Tag Archives: Age-Gap

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | October 22, 2024 · 5:00 am

Venus Teaser

(Iron Tzars MC)

Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: October 25, 2024

Venus: I come from world filled with violence, death, and impossible
choices. I’ve only backed down from fight once, and that left me with
pain and regret. But now, I have chance to balance scales. I’m known
as most dangerous member of Salvation’s Bane MC. But truth is, beneath
tough exterior, I’m still a scared young woman running from monsters,
trying to protect those I love. That fear ends today. Only problem? Biker
named Piston. Doesn’t know meaning of personal space. He’s
always there, watching me, protecting me, and even though I’d never
admit it, his presence brings strange sense of peace. He makes me want
things I can never have.

Piston: For more than a decade, I’ve been Venus’s silent
protector. In the shadows, I’ve watched her, stalking her every move.
When she settled in Palm Beach with Salvation’s Bane, I made sure to
be close by. I keep an eye on her, guarding her, even if she doesn’t
realize it. But when an enemy from her past threatens her, I step out of the
shadows. Venus is on the hunt, and the monster she’s chasing has
awakened the beast in me. I protect what’s mine. And Venus?
She’s mine.

Author’s Note: Venus’ first person narrative is written in
heavily accented English. Articles (the, a, an) do not exist in Russian
language.

EXCERPT

Piston

Venus first turned up on my radar over a decade ago when she was in the FSB
in Russia. The agency I worked for was very interested in her for some
reason. I was never given the details, but I got the feeling they were
interested in luring her away from Russia. Likely because they were afraid
of her. I played my cards carefully regarding Venus. I told them the strict
truth, but I left out a lot.

Like how I’d never seen her equal in a hunter. Or that that real
shade of her hair was a very pale blonde. Or how young she looked when she
let her guard down, which wasn’t often. Or how beautiful she was. I
kept that to myself because I didn’t trust the CIA any further than I
could piss. If they were interested in this woman, she was someone I needed
to protect.

For years I kept to the shadows. When she joined Salvation’s Bane MC,
I found a home with Grim Road MC. They were completely off the radar and
close enough for me to keep an eye on Venus.

I had to smile. If she knew the extent to which I’ve been on her six
and for how long, she’d gut me like a fish.

But that’s the thing about being in deep cover. You learn how to keep
secrets, even from yourself. And Venus? She was one secret I’d vowed
never to spill. Much to the dismay of my handlers. They knew there was more
to her than I reported.

Tonight, as I held her pinned against me, feeling the rise and fall of her
chest, the stakes felt higher than ever. Her anger and her fire were
intoxicating, making every moment with her a volatile mix of danger and
desire.

“Listen,” I whispered into her ear, my voice low and steady
against the chill night air. “I’m not your enemy, Venus. I think
you know that.”

“I know you are pompous ass.” She hissed at me over her
shoulder, but I wasn’t fooled. If this woman wanted to be free,
she’d be free. And I’d be lying in pool of my own blood.

Interesting.

“Glad to see my charm didn’t go unnoticed.”

She struggled in my hold a bit longer, then relaxed with a huff, her body
still tense but no longer fighting. “You’re infuriating, you
know that, Piston?”

“That’s part of my charm too,” I replied, the corner of
my mouth lifting slightly. I loosened my grip just enough to let her know
she could break free if she wanted. It was a test as much as it was a
truce.

Venus turned within my arms to face me, her gaze fierce and calculating.
She wasn’t afraid of me, she knew she could take me, but she
wasn’t ready to kill me yet. Made me wonder why. One thing I’d
learned about Venus over the years was she never did anything without at
least a frame up of a plan.

With slow deliberate movements, she backed up one step. Then another.

“Is this a truce then?” I kept my hands to my sides, but was
ready to defend myself if necessary.

“I’m not sure.” She gave me a curious look, her gaze
moving boldly over me. Then her brow furrowed. “I’m really not
sure.”

“Then let’s call it a truce. We can always decide later to
resume fighting.”

Venus’s lips twisted into a skeptical smile, but she nodded slowly.
“Fine, truce for now. But don’t think this means I trust you,
Piston. We’re not buddies.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I replied, my voice low and even.
Her distrust was like a sharp blade held at my neck, yet there was something
exhilarating about not knowing when she might decide to slash. It was all I
could do to keep from smiling. My cock didn’t care if she saw him or
not and shot hard so fast I nearly winced. Thankfully, if she noticed, she
didn’t mention it.

We stood in silence for a moment, the tension between us palpable. The
night air was warm against my skin, and somewhere nearby an owl hooted, a
solitary sound that seemed to emphasize the isolation of our current
circumstances.

Venus finally broke the silence. “So, what now, Piston? We just stand
here in dark staring at each other until one of us breaks?” There was
a hint of amusement in her voice, a playful challenge I hadn’t heard
before.

I shrugged nonchalantly. “We could do that, or we could put this
temporary truce to better use.”

“What do you propose?” Her voice was cautious yet intrigued,
her eyes scanning my face for any hint of deceit.

“We work together,” I said simply. “You have your skills
and resources, I have mine. Together, we can find and kill the fuck outta
Zaitsev.”

“Why do you want to kill him?” She was genuinely curious, but I
knew she was filing away all this information for inspection later.
She’d remember everything about our conversation, my expressions, the
inflection of my voice, and dissect it for every ounce of information. Just
like she’d been trained to do. Same as me.

“Isn’t it enough that his goons kidnapped my vice
president?”

She nodded slowly. “Sure. But I don’t think that’s whole
story with you.”

Smart woman. “I’ll tell you my secrets if you tell me
yours.”

“Right.” She picked up the gun Zaitsev had shot me with,
checking the weapon before tucking it against her back in the waistband of
her pants. “I’m going back to Tzars. Lemon wanted me to check on
Dani.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Lemon. Wanted you to check on her
sister.” I spoke slowly, wanting to make sure I’d heard her
right, because it sounded suspiciously like Venus, the badass assassin for
the FSB, was… running. From me.

Two things were foremost in my mind. First, it didn’t sit well that
she wanted away from me. Granted, she didn’t know me as well as I knew
her, but I was becoming more and more protective of Venus. I wanted her
close where she couldn’t get into more trouble than she could get
herself out of. Though I’d watched her from afar for years (stalker
much?), I liked having her close. I blamed my vice president. Had it not
been for Lemon getting kidnapped, I might never have gotten this close to
Venus for this long. I damned sure wouldn’t have gone with her to kill
the man she’d been trying to take down for a decade.

The second thing, though…

Yeah. Having my arms around Venus — even to keep her from eviscerating me
with her dagger-like nails — awoke something inside me I thought was way
the fuck dead. I was forty-seven years old, for crying out loud. While I had
an active sex drive, I hadn’t been this hard for this long in years.
Hadn’t had a need for it. If I had an itch, I scratched it with a club
whore. No fuss. No muss. And no one expecting to be all up in my
space.

Part of what I did at Grim Road was take care of… issues.
Permanently. I’d love to say it was why I came with Venus on this
errand, but I’d be lying. I’d claimed her in my mind the moment
I’d seen her.

About the Author

Marteeka Karland is an international bestselling author who leads a double
life as an erotic romance author by evening and a semi-domesticated
housewife by day. Known for her down and dirty MC romances, Marteeka takes
pleasure in spinning tales of tenacious, protective heroes and spirited,
vulnerable heroines. She staunchly advocates that every character deserves a
blissful ending, even, sometimes, the villains in her narratives. Her
writings are speckled with intense, raw elements resulting in page-turning
delight entwined with seductive escapades leading up to gratifying
conclusions that elicit a sigh from her readers.

Away from the pen, Marteeka finds joy in baking and supporting her husband
with their gardening activities. The late summer season is set aside for
preserving the delightful harvest that springs from their combined efforts
(which is mostly his efforts, but you can count it). To stay updated with
Marteeka’s latest adventures and forthcoming books, make sure to visit her
website. Don’t forget to register for her newsletter which will pepper you
with a potpourri of Teeka’s beloved recipes, book suggestions, autograph
events, and a plethora of interesting tidbits.

Author Links

Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

Author on Facebook

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

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Tagged as Age-Gap, Marteeka Karland, Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Venus

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | October 16, 2024 · 5:00 am

Cotton Blitz

(Hades Abyss MC)

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap, Suspense

Date Published: October 18, 2024

Sometimes love is the only weapon against unspeakable evil.

Lavinia — I thought love was my salvation, until my Prince Charming turned
out to be not so princely. Then my pregnancy only made my relationship with
Tyler spiral into an even worse nightmare. Trapped in a cycle of pain and
fear, I worry there’s no escape. Until Cotton rides into my life. He
sees through my pain and vows to keep me safe. But Tyler isn’t
finished with me, and this time there’s more at stake. Escaping may
cost me everything. Maybe even my life.

Cotton — I’ve seen my share of darkness, but the cruelty Lavinia has
endured is heartbreaking. I know I’m too old for her, but I’m
all she’s got. Whatever it takes, I have to keep her from Tyler. Even
if it means making her mine. I promised her protection, gave her nights full
of passion… but when danger strikes, my promise is broken. I’ll
get her back, even if it means sending Tyler straight to hell. Because
Lavinia is mine, and I won’t stop until she’s back in my
arms.

Embark on this thrilling, emotional ride and see if love can conquer
all.

WARNING: intended for readers 18+ due to bad language, violence, and adult
situations. Cotton contains scenes that may trigger sensitive readers.

EXCERPT

Cotton

I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands clasped together so tightly my
knuckles turned white. The pressure helped ground me, keeping me tethered to
the present. The past threatened to suck me under, drag me back down to the
dark place where sleep was nearly impossible. I’d come a long way in
the last year, but the guilt still ate at me, gnawing at my insides until I
thought I might explode from the pain. My head bowed, so I closed my eyes,
resting my elbows on my knees.

No matter how much time passed, I didn’t think I’d ever be able
to forgive myself. Roe had told me more than once what happened wasn’t
my fault. The demons in my head didn’t seem to care. Roe had been a
victim. So had I. Knowing that hadn’t stopped me from thinking I could
have done more, something to prevent what happened.

My brow furrowed, and my jaw clenched. The tension in my body made my
muscles ache. Would I ever be able to let it go? Hell, would I ever want to?
As the memories played in a continuous loop, I shifted on the bed, trying to
find a comfortable position. When that didn’t help, I dragged my hand
through my hair. The knots in my stomach made me nauseous. I hadn’t
eaten much in the last few days. Seemed like the demon in my head had
decided to visit.

Those memories could go fuck themselves. I knew I should get up, eat
something, maybe hang out in the clubhouse. Except I couldn’t seem to
make myself move. As I sat there, the edge of the bed digging into my ass, I
stared at the room. Never needed a lot, but even this felt like it was
closing in on me.

A few personal items dotted the room. Nothing too girly. I had a framed
photo of Roe, something I probably should have put away. The book on my
nightstand had been read so many times it was about to fall apart. Next
chance I got, I’d order another one.

I peered down at my arm, my gaze snagging on the US Navy-themed ink.
Remembering my time back then wasn’t always easy. The weight of what
I’d done sometimes kept me awake, but those memories? They were easier
to live with than what happened a year ago.

When I turned my head, I caught a glimpse of the photo. My chest tightened,
and I forced myself to look away. Once I’d found out where Roe was
living, I’d tried to let it all go… the guilt mostly. Thinking
about her didn’t help. Roe had moved on, gotten married. She
didn’t need me to protect her, but that didn’t stop me from
wanting to make sure she was always safe. Not like I could help her if shit
ever hit the fan. I’d been fucking useless that night.

I pushed to my feet and paced the room. As I made my third or fourth round,
I sat on the edge of the bed again with a sigh. The tension in my shoulders
was back, and I knew no matter how tired I was, sleep would evade me. I
rubbed at my chest, wishing the ache sitting right behind my sternum would
ease.

The silence didn’t help. If anything, it made things worse. I could
hear every creak of the floorboards as I moved. Even my sighs sounded loud
in the otherwise empty space. Maybe I needed to get back to work. Sitting on
my ass around the house hadn’t done me any favors. I still
hadn’t worked up the nerve to hunt down a woman to scratch my itch.
Did I even have an itch anymore? It should have been impossible for me to go
this long without pussy. I hadn’t had sex since…

I buried my face in my hands and inhaled deeply, then slowly blew it out.
Despite how much I didn’t want to admit it, guilt pressed in on me.
The same guilt that kept me from wanting to find someone. The same guilt
that ate at me every day.

I straightened and lifted my head. I’d been the victim of a crime. So
had Roe. The club hadn’t blamed me, and they’d let me stay
without any questions. Don’t know what I’d have done without
them.

Would there ever come a time I could think of Roe without pain piercing my
chest? If I’d known the drinks were drugged, that she wasn’t
willing, I’d have never touched her. But I couldn’t change the
past.

My phone rang, and I jumped, startled out of my thoughts. I reached for it,
my hand hesitating. My jaw tightened when I spied Bear’s name on the
screen. “Yeah?”

“Think you can join us for a drink at the clubhouse?”
Bear’s gruff voice came through the speaker. “We’re going
to shoot some pool, maybe play some cards.”

I didn’t say anything. Hell, I didn’t know what to say. On the
one hand, I could use a drink. On the other, what good was a beer if I
couldn’t stop thinking about Roe?

“We’re worried about you. Don’t want to push, but
you’ve been cooped up in that house for a long damn time. Might do you
some good to hang out for a little while.” Bear’s tone softened,
enough I knew he meant the words.

I ran a hand through my hair and rested it on the back of my neck.
“You’re offering to babysit me?”

Bear snorted. “The fuck we are. I’m saying we need one more guy
for a proper poker game and you’re it. If you want to drink a beer or
shoot a game of pool while you’re at it, so be it.” He huffed
out a breath. “It’s not babysitting. It’s called spending
time with your brothers.”

“I don’t think I –”

“Don’t give me that. If you didn’t want company, you
wouldn’t still be with us. You could have moved on. Instead, you
stayed. That means you’re still one of us, and you need to get your
ass over here. Don’t make me come find you.”

A smile tugged at my lips, but it felt rusty. How long since I’d
genuinely smiled? “Fine. I’ll be there in a couple
minutes.”

“Good. I’m going to set the table up. Don’t keep us
waiting long,” he warned as he hung up.

I stared at Roe’s photo one more time. I kissed the tips of my
fingers and pressed them to the glass. “Maybe someday you’ll be
out of my head. Until then, I guess I’m just going through the
motions.” I nodded to myself and headed to the clubhouse.

As I stepped through the doors, the sounds of my brothers’ laughter,
clinking beer bottles, the scent of leather pulled me in. I paused just
inside the entrance and took a deep breath. Biker life. My life. Why was I
having a hard time reminding myself of that? I let my breath out slowly as I
surveyed the room.

Some of the guys were shooting pool. The old, worn-down pool table had seen
better days. Fox had found it at a garage sale and brought it here a few
months ago. Now that we didn’t have women at the clubhouse, it was a
nice addition. With all the families around here, things seemed to
constantly change. For the better in all honesty.

Bear came toward me and lifted a beer in my direction. I hesitated and then
reached out and took it. He didn’t say anything, just gave me a nod.
Fangs walked over and slapped me on the back.

“Good to see you out and about, brother. You clean up all
right.” He gave me a crooked grin. “Glad you joined
us.”

I handled the beer, my fingers curling around the bottle. I took a few
steps into the room before I froze. I forced a smile that felt more like a
grimace.

It didn’t take long before everyone made it a point to come over and
say something to me. My brothers didn’t blame me for what had
happened, and they did their best to make sure I knew that every day. Even
after Roe left. While that support should have made me feel better, it
hadn’t. Because I blamed myself.

About the Author

Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC
Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde
immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible
women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still
managing to end on a satisfying note each time.

When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new
plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book.
She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies.
Visit Wylde’s website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and
don’t forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts
and other exciting perks.

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

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Tagged as Age-Gap, Cotton, Harley Wylde, Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | October 7, 2024 · 5:00 am

Demon Lover Teaser

Paranormal Romance, Halloween, Age Gap

Date Published: October 11, 2024

When John Standcliff, Satan’s bounty hunter, is summoned to Earth to claim
the soul of a serial killer, he finds the worst of hell’s tortures can be no
worse than the pain of falling in love with a mortal woman.

Corinne Rogerio has come to Maine to research six murders that took place
back in 1656. She has no idea that the handsome stranger she meets in an old
cemetery is actually the murderer she’s been studying. Even worse, he’s been
sent to track down a serial killer who is closer to her than she ever
imagined.

EXCERPT

Sparks shot from John’s ax each time it struck the trunk of the steel tree.
Every blow jolted through his aching arms and rang in his ears, yet he
almost welcomed the racket. He’d lost track of how long he’d dwelled in the
steel forest, chopping tree after tree without pause for food, water, or
sleep. His demon’s body could survive for decades without rest or
sustenance. If he ceased chopping long enough, the bleeding sores on his
palms would heal and his muscles would almost magically stop aching.
Unfortunately he must continue the drudgery until given the order to
halt.

All around him, the smooth gray trees stretched for miles. As punishment
for his crimes, John labored alone, chopping steel trees in Satan’s forest,
only ceasing when sent to collect yet another evil soul to toil in
Hell.

“Hello, John.”

The sneering voice echoed throughout the forest and made John’s skin
prickle with disgust. Pausing, he listened to his own panting breath in the
stillness. Sweat dripped into his eyes and trickled down his torso, soaking
into the wet waistband of his black trousers. He waited for the voice to
continue. Usually when Bee called, it was to send him on one of his gruesome
missions.

“Oh, John, your services are required. Won’t it be nice to go home
again?”

“Home, Bee?” John curled his lip. The little bastard loved
playing with people. Three-hundred-forty-eight years ago, John had been far
more gullible. The first few times Bee had promised him a meeting with his
sister or even a chance to escape from Hell, he had actually believed
him.

At first he had looked forward to visiting the mortal world, but eventually
the illusion shattered. Without friends or family, the world was a lonely
place. People feared him and kept their distance. It was as if they sensed
the evil inside him and instinctively stayed away. Never again would he
experience the comfort and total relaxation of sleep, to close his eyes in
complete surrender. Perhaps worst of all was his inability to fully enjoy
lovemaking. He could pleasure women and feel intense sexual stimulation, yet
climax eluded him.

“Can’t you think of a better story than that?”

“It’s not a story. Your hometown reeks of evil. Our master has been
smelling it for quite some time now and he wants it. You go get it for him,
John, and this time there might be something in it for you.”

“Beelzebub, leave us,” said a soft, musical voice. It sent a
tingle down John’s spine and filled him with such warmth that he nearly
panicked. After so many years in Hell, nothing touched him anymore. What
sort of evil had Bee conjured that could stir his emotions again? The voice
continued. “Once a soul is condemned to Hell, it is rarely allowed a
chance for redemption. There are sometimes cases of a good soul doing evil,
and though it is not condoned, under special circumstances someone like you
may be given the opportunity to move on, providing certain specifications
are met.”

John closed his eyes and drew a deep breath. “It’s not going to work,
Bee. I no longer believe in fairy tales.”

“Bee is gone. His kind cannot abide me.”

“I suppose you’re from up there?”

“I’m from everywhere. I know no bounds. Listen carefully to what I
tell you, John Standcliff. Fulfill the task set for you and send the evil in
your hometown to Hell. Do it without harming an innocent soul, and you will
be freed from Satan’s realm and allowed your chance at
redemption.”

John laughed humorlessly. “You don’t give up, do you, Bee?”

“Believe what you will, but you have only this one
opportunity.”

“Oh, just one?” John’s voice dripped sarcasm.

“At least in this millennium. You’re not the only demon in Hell who
deserves a second chance.”

“Then give one of them my turn. I don’t want it.”

“I understand why you don’t believe me, but keep my offer in mind
during your return to the world of the living. If I’m lying, then you’ll be
no worse off than you are now, but if I’m telling the
truth…”

The voice faded. Moments later, Bee appeared beside John. He was nothing
more than a dark cloud, loosely resembling the shape of a man. Bee
shuddered. “Glad she’s gone. Now. Are you ready to get to
work?”

“Who am I after this time?”

“As usual, I can’t give you too many details. After all, I’m not
supposed to be catching the soul. That’s your job.”

“Bee…”

“It’s a serial killer. Here’s his scent.” Bee’s cloudy black hand
swept beneath John’s nose. The faint aroma was all a demon required to track
his prey. “While you’re there, why don’t you break your own rules and
hack apart some humans? The master loves it when his demons terrorize the
living.”

“Just send me out of here so I can get this over with.”

Blackness enveloped John, and in those dark moments between Hell and Earth,
he absorbed the details of his new identity and a crash course on life in
the twenty-first century.

About the Author

Always a fan of romance and the paranormal, I started writing over twenty
years ago. My first story was accepted for publication in 1996. Since then
I’ve written over one hundred short stories, novellas and novels. I
love to blend genres. I also love horror and a happily ever after, so if
you’re looking for romance with witches, aliens, vampires, angels,
demons, shapeshifters and more, there’s a good chance you’ll
find something to your taste here.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, watching horror and action
movies, working out and spending time with my family and pets.

Contact Links

Author on Goodreads

Author on Twitter

Follow Kate on Amazon

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok: @changelingpress

Preorder Today

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Tagged as Age-Gap, Demon Lover, Halloween, Kate Hill, PARANORMAL ROMANCE

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | September 24, 2024 · 5:00 am

Deacon Teaser Tuesday

Iron Tzars MC, Book 12

Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense, Age Gap

Date Published: September 27, 2024

Apple — I gave Deacon my heart, but he said I was too young. So he left.
For over a year. Didn’t want me around. Hurt and humiliated, I left
for Grim Road MC. If anyone will understand my need to hide and lick my
wounds for a while, it’ll be my sister Lemon. Of course, Lemon’s
also a royal bitch. When I get shot, first thing she does is call Deacon —
the last person I ever want to see again. Then she sicces him on the man who
ordered the hit. Not sure who I’m gonna kill first — Deacon, or
Lemon.

Deacon — All I ever wanted was to keep Apple safe. To protect her. Mostly
from me. When my president sent me to infiltrate a trafficking ring, I
gladly accepted the assignment. I thought once I was gone, Apple’d
have time to grow up. Fall in love with someone her own age. Someone better.
Then my enemies went after Apple. When Lemon tells me she’s been shot,
her call pushes me over the edge. Now, I’m going to unleash hell.
Maybe then, Apple will forgive me for pushing her away.

EXCERPT

“I don’t want to wait, Deacon,” I whispered. “Not
anymore.”

“Me neither, baby. But I’ve gotta give you your property patch
in front of the club. You also gotta get inked.”

“But –” He silenced me with a kiss before laying me down on
the bed and covering me with his heavy body. His actions belied his words. I
found the ridge of his cock and rubbed myself against him.

“No, Apple.” His tone was stern, but he continued to kiss me,
nipping at my jaw and neck before placing a lingering kiss to the swell of
my breast. He stood, reaching for me and pulling me to my feet. “Not
until I give you the vest.” He grinned. “And not in the
clubhouse. We’re goin’ home.” He cupped my face and kissed
me once more before unlocking the door and pulling me after him back to the
common room.

Deacon grinned, draping an arm over my shoulders possessively. He looked
proud to have me with him. Several of the guys clapped him on the shoulder
good-naturedly and gave me respectful nods. The Iron Tzars might be as wild
as any other MC, but they were respectful of their women. Besides, everyone
knew Lemon would have their balls if they weren’t. Also, Wylde would
likely have done his worst. Which, he might be the tech guy, but Wylde was
more than what he showed on the surface.

“Deacon!” Roman called to him from across the room. The party
had started, though the place was more sedate than I’d seen in the
past. Especially since me and Lemon were the guests of honor, so to speak. I
was sure that was why there were only a couple of club girls in the area,
and they were there strictly to keep the food coming when Iris told
them.

Deacon raised his hand to the enforcer. Instead of a welcoming smile,
however, Roman looked serious. Like he was displeased in the extreme.

“Deacon? What’s wrong?” I gripped Deacon’s hand in
both of mine, looking up at him. There was a look of dread briefly before
his expression closed off. I glanced back at Roman who was giving Deacon a
hard look in return.

“Nothin’, Applejack,” he murmured, leaning close to my
ear. “I’ll be right back.” Deacon kissed my temple as he
wrapped his arms around me in a fierce hug. He strode to Roman, who took him
into Sting’s office and shut the door. It was over an hour before the
three of them exited the room. Roman said something to Deacon, who nodded.
Sting gripped Deacon’s shoulder, before slapping it in a show of
solidarity and encouragement. Whatever had happened couldn’t be too
bad. Right?

Deacon scanned the room until he found me. He flashed a tight smile before
heading in my direction. Once he reached me, he pulled me back into his arms
and hugged me tightly for several long seconds.

“What’s going on?”

“I’ll explain in a minute. Let’s go home
first.”

“Right now? The party’s just started.” I grinned up at
him. Unease had settled in my belly. I knew something was wrong and
wasn’t sure I wanted to go with him right now. The longer I put off
leaving, the longer I had this one night with him. Because I knew something
was about to happen I wouldn’t like.

“I’m sorry, honey. This can’t wait.” He gave me a
sad, gentle look, but I could see the truth in his eyes.

I shook my head. “I don’t want to, Deacon.”

He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. Gripping my hand firmly, he
tugged me after him. When we got to the parking lot, he led me to his bike
and climbed on. “Ride with me, Applejack.” He held out his hand
for me to grip for balance if I wanted to climb on. He almost willed me to
take his hand.

As if I could deny him anything. I loved Deacon.

He rode me around the property for a while. I always loved the feeling of
the wind in my hair as he sped over the hard paths. It felt like I was
flying. The one time I’d been on the open road with Deacon especially.
Even with a helmet, I’d never felt more free in my life.

All too soon the ride ended and Deacon pulled up outside the little house
we’d been given. I should have been excited. This was the moment
I’d been waiting for. To be at the house with the intention of having
sex with Deacon. Only, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. He
hadn’t given me his property cut. So, whatever was about to happen
wasn’t going to be welcomed.

He helped me remove my helmet and lashed it to the back of his bike. Then
he took my hand and we went inside. Deacon locked the door but stood with
his hands on the door, his forehead against the wood.

Carefully, I placed a hand on his back. “What’s about to
happen, Deacon?” My voice was so soft I wasn’t sure if
he’d heard me, but after letting out a deep breath, Deacon turned to
face me.

“You know I love you, right, Apple?”

I nodded. “Yes. I know.”

“Then I need you to trust me. I’m going to have to wait to give
you your property cut.”

“Why?” I tried to keep my voice steady, but I was very near
tears. “This was the plan. We were going to be together.”

“We will be, Apple. I just need a year. One year. Use it to spend
time with your sister doing stuff young women your age normally
do.”

“What is this, Deacon? I don’t want to go on trips or to
parties unless it’s with you.”

“Honey, there is something I have to take care of. It’s going
to require I be gone a lot over the next several months. I don’t think
it’s fair to ask you to wait for me.”

“Wait… “ Dread washed through me and I shook my head.
“Are you… are you breaking up with me?”

“One year, Apple. Give me a year. If you haven’t found someone
you want more than me, I’ll be home and I’ll beg you to take me
back.”

“Are you going to be with other women?”

“Honey, I swear to you, I’ve not been with another woman since
I made a commitment to you. Not in the whole three years since I’ve
known you. That’s not going to change. Not as long as you’re not
in a relationship.”

I watched him for a long time, studying his expression. His eyes. Looking
for anything that might give me some hint as to what was going on. I found
nothing.

With a sigh, I nodded. “I’ll be waiting on you when you come
home. I don’t want this to be the end.”

He gave me a gentle smile. “It won’t. I promise.”

“Why did you want us to come here? If you’re not giving me your
cut yet, are we still, uh, are we going to sleep together?”

“We’re not going to have sex tonight, honey. But I want to
spend the night with you. I want to hold you all night while you
sleep.”

“We can still make love, Deacon. I want you.”

“I want you too, honey. But I have to leave in the morning. I’m
not sure when I’ll be back, and even when I am, I might not be able to
stay long. I’m not using this as an excuse to take what I want without
committing to you.” He cupped my face in both his hands, leaning over
to brush a tender kiss over my lips. “I’m going to hold you
while you sleep. You’re going to give me this one night. After I
leave, we’ll revisit us in a year.”

“I’ll wait, Deacon. Just… try to talk to me as much as
you can? Make sure to see me whenever possible?”

He smiled reassuringly at me. “I promise to do everything possible to
stay in contact with you, Applejack.”

I took him at his word. He held me all night long. With Deacon wrapped
around me, I’d never slept so well as I did that night. Sure, I woke
occasionally, but only to shift my position. Always, Deacon whispered softly
to me until I dozed back off. It was paradise.

* * *

The next few months, Deacon called me at least once a week. Then it backed
off to once every other week. By the time our year was up, I hadn’t
talked to him the entire last two months before he’d promised
he’d be home.

It was another two months before he finally came back to Iron Tzars MC.
When he did, Deacon wasn’t the same person he’d been when
he’d left.

About the Author

Author on Instagram & TikTok: @marteekakarland

Author on Facebook

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

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Tagged as Age-Gap, Deacon, Marteeka Karland, Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense

by Jennifer Reed/ bookjunkiez | September 10, 2024 · 5:00 am

March Teaser Tuesday

(Underland MC)

Motorcycle Club Romance, Age Gap, Suspense

Date Published: September 13, 2024

Sometimes the most forbidden love can be the most
irresistible…

Violet — My life has never been a bed of roses, especially after I lost my
brother. He gave his life for his country, and without him, I lived in pure
hell. My family was the type you read about in horror books or bad news
stories, but I was doing my best to survive. It wasn’t going so bad. I
went away to college, thought everything would be better… Until I
went to a frat party that went horribly wrong. Now I’m pregnant, lost,
and so very alone. So I did the one thing I told myself I’d never do.
I used my computer skills in a not very legal way to look up my
brother’s best friend — Marcus Blevins. He’s the only person I
can think of who might be able to help me, to keep me from drowning, or
doing something stupid. Never once did I think he’d find me
suspicious. But once he let me in, I knew I’d do anything to
stay.

March – I ran like hell from my old neighborhood by joining the
military, and even after I was discharged, I never looked back. My friend
and brother in arms lost his life. I watched the life fade from his eyes.
There’s no going back after that. How could I ever face his little
sister, Violet? I never once thought she’d track me down — or that
she could — but when she shows up on the clubhouse doorstep, I can’t
help but be suspicious. I have enough on my plate without adding her
problems to it, but once I know what happened to her, I can’t look the
other way. I’ll make them all pay for what they did. The more time I
spend with Violet, the more I realize she’s all grown up… and
the more I fall under her spell. If her brother knew the sorts of thoughts
I’m having, he’d come back from the dead to kick my ass. But
just maybe I need Vi as much as she needs me.

Suspense, passion, and second chances — are you ready to dive into this
captivating tale?

WARNING: Intended for readers 18+ due to adult situations, language, and
violence. March has a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.

EXCERPT

“March, Ben knew,” Hatter stated, firm and resolute. “He
knew.”

“Knew what?” I asked, even though I feared the answer.

“That we’re brothers. All of us,” Hatter replied. I knew
what he meant. Sometimes family went beyond blood.

“Brothers ‘til the end,” Cheshire echoed quietly, and we
drank to that unspoken truth.

The silence lingered like a thick fog, heavy enough to choke on. Cheshire
broke it first, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. “We’ve
all got ghosts, brother. Some just scream louder than others. You and
Ben… Well, you had a longer history than the rest of us had with him.
And you were right there when it happened.”

No shit. Some nights, I still felt the spray of his blood coating my skin.
The warmth of it searing me like hot coals.

“Damn right,” Hatter added. “Lost too many to count. Each
one leaves a mark, but you keep going. Because that’s what warriors
do.”

My fists unclenched slowly, the white of my knuckles fading back to flesh.
Their words, raw and honest, chiseled away at the walls I’d
built.

“Remember Rico?” Cheshire asked, tipping his chair back, his
blue eyes clouding over. “Took three bullets meant for me. I hear his
laugh sometimes, in the wind. It’s like he’s still here, riding
with us.”

“Rico was a good man.” Hatter nodded solemnly. “Died a
warrior’s death.”

“And Ben… he died a hero’s death,” I murmured,
finally finding the strength to lift my gaze.

“Heroes, every last one,” Hatter agreed. His piercing eyes held
mine, not letting me sink back into the dark. “And we carry them with
us, every mile of the road.”

“Every damn mile,” I echoed, feeling the truth in his words
weave through the pain.

“Look around, March,” Cheshire said, gesturing to the crowded
room. “This is family. We’re your brothers, through thick and
thin. We may not have all made it out of there alive, but our fallen
brothers will live on in our memories. As long as we remember them,
they’ll never truly die.”

I scanned the clubhouse, the familiar scents of oil and leather wrapping
around me like a balm. Laughter bounced off the walls, and the warmth soaked
into me. This place, these men, they were my sanctuary in a world laced with
chaos.

“Family,” I whispered, allowing the word to settle in my
chest.

“Always,” Hatter affirmed, reaching across the table to clasp
my shoulder.

“Let’s drink to that,” Cheshire said, an edge of his grin
returning. He raised his beer, and Hatter and I followed suit, our bottles
clinking.

The tension drained from my body, seeping into the floorboards below. In
its place, something warm unfurled, a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in
a long time. It never lasted. Wouldn’t. Couldn’t. I took what
little bits of solace I could find here and there. It was the only way to
remain even somewhat sane.

“Brothers,” I said, meeting their eyes. The bond between us,
forged in blood and fire, was unbreakable.

“Until the end,” they replied in unison.

For the first time in what felt like forever, laughter bubbled up from deep
within me, genuine and freeing. I was home, surrounded by my brothers, and
for now, that was all I needed. And when the nightmares returned, I’d
have to remind myself of this moment, and all the ones like it we’d
shared since we became civilians again.

The room hushed as I stood, beer in hand, eyes scanning the faces of my
brothers. Each one carried scars, tales etched in flesh and soul. The air
was thick with unspoken understanding, an electric current of shared loss
that hummed beneath our skin. I knew they could tell by the look in my eyes
that I’d been fighting my demons before I came in here. Each man had
done the same, countless times.

“Tonight,” I started, “we remember those who aren’t
here to raise a glass. Ben. Rico. Tate.” My throat tightened, a noose
of grief tugging with every name.

“Vick,” Rabbit said, lifting his beer.

“Jarret,” Tweedle said.

“To our fallen brothers, may the road they ride be smooth and
endless,” I said.

“Ride free,” the chorus echoed back, a haunting melody of
respect and remembrance.

I drank, the bitter brew sliding down my throat. Swallowed past the lump
that never quite faded. With each sip, a silent oath to never forget.

I lowered my bottle, the weight of brotherhood heavy in my chest. A
patchwork family bound tighter than blood could ever dictate. It gave
purpose to the pain, a beacon in the tempest that was my mind.

They didn’t know how much they kept me anchored, these men who shared
my demons. How the roar of engines and their gruff voices were the only
lullabies capable of quieting the cacophony of war that still played on a
loop in my head.

“March,” Hatter’s voice cut through my reflection.
“They’d be damn proud of you.”

“Damn right,” Cheshire added, his smirk betraying the moisture
in his eyes.

Pride mingled with the sorrow, a bittersweet cocktail that warmed from
within. This club, this duty I bore, it was more than a title or a role. It
was a lifeline — a reason to keep pushing when darkness clawed at my
edges.

“Thanks,” I managed, my voice raw. “Couldn’t do it
without you bastards.”

Laughter erupted, a salve to the open wounds. In their company, even the
deepest cuts seemed to heal, if just for a moment.

Once a Marine, always a Marine. But here, in the Underland MC, we were
more. We were guardians of each other’s sanity, keepers of stories too
grim for the light of day. And protectors of this town.

I looked around at my brothers, their faces as hard as the lives we led,
yet there was warmth there too. They were the pillars in the chaos, the
constant in a life that had offered little else.

In the safety of shadows, where the world couldn’t reach us, we were
invincible. And in that moment, I allowed myself to believe it. We’d
already battled several times in this place we now called home, and
we’d been lucky enough to not lose anyone.

Outside these walls, danger prowled, hungry and relentless. It clawed at
the edges of our sanctuary, waiting for a crack to slip through, a weakness
to exploit.

“Tomorrow’s ride is going to be dicey,” I said.
“But we ride together, through whatever shitstorm comes our
way.”

About the Author

Author on Facebook, Instagram, & TikTok: @harleywylde

Publisher on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok:
@changelingpress

Pre-Order Today

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Filed under Teasers

Tagged as Age-Gap, Harley Wylde, March, Motorcycle Club Romance, Suspense

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