Grace Kensington has been my secret crush since we were kids.
Though she is definitely all grown up now.
Long blonde hair, big blue eyes, and curves that could bring even the toughest hockey player to his knees. She’s the full package, too–smart, funny, and as real as they come.
One might go as far as to say perfect. Except for one tiny detail: Grace is my coach’s daughter.
And she just walked back into my life. Apparently she’s doing an internship for the team.
The last thing I should do is get close to her again.
So the plan is to keep my distance.
But that plan flies out the window the very first time we run into each other…and I’m naked in the locker room.
Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited!
Fallon Greer is a twentysomething lover of romance novels, coffee, and bookish t-shirts, of which she has far too many. She lives in Miami with her Persian cat, Mortimer, who loves to sit on Fallon’s laptop when she’s trying to write. Fallon first discovered her love of reading when she’d steal her mother’s Lisa Kleypas novels. That led her to start writing the types of books she loves to read. When she’s not daydreaming through conversations with people and pretending to listen, she’s putting those daydreams to good use, writing novels as hot as the Florida sun.
Apple — I gave Deacon my heart, but he said I was too young. So he left.
For over a year. Didn’t want me around. Hurt and humiliated, I left
for Grim Road MC. If anyone will understand my need to hide and lick my
wounds for a while, it’ll be my sister Lemon. Of course, Lemon’s
also a royal bitch. When I get shot, first thing she does is call Deacon —
the last person I ever want to see again. Then she sicces him on the man who
ordered the hit. Not sure who I’m gonna kill first — Deacon, or
Lemon.
Deacon — All I ever wanted was to keep Apple safe. To protect her. Mostly
from me. When my president sent me to infiltrate a trafficking ring, I
gladly accepted the assignment. I thought once I was gone, Apple’d
have time to grow up. Fall in love with someone her own age. Someone better.
Then my enemies went after Apple. When Lemon tells me she’s been shot,
her call pushes me over the edge. Now, I’m going to unleash hell.
Maybe then, Apple will forgive me for pushing her away.
EXCERPT
“I don’t want to wait, Deacon,” I whispered. “Not
anymore.”
“Me neither, baby. But I’ve gotta give you your property patch
in front of the club. You also gotta get inked.”
“But –” He silenced me with a kiss before laying me down on
the bed and covering me with his heavy body. His actions belied his words. I
found the ridge of his cock and rubbed myself against him.
“No, Apple.” His tone was stern, but he continued to kiss me,
nipping at my jaw and neck before placing a lingering kiss to the swell of
my breast. He stood, reaching for me and pulling me to my feet. “Not
until I give you the vest.” He grinned. “And not in the
clubhouse. We’re goin’ home.” He cupped my face and kissed
me once more before unlocking the door and pulling me after him back to the
common room.
Deacon grinned, draping an arm over my shoulders possessively. He looked
proud to have me with him. Several of the guys clapped him on the shoulder
good-naturedly and gave me respectful nods. The Iron Tzars might be as wild
as any other MC, but they were respectful of their women. Besides, everyone
knew Lemon would have their balls if they weren’t. Also, Wylde would
likely have done his worst. Which, he might be the tech guy, but Wylde was
more than what he showed on the surface.
“Deacon!” Roman called to him from across the room. The party
had started, though the place was more sedate than I’d seen in the
past. Especially since me and Lemon were the guests of honor, so to speak. I
was sure that was why there were only a couple of club girls in the area,
and they were there strictly to keep the food coming when Iris told
them.
Deacon raised his hand to the enforcer. Instead of a welcoming smile,
however, Roman looked serious. Like he was displeased in the extreme.
“Deacon? What’s wrong?” I gripped Deacon’s hand in
both of mine, looking up at him. There was a look of dread briefly before
his expression closed off. I glanced back at Roman who was giving Deacon a
hard look in return.
“Nothin’, Applejack,” he murmured, leaning close to my
ear. “I’ll be right back.” Deacon kissed my temple as he
wrapped his arms around me in a fierce hug. He strode to Roman, who took him
into Sting’s office and shut the door. It was over an hour before the
three of them exited the room. Roman said something to Deacon, who nodded.
Sting gripped Deacon’s shoulder, before slapping it in a show of
solidarity and encouragement. Whatever had happened couldn’t be too
bad. Right?
Deacon scanned the room until he found me. He flashed a tight smile before
heading in my direction. Once he reached me, he pulled me back into his arms
and hugged me tightly for several long seconds.
“What’s going on?”
“I’ll explain in a minute. Let’s go home
first.”
“Right now? The party’s just started.” I grinned up at
him. Unease had settled in my belly. I knew something was wrong and
wasn’t sure I wanted to go with him right now. The longer I put off
leaving, the longer I had this one night with him. Because I knew something
was about to happen I wouldn’t like.
“I’m sorry, honey. This can’t wait.” He gave me a
sad, gentle look, but I could see the truth in his eyes.
I shook my head. “I don’t want to, Deacon.”
He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. Gripping my hand firmly, he
tugged me after him. When we got to the parking lot, he led me to his bike
and climbed on. “Ride with me, Applejack.” He held out his hand
for me to grip for balance if I wanted to climb on. He almost willed me to
take his hand.
As if I could deny him anything. I loved Deacon.
He rode me around the property for a while. I always loved the feeling of
the wind in my hair as he sped over the hard paths. It felt like I was
flying. The one time I’d been on the open road with Deacon especially.
Even with a helmet, I’d never felt more free in my life.
All too soon the ride ended and Deacon pulled up outside the little house
we’d been given. I should have been excited. This was the moment
I’d been waiting for. To be at the house with the intention of having
sex with Deacon. Only, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. He
hadn’t given me his property cut. So, whatever was about to happen
wasn’t going to be welcomed.
He helped me remove my helmet and lashed it to the back of his bike. Then
he took my hand and we went inside. Deacon locked the door but stood with
his hands on the door, his forehead against the wood.
Carefully, I placed a hand on his back. “What’s about to
happen, Deacon?” My voice was so soft I wasn’t sure if
he’d heard me, but after letting out a deep breath, Deacon turned to
face me.
“You know I love you, right, Apple?”
I nodded. “Yes. I know.”
“Then I need you to trust me. I’m going to have to wait to give
you your property cut.”
“Why?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I was very near
tears. “This was the plan. We were going to be together.”
“We will be, Apple. I just need a year. One year. Use it to spend
time with your sister doing stuff young women your age normally
do.”
“What is this, Deacon? I don’t want to go on trips or to
parties unless it’s with you.”
“Honey, there is something I have to take care of. It’s going
to require I be gone a lot over the next several months. I don’t think
it’s fair to ask you to wait for me.”
“Wait… “ Dread washed through me and I shook my head.
“Are you… are you breaking up with me?”
“One year, Apple. Give me a year. If you haven’t found someone
you want more than me, I’ll be home and I’ll beg you to take me
back.”
“Are you going to be with other women?”
“Honey, I swear to you, I’ve not been with another woman since
I made a commitment to you. Not in the whole three years since I’ve
known you. That’s not going to change. Not as long as you’re not
in a relationship.”
I watched him for a long time, studying his expression. His eyes. Looking
for anything that might give me some hint as to what was going on. I found
nothing.
With a sigh, I nodded. “I’ll be waiting on you when you come
home. I don’t want this to be the end.”
He gave me a gentle smile. “It won’t. I promise.”
“Why did you want us to come here? If you’re not giving me your
cut yet, are we still, uh, are we going to sleep together?”
“We’re not going to have sex tonight, honey. But I want to
spend the night with you. I want to hold you all night while you
sleep.”
“We can still make love, Deacon. I want you.”
“I want you too, honey. But I have to leave in the morning. I’m
not sure when I’ll be back, and even when I am, I might not be able to
stay long. I’m not using this as an excuse to take what I want without
committing to you.” He cupped my face in both his hands, leaning over
to brush a tender kiss over my lips. “I’m going to hold you
while you sleep. You’re going to give me this one night. After I
leave, we’ll revisit us in a year.”
“I’ll wait, Deacon. Just… try to talk to me as much as
you can? Make sure to see me whenever possible?”
He smiled reassuringly at me. “I promise to do everything possible to
stay in contact with you, Applejack.”
I took him at his word. He held me all night long. With Deacon wrapped
around me, I’d never slept so well as I did that night. Sure, I woke
occasionally, but only to shift my position. Always, Deacon whispered softly
to me until I dozed back off. It was paradise.
* * *
The next few months, Deacon called me at least once a week. Then it backed
off to once every other week. By the time our year was up, I hadn’t
talked to him the entire last two months before he’d promised
he’d be home.
It was another two months before he finally came back to Iron Tzars MC.
When he did, Deacon wasn’t the same person he’d been when
he’d left.
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.
When my company faces a security breach, I’m the one to handle it.
No one knows how to fix it, and my brother suggests asking Cole.
I agree, knowing my job is at risk. That is my first mistake.
Cole is wealthy, powerful, and owns a tech empire. He always gets what he wants, and now he wants me—but only my body.
I want him too, but when you dance with the devil, you’re bound to get burned.
I choose to fall into his trap for one night. And now I can’t stop yearning for his touch.
But I must try to resist. We want very different things.
* A standalone novel, Trapped By A Handsome Devil is a story in the How To Date A Billionaire Douchebag romance series.
*Alpha Male *Billionaire *Workplace Romance *Grumpy/Sunshine *Smart and Sassy Heroine *HEA *Warning: very steamy content
5.0 out of 5 stars Wowza Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024 This is a great read. It’s very well written and I loved the characters. This is my first book by Lacey and it’s fantastic. Cole and Lane’s story takes you on a wild Hot ride. So get ready buckle up for for this wild journey. Happy reading everyone.
5.0 out of 5 stars Sizzling chemistry Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024 The author wrote a story which had a complicated romance sizzling with chemistry. I loved the believable interactions between the characters. I loved the drama their emotions created between them and their friends. I thought the author crafted a story that clearly showed how much turmoil the emotional aspects of a relationship can have with these fascinating scenes which were so well written and conveyed. Great story.
5.0 out of 5 stars Stopping The Breach Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024 When a data security breach happens at her company, Lane reluctantly turns to Cole, billionaire tech genius extraordinaire. Cole has a reputation as a player and it’s the last thing she needs. Ironically, Cole falls in love with her and she with him. It’s her boss she should have been worried about, but Cole comes to the rescue and hires her at his business. It’s HEA time folks!.
She loves to write steamy and thrilling Contemporary Romance novels about dishy guys who are impossible to resist, and strong heroines who fall for them. Her fascination with Romance novels started after a particularly bad break up and a decision to create stories with happy endings. She lives on the East Coast with her son.
When she is not writing, she is out with her camera taking photos.
Her: She’s sassy, intelligent and strong, and she’s had enough of men trying to run her life. Problem is, she needs a man – and quick – to be the non-existent fiancé she’s been bragging about to the family. Enter Drake Alexander, hired with the best of credentials from a top-notch acting association. Only he’s not exactly what she’s ordered…
Him: He’s rich, powerful and just a little bit arrogant, and he doesn’t need any more women running after his billions. Problem is, he’s stuck in the storm of the century in some hole-in-the-wall town. Banging on the door of a local, the last thing he expects is to be greeted by a beautiful woman ranting about how he’s the preposterously late actor she’s been expecting. Yet for some reason, he lets her believe the lie….
Kaitlyn has no choice but to accept Drake as her pretend fiancé, even though he invades her thoughts and unsettles her life. Worse yet, continues to play his role even when her family is not around! Soon they’re planning a pretend wedding, getting closer and closer to “I do.” Sparks fire and suspicions soar, but everything changes when…
Melanie Knight has wanted to be a writer since she was a little girl. Nineteen years ago, she married her own hero, and now she creates compelling contemporary romances with strong heroines, powerful males and, of course, happily ever afters. She also writes historical (regency) romance under the name Melanie Rose Clarke, as well as paranormal romance, romantic suspense and women’s fiction.
Melanie is a three-time Golden Heart® finalist. Her manuscripts have earned numerous awards in writing competitions, including several first place showings. With over two decades of professional writing experience, Melanie has written thousands of pieces for businesses and individual clients. She has worked in advertising and marketing, and her freelance articles on the web have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
She writes amidst her five beautiful children, her dream come true. Besides writing, she loves to read, exercise and spend time outdoors. She is a member of Mensa.
Sometimes the most forbidden love can be the most
irresistible…
Violet — My life has never been a bed of roses, especially after I lost my
brother. He gave his life for his country, and without him, I lived in pure
hell. My family was the type you read about in horror books or bad news
stories, but I was doing my best to survive. It wasn’t going so bad. I
went away to college, thought everything would be better… Until I
went to a frat party that went horribly wrong. Now I’m pregnant, lost,
and so very alone. So I did the one thing I told myself I’d never do.
I used my computer skills in a not very legal way to look up my
brother’s best friend — Marcus Blevins. He’s the only person I
can think of who might be able to help me, to keep me from drowning, or
doing something stupid. Never once did I think he’d find me
suspicious. But once he let me in, I knew I’d do anything to
stay.
March – I ran like hell from my old neighborhood by joining the
military, and even after I was discharged, I never looked back. My friend
and brother in arms lost his life. I watched the life fade from his eyes.
There’s no going back after that. How could I ever face his little
sister, Violet? I never once thought she’d track me down — or that
she could — but when she shows up on the clubhouse doorstep, I can’t
help but be suspicious. I have enough on my plate without adding her
problems to it, but once I know what happened to her, I can’t look the
other way. I’ll make them all pay for what they did. The more time I
spend with Violet, the more I realize she’s all grown up… and
the more I fall under her spell. If her brother knew the sorts of thoughts
I’m having, he’d come back from the dead to kick my ass. But
just maybe I need Vi as much as she needs me.
Suspense, passion, and second chances — are you ready to dive into this
captivating tale?
WARNING: Intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, language, and
violence. March has a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
EXCERPT
“March, Ben knew,” Hatter stated, firm and resolute. “He
knew.”
“Knew what?” I asked, even though I feared the answer.
“That we’re brothers. All of us,” Hatter replied. I knew
what he meant. Sometimes family went beyond blood.
“Brothers ‘til the end,” Cheshire echoed quietly, and we
drank to that unspoken truth.
The silence lingered like a thick fog, heavy enough to choke on. Cheshire
broke it first, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “We’ve
all got ghosts, brother. Some just scream louder than others. You and
Ben… Well, you had a longer history than the rest of us had with him.
And you were right there when it happened.”
No shit. Some nights, I still felt the spray of his blood coating my skin.
The warmth of it searing me like hot coals.
“Damn right,” Hatter added. “Lost too many to count. Each
one leaves a mark, but you keep going. Because that’s what warriors
do.”
My fists unclenched slowly, the white of my knuckles fading back to flesh.
Their words, raw and honest, chiseled away at the walls I’d
built.
“Remember Rico?” Cheshire asked, tipping his chair back, his
blue eyes clouding over. “Took three bullets meant for me. I hear his
laugh sometimes, in the wind. It’s like he’s still here, riding
with us.”
“Rico was a good man.” Hatter nodded solemnly. “Died a
warrior’s death.”
“And Ben… he died a hero’s death,” I murmured,
finally finding the strength to lift my gaze.
“Heroes, every last one,” Hatter agreed. His piercing eyes held
mine, not letting me sink back into the dark. “And we carry them with
us, every mile of the road.”
“Every damn mile,” I echoed, feeling the truth in his words
weave through the pain.
“Look around, March,” Cheshire said, gesturing to the crowded
room. “This is family. We’re your brothers, through thick and
thin. We may not have all made it out of there alive, but our fallen
brothers will live on in our memories. As long as we remember them,
they’ll never truly die.”
I scanned the clubhouse, the familiar scents of oil and leather wrapping
around me like a balm. Laughter bounced off the walls, and the warmth soaked
into me. This place, these men, they were my sanctuary in a world laced with
chaos.
“Family,” I whispered, allowing the word to settle in my
chest.
“Always,” Hatter affirmed, reaching across the table to clasp
my shoulder.
“Let’s drink to that,” Cheshire said, an edge of his grin
returning. He raised his beer, and Hatter and I followed suit, our bottles
clinking.
The tension drained from my body, seeping into the floorboards below. In
its place, something warm unfurled, a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in
a long time. It never lasted. Wouldn’t. Couldn’t. I took what
little bits of solace I could find here and there. It was the only way to
remain even somewhat sane.
“Brothers,” I said, meeting their eyes. The bond between us,
forged in blood and fire, was unbreakable.
“Until the end,” they replied in unison.
For the first time in what felt like forever, laughter bubbled up from deep
within me, genuine and freeing. I was home, surrounded by my brothers, and
for now, that was all I needed. And when the nightmares returned, I’d
have to remind myself of this moment, and all the ones like it we’d
shared since we became civilians again.
The room hushed as I stood, beer in hand, eyes scanning the faces of my
brothers. Each one carried scars, tales etched in flesh and soul. The air
was thick with unspoken understanding, an electric current of shared loss
that hummed beneath our skin. I knew they could tell by the look in my eyes
that I’d been fighting my demons before I came in here. Each man had
done the same, countless times.
“Tonight,” I started, “we remember those who aren’t
here to raise a glass. Ben. Rico. Tate.” My throat tightened, a noose
of grief tugging with every name.
“Vick,” Rabbit said, lifting his beer.
“Jarret,” Tweedle said.
“To our fallen brothers, may the road they ride be smooth and
endless,” I said.
“Ride free,” the chorus echoed back, a haunting melody of
respect and remembrance.
I drank, the bitter brew sliding down my throat. Swallowed past the lump
that never quite faded. With each sip, a silent oath to never forget.
I lowered my bottle, the weight of brotherhood heavy in my chest. A
patchwork family bound tighter than blood could ever dictate. It gave
purpose to the pain, a beacon in the tempest that was my mind.
They didn’t know how much they kept me anchored, these men who shared
my demons. How the roar of engines and their gruff voices were the only
lullabies capable of quieting the cacophony of war that still played on a
loop in my head.
“March,” Hatter’s voice cut through my reflection.
“They’d be damn proud of you.”
“Damn right,” Cheshire added, his smirk betraying the moisture
in his eyes.
Pride mingled with the sorrow, a bittersweet cocktail that warmed from
within. This club, this duty I bore, it was more than a title or a role. It
was a lifeline — a reason to keep pushing when darkness clawed at my
edges.
“Thanks,” I managed, my voice raw. “Couldn’t do it
without you bastards.”
Laughter erupted, a salve to the open wounds. In their company, even the
deepest cuts seemed to heal, if just for a moment.
Once a Marine, always a Marine. But here, in the Underland MC, we were
more. We were guardians of each other’s sanity, keepers of stories too
grim for the light of day. And protectors of this town.
I looked around at my brothers, their faces as hard as the lives we led,
yet there was warmth there too. They were the pillars in the chaos, the
constant in a life that had offered little else.
In the safety of shadows, where the world couldn’t reach us, we were
invincible. And in that moment, I allowed myself to believe it. We’d
already battled several times in this place we now called home, and
we’d been lucky enough to not lose anyone.
Outside these walls, danger prowled, hungry and relentless. It clawed at
the edges of our sanctuary, waiting for a crack to slip through, a weakness
to exploit.
“Tomorrow’s ride is going to be dicey,” I said.
“But we ride together, through whatever shitstorm comes our
way.”
About the Author
Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC
Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde
immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible
women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still
managing to end on a satisfying note each time.
When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new
plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book.
She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies.
Visit Wylde’s website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and
don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts
and other exciting perks.
Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde
Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress
Dread: Nicholas “Dread” Derickson is all about his MC, Scorned
Devils — until he spies a young man who sets his rebel blood on fire. Sexy
bastard might be his undoing if Dread can’t get the president to turn a
blind eye to his entanglement, which is cutting into club business just as a
splinter group from another club moves into the area. One rider of the
wayward gang rubs Dread the wrong way — particularly when he discovers the
biker had a prior relationship with the man Dread wants to make his.
Marvin: Marvin Branch hadn’t planned on attending an outlaw biker club
party with a woman he’d met at his new job, but now he can’t stop eyeing the
handsome older guy who’s definitely a member. Marv’s last liaison ended
because the biker he hooked up with refused to be open about their
relationship. Vowing not to go down that road again, Marv can’t help being
enthralled by Nicholas. Soon Marvin struggles with his new lover’s actions,
and his fear of what will happen when he walks away gets the better of him.
The man is not only possessive, he’s hell-bent on keeping Marv until he’s
had his fill.
Excerpt
Dread
“Nicholas, about the two prospects.”
Dread hated these damn open-air parties. The park was jammed with bodies.
Giving back to the community was necessary now and again. They deserved
something, because unless things really got out of hand, the two small local
police forces turned a blind eye to most of the Scorned Devils motorcycle
club’s bullshit.
More importantly, he hated being called Nicholas. Nicholas Derickson had
ceased to exist a long time ago. His death had occurred the first time Dread
killed a man. The culprit had missed being on the Scorned Devils MC’s
radar, but he should have been. That body had never been found. Never will
be, either.
There had been two others. Members who’d become disruptive and had to
be dealt with outside the law. Dread felt no guilt, as they understood the
rules when they prospected. There had been one more. Club president Barton
“Battle” Graves hadn’t been sure of the last death. Even
after finding the man’s cut in the clubhouse chest only he and Dread
had access to, Battle left it alone at first, ignoring the incident for a
time because Dread was Scorned Devils inside out, and Bat knew beyond a
doubt he intended to protect his club and anyone they vowed allegiance until
Dread took his last breath.
Hell, the man had screwed around with Bat’s older and only sister,
Glory Graves. Treated her like shit. She’d been abused, then abandoned
after the bastard fathered the pres’ niece, Belinda. He’d
occasionally turn up when he was down on his luck, to demand money, or a
room for a few days. If it was easier for Bat to believe the man walked away
for good, so be it.
Bat had asked about the disappearance once. Dread never responded. And that
skull never got painted on Dread’s bikes. However, if he delayed
answering Battle now, the jackass would never shut up.
“Nicholas, you hear me?”
“Don’t fucking call me that.” Dread had not taken his
gaze off the stranger who’d arrived accompanied by Bat’s niece,
Belinda. Jesus, he’s hot! The thought surprised Dread. The man was
lean, clean shaven and, fuck, downright pretty — and those types never
excited him. Something about the way the man carried himself, how he
returned Dread’s scrutiny without blinking, excited him, though.
Bastard exuded confidence.
Nodding in their direction, Dread asked, “Who’s that with
Belinda?” Dread had no interest in diving back into the same pond he
swam in for the last six months. His sex life had drifted into no
man’s land, but the youngster he eyed was a bright spot on the
horizon. I will fuck him until he can’t walk.
“How the hell would I know? Ask Belinda. No matter how much I bitch,
she cozies up to some man. Shit, she calls you uncle more often than
me.” Attempting to imitate his niece, Bat mocked, “Why
can’t you call me Bell, like Uncle Dread?”
“What’s the big deal?”
“My sister’s crap’s the big deal. She’s biting my
ass. Doesn’t like her daughter anywhere near me. Hell, I don’t
either.”
“Barton, grab your balls and tell your sister to fuck off.”
Dread’s attention remained on the newcomer.
“Kiss my ass. Anyway, he likely works with Belinda at one of your
establishments.” Kicking the dirt, Bat added, “All the strangers
here, you’re concerned by my niece’s latest
conquest?”
Holding eye contact, Dread smiled at the fucker. He knew the sexy young man
slinking behind Belinda wasn’t a lady’s man. “He’s
not her type.” There would be no complaint from Dread about her
dragging this one along, yet Dread made note to talk with his managers, keep
better tabs on who they hired. “You asked me to give her a job,
Battle. It was Cutters or Hell’s Lair.”
“She’s not to be in any part of the Lair, Dread. Bar,
clubhouse, nothing. I mean it.”
Dread observed Bell’s friend laughing at something a member’s
old lady had said. He is not Hell’s Lair material, either. Dread owned
both Cutters, a nice restaurant featuring live music on weekends, and Hell’s Lair, a straight up hole-in-the-wall biker’s bar. He
received nice compensation monthly from the Scorned Devils MC treasury for
renting them the large, wide-open storage area behind the bar. It doubled as
the clubhouse.
The spot had had another name before Dread changed it to Hell’s Lair.
Paid pennies on the dollar when he violently wrestled ownership from a man
who didn’t deserve it. Jackass mistreated his employees and fired
anyone he discovered was gay. For a moment Dread wondered where that bastard
had ended up after being beaten to within an inch of his life and chased out
the city. One thing Dread was sure of, the son of a bitch would never open
his mouth about what had occurred.
Subsequently, the bar made enough for Dread to snatch Cutters up when it
came on the market. Only a handful of his crew were aware who owned Cutters,
and none ever set foot inside. Too fancy for their liking. Even he
couldn’t buy respectability, but Dread liked having one thing in his
life that felt decent.
“Too much talk in the Lair’s bar area. That shit must be
addressed and I don’t trust Belinda to follow my rule about visiting
the club.”
“I’ll handle the loose lips. Anyway, our guys know not to
permit your niece inside. If she sneaks in, you or I will get a call. If
they ever touch a hair on her head, they’ll see me sooner than
later.” Angling toward Battle, Dread slapped the pres’ shoulder.
“That’s what you have me for.”
“And sometimes you worry me.”
“Shut the fuck up.” Dread was the only one who dared speak to
the club president like that. “What were you saying about
prospects?”
“A vote on patching is necessary. They’ve both proved
themselves.” Bat’s sigh filled the air. “We got to watch
those five hellions out of Philadelphia. Shit, been too long since I had a
sit-down with the pres of Bayside Specters. Sons of bitches didn’t
even have the courage or respect to announce themselves. Still, I’d
like to avoid trouble. Devils have grown. We established ourselves in the
county and Coatesville is home. It’s a small city and trouble of any
sort marring our MC’s reputation will not be tolerated.”
Growth was important. Thirty-four members strong, Scorned Devils had become
a club to be reckoned with in Pennsylvania but Bat was right.
“We’ll take it up at the next meeting. This isn’t the time
or place.”
Over the last couple months, several instances had developed that Dread
wished the president had allowed him to handle. He understood Bat’s
caution, yet appearing weak wasn’t suitable. Dread had turned down
running the Devils, or becoming vice president as Battle had hoped, as they
moved up through club ranks. Dread liked his position of sergeant at arms.
Trusting anyone else to ensure club rules would be followed and appropriate
punishment doled out when necessary didn’t suit Dread, either.
“Don’t know how you can tell, but you’re probably right
about that young man. Anyway, I know I’m not getting anything useful
out of you until you make yourself known to him.” Turning serious, Bat
added, “Be careful.”
“Careful?” Bat knew who Dread was and he also understood some
things would never change. “That shit flew out the window twenty years
ago when I screwed the fourth prospect who patched for the Devils. I can
handle members who scoff at what I am.” A few hard cases, kept under
Dread’s scrutiny, disdained gay activity, but not one of the Devils
would dare say a word about his or any other member’s sexual
inclination. “Terror’s not here to protect the fuckers, and they
like having their teeth.”
The Scorned Devils vice president was near the end of a three-year sentence
for assault. Nineteen years younger than Dread, Terror was fucking nuts, and
Dread didn’t relish the time he would return. Made him wish,
sometimes, he had accepted vice president under Battle. Luckily, Bat had
succeeded in keeping them from tearing each other apart. At least for now.
But the day would come.
“You know what the fuck I mean. He’s not one of us. He’s
too clean cut for the likes of us, and he reeks of decency. Hell, the kid
isn’t even your usual hairy type.” Bat’s eyes shuttered.
“Not as if… Look, Dread, club culture doesn’t favor
settling down.”
“What? Fuck that, man, I’m not looking for anything permanent.
Scorned Devils requires my attention, I’m here, Battle. That shit will
never change.” Jerking away, Dread made his way through the crowd to
lay claim to his next conquest.
About the Author
Growl and roar — it’s okay to let the beast out. — J. Hali Steele
J. Hali Steele wishes she could grow fur, wings, or fangs, so she can stay
warm, fly, or just plain bite the crap out of… Well, she can’t
do those things but she wishes she could!
J. Hali’s a multi-published Amazon bestselling author of Romance in
Paranormal, Fantasy, and Contemporary worlds which include ReligErotica and
LGBTQ stories where humans, vampyres, shapeshifters and angels collide —
and they collide a lot! When J. Hali’s not writing or reading, she can
be found snuggled in front of the TV with a cat in her lap, and a cup of
coffee.
Author on Instagram/Facebook: @jhalisteele
Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress
Then the next thing I know, I’m in the hospital parking lot with a looming deadline and a flat tire when Liam Dailey sidles up on a Harley, all brooding intensity and shaggy blond hair.
He’s determined to be my savior. But I make a terrible damsel in distress. The verbal sparring is delicious foreplay and in a weak moment, I give him my number.
It’s a mistake.
See, my life is planned down to the very last detail. While it hasn’t always been a fairy tale existence, I’ve never wanted for anything. Now it’s my turn to give back, and I won’t rest until my debts are paid—all of them.
And no one, not even Dr. Dailey, with his irresistible dimple and guarded past, will derail everything I’ve worked for. I won’t risk it. I can’t.
If I could change the past, I would. For me, and for her. Especially for her.
They call me Dr. Dirty, and I let them.
My colleagues mean it as a joke, but they have no idea how stained my soul really is. The promises I’ve broken. The people I’ve failed. The shame that clouds everything.
The only time I feel like a decent human being is when I’m at the hospital surrounded by patients—people I might actually be able to save. God knows I’m past salvation myself.
Despite my sins, and there are plenty, I’m chasing redemption. A second chance. I might not deserve it, but I want it.
What I’m not looking for is a warrior princess with a forgiving heart—until I meet Juliana.
When she peers into my soul, she sees light where I see darkness. Now redemption isn’t enough. I want her too.
But the road between us is littered with landmines and secrets—most of them mine. And I’m not sure I can put the past aside to be the man she deserves.
We’re celebrating the release of Selfish Desires by Michelle Hall this week! The big day is August 23rd!
Selfish Desires
Publication Date: August 23, 2024
Genre: Contemporary Romance
❤️Second Chance 🧊Morally Gray MMC ❤️Spice in Ch2 🧊Light BDSM ❤️Destroy her to protect her 🧊Groveling ❤️40 Somethings 🧊“Good girl/sl*t/wh*re” ❤️Third act oopsie baby
The love of my life, the person I trusted most, abandoned me in the worst way possible. There was no warning, not a single clue—just pure, devastating abandonment. I was left to pick up the pieces of my shattered heart.
To survive, I fled. I left behind everything and everyone I knew and loved, all in the desperate hope of forgetting him.
But then Vincent came back, and all the healing I thought I had achieved crumbled in an instant. He begged for my forgiveness, claiming he had no choice in what he did. Yet, I knew he always had a choice—and he chose wrong.
He said everything he did was to keep me safe. But safe from what? Emotions I thought I had buried resurfaced, and while my mind screamed no, my heart whispered otherwise.
How could I give a second chance to the man who ruined me? How could I even consider it?
We’re celebrating the upcoming release of Ocean Song this week! Pre-order a copy early a get one on August 27th!
Oceansong
Release Date: August 27, 2024
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romantasy
🧜🏼♂️Merfolk Mythology 🌊Ocean-based magic ⚔️Enemies-to-lovers 💘Forbidden & Slow Burn Romance 👨👩👧👦Asian family dynamics 😒🌞Grumpy (female) x sunshine (male) 💞HEAs 🥧Cinnamon roll male LI 🤨Prickly, snarky female MC who’s a softie inside 🏘️Small-town settings (Alaska)
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
OCEANSONG is an Adult Contemporary Romantasy that is an Asian Romeo & Juliet meets The Little Mermaid, set in the grittiness of the real world.
Fish are mysteriously disappearing, starving the people in Angie Song’s Alaskan hometown. Angie, an aspiring marine biologist and dock worker, enthusiastically joins the hunt to find out where the fish are gathering. When her family and the villagers discover that merfolk are responsible, they vow to destroy every last one. In the midst of the conflict, Angie faces off with a merman and fails to pull the trigger.
Inquisitive Mer-Prince Kaden is just as snarky as Angie, but he’s willing to talk and stop the brutal massacring of his people. The two form a cautious alliance to broker peace between the humans and mer before any more of them die.
As tensions clash between the two races fighting to control the sea’s resources, Angie and Kaden’s forbidden relationship ignites. And as she learns about the mer’s mysterious world and the reason why the fish are gone, Angie starts to question who the true monster is, and where her loyalties lie. Taking the wrong side means choosing between family and her job, or the man she’s fallen for and the morphology she’s come to respect—or losing it all.
Perfect for fans of Sandhya Menon’s When Dimple Met Rishi and Graeme
Simsion’s The Rosie Project, and lovers of rom-coms across all
mediums.
On the eve of his 30th birthday, Arjun Chowdhury is handsome,
successful…and single. When Arjun’s mother offers to set him up
with an arranged marriage, he reluctantly accepts. However, he realizes that
even a “straightforward” road to the altar has its bumps.
The biggest bump of all is Nisha Nandan, a failed romance novelist whose
chance meeting with Arjun leads to an undeniable connection. With the date
of his wedding quickly approaching, Arjun must decide: should he listen to
his heart, or to his brain?
