop. Even though it took a while in the novel for romance to happen, then it happened FAST!!! And was so sexy and smokin’ HOT!!! Readers you will SWOON over Trevor. He is HOT, sweet, thoughtful, and knows exactly what he is doing when it comes to romance.
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
Carly Jo Simon believed that Colton Weston was her future, but he shattered her heart into tiny pieces. Just like any little girl would, she assumed her daddy would always be by her side. Unbelievably, he turned his back on her when she needed him most, leaving her with no one in her life to turn to for support.
Without options, Carly runs away from the only home she’s ever known, leaving behind her heartache and the betrayal of the two men she loved most.
Seven years later, Carly reluctantly returns to Kentucky. Her daddy is dying of cancer and Colton is nothing like the boy she once loved and left. After her daddy passes, Carly must uproot her life in South Carolina and take control of Simon Coal Company, where she has no choice but face the pain of her past. Can Carly keep her secrets buried deep beneath the black Kentucky coal and her heart safe from the fiery Colton Weston?
Silla Webb is a Kentucky native, raised in the heart of the coal fields. A coal truck driver’s daughter, and a railroader’s wife, the coal fields own a special place in her heart.
She is a work at home, Super Momma to three rowdy boys, who keep her on her feet from daylight to sunset. As a pass time from her everyday life, Silla started a blog-Momma’s Secret Book Obsession, for reviewing romance novels. From there, she realized that not only did she have a natural love for reading and reviewing, but she found that lost love of writing that she once had as a young girl.
When she isn’t conquering the world as a wife, momma and Super Woman, Silla loves to lay on the front porch swing and read while sipping sweet tea, just passin’ the day away.
This reviewer gives the author a thumbs up for coming right out letting the reader know that the ending will be a cliff hanger. The story itself is incredible! I would have rated it a 4.0 if not for some of the grammar. For example, Rocky Road ice cream was spelled, Rocky Rode several times. Though I did enjoy that Webb wrote using Kentucky dialect, dropping the g on words like, mornin’, and ya for you. It really places the reader directly in the novel, in Kentucky, right in the middle of the action. This reviewer also is happy to see a new romance theme from all the rock stars, billionaires, and MC romance reads. The descriptions in the scenes show realism in how a coal mine runs, and how dangerous, dirty, and physical the job is. In reading, I began to wonder what a ‘Pinner’ was? So I even took time from reading the novel to do a little research.
Here is an article from a coal mining blog that provides a good understanding of what the Pinner’s job is underground in the mine. There are pictures on the Mantrip, and a couple of miners pinning and bolting . Showing just how physical, dangerous, and what space they have to move and work in.
From the first of the book to middle ways in the novel this reviewer had to have the tissue handy. The heroine, Carly Jo just does not have the best luck in life. At least at the part where we meet her, not long after high school graduation. Until then life had its ups and downs, but were more manageable. But readers you will see that Carly Jo is a strong independent woman who can look after herself, even if her temper sometimes gets the better of her. With that same temper leading her decisions, whether for good or bad…
4.0 Romance Rave
The characters have a lot of innuendo between and about one another, especially between Colton and Carly Jo.
Both Luke and Colton are Hot Hunks!!! It would be hard to choose between them…
Colton is very ALPHA, DOMINANT, and CONTROLLING!
The HEAT between Colton an Carly Jo will steam up your Kindle…
Looking Forward to the Rest of the Story…
P.S. Maybe Book 2 will include the Village Diner’s Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake… Sounds Yummy!!!
“Patrick Knight, single, retired Guard-turned private investigator. I was a closer. A deal maker. I looked clients in the eye and told them I’d get their shit done. And I did…”
Patrick doesn’t do “nice.” At least, not anymore.
After his fiancée cheats, he follows up with a one-night stand and a disastrous office hook-up. His business partner (Derek Alexander) sends him to the desert to get his head straight–and clean up the mess.
While there, Patrick meets Elaine, and blistering sparks fly, but she’s not looking for any guy. Or a long-distance relationship.
Patrick’s ready to do anything to keep her, but just when it seems he’s changed her mind, the skeletons from his past life start coming back.
Excerpt:
Suppressing a grin, I cupped her cheeks again and covered her mouth with mine. Her lips parted, and our tongues met. I felt her relaxing, and in that moment, the questions in my head were answered and the answers satisfied me deeply. She was mine. No matter what came next. With a calm confidence, I knew I’d never let her go again.
My mouth moved to her cheek. “Nobody’s getting over anybody here. So why torture us both?”
Her body shook with her small laugh. “Aren’t you trained for torture?”
“Yes, but you’re not.”
She slid down and put her cheek against my chest again. My fingers threaded into her silky hair. She was so beautiful in my arms.
Her head turned, and she rested her forehead on me, exhaling deeply. “I still don’t want a long distance relationship.”
But her words didn’t knock the breath out of me like the first time. Back then, I wasn’t sure of anything. Now everything had fallen into place. Everything felt possible. I pushed against the mattress, sitting up and bringing her with me. Her green eyes glistened when they met mine, but I smiled.
“So we’ll figure it out,” I said, smoothing my thumbs over her cheeks. “We’ll get through the weeks however we can, we’ll be together on the weekends, and we’ll figure out what the future’s going to look like. This distance is not forever.”
Her head dropped, but only for a moment. When she lifted it again, she moved forward, wrapping her arms around my neck. My hands spanned her waist before sliding up her body to her beautiful breasts. The scent of cactus flower surrounded me, and I lay her back, ready to catch up on all the days we’d missed.
“Now, that first time was amazing, but it went way too fast.” I covered one tight nipple with my mouth and then the other as her little moans began, her fingers threaded in my hair.
“You think?” she sighed.
“Yes,” I said against her body, traveling lower. I kissed her flat stomach, inhaling the warm perfume lingering on her skin. She whispered my name, and I gave her belly one more kiss before catching her thighs and spreading them open…
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.
Books by Tia Louise: ONE TO HOLD (Derek & Melissa), 2013 ONE TO KEEP (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
The story of Kate, Kyle and Reed continues in this second novel of The Perfect Series.
Kate (Katherine) Monroe is finally coming to heads with the decisions she’s made in the past to keep herself distracted at any cost. Learning to move on and forward with the conflicts in her life is harder than she expects though. With Kyle continuing to attempt reconciliation and Kate’s mom back at home, avoiding and running are no longer an option.
All along Kate’s mind and heart are consumed with Reed, but she fights to push her feelings and desires to the side. Despite the obvious pull and connection she has with Reed she finds it difficult to let him in… and trust in herself. However, Reed’s perseverance and patience never wavers and eventually he uses the one thing that had always brought them together… tennis.
As Reed and Kate begin to embark on a new relationship they face the past and the present head on. Along the way, new challenges and emotions arise testing the direction of their future together.
Can Kate forgive herself and trust Reed in order to latch onto the one emotion she needs most… love?
“Jesus, Katherine,” he mumbles as I kiss my way across his jaw and over to his ear. “What are you doing to me?”
“Kissing you,” I whisper in his ear and brush my lips against his ear lobe.
“Mmmmm hmmmm.” His hands move to my waist and guide me onto him. I’m straddling his lap and his fingers dig into my hips. I rush my hands into his hair and his head presses all the way against the couch, the leather giving in to my demands. Our tongues clash against each other exploring as if it’s our first kiss, yet knowingly anticipating our next ridge or groove. My heart races in ways I never knew possible. My hands run down to the hem of his button down shirt and to the top of his pants. I start to pull at his shirt to un-tuck it, but his hands come around and lock around my wrists restraining me from pulling anymore. I whine into his mouth.
“Why?” I mumble against the softness of his lips and smile.
“This is the first time I’m in your house and I just met your parents… maybe the second time,” he jokes and then nibbles on my bottom lip.
“Grrrrr,” I grumble in his mouth. “You are always being too good.” His eyes narrow at me and he let’s out a rough chuckle.
“Katherine, I think you know that’s not true and I’ll show you just how bad I am when we are back up at school.” His hands snake up to my shoulders wrapping around the back of my neck. Pulling me towards him and his lips find mine again. Softly he kisses me across my jaw to my ear. “Patience,” he whispers.
“I don’t want to be patient,” I pout as I push my body into him. He laughs into me and un-straddles me from his lap. We face each other and I smile shyly at him feeling a little funny by my boldness.
“Stop,” he says, and his hand latches onto my pinky finger gently rubbing it. “Don’t be embarrassed. I don’t like you having to be patient either,” he says, just before he plants a firm kiss to my forehead. I lean myself against him and rest my head on his chest. His arms wrap around me tightly making my insecurities fade. As I take in his familiar pine and masculine scent he shifts us back against the arm of the couch allowing me to snuggle myself even closer.
Melissa Rolka grew up in the Chicagoland area all of her childhood and has always had a love of writing. She started by keeping a journal at a young age and then in high school she started writing poetry. A couple poems were published anonymously. Then in college she majored in Philosophy, which required lots and lots of writing. After graduating from Marquette University she traveled west to Los Angeles. There she worked for the Writers Guild of America and found herself submerged in the writers world. She worked on small writings, but never pursued them. On the side she became involved with a small theater group. Eventually she made her way back to the Midwest, where her heart belongs, and worked in business for several years. She found love, got married and has two beautiful children. Being at home has allowed her to keep following her love of reading and writing.The Perfect Distraction is her first full length novel. A second continuation of this story is in the works with hopes for a third. When Melissa is not writing she is caring for, playing with and loving her two kids. In between taking care of her family and writing she almost always has her nose buried in her Kindle.
Jada McLean is about to get married in nine days, when she walks in on her fiancé in a little more than a compromising position. Days later, she’s on a trip that she intends to be relaxing and a prelude to her fresh start, when she runs into the rude, obnoxious, but gorgeous Jonathan Kole.
Jonathan Kole is San Francisco’s newest District Attorney. When he finds himself deeply attracted to a stunning beauty, he has no idea that she’s about to get into BIG trouble with the law—and he’ll be the one presiding over her trial. To make matters worse, his father is the lawyer representing her in the high-profile case.
When a series of events force them together over New Year’s weekend, Jonathan’s feelings and ethics will come into question, while Jada comes to terms with the fact that she is falling for the man that will be responsible for attempting to put her behind bars… Little do they know, they’re both about to fall into a whirlwind so deep, it will send both their lives spiraling out of control.
Excerpt 1
Their First Meeting
The pretty, young host escorts me to a table for two near a window with panoramic water vistas. Within minutes, a server takes my order. As my café latté arrives, I can’t help but overhear a rude exchange between a man and his leggy blonde with the host that escorted me to my seat.
“Look, I reserved that exact seat yesterday,” he says.
“I apologize sir, but that seat is not available,” the host replies.
“Well, if you were doing your job in the first place, it would be available to me, wouldn’t it?”
“Sir, I’m sorry for the error, but it wasn’t written here. If you like, you can wait at the bar where I’ll be happy to serve you a complimentary beverage of your choice while you wait, or I can accommodate you at an available table now.”
I can’t help but look to see who this asshole is.
Everything about him smells of money. From the designer jeans that hug his ass, all the way to the Jaeger Reverso watch that graces his wrist. He’s hot—probably in his mid to late thirties, tall, broad shoulders, piercing grey eyes, and a head of black hair like I’ve never seen.
Ordinarily, I might have found him attractive, if only he would just shut up.
Everything he says to that poor young girl, who has tried so hard to rectify someone else’s mistake, pisses me off. He’s been nothing but rude and condescending. As I look up, my eyes land straight on his. Then I realize they’re all looking my way. I turn around to look behind me, but there is no one. Then it dawns on me that he’s arguing with the host about my seat.
My meal arrives. I mind my business, and I proceed to enjoy it. Before I know it, I see him approaching my table. I pretend not to notice and focus all my attention on my lemon ricotta pancakes before me, but within seconds, he stands beside me.
“Excuse me, my name is Jonathan Kole. Would you mind terribly if you were seated elsewhere?”
My eyes travel across my pancakes to his broad thighs, to his crotch, and to what I suspect is an extremely trimmed stomach beyond his black ribbed sweater. Then I stare into his grey eyes in silence.
“You see, my girlfriend and I met right here at this table a year ago, and I wanted to propose to her.
Here. Today.”
“Actually, Jonathan, I do mind. Seeing that I’m enjoying my meal, surely you wouldn’t mind waiting until I’m done. Or perhaps you can let that polite host, who has done everything possible to accommodate you, have you seated elsewhere.”
“Do you have any idea who I am?” he asks.
Asshole! Your name might sound familiar but who cares…
“No. You could be the king of England and I wouldn’t give a damn.”
“Who the hell do you think you are?”
“You really want to know?” I ask quietly.
He lowers his head slightly, as if he’s seriously interested.
“I am a woman who walked in on her fiancé screwing her best friend one week before her wedding, so forgive me if I’m not in a sentimental mood.”
His mouth drops open at my response.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, Mr. Kole, I’d really like to enjoy my brunch.”
His piercing grey eyes are glaring into mine. I know he’s angry. His temple pulsates as he stares at me. He walks away completely flushed.
I don’t care. Perhaps if he had been nicer to that host I would have considered his request. However, because he comes from money doesn’t give him the right to speak to people any which way he wishes.
I continue to enjoy my meal and notice him walking hand in hand to the bar with Malibu Barbie. Half an hour later, I ask for the check then purposely make him wait an additional five minutes before I leave.
On the way out, the host looks at me bright-eyed. “No one ever speaks to Mr. Kole that way, Miss McLean.”
“Well, it’s time someone taught him some manners,” I reply. I hand her a healthy tip, and I’m on my way.
Excerpt 2
Steamy Excerpt
We finish lunch and watch a movie and some football, complete with popcorn and soda. When the sun starts its descent, we head to the hot tub. I am a little nervous. I hope I don’t gawk at him again. I slip into a little white bikini, wrap myself in a robe, and head out.
When I get onto the terrace, I try to ignore the fact that ass-hugging Ralph Lauren trunks cling to every inch of his well-endowed front… and back. He steps into the tub, and after I tear my robe away, he stretches out his hand and helps me in. I have no idea what I was thinking when I agreed to this. I can’t get hot and sexy images of us having passionate sex in the tub out of my head.
Since Richard and I broke up, my body has craved sexual pleasure in a way it hasn’t before, but this is flipping torture. Sure, I’ve pleasured myself a few times, but there is no substitute for a man who you’re physically attracted to who you know knows all the right things to do to you in bed. Sitting opposite to him, I close my eyes, sit back, and relax. I hope that I don’t give him a clue that while I lie here, I am practically salivating at the mouth and lusting for his sexual pleasure.
I am just starting to calm down and relax when he raises one of my feet and massages, working his thumbs from around my ankle to the arch of my foot and then my toes. My God, I swear this could be considered foreplay, because what he is doing to me right now causes all sorts of tension to develop between my thighs, along with the tingling sensation that runs down my lower back.
My goodness. Is he purposely trying to seduce me, or is he completely unaware of what his actions are doing to my body?
Oh, don’t be naïve, Jada. Of course he knows what he’s doing. He’s made his feelings for you abundantly clear.
He moves to my other foot, and as he works, a soft moan spurts out of my lips. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this sexually aroused. I try to remember the last time I was with Richard, and nothing comes to mind. Jonathan snaps me back to the present when his hands move from my feet and he works his way up my calf.
Oh God, that feels good.
I feel like I’m losing control. I want him to make love to me. I open my eyes, and I’m startled when I find him staring straight at me. He hooks his arms under my thighs and pulls me towards him. The look in his eyes are filled with pure desire. I’m straddling him, and I can feel his erection in the center of my crevasse; just a few thin strips of fabric are between us.
He folds me in his arms and draws me close to him. My heart explodes between our bodies, and my hardened nipples are against his chest. I lean my forehead against his, and finally our lips touch. He gently braces my head with his palm, and I wrap my arms around his neck. He kisses me again, but this time I part my lips, allowing his tongue to slip into my mouth. I open my mouth wider, letting him deepen our kiss, allowing our tongues to tease and explore each other. My hands roam over his neck, shoulders, and chest.
His hands glide over my shoulders and down to my back. He draws me closer towards him. Kissing my neck, his hands caress my back, and his fingers inch closer to the ties of my swimsuit.
Suddenly, I remember that he may very well be the man to ensure that I am sent off to prison.
I pull away. My breathing is heavy—so is his. My forehead is still against his. He kisses me on my cheek then my neck.
“Why’d you have to be the bloody District Attorney?” I whisper.
“And why’d you have to be a suspect?” he responds.
Excerpt 3
Sexually Explicit Excerpt
After dinner, Jada’s on the phone with her brother in the living room while I get to work upstairs in my office. I have to finish getting ready for a deposition first thing tomorrow morning. A couple hours in, my office door opens and Jada walks in. Her wet hair falls in curly locks over her shoulders.
“Hey, Babe. You okay?” I ask.
She gazes into my eyes but does not verbally respond. She walks over to me, spanning her legs across my body while I sit in my office chair. She pulls away my T-shirt she’s wearing over her head, revealing her completely nude body. She’s doesn’t have any underwear on, and at that moment, it becomes clear what she wants.
She devours my lips as one of her hands travel towards my crotch. Sex is the furthest thing on my mind, but my cock stands erect and seems to agree with her plan. Her eyes are filled with so much desire, and before I can think to protest, I hear the zipper on my jeans head south.
“Ja—” I try to stop her, but she ignores my subtle protest.
Within seconds, she rips my jeans off, and her hands travel up and down my stiff cock as she descends between my thighs. I soon feel the warmth of her mouth surrounding me. I give up on trying to stop her, shut my laptop, and push it to the side of my desk. I watch while she swallows my cock. She’s sucking on it like a leech, massaging me in all the right places.
I sink my hand into her hair over her head and rotate my hips between her slippery fingers and into her mouth. I know I won’t last much longer if she keeps this up. I’m about to explode.
“Fuck, Jada.” I stand and pull her to her feet. Then after pulling my shirt over my head, I shove all the files on the desk away. A pile of books towards its edge comes crashing down to the floor before I set her to lie on my desk. For her pleasure, probably more so mine, I’ll give her what she wants. I sit in my chair, spreading her legs far apart. I rub her gently with my fingers then circle her center with tender kisses. I aim straight for her swollen pussy and release my tongue inside her.
She’s quickly becomes saturated, and her soft pleasurable cries and moans permeate through the room. She raises her ass repeatedly to meet my stride, and her erotic, sexual dance lets me know she’s enjoying this as much as I am. I alternate licking her with rubbing her clit with my middle and index fingers, arousing her further. She’s sweet. I could do this to her all night long, and the sight of her juices running down her thighs and my hands makes me eager to get inside her.
I come up for air, using my fingers above and inside her, then take a moment to absorb her beauty. Her eyes meet mine. She slips off the desk and straddles me in my chair, slowly swinging her hips over my erection.
I circle my hands around her head and look into her eyes. I’m not sure, but I think what started out as pure sexual desire for her might have turned into something else. I see a speck of vulnerability in her eyes, and it’s at that moment, I realize what she might need is so much more than awesome sex.
I draw her head towards me, kissing her gently on her lips. The intensity between us rises, and as we zealously kiss, the sight of her engorged ruffles slipping over my cock makes me want all of her.
I lift her, placing her on my desk once more. I stand, and she comes to her feet surrounding her arms around my neck as we kiss. With her in my arms, I take tiny steps towards the door. It’s my intention to take her to my bed, but she’s now massaging my cock, and I can’t hold back further.
I plaster her lithe body against the wall, slowly entering her. She wraps her slender arms around my neck, her soft kisses on my throat heightening my desire for her.
My arms brace her extended legs apart as I continue to ascend my body into her. She ties her legs around my sweaty frame as I circle her in my arms.
Her kisses become more demanding. I want to please her. I feel her loving caress in my hair, her soft touch on my wound from this afternoon, and her soft whispers of my name. I know she’s nearing her peak.
I gaze at her as I thrust myself into her, sending her body up and down against the wall. Her eyes are closed, some of the wet tendrils of her hair are plastered around her neck, and her mellifluous pleasurable moans arouse me further.
We slowly collapse to the plush rug on the floor, and as I kneel on the floor with her wrapped in my arms, she slips her slippery wet core over my stiff arousal. Our tongues are in a never-ending dance as we passionately kiss.
I flip her over, face down, and I bury my cock inside her. Taking her from behind, I circle my cock inside her, boring my ass into her while pleasuring her core again, and again, and again, all while teasing her, gratifying her, rubbing her pleats.
I need to see her face. There’s nothing I love more than watching her come. I flip her onto her back. Her hands clasps mine as I slowly move over her, delving myself into her.
“Oh, Johnny…” she cries out in utter bliss.
“Yes, Babe… Harder?”
“Yes.”
“Faster?”
“Yes…Deeper…”
She’s near her release. I hold her firmly in place as she wraps her arms around my shoulders and give her what she so desperately desires, thrusting my body hard and deep inside her.
I, too, am so close to coming. Her moaning is louder, and as she announces her grandeur, I feel her nails digging firmly into my back. She’s coming, hard, and as I watch her convulse in my arms, I join her and we both release.
I worked on this book for the last year and the whole time, I could hear my mentor’s voice in my head.
“Telling not showing,” she’d say, or “I’m not convinced… not feeling it here.”
With this book I pushed myself, and tried to blow everything I knew I was guilty of with my first book (at least during the writing phase), out the park. My aim was to make the reader and my mentor, laugh and cry. I want readers to feel happy and sad, and at times I want them to feel angry—I want them to experience what the characters feel.
I’ve always had the most difficult time being funny in my writing and it was something I really strived to do in certain parts of this book. I think I’ve succeeded—it’s up to bookworms out there to decide J. I’m silly, I laugh at my own jokes and depending on my husband to tell me if something was funny or not in a romance novel, was a complete waste of time.
He always gave the same blah response, “It’s cute.”
Not necessarily what you want to hear when attempting to write a funny scene.
The scenes where I wanted to evoke tears were the most difficult however. I had to get myself in “the zone”. That meant privacy, quiet, soft or no music, then I’d put myself in my characters shoes and I’d imagine how they’d feel.
In some instances, it was as simple as going back to a sad time in my life, but in others, I used my own fears— how I thought I would react in a given situation to write those scenes. I thought if I felt what the characters did; it would translate to the readers too. When I found myself bawling while my fingertips scrambled across the keyboard, I truly believed I would succeed in roping the reader in.
My aim was to keep readers engaged from page one all the way to the very end. Love, Lies & The D.A. will take people through a myriad of emotions—from lighthearted moments, to intense situations, from close encounters to steamy love scenes. Readers will laugh, and they will cry. I hope they thoroughly enjoy the heartwarming and sometimes heart-wrenching journey that Jada and Jonathan go through as they turn through the pages of my book.
Book Trailer
Author Bio
Rebecca Rohman is a wife and designer currently living in the Northeastern United States. She was a Sales Manager for a tourist magazine, and for many years prior, she was involved in marketing for a jewelry company, and later for a fine wine distributor.
About fifteen years ago, she started writing her first romance novel, Uncorked, just to purely entertain herself. It was not until early in 2012 when she decided to complete it and share it with the world. The story was published in February of 2013. Love, Lies & The D.A. is her second novel.
Synopsis
Chella Noon’s life isn’t her own. Her success as a Marketing Executive in the cosmetic division of an international conglomerate is overshadowed by a series of tragic events from a decade ago. With no family, few trusted friends and years spent on the run, she opens herself up to the possibility of a future with a sexy new real estate investor despite escalating threats from a psychotic ex determined to torment her.
Mitch Mariani never met a deal he couldn’t close. So when Chella walks into his life, he will stop at nothing to prove he is worthy of her trust. But as Chella’s past catches up to them and danger exposes his well-guarded secrets, his heart may not be the only thing at risk of a tragic end.
Shane Dekkar is an undefeated, gorgeous, and somewhat shy boxer from Compton
California. In the ring, he’s a beast, out of the ring, he’s loving, caring, and
intriguing. After the death of his grandfather, he moves to Austin and meets
Kace by happenstance as she and her boyfriend are in an argument in public. He
is drawn to her, and she to him. Her boyfriend drives away as she mouths the
words “help me” through the window…
When they meet again two years
later, Shane begins to believe in fate. But, as he prepares for a potential shot
at a championship fight, he believes there’s no time in his life or career or a woman.
Kace Meadows lives in Austin, Texas. Now 26, she has been in an
abusive relationship since she was sixteen years old. As terrible as it is, she
can’t seem to find a way to allow herself to end it. With her current boyfriend,
she can’t seem to win. She finds hope in reading about her book
boyfriends….and dreaming.
Until she meets Shane Dekkar, a boxer. Holy
mother of perfection…
Shane fights his inner demons by using his
fists. On the street or in the ring, Shane does what he does best, he wins at
any cost. Unlike Kace, Shane can’t seem to lose.
Undefeated is an
extremely romantic erotica novel about fighting. Fighting for what you believe
in. Fighting for life. Fighting to live. And fighting to keep love once you find
it.
Be prepared to be moved, touched, stand up and cheer, and
cry your eyes out. This book will, without a doubt, knock you unconscious. This
novel clearly defines the love that we all seem to want, yet can’t find. This is
not your typical boxing/fighter romance. This book will give you hope, make you
feel, and cause you to wonder….wonder why you haven’t met your Shane Dekkar.
Author Scott Hildreth’s Inspiration for Writing Undefeated
My inspiration to write Undefeated, and the hope that it may inspire someone to get out of an abusive relationship, came from the events described below. The events below are true. The events in the book are not. The book is one hundred percent fiction.
One weekend, I had a girl get in touch with me that I had never met. She had received my telephone number from a friend of a friend. Frantic, she attempted to speak to me initially, but each time she tried, she was overcome with emotion.
This emotion filled silence continued for almost an hour, and then we then actually began to communicate, albeit slowly, and one-sided. I learned through the conversation (that lasted almost eight hours) that she was bound by her husband, and gang raped by his friends. This happened for a few days. Against, if I even need to state this, her will. She was in and out of consciousness for two days. Eventually, she was released. In shock and extremely poor health, she contacted me from a remote hotel room.
I struggled with this event, and how to handle it. I struggled with this more than I have struggled with almost anything in my life. Vengeance. At what point does one administer justice to someone that the courts will undoubtedly not punish properly? The punishment for this particular crime, regardless of what was imposed by the court, would not be sufficient for the crime committed.
I chose at the time to speak to another close female friend about the event, and get her opinion.
Although I could not speak to my friend about the person, the events, or the intimacies of the above mentioned conversation, we spoke for some time in general about God, about law and about the difference between what is right and what is wrong. I shared with her my thoughts of feeling a need to resolve this issue with the caller’s husband on my own. When the smoke cleared, I sat in a coffee shop and thought. I made a decision. “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” I decided, for once in my life, that it was not my responsibility to resolve this issue. I contacted the authorities, called in a few favors from some friends in law enforcement, and the issue was dealt with in a manner in accordance with law.
My female friend, as always, proved extremely useful in her ability to convey her understanding of the message of God in a manner that I could listen to and accept. I have always struggled with attempting to do what is right (in my mind), and hoped that it was what was right in God’s eyes. I do not know that these things always were in line with one another.
Until now.
And now, a year later, the person from the incident above?
She is well. As well as she can be, considering all things. She is fortunate.
I struggle – still today – with thoughts of vengeance.
My struggle brought me to this.
I hope you enjoy.
Excerpt
Shane
If I am attempting it, and I do not succeed, you can believe that I gave it my best effort, regardless of the outcome. I choose to do very little, and be exceptional at what it is I decide to do. I would much rather be perceived as being great at a few things than be a failure at many. I have always been honest with myself and conscious of who I am, but that doesn’t always help me understand why I am the way I am.
On the outside, I am always kind, polite, and considerate of others. On the inside, demons reside. I don’t know why or what fuels the demons inside of me, but I am very aware of their existence. My consciousness of their need, necessity, and deep desire to be fed is what has caused me to choose boxing as my main outlet. I keep the demons fed, and they allow me to live an otherwise peaceful life. Fulfilling their hunger allows my desire to live a tranquil life to be met. As long as I continue to fight, they’re fed. When they are fed, I am allowed. Allowed to live.
Author Interview with Scott Hildreth
Q: Where were you born and where do you call home?
A: I was born in San Diego, California, and I live in Wichita, Kansas. I consider Wichita to be home. There’s something about being here that is comforting and easy to come back to, regardless of where I may visit.
Q: Are you truly a starving artist? Or do you actually have a day job? What is it?
A: My day job is writing. My night job is writing. My only job is writing. It’s all I’ve got, and it’s all I do.
Q: What gives you inspiration to write?
A: My inspiration to write is whatever it is that lives inside of me and allows me to develop characters, stories, and find the voice to write. It’s difficult to explain. I have an ability to allow fictional characters take me over and express themselves through my fingertips and onto paper. My inspiration….It’s not necessarily the story, or the underlying message that inspires me, although I may be inspired by it. It’s the telling. Making it come together. Turning a character or group of characters into a novel that makes sense to people – that alone inspires me. So, as I say, in summary – my inspiration is in knowing that I will finish it, and it’ll make sense to my intended audience.
Q: What was the hardest book thus far for you to write and why?
A: My most difficult book to date, without a doubt, Dying to Survive. That book has made a mess of me. I think the primary reason is the fact that there are six characters in the book, and they are all in some way mentally ‘off’. The book is a very troubling look at what we may consider when exposed to decisions about death, survival, coping with child abuse, rape, murder, abduction, captivity, greed, and repressed memories. It’s a tough book to write and maintain a level of separation from the characters. I become so close to the characters when I write that it makes it difficult to completely separate myself. Writing this wadded me up in an emotional ball for a month.
Q: Do you have plans for a new book? If so, what is it about?
A: I always have plans for a new book. My newest book coming out will be the second in the Undefeated series, Unstoppable. Although they are all stand-alone books, the Mike Ripton book is coming up next. It’s sure to satisfy the alpha-male junkies. Let’s just agree that Mike Ripton makes Erik Ead look like a softie when it comes to sex. After that, Teddy and Heather from the Baby Girl series. Then, by mid to late March, a twisted dark tale about women, men, and what makes us cringe when we’re alone.
Q: Your thoughts on receiving book reviews – the good and the bad…
A: Book reviews have the ability to help potential readers make a better educated guess on whether or not they may be interested in reading a particular book. Additionally, if presented properly, they allow the author to consider what was written into the review, and allow him/her to decide if the criticism is warranted, and if there can be adjustments made in the future to prevent having the same issues with later writings. I love good reviews, but my worst ratings have brought me some of my most useful reviews.
Q: If you gave one of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
A: Kelsey Theodore Wilson. “People are always sayin’ Get a life. I hate that saying. I think we should change it to, Get busy livin’. I like that better. We all got a life, we just need to get busy livin’ the one we got.
So, if I get to say my peace, Get busy livin’.
Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?
A: My biggest pet peeve in life are people that stand in front of me in line at the coffee shop and look at the menu like they have no idea why they’re there. My biggest pet peeve in writing are the people that apparently do not see the value in reading a synopsis prior to reading a book.
Q: What are 4 things you never leave home without?
A: Four things I will never leave home without. My watch. My electronic cigarette. My money clip and my glasses.
Q: Coffee or tea? How much of it do you drink on a daily basis?
A: Coffee. How much a day. Holy crap, seriously? Well, I drink three pots a day. As you that know me know. I do not drink water. For the month of October, 2013. I went from October 1st – October 30th without as much as a sip of water. I was proving a point in going a month, but didn’t realize it was still October when I took a drink from a water bottle. I drink coffee until three a.m., and go to bed. It has no effect on me as far as keeping me awake, but I love the taste. Tea? No thank you.
Q: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
A: If I had a superpower it would be like the Flash. I would be normal, but have the ability to go from point A to point B in an instant. Other than that, the same guy. Flash is normal, right?
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes?
A: My favorite quote is this: “You miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky.
Undefeated Book Trailer
*(Credit goes to his fan, Jennifer Haren)*
Teasers
*( Credit goes to , Snarky Blogger)
Undefeated Quotes
“If something or someone is presented to us once, we will often dismiss it as being nothing more than happenstance. If that person or situation is presented twice, it is God slapping us in the face and telling us to pay attention. It is fate.”
“Without reading, I would go crazy – completely crazy. My Kindle had become my savior.”
― Scott Hildreth, Undefeated
My Teaser for Undefeated
(Ripp’s conversation with ‘Buster’. The term just cracked me up!)
UPCOMING NOVEL NEWS
Unstoppable-Coming March 2014
*(Photo Credit, Debi Price)
Exclusive Sneak Peak
*(Credit to, Snarky Blogger)
Unstoppable by Scott Hildreth.
If you’ve read Undefeated, you’ve met Ripp.
This. This is Ripp’s story…
Novel Preview
UNSTOPPABLE BY SCOTT HILDRETH
CHAPTER 1
RIPP. “Michael, eat your potatoes, you’re pickin’,” my mother sighed as she pointed to my plate.
I haven’t taken shit from anyone since my first playground fight when I was twelve years old. From that day until today, no one has ever picked a fight with me. Ever. If someone has fought me it was because they were either getting paid or they were trying to see if they could take a shot at my undefeated record.
Taking shit from my mother is another thing all together.
“Mom, I’m eating them,” I said as I began take another bite of the grilled chicken she had served.
Mothers in general can be funny creatures – but mothers born and raised in Texas always look at their children as just that, their children. I am my mother’s child, but I am not childlike in my actions. By watching my mother, you’d think I was ten years old.
“Michael, you’re not eatin’ ‘em. Is there something wrong with ‘em?” she set her fork down beside her plate and poked her finger into the pile of potatoes that sat on the edge of my plate.
“Mom, what the fuck are you doing fingerin’ my food?” I widened my eyes, dropped my chicken bone onto the plate and shook my head.
“Talk like that to your mother again, and I’ll slap your ass out of that damned chair, Mike. Eat your taters,” my father growled from across the table.
“I’m gonna eat ‘em. I didn’t know we had fuckin’ time limit or a particular order we had to eat shit in. Damn, Pop,” as I turned to face my father, he raised his hand in a gesture as if he was going to slap me.
Truth be known, my father has never so much as spanked my butt as a kid. Growing up in this house was like something out of a feel-good movie. A perfect house, perfect parents, and growing up with the feeling only a true loving, caring family could provide. Both my parents were like comedic actors. Always being funny, making jokes, and never expressing anything but true love – in their own silly way. Coming here for Sunday dinner was like going to the damned circus.
“You put ‘em on your plate, you better damned well eat ‘em,” my father hissed as he pointed at my plate with his fork.
“Son of a bitch, Pop. I’m gonna eat some of ‘em. I ain’t looking to eat ‘em all. I’m trying to save a little room. I gotta exercise in a bit, and I don’t want to end up fat from eating a bunch of god damned potatoes,” I explained as I forked some of the sliced cucumbers on my plate.
“Shane’s gonna be fightin’ for the championship, and he ain’t worried about a few taters,” my father said as he nodded toward Shane’s plate.
“God damn it Pop, I ain’t Shane and I’ll eat my food as I please. Can everyone just quit fingering and poking around on my god damned plate and let me eat some meat?” I looked up from my fork full of cucumbers and turned toward Shane.
His plate was empty.
Fucking kiss ass.
Shane shrugged his shoulders and smiled. Ever since he got an opportunity at the Heavyweight Championship, my parents invited him every Sunday for dinner. My father always wanted me to go the distance and fight for a title fight, but I’ve never been that type of fighter. Under no circumstances did my father understand. To me, it has never been about a title, a place in a book, or being on the news.
It’s about beating another man’s ass, and knowing you did so. I never needed a referee to tell me that I had won a fight. From just looking toward the other side of the ring – and seeing my opponent – everyone who witnessed my fights knew who won.
Long before it was ever announced.
“Dekk and I got shit we gotta do tonight, and I damned sure don’t need to be all bloated from eating potatoes. Mom, the food’s good as always, including the potatoes,” I nodded my head in my mother’s direction.
“The food was wonderful, Mrs. Ripton,” Shane said as he stood up from the table and carried his plate to the sink.
“Get your nose out of my mom’s ass, Dekk,” I laughed as I picked up another chicken breast from my plate.
“Michael!” my mother screeched.
“Damn it son,” my father complained.
“Well, he’s always kissing your asses. Great food, Mrs. Ripton, I like your truck, Mr. Ripton, Your hair looks great, Heather. I like your dress, Manda. It gets a little tough to listen to,” I laughed as I dropped the breast bone onto my plate and licked my fingers.
“Where’s that girl you’re seein’ Shane?” my father asked as Shane rinsed his plate.
“She’s at home, sir. Ripp. I mean Mike and I have to go…” Shane looked over his shoulder and paused.
God damn it, Dekkar.
“Have to go where? For what?” my father turned to face me.
He looked toward Shane, and turned to face me again. As he scrunched his brow he attempted to gaze into my eyes. I looked toward Shane in disbelief and rolled my eyes.
“What? Have to what? What are you two heathens doing? Mike, are you going over to Rundberg again? Or over to the east side? Damnit it Mike, I’ve told you about that,” my father shook his head as he stood from the table.
I stood from my seat.
“Pop…” before I got started talking he interrupted me.
“Don’t Pop me, Mike. You’re going to get your ass handed to you one of these nights from some twenty year old kid wacked out on crack,” my father complained as he walked to the sink.
My mother looked back and forth at each of us as we stood; unaware of what was going on for certain. I suspect most mothers are, but my mother was exceptionally naïve to everything around her.
“Pop. You and I both know I don’t make any money to speak of by boxing. I do it because I am good at it. I can paint cars, but I fucking hate painting cars. Or. Well. You know what else I can do,” I explained as I followed him to the sink.
“And people don’t smoke crack anymore, do they Dekk?” I laughed.
“You know what I mean, Mike. You’re not twenty years old any longer,” my father dropped his plate into the sink and reached for my shoulder.
Immediately, and in an exaggerated fashion, I leaned back, grabbed my father’s wrist, and twisted his arm behind his back.
“Damn it, Mike. Turn me loose,” he demanded as I pressed his stomach into the counter top.
“Still lightning fast, old man,” I growled into his ear as I pushed my chest into his back.
“Let your father go, Mike,” my mother exhaled a half-whisper without looking up from her plate of food.
I laughed as I let go of my father’s arm.
“Pop, I’m thirty-one. You’re right. I ain’t twenty. But if my twenty year old self was here right now, I’d beat his ass. I’m bigger, meaner, and quicker than I ever been. I’ll be fine,” I raised both my clenched fists to my mouth and kissed them independently.
As I held my hands up at eye level, I flexed my biceps.
My father shook his head, trying to change the subject, “And where’s that girl you’re seein’, Mike?”
“Liv? I ain’t seein’ her, Pop. I’m screwing her,” I laughed as I patted Dekk on the shoulder.
“Michael…” my mother said softly as soon as I said screwing.
It has always amazed me that my mother can’t hear, as hard as I try to get her to. As soon as I talk about doing something with a girl, she can hear a mouse fart. Supersonic hearing when it comes to my sex life. Both my parents have maintained a level of concern about my lack of commitment regarding a relationship.
I do relationships.
Just not for very long.
“Mom, Pop, we got to get. Come on Dekk,” I slapped Dekk’s shoulder again and turned toward the garage.
“Mr. and Mrs. Ripton,” Shane nodded toward my father and leaned to kiss my mother’s cheek.
“Come on, Dekk. Damn,” I exhaled and shoved my hands into the pockets of my shorts.
“Mom, Pop. Thanks. We gotta get,” I patted my mother’s shoulder as I walked around the table.
“You ain’t driving that car to Rundberg are you?” my father asked.
“Pop. Just leave it alone. Dekk and I and that damned car will all be fine, huh Dekk?” I chuckled.
“Mr. Ripton,” Dekk nodded as he walked through the kitchen.
“Don’t fuck that car up,” my father squealed.
“It ain’t yours anymore, Pop. It’ll be fine,” I shook my head and walked toward the garage as Dekk following close behind me.
As we stepped into the garage, Shane walked around me toward the rear of the garage.
Watching Shane walk was something that took me time to get used to. I remember when we met, after our first fight. I had challenged him about his way of walking.
“That walk of yours is either going to get you into a hell of a lot of trouble or keep you out of it, I can’t decide which,” I had laughed.
“I call it the Compton swagger,” Shane chucked in reply.
“Living in Compton, you need to know how to fight or you need to act like you know how. I know I can fight, but I needed to try to keep people from challenging me. So, I developed this walk. A walk with an attitude. It’s habit now,” he explained.
“Well, it works,” I agreed.
And we’ve been best friends since.
“Son of a bitch Dekk. You know he hates me going to Rundberg, and you know he always worries about his old car. Jesus,” I complained jokingly.
“And you know I hate you fighting these fights,” Dekk said as he walked around the car.
“It’s all I know. I ain’t painting cars anymore for money, it kills my lungs,” I said over the top of the car as I opened the door.
I had purchased my car from my father – a red 1969 Chevelle SS he had driven when he was in high school. After he graduated, he restored the car to near perfect condition. I bought it from him when I was twenty years old. Eleven years later, the car was in perfect condition, red, and race-ready. I had removed the 396 cubic inch motor, and installed a Chevy 502 cubic inch motor. The four speed transmission kept the entertainment value up, and made it damned intimidating in a street race.
As I fired up the motor, Shane started to speak. I raised my hands and shook my head.
“You know I can’t hear you in this loud motherfucker while we’re in the garage,” I screamed as I pushed in the clutch and shifted the car into reverse.
I looked over my right shoulder and through the back glass. As I let out the clutch the car started to surge backward. The whumpity-whump of the cam in this motor made it impossible to drive at low rpm or speed. I pressed on the gas to keep the engine from dying, backing the car out of the garage and into the street.
I pressed the brakes, stopped the car, and made eye contact with Dekk as I rotated my head to look straight ahead.
I raised my eyebrows and smiled an evil grin.
I came to my parent’s house once a week at minimum. Sunday dinner at home was a tradition. Although I drove my truck during the week at times, I always drove the Chevelle to my parent’s house. Fifty percent of the time that I left, I left like I was in a drag race.
The two dozen sets of black marks in front of the house were a constant reminder to my father of the differences in how he drove this car, and how I drove it. I did it to torture him and remind him of the fact that this wasn’t his car anymore.
As I shifted it into first, Shane began to yell.
“Dude, not again. Your father is going to kill you. He’s already pissed about you fighting bare knuckles in Rundberg,” Shane half yelled as he shook his head comically from side-to-side.
As I pressed the gas pedal half way to the floor the sound from the exhaust was deafening. I pressed a little further, and Dekk’s hands came up to cover his ears. I pressed a little further. As the motor reached that sweet spot – the one that I used to launch this car from a dead stop – my cock started to get stiff.
I turned toward Dekk and smiled.
“I love this fucking car, Dekk,” I screamed.
“Don’t,” he yelled.
“Can I get a fuck yes?” I tilted my head back and looked up at the headliner as I screamed.
I rotated my head to the left and looked toward my parent’s house. As the exhaust bellowed from the back of the car, my father stared out the window of the living room into the street, his hands pressed into his hips.
This ain’t your car anymore, old man.
I slid my foot off of the clutch, mashed the gas pedal to the floor, launching the car from a dead stop like it had been hit from behind by a semi-truck. I glanced right. Dekk, pinned to his seat, tried to reach for the dash to stabilize himself.
The car slid sideways as I grabbed second gear. Half way through second the tires started to grip, pressing Shane further into his seat. A quick glance in the rearview mirror confirmed the entire block was filled with the smoke from my tires. Two one hundred foot long black marks in front of my parent’s house would remind my father for the next month that I’m a little wilder than he is.
Just a little.
I shifted into third gear and let off the gas. Shane lowered his hands into his lap and exhaled.
As I came to a stop at the intersection, I rotated my wrist and glanced at my G-Shock. Thirty minutes to make it to Rundberg. Ten minutes to spare if traffic is decent. I lifted my hands from the steering wheel and looked at the scars that littered my knuckles and smiled. One more wouldn’t even be noticed.
The $2500 I’d win from knocking this punk out would last me over a month, and knocking motherfuckers out is what I do.
“You alright bro?” Shane asked as he rubbed his hands together and looked down at his lap.
I thought of another bare knuckled match in Rundberg. The smell of the adrenaline, the sweat, my muscles becoming pumped, the blood, the screaming of the people betting on the match, and taking that $2500 when it was over.
Am I ready?
I gripped the steering wheel and nodded my head once.
Fuck yes.
Also Releasing Soon
(Keep you eyes open for it)
Dying to Survive
*(Photo Credit, Snarky Blogger)
About the Author
Readers,
I will never forget the first time I actually felt as if I had helped someone resolve an issue in their life. I was in middle school. It started then, and has continued throughout my entire life. I have always made myself available to talk to people and resolve (or attempt to resolve) issues that they struggle with.
Having an exceptional ability to communicate has always been a gift of mine, and I have enjoyed doing so. Telling stories has always been second nature to me. Writing has been a passion of mine since I was a child. I have written poetry, romance, self-help, addiction, alcoholism, codependency, technical, and satire. There isn’t a genre or a topic that I feel more comfortable with. I enjoy writing about whatever it is that I feel passionate about at the time.
Being open-minded and often seeing abusive relationships unfold, I have always been passionate about abuse, or the prevention of it. My main focus has always been people that are incapable of helping themselves, primarily women, children, and the elderly. I have talked to hundreds of women that were in abusive relationships, and assisted many of them in removing themselves from these relationships.
I try to focus in my writings to develop a story that makes people stop and think. To look at a subject or subjects from a different point of view. If I am able to get my point across, and make the subject entertaining to the reader, I feel that I have met my objective. I feel that I have tremendous depth as a person, and have had some great experiences in my life. To date, what life has offered me has been nothing short of spectacular. My opinions, point of views, and perspectives on matters are just that; an opinion. There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong in what I write, but more of a belief. I always believe in what I am writing, and I further believe that the reader may benefit from viewing it from the written perspective.
I hope that you enjoy reading what I have written as much as I enjoy writing it. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than knowing a reader enjoyed something I have written. Considering that, please take time to leave a book review if you have read something I have written.
Undefeated is another ‘Knock-Out’ Erotic Read by, Author Scott Hildreth!
The dynamics of the characters is incredible. Each and everyone have their own back story and personal issues. This novel is based on a conversation that Hildreth had with someone dealing with Domestic Abuse in her life. Hildreth was bold, in that he took a topic that is not a typical theme in a romance, let alone an erotic romance novel. He saved his punches to the ‘twat waffle’ behind the conversation with the stranger. Instead he punched the keys to type this novel and bring it to his readers. The Heroine in, Undefeated, never let others know of her situation. She hid the bruises from those around her, until her bruised heart and body could not take it anymore. Look around you readers, who around you may be dealing with this issue in their own life? Definitely makes you go hmm…
Hildreth’s writing comes straight from the heart. At the beginning of each chapter is a message. This message gives the reader pause as to what the chapter will be about, and may even speak to you personally and/or emotionally in relation to your own life. His words encourage the reader to actually ‘think’ about what is being read.
Although the novel is considered an erotic read, it is not all about the sex that makes this a great read. The Hero, Shane Dekkar is a strong, yet compassionate, considering, character (at least when it comes to women be treated as an object or dirt). His family background had its share of ups and downs. With this being said, Shane tries to live in the present instead of the past. He uses his God given talent to make a living, and protect women as best he can. His character is easily likable. He is the guy you might see at the gym, in a restaurant, or vehicle insurance office. Though with his handsome looks, you may have to take a second or third look… and for more reasons than his looks alone.
P.S. If you are ever at one of his Sunday Chicken BBQ’s where Ripp is cooking. Um…do NOT eat the chicken! You will just have to read this novel to solve your curiosity.
Ratings
5.0 Rosebuds of Writing Raves
Writing is cohesive. Flows, and time passes in a way that is understandable to the reader. Plot holds realism, characters seem real. Real as you could see them in your own city. Novel expresses emotion, shows that life is not always pretty. Yet,there is hope at the end of the rainbow. You only have to believe. Readers will be exposed to Love, Hope, Thrilling, Gross, and Funny. Each page will generates a different feeling for the reader. This is a novel you will not want to put down!
2.5 Teardrops
As I have said before, when reading I can be an emotional basket case. So yes, there were a few areas that had tears running down my face. But, no ugly crying…
5.0 Romance Rave
The action may not start at the beginning, but once it does, it is ‘Smokin’ Hot! And there is no place off limits… Walls, the couch, anywhere and everywhere is game! Watch out, your Kindle may just get too HOT to handle…
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.
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