By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Author

Where broken dreams collide, two hearts will come together and find the love they thought they lost.

Dax Fabion had once thought he could have it all. However, Chablis River made it perfectly clear that he couldn’t have her, and have a career in the NHL. He chose the latter. A decision he’s regretted for years and it’s time to make right a wrong.

All Chablis River wants is to prove to herself, and to her mother, that she still has what it takes to be one of the best winemakers in the country. When, her ex-boyfriend, and the real reason she left Candlewood Falls in the first place, returns with the goal to win her back, Chablis will be able to forgive him for chasing his dream, but she will she ever be able to trust him with her heart again?

NFL star Dax Fabion has come back to his hometown of Candlewood Falls. He’s also hoping to reunite with Chablis, he really owes her a big apology for the way he left things with them.

Chablis River is very nervous to see Dax. She has a really big secret that no one knows other than her brother Malbec. Once upon a time she was ready to give up going to college and be with Dax through his NFL career. She also had to make a real difficult decision, one that Dax made a lot easier at the time.

Dax is going to be the new head hockey coach at CFW Prep. When Chablis joins him for dinner, one of the parents, Selena is their waitress. Dax and Chablis talk about the past and how they both felt back then but Chablis still holds something back. Of course, Selena has to ingratiate herself and Toby by inviting Dax to dinner. Selena and Toby’s son TJ is one of the players Dax is looking at. He and Toby have a rather awkward past to get through, but his concern is only for the team he’s building.

The unveiling of an amazing outdoor portrait of him done by Axel a local artist on the side of the Brewery is an opportunity for his friends to welcome him home. Merlot, Malbec, Caleb, Brad, Axel and Raf are all there to celebrate with Dax. Then the news comes of a crash with an explosion and injured fire fighters.

Not willing to wait for additional news, Dax heads to Chablis apartment.

This is a favorite scene.

But the reality was she wanted to be alone so she could let the tears come. She’d never been so scared in her life. She’d fought some serious fires before. Dealt with some hard situations. But that explosion had been like nothing she ever witnessed before.

She could still hear it echoing between her ears. And the heat prickled her skin like a cattle prod. For the first time in her life, she thought she might die.

Curling her fingers around her father’s strong biceps, she mustered up a smile. “I love you, Daddy. But it’s one in the morning. Go home and be with Mom. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay. But will you promise me that you’ll call me if you need anything? I’ll leave my phone on all night. And tomorrow there isn’t anything too pressing that I can’t change my schedule to be with you.”

“I promise.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

“Follow the doctor’s orders.”

She looped her arm through his and guided him to the door. “Don’t worry.”

“It’s a father’s prerogative to do that.” He pulled open the door. “Oh. Hello, Dax. Isn’t it a little late for you to be showing up?”

“Hi, Carter,” Dax said, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. “I saw you pull in. I’ve been trying to reach Chablis since I heard what happened. I wanted to make sure she was okay.”

“She’s fine. It’s late. Time for you to go home.”

“Dad,” Chablis said with a stern tone. “I’m not fourteen. You don’t get to send him away like that.”

Her father turned and glared.

“He’s right.” Dax handed her the flowers. “I’ll call you—”

“This is ridiculous. Come in,” she said. The need for tears was suddenly replaced with the desire for human contact.

And not her father’s.

“Dad. Tell Mom thanks for the food. I’ll call you in the morning.”

“Why does this feel like déjà vu?” Her father tapped his temple. “Oh, I know why. I’m being ditched for the star hockey player. Again.”

She laughed.

“In all seriousness,” her father started. “She’s been through a lot. Don’t stay too late.”

“I won’t.” Dax nodded.

She stood in the doorway and waited for her father to get in his car and turn the engine on before turning her attention to Dax. “You didn’t have to come over. Or bring me these.” She stuck her nose in the pretty bouquet. They smelled like a meadow on a sunny day. “They’re beautiful.”

“I would have waited until morning, but I saw you pull in.” He gently took her arm and lifted it. “That’s got to hurt.”

“It’s all superficial burns. They aren’t bad. But do you mind if we go sit? My head is pounding.”

“Here. Let me help.”

He took the flowers and practically ran into the kitchen where he found a vase.

She made herself comfortable on the sofa in the small family room and watched him skillfully cut the stems of the flowers and arrange them in the vase as if he were a master florist.

“Do you want something to drink? Water? Juice?” he asked.

“Water would be nice.”

He brought her a glass and sat on the other side of the sofa, lifting her feet and resting them on his lap. Normally, she’d protest, but she didn’t have the energy.

“How was the unofficial unveiling?” When she’d heard what Axel was doing, she’d been super annoyed. The last thing she wanted was to drive into town day in and day out and see her ex-boyfriend’s face.

She still didn’t.

But the town did and she understood why.

“I have to admit, I’m not sure how I feel about seeing myself on that building all the time, but Axel is an amazing artist.”

“That he is,” Chablis agreed.

“It’s so weird to see all my old friends and listen to them talk about marriage and kids. On the one hand, being with them feels like I’ve been catapulted back to my youth. But on the other hand, it makes me feel old.”

She rested her hand on her middle. It was hard not to think about what she’d done. It wasn’t about regrets because she didn’t regret the action.

Only the silence.

Dax had the right to know, and she should have told him seventeen years ago. It wouldn’t have changed things. Not even if she’d known Traci wasn’t his girlfriend. The fact remained they weren’t ready for each other.

Or being parents.

“Neither one of us are old.”

“I feel like I’m too old to start a family.”

“Do you want one?” she asked. “I mean, Malbec is having his first kid soon and they plan on more. Caleb is your age and he and Brooklyn plan on kids.”

He placed his hand on her foot and rubbed. It was something he used to do when they were dating. Whenever they would be talking about something or mindlessly watching TV, his hands would always go to her feet. She never minded.

And she didn’t now.

“I didn’t mean to get into a deep conversation. That’s the last thing you need.”

He was right about that, and she was grateful for the opportunity to switch gears.

“I take it you’re going to have to take some time off work?” he asked.

“A few weeks from the fire station and I don’t know how long my folks are going to make me stay away from the winery.”

“I’ve got an idea.”

“Oh. That’s scary,” she said.

“This weekend and all next week I’m recruiting. How would you like to come with me? We can watch some of the games together. You can check out different ones. You can give me your perspective on the kids on the ice. You’ve always had such great insight into the game.”

“You really want my opinion?”

He nodded. “I have a list of twenty-seven kids that have applied. I have five spots open. Only one kid do I know I want to take. It’s really hard because there are so many games to watch and they’re kids and they know I’m there. Once they see me, or their parents do, they act differently.”

“So, you want me to be your eyes when you’re watching a different game.”

“Exactly,” he said.

“What about Serena and Toby? They will know I’m there and they will have something to say about it.”

“I’m allowed to have independent eyes and you’re not making decisions. Just giving me advice. Besides, they don’t have to know why you’re there.” He winked.

She cocked her head. “Don’t give those two something to talk about. This town is already buzzing about what may or may not happen between you and me.”

“I hear there’s a pool down at the brewery,” he said with a laugh.

She kicked him. “There better not be, but if there is, I’ll take one hundred to one that there isn’t.”

“Ouch. That hurt.”

“What? The kick in the thigh or the statement?” She smiled.

“Both, but back to hockey,” he said. “I’ll send you to games that TJ won’t be at so you won’t run into Serena or Toby. I’ll give you a list of things I want you to note.”

“I’m not a hockey player.”

“But you know the game,” he said. “You used to critique me after every single one of my games and you were always on point. Come on. Please. It will be fun and it will give you something to do. I know how much you hate to be idle.”

“Doc says I have to lay low tomorrow, so probably can’t do it until after the parade on Saturday.”

“No worries. I can handle tomorrow on my own and I’m not going on Saturday.”

She smiled. “Okay. But on one condition.”

“What’s that?” “You buy me a funnel cake every day.”

“Deal.” He squeezed her ankle. “On that note, I should let you get some rest. I wouldn’t be surprised if your dad is sitting out in the driveway waiting for me to leave.” He stood, placing her foot on the sofa. “Don’t get up. I’ll see myself out.” He leaned over and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and stared into her eyes for a long moment.

She held her breath, waiting for him to say good night. But instead, he brushed his lips tenderly across her mouth in a sweet, loving kiss. It wasn’t the kind of kiss shared between friends. A spark deep in her gut tried to roar to a flame, but she squelched it. She couldn’t allow this to deepen. It was too much. Too soon. So many emotions raced through her mind. She couldn’t think straight.

“Sleep well.”

She clutched her pendant and remained breathlessly on the sofa. She heard the door open, then shut. She brought her fingers to her lips. Everything she felt for Dax in the past had been brought to the present. Nothing had changed. Her love for him was as strong as ever.

And the secret she carried still darkened her soul.
Jen Talty. It’s in His Kiss (Kindle Locations 964-1038).

Selena proves to be a bit more than just a little problem. Then there’s also Brooks, someone Dax has had issues with in the past. He wants the job Dax has accepted. Toby is the biggest surprise though.

While there are lots of ups and downs for Chablis and Dax they both rise to the occasion. This is what true love is all about!

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.

Madagascar Adventure
Hot Hunks Book 5

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

When Captain Neor Benning gets a cryptic message from an old friend that he needs help, Neor’s on the first transport plan to Madagascar. Only, when he gets there his friend is no where to be found. Instead Neor found out his friend didn’t send the message at all. He has half a mind to turn around and get right back on the next plane for the states. Until he learns what his buddy had been up to.

India Holland came to Madagascar to help her brother find out who killed their father. However, when she arrived, her brother had disappeared. The only clue she has is a map and note from her brother stating if anything happened to him to call Neor. So that’s exactly what she did, only Neor doesn’t seem to know anything and the second he lands, bullets start flying.

India Holland travels to Madagascar after a very cryptic conversation with her brother, Nepal regarding their father’s death. When she arrives, she finds her brother is now missing. He hasn’t been seen for at least two days and he never checked out of the hotel. She needed her brother’s things and to get them she pays not only for her own room but what her brother owed as well. Fortunately, he left a note for her with his belongings which is why they brought her his belongings. The note instructs her to text his friend and teammate Neor and wait for him to arrive.

Both Neor and Nepal are Army Rangers on medical leave from their last assignment. Nepal was using that time to be with his father, while Neor went to his family. When he gets the text from who he thought was Nepal, he immediately travels to Madagascar. He’s more than a little surprised to find it was Nepal’s sister India who sent the text and the reason why. He would protect India until they found Nepal and got answers. The problem for him is that he’s been a little in love with her since the first time they met.

Neor makes the decision to stay in her room and work on getting into her brother’s computer. What he finds surprises him, and against his better judgement he shares what he can with India to calm her down.

This is just one of many favorite scenes.

He brushed her hair over her shoulder and let out a sigh. “Rome has a daughter who he named Romilly. Nifati is a corrupt politician. Kiadly is Nifati’s son who has his sights set on Romilly who is seen as royalty in Madagascar. A couple of years ago, Rome was held captive in a remote village. We were told it was by a group that wants to overthrow the current government.”

“Wait. Why would they kidnap Rome? Sounds like they got the wrong man if Nifati is corrupt.”

Neor chuckled. “Rome is quite influential in this country. His wife’s brother is Luca Ratsifa who happens to be high up in the government and where Kiadly wants to be, but he doesn’t have the respect of his people. Neither does his father, but not for lack of trying. What we found out after the operation was that Kiadly had been behind the kidnapping. Or at least that was the rumors. It had all been about getting close to Romilly. He wanted to be in her good graces so he could woo her, but after I did a quick google search when I saw that document on your brother’s computer, that didn’t happen. Although, Rome and Kiadly do have a kinship of sorts because Kiadly took credit for his rescue and we can’t deny it. Not to mention that Rome and Nifati, while also not friends, they aren’t sworn enemies.”

“But doesn’t Rome know who saved him? I mean how could he have not known it was a United States Special Forces team?”

Neor pulled her closer. The heat between them was thick and steamy and all-consuming.

She should take a step back and put some distance between them before their lips touched and ignited a flame that turned into a raging inferno. There was no way she’d be able to control herself. She’d already given in to the fantasy as her hands made their way up his muscular biceps to his strong shoulders.

“Yes and no. There is no record of the op because it wasn’t sanctioned. If I were to become a whistleblower and try to bring this knowledge to light, the government, the Army— Delta Force— they would all deny. I suspect that Kiadly and his father know this and Kiadly’s been using it to bend Rome’s ear to push his daughter to take him as a suitor.”

She tilted her head. “So, what you’re saying is that Kiadly is potentially telling Rome that he hired you and your team to save him and now he wants favors in return.”

“Exactly.” Neor kissed her nose. “But that’s honestly a guess on my part and without seeing what Nepal has in his files, everything is speculation, which I don’t like doing. I’m only telling you this because I know it’s important to you and I want to help either calm your nerves or make you feel better or something.” He twisted her body, turning her and guiding her toward the bed. He pulled back the sheets. “There is honestly nothing left for us to do right now except get a good night’s sleep.”

Holy shit. Either Neor didn’t know when a woman was hitting on him, or he wasn’t interested.

Both were equally depressing.

She leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his chest.

He looked down and the corner of his mouth tipped up in a smile while he arched a brow.

At least she’d gotten his attention.

He curled his fingers around her wrists and groaned. “You’re more than a tempting woman,” he whispered, pressing his mouth against her cheek. “Maybe when this is all over and you still want to explore this and we have your brother’s blessing, we—”

“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” She glared. “I don’t need anyone’s permission, especially Nepal’s.”

“Maybe not. But I do.” He kissed the back of her hand. “He’d kill me.”

“You’re honestly afraid of what he’d think? Because that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“It’s a code we live by.” He helped her into the bed, pulling the covers over her body before sitting on the edge of the bed.

She couldn’t decide if she wanted to burst out laughing or actually ask a few questions so she could try to understand Neor’s outdated philosophy. She could accept wanting to be respectful, but who she chose to sleep with had nothing to do with Nepal.

Ever.

“My brother and I have never discussed our relationships unless they are long term,” she said as a tinge of anger filled her belly. “If you didn’t want to be with me, a simple no, thank you would have done the trick.”

“Don’t mistake me turning you down tonight as rejection or an admittance of not wanting you because trust me when I say, if we weren’t in the situation we’re in, we would have been naked an hour ago.” He kissed her so hard she was sure her lips would be bruised.

It didn’t last but a few seconds, yet it left her breathless.

And speechless.

He ran his thumb over her lower lip and smiled. “Being a gentleman around you is proving to be nearly impossible.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to be one.”

“Perhaps that’s exactly what I need to be right now.” He stood tall and strolled to the other side of the room. Slipping out of his shirt and slacks, he climbed into the bed and turned off the light. “It’s not just about the respect I have for Nepal and my friendship with him. It’s about timing. I want to be with you, but not like this. I want it to be about us. Not about what’s going on around us.”

Her breath stuck in her throat.

“Good night, India,” Neor whispered. “Sleep well.”

Hopefully the next few hours would be filled with sweet dreams, and not restless nightmares.
Jen Talty. Needing Neor ARC (Kindle Locations 497-541). Jupiter Press.

There is nothing straight forward in what they need to do to find Nepal. There’s also the problem that her father probably isn’t dead either, just missing as well.

Plenty of action, suspense, romance and sizzle in this page-turning read.

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jenn Talty

She thought she could leave her past behind her, but when the bodies start piling up she realizes the past wasn’t finished with her and now history might not only repeat itself, but take away her chance at love.

Retired CIA agent Fay Clayton is trying to get her career back on track with her new position in Fouls Gold, Colorado working with the Brotherhood Protectors. She can handle almost anything, including working with ex SEAL Walker Nash, who blamed her for his untimely exit from the Navy. However, with their latest assignment, it seems history is repeating itself because at every turn, with every clue, the bad guy is always one step ahead of Fay, Walker, and the police.

That is until Fay realizes the mole that sabotaged her mission to save Walker and his team before she retired followed them back to the States and is doing whatever he can to make sure that once again, she—and Walker—fail at their assignment.
And at love.

Fay is a former CIA agent that Walker blames for his injuries and subsequent retirement from the Navy. On a previous mission they came to an understanding and find they work well together.

This new mission is a bit different, helping local law enforcement it involves cold cases as well as a new one that fits the profile. In the past there were 10 young men traveling alone, that disappeared heading toward Fool’s Gold. The cases were over an eight-year span and the last one was six years ago. They’ve come back into the spotlight with the recent disappearance of Levi Jetson. He was traveling from Colorado Springs to visit his father in Fool’s Gold. There are the usual suspects, the divorced parents Rose and Pete. Pete also has a penchant for gambling, and he’s been seen with some unsavory characters.

Walker and Fay have no problem working this case, even after they’ve been told Fay’s cover is as his girlfriend. However, there’s another curve that will be thrown as Walker and Fay settle in to have a drink at Walker’s house.

This information is brought to them by Jake and Hank in an unannounced visit.

This is a favorite scene.

Walker pulled open the door and mentally prepared himself for whatever Jake and Hank needed to discuss.

In person.

Because they didn’t do that unless it was of the utmost importance.

“What brings you two by?” Walker left out unannounced since he figured that might be considered antagonistic, and ever since the mission at Wind River Mountains and the fact he’d questioned Hank’s pairing, he knew he was on thin ice.

“We need to talk to you and Fay,” Jake said as he pushed his way into Walker’s home. He tossed Fay’s rucksack on the floor next to the stairs.

“What the hell?” Fay was on her feet in seconds. “Why did you go into my room and bring my stuff here?” Her voice rose to an octave that Walker didn’t think was possible for Fay.

“Because you’re staying here,” Hank said. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“Yes,” she said. “I mean no, sir.”

Walker knew this should not be a question that came out of his mouth, but he’d had just enough alcohol to ask it. “Why is it so important that she stay with me?” Walker closed the door and polished off his tequila. “I think we deserve at least an explanation. You both know the history between us and while some of it is water under the bridge, and we’re certainly cap—”

“Save the winded backpedaling,” Hank said. “She is staying here because where else would a girlfriend stay?” He made his way into the family room.

Jake followed.

Both men took a seat on the sofa.

“Any other questions about that?” Jake asked.

“No,” Walker said flatly as he took a seat on the edge of the chair that Fay had reluctantly perched herself in.

“We’ve begun digging into the files Sparrow gave us.” He figured it was best to redirect the conversation.

“I’ve reached out to a couple contacts I have with the FBI to do a deep dive,” Fay added.

“That’s good. Glad to see you’ve jumped right into the assignment,” Hank said. “That’s only part of why we’re here.”

Walker exchanged a quick glance with Fay, who looked as puzzled as he felt. “Is there something wrong?”

“I wouldn’t say wrong,” Jake said. “More like interesting.”

“How so?” Fay asked.

“Lee Cameron applied for a position with the Brotherhood Protectors.” Hank leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and clasped his hands together.

“I didn’t know he left the Navy,” Walker said. It had been a good two months since he’d spoken to Lee. Or anyone else from his old team for that matter. Not because he didn’t care, but because they were still enlisted, and last he’d heard, deployed. “I know his contract was up a few months ago, but he told me he passed the physical.”

“He might have, but he opted not to renew and now he’s looking to work with us,” Hank said. “I know his commanding officer well and from what I’ve learned, Lee tends to be a hothead. You were team leader. Is that true?”

“It is.” Walker saw no reason to lie. “He could be a tad arrogant at times and thought his way was better.”

“Did you often butt heads?” Jake asked.

Walker had to be very careful how he answered this question, but only because he wasn’t sure if he was being asked because they were still unsure about him being a team player, or if they wanted an honest answer. “Lee can be stubborn at times and he always has an opinion.”

“And were those thoughts helpful?” Hank asked.

“Sometimes.” Walker wasn’t lying.

“What about you, Fay? You worked with him,” Hank said.

“You don’t want to know what I think.”

“Yeah. We do.” Hank sat up taller. “And we want you to be honest.”

She shrugged. “I don’t trust him.”

“Like you don’t trust Walker?” Hank cocked his head.

“I never once said I didn’t trust Walker.” Gracefully, she rose. She strolled across the room, lifting the bottle of tequila from its perch on the table by the stairs. She poured a hearty glass and took a sip. “At least not in the same way and it’s Walker that has the trust issues with me.”

Walker lifted his hands. “Not anymore. We’ve worked through that.”

“For the most part.” Fay chuckled.

“So, what’s your problem with Lee?” Hank asked.

She turned and locked gazes with Walker. “Once we finally made it out, Lee confronted me about the execution of my plan to pull Walker’s team out safely. So much had gone wrong before I was even called in. I followed a paper trail that told me there was a mole, but I couldn’t figure out who because whoever it was covered their tracks well. Ultimately, I had to take a risk if I was going to get to them at all and we went in. That was my call. And he thought I made the wrong one.”

“Wait. What?” This was something that Walker hadn’t ever heard. Not from Fay. Not from Lee. Not from anyone. “What exactly did he expect you to do?”

“Wait. Dig a little harder to find out where the leak was before rushing in, trying to make a name for myself. He told me if I had a little more patience, his buddy might not be dead, and you’d still be a SEAL.”

“That’s not really true,” Walker said.

She lifted her drink. “It’s not really false either.”

Fuck. That hadn’t come out right. “If you had waited much longer, we’d all be dead and why was he even discussing a mole? He didn’t believe—”

“He never said mole. He said leak and there is a fundamental difference between the two,” Fay corrected. “And he honestly thought it was me.”

“Why would he think that if you were trying to make a name for yourself?” Jake asked the obvious.

“Lee believed I rushed into rescuing the team, opening the mission up for a number of mistakes, including leaking information, even if it was my accident, because I was up for a promotion, which was true. At least the promotion part was, but I didn’t rush anything.”

“So, you don’t trust him because he doesn’t like you,” Jake said.

Fay laughed. Walker wished he could have pinched or kicked her or something because that wasn’t the right response in front of their bosses. “No. I don’t trust him because he went out of his way not to tell anyone what he believed. If I thought someone was that incompetent, I would have told their supervisor. He chose not to and for that reason, I did a little digging on him and found out—”

“He doesn’t like taking orders from women,” Walker finished her sentence. It wasn’t the first time Walker had come across a man in the military who had problems with women in positions of power. But he hoped it would be the last.

“If that’s the case, I’m not sure he’s going to be a good fit with the Brotherhood Protectors,” Hank said.
Jen Talty. Fay’s Six (Kindle Locations 327-383). Twisted Page Press, LLC.

After dropping the bombshells of Fay staying with him and a former SEAL team member Lee Cameron as well, Jake and Hank take their leave.

For Fay it’s not only Lee’s misogynist attitude that bothers her but also his deviation from assignment. He’s investigating but he’s not where he should be when he should be.

Walker doesn’t like the way things are progressing and Lee just makes it more difficult.

There are many twists in this book, and I love how the relationship between Walker and Fay just heats up the pages.

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

She came to Lighthouse Cove
to put the past where it belonged
and in the process,
she found her future.

Trinity Hughes has spent a lifetime resenting her biological father. However, now that he’s dead, Trinity wants to set the record straight. Her father might have killed one man thirty-five years ago, but he paid his debt to society. She knows deep in her soul that he did not murder sixteen men and she’s going to prove it. All she needs is a little help from the last man who saw her father alive.

After ending a six-year relationship, Local police officer Emmett Kirby has given up on love and family, dedicating himself to a career that has been the cornerstone of his life. And he’s happy to do it. However, when a homeless stranger comes through town and is accused of murder, and then killed right in front of him, Emmett questions the investigation and what he uncovers he not only doesn’t like, but it puts Trinity in the center of a twisted plan that could make her the killer’s next victim.

This book opens with Emmett being at the front line of a curious takedown. As a police officer he was well aware of a Jeff Allen, wanted for the murder of six men. When he’s confronted by that man, he begins to question his guilt. Although he tries to get the man to turn himself in, he rejects the idea in favor of going out un a blaze of gunfire. He knows the situation shouldn’t have ended that way and his mother, the chief of police, agrees with him. He leaves a packet with Emmett to give to his daughter. Emmett goes through it and takes photos before the FBI gets to it. The contents convince him even more of the man’s innocence.

Trinity has only met her father once. That was when she was sixteen and discovered her father wasn’t dead, he was in prison. She’s carried a lot of resentment because of that lie told to her by her mother and stepfather, although she understands they meant to protect her. He had reached out to her when he was paroled but when she reached out to that location he was already gone, and she didn’t bother looking again.

She’s with her parents when she gets a call from Emmett about her father. He was going to come to her but she insists on traveling to Lighthouse Cove instead.

Emmett negotiates a room for Trinity at his ex-fiancé Melinda’s B&B just before she arrives. Trinity doesn’t want to wait for answers but decides she could use a glass of wine while Emmett recounts the scene with her father.

Melinda’s B&B is top of the line, and she provides a lovely evening snack spread for her guests. Once they’re settled with wine on the patio, Emmett begins.

This is one of my favorite scenes.

Trinity tried like hell not to squeeze the wine glass so hard that she broke it. She stared at Emmett, focusing on his kind, blue eyes. They were like big pools of water, welcoming her to go swimming in them. If she could, she’d dive in.

Emmett seemed like the kind of man who cast a safety net wherever he went.

Her phone buzzed in her back pocket. Kathy had been texting and calling all day, driving Trinity crazy. Sometimes, her friend could be overbearing. She’d deal with her later.

“I’m not sure where to begin.” Emmett took a sip of his wine.

Neither did Trinity, but words bubbled to her lips. “Did my father seek you out? Was it a chance meeting?” Her mind spun with a million questions, and she couldn’t compartmentalize a single thing. It was like she was sixteen all over again and had just found out that her birth father hadn’t died but that he was a murderer.

Her life had been turned upside down in a flash.

Two years of therapy and a lot of anger management classes to get her life back on track, but she’d somehow managed to accept that her parents had done what most would have if they’d been in the same boat.

“I believe he saw my police car in the parking lot of the diner and came inside. But I don’t know that for sure because he was nervous when he made eye contact with me.”

“What did he do next?” Trinity took a long, slow sip of her beverage. A few boats drifted by as they returned from the ocean. The sun settled behind the bridge, and the moon appeared in the evening sky. Her heart pounded in her chest. It had been years since she’d talked with anyone who had come into direct contact with her dad.

Guilt filled her soul. She shouldn’t have given up the search.

“He asked if I would give you a message and the envelope.” Emmett sat up, swinging his legs to the side. “Have the FBI or the state police contacted you about what I gave them?”

“No.”

“There was a note for you inside. I have a copy of it, but it belongs to you. They should have reached out to you already. If nothing more than to follow up. Hang on a second.” He dug into his pocket and pulled out his cell. He tapped on the screen and hit the speaker function.

It rang three times before someone answered.

“This is Agent Robash.”

“This is Lieutenant Emmett Kirby with the Lighthouse Cove Police Department. I was wondering if you’d been able to reach Trinity Hughes yet.” He lifted his finger to his lips.

“Actually, we have,” Robash said. “The family has been notified. I’ll be making a statement in the morning.”

Trinity opened her mouth, but Emmett reached out and covered it with his hand.

“I’m sorry. You spoke to Trinity?”

“Lieutenant Kirby, we appreciate your due diligence in this, but I have other things that need my attention. Thank you.” The phone went dead.

“What the fuck?” Trinity jumped to her feet. Wine sloshed out of the glass and onto her white shirt, but she didn’t care. She set it on the small table and patted down her pants pockets, finding her phone. “Nothing. Not a single message.” She found the last text string with her parents and quickly typed a note to them, asking if they’d heard anything. “Why would that agent lie?”

“I don’t know, but I plan to find out.” He took her by the forearms. “Hey. I’m going to get to the bottom of this, don’t worry.”

“Is that federal agent still in town?”

“She works out of Fort Lauderdale, but that’s only an hour south of here. I’ll contact her in the morning. If she doesn’t respond, I’ll go over her head. If that doesn’t work, there are other ways to get information from the feds. Trust me.”

“Why should I?” Trinity asked.

“Because I’m here and I made a promise to your father before he was killed.”

“My father might have killed a man thirty-five years ago, but I know he didn’t murder sixteen men over the last two years. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I concur,” Emmett said. “Please. Will you sit down.”

She sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You said you had a copy of the note. Can I see it?”

“Of course.” He took a folded piece of paper out of his pocket. “I printed this off my phone. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m usually a by-the-book kind of cop. I mean, my mother is the chief of police and would can my ass if I wasn’t because I’d make her look bad. But she knows I did this. So, here you go.”

“I don’t understand. What did you do that is so bad?”

“I took pictures of the file your dad gave to me to give to you that I had to turn over to the feds.”

Trinity laughed. “That was a mouthful.”

“I know. I said it.”

With a shaky hand, she took the piece of paper and held it in front of her face, focusing on the first word.
Jen Talty. Mine to Save (Kindle Locations 513-553). Lady Boss Press.

Trinity is furious that the FBI agent lied about contacting her and Emmett is even more determined to get to the truth.

There are many twists and turns in this book and the attraction between Trinity and Emmett grows throughout the investigation.

In spite of the serious nature of the plot there is laughter, tears and some sizzle as well.

5 Contented Purrs for Jenn!

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

All Brynleigh “Bryn” Tinsley wanted was to find a safe harbor and put the past behind her so she could raise her little girl in a peaceful, loving environment.

Now, three identities later and two thousand miles away, she finds herself in the small, seaside town of Lighthouse Cove, Florida.

The last thing she needs is a pesky firefighter who keeps showing up at every turn, doing his best to become her handyman—and more.

But when her daughter’s life is on the line, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect her from the hell that is her past.

Jamison Kirby can understand not wanting to speak to your family. He’s barely spoken to his mother or brothers in almost two years—much to his father’s dismay. So, he doesn’t think much of Bryn not wanting anything to do with her daughter’s extended family.

However, he does take being lied to personally. So, when he finds out that Bryn isn’t even her real name, he goes digging into her past. And doesn’t like what he finds.

Worse, he pokes a hornet’s nest, putting Bryn and her daughter in the line of fire, and forcing Jamison to do the one thing he swore he’d never do.

Call his cop mother and brothers for help.

After a long and stressful journey, Bryn has just arrived in Lighthouse Cove. This is the place she plans on raising her child, away from her late husband’s family. The house she’s rented and negotiated a lower rent in exchange for cleaning is buried in dust. She’s on the way to get cleaning supplies when she goes into labor.

Jamison is off duty when he spots her, she hasn’t been able to move since before the light changed. His actions save the day as Bryn gives birth in the back seat of her car.

Bryn was worried about social media after giving birth so publicly. Fortunately, nothing showed her face. She’s also surprised when Jamison shows up at the hospital and offers her more help since she has no one she can call. She protests but Jamison doesn’t back down offering her a friendship she can’t really refuse.

Now Jamison has his own family issues, but along with his friend Chip who owns the house Bryn’s renting they get it ready for her to come home with the baby. Jamison picks her up from the hospital and takes her home where many surprises await her.

This is just one of many favorite scenes.

Her pulse raced as she stepped through the threshold. Holding her breath, she covered her mouth. Tears burned the corners of her eyes. Everything looked different.

It wasn’t just clean. There was a white cover over the sofa, and a new rocking chair in the corner with a blanket tossed over the back. He’d hung a picture over the couch and a television above the fireplace.

And the best part was, there wasn’t a speck of dust anywhere.

“I didn’t unpack your suitcases. I thought that might be weird.” Jamison set the car seat on the coffee table.

“Because the rest of this is all completely normal.”

He seemed to ignore her sarcasm. “They are on your mattress in the bigger bedroom. I did, however, put away the few things I bought for Zadie. Though, I suspect you’re going to need a lot more.”

Zadie fussed. Her legs wiggled, and she stretched out her arms.

Bryn rocked the seat back and forth as she contained her frustration by taking one cleansing breath through her nose. Anger was not the appropriate response in this situation. “While I appreciate all of this, I really do, you can’t keep randomly doing things for me without my knowledge or without asking.”

“I know,” he said. “I never would have gone this far if you had family or friends here. But you don’t, and you needed the bare necessities.” He raised his hand when she opened her mouth to protest. “You have my word that this is the end of it.”

“Thank you.” She bent over and unbuckled Zadie, lifting her into her arms, cradling her against her chest and taking a deep breath of new-baby smell. It was a hundred percent better than new-car smell— one of the only things she’d learned to appreciate when married to Timothy.

Back then, becoming a mother had been all Bryn wanted, but she’d put it on pause after the first time Timothy had put hands on her. Lucky for her, he had wanted to wait a couple of years. She’d thought maybe the stress of joining the family business had gotten the best of her new husband, but she’d soon learned that Timothy had a temper, and the longer they stayed married, the worse it got.

Jamison smiled like a giant kid. “However, you do need to go and see Zadie’s room. And before you go and get mad at me, most of it was Chip’s idea, and he footed the bill for it. He also left you a note.”

“He mentioned something about the baby and a housewarming gift.” She pressed her cheek against Zadie’s forehead. She wasn’t used to this kind of generosity. Not unless it was attached to a condition that came in the form of a bruise. Her husband might have lavished her with expensive presents. However, everything he’d ever given her was either out of guilt for something he’d done or as a way to control her. And it’d worked. For years.

“Chip can be a little bit on the cheap side, but he wanted to do something nice when he heard about what’d happened.”

She followed Jamison down the short hallway, which had a fresh coat of paint. She gasped the second she stepped into Zadie’s room, which now had decals of all the Disney princesses plastered across the walls. Her crib had been set up by the window, and matching princess sheets covered the mattress. On the other wall was a brand-new changing station, and across from that, a dresser.

Everything she and her daughter could possibly need was in this room.

Tears filled her eyes. “I can’t accept all of this.”

“Yes, you can.” He looped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a firm squeeze. “Every fresh start in life deserves new, fun things.”

“You don’t understand what it’s like to be alone,” she managed between sniffles. Thus far, she’d told him as little as possible about her past, but she had mentioned her sister and how hard it was not to have her in her life. That was a true statement. When her best friend Hatti had suggested that Bryn not only disappear but also find a way to fake her death, Bryn had thought she was nuts. But Hatti had been right when she mentioned that it wouldn’t be a good idea to have the world turning over every rock searching for a missing person. Especially because the Perish family had unlimited funds, and if they knew about the baby or had any inclination that Bryn was still alive, they wouldn’t stop until they found her.

It was best if everyone believed that Brenda Thompson Perish had died the same way her husband had— in a tragic car crash.

“I have no one. And while when it comes to my mother-in-law and sister, that’s by choice. I’m starting my life over and—”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me.” He smiled as if he totally understood, which made her a little uneasy. How could he have any understanding of her situation. “My entire family lives close by, but I’m not on good speaking terms with most of them.” He gave her shoulder a friendly squeeze, the gesture there and gone so fast she almost missed it. “Are you hungry? Like I said, I only got you the basics, but I can order you a nice burger and fries or maybe a fish fry from the restaurant in town.”

“Are you talking that same burger you brought me yesterday.” Her stomach growled. “Would you like to stay for lunch?”

“A man’s got to eat,” he said with that huge grin of his that reminded her that she was, indeed, a woman.

She bounced up and down while Zadie’s faint cries turned louder and louder.

“Sounds like someone else is hungry,” he said. “How about I order our food. Is there a place you’re going to set up your jewelry-making shop? Will you at least let me help with that while we wait for lunch?”

“Thank you for asking instead of just doing.” She set Zadie on the changing table and fumbled like a clumsy first-time mom with the dirty diaper. Thankfully, Jamison seemed unfazed by the entire situation. “First, we order. But I insist on paying, so do it from my phone. And I think that a fish fry sounds perfect. It’s in my back pocket.” Her hands were currently occupied with a wiggly baby. She glanced over her shoulder.

He stared at her with wide eyes, and his hands went up as if she were holding a gun to his head.

“I’m starving. And so is this kid.” Zadie let out a blood-curdling scream.

“Just do it,” Bryn said.

“Don’t slap me.”

She felt a slight tug on her backside.

Thud.

“Crap. Sorry,” Jamison said as he bent over to pick up her phone that had landed at her feet.

She couldn’t help it, she giggled. She really shouldn’t find a man getting so flustered by putting his hands on her butt funny, but she did. Maybe because it wasn’t just any man, it was Jamison. However, she cleared her throat and opted to pretend that it hadn’t happened and move on, going about the business at hand. “All of my tools and finished products are in the smaller suitcase and duffle bag. I was thinking that alcove in my bedroom would be a good place to set up a table, but I don’t have one yet.”

“Actually, you do.” She tossed the dirty mess her daughter had created into the diaper pail and sent a nasty look Jamison’s direction.

He lifted his hands in the air as if she were holding a loaded shotgun to his chest. “Chip had an old desk in the attic, which we cleaned out while you were in the hospital. I thought maybe you might want that and a chair. It cost nothing but my time to wipe off the eight inches of dust, and the chair is my old one because I wanted a new one.”

“I’m going to get tired of saying ‘thank you.’” She finished dressing Zadie, who was now screaming her precious little lungs out.

“Is the chair in my room?”

“It is. And it’s quite comfortable. I just wanted something a little bigger.”

“All right. I’m going to sit in it and feed this little monster while I tell you where to put my tools.”
Jen Talty. Mine to Keep (Kindle Locations 853-915). Lady Boss Press, Inc..

As Bryn settles in and starts her jewelry business, she also sets up a website Jamison’s handyman side job and takes calls for him.

The attraction between these two is undeniable, but Bryn is living a lie and Jamison is having trouble adjusting to the life changing lies his family told him all his life.

I love the way this relationship develops and how there are so many twists that could destroy their friendship but don’t.

I can’t wait to see who’s next to find their HEA in this series.

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.

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.

Special Forces: Operation Alpha
Delta Force Generation Next Book 2

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

Aaliyah Rose has spent the last year dealing with the judgments of others. She can handle the finger pointing. Even the name calling. But what she can’t handle is the fact she did what any other human being would have done in her shoes and Huck knows that, yet he won’t forgive her, much less give her the time of day. So, when her cousin, Jayme Caldwell calls her and tells her that Huck Duncan is stationed at the same base as her husband, Aaliyah hops on the next plane to Texas. It’s time that Huck faces the truth on how and why his brother died.

Huckleberry “Huck” Duncan fell in love with the wrong woman and because of that fact, his brother is dead. However, he can forgive Aaliyah for her hand in his brother’s death. But what Huck can’t forgive is her lies. That is until he’s faced with the truth and those facts collide with a past he’s been trying to forget.

Aaliyah needs to talk to Huck, he doesn’t know the whole truth about his brother’s death. She’d had no choice, she wasn’t going to survive that night but there was more to it. When her cousin Jayme tells her he’s stationed in Texas at the same base as her husband Rocket she knew it was time.

Huck attends the party at Rocket’s along with many of his team members. For the first time he really feels he’s found family among the teams. What he didn’t expect was to be blind-sided by Aaliyah and the information she gave to him.

This is a favorite scene.

Someone pounded at the door. He glanced at his watch. It was only nine in the evening. Not horribly late, but no one ever stopped by at this hour. He stood and meandered toward the door. He glanced through the peephole.

Aaliyah.

She saved him the trip to apologize in the morning. He pulled open the door and turned. “Want something to drink?” He didn’t bother to glance over his shoulder. He just went straight for the mini bar next to the small galley kitchen in his tiny one-bedroom apartment. He took two wineglasses and poured from his favorite bottle of red, which he knew she’d like. He searched his brain for the right words. He so sucked at this kind of stuff. His ex-wife had made sure he’d have trust issues for the rest of his life.

Of course, what happened with Aaliyah hadn’t helped. But that was an entirely different story.

“You’re not going to kick me out,” she said as more of a statement than a question, which he found amusing.

“You came all this way to say something to me and I’ve learned you don’t give up that easily.” He handed her a glass and then sat back down on the sofa.

She joined him on the other end, curling her feet up under her butt. She pointed at the audio device. “You haven’t destroyed it yet.”

“I ended up listening to some of it.”

“Why?”

“I have no fucking clue,” he said. “If I could raise my brother from the dead and kill him all over again, I’d do it.”

“Can’t say I blame you for that thought.” She raised her glass. “He was a prick.”

“For the record, the story he tells on how our mother died, is how he killed our father. Though, not that I want to ever defend Sawyer, our dad wasn’t any better than our mom. It was a shitty childhood all around. If a week went by without one of us getting a black eye, it was a hell of a good week. The difference, though, was that Sawyer became like them.”

“I’m glad you can see the difference.”

He’d always understood he wasn’t like the rest of his family, but sometimes the guilt over what he’d done ate him alive from the inside out. “The fact that I could walk away from you knowing that Sawyer was going to lay his hands on you, makes me no better.”

“Oh, my God. Fucking stop with that shit.” She glared at him with daggers shooting from her eyes as if they were machine guns. “Sawyer wasn’t going to let you stay, and you knew that. He practically shoved you out the door.”

“I suppose that’s true.” Huck rubbed the back of his neck.

“I’m sorry I reacted the way I did. I believed Sawyer was fucking with me.”

“But you knew enough not to share that audio recording with anyone or tell even Rocket about it, though you certainly shared a lot of other information with him and Jayme.”

“They knew about Sawyer. Hell, Jayme even met him. I had to tell them that part, but the rest wasn’t my business to tell anyone. You might think I’m a lying, two-faced bitch, but—”

“I don’t think that.” He took her wineglass and set both down on the coffee table. “Considering the things I’ve done in my past, I should have been more understanding and I shouldn’t have treated you the way I have this past year.” He tucked a few pieces of hair behind her ears. “Tell me what you’ve been up to.”

She smiled. “I moved, for one.”

“Where to?”

“Upstate for now,” she said. “It’s temporary while I look for a job, but I couldn’t stand living in the city a second longer.”

“I don’t blame you there. I hate big cities. What kind of job are you looking for?” It felt good to let all the heavy stuff go and just talk. He’d forgotten how much he enjoyed being with her and listening to her voice, and right now, he didn’t want that to end. So, he’d keep asking questions until she said it was time to go.

Only all he could think about was kissing her and that was something he didn’t think would be a good idea. If he started, he wouldn’t want to stop.

“I don’t want to go back to sales, so I was thinking a behind-the-scenes job. Maybe data analyst or something. I’m good with numbers. But I’ve been out of the workforce for a few years so it might take some time.”

“Do you have a headhunter helping you?”

“I do.”

“And where ideally would you like to live— work?”

“Anywhere but New York,” she said with a nervous laugh.

“Would you consider Texas?” Why the fuck would he ask that? It wasn’t like he wanted to get involved, but she did have family here and it was her hometown, so it made sense.

“Absolutely. But who knows where I’ll find the right job.”

“You’re smart. You’ll find something.” He stared at her for a long moment, unsure of what to ask next. He’d had so many questions pop into his mind ten minutes ago, but now his brain was blank, except for a bunch of thoughts that he was too terrified to entertain.

But only because if he did, there would be no turning back this time. There wouldn’t be any games. They knew each other’s deepest, darkest secrets. There was no past to be afraid of. No lies to be hidden. No skeletons to fall out of the closet. Only two people who were attracted to each other.
Jen Talty. Shielding Aaliyah (Kindle Locations 654-697). Aces Press, LLC.

While Aaliyah has come to terms with everything, Huck still has a way to go.

These two belong together, but first Huck needs to find all the answers he’s been hiding from.

Lots of intrigue and plenty of sizzle in this engaging tale.

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

For eighteen years, Coral Crowe has been living with half a spirit. This being has helped her keep and protect the vase where the last of the royals have been held in order to protect their race. Now that they have been set free, the fairy spirit must be reconnected with its other half, or it will become one with Coral, destroying the fairy princess, and mother of another set of Wolfairy twins that Coral was destined to become.

The only problem is that Coral has become so infused with the spirit, she doesn’t know what parts of her core belong to her…or the spirit, making separation a difficult and potentially deadly process for her…

And her fated mate.

Drew Furgeson watched his older brothers’ mate and produce a new being: the Wolfairy. The last thing he wants to do is join the ranks of fatherhood, especially when the matchmaker informs him that his fated one is not only the insanely way too happy Coral Crowe. To make matters worse, his instincts are spot on about her not being what everyone thinks.

But one single passionate kiss pulls Coral’s core personality to the surface. She and Drew begin their race against time to find the spirit’s other half, otherwise, an entire species will be wiped from the planet before it ever really had a chance.

Coral and Drew are mates, but something is stopping them from recognizing that fact. There is another entity or spirit inside Coral, they have to separate, or he will die. The fate of all the wolfairies are in Coral’s hands.

This is a favorite scene as Coral becomes able to communicate with it.

“We’re both in contact with the being, who thinks his name is Norse,” Drew said, getting his own mug before sitting at the table. He winked when he glanced in her direction.

Her stomach filled with butterflies. It reminded her of the first time she’d ever smelled a fairy.

Wait? She’d smelled one? She was one. So that didn’t make sense to her, but maybe it was Norse who had…

No. He was a fairy too.

She sucked in air through her nose, trying to decipher all the scents in the room.
Wolf.
Fairy.
Wolfairies.
Isadore’s twins.

It was the scent of the Wolfairies that caught her attention. She’d loved the scent of Finn and Ivy the second she’d lifted one of them into her arms. She could rest her nose against their tiny, little heads and take in the sweet, innocent aroma all day long.

A tickle of a memory of something similar massaged her mind. Maybe it was a memory of Norse?

Well, she’d bother him and Drew with that idea later.

“You spoke to it?” Nico asked with wide eyes. “Like projected with it?”

“Exactly.” Drew raised his mug. “He seems like a nice enough fairy and not only do we need to get him out, we need to put him somewhere to keep what’s left of him together.”

“Left?” Isadore asked.

“He feels like he’s disappearing,” Coral added.

“The vase,” Isadore said. “It worked for Ralph and all the other Royals. That should be a good place for him.”

“Why don’t we go get it?” Nico set the griddle next to the sink. “Maybe all she needs is to come in contact with it.”

“I was the one hiding it, so I don’t think that is the case.” Coral remembered feeling the positive energy that came off the glass bottle, and it really helped her when her sister had been out of the house when they’d been kids. It helped her stay happy and focused on… no. It helped Norse stay on task. Even though he had no idea he was inside her to protect her, he’d done it.

“You haven’t touched it since I opened it.” Isadore jumped from the table. “It can’t hurt to try.”

“Go get it and we’ll devour these pancakes,” Drew said, stabbing a fork into a fluffy stack.

“I’m starving.” Coral followed his lead, waving her fork in the air and smiling. “We’ll be here, enjoying these.”

Nico laughed, shoving a laptop across the table. “And looking at the flash drive Cheryl gave you because I think this might be important. And you might have Norse, or whoever, watch it too.”

“I’d forgotten about this.” Drew put the stick in the side of the computer.

“I like weddings,” Coral said, then nearly choked on her pancakes as everyone in the room stared with her as if she’d just caught the garter belt.
Jen Talty. Summer’s Gone (Kindle Locations 698-722). Jupiter Press.

There is a lot that happens in this book, but separating Coral and Norse isn’t all that needs to be done. It’s just one more step.

As the reader we get to know more than the characters a very interesting twist. Then there are the wolves and witches that don’t want the prophesies to come true.

Plenty of action, suspense, a mating and so much more as this story unfolds. I really can’t wait for the next book!

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

A broken heart that needs mending…
A wounded soul that needs answers…
And a buried secret that could destroy everything…

After years of fighting with her mother, Riesling decides it’s time to mend fences, even if it means she has to admit her mother was right. Moving back to Candlewood Falls is a big step. Dating her boss is an even bigger one and Riesling’s meddling mother is up to her old tricks, making things difficult, as usual. When another buried secret surfaces on The River Winery it will not only test Riesling and her new relationship, but it might just destroy everything that the River family holds dear.

Doctor Treyton “Trey” Jefferson wants answers as to where he came from and no one seems to be able to tell him that. Not his parents and not the doctor who made the arrangements for the closed adoption because he’s dead. Trey’s only clue is a piece of paper from the doctor with an address that came from The River Winery in Candlewood Falls. Trey will do whatever it takes to find his birth parents, including using his new physician’s assistant, who happens to have a stake in the winery, to obtain information about the doctor who facilitated over thirty adoptions in the area. He has no idea he’s about to unearth a scandal that holds the power to destroy the woman he’s falling in love with and her family’s business.

Treyton ‘Trey’ Jefferson gets a bit of surprise at the beginning of this book. While he always knew he was adopted, he didn’t know the circumstances of it. When his mother died, she left him a letter and a request. A plea really, to find his birth mother. He hadn’t opened the letter right away and he kind of blindsides his father with it since it’s been a year.

The details of his adoption are sketchy and his only lead is the doctor who died long ago. Fortunately for him that particular town is looking for a doctor to buy the retiring doctor’s practice. Who better than him?

Riesling is a Physician’s Assistant and she will be working with the new doctor. She’s trying really hard to make peace with her mother. The hurt of being more or less exiled when she chose to follow her child’s father instead of staying home still burns though.

Trey stops at the winery his first day in town. He wants to buy his co-worker a starting gift. Then he realizes it’s her family’s business. He meets her brother Malbec first and then the matchmaking Weezer, her mother. He also realizes they Reisling could be the source of information he needs about the doctor who also had an office on the Winery’s property.

When he arrives at the farmhouse that holds the office and his upstairs apartment, Riesling was heading up to be sure things were in order for his arrival.

This is a favorite scene.

She was halfway up the stairs when she heard the door creak open. She turned.

“Hello? Can I help you?”

“Are you Riesling?”

“I am.” She paused at the bottom of the stairs and desperately tried not to stare at the man standing in the lobby holding a basket from her family winery while sporting a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved black shirt, and a sexy unshaven face. “Treyton Jefferson?”

“In the flesh.”

“You’re a couple of days early,” she said. “I was just about to go upstairs and make sure everything was ready for you.”

“That’s awfully nice of you and totally not necessary.” He set the basket on the desk. “This is for you.”

She covered her mouth and laughed. “You do know that’s my family’s winery, right?”

“I do.” He nodded. “Your mom and brother helped me put it together.”

She peered over the side. “Oh God. That pie. It’s sinful and I’m going to gain like ten pounds eating it.”

“Why don’t you let me cook you dinner, and then I’ll be happy to help you polish it off.”

“That’s very sweet of you, but I take it my mom and brother didn’t inform you that I also have a six-year-old little girl.”

“I was not informed of that piece of information. Though your mom did ask if I liked kids.” He shook his head. “That said, I make a mean mac and cheese and we need to talk about how I do business and that can’t all be done during working hours and I wouldn’t want you to have to get a babysitter. So, what do you say?”

“I can’t tonight. But you’re on for tomorrow.” She held up her index finger. “On one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I don’t know what my mom may have said to you or implied. But I’m not interested in dating you or anyone else for that matter.” A thick lump formed in her throat as the word dating rolled off her tongue. Oh, in the looks department, Trey was all that and more. His eyes were this deep blue color, like the Mediterranean Sea. They were so intense it was nearly impossible to look away. He had light-brown hair that wasn’t short, but she couldn’t describe it as long either.

And he hadn’t shaved in what appeared to be a couple of weeks.

But she suspected he kept his beard and mustache that length at all times. It was a good look for him since he had a bit of a baby face, so it aged him just a tad.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be social that way,” he said. “I’m sorry if I implied otherwise.”

“No. But I bet my mom did.”

Trey laughed. “She might have a little. Does she do that a lot?”

“To every single man between the ages of thirty and forty who sets foot in this town.” Feeling a little less on edge, she leaned against the counter. “I do appreciate the basket. That was kind of you and so very not necessary.”

“If I had been smart enough to put two and two together, I would have stopped somewhere else.”

“No. This is perfect. I do love everything the family business offers, except my own name.”

“I heard that too.”

She cringed. “Well, just don’t believe everything my mom has to say about me. Or my siblings for that matter. Hell, this entire town has an opinion, and every single one of them enjoys expressing them.”

“I’ve never lived in a small town, so this should be interesting.” He stuffed his hands in his pockets and glanced around. “Where is our receptionist and all our patients?”

“Anna has the day off. It was easy to give it to her because everyone rescheduled until they could see you.”

He tilted his head. “And why didn’t they want to see you?”

“Some did.” Her stomach filled with doubt. Theo had taken money from half the people in this town and promised to double it in one of his early get rich plans. This was back when she was pregnant with Ashling and he was turning over a new leaf. He even had the blessing of Weezer and Carter and that meant something in this town.

But the company Theo had gotten involved in was nothing more than a small-time Ponzi scheme. Thankfully, because of her father, no one lost too much money, but still. It had tainted her name because she’d followed the father of her child out of this town as everyone had done him wrong.

And not the other way around.

“But there are a few who don’t trust me.” She felt she should be honest. “In part because of my ex and in part because when I was little, I used to try to undress all the little boys in town to play doctor. That didn’t go over too well with all the parents.”

Trey tossed his head back and let out a hearty laugh. It was deep and rich and it filled her belly with warmth like hot fudge smothering ice cream. “I hope you’re joking about the latter.”

“I am,” she admitted. “But I did chase everyone around with a stethoscope, trying to listen to their heart or get them to lie down so I could push on their belly. I had two strikes against me as a kid. My mother being The Weezer and me being the weirdo who actually had people believe they might have some rare disease.”

“You’ll have to explain to me about The Weezer but I get the whole diagnostic thing.” His expression turned serious. He ran a hand over his beard. “The worst part is when playacting becomes a reality.”

She was about to ask what he meant by that when the front door flew wide open. “Riesling,” old man Koontz said. “I need your help.”

“What is it? What’s wrong?” She raced to Koontz’s side.

He had to be pushing ninety at this point. He was hunched over, clutching his right side and panting for breath like a dog. “It’s Ella. We were in town enjoying the warm weather. She got stung by a bee and we don’t have her EpiPen. She’s in the truck.”

“Did you call 9-1-1?” He shook his head. “I don’t have my cell. Forgot it. I swear I’m as bad as she is these days.”

“Don’t you worry.” Riesling pushed past Trey and into the first exam room where she found what she needed. “Trey, call an ambulance. Tell them we have a sixty-year-old woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s having—”

“I got it.” Trey held up his phone.

She nodded as she stormed out the front door. Ella should be in a long-term care facility. Hell, so should her father at this point, but they were all each other had and who was she to lecture either of them. She pulled open the passenger side of the vehicle and stabbed Ella in the leg before climbing into the truck and cradling the woman in her lap.

Trey was one step behind with an IV drip. “Ambulance is eight minutes out.” He began checking her vitals and finding a vein while she rested her cheek against Ella’s forehead.

The older woman’s breaths were shallow, but Riesling had seen her in a worse state before.

Koontz stumbled out of the old farmhouse and down the steps. He leaned against the hood of the pickup. “Is she going to be okay?”

“I believe so,” Trey said.
Jen Talty. The Buried Secret (Kindle Locations 469-526).

These find they work well together right from the start. However, Reisling is very guarded when it comes to relationships.

The mystery he’s trying to solve, is one that could hurt a lot of people including the River family. He really doesn’t want to hurt anyone but as clues come to light, it seems there may not be a way not to.

Between the search for answers, the building attraction, and the ex-boyfriend showing up in town, there was no way to put this book down.

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.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Author

Sparrow Oakley has spent her adult life serving the good people of Fool’s Gold, Colorado and trying to forget she’s the daughter of the leader of one of the biggest crime organizations in the state. So, when she has to arrest a fellow officer and her mentor for doing business with the Renegades, Sparrow wonders if her mother is lurking in the shadows and when she’s going to make good a promise she made long ago.

Stone Bishop’s career in the military as a Green Beret had come to an abrupt end. However, Stone is used to adversity and quickly took a job with new branch of the Brotherhood Protectors with his buddies from Team Trojan. Stone figures if he can handle civilian life, he can handle anything. That is until Sparrow Oakley walks into his life. He’s prepared to protect her, but he has no idea how to protect his heart.

At the end of Tactical Takeover: Brotherhood Protector’s Colorado Book 4 we learn a new team is arriving. These are their stories as the settle in with this group. There are five books in this multi-author mini-series. I will be reading them all. Of course I’m not starting with the first one either…sigh.

We meet Sparrow Oakley as she’s meets up with her friend Casey Jones and her boyfriend Hondo at Gunny’s Watering Hole. She’s just picking up her meal as she’s on duty. As a Deputy Sheriff in Fool’s Gold she works as many shifts as she can. Always on the look out for evidence that the Renegades are setting up.

Stone Bishop is another of Team Trojan, he’s good friends with Hondo and would love for Sparrow to go out on a date with him. She just won’t give him the chance. While she has her reasons, the attraction is definitely mutual.

Now Sparrow has a unique connection to the Renegades, her father was once the number two guy and he turned evidence putting the leader in jail. Her mother on the other hand is now in charge and she wants her daughter. There’s rumors that the old Bittner place was sold to Frank Bingo, who may have connections to the Renegades. They aren’t supposed be anywhere near her father or this town, per an agreement made long ago.

Her boss Jesse doesn’t want her investigating anything alone when it comes to them. Not that she’s going to listen. She’s just observing after all. She’s set up close and about to eat when Stone pulls up.

This is just a part of that conversation.

“That’s got to be kind of cool having a bestselling author for a mom.”

“She’s the best,” Stone said.

“Where did she come up with that name for a pen name? And I have to ask, what’s her real name?”

“Elizabeth Bishop. TL Stone incorporates all of her kids.”

Sparrow blinked. She loved TL Stone’s work but feared she’d want to write a story about the Renegade Organization someday and include Sparrow’s father in it— which would not be a good idea.

“I get the stone reference, but I thought maybe that was a nickname.”

“Nope. It’s my mom’s maiden name. Thomas is my brother’s name, and Lisa is my sister.” Stone shrugged. “Considering both my brother and sister work for the FBI, and my dad is the DA in Albany, New York, she figured writing under a pen name might be a good idea.”

“Not to mention, you’re special forces.”

“Nothing special about me anymore,” he said with a bit of bitterness.

“You have an interesting and talented family. I imagine holiday dinners are filled with a lot of I can’t talk about that while your mother tries to read between the lines for her next bestseller.”

Stone smiled. “My sister just finished a huge case, and some of the victims are going to work with my mom to write their stories. All with the feds’ permission, though there will be a lot of legal stuff to deal with. It’s pretty cool, and my sister and mom are excited to be working together.” Stone ran a hand through his dark hair. “It’s weird being the only one in the family without a law degree.”

“I can imagine. My father used to tell me that when I first became a deputy, he slept with one eye open.” She relaxed her stance and leaned against the hood of her car.

“Why?”

“He was worried that I would arrest him.”

“That’s funny,” Stone said.

It might make for a silly anecdote during light conversation, but it had been a legit concern, especially since her dad had to keep his fingers in the thick of things for a period of time as the cops gathered all the evidence they needed and made sure her father could keep his get-out-of-jail-free card.

Every once in a while, his old crew showed up, asking for favors. He never did them, but he walked a fine line between staying alive and keeping himself out of jail, and that was a difficult feat when everyone knew that he was the one who’d turned on Titus.

But for whatever reason, Titus had put a no-touch order on Alfred Oakley. Not that Sparrow trusted anything Titus said or did— even from behind bars. And she still wished her father had taken the witness-protection deal. She didn’t care if that meant she’d never see him again; she would at least know he was safe, and she wouldn’t constantly be looking over her shoulder.

She tilted her head, putting her hand over her eyes. It was time to be blunt, especially if Stone had come all the way out here to discuss her dad and Titus. She could handle the occasional joke and local small talk because it wasn’t like everyone didn’t know what’d happened, but no fucking way would it make its way into an TL Stone bestseller.

“Not to be rude, but I never want my father’s story to be fodder for your mother‘s books. So, if that’s why you stopped, or if you’re looking to set up a meeting or something, please tell your mom to forget it. My father’s life is still in jeopardy. He has no federal protection and—”

“I understand that, and while I’m sure the Renegade Organization is on my mother’s interest list, she doesn’t include people who either don’t want to be involved in a book or who would be harmed by the publication. She also has my father’s career to consider, as well as her kids.” He reached out and squeezed Sparrow’s biceps. “Besides, your father made it perfectly clear that he wasn’t interested when he threatened my life if it ever happened. So, it’s certainly not why I stopped when I saw your vehicle.”

Her gaze immediately went to the fingers curled around her upper arm.

“Sorry, officer.” He let go and raised his hands.

“Why did you stop? Because last I heard, you’d found a place to rent just outside of town, which isn’t anywhere near here, so you’re not on your way there.” She trusted Hondo with her life, and Stone had been on Hondo’s special forces team.

Which meant that Hondo trusted Stone with his life.

That should have a ripple-down effect. S

he knew what had happened to Team Trojan. They had gotten a raw deal. She also knew how bitter all the men had been about their sudden exit from the military. Their lives had been turned upside down, all because they had moral compasses that put them in direct conflict with their new commanding officer, forcing them out of the only job they’d known.

For some, it had been their identity.

Something she could relate to.

However, that twist of fate could alter a person in ways no one could see coming. Just because Stone had gone into the army as the kind of man Sparrow wanted as a partner if she ever went into battle, didn’t mean he’d come out that kind of person.

“No. It’s not,” he admitted. “I’m headed into Colorado Springs to do some furniture shopping for my new digs, which I haven’t moved into yet because I need a bedroom set, a couch… shit like that.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“I’m hoping to be one and done. I hate shopping.”

“You should go to Rooms Staged. They have groupings. Just pick what you like, make sure it’s in stock, sign on the dotted line, and they will bring it to your doorstep in a week. Easy-peasy.”

“I like easy-peasy,” he said, lifting his finger.

“But that’s also not why I stopped.”

“Dare I ask?”

“I’ve never been to a ghost town, and I thought maybe you’d go with me.”

She cocked her head. “Are you asking me on a date?” It wasn’t often that anyone asked her out. Having grown up in Fool’s Gold, her prospects for male companionship were few. She generally had to go outside of town to find a date, but there was always her connection to the Renegade Organization that left some men either scared or full-on running away.

Or wondering if she was a dirty cop.

“If that’s what it sounds like, then yes, I am.”

“I’m shocked you haven’t been to Stephensville. It’s the first place everyone goes. Well, outside of Gunny’s Watering Hole or the Lucky Strike Casino.”

Once again, Stone smiled. That killer grin would be her demise. “I love Gunny’s.” He pointed to the passenger seat. “I know you do, too.”

“Speaking of, my lunch is getting cold.”

“Sorry about that,” he said. “As far as the casino goes, well, you know I play a little with your dad, but not that much. Not really my thing. But ghosts? They kind of fascinate me. And scare me at the same time.”

She laughed. Little did he know that ghost towns weren’t what he thought. “Aw. Are you looking for someone to hold your hand while you visit the ghost town?”

“Something like that.”

“Sure. Why the hell not? Do you have plans tomorrow evening?” She’d lost her fucking marbles.

“I do not.” He reached out and squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll pick you up around five. We can have dinner at Gunny’s before we head over.”

“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but it sounds like you’ve got yourself a date.”

“See you tomorrow.” He turned and waved, glancing over his shoulder. “By the way, someone is coming out of the barn.”
Jen Talty. Defending Sparrow: Brotherhood Protectors World (Kindle Locations 225-288). Twisted Page Press, LLC.

From this point on things get a bit crazy, from Jesse getting into a whole lotta trouble, to Sparrow’s mother showing up.

I couldn’t put this book down, I had to get all the answers.

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.