Book 1
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Rocco Forrester, a DEA agent haunted by his father’s unsolved murder, has spent years undercover, driven by an unwavering commitment to bring down drug cartels. Jemma Winters, an uncompromising handler for undercover agents, is consumed by her quest for justice, fueled by the guilt of a tragic betrayal from her past.
Three years ago, Rocco and Jemma’s undeniable attraction nearly consumed them as they trained with the DEA for an upcoming mission. Duty drove them to push away their feelings, but now, Jemma is back as Rocco’s handler. The heat between them reignites, burning hotter than ever. Rocco must navigate the treacherous mission to take down a drug cartel while fighting the resurgence of their simmering chemistry.
But a shadowy figure from Jemma’s past is watching from the shadows, waiting for the chance to exact revenge and destroy her once and for all. When Jemma is kidnapped, Rocco will risk everything to save the woman he loves and uncover the truth behind a haunting injustice that has plagued Jemma for years.
In a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, Rocco and Jemma must confront shattering secrets from their pasts, face their deepest fears, and decide how much they will sacrifice for duty, justice, and a love that defies all odds.
This had so many twist and turns it was unbelievable. I loved that she was strong but was glad she had a man who loved her. Great writing.
... Rocco is exciting and super sexy. Both Rocco and Jemma are a treat to read and leave you wanting more, definitely more! Can’t wait for the next book ...
Ms. Vane did not disappoint in this story about Rocco and Jemma. They definitely had a thing going on even when Jemma acted like that could not happen again since she was in charge. Trouble comes for Jemma and Rocco pulls out all the stops to save her.
Book 1
“When was your last relationship?” Rocco asked, trying to force the fantasy of a one-night stand with Jemma from his mind.
“I don’t do relationships. Never have. With my career, I can only manage situations that are uncomplicated and brief,” Jemma said without apology. “Does that sound horrible?”
“Not to me,” Rocco said, wondering if she’d read his fucking mind. That was his philosophy. “My life has been one giant undercover operation since I became a DEA agent. But I’d never ask a woman to put up with that. It wouldn’t be fair to get in deep with someone knowing what I’d ask them to accept to be with me. So I don’t because that’s the right thing to do.”
“It’s not your place to decide for the woman,” Jemma challenged. “Sounds more like a cop-out than a sound reason for avoiding relationships.”
“Are you serious?” Rocco asked, finding himself more enthralled than insulted. “So, that’s not why you avoid relationships?”
“Absolutely not. Everyone should have the right to decide whether they are willing to sacrifice for someone they care for. You can’t do that for them,” Jemma said, then paused as the bartender brought out two more tumblers of rum.
“So, what’s your reason?”
“My reason is that I can’t handle it,” Jemma said, then tossed back the tumbler of rum in one fluid motion. She slammed the glass back on the bistro table. “My work life is complicated enough. I can’t deal with love on top of that. No matter what the romance books and movies say, relationships are fucking messy, and they take a lot of work, attention and mollycoddling.”
Rocco bit back his laughter as a horrified expression crossed her face. But it did nothing to make her any less beautiful.
“You know I’m right. I’m making the decision based on me. Not what I’m trying to protect somebody else from,” Jemma said, rather smugly. “So, what do you think about that?”
“I think we can agree to disagree,” Rocco said.
“You’re not going to debate me on this?”
Rocco couldn’t. Just seeing her getting all riled up was testing the limits of his restraint. His cock twitched in his pants, and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her.
He shook his head. “You’re entitled to your views, and I’m entitled to mine. I don’t need you to agree with me.”
“Well, that’s no fun …” Jemma said, just a hint of slur in her words.
“I don’t know. I’m having an amazing time.” Rocco glanced down and saw that she’d finished off his rum and her own. “So I take it you’ve never been in love?”
Jemma glared at him as if he’d sprouted two heads.
“I get it … you’re probably a hider,” Rocco said.
“What does that mean?”
“Most people who haven’t been in love are hiding or seeking,” Rocco said, enjoying the chance to lay out his unfounded theory to her. “Some are seeking love but just not finding the right person. Then, some hide from love because they’re not sure what to do if they find the right person. You’re a hider.”
“This is probably when I come back at you with a riveting argument of how you are so dead wrong,” Jemma said, then flipped strands of her hair over her shoulder. “But I can admit that could be … accurate. So, what about you? History of love? Hiding or Seeking?”
“Never been in love,” Rocco admitted. “But definitely a seeker.”
“Now, that makes no sense. How the hell are you seeking if all you do are one-night stands?”
“I’m seeking the intellectual and emotional connection first, which doesn’t require sex,” Rocco explained. “I need that woman whose mind captivates me, who challenges me and is strong enough to handle me. Someone who can keep my attention …”
“Like a woman you can spend,” Jemma paused and glanced at her watch. “Hours talking to without getting bored or trying to get her in bed?”
Rocco’s smile faded as her words sank in. “Yeah. Just like that.”
His eyes locked with hers, a risky game of chicken where neither was willing to blink first. Jemma tried to pretend he wasn’t affecting her as much as she was getting to him, but he could see through the wall she was hiding behind. Jemma definitely wanted him, even if she knew she shouldn’t.
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