Jodi Ellen Malpas – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read

Jodi Ellen Malpas – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:41:07 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 http://www.ilovenovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/favicon.png Jodi Ellen Malpas – Read Books Online Free Ebooks good best novels to read http://www.ilovenovels.com 32 32 The Alpha Christmas Rumble Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-alpha-christmas-rumble-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:41:07 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-alpha-christmas-rumble-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Erotic Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Advertisement

Total pages in book: 9
Estimated words: 8854 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 44(@200wpm)___ 35(@250wpm)___ 30(@300wpm)

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This little scene is my gift to you. A festive thank you wrapped in tinsel, testosterone and entirely too much alpha energy. It’s a full-scale fight for dominance, pride, and the all-important top spot on my Alpha Tree.

There’s sharp tongues, bruised egos, and unapologetic swagger. It’s playful, indulgent, and written purely for fun. No rules. No consequences. Just all of my alphas together, being exactly who they are. Loud, competitive, irresistible, and utterly convinced that they deserve the crown.

Thank you for reading, for loving these characters as fiercely as I do, and for making this year unforgettable.

Curl up, pour something festive, and enjoy the chaos.

JEM xxx

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

It’s the night before Christmas, and all through my house . . .

It’s quiet. Gloriously quiet.

I inhale, feeling all the deadline stress leave me, and pour myself a glass of wine, admiring my tree. My tree that’s not got one decoration on it. Yes, it’s late. Yes, I should have done this weeks’ ago. But I’ve been up to my eyeballs in words, scrambling to get the first draft of my WIP done and off to my editor so I can enjoy Christmas Day without a deadline looming over my head. I’ve just scraped through. Email sent, out-of-office on. Now all that’s left to do is decorate this tree.

Setting my wine on the table, I tell Alexa to play some carols and drag the gigantic plastic box toward the tree, pulling out one of the baubles and carefully unwrapping it from the tissue paper, mentally wondering which alpha it’ll be. I roll my eyes to myself at the irony when Jesse Ward is revealed. But of course. As if he’d let anyone else come first.

“Control freak,” I murmur, setting the glass bauble carefully on the table and taking another sip of wine before unwrapping the rest until I have all eighteen of my alphas laid out on the wood. Wine in hand, I pout as I cast my eyes across them all. Then over the tree. I hum, foot tapping. Who gets the top of the tree? How do I make this fair? After a few more contemplative sips of wine, I’m still not sure. Names in a hat? I ponder that, and decide, quite quickly, it’s the only way. A fair contest.

I need a hat.

Setting my wine on the table, I head for the cloakroom in the hallway to find my beanie, but headlights shining in through the kitchen window stop me, along with the sound of a car coming down my driveway. I glance at the clock on the cooker. It’s too early for my husband to be home.

I make my way to the front door with a mammoth frown, swinging it open, and the sound of the engine turns from a distant hum to a deep roar. It sounds nothing like J’s car. But very much like a growling engine I’m all too familiar with.

Then I see the registration. “Oh no,” I murmur, watching as the Aston Martin rolls to a stop. “Oh no, no, no.” The driver’s door opens, and he slips out smoothly, rising to his full six foot three inches with slow purpose. I know this man. I know him to his bones, and just the way he’s moving—as if he’s planning a trample—tells me I’m in some serious trouble.

Fuck. I quickly step back inside and shut the door, swinging around and resting my back against it. Cringing. Not today. I don’t have the time or the head space to deal with a Jesse Ward intervention today.

My back jolts when he gives the door a firm knock. I cringe harder, keeping still and quiet. Holding my breath.

Knock, knock, knock.

I squeeze my eyes closed, like that might help me hide.

“I know you’re in there,” he says quietly, a certain edge of amusement in his tone. “Open the door.”

“No,” I snap, and then immediately kick myself. “I’m not home.”

He chuckles. “Open the door, Jodi.”

Fucking hell. We all know this door is being bashed down if I don’t open it. I exhale, facing the door and taking a few deep breaths, yanking it open with one eye narrowed. I’m greeted by a mega-watt smile reserved only for women. “Don’t smile at me like that,” I warn. “You’re forgetting I gave you that smile. What are you doing here?”

That famous, roguish grin falls, a familiar scowl replacing it. “I heard you’re decorating your tree. I’m here to make sure you make the right decision about alpha placement.” He takes the tops of my arms and sets me to one side, opening the way and wandering in. “And who gets the top spot.”

“Come on in,” I say over a sigh, closing the door. “And who told you I was decorating my tree?”

“You did?”

“I did?”

“I’m in your head, remember?” Off he strides into my kitchen, leaving me to follow on behind, my scowl nailed to his grey-suited back.

“I remember,” I grumble. “You’re like a maddening, irritating itch that won’t fuck off.”

He comes to an abrupt stop, his shoulders rising. “W⁠—”

“Don’t you dare tell me to watch my mouth,”

There’s a brief silence, and I just know he’s considering his approach. “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he eventually says.

“Sure.” I overtake his static form and swipe up my wine. “It’s Christmas Eve. Aren’t you busy?”

“Not too busy to pop on by and make sure I get top spot on the JEM Alpha Christmas tree.” He flashes me a dashing smile—as if to remind me of his power—and meanders across to my bookcase, casually browsing my library. “Oh, look, there I am,” he muses as I swig my drink. “And there.” He slips his hands into his trouser pockets and moseys along the bookcase, my eyes following him. “Oh, and there. And there. And there. And there, and there, and⁠—”

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Every Silent Lie Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/every-silent-lie-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Wed, 19 Nov 2025 18:28:19 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/every-silent-lie-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Advertisement

Total pages in book: 166
Estimated words: 160356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 802(@200wpm)___ 641(@250wpm)___ 535(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >166

In a world where love feels like a dangerous game, one woman must face her fears and a past that haunts her. Get ready to be swept away by a story of forgiveness, vulnerability, and the power of love in Every Silent Lie.

Camryn Moore doesn’t do December. Not the parties. Not the memories. Not the pain. She buries herself in boardrooms by day and dirty martinis by night, trading connection for control. As a high-powered CFO, she’s unshakeable. Untouchable. But behind the sharp suits and sharper tongue is a woman slowly unravelling.

Then she meets him. A stranger. A spark. A moment that should’ve meant nothing somehow changes everything.

Dec is charming, handsome, reserved, and maddeningly perceptive. He seems to see every crack Camryn hides. But Dec isn’t just a man nursing his own ghosts. He’s hiding truths that could destroy whatever fragile trust is beginning to form between them.

In a season she’s always hated, Camryn might have to face the past she’s buried, the love she thought she’d never have, and the man who might just ruin her.

Or save her

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

December 1st

The sound of enthusiastic chatter and cheerfulness seeps through the wood of my office door. The only closed door on the sixth floor of the building. Always.

Do not disturb.

Stay out.

Enter at your own risk.

My legs crossed under my desk, my high heel dangling from my toes, my pen drags back and forth across the pile of paperwork as I check each line. Another swig of coffee. How long until I can have something stronger? I glance at the clock. Five forty-five. Why the hell are people still here?

There’s a knock at the door, a familiar sequence of taps, and I call out an okay for my boss to enter. He pokes his head around and removes his glasses. “Still here?” he asks, closing the door but remaining exactly where he is, scared to come farther into my office.

“No, I left two hours ago, Thomas.” I drop my pen and work my foot back into my heel. “Why’s everyone still here?”

“It’s the first of December, Camryn.”

“And?”

Frowning, Thomas shakes his head. “And . . . it’s tradition for me to bring in a crate of champagne and let my staff knock off work an hour early to enjoy it.”

“Why?”

“Jesus Christ, Camryn. Because it’s December first. Because we’re entering the final month of the year. Because, because, because.”

“Right.”

“Joining us?”

“No.”

“Of course you’re not. You’ve been working for me for two years and never have you joined in on any of the networking events or office drinks.”

You wouldn’t want to see me with alcohol in me, Thomas. “With such emphasis put on never.” I get up and swing my coat over my shoulders. “I’m not here to network,” I remind him. “I’m here to get your company in the best financial shape, ready for the team you’re hiring to help make TF Shipping’s debut on the market.”

“Those reports are two years in the making.” Thomas nods at my bag where I’ve just put said reports. “And you’re still not happy with the company’s financial position.”

“No, I’m not.” Collecting up some other files, enough to keep me busy this weekend, I slip them into my bag. “Because you keep buying ships, Thomas.” Among other things the company doesn’t need. “And your board members, aka your son and wife, seem to think a company business card seconds as a personal credit card.”

“I’m a shipping company. I need ships.”

It doesn’t escape my notice that he swerves my comment about his son and wife. “You have plenty of ships for now. You’re being competitive, trying to own the most floating towns. You need contracts to fill those ships with things to ship, Thomas. Your company’s numbers need to be healthy to be taken seriously. An IPO team will need a good foundation to get TF Shipping hitting the market strong if you want any credibility to get the investment you’re looking for to execute the growth plan.” I tap my bag where it’s hanging on my shoulder. “Any reputable IPO team would laugh at the state of these.”

“God, you just sucked the joy right out of my Friday.” Thomas opens the door as I pace toward him, pushing his back against it, ready to let me pass.

“Just keeping it real for you. My job’s hard enough without having to nag my boss about his and the board’s spending habits.” I come to a startled stop, something about the corridor vastly different from this morning. Tinsel. Everywhere. Every colour. Hanging off every door, including my own. My entire office door is framed in red sparkly tinsel. I want to reach up and rip it down. And the tree that looks like it’s had a bag of flour launched at it? I want to kick it. December. The month I dread most of all the months. “I see you’ve let Crystal loose,” I murmur, spotting a family of glowing reindeers by the elevators down the hall.

“I suppose you’re going to give me a hard time about increasing her budget for the holiday decorations this year, huh?”

“I’m not Scrooge, Thomas.”

A brief silence tells me he might not agree. “Didn’t she do a fabulous job?”

“Terrific.”

“Look, Cam, I know⁠—”

“It’s Camryn.”

“Camryn,” he breathes. “Sorry. Look, I know you’re not a fan of Christmas⁠—”

“Not particularly.”

“And I don’t know why that is—religion, whatever—but I need you to be at the Inter City Reception next Friday. You’ll have the answers to every question I might be asked about us floating TF Shipping.”

“Where?” I ask, picking up my feet, keen to get through the grotto ahead. Thomas chases my heels as I march down the corridor through the throngs of people sipping champagne and the endless Christmas creatures—snowmen, elves, Mrs. Clause—all grinning at me. There is nothing to celebrate about December. There’s nothing to celebrate about anything.

“The Dorchester.”

“Time?”

“Seven.”

“I’ll come for an hour so make the most of me.” I hit the call button for the elevator and step in the second the doors slide open, wrapping my cream silk scarf around my neck.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >166

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The Surrender (Arlington Hall #2) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-surrender-arlington-hall-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:04:34 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-surrender-arlington-hall-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Dark, Erotic Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: Arlington Hall Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 113584 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 568(@200wpm)___ 454(@250wpm)___ 379(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >117

He’s a tantalizing man of mystery. To solve him she could risk everything in a scorching romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series and The Invitation.

A pawn in a man’s callous game, Amelia Lazenby is trying to heal after being betrayed by the wealthy and scorchingly sexy Jude Harrison. Now he’s saying all the right things, whispering apologies as sincere as his kisses, and refusing to let her walk away. It’s hard for Amelia to resist a force as strong as Jude. Before long, he’s making her pulse pound, her head spin, and giving her the rapture she craves.

But once she surrenders, Amelia can’t help but fear she’s risking her heart all over again. This time, maybe even more. Jude is every bit as mysterious and possessive as she remembers. His ex-lover is back to wreak havoc on their lives. And Amelia’s own ex has returned from the past, knowing more about Jude than Amelia can imagine. As the secrets and shocking revelations keep coming, Amelia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay with the man she loves and above all else…can’t resist

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter 1

It’s the perfect day for a wedding—fierce sunshine, a light breeze, the temperature on the warmer side of cool. The balcony off the ballroom at Café Royal is set up beautifully, flowers spilling over the sides of tall vases dotted between the outdoor furniture and pyramid patio heaters. Regent Street is bustling down below, this little canopied secret spot secluded and out of the way.

Which is why I’m here now.

I just needed to escape the chaos of Clark and Rachel’s wedding day for a moment. Various members of the bridal party are stressing out over flowers, dresses, hair, and makeup. And the fact they’re running a few minutes behind schedule. I feel like an empty vessel of a woman standing in the middle of the madness. Lost. Not hearing. Not seeing.

But feeling.

My heart turns in my chest again, as it has constantly this past week, my eyes closing briefly to blink away the relentless reminders of him. Reminders of us.

On a deep breath, I approach the edge of the balcony, looking down onto the crowds of London. Scooters weave around red double-decker buses and black cabs, horns honk, bells on bicycles ding. It’s chaos. A lot like my thoughts.

Lowering to a nearby rattan couch, I turn my phone in my hand as it notifies me of another message. I shouldn’t read it. And yet my eyes drop to the screen.

Amelia, I’m begging you. Please, I need to see you.

I swallow down the lump in my throat and delete it, sending his worthless words to the trash along with every other message and email he’s sent. I try so hard to find the fixed smile I’ve worn this past week before I return to the celebrations, but my shattered heart is far from done hurting. Everything is an effort. My only saving grace is that everyone is so wrapped up in the day, my distraction isn’t being noticed.

My phone clutched tightly in my hand, I get up and step back into the ballroom, gazing around. It’s stunning when it’s an empty room. Now, with rows of gold chairs lined up, two enormous vases at the end of the aisle bursting with blush roses, and candles lighting the way, it’s beyond that.

“Oh, thank God, I’ve found you.”

I whirl around and find Clark pacing towards me. “Hey.” I smile and motion to the masterpiece of a ballroom. “Doesn’t it look incredible?”

“Wonderful.” He frowns and gives the space way less admiration than it deserves. “I’ve lost the cake. My one job was to get the cake here, and it’s missing.” He takes my hand and squeezes, crushing my phone in my grasp. “Please help me find the cake.”

“The cake is safe and sound.” I flex my hand, encouraging him to release me. “The wedding planner had the kitchen staff move it to the fridge to keep it cool.”

Clark deflates before my eyes. “Christ.” His cheeks puff out, the back of his hand wiping his brow. Then he smiles. “You look lovely.” He steps back and takes me in. “This colour suits you.”

I gaze down my front to the floor-length chiffon skirt and matching bandeau top, just an inch of my midriff exposed. “Thanks.”

“Teal.”

I freeze, jarred, my eyes still cast down. “What?”

“It’s teal,” he says. “The colour of your dress.”

“Sure. It’s teal.”

“Actually, it’s more muted. Like the sea. You know, when you’re not sure if it’s blue or green.”

Jude’s eyes.

“Seafoam,” I murmur.

“Yes, that’s it!” Clark sings, as if the colour of my dress is something to celebrate. I suddenly want to rip it off my body. And since when has my brother been so observant? “Fuck, I’m nervous.” He starts twiddling his thumbs and looking around the ballroom before checking his watch. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

His anxiety is the distraction I need, to be able to focus on someone else’s worries. “Hey,” I say, trying to get my head on straight. “You’ve got this.” I link my arm through his and start to lead him out of the ballroom. “We need to vacate; your guests will be directed in from the bar shortly.”

“Why haven’t I had a drink?” he asks. “I need a drink.”

“Let’s get you a drink.” I could do with one myself too, so I take Clark to the bar on the bottom floor rather than the bar where all the guests are congregating and drinking cocktails. I order two dirty martinis and sit my beloved little brother on a stool, putting a drink in his hand when the barman slides them across to me. Clark frowns at my choice but doesn’t question it, knocking the olive aside and tipping the drink back. “Jesus, Clark, you’re supposed to sip.”

He gasps and sets the glass down. “I feel better already.” He pops the olive in his mouth and sighs. “Is she nervous?” he asks. “Even a bit?”

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The Invitation (Arlington Hall #1) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-invitation-arlington-hall-1-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:29:25 +0000 http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-invitation-arlington-hall-1-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Contemporary, Dark Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: Arlington Hall Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 109
Estimated words: 105183 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 351(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >109

An ambitious career woman. An enigmatic billionaire. There’s more to their affair than meets the eye in this scalding romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series.

Amelia Lazenby deserves a breather—from work and from the stress of a recent breakup. Courtesy of her best friends, she gets a day of pampering at a posh country spa called Arlington Hall. Instead of finding calm, she finds her pulse racing when she sees flawlessly rugged Jude Harrison. Hand on heart, she’s never laid eyes on such a stunner. And an unexpected steam room meet takes their instant attraction to a whole new level.

Amelia wasn’t looking for an intense new affair. But the passion Jude ignites is off the charts. Even if he is a little possessive. Even if his temper can be as formidable as the influence he has on her body. He becomes all the more intriguing when Amelia discovers that Jude not only owns Arlington Hall but that their meeting was no accident. It was planned. But to what end?

That’s a mystery as irresistible as Jude himself. Is he worth the risk? Or is this the man who could break her?

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter 1

I’m at my desk, five floors up and five rooms back, and I can still hear the blare of the car horn from the road outside. I take a deep breath and ignore the beeps of my phone, all messages from her. “Absolutely, Mr. Jarvis,” I say, checking the time. I’m late. “Let me look into that and get back to you.” I cringe, hearing the horn blaring again.

Gary appears at the door and tilts his head, making his grey quiff wobble, his lips pressed into a straight line. I hold up my hand, my expression full of apology, and get back to my call. “It’s a small shift, Mr. Jarvis. I honestly don’t think it’s cause for panic stations just yet.”

“When you’re playing with your own money, Amelia, you can be the judge of that.” Mr. Jarvis hangs up, and I exhale, slumping back in my chair.

“Aren’t you supposed to be off today?” Gary says with scorn, looking at the mini suitcase by my desk.

“You tell that to the FTSE 100,” I mumble, gathering up Mr. Jarvis’s file and popping it into my handbag. “He’s having a complete meltdown.” And I can’t really blame him, considering Mr. Jarvis is a heartbeat away from retirement and all his investments are due to mature in a matter of months.

I grab my bag and case, leaving the office before Abbie brings the buildings of Kensington down with her persistent honking horn. “I’m off.” I have no idea when I’m going to get back to Mr. Jarvis. Maybe while the girls are distracted during one of their treatments, I can whip out my laptop and snatch a few moments to reassure him his retirement pot is safe. No need for any drastic action just yet.

“Have a wonderful day,” Gary calls as I head to the elevator. “And, Amelia?”

I press the call button and turn.

He smiles, slipping off his glasses. “Happy birthday.”

Oh yes. Thirty today. “Thanks,” I say on an exhale, stepping into the cart. I escape the sound of Abbie’s horn in the time it takes me to ride down to the foyer, but the racket starts again the moment the doors slide apart.

Rushing outside, I fling open the passenger door, shoving my head inside her car. “Really?” I say as she grins at me. “The whole of Kensington knows you’re here.” I throw my case on the back seat and slide in, and Abbie pulls off fast, her Audi TT quite nippy.

“We’re late picking up Charley,” she says, her attention split between the traffic and my lap. “Nice dress.”

“Thanks.”

“I’m sure a cream pencil dress will fit right in at a spa.”

“I had to be prepared in case a Zoom call was needed.”

“And was it?”

“No.”

“So now you look like you’re going for a meeting instead of a cheeky spa day.”

I point to my case on the back seat. “I’ll change when I get there.”

Abbie looks at the dashboard when her mobile starts ringing. It’s Charley. “She’s called eight times since I’ve been waiting for you.” She rejects the call.

“Sorry.” I check my mobile, wincing at the icon telling me how many emails are in my inbox.

“Oh, please turn it off, just for today,” Abbie pleads, turning her beseeching blue eyes my way. Her chestnut hair is plaited messily over her shoulder, as opposed to my perfect, businesslike bun.

“I will,” I assure her, feeling a loose wisp of my ashy blond hair tickling my neck. I reach back and tuck it in.

“Do it now.”

“What?”

“Now. Turn it off now.”

“Silent?” I try.

“No, turn it off. We’re going off-grid. I have your mother helping Corey run the shop for me today, and Lloyd’s taken the day off work to look after the kids so Charley can come. The least you can do is turn off your phone.” She raises her brows. “Since it’s your birthday we’re celebrating. Just the three of us. Not the three of us and all your clients.”

“Okay,” I relent, taking the plunge and turning it off. I take a deep breath as I do.

“Happy birthday.” Abbie smiles across at me, taking my hand and squeezing. She doesn’t say any more. I’m thirty, recently single, and homeless. Life could be better. Could also be worse.

“Thanks.”

Her mobile rings again—Charley again. Abbie answers this time. “Ten minutes.”

“See you in twenty.” Charley sighs, then hangs up. It’s one of many things Charley and I have learned about Abbie over the years. If she says she’s going to be half an hour, she’ll be an hour. If she says she’s five minutes away, she means ten.

Abbie glances across to me as she turns at the lights. “We should go out this weekend.”

I snort. “I’m still not over last weekend.” A bit of vomit rises, reminding me of the hangover that lingered for days. “I only started feeling normal yesterday.”

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This Woman Forever (This Man – The Story from Jesse #3) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/this-woman-forever-this-man-the-story-from-jesse-3-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Mon, 27 May 2024 20:58:23 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/this-woman-forever-this-man-the-story-from-jesse-3-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, Billionaire, Contemporary, Drama, Erotic Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: This Man - The Story from Jesse Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 227851 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1139(@200wpm)___ 911(@250wpm)___ 760(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >235

Living a life free of demons and finding forgiveness had always seemed unattainable to Jesse Ward. And yet Ava O'Shea offered him a chance of happiness, the possibility of a happy ever after. Their affair has been an intense whirlwind, full of highs and lows, and now Jesse's finally on the cusp of realizing what he always thought was impossible.

Love. Marriage. Acceptance.

Redemption.

Except for one very important thing. The final part of Jesse's past that he's kept from the woman of his dreams. Because surely Ava will walk away if she knows about the most damaging skeleton in his endless closet.

As Jesse navigates his wild, infinitely passionate relationship with Ava, the demons stir, threatening to damage their love and trust. His domination and fierceness inevitably intensifies, ensuring he's constantly straddling the line between bliss and complete irrationality.

His past is pursuing him.

His forever with Ava is uncertain.

And Jesse's faced with the inconceivable reality that by simply bringing Ava into his world, he's ultimately risked her life.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

I look down onto the docks, my hands braced against the balustrade. I can hear Ava and her mother in the kitchen chatting. Everyone else has left after what was a lovely evening on the terrace, a fine meal, a proposal. But Ava’s parents are still here, and I might need to physically escort them out.

“Good view.”

I look over my shoulder and find Joseph on the threshold of the terrace, hands in his pockets. “I can’t say I ever really appreciated it before.”

“Mind if I join you?”

I smile mildly to myself. “Sure.” I can’t claim to know Joseph particularly well, but I do know he’s a man of few words and each one carries weight. I hear him approach and see him in my peripheral vision, joining me to look out across the city. The black sky is illuminated with windows of yellow lights. The moonlight is bouncing off the water. It really is spectacular.

“They’re talking about dresses and décor,” he says, rolling his eyes when I look at him. “Well, Elizabeth is doing most of the talking.”

I laugh under my breath. I can imagine. But she’s wasting her time. By tomorrow evening, everything will be in place. “Thanks for coming all this way.”

“Thanks for hosting us.”

“No problem,” I answer, and a lingering silence falls, not particularly uncomfortable but definitely loud. So I break it. “Is something on your mind, Joseph?” I ask, and this time it’s him laughing under his breath.

“Is it obvious?”

“Well, I know you didn’t come out here to join me in a romantic moment to take in the view.” I face him, showing him I’m ready to tackle whatever he’s going to hit me with. “Please, speak freely.”

He nods, mirroring me, looking back at the doors into the penthouse, where his wife and daughter are, before giving me his eyes. “Is Ava okay?”

I can’t hide my recoil. I wasn’t expecting that question. Can’t they see she’s fine? That I’m looking after her? Always will. “Is she okay?” I parrot, hoping he’ll elaborate.

“She seems a little . . . distracted.”

I can still hear Elizabeth rabbiting on about God knows what. Distracted. “I think she’s a little overwhelmed,” I say quietly.

“And pale.”

I shoot my eyes to Joseph. What the hell do I say? Tell him she’s ignoring all the signs that she’s pregnant?

But is she pregnant? The doctor said she wasn’t. He also said it may be too early to tell. There’s a box full of pregnancy tests hidden in the laundry room that could answer the question once and for all. Or her imminent period will. I’ve done the mental math. She’s due in a couple of weeks. Can I wait that long to know beyond doubt? Ava’s insisting on condoms. She’s also asked me outright what I’ve been doing with her pills. So she knows of my sins. Or, at least, that one.

And yet she still agreed to marry me. Fuck, I’m so fucking confused by all of these mixed messages. Distracted. Her father has noticed. “I’ll keep an eye on her,” I say quietly, wondering how I’ll handle this. Delicately is that answer. Problem is, I’m Jesse Ward. Not exactly known for a soft approach. I do try, though. I fail, but I try. I can’t fail this time. I clear my throat. “Do you have my number, Joseph?” I ask, pulling out my mobile, prompting him to get his. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

“I’m sure,” he says, albeit with hesitance he can’t hide.

Fuck, is he doubting me? Has Ava’s brother been pouring poison in his ear? “I’ll look after her,” I say, not for the first time, trying to squash any lingering reservations Joseph may have about the man his daughter’s marrying, regardless of the fact that he should be bursting with reservations. Fuck it all to hell. My perfect evening feels like it’s slipping down the pan, Joseph’s doubts unearthing my own. Has Ava changed her mind about marrying me? Did she say yes out of ease or embarrassment?

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >235

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The American (Unlawful Men #5) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-american-unlawful-men-5-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:51:48 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-american-unlawful-men-5-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Billionaire, Crime, Dark, Erotic, Mafia, Suspense Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: Unlawful Men Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 227
Estimated words: 220940 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1105(@200wpm)___ 884(@250wpm)___ 736(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >227

Temptation has never been so dangerous.
A domineering force in Miami’s volatile criminal underworld, Brad Black is respected. Feared. His deadly accurate trigger finger and indestructible persona has earned him his intimidating reputation and, up until six months ago, hookers, drugs, and protecting the Black empire was the sum of his life’s purpose.

Until he saved her.
Wild, brave, and beautiful, Pearl Kennedy is Brad’s kryptonite. A distraction. A youngdistraction. But with enemies joining forces, coming at them with more force and less mercy than ever before, she’s also a deadly distraction. Focusing on the end game, finding and killing their enemies, has to remain his priority.

But Brad completely underestimates the power of his connection with Pearl.
And he can’t shake the niggling feeling that there’s more to her than meets the eye.
Pearl Kennedy was saved from the clutches of human traffickers by one of the world’s most notorious criminals—Brad Black. Since being taken back to his family’s mansion in Miami, she’s felt safe and protected, despite Brad’s cold, brusque, and confusing treatment. He should disgust her—he’s flaunted his hedonistic tastes unapologetically. But no matter how hard Pearl tries to fight it, she’s drawn to the lethal, handsome killer.
Yet she knows she’s living on borrowed time, and to succumb to the attraction would be to expose herself and her secrets.
And then it will be just a matter of who will kill her first.
The monsters from her past.
Or Brad Black.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

Six Months Ago – Winstable Bay, Miami

* * *

BRAD

* * *

Red. It’s everywhere.

Eyes open, eyes closed.

Red.

Blood, pain, gunshots.

Her hair.

Red.

I duck, the sound of guns firing, bullets flying.

But I still see red.

And then . . . green.

Green eyes looking up at me full of relief. Of hope. I tell her she’s going to be okay. She nods. It’s weak, it’s jerky.

Red.

This time, it’s not blood I see. It’s not vibrant, glossy, shoulder-length waves.

It’s a red mist.

Anger.

She looks down at the crook of her arm, and I follow her eyes to the needle hanging out. Then up the pipe toward a bag. There’s a hair tie halfway up, knotted around the tube, blocking the flow of drugs to her veins. Her jaw tenses, and she yanks it out. Blood sprays the mattress, and I look over my shoulder, seeing Danny hauling a blonde girl up from another bed. Goldie is watching the door, James has another girl in one arm, a gun in the other, and Ringo is carrying a brunette. Every taste in women is covered. Sick bastards.

“We have one more,” I yell. The weight of the other unconscious girl on my shoulder becomes heavier. “Fuck.” I jerk my arm, shifting her up more as I round the bed. “She’s awake,” I call. Smart. She’s smart. And so fucking young. I ask the girl—because that’s what she is, a girl—if she can walk. She gives me another jerky, strained nod as I offer a hand, and her delicate, pale limb reaches for me. She holds on to me so tightly as I help her up off the dirty mattress, the strain on her face painful to watch. The strap of her tank slips off her shoulder.

Purple. Yellow. Black.

So much fucking red, I’m forced to blink back the mist clouding my vision, anger crippling me. Her hand feels for the strap of her tank, missing it, her movements clumsy and disorientated. “Here.” I wince, lifting it back into place, covering her bruised breast. My teeth grind. What the fuck did they do to her? I hold out my hand again, but she doesn’t take it. I look at her. She looks at me. And for a moment, I’m lost, no longer dodging bullets and running for my life. Instead, I’m tumbling into a gaze so expressive. So hopeful.

So fucking beautiful.

Falling.

Just staring.

I feel my forehead furrow and shake my head mildly, trying to realign my focus. But her eyes. I’m a prisoner to them. I need to get her out of here.

And yet for all the will in the fucking world, I can’t move. Can’t even feel the weight of the other girl on my shoulder anymore.

Bang!

It takes that gunshot to break the spell. The girl startles, and I blink my vision clear of the red, looking back. More gunshots ring out, and mumbled yells of panic come from the young women who are drugged up to their eyeballs. “Fuck. We’ve got to go, sweetheart.” She’s quickly tucked into my side, clinging to my torso, both arms wrapped around me to hold herself up as she staggers along beside me. “You okay?” I ask, checking on her constantly, as well as our surroundings. James is raining bullets with no mercy or break, a machine gun in each hand, his face a picture we’re all used to.

Murderous.

We make it outside, and James holds the door while he and Danny have a brief argument over whether he blocks the Polish from making it through or comes with us. We all know Danny will lose. James isn’t moving from that door. Not until we get all the girls on the boat. So I keep jogging, knowing Danny will soon be following. My shoulder is burning, my muscles screaming. “Jesus.” I check on the girl still clinging to me, her weight hanging off my side as she trips and staggers along beside me.

“Brad, you good?” Danny yells, obviously seeing the other girl on my shoulder slipping. He takes the redhead from my side, allowing me to reposition the girl on my shoulder.

“We need to up our game in the gym,” I say, taking the redhead back and picking up my pace, hearing the sound of bullets hitting metal behind us. Fuck me, I hope James can hold that door for long enough.

I look down at the uneven, rocky pathway, catching sight of the girl’s bare feet as I do. If I could be sure it wouldn’t slow me down enough and get us all killed, I’d pick her up.

I look at her as she looks up at me, and once again I’m momentarily lost. No longer running for my life. Fucking hell. I tear my eyes away, seeing the broken, old jetty up ahead. I concentrate on getting her onto the boat before easing the other girl off my shoulder, rolling it a few times, wincing.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >227

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With This Woman (This Man – The Story from Jesse #2) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/with-this-woman-this-man-the-story-from-jesse-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:56:28 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/with-this-woman-this-man-the-story-from-jesse-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, BDSM, Billionaire, Contemporary, Erotic Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: This Man - The Story from Jesse Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 235
Estimated words: 224334 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1122(@200wpm)___ 897(@250wpm)___ 748(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >235

Their whirlwind romance was intense, passionate, and fiery, but Jesse knew the woman he was falling for didn’t know who he really was. He tried to protect her from his past, protect himself from her leaving, but his fears were realized when Ava discovered his Manor—the heartbeat of hedonism and pleasure, the place where Jesse has lost himself for years in women and alcohol.

When she walked out on him, he was left lost and even more broken than before, the small taste of heaven he was given taken away.

But their unbreakable connection leads her back to him, and he refuses to lose her again. Except Ava’s only scratched the surface of his broken soul, and as their relationship intensifies and their love deepens, Jesse is pushed to the brink of insanity as his past creeps into his present and risks destroying his future.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

I don’t know how many times I’ve opened my eyes and quickly closed them again. I don’t know how many hours or days have passed. I’m moving but not moving. Hearing but not hearing. Feeling but not feeling. My skin is sore, my head thumping. My darkness too comforting to leave. I’m too afraid to open my eyes, too much of a coward to face my wrongs.

Without the energy to fix my fuckups.

There are so many.

You’re one fucked-up sorry state.

You need help.

But . . . I’m beyond help. Especially now—now she’s gone too.

Everyone. Gone.

I melt back into the hard floor, feeling like I’m fading away. Wishing I could finally be spared the mercy of this agony. Never. Because I don’t deserve respite. Every cruel, painful thing that’s happened to me in my lifetime is justified. And offering me the hope of redemption before taking it away? Giving me Ava and taking her away? I had it coming.

I hear some yelling, but it seems far away, and I roll my jaw, feeling it scrape across the decking under my cheek. My mind bends and twists, my past playing on loop, ruthlessly reminding me, yet again, of the endless hole of misery that is my existence. But amid the horrors something shines through. Something good. It’s hazy, barely detectable, but it’s there, trying so hard to overpower the merciless evil.

Ava.

I pushed her away, screamed at her, scared her, made her question . . . everything. I made her run. I made her fight her feelings.

I made her leave me.

But she’s not gone? Not gone, but not quite here either.

Because she can’t find her way through the darkness to me. I have to get to her . . . but someone pulls me back, stopping me. I feel something press into my back, my brain rattling as my head is lifted, hands rubbing all over my face, through my hair, all over my naked chest. There’s talking. Words that sound miles away. I can’t decipher what they’re saying. Can’t make out the voices.

But then there’s one I recognize, and it’s begging me to open my eyes. Saying my name repeatedly, sounding distressed. A face appears through the darkness, and my heart races as I reach for her. She’s too far away.

No!

My legs start moving, frantic and fast, trying to run to her and yet I get nowhere, watching her drift farther and farther away from me. Soon, she’ll be out of reach completely. Soon, she’ll give up trying to find me. Soon, she’ll be gone forever.

Soon, all I’ll have is this darkness and more regrets.

No hope to cling on to. I don’t think I can shoulder anymore grief. I can’t lose the only piece of relief and happiness I’ve found in years.

I’ll never survive it.

Don’t leave me!

Warmth penetrates my hand, and something seeps into me, something soothing. I still, concentrating on feeling it. It’s familiar. Comforting.

And then it’s gone, and I’m suddenly weightless. Moving. Don’t take me away from that feeling! Something soft meets my back, and something softer meets my cheek.

It’s back. That feeling is back, and as it rubs gently up and down my face, the darkness starts to fade again. Something subtle and delicate invades my nose, and something presses to my forehead. Lips. Soft, full lips. My arm shoots out, grappling at the lingering darkness, trying to seize the source. “Ava?” My eyes sting just trying to get them open, and the glare hurts, but I frantically search everywhere, looking for her.

And then I find her.

Her mouth moves, she’s speaking, and yet awe is clouding my ability to hear her. A rush of memories takes me hostage—our row, the drink, her face a picture of shock and devastation. Disgust.

You’re one fucked-up sorry state.

You need help.

I try to lift my head, but it’s so heavy, so painful, and I slump back down, out of breath. Broken. My mouth is dry, words sticking to my tongue, but I force them out. “I’m so sorry. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry . . .”

She takes my hand and lifts it to her face. Her touch is like a sedative. My mind shuts down, the weight of my regrets too much, and I succumb to my exhaustion.

I have only enough energy to pray she wasn’t a dream.

2

I’m warm. So damn warm. I gingerly allow my eyes to peel open, the dusky light not quite dusky enough not to hurt. I look down my body, squinting, seeing blankets coating every inch of me. My sensitive skin feels tender under them. I’m sweating, suffocating, so I lethargically push the stifling material down my body in search of some air. How did I get here? With blankets and a pillow?

I reach up to my pounding head, putting pressure on my temple to try and dull the pain. “Fuck,” I murmur. There’s only one cure.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >235

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A Gentleman Never Tells (Belmore Square #2) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/a-gentleman-never-tells-belmore-square-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:20:07 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/a-gentleman-never-tells-belmore-square-2-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Historical Fiction Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: Belmore Square Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 95222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 476(@200wpm)___ 381(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >102

A Gentleman never tells...but some secrets have a way of getting out.

Frank Melrose is on the cusp of taking his father's printing business global—the last thing he needs is the distraction of any woman, let alone the dazzling Taya Winters.

He's under pressure from the newspaper to unmask the mysterious highwayman causing havoc in Belmore Square, but his infuriating clashes with Taya keep slowing him down.

What's more, he's sure that the highwayman is right under their noses—and that exposing their identity will end not only his story, but ruin his family, too.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Chapter 1

I am nose-to-nose with the white stallion. My body as still as can be. But my heart? It thunders in my chest. My pulse? It booms. My God, I am more alive than ever. Whether it be with fear or excitement, I cannot tell. I allow my eyes to slowly travel up the horse’s nose to its rider. The horseman is staring down at me, their eyes hardly visible past their low hat and high scarf and the shadows they cast. Curious eyes, I’m sure, that are slightly narrowed, inspecting me. Then a small sparkle. Smiling?

I inhale and step back, needing to get the horseman in my sights, arms, body, legs and all, for I am certain I am not looking at a horseman at all.

But the impressive stallion moves before I do, rising up on its back legs on a neigh, loud and intimidating as I expect is intended. I stagger back and fall to my backside on the stones, but I somehow succeed in keeping my eyes up. The rider laughs but stops abruptly.

‘My God,’ I whisper, watching as she slides down from her horse and approaches me slowly, despite the warning of her two fellow, male – they’re definitely male – riders, who remain just a few yards away, their horses treading the ground impatiently. She holds out her gloved hand, and I take the dainty thing, getting to my feet. I must be at least a foot taller. She comes closer. Closer. Closer. Reaches up on her tippy toes. I close my eyes and breathe in, holding my breath. The skin of my cheeks heats, feeling her breath on my face from where she’s pulled her scarf down. And then her lips push into my rough cheek.

Magic.

Her face. Does she want me to see it? For she has removed her scarf.

I quickly open my eyes and blink, so very confused, my heartbeat ferocious in its pace, and find nothing before me. At least, no human, but the horse remains, and the rider is still upon its back.

What in the name of God just happened?

I reach for my cheek and feel it, as my sister hurries to my side and helps me to my feet, looking at the impressive white stallion as she does. I spend the few seconds I have before the rider kicks the horse into action committing every detail before me to memory, until all three of them gallop off into the distance, kicking up dirt, making the ground vibrate. I turn on the spot, mesmerised, in a trance, speechless, my head just about ready to explode with the pressure of words swimming around my brain.

I bolt up in bed on a gasp and glance around, a little disorientated, and exhale when I find I am, indeed, in my bed and not at the mercy of the highwayman. Or woman. It has to be a woman. Each time I dream the dream, a little something else is added. This time, a kiss. My God, I am obsessed.

I jump out of bed and go to my writing desk in the window, collecting my quill and dunking it in the pot of ink, not taking a seat – I don’t have time – my mind needing to get the words out. The smell of the horse. The tickle of its coarse hair when we stood nose-to-nose. The gallop of my heart that I’m sure pounded harder than the hooves of the horse at a full canter. I write until my hand aches and I drop my quill, exhaling, running a hand through my hair as I look up out of the window.

I lean forward and pull the half-drawn draperies aside, focused on the floating form of a girl across the cobbles. Lady Taya Winters. Also known as my brother-in-law’s little sister. The woman does not walk but floats. She’s quite a vision, I admit. Her bright green eyes shine, her dark blonde hair is adorably wild, her cheeks blushed, her lips plump, and her lashes long and fluttering.

My God, she is beautiful.

And completely forbidden.

From the day I met her, when she returned to Belmore Square with her mother, Wisteria Winters, and her brother, Lord Sampson Winters, I have been wary of her. I am not without female attention. I am, however, without the thrill one would expect from female attention. That has died a slow, painful death over the course of my time in London – a sign of my overindulgence, I suppose. I cannot tell you whether it be her aloofness or simply her unusual, wild, unconventional beauty, but when Lady Taya Winters glanced at me that fateful day, I felt as though I’d been struck by lightning. Twice. I walked away telling myself I need to keep my distance from Taya Winters, for she is sure to get me into trouble, and I need no trouble, no complications, especially now when I must convince my father to let me publish my story. I have never desired to write for our family newspaper. I have hardly expressed any interest in the operations of our family newspaper, The London Times, doing the bare minimum I could without doing nothing at all. Porter helped run the business with Papa, until, of course, his untimely death, and my sister wrote the most popular stories. I had very little enthusiasm for work or writing, so I made myself useful elsewhere. Usually in a woman’s bed.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >102

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For You Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/for-you-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Mon, 01 May 2023 20:22:35 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/for-you-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Angst, Chick Lit, Forbidden Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Advertisement

Total pages in book: 141
Estimated words: 134212 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 671(@200wpm)___ 537(@250wpm)___ 447(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >141

Since the day she married her husband, Lo Harper has watched her happy ever after slip away before her eyes. Feeling lost and alone, she's stumbling through life, each day getting longer, harder, and more hopeless. She doesn't know how much longer she can hold on. Until she meets a stranger who ironically becomes a lifeline after he nearly runs her down. He's charming, kind, and he doesn't pry. He's just there, making Lo smile, distracting her, if only briefly. Because she will always return to the pain. To the heartbreak. To the unshakable guilt. Luke Williamson is successful, content, and he keeps his relationships with women uncomplicated. But his simple, carefree life is turned up on its head the night a young woman walks out in front of his car. Drawn to each other for very different reasons, Lo and Luke forge an unlikely friendship that they both come to rely on. And yet while Luke shares his life with Lo, he knows she's keeping hers from him. And as her truth unfolds, Luke slowly realizes that for Lo to have her happy ever after, he must sacrifice his own. So he has to make the ultimate decision. Keep Lo in his life as she is, a broken, shadow of a woman. Or walk away and let her heal.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

Part One

Chapter One

London – 2015

Reclined on the couch with my cocker spaniel, Boris, curled into my side, I pout at the pages, my heartbeats beginning to race as Heathcliff begs Catherine’s spirit not to leave him. I know he’s begging in vain, yet each time I read my favorite novel, I wish for a different outcome. How would the story have played out had Catherine lived? Would Heathcliff have shed his need for vengeance?

My shoulders dropping in disappointment, I rest the book to my thighs and look at the ceiling. Such a toxic, damaging thing is love. And so enriching and nourishing too. I blindly reach for Boris’s ears and give them a little scratch, smiling when he groans his pleasure.

“Is it working?” Billy’s voice drifts into my sub-conscience, and I drop my eyes to the doorway. He’s leaning on the doorframe, his overnight bag by his feet.

I hold back my smirk as I tilt my head in admiration, taking in the fine form of a man who will tomorrow be my husband. “Is what working?”

“Your attempts to kill time.” He wanders over on his bare feet, his hair damp from his recent shower. Looking down at the open hardback on my thighs, he smiles fondly at the dog-eared pages.

“No,” I admit. Every second feels like an hour. Every minute like a day.

Boris, aware of what is about to happen, drags himself up and jumps off the couch, yawning and stretching. I reach for the waistband of Billy’s jeans and tug him down to me. The book gets knocked aside in favor of Billy’s body, and the moment his lips are close enough, I cover them with mine, humming my happiness. I know these lips like I know how much I love the bones of this wonderful man. “I want it to be tomorrow already,” I say, locking my arms around his wide shoulders and my thighs around his waist.

He pulls back, the smile that has sent me dizzy since the moment I set eyes on him working its usual magic. His dark gaze glimmers, his freshly shaved jaw smooth and kissable. I try to tug him back so I can do exactly that. Kiss him. But he foils me, his strength far greater than mine. The playful half-grin I know all too well makes an appearance, and I grin right back.

“Let me kiss you,” I order.

He shakes his head, his gaze jumping across my face. “Let me look at you for a minute,” he whispers. “I’m not going to see you until tomorrow.” He rubs his nose with mine. “I’m going to miss you like crazy.”

“But then you’ll never have to miss me ever again.”

“I can’t fucking wait.” He nibbles at my cheek on an over-the-top groan, making me giggle and writhe under his hard body.

“Stop it.” I laugh, not really wanting him to stop at all. If Billy Harper stuck himself to me, that would suit me fine. He eventually does stop, burying his face into my neck and breathing in deeply.

“I’m going to make you the happiest woman alive, Lo Evans.”

“You already do,” I reply, meaning it with every ounce of truth in me. “You have since you told me we were going on a date after meeting me only two minutes before.” I feel him smile against my neck, and I find myself smiling too. It’s just the way of things with us. He smiles, I smile. I smile, he smiles. We bounce off each other in the best ways.

“Any woman who wears dungarees to a cocktail bar deserves an opportunity to explain why.”

“They were comfortable.”

“And three sizes too big.” He pulls back and brushes my blonde hair from my face. And just gazes at me with so much love in his eyes. The way he’s looked at me like this every day since we met three years ago has defined the woman I have become. Bottom line, his. Completely and utterly his. “I can’t wait until they’re no longer too big.” His eyebrow hitches cheekily, and my lips twist in return.

“And when might that be?”

“The moment I put a baby inside you.” He dips and makes a meal of my neck. I laugh hard, so very hard, but I don’t argue with him. Because I want that too. It’s the natural progression. Our plan is so well-thought-out, and it has been since we decided to rent this place together. We will rent for a year or two until we’ve replenished the savings we used to pay for the wedding, and then we’ll buy. I’ll get my little vintage store to a stage where it’s profitable, and then hire a manager to join my team. Then we’ll have babies. Two, and we’re not fussy about whether they’re boys or girls. Or one of each. I’ll stay at home for a while, Billy will continue expanding his surveying firm, and we’ll live happily ever after. It’s so ideal, it’s almost sickly. I like sickly. Especially with Billy.

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >141

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The Rising (Unlawful Men #4) Read Online Jodi Ellen Malpas http://www.ilovenovels.com/the-rising-unlawful-men-4-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Sun, 26 Feb 2023 20:45:29 +0000 http://www.booksnovels.com/the-rising-unlawful-men-4-read-online-jodi-ellen-malpas Genre: Alpha Male, Angst, Contemporary, Dark, Mafia, Romance, Suspense Authors: Jodi Ellen Malpas Series: Unlawful Men Series by Jodi Ellen Malpas
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Total pages in book: 217
Estimated words: 207224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1036(@200wpm)___ 829(@250wpm)___ 691(@300wpm)

<<<<1 2 3 11 21 >217

You can't rise from the ashes if you've never been burned.

When notorious mafia boss Danny Black and lethal assassin James Kelly join forces to hunt down a mutual, elusive nemesis that threatens to destroy them both and take control of their city, they know they will be entering a deadly game. A game they must win if they are ever going to live in peace with the women they love away from crime, corruption, and death.

But peace is an illusion, love is a daily torment, and death will always follow them.

As power starts to slip from their grasp, enemies re-emerge, and old, personal demons return to haunt them both, they finally accept they can never leave their world if they want to stay alive. So they need to protect it at all costs. No matter the consequences. No matter the losses. No matter the pain. They must make choices no men should make. Kill more ruthlessly, love more fiercely, and hate with more rage than ever before.

They're capable. Ready.

But nothing prepares them for the secrets they uncover and the betrayals they face. Or the personal sacrifices they must make to rise again.

Two men.
One goal.
No mercy.

This is The Rising.

*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************

1

DANNY

I’d rather be dead. It’s got to beat constantly dodging death, and the many men out there who want to put an end to me aren’t the only ones I need to be wary of. I’m more concerned about what my wife is capable of.

I look up at our villa as I exhale and drop my arse to the sand, fucking exhausted. Exhausted of running. Exhausted of fighting with Rose. Plain fucking exhausted. I grab the bottle of Scotch and swig some more—it’s probably unwise, I need my wits about me while my wife is on the war path, need the ability to duck speedily—but . . . fuck it. Let her at me. Like I said, I’m too exhausted to fight, and the weightless sensation coming over me is a brief respite.

I fall to my back on the sand and stare at the black, twinkling sky, taking another drag of my cigarette and another glug of Scotch, spilling some of it over my face as I do. For fuck’s sake. It was such a lovely evening—my little boxing match with Otto aside. What the fuck’s with that, anyway? Him? My mother? I snort, sucking back another hit of nicotine, followed quickly with another shot of the hard stuff. “Not fucking happening,” I say to the sky. “Over my dead body.” Which might be a distinct possibility if Rose gets her hands on me.

I lift my head a fraction, looking back up at the villa. I hope Mum’s managed to reason with her because I certainly couldn’t. In fact, I was like a red flag to a bull. I left the room on numerous occasions to let her calm the fuck down, and the moment I entered again, hearing she’d quietened, she’d flown at me, either with words or deranged, flailing, desperate arms. I restrained her more than once, since I couldn’t fuck her into submission with my mother and Otto there. So in the end, I forced myself to leave the house before she did any damage to herself or our baby. I feel like a man on the edge of heaven and hell, and some unknown fucker out there will dictate which way I fall.

My wife might save him a job soon, though. And yet, I can’t be angry with her. Can’t be pissed off. I can’t blame her for flying off the handle. For throwing the vase at the wall. She’s pregnant and her emotions are all over the place. Next to that, I’ve promised that woman peace and failed to deliver it one too many times. I feel fucking hopeless. Useless. I know my wife better than anyone, and when she feels threatened, she fights. And as always, I’ll let her take her anger out on me.

I flick my cigarette away and finish the bottle, dropping it clumsily to the sand. The sky’s starting to spin. My thoughts are getting all tangled, telling me to go back to her. Deal with this mess. But I’m pretty sure she screamed clear instructions to never go back.

Unlucky for Rose, I can’t live without her.

I lift my head as far as I can manage and scowl at our villa. “And you love me too, woman, so stop being so f-f-fucking ridiculous.” My head hits the sand on a soft thud that feels anything but soft. “Bastard,” I grumble. Fuck me, I haven’t been this drunk in years. Not since Dad’s funeral. Not since I realized I’d fallen in love with the ice princess. “Why’d y-you have t-to be such a bitch?”

A face appears above me, and I squint hard, trying to get some focus. “Found him,” James calls.

“For fuck’s sake.” Brad appears, lifting his mobile to his ear. “We’ve got him.” He hangs up and gives me a nudge with the toe of his shoe. “You think this is gonna solve all our problems?”

“Fuck you,” I spit. “And go get laid. You’re a miserable fucker recently.”

“Well, there’s been no in-house whore for a while,” James says, and I chuckle, getting another nudge from Brad, this time significantly harder.

“I’m going before I beat him to death.”

“I’d like to see you try,” I yell to his back as he stomps off up the beach. “Don’t you know who I am? Be afraid, Brad. Be very af-f-raid.”

“What the fuck are you doing?” James mutters tiredly, bending to get closer, bracing his palms on his knees.

“What the fuck does it look l-l-like I’m doing?” I pat about on the sand and find my bottle, lifting it to my lips and swigging. Nothing comes out. I snarl and toss it aside. “I’m getting shitfaced. Get me another bottle.”

“No.”

“What do you mean, no?” I scramble to sit up, swaying something terrible. Fucking hell, just shut the fuck up, Black, and lie the fuck down before you throw up. “Don’t you know who I am?”

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