Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Book Review: A Biker's Tiny Present (Rebel Vipers MC/Thirteen Bikers for Christmas) by Jessa Aarons

 

Blurb

Riley

My sister kept her baby daddy a secret, but I have my suspicions and won't stop until I find her and my nephew. I don't know exactly who I'm looking for, but I know where he is - the Rebel Vipers MC clubhouse - I hope.

Taylor took off, left her son with his father, and I'm stuck picking up the pieces. Fighting my attraction to the older, tattooed, grumpy biker, while wanting to take my nephew home and keep him all to myself, I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's a hard pill to swallow realizing I can't do it all on my own. He's my only help to find where Taylor ran off to.

Tiny is distracting and oh-so tempting, and the way he looks at his son, I melt. I want to protect myself, but it doesn't take much for him to start knocking down the walls around my heart, piece by piece.


Tiny

It's not every day you find out you have a baby, a son, but today I did. A baby. My baby. A boy who steals my heart in seconds. But where is his mother?

A blonde tornado on a mission shows up demanding to know where her nephew is, only to find him in my arms. I had no idea my one night stand from over a year ago had a sister, but Riley and her fiery temper sweep me up so fast, not even Lucifer himself would walk away unscathed. Little does she know I have danced with the devil, and luckily for me, the dark angel and I are well acquainted. He leads her right to me.

Building her trust is going to take work, but I've never been a quitter. If my time in the Marines taught me anything, it's that you never go down without a fight. One piece at a time . . . I will make this vixen mine.


**
 A Biker's Tiny Present is a Christmas standalone story set within the Rebel Vipers MC series. It can be read on its own, but for those who enjoy following the RVMC series in order, Tiny and Riley's journey is best read after Top of the Mountain/book 5.
Happy Reading! Love, Jessa **

Amazon: A Biker's Tiny Present: (Rebel Vipers MC Christmas Standalone) - Kindle edition by Aarons, Jessa, Vazquez, Rebecca. Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Bookbub: A Biker’s Tiny Present: (Rebel Vipers MC Christmas Standalone) by Jessa Aarons - BookBub

Goodreads: A Biker's Tiny Present (Rebel Vipers MC #5.6) by Jessa Aarons | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This was my first book by Jessa Aarons. I really enjoyed it. Riley stood by her sister and nephew until they both disappeared. Tiny became an instant dad when Nicky was delivered to him. This brought Riley into his life, and he never looked back. I loved the instant connection between Tiny and Nicky and Tiny and Riley. They had their steamy moments, even some sad moments. It was great to see Riley accepted into the MC without any problems. I highly recommend this book and look forward to catching up with this club.

I received a copy through Enticing journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: Zohar (A Wolf's Hunger #3) by A.K. Michaels

 

Blurb

Zohar Drake is the Council's most feared Enforcer...with a soul that's shrouded in a darkness he keeps hidden from everyone. 

The deeds he's been forced to carry out for the Council have left him scarred and tormented...both man and beast. When the Hunger strikes he's under no illusions...it has to be one of his many enemies seeking revenge and inflicting some magical spell over him. 

There is no chance in Hell that the Goddess would send him a soulmate...he doesn't deserve one. Not with the blackness he hides inside. His best friend, Danko, has other ideas, and on a mission, he sees the chance to help his friend. All he has to do is manipulate Zohar and keep his head attached to his body at the same time...not an easy feat.
 
Has the Goddess sent a mate to free Zohar from his tortured soul? Or is this a cruel twist of fate that will send him to the brink of madness and lead him to the place he's dispatched so many other Shifters to...the Council's infamous prison? 

A Wolf's Hunger...it can't be stopped...even if you're the strongest Enforcer that's ever lived. Another exciting addition to New York Times Bestselling Author A K Michaels' Shifter Romance series which is filled with excitement, thrills, and hot Alpha males.
 
Buy Zohar now to find out if this dark Enforcer can win the toughest battle of his life...or does he fall beneath the might of the Hunger and sink to the depths of madness?

Amazon: Zohar: A Wolf's Hunger Alpha Shifter Romance - Kindle edition by Michaels, A K, of Design, Sassy Queens, Borucki, Missy. Paranormal Romance Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Bookbub: Zohar: A Wolf’s Hunger Alpha Shifter Romance by A. K. Michaels - BookBub

Goodreads: Zohar (A Wolf’s Hunger #3) by A.K. Michaels | Goodreads





My Review - 4 1/2 of 5 stars - 

4 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this story. Zohar was sent to get control of an Alpha who was abusing his females. He denied the hunger as something within. Maisy was so soft and mousy to start. With the connection between them, she became a stronger woman. I loved how their wolves admitted they were mates before the human side caught up. There were a couple tearful moments as well as some steamy ones. I look forward to trying to catch up on this series.

This is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: Biker Under My Tree (Thirteen Bikers for Christmas) by Winter Travers

 

Blurb

Snow Haggar is up to her elbows in cookie dough, juggling a booming holiday baking season that’s busier than ever. Right when she needs all hands on deck, her helpers for baking and deliveries fall through and leave her scrambling to keep up with the mountain of orders piling up. Enter Bones, her leather-clad, tattooed neighbor with a talent for custom bikes and a roguish grin that’s as distracting as the view she has of him from her kitchen window.

Seeing her struggle, Bones offers his help—along with the muscle of his biker friends—to get her orders out before Christmas. As they race to make deliveries together, the sparks between them burn hotter than her oven, and Snow begins to wonder if her sweetest holiday treat might just be Bones himself.

This Christmas, Snow’s getting more than she bargained for—because Santa might’ve just delivered the perfect biker under her tree.

Amazon: Amazon.com: Biker Under My Tree eBook : Travers, Winter: Kindle Store

Bookbub: Biker Under My Tree by Winter Travers - BookBub

Goodreads: Biker Under My Tree by Winter Travers | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

I was really drawn into this story. Not as heavy as most MC stories but full of fun, love, and friendship. Snow had her hands full with the holiday orders and down helpers. She was determined enough to try and do it on her own. Her acceptance of all the help offered showed her strength of character. The attraction between Snow and Bones was instant. I loved that there was no "breakup moment" and that love and friendship was fully on display. Loved it!

I received a copy through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: A Hill to Die On (Jade Stryker Thriller #2) by Peter Hogenkamp

 

Blurb

Jade Stryker has never really known happiness, but she knows it when she finds it living in the Mexican highlands with the man she loves and their baby daughter.

A phone call from a ghost from her past changes everything, and she is forced to leave her loved ones behind to rescue Kataryna, a beautiful and mysterious woman who once saved her life, and who is now ensnared in the clutches of a sex slavery ring in Manhattan.

Jade feels honor bound to save Kataryna, but she knows that it will be a difficult and dangerous task, one that may well force her to choose which hill she wants to die on.

Amazon: A Hill To Die On: A Jade Stryker Thriller: book 2 - Kindle edition by Hogenkamp, Peter. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: A Hill To Die On (Jade Stryker Thrillers, #2) by Peter Hogenkamp | eBook | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: A Hill To Die On eBook by Peter Hogenkamp - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Bookbub: A Hill To Die On (Jade Stryker Thrillers, #2) by Peter Hogenkamp - BookBub

Goodreads: A Hill To Die On (Jade Stryker, #2) by Peter Hogenkamp | Goodreads





My Review - 4 of 5 stars - 

This was interesting. I enjoyed the two separate missions that ended up coming together. Jade was helping out someone from her past who ended up in the sex trade. Mark got suckered into meeting with an accountant with information the Government wanted. Trying to stay alive, Mark got the information needed and got to help out Jade. I loved all the sneaking around, secret transportation, and more. It was a fun ride.

This is my unsolicited review.



Book Review - In the Winter by Lauren Kukla

 

Blurb

From the author of Being Me from A to Z comes the charming illustrated tale In the Winter. Travel through snowy woods, over frozen lakes, and beneath dark winter skies aglow with sparkling stars and northern lights. Animals make silent tracks in the snow, while others snooze in their burrows. Communities prepare for events and festivities. This delightful story celebrates the gentle beauty of winter, showing how it brings us together with a quiet sense of coziness and the warmth that comes from human connection.

In the Winter invites readers to embrace the season’s beauty while awaiting warmer days. With soft, cozy illustrations capturing the essence of winter, this book is the perfect companion for bedtime and cherished family moments.

In the Winter is the inaugural print title from the team behind mylittledigital.com, an online platform for interactive children's stories.

Amazon: In the Winter - Kindle edition by Kukla, Lauren. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

B&N: In the Winter by Lauren Kukla | eBook (NOOK Kids) | Barnes & Noble®

Kobo: In the Winter eBook by Lauren Kukla - EPUB | Rakuten Kobo United States

Google: In the Winter by Lauren Kukla - Books on Google Play

Goodreads: In the Winter by Lauren Kukla | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 -

I enjoyed this book. I loved the scenes of family, fun, and nature. The beautiful illustrations added to the story. It could also be a beginner reader. It would be a lovely bedtime story.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and North Star Editions, and this is my unsolicited review.



Book Review: If You Lie by Caleb Stephens

 

Blurb

GET READY FOR ONE OF THE MOST PULSE-POUNDING THRILLERS YOU'LL READ THIS YEAR.

A buried past. A new-age cult. A floating prison with no way off.


Seven years ago, Olivia woke up in the trunk of a stranger’s car—and barely escaped with her life. She’s been looking over her shoulder ever since.

Now, Olivia is a true-crime podcaster on a mission to help other women avoid her fate. But years spent covering violence and crime have left her burned out. So when Olivia’s estranged sister Quinn invites her to reconnect on an exclusive cruise, she jumps at the chance for a break…only this trip won’t be the relaxing vacation she’s hoping for.

The ship is elegant, the meals are divine, and the people are friendly—maybe too friendly. But Quinn isn’t the sister Olivia remembers. And strange things are starting to happen that echo Olivia's past in unsettling ways.

When someone on the ship goes missing, Olivia realizes she’s playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. Only this time, she might not survive.

If You Lie is an adrenaline-soaked thriller you won't be able to tear through fast enough.

Amazon: Amazon.com: If You Lie: A Thriller eBook : Stephens, Caleb: Books

Bookbub: If You Lie: A Thriller by Caleb Stephens - BookBub

Goodreads: If You Lie by Caleb Stephens | Goodreads





My Review - 5 of 5 stars - 

This story had me guessing all the way along. The cult-like atmosphere on the boat was a bit creepy. All the interactions with good and bad people were intriguing. With revenge, spite, and more behind the reasons for the new people being brought in, I did not quite expect some of the outcomes. I was drawn into the story and got caught up in the events.

I received a copy through Netgalley and Xpresso Tours, and this is my unsolicited review.



Teaser: Snow River (Firelight Ridge #4) by Jennifer Bernard



Snow River by Jennifer Bernard releases on December 3rd!

Available on All Platforms

In Firelight Ridge, Lila Romanoff's unusual intuitive abilities have stayed (mostly) silent -- until now. When she starts having dream conversations with a murdered local, it’s time to skedaddle. But she only gets as far as the overlook on Snow River before she can’t go any farther, and it’s not just because she runs out of gas (don’t ask). Her gut literally won’t let her leave. Maybe it’s her feelings for her huge hunk of a boss at the local bar. Or maybe it’s the mystery about to unfold around the dead woman on the banks of the river below…

Bear Davis always knew his employee would flit out of town sooner or later. Lila is sunshine itself, and with winter fast approaching, he’s not surprised she’s ready to take her light elsewhere…but he’s also not about to object when she abruptly decides to stay. And when she starts digging into the recent murder on Snow River? Well, as an ex-cop (don’t ask), there’s no one better suited to make sure she stays safe while they nose around.

When the recent death appears connected to a decades-old murder spree that involved Lila’s dream visitor, everything seems to point back to Snow River. As Bear and Lila follow clues that include local lore, old gossip, and even mysterious pranks, the couple gets closer and closer. Both to each other…and to an explosive truth someone will do anything to keep hidden deep in the wilds of Alaska.


 

Teaser: Sugarville Grove (Sweet Surprises by Clara Pines, Unexpected Gifts by Tess Thompson)



Welcome to the small town of Sugarville Grove!
- Escape to Vermont with this wholesome and sweet romance series -

Sweet Surprises by Clara Pines releases on December 3rd
Unexpected Gifts by Tess Thompson releases on December 5th

FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Welcome to Sugarville Grove, where clean & wholesome small-town romance awaits you on every corner. Life is sweet in Sugarville Grove! Be sure to read the whole series!




SWEET SURPRISES

All this single dad wants is a quiet Christmas, but he’s in for a sweet surprise…

Charlotte Kendrick is thrilled when her best friend invites her to run the family ice cream shop in small-town Sugarville Grove. She’s had a rough year with a bad break-up and a terrible loss. But Charlotte isn’t going to let that dampen her spirits. She’s determined to have fun, finish the things she starts, and avoid falling for another guy – especially her best friend’s grumpy, gorgeous older brother.

Tag Lawrence has buried himself in his work on the family dairy farm and his fierce love for his kids ever since losing his wife years ago. People might say he’s a grump, but he’d rather focus on his energetic five-year-old son and increasingly reserved thirteen-year-old daughter than worry about the world outside Lawrence Farm.

But when an early freeze and a burst pipe leave the pretty new manager of the dairy’s ice cream shop out in the cold, Tag feels obliged to offer her a home for the holidays. The upbeat young woman connects with his kids in a way that makes his chest ache, but Tag knows he will never allow himself to fall in love again. And he definitely can’t even think about getting involved with his little sister’s best friend, no matter how much her smiles make him feel like something is awakening in his heart.

Nothing short of a Christmas miracle could bring these two together. It’s a good thing they’re in Sugarville Grove this holiday season.




UNEXPECTED GIFTS

Abigail Parker just wants to get through the holidays, but fate has other plans...

After a year of unexpected twists, Abigail finds herself in the small town of Sugarville Grove, Vermont, as the guardian of her late cousin’s two young children. Leaving behind her bustling city life and dream job at a veterinary practice, Abigail’s only goal is to adjust to her new responsibilities and figure out how to be the mother they need. Falling for her rugged, no-nonsense neighbor is definitely not part of the plan.

Luke Hayes has his hands full raising his lively four-year-old daughter, Lily, while managing his family’s maple syrup farm. With his heart still scarred from being abandoned by Lily’s mother, Luke has sworn off romance. But when a broken fence and a mischievous dog bring Abigail into his life, he starts to wonder if maybe love isn’t as far out of reach as he thought.

As the holiday lights sparkle and the snow falls, Abigail and Luke find themselves drawn together, despite their differences. But with Abigail adjusting to her new life and Luke determined to protect his heart, it will take more than a little Christmas magic to bring them together.


 

Teaser: Scorned & Desired (#TNTNC25 Paperback Anthologies)

Scorned & Desired, the #TNTNC25 exclusive double-anthologies, are still available to reserve!
Don't miss your chance to add these incredible soulmate romance collections to your library...


SCORNED:  
What if your soulmate was waiting on the other side of heartbreak?

If you believe in happily ever after, don't miss your chance to join the TNTNC Authors for a brand new collection of rebound romances that will have you cheering for new beginnings as each of their courageous heroines heals from her own dating disaster.

This steamy signed paperback omnibus is a #TNTNC25 exclusive and is guaranteed to make you a believer in blessings in disguise as you swoon and sigh for the ultimate comeback: falling in love after moving to splitsville.  

Each spicy story in this angsty anthology is the companion to a sexy tale featured in DESIRED, so to experience how life-altering true closure can be, grab both volumes and a box of tissues for a truly tempting treat. 

Featuring stories from:
Rae B. Lake
Sunny Mawson
Darlene Tallman
Jordan Marie
Ciara St. James 
Amy Stephens
J.C. Layne
Miranda Lynn
ER Whyte

DESIRED:
It's better to be set free than to settle for less than true love.

If you love all the feels, take the ultimate journey to healing in this emotional romance collection full of tenacious heroes reeling from rocky relationships, battling their inner demons, and summoning the strength to start over. 

There's nothing sexier than a leading man who can see the past clearly and only has eyes for his future, and this delicious compilation is sure to have you cheering for fresh starts and falling head over heels for the kind of love you didn't even know you needed. 

This #TNTNC25 exclusive anthology is the other half to SCORNED, so don't break them up. Order both volumes and settle in for a very tantalizing ride. 

Featuring stories from:
Janine Infante Bosco
C.D. Gorri
E.C. Land
M. Merin
Nikki Landis
Michelle Iannarelli
C.J. Pinard
Natalie Arthur
C. Hallman



 

Preorder: A Winter Mating (Willow Glenn Shifters) by Lia Davis



HOLIDAY SHIFTER ROMANCE, ANYONE?

Cozy up with a sexy wolf shifter romance when A Winter Mating by Lia Davis releases on December 4th!




Preschool teacher, Everly Wright loves her job and the people in Willow Glenn. After the heartbreak of Brady running out on her, she has finally found peace. That is until Brady shows up with his sexy smile, dangerous good looks, and delusions of claiming her as his mate. All she has to do is ignore the desires he ignites within her.

Wolf shifter, Brady Hudson has loved Everly from the moment they met at the age of four. He broke her heart and her trust three years ago when a family emergency pulled him away without a chance to explain why he had to leave. He returns to Willow Glen with one goal, claim his mate. Convincing her that she belongs to him will be his toughest challenge, but he's not above using seduction to get what he wants.

Brady isn't the man he was when he left town. After all, turning in his rogue father to the enforcers of the local pack and becoming the guardian of his thirteen-year-old half-sister changes a person.

When Brady's sister is taken, he is faced with having to leave his mate, again. However, Everly isn't letting him go off to search for the teen alone. They will work together to find his sister and the rogue who took her. And this time, Brady will do what he should have three years ago—unalive his father.



About Lia:

Lia Davis is the USA Today bestselling author of more than forty books, including her fan favorite Ashwood Falls Series. A lifelong fan of magic, mystery, romance and adventure, Lia's novels feature compassionate alpha heroes and strong leading ladies, plenty of heat, and happily-ever-afters.

Lia makes her home in Northeast Florida where she battles hurricanes and humidity like one of her heroines. When she's not writing, she loves to spend time with her family, travel, read, enjoy nature, and spoil her kitties.  She also loves to hear from her readers. Send her a note at lia@authorliadavis.com!

Follow Lia Online:

Website: https://authorliadavis.com


 

Celebrate Isabel Jordan's 10th Anniversary with a giveaway



CHEERS TO 10 YEARS PAPERBACK GIVEAWAY 
Your favorite strong, snarky heroines are celebrating 10 years... 
And so is the hilarious, heartwarming author behind them!

Help Isabel Jordan mark this incredible milestone in her publishing career and check out her amazing 10th Anniversary Giveaway!

One winner in the U.S. will receive an incredible prize package worth over $150, chock full of books and bonuses! The grand prize pack includes: 
🎁 Copies of Isabel's beloved Harper Hall Series
🎁 Five additional surprise paperbacks hand-selected by Isabel
🎁 Book lover's gifts
🎁 And more!

ENTER HERE ➡️ https://bit.ly/3AFJznN

 

Blitz: Teacups and Temptations by Kate Ellington with an excerpt and a giveaway


TEACUPS AND TEMPTATIONS

by Kate Ellington

GENRE:  Historical Romance

BLURB:

Molly Merriwether readily accepts an invitation to Waverly Hall, eager for adventure and amusement with her best friend. She never expected to be left unchaperoned with three intriguing young gentlemen for weeks.

Roger Bailey, recuperating in more ways than one, avoids Molly until her kindness and humor tempt him to deepen their acquaintance.

Molly lands in one unlikely escapade after the next with Roger and soon considers him a friend—perhaps more—but the barriers he puts up make it impossible to truly know him. Has she only imagined those tender looks in his eyes?

For a chance at love, Molly will need to bare her innermost self and trust someone more deeply than she’s ever dreamed possible.



EXCERPT:

“Not having chaperones has made it all the more interesting.” Molly glanced outside, where the men stood in a circle talking.

“Auntie’s going to be so upset when she finds out,” Caroline said.

“Perhaps she never will.”

Caroline clicked her tongue. “Of course she will. She’ll tell our parents.”

“Then we’d better enjoy ourselves while we still can.”

About to sip her juice, Caroline set the glass down. “I know that look, Molly. What are you planning?”

“Oh, I just thought we might have a poke around while the gentlemen are otherwise occupied.”

Outside, the men had set out across the field toward the kennels.

“We’ve done enough poking around,” Caroline said. “We’ll probably get lost again.”

“No. We’ve done enough poking around that we won’t get lost. And there’s that arched door we saw in the east wing other day.”

“It’s most likely a broom closet.”

Molly rose, leaving her napkin on the table. “It’s in the corner of an empty room on the third floor.

And with such an elaborate door? There were vines engraved on it.”

“The room wasn’t empty—it looked like an old sewing room. I’m sure it’s nothing of interest.”

“We won’t know until we look.”

“You’re doing this no matter what I say, aren’t you?” Caroline asked.

“You don’t have to come.” Molly gave her an angelic smile as she backed toward the door.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Kate grew up in a woodsy New England town where summer days at the lake seemed to last forever. She read her first historical romance at age eleven when a teacher challenged her to find a book in the library written by an author she’d never heard of. Thus began a life-long love of love stories.

After graduating from college, she settled in the Pacific Northwest, where she currently resides with her family.

Kate wrote her first romance when she was sixteen, then set her pen down for years until another story floated into her head out of the clear blue sky. She jotted it down, just for fun, but soon it took on a life of its own.

Website: http://www.kateellington.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateellingtonwrites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateellingtonauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/29720924.Kate_Ellington

Buy linkhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGQMN6GX/ref=sr_1_1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY 

The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn winner.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f5004/


Check out these other blogs on this tour:

November 4: Joanne Guidoccio
November 5: 
Sandra's Book Club
November 6: 
 Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
November 7: 
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
November 8: 
Beyond Romance
November 11: 
The Key of Love
November 12: 
Fabulous and Brunette
November 13: 
Kenyan Poet
November 14: 
The Faerie Review
November 15: 
Beautiful Books
November 18: 
Locks, Hooks and Books
November 19: 
Wendi Zwaduk - Romance to Make Your Heart Race

November 19: Westveil Publishing
November 20: 
Iron Canuck Reviews & More
November 21: 
Books+Coffee=Happiness

November 21: Celticlady's Reviews
November 22: 
The Avid Reader
November 25: 
Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Love
November 26: 
SSLY

November 26: Long and Short Reviews
November 27: 
FUONLYKNEW
November 27: 
Dawn's Reading Nook
November 29: 
Books R US

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Teaser: Falcon (Grim Road MC #7) by Marteeka Karland with an excerpt

 

Falcon

by Marteeka Karland

Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: November 22, 2024

 


It’s all fun and games until my ex shows up from the dead.

 

Gina: For over a year I’ve lived in fear, a monster terrorizing me within the gates of the Grim Road MC compound. The club took care of the physical problem, but demons still ride me hard. I’ve learned to trust the people I interact with on a daily basis, I’m still too anxious to explore the compound unless I’m with one of the old ladies or Lemon. Or Falcon… He always seems to be there when the fear threatens to swallow me whole. He’s protective and caring, and he takes me for rides on his Harley. Which he had painted pink because he found out I wanted to ride a pink bike. How many men in a motorcycle club did that?

Falcon: What happened to Gina at the hands Grim Road, myself included, is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life. My only chance at redemption is to help her heal and feel safe again. I’m too old for her, but I can’t seem to care. I want to protect her, but I’m watching her to an unhealthy degree, waiting for the times she needs someone to bring her back to reality and assure her she’s safe. Until the day she invites me inside her sanctuary without a chaperone. I’d never take advantage of Gina. Not intentionally. Then again, I never expected my ex fiancé to come back from the dead.

 


EXCERPT

Falcon

The soft cry coming from Gina’s bedroom window damned near broke my heart. She did fine most days, when she had the girls to distract her. But at night, when she was alone in that house, nightmares visited her regularly. Those nightmares were partly my fault and that was why I couldn’t let go of this need to see she was safe. Which is why I was currently sitting underneath her open window outside her house. At one in the morning.

Yeah. That wasn’t creepy or anything. Thank God she still stayed in the compound. I knew she wasn’t really comfortable here, but she had nowhere else to go. Though she typically stayed in her house or in the fenced-in backyard, she would very occasionally leave the compound to grocery shop or whatever. She never went anywhere inside the compound by herself other than to drive from her house to the main gate and back.

Another soft cry followed by a small sob echoed in the night. It was a scared, lonely sound, much like that of a child lost from its parents in a crowd. Among the myriad night noises in the wildlife reserve where our compound was nestled, she sounded like a caged animal too scared to fight.

With a shake of my head, I dug my phone out from my back pocket and moved away from the window slightly behind a shrub and called her. When I heard her phone play a trilling notification, I moved farther away so she couldn’t hear me speaking through her open window. She answered on the fourth ring.

“H-hello?”

“Hey, Gina. I hope I didn’t wake you up.”

“I -- no. You didn’t. Falcon?”

“Yeah. Probably shoulda led with that, huh?” I tried to make fun of myself to distract her. I knew from months of watching over her and listening to her nightmares she was always shaken when she woke.

“Sorry. I should have checked to see who was calling before I answered.” She sounded a little more awake and even managed a small laugh.

“I’m really sorry. I thought I saw your light on and thought something might be wrong. About the time you answered, I realized it was Rocket and Lemon’s place.”

There was a short pause and I thought I heard her shuffling around. Maybe sliding the covers from her body so she could sit on the edge of the bed. And, Goddamn, that image needed to stay the fuck outta my head!

“You were… checking on me?”

“Well, yeah.” I hoped I sounded sheepish and embarrassed but I wasn’t that great an actor. But if it pulled her out of her nightmares, I’d suffer through it. Gladly. “I guess I was.”

She took in a shuddering breath before speaking again. “Because of what happened?”

I had to be careful about my answer here. I didn’t want her thinking I felt obligated to look after her, but I didn’t want to scare her either. God knew she had plenty of reasons to be scared of me.

“Because you need someone looking after you and I kind of enjoy the job.”

“You don’t have to, you know. I’ll be fine.”

“I know you will. You’re strong. You need time to heal and to learn to trust yourself again.”

“I didn’t expect you to say that.”

“Why not? What should I have said?” I kept my voice neutral and conversational. I wanted her to keep talking so she could settle her mind. I always managed to find a way to get through to her when she had a nightmare. I don’t know if she suspected I was watching her or not, but whenever I’d hear her crying or calling out in fear, I’d send a text. Or knock on her door. Or call. If she’d noticed the timing, she hadn’t said anything. Positive or negative.

“I thought you’d tell me I’d have to learn to trust you. Why would you think I didn’t trust myself?”

I had to smile. I’d led her straight where I wanted her to go and she’d done so without hesitation. “Because you already trust everyone in this club. What you don’t trust is your own judgment telling you to trust us.”

She was silent so long I thought I might have overplayed my hand. Then her soft voice asked, “How do you know I trust you?”

“Because, when Rocket and Lemon said the club would pay for a place outside the compound if you wanted to get away from us, you declined.”

“Yeah,” she said on a sigh. “I suppose you’re right. I just couldn’t stand the thought of being out on my own again. I was obviously not very good on my own the first time.”

“That wasn’t your fault, Gina. Once he got you back here, it was easy for him to make you feel like you didn’t have a choice. You know better now and you choose to stay.”

“I never really thought about it that way. I couldn’t get past having to be on my own. And Lemon… well…”

“What about her? You know she’s solidly in your corner. Right?”

“That’s just it, Falcon. I do know. She didn’t make excuses for anyone. She didn’t doubt anything I told her. She believed everything and I was quick to tell her you guys thought I was willing when… you know… when you…” Even now she couldn’t say it, and I wanted to claw out my own heart.

“Yeah, honey. I know. We’re all ashamed of that, even if we didn’t know. We could have taken the time to talk to you more. Or at all, really.” I gave a self-deprecating snort of laughter. “More importantly, we could have made sure you knew you weren’t in danger from any of us. All you had to do was tell someone you wanted away from Hammer and we’d have removed you from the situation and asked questions later. We didn’t make it clear so that’s on us.”

“I guess,” she said softly. “Seems like both of us were victims of Hammer’s deception.”

“I’d say that’s a fair statement.”

I heard sounds on her end as she moved from her bedroom. I heard a door open, then close. Moments later, the light in her living room came on.

“You said you saw a light. That you thought it was mine.” She sounded better now. More herself. Though I hated that she’d donned the air of indifference she hid behind, I was glad that, at least subconsciously, she’d trusted me enough to tell me what she had.

“Yeah. I did.”

“Are you close by, then?”

“Yeah. Just outside.” Not a lie.

“Um, would you, uh…” She cleared her throat. “Would you like some coffee?”

“You good with me being in your space without one of the women nearby?”

“I think so.” Her voice said she was trying to convince herself she could do this and wasn’t doing a very good job. “You’d leave if I got overwhelmed. Right?”

“Absolutely. In fact, why don’t we sit outside on the porch? That way you can keep the door between us if you want to.”

There was a pause, then a sniffle before she spoke again. “You’d do that? Just to make sure I was comfortable?”

“Gina, honey. Of course. I like bein’ around you. I like talkin’ to you and just wavin’ at you as I drive by. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you always want to spend that kind of time with me.” God, could I sound any more pathetic? Did I fucking care?

“Come over, Falcon. I’ve unlocked the door and am making coffee. Let yourself in. We can sit and chat for a while.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice, honey.”

I chuckled as I took my time walking up her driveway. I knocked loudly before opening the door. Even though she was expecting me, I wanted to make sure she was well aware of where I was in her home.

“Hey.” Her smile was small, but so beautiful it made my heart ache. How anyone could have hurt this woman was beyond me. She carried a tray with two mugs, a pot of black coffee, cream and sugar. That was something else about Gina. She was always prepared with a way to entertain guests. I got the feeling at least some of that came from the need to have something to concentrate on besides being scared all the time. The other was a desire to make people comfortable and welcome. The way she dealt with all the children the club had recently acquired seemed to fulfill that side of her as well. Which gave her an added distraction from her fear. “I have some caramel sauce in the fridge if you’d rather.”

“Black’s fine for me. Thank you, Gina.”

She fixed hers with a liberal amount of cream and sugar before blowing gently over the liquid and taking a careful sip. I watched her as I took a sip of my own coffee, letting the silence stretch. I’d follow her lead.

“Um, I should thank you. I actually had dozed off and was having a nightmare when you called.” One hand cupped her mug while she ran her other hand up and down her arm.

 

About the Author

Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited, vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers.

Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts (which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with Marteeka's latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her website. Don't forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you with a potpourri of Teeka's beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.

 

Contact Links

Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

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Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

 

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