There’s a darkness within her
and its voice taunts her…

It’s been ten years since Lacey Madison fled New Mexico and everyone she cared about to keep them safe. She’s built a new life with a new name in the frozen north, putting her investigative skills and intuitive senses to work. But when an accident lands her in the hospital, she admits all the things she’s kept buried down deep—like her real name, and wanting four boys who’d probably forgotten her…

And suddenly, everything changes. Thorn, Colton, Aaron, and Oliver come looking for her just as the voices in the darkness begin to cry out.

And it turns out—it doesn’t matter how far Lacey runs, evil will always find her.

It’s been ten years since Lacey fled New Mexico and landed in Alaska. She quite literally fell into a man who fast became a friend, father figure and her boss.

As a PI she knew things could get a bit dangerous but sliding off an ice covered road fleeing from an adulterer certainly wasn’t in her plans. Neither was telling the hospital where she landed her real name.

The biggest surprise comes when her past catches up with her present in the form of Oliver Chee. He’s alone for the moment, he’s confirming it’s really her. Now the others are on their way.

It’s shortly after Oliver arrives that a ghost show up IN Lacey’s home, that’s never happened before and she’s freaking out a bit. It’s while they’re setting a circle of protection with lavender and salt that Colton and Aaron arrive.

This is a favorite scene.

Shaking my head, I hurried through the snow back to the front of the house. If one circle of protection was good, a double layer would be better.

It was slippery on the driveway, so I kept my head down, watching where I placed my feet.

“Oomph.” I bounced off of something and flew backward, but before I could hit the ground, two gloved hands caught me.

Bright blue met my gaze. “Holy fuck.”

Colton.

His face was clean-shaven, but it was him. Older, with the sort of frame that came from, I didn’t know, building fences and hammering railroad ties. He watched me.

“Hey,” Oliver said from behind me.

Colton blinked, like Oliver’s voice had shocked him back to life. One second, I was an arm’s length away, and the next I was pressed against his chest. “Jesus Christ, Lacey. I can’t believe it’s you.”

“Take a moment!” Oliver called out. “I’m going inside. I’m freezing my ass off.”

I blinked. We had to get the man proper winter gear if he was going to stay here. But the truth was, Colton didn’t have a coat either. Wow. I was really not thinking clearly. He was here, shivering in my arms.

His smile was huge. “Lacey, I have so many things to say to you. I…”

A car door opened and closed, catching my attention. Coming out of the passenger side was Aaron. His hair was still long, like it had been when we were younger, but tied back neatly to keep it away from his face.

With some part of my mind, I registered the suitcases in the snow and the car backing away. But I was transfixed by Aaron’s face. He didn’t smile when he saw me, but there wasn’t anger on his face either. More like disbelief. His dark gaze asked a million questions.

“Lacey.” His voice shook a little bit. “You aren’t a figment of our imagination, right?”

I shook my head. “Not unless we’re all having the same delusion where you guys are made up in my head.” A gust of wind reminded me of what was happening. A decade earlier, I’d been freezing in Anchorage without the right clothing. I knew what that cold felt like. “Come on inside. Grab whatever you brought with you. Nothing stays in the car in this kind of chill.”

“Right.” But Colton didn’t move. “If I let you go, are you going to vanish?” His voice was low. “Because I really like this moment. Even though it’s freezing. You’re here. Ten years older and beautiful. Alive. And in my arms. I don’t want to move an inch.”

He had always been able to make me blush, and none of that had changed apparently. “I’m only going to head in the house. Hopefully, you’ll come with me.”

He let go with one hand. “I will. Thank you for inviting us in.”

Aaron took my hand, pulling me from Colton. “Get your stuff, Colt. Lacey, how do you do this kind of freezing on a regular basis?”

“Alaska is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.”
Ripley Proserpina; Rebecca Royce. Voices in the Darkness: The Coveted Book 2 (Kindle Locations 648-672).

Now it’s not until Thorn arrives that they get a look at Lacey’s latest case. The wife of a patient who recently visited the new Sleep Clinic, is claiming he is raving about demons, possession and ghosts. Although he is getting some inpatient help elsewhere.

Lacey is very glad the guys are there as things heat up with her hearing voices in her head and the definite possibility of a demon. There’s also the relationship that although it’s been ten years, is still very much there and the love just oozes through the pages.

I love all the characters in these books and the story has me wanting more. Lacey and the guys deserve their happily ever after so very much!

I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

5 Contented Purrs for Rebecca and Ripley!

Rebecca Royce

As a teenager, I would hide in my room to read my favorite romance novels when I was supposed to be doing my homework. I hope, these days, that my parents think it was worth it.

I am the mother of three adorable boys and I am fortunate to be married to my best friend. I live in Austin Texas where I am determined to eat all the barbecue in town.

I am in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and try to use all of these elements in my writing. I’ve been told I’m a little bloodthirsty so I hope that when you read my work you’ll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. I love to write series because I love to see characters develop over time and it always makes me happy to see my favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In my world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

I’d love to hear from you!

Cheers!!

Ripley Proserpina

Ripley Proserpina spends her days huddled near a fire in the frozen northern wilds of Vermont. She lives with her family, two magnificent cats, and one dog who aspires to cat-hood. She is the author of the Reverse Harem series, The Searchers, Midnight’s Crown, and the young adult/fantasy duet, Wishes and Curses.