By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

They had no idea how close their worlds were.
Or how deadly.

All Laine West wants is a change of pace. Her move to Killeen, Texas is supposed to be a fresh start where she put down roots, come to terms with her past, and spends time with an old friend. But when an unexpected phone call from her mother turns deadly Laine finds herself in the middle of drug war with the Mexican Cartel that has nothing to do with her and everything to do with her past and her future.

Delta Force soldier, Knox Bentley lost his mother when she was murdered by the Cartel. Now his DEA agent father is missing. When his buddy Troy “Lucky” Schmidt asks him to help his friend Laine get settled, Knox looks forward to the distractions from his problems. Little did either know how intertwined their worlds were and now Knox must find out who murdered Laine’s mother before they come and kill Laine.

Before Laine moved to Texas, she had moved ten times and lived in four states. This last move is after a break-up that was the longest relationship she’s ever had. As she’s getting settled, she gets a call from her mother that she lets go to voicemail. She’s never been close to her mother and hasn’t spoken to her in five years. She usually asks for money or just rants and raves at her, Laine doesn’t want to get sucked into that again. Lucky shows up with his wife Rayne and he tells her his homecoming gift to her is Knox at her beck and call to help her with her unpacking. While he’s there her mother calls again and she sends it to voicemail.

True to his word Knox shows up the next morning, his mind still on trying to find his father. It’s been a month since his father disappeared after his mother’s murder. Although it’s not common knowledge they are certain it was the Cabrera Cartel. His father is DEA, and they are sure he’s gone after them. In what capacity they won’t know until they locate him. He does his best to push that all aside as he grabbed the treats he brought for Laine. Coffee and pastries are a good way to get to know someone.

This is a favorite scene.

After closing the soft top to his vehicle, he snagged the tray of coffee and the bag of treats he’d picked up at his favorite bakery. He didn’t go there often because his waistline no longer tolerated it on a regular basis, but he figured today was one of those days he could indulge.

He strolled to the front door, hoping seven fifteen in the morning wasn’t too early. Lucky had said it wouldn’t be, but Knox didn’t know anything about this chick except for two things.

She was a firefighter, which he had mad respect for.

And she grew up with Lucky and he thought of her like a sister.

Another thing he respected because Lucky was one of the best.

He raised his hand to ring the bell, but the door swung open before he got the chance.

“Is that coffee?” A woman with reddish-blond hair that had been pulled up into a messy bun on the top of her head pointed to the tray in his hand.

He tried not to stare, but it was impossible. She had to be one of the sexiest women he’d ever laid eyes on and his body reacted immediately.

Before he had a chance to respond, she snagged one of the paper mugs and lifted it to her lips.

“Oh God. That’s good. Did Lucky tell you I like it black?”

“He didn’t tell me anything other than I needed to be here by seven.”

“Then you’re late.” She tapped her watch. “But if there’s something with chocolate in that bag, you’re forgiven.”

“There are a couple of things that fit that description.” He followed her into what could only be described as the aftermath of a twister. There were boxes everywhere— some opened, some not. But there was no rhyme or reason for anything. No organization. And from what he could tell, nothing was labeled.

His skin itched. He had a serious issue with clutter.

But his bigger problem was how much he wanted to kiss this woman. It was rare that he felt this kind of instant attraction. Sure, he could walk into a bar and find someone who tickled his fancy. But he could generally leave his temptations at the door.

This one would be a lot more difficult to squelch.

“For the record, I’m Knox.”

She laughed. “Nice to meet you. If you haven’t figure it out, I’m Laine. I hope Lucky hasn’t been telling too many stories about me.”

“Oh. He’s mentioned a few things, but mostly he told me I better be on my best behavior or he’ll beat the shit out of me. Something about he has no siblings, but he considers you the little sister he never had.”

He stepped over some tools as he made his way through the kitchen and into the back patio where he gasped.

“I know. This is why I rented the place.” She pulled open the sliding glass doors, which opened to a fenced-in backyard with a pool and spa. It looked brand new.

The water color reminded him of the tropics. The waterfall trickling off the spa into the pool calmed his nerves immediately. His muscles relaxed. He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Lucky was right. This was exactly the distraction he needed. There was nothing else he could do to find his father. He’d done everything in his power and so had all his friends.

There were people in high places doing what they did best, trying to locate his dad.

Knox had to trust they were doing their very best.

“I think you and I need to become real close friends.” He set the bag of breakfast on the patio table. “I only live a few miles away. I’m happy to clean the pool for free usage anytime I like.”

She lifted the bag and pulled out one of the double chocolate doughnuts. She broke off a large chunk and plopped it on her tongue. Closing her eyes, she moaned. “My God, that’s good.”

“Glad you approve.” He reached in and took the other one out of fear she might snag it before he had a chance to taste his favorite flavor. “So, do you need a pool boy?”

“The owner has someone who comes once a week to clean and add salt, but if I don’t hate you by the end of this week and you tell me where you got these”— she waved the doughnut in the air—“ I might be inclined to let you come over occasionally.”

“I’ll do my best to stay on your good side.” He leaned against the deck and dunked his tasty treat into his black coffee before stuffing half of it into his mouth. He did his best not to stare at Laine, who wore skimpy shorts and a tank top that hugged her body, leaving nothing to the imagination.

He suspected she was about five foot ten and she had an athletic build, which he liked. More than he should, considering Lucky thought of her like family. That would be like making a pass at one of his teammates’ sisters.

That was a big no-no.

Not unless he had permission.

He had half a mind to text Lucky, but he pushed that thought aside. “So, where do you want me to start?”

“I thought you could get my Wi-Fi and all my televisions working because I know shit about that stuff.”

“I can do that.”
Jen Talty. Shielding Laine ARC (Kindle Locations 224-264). Aces Press LLC.

Knox manages to get the cable and televisions set up and he cooks up the steaks Laine bought along with grilled vegetables. Once again impressing Laine.

Now they have quite the discussion over dinner, mostly light and fun but then with some dark and dreary.

It’s when Lucky shows up with Knox’s team lead Cannon that things get a bit crazy. Well more than that they also get dangerous.

Laine’s mother is dead and the drugs they find belong to the cartel Knox’s dad suspects killed his wife.

I really couldn’t put this book down, every page offers up a twist you won’t see coming.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.