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Showing posts with label Shadow Force. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shadow Force. Show all posts
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Author Interview & Giveaway: Stephanie Tyler
Today I have the honor of bringing to you one of my favorite authors, Stephanie Tyler. New York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels, all complete with happy endings. She also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
Please help me welcome Stephanie toThat’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Stephanie, welcome back to the blog. You’ve been missed!
Stephanie: Thanks Jen!!! I’ve been busy writing (which is a good thing)!
Twimom: Yes! That is a good thing! So let’s talk about hunky, intense military men... We last heard from the boys of the Shadow Force back in October 2011. What have they of been up to?
Stephanie: Well, Reid’s story, Lonely is the Night, just released in March 2013! [Jen’s review HERE.] It’s a long novella that finally gives readers closure on Reid and Grier’s romance. You’ll also catch up with the rest of the guys and find out how the Shadow Force series ties in with the Section 8 series, thanks to one particular character (more on him in the next answer!).
Twimom: Your current release, Surrender, is the first story in a new series. What is Section 8 about and how does it tie into the Shadow Force?
Stephanie: Section 8 is about the fallout / families of a group of former military personnel who were brought together to create a secret Black Ops group. Surrender is Dare’s story – his father was one of the original Section 8 members and Dare finds himself hunted because of his father’s involvement. So Dare, his half sister Avery and several others who have an indirect involvement in Section 8 must find a way to work together to save themselves and one another. Gunner is a character you’ll meet in Surrender and he’s the tie-in character for the Shadow Force series. Gunner and Reid are friends and have worked together in the past. Actually, Gunner once saved Reid’s life.
Twimom: Can you tell us your future plans for the Section 8 series?
Stephanie: I’ve just finished book 2, Unbreakable, and that’s Gunner’s book And I still have to write about brothers Jem and Key, so lots of intrigue and lots of romance.
Twimom: Larissa Ione said “No one writes a bad-boy hero like Tyler.” I have to agree. What is so appealing about a man that lives outside of societal norms?
Stephanie: I was literally just telling Larissa yesterday that that’s my favorite quote ever! I just find that most bad boys are typically the most loyal and honorable men – they live by their own code of honor and this sometimes puts them at odds with society and the rules that have been created. Men who push the limits, who challenge the rules in order to save people are always the most interesting to write about.
Twimom: What do you find most challenging when creating your heroes and/or writing their points-of-view?
Stephanie: Really, nothing That’s my absolute favorite part of the book – the hero’s point of view! They always come to me most clearly.
Twimom: I always love to find out what my favorite authors are reading... What is your favorite book you read during 2012? What is your most anticipated read coming in 2013?
Stephanie: I really enjoyed Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire, and I’m actually really looking forward to Walking Disaster by her (which I believe came out the same day as Surrender)…because hello, hero’s pov? I can’t wait to see what she does with it. I feel like it will break the story open in a different way and what an awesome idea to have the same exact story from another character’s point of view!
Twimom: Stephanie, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you again.
Stephanie: You too, Jen!!! Thanks so much for having me back! And I’d love the chance to giveaway an eCopy of Surrender (Kindle or Nook) to one of your readers All they have to do is comment and answer your question of favorite read of 2012 and most anticipated read of 2013!
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Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Review: Lonely is the Night by Stephanie Tyler
Lonely is the Night
Author: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Signet
Shadow Force #5
Section 8 prequel
Genre: Military Suspense Romance, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
|
Recently retired Delta Force Operator Reid Cormier utilizes his special skills by working black ops jobs all around the world with his former teammates and their wives. Reid’s career keeps him busy, but he can’t get his last job—or the woman involved—out of his head.
US Marshall Grier Vanderhall faked her own death without telling Reid of the plan first, and he couldn’t forgive her duplicity. But when Reid learns that Grier has been kidnapped by a dangerous ring of criminals, he drops everything and heads to New Orleans to rescue her. And while Reid knows that his skills make him the best option to get Grier back, he’s not sure if this mission will give them another chance—or get them both killed.
What I’m talking about:
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US Marshal Grier Vanderhall bucked her socialite upbringing to bury herself in law enforcement. She sees things in black and white, which is why it never would have worked out with black ops soldier, Reid Cormier. His way of life--living outside the law--was too much for Grier, and the pair went their separate ways after Grier faked her death in Night Moves (Book 4 of Shadow Force).
Now Grier is ready for what should be an easy job - protecting Benji who is set to testify in a highly-watched case stemming from the world of underground fight clubs. However, it appears that Benji isn't ready to part ways with his former life. When Grier goes missing, her partner Jack calls in Reid for help.
Oh how I have missed the men and women of the Shadow Force. While Night Moves was a wonderful wrap up for many aspects of the series, poor Reid and Grier parted on terrible terms. It is wonderful for long-time fans of the series to finally see these two have their HEA. However, you do not need to have read the earlier books to enjoy Lonely is the Night. The story is independent from the other books in the series and can be read solo.
Ms. Tyler is a master at putting her characters in impossible situations, ones that make you want to give up and walk away, and just when you think it can't get worse, she unveils her plan for a happy ending. Lonely is the Night is another suspenseful nail-bitter, breaking the characters down to their lowest before allowing them to rise above the fray.
The novella is chocked full of little nuggets and guest appearances from the first four books in the series, making it a fun walk down memory lane. There are also a few new characters that had me wondering which would appear in Ms. Tyler’s new series, Section 8 (stop back tomorrow for my interview with Steph and a giveaway of Surrender, the first Section 8 book).
There were points in the novella I felt a little confused or that the action was rushed, but since this is a shorter-length story, it is to be expected. I was a little disappointed at the almost gloss-over of the final trial and ending, which effectively killed the building suspense for the moment. However, it is a satisfying ending and on the whole, an entertaining story.
Overall, I delighted in finally getting to see Reid and Grier together and the men of the Shadow Force all content. It was a good conclusion to the series, although I do wish it'd been full length. I'm guessing the next series will follow Grier's former partner, Jack and possibly Reid's friend, Keegan. (Note, this was my guess prior to reading Surrender. The neither of these characters appeared in the first Section 8 book, but I’m hoping we’ll see them again.) If you are new to Ms. Tyler’s work, this is a great taste of her writing; however she is even better at full length.
My Rating:
|
Enjoyed - recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Review: Night Moves
Night MovesAuthor: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Dell
Shadow Force #4
ISBN: #978-0440423058
Genre: Military Suspense Romance
Format(s): Paperback (368 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book: |
Kell Roberts has walked the thin line between life and death for so long that it now feels like home. He is a soldier, a survivor, and a loner. Still, Kell cannot turn his back on the beautiful woman caught in his firefight against the drug lords of Mexico. She says her name is Teddie, but Kell senses there’s much more to her story—and it’s about to pull him into a mission he didn’t sign on for: keeping her alive.
Teddie Lassiter knows this lean, mean rescuer just saved her life, but the steel glint behind those soft gray eyes seem to be hiding something deep. The men after Teddie are deadly, but the man who holds her life in his hands and tempts her with his wicked touch is even more dangerous. He could make her dream about living and loving again. And if they can survive, maybe, just maybe, they can stop fighting the world and each other—and simply surrender.
What I’m talking about: |
Welcome to the high-stakes, fast-paced world of the Shadow Force! Ms. Tyler’s fourth installment is an exciting suspense mystery with multiple layers that all feed into one fantastic ride!
The story picks up not long after “band of brothers” that compromise “Shadow Force” (some current and some ex-military) are finally reunited in upstate New York. Their adventures thus far were chronicled in the first three books; however, you could easily pick up this story and read it on its own merits. The men and their women have been through some rough times, but things are about to get worse when a dangerous enemy of their leader, Dylan, resurfaces, vowing to destroy all that Dylan holds dear. Meanwhile, Kell and his best friend/partner, Reid, are on a covert operation in Mexico to assassinate a drug lord. Things go haywire when a near-death Teddie runs into the middle of their operation.
Teddie has her own problems to overcome. A runaway from the Witness Protection Program, she went to Mexico to find the men who murdered her family and prove her deceased father is innocent of the heinous crimes he is suspected of committing. When she is saved by Kell and Reid, she isn’t sure if she can trust the men who are just as dangerous as those out to kill her.
Night Moves starts off kicking and doesn’t slow down for very long. The multiple story lines intermingle and gel superbly. As someone who has read the previous books in this series, I will say that the book almost had a “last hurrah” kind of feeling; however after completing the book, I know this wasn’t the end. The men all band together and fight the common enemy. It’s very much and “all for one and one for all” situation. Not to mention the story has several nail-biter scenes that kept me glued to the book, completing the emotional piece that had me thinking the series would end here.
Kell and Teddie are a good match. Per the usual, both have pasts haunted with sorrow and regret. They are two lost souls searching for truth and justice, brought together because of circumstance, but staying together because of an intense (and immediate) connection. There romance was pretty good - not over the top, but sexy and sweet. I was a little disappointed near the climax of the story when the pair were imprisoned and Kell spilled his secrets to Teddie. It was a bit too easy for me to believe years of suffering melt away because he confesses to her. After hearing about Kell in the previous book, In the Air Tonight, I would have liked to get more of his background and time he spent hunting down the enemy. I was under the impression that he was a desperate man trying to save himself by protecting others. I wanted more of that angst.
I enjoyed Crystal, Dylan’s former mentor now mortal enemy. He is one of those bad guys that you love to hate - no redeeming qualities and beyond any help. He has no conscious and will manipulate to everyone to cause the maximum suffering. He is the mastermind behind the puppet show, bringing all of the pieces of the puzzle together. He alone kept me guessing what would happen next. I felt his demise was a little to simplistic, and I was honestly disappointed to see him go. (I can always hope...)
As the book drew to a close, I realized that the story was not going to be a happy ending for all the brothers of the team. Reid has met his match in Marshall Grier Catherine Grace Vanderhall, and I’m hoping we don’t have to wait long to read their story.
My Rating: |
Books in the Series
Promises in the Dark: Shadow Force Novel 2
In the Air Tonight: Shadow Force Novel 3
Night Moves: Shadow Force Novel 4
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Sunday Snippet #74
In The Air Tonight
Dell BooksAugust 2, 2011
He was slick from the shower—the only thing keep- ing him from being exposed a thin towel tied low on his waist... very low. Her eyes noted the light dust- ing of hair leading down below the towel.
“You’re staring.”
“Yes.”
“I’m sure you’ve seen it all before, being a nurse and all.”
“You’d think.” Her fingers played with the buttons on her borrowed shirt absentmindedly, unbuttoning, seducing, praying it would work.
Another button—he couldn’t tear his eyes away now and that was what she’d wanted from the second she stepped into the bar and laid eyes on him.
“Paige...”
“I like the way you say my name.” With the final button undone, she slid the big borrowed flannel shirt easily off her shoulders and let it drop to the ground. Her bra came next, too fast for him to think about protesting, thanks to the front clasp, and she could see by the strain on the front of his towel that nearly all protest had left him.
But he waited, so still, watching to see if she’d go all the way. And yes, she would...
She skimmed her stretch pants off, kicked them out of the way. She leaned in, letting her body press against his, even as she was careful to keep her hands off him.
“Paige, I can’t.” But his arousal told her otherwise.
“You can tie me up,” she murmured against his ear and his erection jutted against her belly as his breath quickened. “Do you like that, the idea of me all spread out and naked for you?”
It was so easy to talk to him like that. She’d stirred him up, and these consequences she could easily live with.
“Jesus, Paige—yeah, I want you like that.”
“Then go ahead, finish what we started last night. Please.”
Thursday, July 21, 2011
ARC Review: In The Air Tonight
In The Air TonightAuthor: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: August 2, 2011
Publisher: Dell Books
Shadow Force #3
ISBN: #978-0440423034
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): Paperback (400 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author (eARC)
| About the book: |
With danger closing in, all they have is each other.
Haunted by a mission he barely survived, Delta Force operative Mace Stevens still carries a soldier’s burden. Running a small bar in upstate New York, he remains a stone cold warrior who guards dangerous secrets and stays ready for anything. Anything except beautiful, vulnerable Paige Grayson, who shows up at his door, demanding answers about her heroic stepbrother’s death under his command.
Paige bears burdens, too. She’s plagued by demons unleashed by an older brother who committed mass murder before her eyes. But here in this snowy haven with Mace, she almost feels safe from the menacing promises of her insane sibling. As a nurse whose hands can read the deepest thoughts of anyone she touches, Paige knows Mace needs her as desperately as she needs him. And when a faceless killer begins unleashing fresh terror, Mace proves just how far he will go to save the woman who means everything to him.
| What I’m talking about: |
In the Air Tonight is the third installment of Ms. Tyler’s Shadow Force series, and it picks up a few months after the conclusion of Promises in the Dark (review HERE). There is enough break between this and the last book that it could certainly be read as a stand alone. The main hero, Mace, and most of his military brothers were minor characters in the last book. With that said, this book does pick up on the Cael-Vivi romance which began in Promises.
The story opens with a bang as ER nurse Paige is taken hostage. We quickly find out that she’s had a tough life (I was almost in tears by page 13) -- her older brother was the perpetrator of a Columbine-type school shooting. To compound problems, her best friend, stepbrother Gray, was recently killed in the line of duty, and to top it off, Paige is has pschometric hands, able to read thoughts and histories from a touch.
Paige managed to keep her true identity a secret for years, but when news of her capture and release hits the TV, soon everyone discovers her secrets. She escapes to a small town where Gray’s best friend, Mace, lives and runs and bar when he’s not on missions with the Delta Force. Although they had only met once before, both Paige and Mace never forget one another.
I was a bit confused for the first 40 pages or so of the story because I was trying to remember who was who from the last book AND I didn’t realize that time had passed since the conclusion of the second book. Prior to the start of this one, the Delta team goes on a mission that goes bad where Gray is killed and Cael walks away with amnesia (these aren’t spoilers, I just didn’t pick up on the fact that time had passed and a mission took place.)
Once I got myself straightened out (well even before) I was hooked on the story. Ms. Tyler does an excellent job of mixing action and suspense with romance. I adore that her characters are never perfect, in fact can have significant flaws, but they are always able to move past them without completely forgetting their problems or suddenly finding out everything is alright.
I loved Cael & Vivi together, and was a bit disappointed when they didn't have HEA at end of last book. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I first read about the amnesia storyline - frustrated that the two weren’t together (and in fact took many steps backwards), but wow - it really worked. It was wonderful watching Vivi and Cael fall in love all over again. Their interactions were emotionally satisfying and Ms. Tyler did a superb job describing Vivi’s frustration and pain.
As for the primary couple, Mace and Paige... Another well-written romance. They had great emotional and gut-wrenching dialogue and some sizzlin’ smex. At one point, they didn’t really trust each other and wanted to use each other to forget, but there was always that “maybe it’s different” feeling for both. Mace was cruel and blunt, and it worked. It hurt me to read his words when he was so direct with Paige. I wanted Paige to deny them, but they were true... She was a strong woman to accept his words and move forward.
This book has much more of a whodunit feel to it than the first two. Someone is helping Paige’s evil brother torment her and the clues point back to Paige’s allies. Each time I thought I’d figured it out, there was a new twist in the plot.
I really enjoyed this one... It’s my favorite of the series so far. The book had a real sense of closure, even though I know more stories are coming. The story was quick-paced and high action, but full of emotions and detail.
| My Rating: |
Enjoyed - strongly recommend
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Shadow Force Series Giveaway - Winners
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my review of Promises in the Dark by Stephanie Tyler and my Shadow Force Series giveaway. I especially want to thank Stephanie for generously donating a copy of each of her newest releases, Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark, for this giveaway.Every person that commented on the review was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.
The 2 Winners are:1 - Jasmine1485
2 - BookObsessed
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I’m sending both winners a message. Jasmine - you will get your choice of the two books and BookObsessed - you will receive the other book. I’ll need both of you to please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address so Steph can send you the book! You have until Sunday Nov. 28, 2010 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday Snippets #35
Sneak Peek from Promises in the Dark by Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: November 23, 2010
**NOTE: this except comes from an uncorrected galley copy of the book**
“My plan was to grab you, get you to Freetown and onto a ferry,” he said through gritted teeth. “My plan involved saving you. It didn’t involve having the person in danger hit me with a metal frying pan—then tell me to stay the hell out of her life and her business.”
She didn’t bother to look or act contrite. “I never asked you to come,” she said again—her refrain. Her goddamned mantra.
That was it. He closed in on her with three steps. All he could freakin’ think to do was kiss her, and so that’s exactly what he damned well did, hard and fast, without giving a shit what she wanted right now.
But she did want—he could tell by the way she molded against him. She tasted soft and sweet and spicy all at once, like cool rain and the kind of hot summer sun that let you know all was right with the world, and his body enveloped hers, the way he’d wanted to from the moment he’d seen her on the porch.
When he pulled back, she kept her eyes screwed tightly closed as if she could make it all—including him— disappear.
He murmured in her ear, “Open your eyes, Liv. I want you to know my name. To know me—to watch me when you come and know that I’m the one doing it to you.”
GIVEAWAY: Stephanie has GENEROUSLY donated one (1) copy of each of the first two Shadow Force Series books - Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark for a giveaway here on my blog. If you would like to enter for a chance to win either of the books, please leave a comment with your email address at the end of this post or the REVIEW. Contest is open internationally!! Contest is open from now until November 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on November 24, 2010. First name drawn will get choice of book. Second winner will receive the other book.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Review & Giveaway: Promises in the Dark
Promises In The DarkAuthor: Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: November 23, 2010
Publisher: here
Shadow Force Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-0440245971
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
On the run, in each other’s arms, with one last chance to survive.
A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand (DMH)—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since. So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.
Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past. Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down – and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to. The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane. Yet the hot-headed special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.
What I’m talking about:
Promises in the Dark picks up about 6 months after the end of Lie With Me, with Dr. Olivia Strohm having escaped her evil captors. She’s on the run and hiding in Africa, hoping that she’ll never be found - by anyone. Meanwhile, Zane has spent all of his free time trying to track down and rescue Olivia. He is drawn to her and cannot get her out of his mind - even though he’s never met her. Once Zane finds Olivia, sparks fly and it’s up to Zane to convince Olivia she’s better off leaving Africa. Together they make their way to a small missionary medical treatment clinic on their way to safety. There they meet Doc J (it’s his place), Tristan, and Rowan.
Meanwhile, back in the states, Zane’s brother, Cael is on a mission for the Army to determine if computer genius Vivienne Clare knows that her new nuclear plant security program was stolen by the terrorist group DMH, or even worse - if she sold it to them. But when Vivi’s life is on the line, Cael ensures her safety which intertwines their lives in ways he wasn’t prepared to deal with. He has to decide if he can trust Vivi with the lives of his brother, Olivia and countless other innocent people, and if he should act on his growing attraction for Vivi.
I fell in love with Zane and Olivia while reading the first book in this series, Lie With Me (my review HERE) She was kidnapped and injected with drugs - forcing an addition - so that she would help DMH with their black market organ transplant clinic. Based on the ending of that book, I was expecting a heart-wrenching story of a drawn-out rescue and drug withdrawal issues. However, this book skips past those issues, and I think it’s a better story for it. By moving forward in time, Ms. Tyler jumps over the expected and spends more time on the heart of the story.
And what a good story this is! In fact it’s really 3 different stories that all circle and collide with one another. 1) Zane and Olivia’s love story and escape. Can two damaged individuals get past their suffering and learn to trust and love? 2) Rowan and Tristan. Two people with different backgrounds but both dealing with a lot of pain. She had a wonderful love, but lost it tragically. He was betrayed by someone he thought loved him. 3) Cael and Vivi. They are from two different worlds, and she is a character of interest in his investigation. Can he determine the truth in time to save lives and his heart? In the end, each of these romances and story lines integrates into one fantastic tale!
I love that all three of these women are strong heroines--even computer geek Vivi who doesn’t feel like she is. She stands up to the Army and Cael like nobody’s business! They are each self-sufficient and don’t need a man, but are tired and lonely. So when the right man comes along - sparks fly immediately - lust at first sight, instant connections, which is HOT. I adore these women and understand their desire to have someone take care of them. Because these ladies have had it tough, and it is hard taking care of yourself and others for SO LONG. However, I do have to say I was a bit annoyed that in two different situations, two of these women (Olivia and then Vivi) threw themselves at their respective mates upon first meeting them, in pretty inappropriate/dangerous situations... they both beg for sex to make them forget. Why is having sex with a hot alpha male STRANGER, when your life is in mortal danger, ideal for making them forget their lives? Okay, forget I asked that question - but it did bother me that these strong women couldn’t find a better time and way to connect with their respective men.
I truly enjoyed reading how Zane and Olivia - both “damaged” people - learn to trust each other. They realize that even love won’t erase the horrors of the past, but together they can overcome a lot. In fact, this book is full of flawed men and women that don’t apologize for their mistakes, their pasts, their choices, and they don’t just try to “forget and make it better.” Instead, each person and couple works through their pasts and learns to trust and love. It is extremely emotionally satisfying!
Beyond the love stories, there are some major things happening with the terrorist group, DMH, which should make for an interesting start to the next book. In addition, we haven’t read Cael and Vivi’s full story, and based on the epilogue of Promises in the Dark, the next book will be a good one.
Not only is this book full of wonderful romance and HOT smex, but the action is suspenseful and riveting. Ms. Tyler has created an engrossing world of black ops and special missions, where the good guys are big and sexy and the bad guys are evil. I love it!
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
GIVEAWAY: Stephanie has GENEROUSLY donated one (1) copy of each of the first two Shadow Force Series books - Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark for a giveaway here on my blog. If you would like to enter for a chance to win either of the books, please leave a comment with your email address at the end of this post. Contest is open internationally!! Contest is open from now until November 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on November 24, 2010. First name drawn will get choice of book. Second winner will receive the other book.
Readers: I’ll be showcasing a Sneak Peek of Promises in the Dark for this week’s Sunday Snippets feature. Be sure to check back on Sunday!!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday Snippets #31
Sneak Peek from Lie With Me by Stephanie Tyler
Release Date: October 26, 2010
**NOTE: this except comes from an uncorrected galley copy of the book**
The monitor flickered in warning and she shut the laptop down and closed the lid. Suddenly, with the light gone, the storm turned from her ally to her enemy, as every sound became someone scratching at the door to get in.
She almost called for Cam, then heard the running water and realized he was showering.
Instead, she reached for her BlackBerry and noted that she had a few bars of service. Spotty, but enough, and so she quickly dialed her father’s number, and got his voice mail message. Again. “Hey, it’s me. I just wanted to let you know that Cameron Moore is here—he told me you sent him. Can you please call me, though. I need to speak to—”
Dead air. Well, at least hopefully the message had gotten through.
Cameron Moore is here. And he seems to get me.
Lighting a lantern, she walked along the hallway in the suddenly too dark townhouse until she reached the bathroom.
He’d left the door open. With his own lantern on the countertop, she could look at the half-steamed mirror and see him through the clear-glass shower door.
She wanted to look away but couldn’t. Soap slid between his shoulder blades, over the ridge of his lower back, coursing down thighs, which were solid ridges of muscles, as were his calves, and his feet . . . yes, they were large.
Stupid wives’ tale, she told herself, even as he turned around—and no, this was definitely not an old wives’ tale. It was only then she realized he could see her watching him if he turned his face toward the mirror. And still she didn’t move, running her gaze up his body toward his face when he turned the water off.
She moved to leave the doorway and her ankle caught on the doorjamb and twisted—she cried out and went down hard.
Cam was by her side in seconds, still dripping wet, towel around his waist. “You okay?”
He’d shaved his face clean, making his blue eyes stand out in stark relief, his chiseled cheekbones striking. His hair was wet, tied back, and he was seriously, devastatingly handsome.
Her face flushed hot. If he knew she’d been spying, he didn’t say . . . but something about the look in his eyes told her he guessed.
“I’m fine,” she insisted, and then, in the next breath, she corrected herself. “No, I’m not fine. I haven’t been fine for a long time.”
He remained on his knees, next to her, listening.
“But here with you, I feel like I can be fine. I want to be fine.” She reached up tentatively, slid her hands over his shoulders, feeling the slick, damp skin that was hot under her fingers.
“Sky . . .” His tone held a warning, letting her know she was about to push things too far with her soft touch, but she couldn’t stop now. Wanted to play with fire.
She trailed her hands down his chest, stopping midway, tracing the cuts on his abs with a finger.
When she looked up at him, he nearly lost it. He’d been hard from the second he’d caught her looking at him, but now, watching her studying his body . . . wanting him, his blood surged.
“We can’t do this,” he heard himself say—the voice of reason.
“I want you, Cam. Please, don’t turn me down.”
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