Redemption
Book 5 in The McKenzie Ridge Series
The final
installment…
by Stephanie
St. Klaire
Jessie Clarke has worked
hard for nearly a decade to overcome the trauma of her past, becoming a
firefighter in McKenzie Ridge has helped her rise above the ashes and become a
strong, independent woman. But, underneath her foul mouth and tough exterior,
Jessie is hiding something... A secret that could not only endanger her but
destroy all those she loves in the small mountain town she calls home.
Blake Cooper, sexy police
chief of McKenzie Ridge, is the perfect combination of rugged and good looks
but he has secrets of his own. Secrets that could bring the strongest man to
his knees. As a man of honor, he is dedicated to protect and serve the people
in his town, even when he's forced to overstep boundaries that could come back
to haunt him.
Jessie and Blake's
love-hate relationship comes to a screeching halt and sparks fly when they’re
forced to work together to keep McKenzie Ridge safe. When the past catches up
with her, will he be able to keep her
safe? Can Jessie learn to trust Blake or will his secrets fuel the fire that's
closing in, igniting a blaze that could consume not only them, but burn
McKenzie Ridge to the ground.
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Excerpt
She moved in front of him, her
body touching his, remembering the feel of his large strong hands on her as he
hoisted her over his strong brawny shoulder and again when he caught her from
falling in the hospital. As much as he infuriated her, he ignited her, and at
this very moment, she didn’t feel like fighting it. She could barely remember
why they fought it in the first place.
Blake grabbed her by the hips
and pulled her against him, dissolving any question as to where he stood and
what he was feeling in that moment. Given the stiff ridge firmly pressed
against her belly, it was safe to assume he felt the same damn way she did. Hot
and hungry.
As tough as Jessie appeared to
be on the outside, she was anything but when it came to intimacy – another scar
from her past. With Blake, though, she felt safe, comfortable, and unreserved.
It may have been his gentle way with her despite his larger than life, all
alpha persona, or it might simply be because he was Blake. Either way, he
awakened something in her that she hadn’t felt, didn’t fear, and desperately
craved.
With one hand snaking around
her waist to the small of her back, he pulled her body against his. Fisting her
hair with his free hand, Blake tilted her head back before lowering his mouth
to hers. Soft and sweet at first, he was cautious with her and wanted to know
her boundaries. There was no telling what kind of scars remained in this part
of her life, and he wanted her to trust him, especially with this. He let her
lead; she could show him what she wanted as much as what she desired. It was all
up to her. She got to be in control so whatever they had together would grow
organically, naturally.
When she deepened the kiss, he
followed suit. She desired him as much as he did her. It was clear when her
hands slowly slid their way up his body and around his neck, and she pulled him
down harder so she could take his mouth in a bolder move. Jessie was trying to
prove something – more to herself than him.
About Stephanie
St. Klaire
Stephanie St. Klaire debuted in 2016, launching her
writing career with Rescued, the first book in the widely popular, five book
series known as McKenzie Ridge. Stephanie is a Pacific Northwest native
currently living in Oregon with her husband, five children, and two ferocious
lap dogs.
As a
writer, Stephanie brings realistic circumstances to the pages, and fills them
with real emotion, reactions, and outcomes. Her characters are passionate, have
bold personalities, and full of life. She writes happily ever after’s, with
plenty of twists, turns, drama, and of course, steamy romance.
Stephanie
has always been a story teller, with the gift of “gab”, and a life-long goal to
be a writer. Unfortunate circumstances with her health, finally afforded her
the time to do so. Irony at its best, she began writing her first novel at an
adverse time, to escape her circumstance and explore the stories in her
imagination for relief. She is happy to share those stories with her readers,
and bring a little fun, entertainment, and of course smexy characters to the
pages.
Follow
Stephanie St. Klaire on Social media to learn more about her, and to keep up
with her work.
#1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Helen Hardt’s passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.
