Taken By The Heart (4 Contemporary Romance Novellas) Read online

  TAKEN BY THE HEART

  4 Contemporary Romance Novellas

  By

  Sierra Rose

  Lexy Timms

  K.L. Middleton

  C.J. Pinard

  Copyright © 2014 All Authors Named in This Book.

  All rights reserved.

  Smashwords Edition, License Notes

  This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy.

  Thank you for respecting the hard work of these authors.

  The stories in this book are the property of their authors, in all media both physical and digital. No one, except the owners of this property, may reproduce, copy or publish in any medium any individual story or part of this anthology without the expressed permission of the authors of these works.

  Read 4 different novellas from 4 different contemporary romance stories. We hope you enjoy the books you are about to read and meet some new characters to love!

  Quick Blurbs:

  In book 1, Ashly is haunted by her ex’s actions when he dumped her at the altar.

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ8m9f7JDzk

  * * *

  In book 2, Charity has a rocky relationship with her father and tries to put the past behind her when she meets her sexy new doctor.

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABs_uaeEamo

  * * *

  In book 3, when Emma runs into her cocky new neighbor, Special Agent Chase Williams, things get heated.

  * * *

  In book 4, U.C. San Diego college student, Miranda Cates is excited to start college. When she meets the very hot and sexy U.S. Marine, Chris Ferguson, it's lust at first sight.

  The detailed blurbs will start now:

  BOOK 1 – My Despicable Ex (Part 1)

  She thinks he’s despicable. He wants her back…with a vengeance.

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ8m9f7JDzk

  Ashly Roberts and Jake Connors are barely twenty when they decide to take the proverbial plunge and walk down the aisle to exchange vows in front of the dearly beloved. Basking in bridal bliss, Ashly feels she is living the perfect fairytale, until she’s faced with a runaway groom, dumped at the altar by bad-boy fiancé, Jake Connors.

  Five years later, Jake steps back into her life…

  He realizes that being a no-show for their nuptials was the worst mistake of his life. A little older and more mature, he is ready to fight for Ashly’s love once again. When Ashly sees him, she can’t deny the attraction she feels, but her hormones are overruled by the horror of what he did to her in the past. Nevertheless, Jake’s most potent weapon, those dazzling baby blues, ignites a spark in Ashly, no matter how angry she wants to be. She cannot deny the spark, and she only hopes the inferno it ignites will not consume her heart again.

  *This is NOT erotica* This is a love story and a romance. Ashly is a photographer and took this hot, shirtless picture of Jake before they broke up. He hopes they can rekindle the magic and re-take this picture.

  *This is a two book series*

  (All of your answers won't be answered in book 1)

  BOOK 2 – Saving Forever (Part 1)

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABs_uaeEamo

  Charity Thompson wants to save the world, one hospital at a time. Instead of finishing med school to become a doctor, she chooses a different path and raises money for hospitals – new wings, equipment, whatever they need. Except there is one hospital she would be happy to never set foot in again--her fathers. So of course he hires her to create a gala for his sixty-fifth birthday. Charity can’t say no. Now she is working in the one place she doesn’t want to be. Except she’s attracted to Dr. Elijah Bennet, the handsome playboy chief.

  Will she ever prove to her father that’s she’s more than a med school dropout? Or will her attraction to Elijah keep her from repairing the one thing she desperately wants to fix?

  ** This is NOT Erotica. It's Romance and a love story. **

  * This is Part 1 of a three book series *

  BOOK 3 – Chasing Emma by K.L. Middleton

  Twenty-seven-year-old Emma has had her share of bad relationships and isn't in a hurry to jump back into the dating scene, especially when she runs into her cocky new neighbor, Special Agent Chase Williams, with his hands all over her panties. After a few choice words in the laundry room, she decides to avoid him at all costs, but fate has a cruel sense of humor and Emma soon finds herself reluctantly agreeing to dinner after helping locate his sister. During dinner, he turns on the charm and Emma struggles with her own resolve to keep things platonic, which proves difficult with someone as sexy and determined as Chase.

  BOOK 4 – Whose Bed Have Your (Combat) Boots Been Under?

  By C.J. Pinard

  U.C. San Diego college student Miranda Cates is opened up to a new world of college boys and hot military men when she realizes her campus is situated so closely to two very large military bases. When her new friends introduce her to some fun nightlife, she meets hot and sexy U.S. Marine Chris Ferguson who sweeps her off her feet and takes her places in his bedroom she’s never been before. When she begins to fall for Chris, she receives an e-mail that shakes up her world and makes her question what she’s doing falling for this seemingly unavailable man to begin with.

  Contains adult content. Appropriate for readers 18 and older.

  ***

  THIS IS THE END OF THE INTRODUCTION.

  MY DESPICABLE EX

  STARTS ON THE NEXT PAGEShow more

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  BOOK 1

  My Despicable Ex

  By

  Sierra Rose

  Copyright 2013 by Sierra Rose

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  She thinks he’s despicable. He wants her back…with a vengeance.

  Ashly Roberts and Jake Connors are barely twenty when they decide to take the proverbial plunge and walk down the aisle to exchange vows in front of the dearly beloved. Basking in bridal bliss, Ashly feels she is living the perfect fairytale, until she’s faced with a runaway groom, dumped at the altar by bad-boy fiancé, Jake Connors.

  Five years later, Jake steps back into her life, realizing that being a no-show for their nuptials was the worst mistake of his life. A little older and slightly more mature, he is ready to fight for Ashly’s love once again. When Ashly sees him, she can’t deny the attraction she feels, but her hormones are overruled by the horror of what he did to her in the past. Nevertheless, Jake’s most potent weapon, those dazzling baby blues, ignites a spark in Ashly, no matter how angry she wants to be. She cannot deny the spark, and she only hopes the inferno it ignites will not c
onsume her heart again.

  According to the terms of her mother’s will, Ashly cannot cash in on her inheritance until she and Jake travel to nearly a dozen locations around the globe. The thought of pairing up with her old flame makes her blood boil, but she has little choice other than to put up with her despicable ex.

  Can Ashly put up with Jake through her globe-hopping scavenger hunt to get her family fortune? Will she ever be able to forget or forgive being dumped on her wedding day? When wounds run so deep, is forgiveness even possible between old lovers? Or is it, “Goodbye!” all over again, after everything is said and done?

  BOOK TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ8m9f7JDzk

  Chapter 1

  I was born and raised in New York City. Every day, I’m amazed by the breathtaking landscape and awe-inspiring skyline. The Big Apple is, truly, a city that never sleeps. Bright lights, honking taxicabs, and noise are present twenty-four/seven, but somehow, in the midst of all that hustle and bustle and crowded chaos, I found my soulmate. Gazing down at my glittering diamond engagement ring, I couldn’t stop smiling.

  Jake Connors lived in the Bronx, the son of a housekeeper who worked for a multimillionaire business tycoon. His mother’s boss used his personal connections and whipped out his checkbook to help Jake enroll at the same elite private school where I was a student. Jake was smart, but he still had T-R-O-U-B-L-E written all over him. In school, he was reprimanded numerous times and even suspended twice. If it wasn’t for his benefactor’s connections, he would have been thrown out right on his naughty butt.

  Bad boys are irresistible (as any private school girl, teacher’s pet, or preacher’s daughter will tell you), so of course it wasn’t long before Jake and I fell madly in love against my parents’ wishes, and the rest is history.

  At the ripe old age of twenty, I was about to begin my life as Mrs. Jake Connors. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, and excitement and nerves washed through me like a tidal wave. Matchbox Twenty’s “Overjoyed” played softly in the background, one of the songs on the playlist I’d put together just for that morning. I loved the way the beading from my wedding gown sparkled under the bright lights of the church.

  I pulled the lace material down over my shoulders and turned to gaze at Nadia, my best friend since childhood. Her long blonde hair was twisted and woven into an elegant and elaborate up-do, and her sapphire-blue silk dress and matching heels was a stunning ensemble.

  A tear rolled down her face as she adjusted my veil and diamond tiara. “There. You look perfect, just like Cinderella,” she said, wiping her eyes. “I know I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I’m so happy that your fairytale is finally coming true.”

  I gushed with emotion. “I’ve dreamt about this moment my entire life.”

  Her brown eyes gleamed. “I know. You’re gonna be Mrs. Ashly Connors!” she squealed, clapping her perfectly manicured hands together.

  I couldn’t stop grinning. “I’ve never loved anyone the way I love Jake.”

  “And you’re putting all those doubters to rest.”

  “I know. Everyone swore we’d never make it, yet here we are, about to walk down the aisle!” Tears welled up, and I started fanning my face. “This is the happiest day of my life.”

  She reached for a tissue. “Don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup that I spent so long trying to get just right.”

  “I-I can’t help it,” I said, sniffling and in a trembling voice. “I’ve never ever been this happy and excited.”

  “This is just the beginning,” Nadia said. “You two are going to have a fabulous life together.”

  I smiled. “We are, aren’t we?”

  “Definitely!” she said, squeezing my hands in reassurance.

  Grinning, my cousin walked in with a dozen red roses. “Looks like somebody sent the bride flowers.”

  I lit up. “They’re beautiful,” I said, taking the bouquet to read the card.

  “Well? Who sent them?” Nadia asked curiously.

  I shot her the widest grin. “Who else? They’re from Jake. The card says he’s dreamt of this day forever, and that he can’t wait for our lives to begin together as husband and wife.”

  “Aw!” Nadia said. “That’s so sweet.”

  A tear rolled down my cheek. “Is he here yet? I have to go thank him.”

  “No way, young lady!” Nadia scolded. “As your maid of honor, it is my duty to make sure he doesn’t see you before the ceremony. It’s bad luck, and we can’t have that.”

  “Then have him come to the door, and I’ll open it just a crack.”

  “He’s not here yet,” my cousin informed me.

  “What!?” My jaw dropped. “He was supposed to be here an hour ago. I just assumed he was with all the groomsmen, because the photographer said he was heading that way to get some pictures. Where do you think—”

  “I’m sure he’ll be here any minute,” my cousin said, cutting me off before I went off into a full-blown panic. “I’ll go look for him and tell him his beautiful bride is waiting.”

  I plastered on a fake smile as she turned around and left. “Hey, Nadia, can you do me a huge favor?” I asked. “Can you tell Jim I need to talk to him?”

  She lightly patted my shoulder. “Harassing the best man isn’t gonna get your groom here any quicker.”

  “I know, but…I just know Jake would never be late—not for this. Where’s my cell phone?” I asked, frantically digging through my purse. I looked back up at Nadia. “Do you think anything happened, that something came up or—”

  “Calm down, Ashly,” she said in a soft tone. “I’m sure he’s fine. He’s probably planning some kind of romantic last-minute surprise.”

  “You’re right. I need to calm down,” I said, taking deep breaths, “but I can’t. Where the heck is my phone anyway?” I asked, anxiously darting my eyes all around the room. I set the flowers down and smiled when my cell phone rang.

  Nadia picked it up from the table. “Here. It was right where you left it.”

  “I’m such a scatterbrain.”

  “Well, it’s excusable today. You’re a bride with a million things running through that pretty little head of yours.” She glanced down with a huge smile. “Put all your worries to rest. It’s Jake.”

  “Oh, thank goodness.” I breathed a sigh of relief as I reached for the phone. “Jake!” I squealed in excitement. “I got the flowers! They’re just gorgeous.”

  When he didn’t say anything, I felt a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

  “Why aren’t you here yet? And where the heck are you? The ceremony starts in less than thirty minutes.”

  “Ashly, uh…there’s something I need to tell you,” as he awkwardly said the words no woman would want to hear on her wedding day.

  I clenched my hands into tight fists; something in his voice made me really nervous. “Jake, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m so sorry, but…look, I-I just can’t do this.”

  Confusion and shock overwhelmed me. Through the fog in my mind, it took me a minute to realize what he was actually saying. “What do you mean?”

  “I can’t make it,” he said in a grim tone.

  I tried to process his words, but everything had begun to spin around me, as if I was caught in some nightmarish hurricane. “What do you mean you can’t make it? And why are you so nonchalant? This isn’t just some Superbowl get-together with your buddies, Jake! It’s our wedding!”

  Silence was his only response.

  “Babe, are you just getting cold feet or what?” I asked in a panicked voice. “Tell me you aren’t seriously considering backing out and leaving me at the alt—”

  “Ashly, I’m not ready to get married. I’ve been thinking about it hard. I’m only twenty years old, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for all of this—for any of it, really.”

  Shock flooded over me, and every square inch of me, inside and out, seemed to crumble, as if I’d been hit by a Mack truck. “So you tell me thirty minutes before y
ou’re supposed to walk down the aisle? What am I supposed to tell everyone?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I love you, Jake. I love you so much. Please don’t do this.”

  He didn’t even bother returning those three precious words.

  My hand trembled as I held the phone. “We need to talk face to face. I at least deserve that, don’t you think?”

  “I’ve gotta go,” he whispered.

  “Baby, please don’t! Jake!” I begged.

  Click.

  My heart lurched. I frantically called him back, but it just rang and rang. “C’mon, Jakey. Please pick up!” I shouted. A second later, my panic had turned to anger. “Pick up the damn phone.” With shaky fingers, I texted him: “U have 2 talk 2 me!”

  “It’s over. I’m sorry. I think it’s best if U never call this # again.”

  As I gazed down at the heartless, dismissive text, I screamed. The thought of never talking to him again, of never seeing him again, of him not sliding that ring on my finger tore me in two.

  “What’s wrong?” Nadia asked.

  Overcome with a rollercoaster of emotions, I threw my cell phone, shattering it against the wall. “He’s backing out. Jake’s not coming.”

  “What?” she questioned in complete disbelief. “Where is he?”