Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 63

The next day, Detective Tan is back. They go to Dr. Stewart's office so he can interview Sam and Emma, only to find the room is completely trashed.

"This case gets weirder by the second," Tan commented as an aside.

"Who is this guy?" Sam asked. "He doesn't seem like the run of the mill psychopath to me."

"You're familiar with psychopaths?" Frank Tan looked skeptical.

"I spent a lot of time in juvie," Sam said. "I also have a crack head for a father. His customers are pretty f**ked in the head. I think one or two of them qualify."

Frank nodded. "Probably right. So, tell me about last night."

He took out an iPhone and a notebook. He listened, asking questions and making notes as the iPhone recorded the conversation. He talked to Sam first, then Emma.

"And why were you in his room?" He raised an eyebrow, gazing at Emma.

"I was terrified. Ever since we found Dr. Spiner and saw the man at the pool, I haven't been able to sleep unless Sam's with me."

"Thank God he went to your room first, not Sam's."

"I saw him clearly. Sam didn't. But how did he know who we were? Or which rooms were ours? The news report said that two residents had seen him, but they didn't say who."

Tan nodded, ducking his head. "I'm afraid there's a leak somewhere. I don't know if it's my people, or someone here."

"I think I know," Sam replied softly. "I didn't say anything before, because I wasn't sure what I knew." He grimaced. "I'm still not sure. I had a weird conversation with Dr. Abernathy yesterday. She said something that struck an odd note. She was talking about Hempe and she said he's dangerous and a genius. Manipulative, cagey. Then she said, He knows what people want and what they will do anything to protect."

"Those exact words?"

"Yes, sir. You know how something just doesn't feel right, but you can't put a finger on it?"

"Yeah."

"That's how I felt when I left. It didn't sit right."

"You should have called me, Sam."

"I didn't think about it, sir. Besides, what would I say, I have a funny feeling about my therapist?" He shook his head.

"Fair point."

"I wondered how well she knew Hempe. Or how much he knew about her."

"Is she at work today?"

"No idea. We were just getting up when you saw us. You'd have to ask Raleigh."

"I sure will. Meanwhile, I'd feel better if you went back with your friends while I talk to Glenn and Carlos."

Emma clung to Sam, lips trembling. "Are we still in danger?"

Frank Tan took her hand, holding it in both of his. "No, Emma. I'm here. Between me and Sam, you're okay. I promise."

Detective Tan walked them back to the common room. Molly plied them with coffee and more food. The girls surrounded Emma, the guys talked to Sam. Glenn and Carlos followed Frank Tan to the library. Carlos was already telling his side as they walked away.

"So, I grabbed my lamp and snuck into the hallway. Glenn almost hit me with the chair. The brute!"

Glenn laughed and the door closed, blocking off the sound.

Sam didn't know if he should tell the others about Dr. Abernathy, but he wanted to know if she was in the building.

"Is Dr. Abernathy here?" he asked, trying to sound plaintive.

Emma's head snapped up, but she said nothing.

"She didn't come in today. She said she wasn't feeling well," Raleigh replied. "You can talk to Dr. McNulty. I think he's in." He looked at Molly.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 62

Sam gets cut in the fight with Hempe. A nurse in the lock down wing stitches him up, thanking Sam for taking the monster out. He shows Sam a scar from a cut that Hempe gave him.

"Shit!" Sam hissed. "I had help. I couldn't have done it without my friends."

The nurse smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got some damn good friends."

"Yes, sir, I do."

The nurse and the security officer led them out and the officer walked them back to the common room. He bid goodnight and left. Their friends were waiting and jumped up when they walked in. They gathered round, crowding Emma and Sam.

"So, it's over?" Emma asked Raleigh.

He looked away, somewhat furtively.

"He didn't escape, did he?" Emma asked.

"No. Nothing like that. Now the investigation begins. How did he get back in without being seen?"

"Makes a body wonder how much help he had," Molly said.

"Who would help a psycho like that?" Sam demanded. But he knew. He realized what he'd sensed in Dr. Abernathy's voice. Fear—and regret. Did he dare say anything? He could be wrong. Didn't he owe her the benefit of the doubt? It took a moment, but he realized that Raleigh was talking to him.

"You okay, Sam? You kinda zoned on us."

"I'm tired and I hurt like hell," he replied. It was the truth, just not all of it. "I just want to go to bed."

"Good idea," Molly said. "Though it's nearly morning wake up. I think we can afford to sleep in a wee bit. Things are likely to be in a turmoil for at least part of the day, while the police investigate. Whist, you lot. Off to bed!" She made sweeping motions with her hands.

None of them argued. They shuffled back to bed, yawning and groaning. Emma and Sam went to her room. His was roped off as a crime scene. She curled up in her recliner, leaving the bed for him. Despite how much his body hurt, Sam fell asleep immediately. He didn't wake up until nearly noon.

Everyone went down for lunch, somewhat subdued after their night's excitement. When they got downstairs, they were surprised to find Frank Tan at the dining room table with Molly and Raleigh. He stood when they came in, smiling.

"Hi, everyone. I have a few more questions and I need to take statements about last night. No worries, coffee and food first. But I have to do my job."

"What happens with Hempe now?" Sam asked as he ate.

"He goes to a prison psych ward," Tan replied. "In my opinion, he should have been there in the first place. But the judge is a limp wristed liberal...." He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. He tried to kill someone I care about. I take it rather personally."

Sam nodded. "I get it."

"Sam and Emma, I'd like to start with you," Frank Tan said. "I have officers to take the other statements. When we're done, I'd like to talk to...." He checked his notes. "Glenn and Carlos." He smiled at the two men. They were bruised and obviously a bit worse for wear. "I'm guessing it's these guys?" He winked. "Quick thinking, gentlemen. You probably saved Sam's life."

"And has he thanked us?" Carlos teased.

"No, I haven't," Sam replied solemnly. "Thank you. You guys are two of the best friends I've ever had." He felt himself tearing up.

Glenn grinned, nodding. "Ditto. Carlos, dude, you whoop ass good."

The young gay man laughed. "I learned the hard way, believe me."

"If we can go somewhere private?" Frank Tan asked Raleigh.

"Sure. Let's put you in Dr. Stewart's office." He led them to the office and unlocked the door.

Total chaos greeted their eyes. Papers, books, nicknacks were scattered around the room. The upholstery on the chairs was torn, the desk turned over. Nothing had escaped. Even her plants had been uprooted and hurled around the room.

Frank was already on his phone, calling officers to the scene. He escorted Emma, Sam and Raleigh back to the common room. When his people arrived, he put the sergeant in charge and took the teenagers to the library.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Conduct Unbecoming by Dellani Oakes

 

Welcome to Florida where there are sandy beaches, balmy breezes—and dead bodies on the beach. Unfortunately, the police suspect Teague's friend, and former battle buddy, of the killing. Teague knows Nadeya is innocent, but proving it won't be easy. She's disappeared and the last anyone heard from her, she was looking for this man in connection with her fiancé's murder.

Conduct Unbecoming is now in Paperback!

Excerpt from Conduct Unbecoming

His cellphone rang. Groaning, Teague reached for it. He knew who it was before he answered. He had a special ringtone for that particular caller—Ming's Theme from Flash Gordon. Trouble was, he knew she'd call back until he picked up. Better to get it over with.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Don't you even say hello?"

"Not when it's you. What do you need?" He flopped on his back, excitement replaced by anger.

"This is important, Sergeant."

"I gave that rank back, Ma'am."

"Don't be obtuse, Sergeant McMurtry. I need your help."

"I'm a civilian now, Captain. If you'll excuse me, I'm in the middle of something." He moved to hang up.

"Teague, wait! Please." Her voice broke.

His hand hovered over the off button. Sighing, he put the phone back to his ear. "I can't do this again, Aileen. Last time we talked wasn't pretty."

"Last time we talked, you walked out on me. This isn't about me. It's about Nadeya." Her best friend.

Teague pulled the blanket over his naked body, holding the phone tightly in his left hand. Vivica lay down on her side, leaning on her elbow. She pulled the blankets to her chin, waiting. Teague rubbed the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

"What's wrong?"

"You're the only person I can trust with this, Teague. She's gone missing."

"Aileen, that's what the police are for."

"No! No. The police won't do anything. They said she's an adult and she can do what she wants. But she was acting crazy the last time I talked to her. I'm worried." Her voice caught in her throat and she burst into tears.

Teague closed his eyes, knowing he was going to regret his next words. "What do you need from me, Aileen?"

"I need you to find her. Bring her home."

"What makes you think I can find her. Wouldn't your local police be better equipped?"

"But she's not up here! She's in Florida to find the men—the ones—"

"The ones she says she saw. . . ."

"Yes." She sobbed. "She was in therapy, making good progress. She was happy for the first time in years. Why would she leave like this?"

"Something triggered it. Any idea what?"

"No. None. I can't get much from her shrink. I'm not her contact person. I want you to talk to her."

"Why? If she won't talk to you. . . ."

"Because, she'll talk to you. It's Isobel," she blurted.

"Just because I slept with the woman a few years ago doesn't mean she'll talk to me about Nadeya now, Aileen. If anything, she's gonna be less inclined to talk to me."

"Nadeya put you down as her emergency contact. I told her to use me, but she refused. Isobel will talk to you—for that reason, if nothing else."

"I'm gonna regret this," Teague said. "I know that before I start. How the hell am I gonna track down Nadeya or Isobel? I don't even know where to start."

"That's where I come in." The smugness in her voice was like fingernails on slate. Teague shuddered. "Both Isobel and Nadeya were in Florida as of yesterday. Isobel is working at The Emotional Healing Clinic in Daytona and Nadeya has been seeing her for the past year."

Exhaling slowly, Teague nodded. "Okay. I make no promises, but I'll see what I can find out. Happy now?"

Aileen sobbed again. "I won't be happy until Nadeya is home safely."

"I hate you, Aileen."

"I hate you more."

©Dellani Oakes

Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 61

Someone breaks into Sam's room, approaching the bed with a knife. Sam gets some help from friends.

"Beast!" Carlos screamed. "Get him, Sammy!"

Regaining his equilibrium, Sam aimed a solid kick at the man's head, connecting with a sharp slap of foot to face. The man flopped in a heap. Carlos sat on his back. Glenn kicked the knife out of the way and Donna brought in a belt and sash to tie the man. He was just coming around when Raleigh arrived with security.

"Jesus! What the hell?"

"Is it Hempe?" Sam asked.

"That's him," a security officer said, snapping cuffs on the big man. "I don't know how he got in here. We've had everything covered." He shook his head. "You okay, kid?" He gave a hand to Sam.

Shaking with an adrenaline surge, Sam staggered to his feet. Emma hopped off the bed and ran to his side. Her hands flew over his body, trying to check him all at once.

Glenn and Carlos reluctantly got off Hempe, allowing the security officers to take him away. Raleigh shook his head.

"I don't even wanna know why she's in here," he said. "But I think it probably saved her life."

"I was scared," Emma explained. "We only were sleeping, Raleigh, I swear."

He hugged her and she gave him a kiss. "I believe you, sweetheart. Come on downstairs. Molly's worried sick. She'll tend that cut for you, but I think you may need stitches."

"What cut?" Sam asked.

Raleigh pointed to his left forearm. Sam's knees collapsed at the sight of his forearm laid open nearly to the bone. Glenn and Carlos supported him down the stairs. The girls gathered around Emma and the other men cleared the dining room table, bringing Molly's medical supplies.

Shelby held the baby, cooing softly, while his mother tended the wounded. Carlos had a few bruises and a split lip. Glenn had claw marks on his shin. Molly fussed and tsked as she looked at Sam's arm.

"This is more than I can deal with. He'll need stitches. There's a nurse in the lock down ward. See him through," she ordered the security officer who had accompanied them.

"Will do, ma'am. Come on, kid." He jerked his head at Sam.

"I'm coming, too," Emma declared.

"Okay, young lady."

The others wanted to join them, but were told in no uncertain terms, to stay behind. Sam, Emma and the officer made a ragtag crew. He called ahead and the nurse met them at the door. He led them to a metal door with a small, security glassed window. He unlocked it and led them in. The officer stayed outside the door.

"This is nasty," the nurse said as he laid out a syringe, suture kit and gloves.

Sam gritted his teeth as the Lidocaine infiltrated his skin. "F**k, that burns! I hate that shit."

"I guarantee you'd hate stitches without it, more," the nurse said with a chuckle.

He was a pleasant looking man in his late fifties with brown hair and dancing blue eyes. He bustled around, laying out the instruments as they waited for the Lidocaine to take effect.

"You look like you've been in a war, kid. What did you do?"

"Took on a psychopath."

The man frowned. "Don't tell me Hempe came back?"

"I think he was looking for Emma and me. We're the ones who found Dr. Spiner."

"Oh, son, I'm sorry to hear that," the nurse said with a frown. "Hell of a thing." He tutted, shaking his head as he started to stitch. He took tiny, neat stitches, making them close together.

"All done," he announced about thirty minutes later. "Scaring should be minimal. Come see me in a week, and I'll take those out."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"No problem, kid." He held out his hand to Sam. "I wanna shake the hand of the man who took out Hempe." He and Sam shook hands. "See this scar?" He held up his hair and a long slice went across his forehead. "Hempe gave that to me the first week he was here."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 60

Emma spies on him during an intimate moment. She asks him what he was thinking about, and he admits he imagined her—in Doc's red shoes. She promises that she'll buy a hot pair of shoes after they get out of Ravenwood.

Emma muffled a guffaw with her pillow. "Oh, my God! Really? I'd forgotten the shoe thing. I promise, when we get out of here, I'll buy some hot shoes and make sweet love to you."

"Wearing them," he added.

"Oh, you kinky darling."

The lights blinked signaling lights out. Sam turned off the light and Emma crawled in the bed. He cuddled up behind her, glad that some of his discomfort was gone. Emma wiggled her butt against his groin and Sam groaned.

"Please, don't do that."

"If I have to be miserable with no relief, you can be."

"I don't love you, and I hope you have a rotten night's sleep, and don't dream of making love to me," Sam fussed like a little kid.

Emma giggled. "I don't love you either, I hope you have a great night's sleep and dream of making love to me—because I'll be sharing that dream." She snuggled against him, smiling when she got the reaction she wanted.

Sam kissed her ear. "Bitch," he whispered.

Emma giggled softly. "I prefer Queen of the Damned," she murmured.

He nipped her ear. Her soft breathing told him she was already nearly asleep. He snuggled behind her and fell asleep.

A soft thump and shuffle woke Sam. Instantly alert, he slid out of his bed. Emma was sound asleep and he hoped she wouldn't wake up. At first, he thought someone was in his room, then he realized the noise came from across the hall. A whispered curse met his ears and the hairs on his neck stood at attention. Whoever it was seemed clumsy, uncaring of the noise he made.

Taking a chance that Raleigh had his phone on, he sent him a text. Someone's in Emma's room.

A few moments later, he got a message back. Not Emma?

No she's sleeping with me.

Stay put No hero Bringing help

Sam moved closer to the door. A creak in the hallway alerted him that the person was on the move.

No locks on the f**king doors! No weapons either. Dammit!

There was a dictionary on a shelf not far from the back of the door. Sam moved stealthily toward it, hoping to reach it before someone came in. His hand closed on the spine as his doorknob twitched. Picking up the book, he stood behind the door, waiting. A tall figure, much bulkier than Raleigh, entered. It moved toward the bed with assurance born of familiarity. It wasn't anyone Sam knew. The gait and carriage weren't like any of his friends.

Something glittered in the man's hand. Sam couldn't see it clearly, but it looked like the edge of a knife. He couldn't wait for Raleigh and the security guards, who might be a long time coming. Sam crept forward, dictionary clutched in his hands.

The man raised his hand and Sam saw a knife clearly. The metal caught the light of the searchlight that happened to swing toward them. Before he could bring it down, Sam jumped forward, swinging the dictionary with both hands. He connected with the knife hand, sending the blade spiraling into the darkness.

The man roared, turning on Sam. Emma woke with a shriek and kicked out, connecting with the back of the man's knee. He stumbled as he tried to jump Sam. Instead, he wobbled to his left, his knee collapsing. Emma kicked again, landing a solid foot to his ass. As he fell forward, Sam hit him with the dictionary.

Stunned, but not unconscious, the man roared again. He lunged at Sam, tackling him around the waist. He was taller, heavier and more solidly muscled than the lean teenager. The door flew open and Carlos ran through, followed by Glenn. Carlos held a desk lamp. Glen wielded a chair. With a banshee scream, Carlos hit the downed man with the lamp. Glenn yanked Sam free before hitting the man with the chair.

His head snapped back, bones broke, blood spewed from his mouth and a few teeth went flying. Still, the man didn't stop coming after Sam. Kicking at his face, Sam scrabbled backward. Glenn broke the chair over the man's back. Carlos hopped on his back, straddling him as he crawled and clawed at Sam.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Demon's Destiny, book one of the Dark City Guardians by TW Knight

 

Garrett Duex Sabres is handsome, wealthy, brilliant and a demon with a split personality feeding on the living energy of humans. However, unlike others of his kind, Garrett chooses not to feed off pain and misery, he’s discovered a more palatable and just as potent source—sexual energy. Exploiting his charms, Garrett spends many evenings moving from one “dinner-date” to the next siphoning off small amounts from willing playmates. When Kay walks into Garrett’s life, his entire world is flipped around.

Set in the world of the Dark Knights of Heaven 

This is a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary family as the author takes the reader on a fifty plus year odyssey. It follows their winding journey on a world-wide adventure. Using vignettes, Gaydou highlights the remarkable exploits of her family as they work and travel in the United States, South America, and Europe. Along the way she introduces the reader to spectacular people who made a real difference in the lives of those around them.

This is a story of love and friendship against the backdrop of some of the most dramatic events of the late twentieth century in the South Cone. Along the way the author peppers her narrative with historical tidbits to help the reader understand the circumstances of what is happening in the United States, Argentina, and their surrounding neighbors. Not just along for the ride, she showcases how her family was intertwined with the events, cultures, and people.

Through her stories Gaydou highlights how the various cultures have coalesced to create Argentina and how her family has become part of that mixture of North American, Spanish, Italian, German, etc. cultures which makes the world such a delightful place.

What an amazing story!! It was one that I couldn't put down! T.W. Knight has a wonderful way of keeping the story line flowing with just the right mix of tension, Love and comic relief. I look forward to the next book in Dark City Guardians series!

5 Star Review

I read Demons Destiny [Dark City Guardian]. I enjoyed the book. It was an easy fast read that kept my attention. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions. Looking forward to book #2.

5 Star Review

From Sea to Sea by Nelda Bedford Gaydou

From a three-week voyage of more than 7000 miles from New Orleans to Buenos Aires in 1964 through an eight-day, 3258-mile round-trip drive between Evanston, Illinois and Clovis, New Mexico in 2017, whether in their prime or in their nineties, the Bedfords have packed a lot into their life's journey. Follow their inspiring story of faith and service, set in fascinating times and places in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres.

This is a wonderful tribute to an extraordinary family as the author takes the reader on a fifty plus year odyssey. It follows their winding journey on a world-wide adventure. Using vignettes, Gaydou highlights the remarkable exploits of her family as they work and travel in the United States, South America, and Europe. Along the way she introduces the reader to spectacular people who made a real difference in the lives of those around them.

This is a story of love and friendship against the backdrop of some of the most dramatic events of the late twentieth century in the South Cone. Along the way the author peppers her narrative with historical tidbits to help the reader understand the circumstances of what is happening in the United States, Argentina, and their surrounding neighbors. Not just along for the ride, she showcases how her family was intertwined with the events, cultures, and people.

Through her stories Gaydou highlights how the various cultures have coalesced to create Argentina and how her family has become part of that mixture of North American, Spanish, Italian, German, etc. cultures which makes the world such a delightful place. 

Under the Western Sky by Dellani Oakes

 

It's small town Nebraska in the late 1970's and life in the small Midwestern town is quiet and uneventful. That's what Libby Marshall and Bobby Menedez think until Bobby's cousin, Ramon is beaten by a group of white boys. Racial tension is high after the beating and it's soon revealed that something quite evil lies hidden Under the Western Sky.

Bobby Menendez has it tough, he is a Mexican teenager in a small town that has more than its share of racial tension. On top of that, he is dating Libby Marshal, a blond hair blue eyed white girl. This doesn't go unnoticed by the local bigots who are determined to make Bobby's life and everyone he loves, hell. Betrayed by his best friend, Bobby is left to face his enemies on his own all the while trying to protect Libby.

A plan is hatched and traitors close in on all sides while unlikely allies appear to fight at Bobby's side. Secrets are exposed and the people Bobby thought he knew, reveal their true nature. In an effort to protect themselves and preserve their "perfect" town, it is decided Bobby must die. This is when all hell breaks loose!

Under the Western Sky is a story that could have easily been ripped from today's headlines only it takes place in the 1970's. I could almost hear the hiss from the turntable as the Santana record played while Bobby and Libby danced together. Dellani Oakes does an awesome job at depicting the era as well as the issues that plagued that period.

Under the Western Sky is filled with action, romance and suspense which will leave readers glued to the pages or eReader which ever you prefer. I give it 5 stars.

Primed for Revenge: Sydney Jones Novel Series by Carolyn Bowen

 

Practicing law in a large partnership, Sydney Jones was primed for making partner. Then her life turned upside down after a disagreement with her boss at Birdman & Birdman.

Leaving the office, she was swiftly kidnapped and taken to her assailants’ hideaway, beaten, and raped. With no memory of whom she was put her at a disadvantage with her captors. Through gritted teeth, she promised a day of repercussions for their actions while mentally visualizing her revenge.

Warned by her assailants to keep her mouth shut or else, she was delivered to her home. Not recognizing her former living quarters, she was careful in exploring her options for regaining her memory.

Piecing together the reasons for her kidnapping brought her into contact with people, some she could trust and others risky. The problem was the amnesia prevented her from recognizing the difference.

Tapped for crime once nudged her toward caution for something afoul was going on at Birdman & Birdman. She prepared for a fight. With a vision of fury she made a chilling decision – never to be a victim again.

Sidney was working on a case for her law firm but was abducted and now doesn’t remember her life before that. This novel starts off with a bang and does not slow down. There are elements of mystery, suspense and what’s a book with out a little romance? Throw in murder and some shady characters and you have a first class read to enjoy by the fire with cocoa or the beach with a cool cocktail!!! I enjoyed Primed for revenge immensely and anticipate the next installment. 5 stars for this exciting novel!!!!

~ Karen Vaughan

Primed for Revenge by Carolyn M. Bowen

Primed for Revenge is a fast-paced story of the redemption of a woman fallen victim to mental and physical abuse. Ace attorney Sydney Jones found evidence a client wasn’t innocent but what she didn’t know it was just the tip of the iceberg of deceit that’d wedged itself within her firm. Primed for Revenge is a powerful story of a woman succeeding against the odds.

This story is plot-rich with plenty of action to keep you turning the pages. With well-developed characters, some you’d love to hate, and a fascinating behind the scenes look inside the legal world, Bowen pulls out all the stops to deliver a fascinating story. A must-read for conspiracy theory mystery fans.

~ Elle Alouette

True Beginnings book 3 by Amanda Mackey

 

I’m addicted to it. War, battle—the thrill of being in mortal combat and constant danger. Not knowing whether I’ll still be breathing one moment to the next is a rush I can’t explain.

But I hate that I love it. It’s like a sickness that sank its hooks into my psyche and refuses to let go. I’m living with nightmares and the strange reality of civilian life, while I crave my next mission.

Until I meet a sassy redhead with sharp wit and scalding green eyes. She stirs the same adrenaline rush I experienced while dropping from the sky into enemy territory.

Charlotte is everything that’s right in this wretched world. There’s a kindness in her, but I’m afraid the darkness lurking within me will destroy it. I’m not the kind of man she deserves. She’s too good for me.

I shouldn’t want her the way I do, and if I were a good man, I would walk away

Problem is…I’m not.

WOW, what a realistic story. Two soldiers, Declan/Dec and Viper, closer than brothers deal with PTSD while still taking on dangerous military missions. This is Viper's story. Viper is a physically fit, intimidating soldier. He butts head with Dec's woman's best friend Charlotte/Char. Every time they are in each other's company their animosity for each other erupts. When Char is robbed at gunpoint, her stern personality falls apart. Wanting to give Mac and Dec their privacy, she opts out to stay with Viper. She does not look forward to the confrontations nor does she have the energy to do so. Viper thinks he is out of his gd mind for letting her stay. When Char has a meltdown, Viper takes control and comforts Char. Over the next several days Viper continues to amaze Char at his sensitivity for her. Then Viper gets a call back to duty. Will Char get over the assault? Will Char and Viper ever have a truce? This book hit upon the subject of PTSD and hit a home run. When I got to the last page, I was not dissapointed. I do hope there is a sequel that moves forward with Dec and Mac, Char and Viper. I totally and whole heartily recommend this book. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

5 star review by Emma

Life with PTSD

An amazing book. This story surrounds to soldiers and the women they care about. This one concentrated primarily on Charolette a nurse and Viper the best friend to her best friends significant other. The author has done a great job of keeping the feel real throughout the book with each adventure the two encounter. She delves into the trauma of PTSD for both a civilians reaction after being robbed and a soldiers reaction after having a life altering crisis. After reading this book I plan on going back and reading the previous books. This is a clean romance, stand alone with a HEA. Well written.

5 star review by Bookfiend

Heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time.

Ms. Mackey has crafted a remarkable conclusion to this series. Viper is a unique, believable character. He’s a soldier through and through. And he’s met his match, Char. With Ms. Mackey’s digital pen, she has created a strong, determined, compassionate woman who loves the man who is Viper. A catastrophic incident occurs and it doesn’t deter her one whit. In fact, it makes her more determined. This is one you will long remember—mostly for the woman with the courage to fight for what she wants.

Avid Colorado Reader