Title Shades of Steel (Shades of Steel Security Book 1)
Author Rhonda Lee Carver
Genre Contemporary Western Romance
Book Blurb
As children, they vowed to be together forever, but people evolve. Can they mend the shattered promises of their past and earn the second chance they deserve?
Perry “Puma” Steel has ended his contract with his special op's unit, seeking one goal: to run his own ranch in the Colorado mountains and start Shades of Steele Security. The mission is to protect, but Puma didn’t expect to become the guardian of someone from his past—someone he's never truly gotten over. Someone who could soften his rough edges.
Bryar LeGuard finds herself in a dangerous situation. She has ruffled a criminal's feathers, jeopardizing her life. Now he wants her dead. Fearing for her safety, and her family, she has no choice but to seek the protection of the one man she swore she would never see again—her ex-husband. They are enemies...but are they?
Both have transformed from the young sweethearts who once promised each other forever. Puma is now war-hardened and rough around the edges, while Bryar is damaged and tends to sabotage any chance at love. He may be the only one who can save her—not just from the threat against her life, but from her painful past. His lips and touch bring her bliss but forgiving him for breaking her heart may be a formidable challenge.
The clock is ticking. Puma must save her before he loses her for the second time. Or is she saving him? He will give his life to protect her, and it might come down to just that.
If you enjoy books by amazing authors like Lisa Mondello and Anna Hackett, you'll love Rhonda Lee Carver's books.
Excerpt
The Bryar he remembered had been a brunette with bronze highlights and a constant, easy smile. She radiated sunshine and fresh air, her laughter accompanied by charming dimples. She’d been kind and exuded an innocence that attracted everyone around her.
The only similarity between the young Bryar he once knew and the current version was in her eyes, which were so blue they nearly appeared silver.
The lips that once curved into a smile were now set in a frown, devoid of the cute, carefree dimples or the spark that had made her special. She wore a single slender braid in her hair. Her dark eyebrows were furrowed, and she wore dark eyeshadow around those striking eyes that silently pinned him to the wall.
Each ear had a row of piercings, and a small diamond glistened from her right nostril. The sundress was about the only soft thing about her—it was white with pale blue flowers, featuring a feminine cut that hugged her womanly curves, which she hadn’t had ten years ago. The lacy-trimmed top exposed the tops of her breasts. He’d never considered himself to be a tits man, but he did consider himself a Bryar man. Everything about her set him on fire with need. Even now, even after all the pain they’d shared.
A snarl sounded low in her chest. “Don’t come back and start making demands.”
He exhaled slowly. “What happened? Has life been so unkind to you that it stole all your radiance?”
“Great way to make a girl feel pretty,” she said with a glimpse of a smile.
“Don’t get me wrong, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, but you always found the positive in everything.” He lifted a tendril of her hair, wrapping it around his knuckle before allowing it to drop back into the thick mass at her cheek.
“There’s just something so glamorous about taking care of an ill father, losing a mother, having a brother in prison, and running a failing business that makes a girl feel all perky,” she said sarcastically.
He didn’t realize things were so tough on her. What Puma didn’t know was that the family bar, which had once been a thriving business, was now failing. Lane failed to mention that particular aspect to Puma. Or maybe Lane had no clue how things really were. He’d been locked up for a while, and a lot could change in that time.
“Lane believes you’re in trouble,” Puma said softly.
“Why does this concern you? Lane should have never involved you in our business.”
This oppressive feeling of guilt nearly brought Puma to his knees. Feelings like this weren’t good for a man who’d promised to protect her always. He shook his head and slammed his hand through his hair. “Still as stubborn as a mule.”
Bryar shrugged one shoulder. “I’ve become quite good at handling my own issues.”
“Even those who are independent need help at times.”
“Don’t count on it,” she said bitterly.
“Why didn’t you file for divorce?”
“Please, don’t…”
“Please don’t what? This involves me too.” He took a step toward her.
She held up her hand. “Don’t come any closer, buddy.”
His throat jerked. “Do you not trust me or yourself?”
“You.”
Puma felt uneasy about the accusation in her words, yet he recognized the deep pain she still bore. He noticed the flickering embers in her eyes. Not wanting to put any more pressure on her or delve deeper into the invisible wound, he took a step back. “There’s still a lot we need to resolve,” he said calmly.
“What you refer to as unresolved matters, I see as a history I have no wish to revisit,” she replied, circling him.
“We’re not done yet, Bry. Think of this as unresolved business.”
“Why don’t you do us both a favor and stay away from me,” she said and strode out of the house.
He stared at the door for a long time. How the hell could he make things right between them?
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Author Biography
Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.
By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).
Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.
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