One Hundred & Thirty-Six Scars by Amo Jones

Book: One Hundred And Thirty Six Scars
Series: The Devils Own #1
Author: Amo Jones
Genre: MC Romance
Cover Designer: Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Hosted By:Francessca's Romance Reviews

Synopsis



Meadow
I was four years old when I learnt what evilness the world could bring. I fought through life with my scarred soul, wrangled through the dark empty nights where I’d pray I didn’t wake up the next morning. I would shut my eyes and mentally take myself to my happy place.
Red roses
The sound of waves crashing on the sand under my feet.
The final time the cold blade pushed up against my thigh, and I waited for my blood to trickle over the other One hundred and thirty-six scars that covered my skin— never came. Who was this man who just saved me? He had no idea how close I came to ending myself that day. I was ready to blow my brains all over the bedroom walls and I had a nine sitting under my pillow to prove it.

Beast
Some people have families, I had engineered human killing machines surrounding me my whole life. I’d been a part of this unit since I was a baby, raised in a community that was shut off from the real world. A community where we were nothing but empty vessels, until Hella (my best friend) and I escaped. Hella took us to a girl who was in foster care with him before he was summoned into The Army. After finding out yet another complication in my life, I needed space. I booked in to a run down apartment, ready to clear my head. Only my head didn’t clear, because I was haunted every night from the screams that would vibrate through my walls.

This is not a story of a perfect man coming in to save the day. This is a story of what happens when fate interferes and two completely broken souls collide.

*Potential triggers lie within this book.
** This book is gritty and contains dark content.

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What Others are saying:

This story was raw and intense. It is very compelling and has a lot going on. Meadow is a woman troubled by her very emotionally and physically scarring past. I cried so much for this girl/woman and all that she endured and lost. ~ FMR BookGrind

I loved this book! I usually enjoy MC reads and this was so unique that it earned a special place in my heart. Be prepared though. The book is raw, gritty and dark~ Lena’s Reviews: A Book Blog

Once again I'm blown away by Ms. Jones! I can't wait for the next book to release!!~ Nancy Loves2Read

A dark read, a hauntingly beautiful story. ~ GoodReads Review



Excerpt

Meadow

Beginning
Four-Years-Old

“It’s father’s day tomorrow, so I want all of you to draw a pretty picture of something that reminds you of your dad. Anything at all. It can be what he does for work, what he makes you feel like. Anything. I want to see all your pretty pictures.”
Hmmm, I thought to myself, I wanted to love my daddy. I wanted to know what he’d done for fun. I wanted him to make me happy and cheerful. I’ve seen what other daddies do for their children, but mine didn’t do that. He didn’t throw me into the air then catch me as I came down. He didn’t carry me on his shoulders while taking me out for ice-cream. I thought over what my daddy does and how it made me feel. Taking hold of the black crayon, I began to draw…
“Meadow,” my teacher gasped, her hand slowly moving up to her mouth. She kneeled down beside me, pointing to the picture while still making sure no other children could see it.
“Meadow, honey, what is this that you have drawn here?”
My mouth froze at the look that was pulled over her face. I wanted to tell her what it was, but I was confused. I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. She asked me to draw a picture of something that reminds me of my father, so I did.
“Did I do it wrong?” I asked my teacher, tears welling behind my sockets.
She squeezed my shoulders, forcing a smile to come out. “No honey, you didn’t do anything wrong.” I relaxed instantly. I didn’t want to do wrong, I wanted to do good. She stood from her position, the picture falling from her fingers, revealing a dark shadow-like figure covering a single bed.

Beast

Beginning
Fourteen Years-Old
Three years later

Running wasn’t my favorite thing to do, and considering the size of me, I always tried my hardest to stay away from it. But in this case, I had no other way. With my legs heavy and my chest tight, I looked back as the sound of gunshots rang out and pierced through my ears.
“He’s over here! Follow that trail!” one of the sergeants yelled from far behind me. I turned my head back in front of me, carrying on my run. Jumping over the large logs of fallen trees, I dropped behind a boulder that was sitting under a tree, attempting to gather my breath. Wiping the sweat from my forehead, I thought over my options. I can’t go back there. I could never go back there. I should… I told Jada to come but she didn’t listen. She wanted to stay, promising me she wouldn’t say a word. But how do the guards know I’m out? I stood from where I was sitting, placing one foot in front of the other preparing myself to jolt forward.
“Don’t fucking move,” Sergeant Major Kurr’s low, commanding voice rumbled from behind me. I didn’t have to look to know there was also a gun aimed at my back. I’m fucked. That’s it! This was my seventh escape attempt and I’d been caught—again. I knew what was to come. I knew what they were going to do with me when I went back and I’d rather die. Squaring my shoulders while keeping my attention fixed on the large tree in front of me, I kept my eyes trained on the bark that was peeling off it, revealing the glossy white wood underneath.
“Fuck. You,” I replied snarkily with a curled lip.
A single gunshot rang out at the exact moment a sharp, heavy sting collided into my leg, causing me to drop to the ground in agony. I was hoping they would at least shoot me in the head, getting it over with faster.
“Pick him up!” Kurr demanded, aiming his Heckler & Koch FABARM FP6 into my face with a smirk.
Tsking, he knelt down beside me. “Agent 316, what are we going to do with you this time?”
My eyes squeezed shut as tears pricked from the side of them. No, no, please. I don’t want to go back there. “Just kill me!” I screamed from the dirt and blood covered ground. “Fucking kill me!” I roared one last time. A steel capped military boot was lifted over my face as the bottom stomped down and connected with my cheek with a crack, knocking me out cold.
I don’t fear death. Oh no, I welcomed it. After living in this world all my life, being engineered for an undercover operation like The Army that was branched off by our government, I had no choice but to run and maybe one day, I’d make it out alive.

About The Author



Amo is a full-time writer from New Zealand who loves long romantic walks to the wine cellar.
When she's not creating magic, you can usually find her relaxing in front of the television watching the latest episode of Supernatural or Vikings. (This will be updated as she finds new television shows with hot actors.)
She's the proud mother of four little critters who are the reason she breathes, but also the reason she drinks.
She's the wife-to-be to the love of her life. She says wife-to-be because she scares him a little, and he still hasn't decided whether he wants to wed her or not. Such an exciting relationship.
She loves meeting new people and believes the world needs more kindness.
Gas Arc out!

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Lyrick's Run by C.E Strother

Scent of wood.

Breath of wind.

Guiding moon.

Plagued by sorrow for so long, Lyrick has imprisoned her human form. She knows only the way of the wolf. When she meets a woman of knowledge and power with understanding in her eyes and softness in her soul, Lyrick allows herself to be led away from her primal solitude.


In a new place that somehow feels like home, Lyrick yearns to find herself in a life she never expected. Within that life, a man that draws her like fire in the night brings her conflict and the possibility of claiming something more than she could have imagined.


If they forge a path together, Lyrick feels she could find peace and a place of home. Even so, she fears she may never outrun the ghosts of her past. If she can't, she knows they will steal all her dreams for the future...

Release Date: February 9, 2016


Cover Design: Ashlei Hawley (with Breaking the Barriers Author Services)

BOOK TRAILER: https://youtu.be/kntikHPa_D4




Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZMNUMM

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01AZMNUMM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453688179&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=lyrick%27s+run&dpPl=1&dpID=61JTy6149XL&ref=plSrch

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B01AZMNUMM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453688248&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170&keywords=lyricks+run

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BOILING POINT by Tessa Bailey

BOILING POINT by Tessa Bailey Crossing the Line, #3 Publication Date: January 25, 2016 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: Falling for a con man is the most dangerous game of all… Con artist Austin Shaw’s been in disguise so long he’s not sure where his fake identities end and he begins. Now that he’s been strong-armed into working for a specialized undercover unit working with the Chicago police—criminals with unique “skills”—the last thing he needs is to risk his iron control. Especially when it comes to a certain stunningly sexy hacker who tempts him with every look of disdain. Polly Banks will never, ever trust a con man. On the trail of a ruthless crook who destroyed the only family she’s ever known, Polly is unnerved by the shadow who follows her every move. The one who makes her pulse pound and breath short with lust. Austin. He’s infuriating, enigmatic, and pure sex appeal, and she’s determined to resist him. But an untrustworthy man of disguise can become anyone he wants…including a man that Polly must trust if she’s to escape their dangerous game alive.

DON'T MISS THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SIZZLING CROSSING THE LINE SERIES....

RISKIER BUSINESS by Tessa Bailey Crossing the Line, #0.5 Publication Date: January 5, 2015 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: One more game. And this time, there are no rules…

After a life of pool hustling and living on the wrong side of the law, Ruby Elliott is living on the straight and narrow with sexy-as-all-hell NYPD detective, Troy Bennett. Now the only trouble Ruby has with the law is the naughty kind, pinned against the wall by Troy's strict and spectacularly hard body. Obeying his every command. Both of them losing themselves in a lust that borders on obsession... But then her father returns with an offer she can’t refuse: one last hustle in exchange for information. Information she’d die to have. As the pieces and the players of the game reveal themselves, Troy feels the fine edges of his control slipping—control he can’t channel without hurting Ruby. The stakes are high, and the risk higher. Because losing this final game could cost more than Ruby’s heart…it might cost her life.

RISKING IT ALL by Tessa Bailey Crossing the Line, #1 Publication Date: January 27, 2015 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: NYPD detective Seraphia Newsom will avenge her brother’s death at any cost. Even if it means insinuating herself into a rough, Brooklyn street gang and going so far undercover, she’s not sure she’ll be able to get out. Every minute she spends in their midst means the clock ticking down on her life, especially when she overhears something that could get her killed. Bowen Driscol is the heir to a crime enterprise. He never asked for the job, but with his father behind bars, he has no choice but to step in and keep the operation running. But when the NYPD blackmails him with a piece of damning information in exchange for aiding an undercover cop, he finds himself on the other side of the law for the first time in his life. Bowen knows the danger Sera is in, and keeping her safe trumps saving his own ass. The problem? She can’t know he’s on her side. And there's the matter of the seriously inconvenient heat sparking between them that's incinerating his resistance. But Sera only sees Bowen's past, and men like him are the reason her brother is dead. If they're to get out alive, he'll have to risk exposing the man beneath, and hope to hell he doesn't blow the whole operation in the process.

UP IN SMOKE by Tessa Bailey Crossing the Line, #2 Publication Date: June 23, 2015 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

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Synopsis: Never start a fire you can’t control… Connor Bannon is supposed to be dead. Dishonorably discharged from the Navy SEALs, he's spent the last two years working as a street enforcer in Brooklyn for his cousin's crime ring. Through a twist of fate, he's now in Chicago, working undercover to bust criminals. But when a cute little arsonist joins the team—all combat boots, tiny jean shorts, and hot-pink hair—Connor’s notorious iron control slips. Erin "she's getting away" O'Dea knows two things. She hates authority. And… Nope, that's it. When she's forced to operate on the “right” side of the law, her fear of being confined and controlled blazes to the surface. The last thing she expects is a control freak like Connor to soothe her when she needs it most. Worse, something behind the sexy ex-soldier's eyes ignites a dangerous inferno of desire. One that invites Erin to play with fire. And one that could get them both killed…

ABOUT TESSA BAILEY

Tessa Bailey is originally from Carlsbad, California. The day after high school graduation, she packed her yearbook, ripped jeans and laptop, driving cross-country to New York City in under four days. Her most valuable life experiences were learned thereafter while waitressing at K-Dees, a Manhattan pub owned by her uncle. Inside those four walls, she met her husband, best friend and discovered the magic of classic rock, managing to put herself through Kingsborough Community College and the English program at Pace University at the same time. Several stunted attempts to enter the work force as a journalist followed, but romance writing continued to demand her attention. She now lives in Long Island, New York with her husband of eight years and four-year-old daughter. Although she is severely sleep-deprived, she is incredibly happy to be living her dream of writing about people falling in love.

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Just Ride by Xyla Turner

 

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Title: Just Ride

Series: The Legion Series

Author: Xyla Turner

Genre: MC Romance

Release Date: January 19, 2016

      "I don't f*** bikers." Was Kylie's parting words to the sexy biker who happened to be the Guardian's MC President. She just moved back to the town she grew up and her first confrontation was with Razor, a biker. He was hot and had the potential of completely invading her life. She attempts to pump the brakes on his roller coaster, but after her stalker scares some sense into her, she runs to the arms of the Legion of Guardian motorcycle club. Razor tries to steer clear of the young vixen, but he can't help his pull towards her. How can he keep his creed with his brothers, the town and get his woman? Quick Clip: “Razor!” I exclaimed. “We need to come to a truce. We can’t keep doing this.” “Then put me out of my misery.” “How?” “You know how.” “Not really.” “Let me show you.”            

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Xyla Turner was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager, Xyla wrote short stories and essays that have won numerous awards in local to nationwide competitions. She is an avid reader, but a sucker for romance. Specifically, sassy females and dominant males. Xyla is a dedicated educator and a life coach. Outside of reading, Xyla likes to spend time with her family and travel. She writes different genres, but her favorite is romance.

Ways to check out Xyla World! Follow Me on Amazon: http://amzn.to/22tYgPO Sign up for my Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bfltf9 Sign up for my Texting List: Text EZXYLA to 313131 Visit My Website: www.xylaturner.com Follow Me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorXylaTurner Follow Me on Twitter: @xylaturner Follow Me on Instagram: @xylaturner Follow Me on PIntrest: @xylaturner Follow Me on Tmblr: xylaturner.tmblr.com Follow Me on Google Plus: +XylaTurner

First a Dream by Emma Nicoles

Cover by: Cover Me Darling

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Blurb:

Her life had never been a fairy tale. Adopted at birth, Isabella never felt like she fit in. All she ever wanted was a happy family and a love of her own. When she suddenly became a single mother of two, her life changed for the worst until she ran into a handsome stranger. A billionaire playboy, Gabriel had lived a charmed life. Never one to settle down, he didn’t understand why he was drawn to this woman he knew his father would never accept. Still, one date leads to another and suddenly he had the life he never knew he always wanted. Together, their life was perfect, until the lies were exposed. Then, their happily ever after couldn’t be further away.

Excerpt:

While coming out of her hazy sleep, Isabella stretched slightly and felt an arm tighten around her mid section. She happily reached down to touch him and slowly opened her eyes to find Gabriel staring at her, propped on his side. “How long have you been awake?” She rubbed at her eyes. “I don’t know. I’ve just been lying here studying you.” His lazy smile caused her to blush. Then Gabriel leaned down to graze her cheek with his lips, sending a ripple down her spine. Isabella looked away, giving him the perfect opportunity to run his fingers down her neck. She shivered again. “Stop! I can’t even think with you touching me.” She grinned and covered herself with the sheet. “So, what shall we do today?” She tried to change the subject in order to pull herself back together. It had been so long since she had been caressed and cherished. “You don’t like me touching you?” “Au contraire. I love your touch. I’m ridiculously attracted to you, but…” She frowned as she tried to figure out how to explain the emotions she battled. “There’s always a but.” He chuckled. “It’s scary getting intimate with someone new.” Isabella sat up and shrugged. “And once we start, there’s no going back. I’m afraid of going too fast, not savoring, missing out on all those glorious stages before the big show.” Gabriel tugged at his goatee. “Impressive analogy. We’ll take our time, my Bella. I want to savor every moment with you. Does that help?” “It does. It’s just that…it’s different for me. When we do this, I’m not simply sharing my body, I’m sharing my heart.”

#2

When Isabella exited the bathroom wearing a robe over her bedclothes, carrying a bottle of lotion, she could see Gabriel was intrigued. “Aren’t you going to be too warm tonight?” He yanked on her bathrobe tie. “What do you have on under there anyway?” He jokingly tried to peek under the bathrobe. Feeling daring and sexy, Isabella flashed him, exposing for the briefest of moments her camisole top and matching French cut bikini. “The bathrobe is just until bed,” she explained, wandering over to sit at his side. “I think I need a longer look,” he murmured lazily against her neck. “I could help you lotion your back.” He slid the bathrobe down until it exposed her shoulder, then he kissed her there, lingering long enough for her to feel his warm breath against her skin. Her stomach fluttered in response. Isabella’s head tilted to give him further access. Her eyes closed as she savored his kisses and his gentle touch. She barely noticed as he took the lotion bottle from her hands and began to pour some into his hands. Gradually, he pulled the robe further until it had pooled around her bottom on the lounger. “Wow,” he whispered, as if afraid to break the spell. The warm breath upon her neck made Isabella shiver. “I’m going to lift your top so I can lotion your back.” Slowly, he pulled it up with one hand. As she listened to Gabriel rub his hands together, she tried to relax. Never before had she ever craved a man’s touch like she did his. Never before had she been so afraid to give in to her desires. Finally, his hands were on her skin, smoothing the lotion into her back. He rubbed up to her shoulders and down her arms. Somehow along the way, he managed to remove her camisole altogether. For some reason, she didn’t object. Every bit of her body ached with need. How would she ever maintain her resolve to wait? Not forever, but a little bit longer. Remember, she reminded herself, he lost interest in all the others once they gave in. I’m not ready to let him go.

#3

“Hey. What’s wrong?” Gabriel was lying on the bed, an arm covering his face, still wearing the towel he’d left the bathroom in. “Nothing.” “Liar.” She hopped on the bed and straddled him, the little minx. “If you’re trying to get my attention, you’ve got it.” He moved his arm and his eyes widened. “You’re naked.” He tried not to stare, but it took everything in him to not drink in the beauty who had settled on his groin. She giggled. “No, I’m not. I’m wearing a towel.” “Yes, but it’s in your hair.” Gabriel smiled now and rolled her onto the bed, smoothly landing on top of her. “How do you do it?” He shook his head as he gazed upon her, this woman who had won his heart. “Do what? That thing in the shower? Oh, so Jessie bought Jenna Jamison’s memoir and there were some tips in it. I finally had someone to practice on. How’d I do?” She winked at him. “You could definitely use more practice. Any time you’d like, I’d be willing to offer myself as human guinea pig.” He removed his towel from around his waist. “You’re still a little wet.” He began to pat at the water droplets on her skin. “How do I do what?” Isabella asked quietly. Her nipples had hardened and he was confident she was growing aroused. “I’m a fool for you, Bella Parker.” He leaned down and planted a kiss on her sternum. “I puked on you…” “And you just came on my face because you respect me too much to come in my mouth.” She interrupted with a grin. “I’m still trying to figure out the soundness of your reasoning, but hey…at least we were in the shower. And you didn’t blind me, so there’s that.” Her eyes sparkled as she spoke. “I didn’t say respect.” She opened her mouth, but he silenced her with a finger over her lips. “I said ‘love.’” He took a breath. “It surprised me, too, but I mean it.” Gabriel leaned his head against her chest. “Your heart is absolutely racing.” He gazed at her sweet face. “I honestly didn’t think myself capable of it. My mother broke my heart long ago. I never really healed…until you.” Slowly, he moved his finger from her lips. This time, Isabella rolled him over with a thrust of her hips. Then she landed on top of him, slowly rearranging herself so she was sitting on his pelvis and his erection was behind her. Gabriel smiled up at her, his face pink from embarrassment. “You’ve changed me, too, you know.” She spoke almost begrudgingly. “I’m falling hard for you, Gabriel.” Her eyes turned glassy. “I didn’t want to. I’m still getting out of my last hopeless relationship.” He shook his head. “Wait. You think this is hopeless?” Isabella chewed on the side of her lip. “Sometimes I do. When we’re apart, you seem so far away. When we’re together, I don’t feel good enough for you.” “My love,” Gabriel moaned. “How can you think these thoughts? I call and text all the time when we’re apart. And when we’re together, I lavish you with attention.” Her face softened. “This is true.” “How can you think you’re not good enough for me?” He struggled to sit up and take her in his arms. “You’re the best woman I know. You’re an amazing mom, incredibly talented photographer, and for some reason, you like me.” “I didn’t say ‘like.’ In fact, I distinctly recall saying I was falling in love with you.” Isabella stared down at him. “You’re going to break my heart, aren’t you?” “Never,” he vowed, and sealed his promise with a kiss. “I’m holding you to it.” She sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck.  

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Meet emma...

What made her decide to be a romance author? Simple. How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career? Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn't believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life's cliche moments spicy. Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.

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The One Adored by Alexandra North

Book: The One Adored(The One Trilogy #3)

Author: Alexandra North Release Date: 11^th December

Genre: Erotic Romance

Cover Designed by: Alexandra North

Goodreads link: http://bit.ly/1L5vz37

::Buy Links::

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::Synopsis::

One Friendship Developed into so much more.

One sexy proposition led to a marriage proposal.

One unhealthy interest became a deadly obsession….

Sebastian Silver was everything Lucia Myers had ever hoped for in a man – an incredible, attentive and passionate lover, a considerate gentleman and her best-friend. She knew without irrefutable doubt that he was her soul-mate.

Seb and Lu had both finally begun to believe in one another enough to forgo their initial concerns and stop fighting the powerful connection they shared and embrace the intensity of their emotions, when tragedy struck. The horrific car accident that leaves Lu broken tests her faith in their future. Promises are made but will they be fulfilled?

Can Sebastian and Lucia give in to love and commitment after a decade of dancing around their feelings and just trust in always and forever?

Dangerous forces are working tirelessly against them; will they succeed in destroying their chance at happiness or will the person who has been obsessing over Lucia finally be brought to justice?

THE ONE is out there … waiting … watching …

Two people, one destiny.

::Other books in the series::

The One Awakened(The OneTrilogy #1)

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The One Addicted(The One Trilogy #2)

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::About the Author::

Alexandra North is an Amazon bestselling author who came onto the writing scene in 2014. She writes romance, with erotic themes, humour, drama and often suspense and there is always a HEA at the end of a book/series.

Ms. North lives in the rambling lush hills of Yorkshire, United Kingdom with her swoon-worthy husband and two children, 15 and 9. She worked as a Graphic Designer & Illustrator, for over 18 years before she wrote her first book and now combines design and writing in this new path when creating her book covers and teasers.

Writing was always a hobby and took a back seat to University, work, parenthood and unfortunately later, chronic long-term illness. One day she woke and thought 'life's too short - I'm going to finish that blummin book!' She now devotes her time to writing love stories full of humour and naughtiness. When she isn't manically typing away or trying to be the model wife and mum, Alexandra can be found shoe shopping (shoes are her weakness), cosying up with back-to-back TV series and enjoying her very own Sebastian Silver.

::Stalk her here::

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Hardman by Samantha Fontien

Cover designed by Jade Jex @Steam Power Studios

<3

 

 

London has a dark side… And I’m the one who runs it…
I’m not only London’s, but also the UK’s finest.
I’m the ‘Top Man’...

I am the ‘Hardman’...

I’m an animal, untamed, uncaged...

I’m untouchable, unlovable, the way I like it.

There is only one thing that unnerves me...

My past...
‘She’ is my past and maybe... My undoing…
* This work contains Drama, Profanity and very Mature content, intended for readers 18+ *
Standalone Novella

 

Hardman - Playlist

 

INTERVIEW WITH SAMANTHA FONTIEN

SAM INTERVIEW

What made you write Hardman?

 

~ It was the one/story with the loudest voice for me. I had started two others, but this just fell out and onto the page. It was easy to write, for me, it wrote itself.

It's a step out of your normal theme, have you enjoyed it and can we expect more books in this Genre?

~ Maybe, as I absolutely loved writing it, especially his voice/grammar, as he’s not a stickler for the language rules like Duncan was. Hahaha. I've never sworn so much on paper. Hahahaha. Over 300+ F bombs related words, never mind the 70 odd C word usage. I even surprised myself, but I had to stay true to his character.

Duncan and Co, was and always will be a huge part of me and I had to follow Duncan’s rules for so long, so, it was refreshing throwing caution into the wind, hahahaha.  Even my editor at the beginning of HARDMAN's speaking, was ALL over the grammar, until she soon realised, that it was how he spoke, taking into consideration his education and his environment. In fact, when she corrects you with a sentence like this;

To say I am irked!!!! - He is PISSED OFF not irked - more Downtown Abbey than Hardman!!

... Then you know you have to watch, what Hardman say’s and how he delivers it. So yes, it was lovely not to watch my P’s and Q’s with him and I loved writing a good few of the chapters, they came out easy, so it’s defiantly something I am pondering on for the future.

 

And, it was my 1st, first-party POV too, as I normally do 3^rd party and multi POV, so, yes, it was great fun. I do love writing the gory or fight/action scenes, and I did guns and manly stuff and so on, with the Dragonflies Trilogy. But that’s only because I like action myself. I see it as years and years of conditioning from my dad watching Cowboys and Indians and War/Espionage type films and books, Hahaha... Now, I have a ‘man brain’; I’m not a normal pinkie girl, I don’t DO pink lol.

 

Is there a follow on to Hardman?

~ Nope... It’s a standalone I’m afraid and... Expect more standalones from me too.

The reason for this is; because all my previous eight books (HARDMAN is my ninth,) have all been connected or entwined in some way. It was great having new people to play or talk with, as so to speak hahahaha. I am actually working on another new standalone title/story (which will hopefully be out late February or early March?) and I’m loving the freedom of new characters, although I do love my Dragonflies men and always will.

Swoon Rubin Miller, still does it for me and I love writing him, I really do.

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH THE HARDMAN

HARDMAN INTERVIEW

Sir, thank you for agreeing to do this interview. I hope I’m not holding you up from any important work.

~ Nah, you’re alright... Always got time for a pretty girl... And what’s with the ‘Sir’?

(He laughs shaking his head at me) 

I’m hardly a ‘Sir’ am I? I’m a Geezer or a Gov if you prefer.

(He laughs again)

What do you like to do for fun?

~ (He shrugs his shoulders) 

Dunno... Any ideas?

(Now he's knowingly smiling at me, as he winks. This guy is an outrageous flirt.)

Why do you do the things you do?

~ Dunno what you mean?

(He laughs now at me, trying to look innocent).

You’re not wired are you?

(He laughs again)

Nah, only joking with ya... I suppose I’m what you’d call, one of them ‘natural born leader’s... 

Decisions will always have to be made... Even those, you don’t want to do... Someone has to take control... I’m just ‘The Someone’, that’s all.

(He shrugs insolently, like I’ve asked him what time it is?)

Do you enjoy the power and notoriety of it?

~ Yeah, I suppose I do. It’s always about the power; and the notoriety... I suppose the two go hand in hand with one another. But I always wanted a name for myself, always knew I would be something.

Do you sleep well after your punishments?

~ Yeah... Why wouldn’t I?

(He looks totally blasé now. I will say, I was a little scared asking him this, I understand why he has the reputation he does, he is very cool, calm and collected.)

... As I said, decisions are made every day, with anything you do... It’s how you deal with it that really matters. Punishment is necessary; it’s how we learn after all.

Put it this way... Growing up at my house, you got either the belt or the back of someone’s hand, for bringing trouble to the door or giving cheek..

So you learned pretty quickly, not to get caught, or, to be a cheeky cunt...  Everything you do, has consequences... And anyone who lives the lives, and do, what do what WE do, knows this from the ‘get go’...

Well they should do, unless they're as dumb as fuck? And that’s a problem, cause there’s always some brain-dead fucker out there doing something they shouldn’t. That’s why there’s people like me... To keep them fuckers in check, manage them. I always say; ‘It is what it is’...

I mean, think about it.... If it looks like shit, smells like shit... It’s SHIT!! Plain and simple, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that... And it’s the same philosophy for ‘if you’re caught doing something you shouldn’t’... Be prepared for retribution.

(He shrugs very matter of factly, and I find myself hanging on every word. I watch enthralled as he shakes head woefully. He’s a good speaker and incredibly charming. Makes me glad he’s too dirty to be in politics, as he’s quite captivating.)

What is so special about ‘Her’ that makes you want to give it all up? Do you think you will ever stop?

~ Everything about ‘Her’ is special... ‘She’ is truly’ one of a kind’. ‘She’s’ a good person, always was. She’s my total opposite. And that’s why ‘we’ work.

I’m a lucky fucker, but I always was... Oh, and let’s not forget,  I love the way she calls me a cunt... I’m a sucker for it.

(He winks again knowingly at me, the guy really is incorrigible.)

And yes, I have ‘Stopped’ as you call it. If you’re talking about work that is?

(He laughs cheekily at me.)

In fairness, it was time to; the writing was on the wall.

(Now he looks seriously at me shaking his head.)

You can’t live my kinda life and expect to live forever...

There will ALWAYS be someone up your arse or trying to take a big chunk out of it. There will always be someone gunning for your spot as ‘Top Dog’ if you have it, and ‘they’ want it, bad.

You’d have to want it bad as well, I can tell ya, to wanna try and take it from me!!

It’s human nature, to want to better yourself... But it’s pure ‘primal’, to want the number one spot... Especially if you’re a natural born hunter like me?

 I still do have my fingers in a few pies, but they are kosher. So, no harm, no foul.

(He shrugs.)

My problem is, I need to keep myself busy. You see... I’ve been making my own money since I was a kid in some way or another, always an entrepreneur me...

(He winks cheekily at me) 

If there is money to be made, I guarantee you; it will be ME making it. But I DO know... If it’s not kosher and I don’t keep my nose clean, I’ll lose ‘everything’...

This I know as she tells me it daily...

Nah only joking... She’ don’t ‘have’ to ‘tell me’... I KNOW, she won’t tolerate any of my shit...

... And being honest, I don’t feel like I need to now, or I’m compelled to do it, if you know what I mean, you know, cause its naughty an all... Which was often, the very reason for me to do it in the first place...?

(He laughs cheekily at me.)

What can I say? I’m a thrill seeker, innit.

But believe me; I will tell ya, ‘She’ keeps me more than busy... I don’t have the time for anything, or anyone else now.

(He laughs to himself)

Should have done it sooner...

(He shrugs again nonchalantly at me.)

Oh well, you live and learn... Don’t ya?

After the interview, I found myself flirting with him for a further ten minutes, until he informs me, that he has to go and pick up his son up from school. As he leans in to kiss me on the cheek, I’m ashamed to say I found myself wondering if he was going to kiss me on the lips; seeing as he had been flirting with me throughout the entire interview, but sadly, he didn’t.

On his way out, I see him drop a bundle of money onto the table, paying the bill for the lunch we’ve just had, even though it was for his interview.

He may be a very bad man, responsible for having a hand in some horrible things and he maybe a little rough around the edges, but in all fairness to him... I found him very charming and a perfect gentleman, bar the continuous flirting which I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed.

I can understand the attraction with the gangster life, if they’re all like him. But I would have to be like ‘Her’, and the way she approaches it, as that kind of lifestyle, really wouldn’t appeal to me either.

The End

I’m a Happily Married, MUM of 2. I LOVE Music…I should as I am the daughter Of Musicians and was reared with a guitar in one hand and a pen in the other.

<3