“I love you, too, Nick. And I don’t want to be anywhere but here.”
“God, sunshine, that’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”
Becca smiled and reveled in his soothing touch. She hoped with everything she was that she could keep being the light and warmth in his life, because the anchoring weight in her gut told her things could very well get worse before they got better.
“Where’d you go?” he asked, kissing her neck.
“Nowhere, Nick. I’m right here with you. No matter what.”
Acknowledgments
As they often are, this book was very much a group endeavor. Nick Rixey’s world came to life around a birthday dinner table, as great friends and wonderful authors Stephanie Dray and Christi Barth helped me brainstorm the series plot. With the help of Jennifer Schober, those rough ideas took shape into something much more ambitious than I expected—but also hugely exciting. And then my wonderful editor, Amanda Bergeron, entered the picture, helping make this writer’s dream come true. Without these four women, I never would’ve had the chance to meet Nick, Becca, and all the other wonderful characters at Hard Ink Tattoo.
Bringing the story to life on the page was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done—and one of the most rewarding. I absolutely could not have accomplished it without the constant cheers and encouragements of writer friends Lea Nolan, Joya Fields, Christi Barth, and Stephanie Dray. Christi went way, way, way above and beyond by critiquing the entire manuscript with lightning-fast speed and incredible insight. And Stephanie, too, offered a critique that pushed me to make the story better. Amanda Bergeron offered wonderfully thoughtful and engaged editorial guidance and challenged me to go deeper into the characters and the story. I can’t thank each of them enough.
I also need to offer a special thanks to my husband, Brian, and daughters Cara and Julia for putting up with an MIA wife and mom while I escaped to the world of Hard Ink. This book would never have been finished without their devotion and support, and it means the world to me.
Finally, I offer thanks to Laura’s Heroes for everything they do, and to the readers, who welcome characters into their hearts and minds and let them tell their stories over and over again! –LK
Special acknowledgment to the following readers who suggested dog names I used in the book:
Sadie: Cathe Green, Michelle Wilson, Dawn Howell Tinari, Kelly Ridgely DeLeon, Alison Gail Rush
Georgia: Sheri Vidal, Sara Long Butler
Phoebe: Julie Cooper Barber, Polly Greathouse Coffy, Amanda Brown
Shiloh: Nancy Lux-Nicholson
Trinity: LaVerne Clark, Carrie Marcinkevage
Hopalong: Amy Villalba
Tripod: Linda Eisenberg
Cujo: Carlyn McGill
Ilene: Laura Stein Bubley
Eilene: Panera friend Elicia Brand Leudemann
Clover: Joanne O’Meara, and Hope: Amy Villalba, Hayley Reynolds, Crystal Sworden, Grace Zamora, Christina Mesmiller, were other names I wanted Becca to consider, but there was just too much going on! Thanks to the nearly two hundred people who suggested names for Becca’s puppy! You guys rock!
Can’t get enough
of the men of Hard Ink?
Good news, they return with
HARD AS YOU CAN
in March 2014!
Five dishonored soldiers
Former Special Forces
One last mission
These are the men of Hard Ink
Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed.
Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn’t want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can—and never let go.
About the Author
LAURA KAYE is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of nearly a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Laura grew up amidst family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses, cementing her life-long fascination with storytelling and the supernatural. Laura lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and a cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
www.laurakayeauthor.com Visit www.AuthorTracker.com for exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins authors.