Release Day Review: Deep Cover by Scarlett Cole

The guys from Eagle Securities are back for the final instalment of the Love Over Duty series and the focus is on Cabe Moss. All novels are standalone although there's a connecting plot thread which ties them together. I've read the previous novels and recommend them as highly as this one.

FBI Agent Amy Murray is newly transferred to San Diego, after leaving her post in Atlanta under a cloud. She's eager to shake off the past and prove her worth and when she's asked to go undercover for an assignment, she knows this is the opportunity she's waited for. However, she didn't expect to fall under the spell of Cabe Moss who is part of the operation. He's someone who respects her competence for the role she must play and somehow he steals her heart too.

Working an assignment alongside 'G-men' isn't an ideal situation, so Cabe Moss is pleasantly surprised when he meets Agent Murray. He's impressed with her professionalism and skills to undertake her assigned undercover role...she's a distraction he didn't account for particularly when it stirs up mixed emotions of desire and guilt.

Exciting and fast-paced, the sizzling chemistry sparking between the protagonists adds to the thrilling suspense as the Eagle Security guys embark on a new mission; bringing closure to them all for varying reasons. For Cabe, he finally finds peace with a tragic event in his past and allows himself to open his heart again. Meanwhile, Amy finally shakes off the discriminations which have blighted her career so far and finally proves her worth.

I particularly like the balance of the writing with more emphasis on the suspense rather than the romance. Yes, we are very aware of the difficulties the protagonists are facing relating to the balance between their work and the sexual tension which sparks between them. However, the action takes precedence. In addition, the camaraderie between the Cabe, Six and Mac is second to none; they've known each other since kindergarten and particularly enjoyed the scenes where the three of them exchange lively banter.

If you're looking for an exceptional romantic suspense series to read, Love Over Duty series is definitely worth reading. As a fan of Scarlett Cole's writing, I'm tentatively waiting for her next book release.

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

ARE THEY IN TOO DEEP?

Ex-Navy SEAL Cabe Moss always comes when called to duty—at all costs. Even though the death of his fiancée nearly destroyed him, Cabe won’t let his past interfere with any work that has to get done. When his latest task pushes him to team up with FBI Agent Amy Murray, a fierce beauty with the undercover skills to match, Cabe must admit that, for the first time in years, he wants to do more than just complete their mission together…

Amy was born ready for this assignment, but working side-by-side with the the strong, silent, and frustratingly professional Cabe seems to be the biggest challenge of all. But when the sparks begin to fly—and the stakes rise to dangerous heights—the only thing Amy is left worrying about is how she can resist him. Their lives may be in danger, but their hearts hold the biggest risk of all… 

PRAISE FOR SCARLETT COLE AND THE LOVE OVER DUTY SERIES: 

"Cole is a genius." –USA Today

“Sizzling chemistry...” –Book Riot on Final Siege

“Final Siege offers romantic suspense readers everything that they could want.”  –RT Book Reviews

“After devouring this fast-paced thriller and cheering on Mac and Delaney, readers will be eager for other members of the team to find their matches too.” –Publishers Weekly on Final Siege

“A wonderful example of what a romantic suspense novel should be." –BookPage

Review: Lennon Reborn, A Preload novel by Scarlett Cole

Lennon McCartney is not a broken man. Because being broken implies being whole once. When a horrific accident deprives him of the one thing he loves—his talent as a fierce and explosive drummer—Lennon is left with a life chained by an abusive mother, by crushing guilt over a tragic past. A life he doesn’t want.

Dr. Georgia Starr is a legend. She’s one of the most successful neurosurgeons in the world, coming from a long-line of respected New York doctors. Her life is built around solving complex medical cases in order to bring relief and hope to sick children. But the one problem she can’t solve is how to live her life. How to be shake loose the burden of being her elitist, arrogant father’s daughter. How to be free.

Can a man who despises his life and a woman who desperately needs to live find the answers, and love, with each other?

Lennon's story didn't disappoint in this highly anticipated fourth novel in the Preload series.

Lennon McCartney's early life was a nightmare and although given a second chance, the scars of his early childhood still run sufficiently deep for him to just wish his life away. During a journey to a gig, the tour coach crashes leading him to sustain life-changing injuries. However, with the assistance of a woman who cared for him at the scene of the accident, he's given reason to hope for a better future. Now he just has to take it.

Dr Georgia Starr is an esteemed neurosurgeon but despite her stellar reputation, she still doesn't garner the respect from her father in the same way her brothers do. When she witnesses a coach crash, she helps care for an injured man until emergency services arrived. Despite the difficult circumstances, his plight becomes her concern. Their lifestyle may be dissimilar, only, she sees a man she can help and in doing so, realises she's giving her heart to him too.

Although I'd only read one previous book in this series, Lennon for me is the character I wanted to get to know the most. As couplings go, he and Gia are not two people you'd expect to be in a relationship. With vastly differing backgrounds, why would they be? Yet, fate stepped in due to unforeseen and heartbreaking circumstances and brought them together. The result? They learn from each other about taking a gamble in life by not settling what is familiar, even if it seems like the right decision to make. Gia gives Lennon the courage to face his life-changing injuries head-on; to accept help to overcome his disabilities so he can get back to what he loves doing. In return, Gia realises that it is possible to be around people who love you for who you are and not what you are.

One outstanding aspect of this novel is the quality of the writing; from the dialogue to the facts provided within the narrative. The emotions of the protagonists can be felt by the reader along with caring attitudes of those close to Lennon and the frosty indifference shown by Gia's family. Of course, plenty of chances are provided to catch-up with the other band members and their significant others. Their banter is entertaining as always and adds another meaningful dimension to the overall enjoyment of this novel. This satisfying, unexpected romance, is both sexy and emotionally fulfilling and I couldn't be more happy for Lennon and Gia.

5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Swerve-St Martin's Press via NetGalley***

Born in England, Scarlett Cole traveled the world, living in Japan and the United States before settling in Canada where she met her own personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. She now lives with her husband and children in Manchester, England where she's at work on her next book. She is the author of The Strongest Steel.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This book blog meme has had a few hosts in its past but is now in the capable hands of Kathryn at The Book Date. It's a place where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It's a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and to put new titles on your reading list.

Life right now!

This is the first morning I haven't coughed or had to blow my nose for weeks. My son had a relapse but is getting better and is back at school. The warm temperatures these past few days has accelerated the snow melting, the crocuses are finished and the daffodils should be in flower within the coming days. Reading wise, I'm still only managing two books a week and my writing has taken a backseat too as I've begun to catch up with everything that has been neglected around the house these past weeks whilst we've all been ill. Now that Winter feels truly behind us, I'm beginning to feel more energised, so I should become more productive...I hope ;-)

What am I currently reading?

Lennon Reborn by Scarlett Cole

Lennon McCartney is not a broken man. Because being broken implies being whole once. When a horrific accident deprives him of the one thing he loves—his talent as a fierce and explosive drummer—Lennon is left with a life chained by an abusive mother, by crushing guilt over a tragic past. A life he doesn’t want.

Dr. Georgia Starr is a legend. She’s one of the most successful neurosurgeons in the world, coming from a long-line of respected New York doctors. Her life is built around solving complex medical cases in order to bring relief and hope to sick children. But the one problem she can’t solve is how to live her life. How to be shake loose the burden of being her elitist, arrogant father’s daughter. How to be free.

Can a man who despises his life and a woman who desperately needs to live find the answers, and love, with each other?

Thoughts so far...

This is book four in the Preload series and although I've only read one previous novel in the series, Lennon is definitely the character who stands out and I've been anticipating his story ever since. So far (at 40% on Kindle), the book is exceeding my expectations. Whilst Lennon is a complex character, Dr. Georgia Starr is an interesting match for him. The plot is flowing effortlessly and I can't wait to continue reading it. It's definitely a great reading start to my week.

Book(s) I've read this past week?

Broken Promise by Tara Thomas

In the sultry streets of Charleston, one family, ruled by its powerful, take-no-prisoners sons, has risen to the top. But a merciless enemy is out to destroy them…and everyone they hold close…

SHE SWORE TO KEEP HER PROMISES.
BUT CAN SHE KEEP THEM SAFE…AND PROTECT HER HEART?

Charleston Police Officer Alyssa Adams made a promise years ago to protect innocent women from harm. Now, she won’t rest until she can reunite every lost daughter with her family. Bring closure to every grieving husband. And, most of all, find out what happened the night her own sister disappeared, more than ten years ago…

As the eldest of the Benedict brothers, Kipling will stop at nothing to protect his family from a threat that aims to destroy them once and for all. But when a long-lost sibling is kidnapped by a powerful adversary, Alyssa is the only one he can turn to to get her back.

As Alyssa and Kipling band together to find their lost siblings, a powerful attraction builds between them that they can’t ignore. As the truth comes to light, will one broken promise tear them apart?

*****

Deadly Summer by Denise Grover Swank

(from Goodreads) Ten years ago, Summer Butler was television’s most popular teenage sleuth. Since then, she’s hit—what gossip sites just loveto call—the gutter. Nearly bankrupt, betrayed, estranged from her greedy mother, and just about unemployable, she’s coaxed into that desperate haven for has-beens: reality TV.

Winging it as a faux PI, she’ll solve off-the-cuff mysteries in her hometown of Sweet Briar, Alabama. For added drama, there’s police chief Luke Montgomery, inconveniently Summer’s first and only love.

It’s when Summer stumbles upon a very real corpse that Darling Investigations takes an unexpected twist. The growing list of suspects is a big draw to viewers, but the reality is that Summer doesn’t know whom she can trust. Someone has written this killer new scene especially for her, and unless Summer gives the role everything she’s got, it could be her last…

What are you reading?

Release Day Spotlight & Review: Final Siege by Scarlett Cole

IN THE LINE OF FIRE.
Former SEAL Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick is all about the future he’s created with his Navy brothers in Eagle Securities, taking assignments in the most dangerous places, and doing things no one but ex-military would attempt. But when an urgent phone call brings his troubled past—and the woman he once loved—into the present, it’s a chance to redeem himself that he can’t refuse. 

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. . .
An investigative journalist researching an explosive story, Delaney Shapiro tells herself she got over Mac—and his role in her brother’s death—a long time ago. But the first moment she sees him at her bedside in an overseas hospital, she knows it’s not true. Every moment together rekindles the desire that once burned between them, and now that she’s a target for an emerging Russian arms dealer, Mac won’t let her out of his sight. To protect her, he’ll risk it all—including his life… 

Final Siege by Scarlett Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book two in the Love Over Duty series doesn't disappoint as I dived into another suspenseful novel featuring the hot guys at Eagle Securities.

The tragic death of his best friend Brock shaped the man Malachai 'Mac' MacCarrick became when he decided to live his friend's dream of becoming a Navy SEAL. Fifteen years later, he and his brothers have set up Eagle Securities to continue the legacy. When he received a phone call from a military hospital in Germany about Brock's sister, he doesn't hesitate to go to her bedside because, after all these years, she's still the woman who holds his heart even if she's his ex-girlfriend.

Investigative journalist Delaney Shapiro doesn't understand why her ex, Mac MacCarrick is at her bedside when she wakes up in hospital. Once over her confusion, his commanding presence makes her realises, despite the passing of years she still has feelings for him; a fact she doesn't want to acknowledge. When her investigation causes her to be a target, she reluctantly accepts Mac's assistance to keep her safe, only the more time they spend together, the closer they become.

Both protagonists were deeply affected by the death of Brock, but one of them holds the key to a secret that has been withheld out of loyalty all these years. However, when the past is preventing Mac and Delaney from rekindling their relationship, one of them decides to tell the truth in the hope the new information it is sufficient knowledge to lay the foundations to rebuild a future together.

The tension and explosive chemistry between Mac and 'Button's' are palpable, as both realise their feelings for each other run far deeper than they thought. This second chance romance highlights time hasn't eroded the love they once shared as fate brings them together once more.

Just like Under Fire, book one in the series, I loved the pace and suspense of the narrative and particularly enjoyed the continuity plot from book one, although both are standalone novels. One fact I hope we discover in book three is the fate of Ghost as well as Cabe's story.

5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Press via NetGalley***



View all my reviews

Born in England, Scarlett Cole traveled the world, living in Japan and the United States before settling in Canada where she met her own personal hero – all six and a half feet of him. She now lives with her husband and children in Manchester, England where she's at work on her next book. She is the author of The Strongest Steel.

Review: Nikan Rebuilt by Scarlett Cole

Nikan Rebuilt by Scarlett Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Book number one for 2018 is a fabulous start to the New Year. I've not read any of the previous novels in the Preload series, something I need to change because I loved Nikan and Jenny's second chance romance.

Nikan Monture has it all, except he doesn't. He's never forgotten his first love, the woman he betrayed eight years ago, who vanished into thin air. Now she's back working at the home he and his brothers lived and he wants her back. However, he has to convince her that what they had before can be better because he's a changed man.

Jenny McKade is nervous and excited about returning to Toronto to work. She's going to temporarily manage the home her ex and his band lived when they were teenagers and she has fond memories of spending time there when she was growing up too. The job is everything she's worked for only, the man who betrayed her is likely to cross her path at some point during her temporary job there and she's not sure her heart can handle seeing him again, or can it?

I went in blind with this novel and was instantly intrigued by the author's letter before the beginning of the novel. The inclusion and history of Nikan's First Nations heritage were insightful, informative and sympathetic to the plight of thousands of children taken into care. Nikan was a lucky one, despite his tough start in life, unlike his grandparents. His experience helped to shape the man he became, but simultaneously, he lost touch with whom he was because he'd always managed to put others before himself, except when he didn't and made the biggest mistake of his life...losing Jenny.


"Fall back in love with your life."


Additionally, Jenny's own tragic background and upbringing was a surprise, yet she became a strong independent woman. I loved that she didn't rush to reconcile with Nikan and made sure she worked through her doubts about a reconciliation as he tried to impress her...only to find she appreciated gestures similar to ones she remembered him for and not the ones he could afford now. A woman to love Nikan for the man he always was rather than the wealthy rock star he became.

Although I knew nothing about either the supporting characters and the protagonists before reading this novel, it didn't detract from the reading experience in any way. Ms Cole successfully kept me engaged in the narrative at all time and I instantly became invested in Nikan and Jenny. Their chemistry is electric and the rebuilding of their relationship is believable as is the interactions between secondary characters. At no time did I feel cheated out of not knowing more about any of them, so I can vouch for the standalone status of this novel.

Overall, Nikan Rebuilt is a narrative full of the unexpected. While I'm now interested in reading the earlier books in this series, Lennon's story is definitely one I want to read next.

***arc received courtesy of Swerve via NetGalley***



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I Can't Wait For...FINAL SIEGE by Scarlett Cole

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here, at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you're continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

I can't wait for...

Final Siege by Scarlett Cole

Releasing 30th January 2018

IN THE LINE OF FIRE.
Former SEAL Malachai “Mac” MacCarrick is all about the future he’s created with his Navy brothers in Eagle Securities, taking assignments in the most dangerous places, and doing things no one but ex-military would attempt. But when an urgent phone call brings his troubled past—and the woman he once loved—into the present, it’s a chance to redeem himself that he can’t refuse. 

STRAIGHT TO THE HEART. . .
An investigative journalist researching an explosive story, Delaney Shapiro tells herself she got over Mac—and his role in her brother’s death—a long time ago. But the first moment she sees him at her bedside in an overseas hospital, she knows it’s not true. Every moment together rekindles the desire that once burned between them, and now that she’s a target for an emerging Russian arms dealer, Mac won’t let her out of his sight. To protect her, he’ll risk it all—including his life… 

...because?
This book is the second one in the author's Love Over Duty series.  I thoroughly enjoyed Under Fire when I was recommended it and at the time the author was new to me.  I have high expectations for this one and hope it's a five star read too.

Review: Under Fire by Scarlett Cole

Under Fire by Scarlett Cole

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Romantic Suspense is one of my favourite genre so couldn't wait to dive into Under Fire, the first novel in the Love Over Duty series by Scarlett Cole.

Setting up Eagle Securities is a natural progression for Sixten Rapp as he begins civilian life alongside his childhood friends who he served with as Navy SEALs. He's also happy to return to the town he grew up and the house which holds many happy memories for him. Whilst working on his first job contract, he spots a woman hiding on a balcony before she is due to give a speech. She's not his type, yet Dax is intrigued by her but quickly files that information away when he recognises her distress. Thankfully, he's able to calm her down so protectively waits until she finishes her speech, knowing once this job is finished he won't see her again. Some days later he spots Louise after a car incident leaves her mother injured. He doesn't hesitate to offer his help again. However, when Louisa later confides work concerns surrounding her missing samples, he's determined to assist her again. Only the stakes are much higher now she holds a place in his heart.

Louisa North is most comfortable when she's working in her lab. Dedicated to her work, she's trying to formulate a miracle treatment for the disease her father was suffering from before he took his own life. When active samples she's working on go missing, her gut tells her it more than a mistake. When suspicious behaviour enhances her concern, she confides in the man who has come to her rescue on more than one occasion. Only this time, the stakes are deadly.

Whilst the trope for an ex-SEAL setting up a security company isn't new, I love the idea of the hero struggling with his conscience as he tries to prioritise his work over the developing feelings he has for his client. I especially liked how the author highlights the weaknesses of both protagonists and how they're able to support each other with their difficulties; Louisa's struggle as a social introvert and Dax's trigger issues. How two people with very different life experiences manage to complement each other in the way Dax and Louisa do.

This is my first Scarlett Cole novel and I'm going to check out her other work because I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. There's a perfect balance between suspense and romance with the addition of situations that make you pause and think. The dialogue has some fun banter between the guys and some tongue in cheek comments that will make you laugh out loud. If you're looking for an action pack novel with intriguing, sexy characters, Under Fire is a must read.

***arc generously received courtesy of St. Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

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New Release Spotlight: Jordan Reclaimed by Scarlett Cole

Title: Jordan Reclaimed

Author: Scarlett Cole

Series: Preload #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Pub. Date: February 28, 2017

Jordan Steele’s life began when he was ten. When he was taken from his parents and a house that was never a home. When he met his brothers, the other lost and abandoned boys in his group home. When he learned what friendship and family and love looked like.

Now he’s made good, touring the world with the band he and his brothers formed in that crowded group home. No one but his found family really knows the man under the fame and fortune, the scars he hides behind the rockstar lifestyle. Until he sees her through the windows of the National Ballet, dancing, and suddenly the world doesn’t seem so dark.

Aleksandra Artemov ticks all the ballet boxes. Father a legendary Kirov dancer. Check. Prepping since birth for classical ballet. Check. Compulsive control over the food she eats. Check. Principal dancer at The National Ballet of Canada. Check. But what she craves is freedom.

She craves Jordan.

Everything about him should terrify her. His size, his tattoos, his edge. But he doesn’t. He stirs her very soul. Jordan has nothing but himself to offer her, and he's never been good enough for anyone. Can he figure out how to face his own demons before he loses his light for good?

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from JORDAN RECLAIMED:

Copyright © 2017 by Scarlett Cole

He got it.

He finally got it.

He got why John Lennon left the Beatles for Yoko.

He got why Dred wrote a love song for Pixie.

From the moment Jordan’s lips touched Lexi’s, he couldn’t imagine anything else feeling and tasting quite so perfect for the rest of his life.

He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips and she groaned, opening for him. He thrust his hands further into her hair as their tongues touched. She tasted of wine and sweetness, and he couldn’t get enough.

While her eyes were closed, his were open, unwilling to miss a single moment of what was happening between them. He angled her head, and she rose up on her toes to meet him. He thought he was going to faint as the blood rushed from his brain to his cock, which ached for contact.

Lexi’s arms wound their way around his waist, her hands finding the way under his leather jacket and sweater to rest upon his back. Skin on skin. How he wanted them to be. Naked. Exposed. Nothing between them as he made love to her in a huge bed that they could stay in for days.

Except he didn’t have a huge bed. And he didn’t have the kind of room she deserved to stay in. He had an attic. And a box under his bed that held his most treasured possessions that nobody else would understand. A secondhand copy of Scales, Chords & Arpeggios, and the first birthday card he ever received from Maisey and Ellen. Random shit nobody else would care about.

Jordan pulled away slowly and looked carefully at Lexi. Her lips were pink and plump, her cheeks flushed, her eyes wide.

“Jordan,” she whispered.

“I gotta go. Bye, Lexi,” he said. He needed to get home and then drink enough to forget about her. Banish the stupid idea swirling around in his mind that they could have any kind of relationship. He should never have kissed her. It was hard enough to walk away before, but now that he had a clearer idea of what it was he was actually walking away from, it hurt all the more.

“Wait,” Lexi said as she grabbed his arm.

The small voice in his brain told him to keep walking, but he couldn’t. Instead, he turned to see what she wanted.

Lexi grabbed a pen from her purse, the one she had given him to sign the napkin in the restaurant. She reached for his hand and turned it over so his palm was facing up and quickly scribbled something on it. When she was done, she stood on her tiptoes again and kissed his cheek.

Weakness was a new sensation, but he felt it down to his boots as, against his better judgment, he leaned his cheek ever so slightly toward her lips.

“Good night, Jordan,” she said and bounced up the porch, grabbing her hat from the chair where Jordan had tossed it.

She paused in the doorway to wave good-bye and then closed the door silently shut.

Only when he was certain that she was definitely gone did he allow himself the luxury of seeing what she had written on his hand. It was a phone number. Despite himself, he felt a murmur of excitement that she found him worthy of a second date.

Jordan turned toward home. As snow began to fall again, he hurriedly made the short hike across the Don Valley river and ravine to his neighborhood, trying to halt the avalanche of emotions because of ten hand-scribed digits.

Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.

When Scarlett isn't writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Toronto.

Rep'd by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, and published by St. Martin's Press.

She'd love to hear from you on via social media.

​

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Spotlight Blog Stop: The Purest Hook by Scarlett Cole

The Purest Hook

Author: Scarlett Cole

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Can a love built on secrets survive?

Rugged, hot, and rock hard, Dred Zander is exactly the type of man that normally sends Pixie running. Not dreaming about running her hands down his washboard abs...and lower. The lead singer and guitarist for the band Preload embodies trouble behind his quick smile and guarded eyes, and Pixie left trouble behind her years ago along with the name Sarah Jane Travers and the pathetic trailer her mom called home. With her abusive past in her past, she has a new life, a new family at Second Circle, and a dream of opening her own business. She needs capital and time. What she doesn't need is a tempting long-haired rocker or the paparazzi that follow him around.

But Dred has other ideas. Pixie's sweet hazel eyes, purple hair and kaleidoscopic tattoo of exotic flowers that swirl up her arm haunt his dreams, and he knows she wants him too. He just has to convince her. But as a juicy exposé threatens to expose their pasts, and a blackmailer terrorizes their present, Pixie and Dred have to decide what really matters and fight like hell to keep it.

 Amazon US | Amazon UK | iBooks | B&N

Pyrotechnics went off all the way around the stage as the crowd screamed and cheered. He hugged each of the guys, then ran off the stage to pull Pixie from Harper and Drea. The break between the end of the act and the encore was approximately four minutes, and he had plans to use them wisely.

Pixie looked at him, her eyes wide in shock as he grabbed her hand.

“Quick,” he said to her, tugging her down the stage steps. There was no way he could make it back to his dressing room in time, so he hurried them along the black curtain that surrounded the stage into a darkened corner. He pushed her gently against the wall, trapping her in his arms.

“Watching you watch me, Pix . . . drove me crazy. You going to let me kiss you?” he begged. “Please.”

Pixie looked at him and put a hand against his cheek. “Yes.”

He slid both hands into her hair and pressed his mouth against hers. Energized from the performance, Dred struggled to rein in the need to kiss her fiercely. When he heard her groan, felt her lift up on her toes to loop her arms around his neck, he was done for. She was more than he’d dreamed of, and he’d dreamed a hell of a fucking lot. And yet none of his half-asleep fantasies could match the emotions currently blazing through him. Her tongue tentatively brushed against his so gently it was almost innocent. Well, as innocent as it could be when what he really wanted to do was take her against this black curtain.

It was fucking heaven.

He slid his hands down her body. Pixie giggled when he gripped her waist to pull her close. Ticklish. He’d have to remember that.

Not that he wanted to, but he needed to get back onstage. Fucking encore. He kissed her one more time, tasted the whiskey he’d given her earlier. The telltale thump of Lennon’s bass drum started to sound. He pulled back, willing his hard-on to take it down a notch before he got back onstage.

“That was quite the kiss,” Pixie said shyly.

He took her hand and led her back to the stage, positioning her right where she had been. It was impossible to resist kissing her again, and he grinned when Trent raised an eyebrow in his direction.

“Agreed. As beginnings go, Pix, it was pretty fucking epic,” he said with a wink, and walked back onto the stage to face the screaming fans.

Scarlett Cole is a writer of contemporary romance and a two-time RITA finalist. Her debut, THE STRONGEST STEEL, has already become an Amazon best seller in romantic suspense, was a Best Debut Goodreads Author Finalist 2015, and Authors On The Air Global Radio Network Contemporary Romance Pick of 2015.

When Scarlett isn't writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit. She likes hot men, cold beer, and expensive shoes.

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

Rep'd by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency, and published by St. Martin's Press.

She'd love to hear from you on twitter @itsscarlettcole

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