Series complete and ready to devour! Burn is live

The final installment in the Dark Island Scots series is live. This series has held readers in its grasp and not let go. Burn brings an end to the chaos and calm to the storm the brothers have been in.

This steamy book contains:

  • pen pals who never met until…

  • one breaks the other out of jail

  • a pyro hero and a heroine who matches his wild energy

  • the found family on the run taking back control (and hunting down their lost little sister)

  • one heck of a show down

  • predator-prey chases (CNC)

  • happily ever afters for everyone against all the odds

Jump in now and devour it all in Kindle Unlimited.

Series order - Ruin, Sin, Scar, Burn.

***Scar (Dark Island Scots, #3) is live!***

***Scar (Dark Island Scots, #3) is live!***

The thrilling latest installment in this bestselling dark romance series is now live.

Expect:

  • a scarred hero who never wanted anyone but her

  • a heroine who'll do anything to find her missing sister

  • including selling herself in a v-card auction

  • tattooing / branding of...places

  • li'l bit of restraint play

This is steamy stuff with a found family on the run, plus suspense and danger at every turn. Check my website jolievines dot com if you want to check the content warnings, otherwise buckle up and dive in with Camden and Breeze.

💚🖤Sin (Dark Island Scots, #2) is LIVE🖤💚

Get ready to sin with Sinclair and Lottie. This steamy story contains:

  • a 6'7" hero and his 5'2" plus-sized heroine

  • mistrust, suspense, and smokin' hot bedroom scenes

  • breeding kínk

Click here to download (in Kindle Unlimited, too) or scroll down for the blurb.

>> mybook.to/DarkSin <<

Loved Ruin? Sin picks right up where it leaves off.

--

🖤He was dangerous, but the real sin was mine.🖤

Sinclair was my secret obsession.

The one I dreamed of in a homelife filled with violence and pain.

It was Sin’s darkness that saved me, wrapping its way around my heart until it beat only for him.

I helped him escape his island prison.

He asked me to leave with him.

But my mother is pregnant, and I won’t let another child be raised in that house of horrors.

The only way to free her is to betray the man I want and the family he’s creating.

Love is impossible when my only option is to sin.

--

Sin (Dark Island Scots, #2) continues the story started in Ruin (Dark Island Scots, #1). This is Sinclair and Lottie’s romance, so expect exquisite and seductive scenes, darker themes, a plus-sized heroine and her much bigger hero, and an insidious mystery threatening our tribe of found family.

mybook.to/DarkSin

Tormented is live!

💙Tormented (Wild Mountain Scots, #5) is live! Series complete.💙

This story contains:

  • an adrenaline-loving heroine who finds herself in trouble

  • a swoony hero on the run

  • one indecent offer with a time limit

  • an accidental crash-into-you ... with benefits

---

Download the ebook now >>> mybook.to/TormentedScot

The delicious audio is available now too! Hear the amazing Ella Lynch and Frank Ryan read Effie and Gabe's tale.

Audible US >>> https://adbl.co/3LrFUKs

Audible UK >>>https://adbl.co/39bjmiS

Amazon Worldwide >>> mybook.to/TormentedScot

---

Tormented (Wild Mountain Scots, #5)

He's flying from danger. She's heading straight for it.

Gabe

Lying low and staying off the radar is a matter of life or death for my family. We escaped just in time to our Scottish hideaway, and safety is far from assured.

I shouldn't be flirting with a strong willed lass. But Effie is good for my stubborn, unhappy sister, and spending time with her is no hardship when she sets my pulse racing. I can handle being tormented. I've survived worse.

Effie

My love for extreme sports has taught me to be fearless. Gabe wants me, so I'll make him an offer he can't refuse. If I can get him to relax his tight control, sparks are going to fly.

But someone is harassing me. Taking pot shots without showing their face. I need to work out who before it escalates and destroys the sanctuary of the very people I want to protect.

Tormented is a friends-with-benefits, can't-stay-away-from-you romantic suspense, with a family on the run and a Scottish estate to hide in. Please note the trigger warning of threat of sexual assault. This is the final book in the Wild Mountain Scots series.

Pick up Tormented today!

An injured mountain rescue hero and a hunted, blackmailed movie star

Friends, the wait is over. Finally, Hunted (Wild Mountain Scots, #2) is live.

This standalone story contains:

🎥 an injured mountain rescue hero forced to play bodyguard

🎥 a famous actress hiding out in Scotland, and being blackmailed

🎥 she's his long-held crush

🎥 oh, and his rescue dog is named for her

Get yours ebook copy here >>> mybook.to/HuntedScot

Audiobook US >>> http://bit.ly/HuntedAudioUS

Audiobook UK >>> http://bit.ly/HuntedAudioUK

--

Available in Kindle Unlimited. Download your copy on launch day to get the bonus epilogue inside the book.

--

The blurb:

He's a wounded hero in recovery. She's being blackmailed.

Elise

I fled to Scotland after an incident on a movie set left me reeling. But my solace is short lived.

Someone is blackmailing me.

With a threat so awful I can't ignore it.

Helped by a handsome, scarred Highlander, I could figure out the identity of my blackmailer. But trust is hard to come by when everyone wants a piece of me.

And betrayal comes all too easily.

Cameron

After surviving a deadly attack, the last thing I need is more risk. Then a sweet, violet-eyed woman lands in my lap. She’s hurting, broken, just like me.

I’ve had a crush on the lass forever.

My work with the mountain rescue gives me the right skills to help her, and I cannot resist this damsel in distress.

But if I want to keep the beautiful movie star, I'll need to take on those who hunt her.

--

Swoon with Cameron and Elise, and continue with the brooding, tough, protective men of the mountain rescue and the beautiful women who tame their hearts. This story contains a wounded hero and a heroine who has suffered sexual assault. Tender loving care is a given.

Download Hunted now! mybook.to/HuntedScot

A single dad on the run, and a lass with a stalker. Download Obsessed now

Have you started my new series yet? Obsessed (Wild Mountain Scots, #1) is ready to be devoured. This swoony romance contains:

  • the new leader of the mountain rescue service (and a single father)

  • a woman who has never been interested in love before

  • a mystery stalker who won’t stop

The Wild Mountain Scots series centres around the braw and brave men of the mountain rescue service. Each book can be read as standalone, but also continues where the Wild Scots series left off. You get to see all your favourite McRaes again.

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Grab a cold drink and switch off your phone... (Blayne broke records)

Hello!

I have some news! And a first chapter for you.

I'm thrilled to tell you that Stubborn Spark (Wild Scots, #5) broke four of my publishing records. Four!

How amazing is that? The Wild Scots series has gone from strength to strength, and I am one happy author.

I took a risk writing about the different kind of relationship Blayne, Brodie, and Casey have - they can only work together as a three. From the reviews, and the book's success, it paid off. Thank you!

Stubborn Spark's first chapter is below.

Warning: this is the hottest book yet and contains ALL the steam <3

Scroll on to read for yourself how it all started. (Or grab it in Kindle Unlimited now.)

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Stubborn Spark (Wild Scots, #5) - excerpt.

Chapter One – In the Gutter

Blayne

High on the wall of the snowboarding centre’s bustling café, the huge clock clunked to three PM. Three. Three people. Threesomes. Oh man, my mind was in the gutter this afternoon.

It had nothing to do with work and everything to do with my best friend coming to visit. We hadn’t seen each other in forever, and I missed him like crazy.

My thoughts took a sharp steer to perverted whenever Brodie was around.

“Blayne, I need to speak to you. Again.”

Hiding a sigh, I lifted my gaze to Pete, the annoying-as-f*ck manager my brother had appointed since I was last home. It didn’t matter to Pete that I’d pulled shifts in the café or out on the slopes since I was a teenager. Fact was, I’d been gone for months, and apparently, that reset my skill level to nought.

All day, this guy had been on my case.

“I’ve told you this already: the coffee bean sack goes on the left of the machine. It’s how we do things. Yet, twice, you’ve moved it.”

I took one long stride to the coffee maker. “Look, Pete, if ye put it here, it’ll get splashed by anyone using the sink. A wet sack isn’t going to make great coffee, am I right?”

My internal idiot fist bumped me for wet sack! but I kept my steady stare on the manager.

“It won’t if people aren’t careless. Leave it where I’ve instructed. It looks better to customers. I’m sure your brother will agree. After all, I’m the full-time employee here, not you.” Pete stuck his nose in the air and left me to my barista duties.

I watched him go and resisted the urge to flip him the bird.

A customer arrived at the polished bar and rested a hand on the wood. No, not a customer. Her snowboarding jacket had the neon-blue markings of a trainer. I let my gaze travel up to take in a pretty face framed with wisps of blonde hair, escaped from her messy bun.

“He’s a piece of work, right? That guy has been complaining at me nearly every day for some infraction,” the woman said with an eye roll. “You new here?”

My mouth dried up. She was gorgeous. American, too, by her accent. I managed a nod, despite the fact her assumption wasn’t true at all, but no words came. Nothing to explain how my brother owned the place, or how I’d helped with the build and worked here on and off in my breaks from university.

I was twenty-two, f*cking six-foot-eight and built, yet I was having trouble talking to an attractive woman. My brain was a mess.

The lass leaned in conspiratorially, gifting me with the scent of something flowery and of the bright clean smell of snow. “If Pete really pisses you off, go over his head to the big boss. His name’s Lennox McRae, and he’s a sweetie. I’ll introduce you next time he’s around. Get you some backup. Solidarity in the ranks.”

A hail came from a gang of kids in the doorway, and my new friend swung her attention to them. Kitted out in neon skiwear, they waved to her, clearly excited to carve up the slopes, or fall on their arses as most learners did.

“That’s my group. I’ve got to go.” She pushed off the bar but peeked back over her shoulder. “I’m Casey. Catch you around…?”

She waited for my cue, and I swallowed.

“Blay,” I mumbled.

Casey’s eyebrows dove together, but she was already weaving through the crowd then through the glass doors of the lobby and out to the snowy fields. As soon as her blue jacket went out of sight, I banged my head on the counter.

I had no right at all to screw that up. Attracting women, or managing to say my own name loud enough for someone to hear, had never been a problem for me. Yet ever since a night last summer when Brodie had visited me in Edinburgh and we’d taken a woman back to my dorm room, I’d been different.

We’d planned to have a threesome.

Though it hadn’t come off, the idea had blown my mind.

Cracked it, apparently.

Beyond that, I’d been working abroad for the last year of my engineering degree and I hadn’t seen Brodie. Until tomorrow. He’d be here in the afternoon, and I was itching to see my closest friend. We’d never discussed that night, and it was time we did.

I heaved another sigh and moved the sack of coffee beans back to its rightful position far away from the sink.

Manager Pete could go f*ck himself. I had bigger concerns to handle.

***

I worked through the afternoon with one eye on the entrance, hoping for a second sighting of Casey or maybe even Brodie. He lived and worked three hours away on a remote Scottish island, so my hope was a big one—it was borderline impossible that he’d get away early.

His arsehole boss was far worse than mine.

By the time my shift ended, I was climbing the walls with boredom. I took my laptop to a table and watched the skies darken as a storm rolled in.

The gaggle of snowboarding tweens poured in through the door, their hot American instructor with them. The kids swarmed the counter, clamouring for hot chocolate, but Casey held back, tapping her lip. She swept her gaze over the busy tables.

Her attention landed on me, and heat zinged through my big body.

She made her way over. Her cheeks, pink from the cold, tinged a warmer red. “Oh God. Hey. I wanted to find you again. I realised I made a big mistake earlier. You’re Blay? As in Blayne McRae? I’ve heard the other instructors talk about you coming back so I should’ve guessed. You look just like your brother. I’m so embarrassed.”

I didn’t fight my grin. “My fault. I was having a hard job speaking. No clue why I let ye carry on.”

“Don’t! I actually offered to introduce you to your own family. I can’t believe I did that.” She pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead, and my smile grew wider.

“It was kind of ye.”

Casey held my gaze for a second then glanced away, her lips curved.

The heat in me bloomed.

Confidence restored, I gestured to the spare seat opposite. “Can I get ye a coffee? We’ll start over. Aye, I’m Blayne. You’re Casey. For some reason, we make each other blush.”

Casey giggled and glimpsed back at her charges. “Thanks for the caffeine offer, but I only have a few minutes before I need to return the kids to their parents. Then I have another class. Rain check?”

“I’ll hold ye to that.”

“You’d better.”

She left, and I tore my attention away, back to my work.

But I couldn’t resist stealing a peek at her in action, high-fiving the youngsters and debriefing parents. Her blonde hair would be long when let down, I imagined. My gaze drifted down to where her ski pants hugged her curvy backside.

F*ck. For all I found myself wondering about my sexuality, I was definitely a fan of this lass.

By lunchtime the next day, I’d let myself admit to having a minor crush. All morning, I’d stolen glances at Casey, and found her sneaking looks back at me. We barely had a moment to exchange a greeting, though my head swam with the sheer rising chemistry.

The must-mate instinct.

Perhaps it was finishing university and almost being free that explained why my body had gone haywire. I was pent-up with energy. Hungry. Itching for…something.

By the afternoon, the storms that had hit the Highlands had worsened. My shift finished, and I took a coffee to a quiet corner of the café, debating what to do with myself.

A flash of blue caught my eye. Casey approached my table, a smile on her sensual lips. “Found you.”

“Were ye searching for me?” I chanced the cheeky line, because it was all we’d both done all day.

“Sure was.”

Christ, she was bold. A massive turn-on. “Got time for that coffee?”

Casey glanced around, presumably for the manager, then sank into the seat opposite. “I’m done with classes but I’m not finished with work. Pete has me on ski patrol until close. I’m not in his good graces, so he’s throwing all kinds of sh*t at me.”

I wrinkled my nose. Ski patrol—skirting the perimeter of the snowboarding centre’s piste range—was vital, particularly this close to dusk. Tourists got caught up in the fun and sometimes needed to be rounded up. But unless I was mistaken, this woman was seasonal and therefore probably unqualified. “On your own?”

“Yep, but I only have to cover the green runs. It’s all good. I can handle myself.”

“I’m sure ye can.” I chewed my lip, not wanting to offend her by implying she wasn’t capable of chasing down strays, but I had genuine worries. The combination of low light plus the change in the weather would challenge anyone. The last run of the day was always double-handed. By qualified staff.

What the f*ck was Pete playing at? He was a by-the-book guy, and this was anything but.

“Want some company?” I asked carefully.

“Sure! Do you think Pete will mind?”

“I’ll deal with him.”

Casey gave me a curious once-over, and I got caught on her sweet face, my concerns temporarily wavering.

This was what I needed. A lass to flirt with rather than dwelling on thoughts that could ruin my friendship with Brodie.

She rested her chin on her hands. “Gotta admit, I wasn’t all that excited to go out on my own. I’m only here for another couple of weeks and don’t want to end up a working-vacation statistic.”

“It was for selfish reasons, too. I need to get out and burn up some energy. I’ve been stuck in here all day.”

“Huh, maybe Pete hates both of us.”

Casey reached and picked up my black coffee.

And drank.

“I had the best time with the kids in my last group. They’re eleven or twelve and super confident.” She took another deep sip. “I’ve had lessons since I was able to walk, but at their age I was all elbows and knees.”

“Which part of the States are you from?”

“Omaha. Middle-of-nowhere Nebraska.” Her eyes widened, and she froze. “I’m drinking your coffee. Oh sh*t!”

I waved away her second round of embarrassment and reclined in my chair, trying not to laugh. “I offered you a drink so it was on your mind. We can share. I swear I’m healthy.”

Casey pushed the cup across the table, groaning with good nature.

“Is there a Blayne McRae in the house?” A holler came from the doors, and I dragged my focus up to witness a brawny Islander barrelling his way towards me.

Brodie’s dark hair hung over his eyes in a mess of static from the winter hat he’d just dragged off, and joy shone from him.

Holy sh*te! He was here.

By the time he reached my table, I was on my feet, arms ready and spine stiffened to receive his crashing bear hug. On cue, he slammed into me.

“Ye giant f*cker. It’s been months and ye don’t call, ye don’t write,” he complained then grabbed me by the head to smack a kiss on my cheek.

It was b*llocks, we spoke every day in one way or another. I wasn’t having that.

“Me? I send ye long emails full of fascinating information and what do I get in return? Pure filth.”

“Ah, ye wouldn’t have me any other way.” Brodie gave a delighted laugh and punched my arm.

His overlong hair was tied back with a strip of leather, and I locked on to this new detail. It suited him, yet I couldn’t let that go so easily.

“That tan is a strange colour on a Scotsman,” he continued. “Ye look like ye need a wash.”

“Are ye talking to me about social decency? You’re the one who shows up looking like a sixties throwback.”

“Is that a complaint? Your life is boring without me in it.”

Casey snorted a laugh, drawing both of our attentions.

Brodie instantly straightened. “Sorry, I didnae see Blayne had someone with him. I’m Brodie, this boy’s better half.”

Casey’s eyes widened. She swung a look between us.

“Not like that,” I clarified, then confused things further. “Well, not most of the time. He’s my best friend. Casey, this is Brodie. Brodie, Casey.”

The two shook hands.

“If ye forget which is which,” Brodie added, irrelevantly, as we were nothing alike, “check out the hair. Brodie-brown-hair, Blayne-blond.”

“Got it. Though I could also go by the fact this one is a giant.” She thumbed at me. “I’ve only seen him sitting down or behind the bar. I thought he was standing on something.”

“Nope. He’s a man mountain but he has his uses. No one will mess with ye if he’s lumbering around in your corner.”

I rolled my eyes. I might be unreasonably tall, but Brodie was no slouch.

The two grinned at each other, then Casey’s gaze flitted from him to me.

The moment drew out. We all sort of sized one another up.

The potent chemistry somehow grew stronger.

I cleared my throat. “Bro, Casey and I are about to head out on patrol. Want in?”

“Aye, man. I’ve been cramped in the car for hours. Let’s hit the snow.”

As a group, we moved to the exit, stopping at the board racks outside the door. Brodie kitted himself out from the staff equipment with easy familiarity. I grabbed my new and highly rad Storm Hunter board, earning an envious whistle from my friend.

I handed it to him. “Give her a try for me.”

Brodie grazed the sharp edge with his nail. “Don’t mind if I do.”

“Do you work here, too?” Casey asked him.

“I have done in the past. Right now, I’m stuck elsewhere.” Darkness passed over his gaze. Blink, and you would’ve missed it.

My interest level raised a notch.

There was a story behind Brodie’s reaction.

His worries, and the problems with his family, stifled his life. He’d never wanted to go to university like me, but he did have ambitions. Ones that had been left on a shelf.

I gave him a punch to his bulky shoulder. “Glad you’re here. Want to talk about that cloud over your head?”

“Not for a second. But I have a better idea.” Brodie’s expression cleared, and he eyed the café space behind us. “Tomorrow night, we’re throwing one fucking huge party.”

Read on to see how Blayne, Brodie, and Casey work things out as a happy threesome...

Let's welcome rock star Leo to the McRae family

I'm thrilled to announce that Fallen Snow (Wild Scots, #4) is live!

This story features:

  • a swoony rock star broken by grief

  • a laid up snowboarding champion whose dreams are in tatters

  • their hideaway at her castle home

  • the second chance they both needed

  • and a father-son bromance that nearly steals the show

This is a standalone and delivers a heartwarming HEA.
Scroll down to read chapter one - a sweet, teenage first kiss for our hero and heroine <3

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Fallen Snow (Wild Scots, #4) - Opening Scene

Viola

At the awed giggles from the booth behind me, I peeked around, then hid a smile. In winter kit, like everyone in the ski centre’s bar, the two girls eyeing me were probably snowboarders, too. They elbowed each other as if trying to get up the courage to come say hi.

It was a trip, being recognised. My very own fans? Hell yes.

I twisted back to find the bartender in front of me.

“Hot chocolate, please,” I requested. “Throw everything on it. I’m celebrating.”

I was seventeen and constantly watching what I ate. This was as wild as I got.

“Did you win?” The bartender lifted her chin at my competitor’s bib then picked up a huge white mug.

I tapped the snowboard leaning against the bar for luck. “Aced my heats. I’m up for the big one next.” It would be my first medal in an adult competition. My entry into the world of pro snowboarding.

“Good luck!” She turned to the coffee machine, and I hugged myself in glee.

A man dropped onto the stool next to mine. Dirty-blond hair peeked from under a beanie, and a thick hoodie bulked out his leather jacket. Not a sportsman. Not dressed like that.

Handsome, for sure.

A spike of interest zinged inside me. He couldn’t be much older than me, maybe eighteen. I was away from home and on a high. Good-looking boys were on my radar.

“Hey.” He gave me a cocky once-over then dragged his gaze away to the bartender.

My hot chocolate landed, and I breathed in the sweet steam then smiled my thanks at the woman. “This smells amazing. Is that marshmallows in the whipped cream?”

“Sure is. There’s chocolate flakes, too.”

My groan was almost indecent, and I picked up my spoon and started my attack.

“I’ll have what she’s having,” the guy beside me said. “If it’s that good, I need in.”

I snorted. “I’m eating this with way too much enthusiasm.”

“Have at it. That’s what you’re meant to have after skiing, right?”

I gestured again to my board. “Not a skier. Does that count?”

“You any good?”

I gave him a reckless wink. “Aye. Very.”

He grinned, and dimples popped. Damn. He was too cute for his own good. High cheekbones, a slightly too-wide mouth, and a flare of light in his eyes that I took way too long over admiring.

Freckles on his nose. God.

The giggling resumed, and my new friend glanced back.

“Shit.” He grimaced and raised his shoulders an inch. “I think I’ve been spotted.”

I paused mid-bite. “Uh—”

“Give them a minute, and they’ll come over. I guess I have to get used to this.”

“I don’t think they’ve noticed you, specifically.” I wrinkled my nose, not really wanting to burst his bubble.

“You obviously don’t recognise me. Not a music fan?”

In Valle d’Aosta, the mountainous area of Italy which hosted this winter games event, there were evenings of concerts to entertain the spectators once the sport was over. I’d gone along to listen to the bands last night but not stayed, needing to be well-rested. I gazed at Mr Might Be Famous, happy with the excuse of trying to work out who he was. A musician, then, and English. He had a right to worry about crazy fans with that face.

He stared right back, his gaze touching on my custom clothing, the VM of my branding.

I shrugged, glancing away before it got awkward. “Sorry. No clue. And I still don’t think those girls are looking at you, no matter how big a star you are. I’m probably more famous.”

His lip curved. “Want to bet?”

Magic words. Adrenaline eked into my blood, just as it did when I prepared for a jump. Priming my body and getting me ready for…something.

On cue, one of the girls stood. The musician raised his eyebrows at me, and I waited, amusement curling in my belly.

The youngster stopped beside us and took a breath. “I’m sorry to interrupt.”

We both drew up a little taller.

“Are you Viola McRae? I’m a huge fan.”

I couldn’t help my grin. My seat buddy gave a huff of a laugh.

“I am,” I replied. “Thank you very much!”

“Oh God! You killed it today. That was some epic big air.” She gestured with her hands, her eyes wide. She was adorable, twin plaits poking out from under her neck warmer. “I don’t know how you can just go for it off the ledge. I break out in a sweat on the baby slopes.”

“It isn’t easy, but give yourself a break. Time and practice changes what you’re thinking about. I used to get that gut-drop feeling from the height, but now my mind is on the kick. My position in the air. With a few more years under your belt, you’ll get there, too.”

She jerked her head, the bobble on her hat wobbling. “Thanks! Hey, can I get a selfie?”

I smiled, and she whipped out her phone, leaned in, and took the shot. Then her friend sidled over, and I let them take another picture and answered questions on my style—I rode goofy—my left leg at the back. One of the girls did, too, and I was delighted to talk shop.

They left, and I twisted back to my drink. I’d spooned up most of the cream-marshmallow-chocolate topping so I picked up the huge mug, warming my hands while I took a long sip. Then a second.

The boy watched me. His attention crackled over my skin.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” he said.

I licked my lips and put down my drink. “It would be mean to crow, and I’m a nice person.”

Amusement danced in his eyes. “Leo.” He put out a hand. “Leo Banks. I mean, just ‘Banks’. I’m meant to be using that as a stage name.”

We shook.

My amusement ramped up as Leo’s cheeks pinkened. “I’m Viola—”

“McRae. I heard from your fans. Now I know what the VM stands for on your hat. Nice to meet you, Viola.”

The warmth in me spread. “Are you playing tonight, Leo Banks?”

“Already did. I’m up-and-coming, touring for the first time. I get the early slots.”

Over his shoulder, I caught sight of a group entering the bar—JJ, who was on my team, plus a few others from the snowboarding circuit. If they dragged me into their posse, I’d spend the night listening to bragging and one-upmanship. I didn’t hide my sigh.

Leo peered around. “What’s wrong?”

“Just a guy I don’t really want to talk to right now.”

“The blond?”

“No, the other one.”

“Preppie boy, then. Is he chasing you?”

“Something like that.” JJ had asked me out and had a habit of standing too close. I kind of liked him but I hated his over-competitive edge and how rude he could be about people.

“Want to get out of here? We can get these to go and head to my room. I’d planned to watch a movie.”

My jaw dropped. “You’re inviting me to your hotel room?”

Leo palmed his neck. Instantly, he appeared younger. Sweeter. The proud persona gone and an unsure boy in his place.

“I don’t mean… That wasn’t a pick-up line. Just to see a film. I don’t know anyone here, and you’re alone. Or you were…”

JJ sauntered over, his crew trailing. He blocked Leo, his back to him. “Vi. Pretty good run today. Come and sit with us.”

Pretty good? I’d beaten my personal best and was favourite in the final. He’d come fourth in his event, barely qualifying. I leaned around him. “Sorry, I have plans. Leo. Good to go now?”

Leo stared at JJ’s head.

JJ drew away, as if he’d just noticed I wasn’t alone. He flicked his focus over Leo, lingering on his leather jacket. His lip curled in distaste.

With a steady glare, Leo stood. On his feet, he was a couple of inches taller than JJ. The light that had been in his eyes—amber irises, I noticed—turned cold. Flat.

Sexy.

Tension rose.

Weirdly, I kind of liked Leo gazing at JJ in that way. Like a dominant stag about to take down a competitor. Most people fawned over him.

I grinned and waved to the bartender. “Can you please pour these into takeaway cups?”

She decanted our hot chocolates, and I collected them, forcing JJ to step back as I stood.

“See you later, everyone,” I almost sang.

The snowboarding party moved on, and I passed the cups to Leo before reaching for my bag and board.

Leo watched them go. “Why do guys have to be like that?”

“Competitive? Kind of the nature of what we do.”

“It’s messed up.” In a slick swipe, he took my heavy bag and shouldered it, then moved through the tables, our drinks balanced against his chest.

Outside, we wandered the covered path that led to the main complex, protecting us from the fresh snowfall. Night had fallen, purple skies looming over the mountain landscape. Clear cold air drove the cobwebs from my brain and realisation of what I was doing trickled over me. I didn’t know this man. Going to his hotel room… Was that a strange idea?

Leo seemed to notice my hesitation. He walked backwards a few steps then scooped up a handful of snow from a rail with his free hand, crunched it in his fist, and threw it at me.

I jumped back in mock-outrage. “Are ye challenging me to a snowball fight? I live on the snow. I’ll own ye.”

By way of answer, Leo only smiled, disarming me entirely. “I meant what I said. I really do just want to watch a film. It would be nice to do that with a friend. Touring is a weird mix of loneliness and being around too many people.”

“Are you here alone or do you have a band?”

He thumbed at himself. “Solo artist. But I have session musicians. None I’d call friends. I’m not exactly alone, though.”

We arrived in the bright lobby of the main hotel on the mountain. I was staying here myself, but not alone either. I cocked my head at him. “Oh yeah? Who are you here with?”

“I’ve already made a fool of myself in front of you. If I answer that question—”

“Viola?” a voice came from behind us.

Oh heck. I turned and pasted on a smile. “Dad!”

“Your dad’s here?” Leo asked, low.

My father, a huge Highlander, strolled over and folded his arms. He cast an interested eye over my new friend. Leo was about the same height but had none of dad’s bulk. My father operated the mountain rescue local to our castle home and was used to bossing people around. He was also the overprotective sort and liable to ask questions.

My cheeks heated. I was seventeen, for crying out loud. I shouldn’t be blushing if my dad found out I was hanging out with a guy.

“Who’s this?” he asked with an edge to his casual tone.

“Dad, meet Leo. We’re going to watch a movie.”

“Leopold?” A woman joined us from the other side of the lobby. “I was looking for you. Have you eaten?”

Now, Leo reddened.

She was beautiful, in an elegant pantsuit and with her fair hair swept up. Like Leo, she wasn’t dressed for snowsports, as most people on the mountain were, and, like him, she had the same wide mouth in an easy smile.

Very obviously his mother.

“Mum, this is Viola. We’re going to watch a film.” He rubbed the back of his neck again.

Our parents made wry faces then regarded each other.

Dad started. “Ah, forgive me, I recognise ye. You’re Christie Banks, are ye not?”

Leo’s mum parted her lips. “I am! I’m surprised anyone knows me.”

“My wife was a big fan when you were in your modelling career. She’d get a kick out of knowing I met ye. Actually, ye met my brother once, years ago.”

Dad moved past us and joined Leo’s mother, the two chatting happily. Leo closed in on me.

“Leopold?” I raised an eyebrow.

“You see? Not very rock star to be here with my mum.” He shook his head, but a smile held on his lips.

“Do you think they’ll notice if we sneak away?” I side-mouthed.

Dad’s attention snapped back to me. “I heard that. Be back in your room by midnight, aye? Don’t make me come looking for ye.”

I took my bag and handed it plus my board to Dad, grabbed Leo’s fingers, and fled.

Read on…

Brooding Sebastian in Lion Heart is live!

Hello!

I am very happy to announce that Lion Heart (Wild Scots, #3) is live!

As you'll remember, at the end of Perfect Storm, Sebastian was bruised by rejection then wrongly jailed after defending a girl from attack.

Lion Heart starts on his day of release, and there's one heck of a surprise waiting for him at the probation office.

Advanced copy readers have said this is the most romantic story and their favourite of my novels yet.

I am honoured to have such kind words. Read on for the whole of the first chapter then grab your copy now!

“Chapter One – Go

Sebastian

Across the desk, the probation officer heaved a sigh and I wanted to strangle him. At 10:15AM on a Monday, I’d been out of prison for an hour and twenty minutes. My blood rushed through my veins, the lure of freedom loud in my head.

Sitting through this interview in a room with a closed door was killing me.

“We don’t get many men like you here.” The officer sat back in his chair. “With most offenders, I’d be sorting out housing or looking at addiction programmes, then pointing them to a job centre. But something tells me you won’t need help with any of that. Still, I need to fill out the papers.”

He was right. I didn’t need his help. I wasn’t an addict, and money had never been a problem. I came from one of the wealthiest families in England and had privilege coming out of my ears. Before the incident that led to my incarceration, I’d used my connections, and my title, whenever it pleased me to do so. Arrogance might as well have been my middle name.

But that was then.

Who the **** knew what I was now.

I planted an elbow on the table and fixed the man with a look. “I get it. You need to write your report and have something to check off each time I come in. How about on our next appointment, I give you details of my job? As for my address, I’ll be returning to my family home. That do for now?”

Relief peppered the officer’s brow. “I think so. There’s just a couple of things I need to explain to you. As you’re aware, you’ve been released on probation which will last for two years from this point, mirroring the remainder of your sentence. You are free to work and live a full life, but you must obey specific rules. The most important of which relates to the nature of your crime.” He raised his gaze to mine. “You cannot seek out or have any contact with the individual you were found guilty of harming.”

Revenge, he meant. I couldn’t hunt down the f***er whose lies had put me behind bars. I already knew this. It had been drilled into me in the fortnightly therapy I’d endured.

Didn’t mean I’d listen.

“Got it.” I forced my mouth into a smile.

“If you take a seat in the waiting area, I’ll complete the paperwork for you to sign and make your appointment for next month.”

I lifted my chin in scant acknowledgement, rose to my six-three height, then got the f*** out of the tiny interview room. Just one final step, and I could go.

Real freedom awaited.

Outside the dirty windows, the sun shone on Glasgow’s city streets. I had a car waiting in a nearby hotel car park, left by my family so I could make the long drive south.

To home. If I could bring myself to go there.

I’d dreamed about this day for so long, imagining the sheer headiness of being able to do whatever I wanted. But right now, I couldn’t centre myself. Prison life had messed with my mind. I’d asked my family to give me space in the first day or so but I wished I hadn’t.

I needed a purpose. Someone to tell me what to do because I couldn’t work it out myself.

“You don’t understand,” a woman said as I passed the counter in the main office. Her soft Scottish voice hitched on a sob, and her knuckles whitened where she clutched the clear plastic divider. “I have to go today. I have no choice.”

I took a seat, still glancing her way, as were the half dozen other ex-cons around me, waiting for their marching orders in the rows of seats.

Nobody could avoid her.

She was entirely out of place in her rainbow skirt, where bright reds mingled with oranges, yellows, and rich blues. A burst of colour in a mire of grey.

My attention caught on the sliver of skin visible at her waist, where the skirt ended and left a gap before her white bodice started.

She was familiar. Maybe from her Scottish tones, though we were in Glasgow, so that was hardly unusual.

The person behind the desk raised their hands in a no-can-do gesture, and the woman made a sound of frustration, dropping her voice to continue making the case for whatever it was she wanted.

I rolled my shoulders and switched my view to the street. Any minute, and I’d have my parole sentence plan—joke that it was—and I could leave. The longer I sat still, the more time I had to dwell on the reason I’d been arrested and imprisoned in the first place.

Three years ago, I’d attended a legal fighting ring. I’d made money—not so legal—from my fights, and left the venue. Outside, I’d intervened in a beating a man was giving to a girl.

A single unlucky punch saw him in the hospital and me in a jail cell.

The man claimed I’d attacked him first, and the girl had run, leaving no witnesses. It had been easy for the judge to see me as a troublemaker and convict me of grievous bodily harm.

Years of my life had gone by the wayside for that defensive act.

A final word of annoyance from the woman at the counter brought my focus back to her. She turned, facing into the room.

Shock slammed into me.

Her features, pale and tear-streaked, were ones that had been etched into my mind. Agonised over to the point where I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined her in that dark, rainy car park.

It was her. The girl I’d protected. Given up part of my life for.

The only person who could’ve stood up at my court case and saved me, but who had vanished without trace.

A soft whimper came from near her feet, and I dropped my gaze to the toddler clutching her leg, half hidden in her skirts.

“Come on, Lacey,” my mystery woman murmured to the child. She pushed her wavy blonde hair behind her ear and summoned a tight smile. At most, she was twenty, maybe younger. “We need to get you to Manchester.”

In a practiced move, she swooped and collected the little girl in her arms and popped her onto her hip, then twisted back to retrieve her bag.

“Mr Fitzroy.” My probation officer bustled into the reception. “I’ve prepared your papers. You need to sign—”

“Hand it over.” Bursting from my seat, I grabbed the paper and pen then scrawled my signature near the box by the man’s finger.

Old-me would’ve enjoyed telling him how Fitzroy wasn’t a surname, and I wasn’t ‘Mr’. I was Viscount Ashlaine, and Fitzroy was the name of the earldom my father held, the one I was heir to. But I had another objective.

The woman was out the door. I needed to stop her. Talk to her. Work out who she was and…

There was no more thinking. I just had to go.

“One month. I’ll be back. Are we good?” I barked at the probation officer.

“Yes. The details are on the letter,” he started.

I was already running.

—-

Click the button to read on. Lion Heart is FREE in Kindle Unlimited.”

My very first boxed set <3

So many hot Scots in one place

The boxed set of the first four romances in the Marry the Scot series is now live on Amazon! This contains:

  • Storm the Castle - the alpha laird and the lass he can’t have

  • Love Most, Say Least - silent, damaged James meets lunatic driver, Beth

  • Hero - a downed pilot and his best friend’s younger sister

  • The Rival - Lachlan falls for Marianne. Shame she’s engaged to his cousin

Note: The Rival is the series prequel novella and gives a wee smidge of background information on the McRae brothers. Once you’re done with this boxed set, there are two further full-length novels for the twins and a whole new series for the next generation - the Wild Scots. Phew!

Get reading now!

Jolie x

Live! Perfect Storm (Wild Scots, #2)

Skye's story is live! A few weeks ago now, but if you follow me on Facebook, you’ll know why I’m late to the blog post party. I’m so glad how well loved this book has already become in just a short time. Skye and Artair are the most wonderfully romantic couple.

This is a STANDALONE and features:

💙a surprise pregnancy following a super-steamy (and super-stormy) one-night stand

💙a dedicated alpha male who will stop at nothing to get his lass

💙a dress designer heroine with big plans of her own

💙the gorgeous mountains, castles, and beaches of Scotland

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️Ohmigod...Skye’s baby daddy is pure sex on a stick!! - PB

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️The chemistry between the hero and heroine is sizzling hot - Kathy

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️I picked it up to read for half an hour before bed and the next thing I knew it was the early hours and I was finishing it.  This was such a good read - Poppy

Hard Nox is live! A new generation of Scots have landed

Hard Nox is the first in the new Wild Scots series and PHEW is this book a scorcher.

This story contains:

  • A huge hero and tiny heroine

  • A car chase and a first kiss that makes enemies

  • More steam than I've ever written before

Isobel is Lennox's best friend's younger sister. He's known her all his life but he doesn't truly see her until they are teens. But then the kiss happens, sealing their fate but making them enemies too.

Years later, the separation has only made Nox's regard stronger and he knows what he wants.

Her.

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Their journey made me laugh, want to cry, roll my eyes...just gave all the "feels". GREAT JOB JOLIE!!! - Shannon

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I am on pins and needles waiting for the next book. It can not come out fast enough! - Lori

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Cue all the swoons for Lennox McRae! Like his father, he's a commanding presence. This is a fabulous addition to one of my all-time favorite series - Viper

The Wild Scots are coming...

When I came to the end of the Marry the Scot series, I asked my readers what they’d like to read next. ‘More Scots!’ was the answer, and I listened.

Hard Nox (Wild Scots, #1) introduces the first of the new Fitzroy-McRae generation. The children of the Marry the Scot crew get to have their own romances. If you are a Callum fan, wait until you meet his son, Lennox. And don’t even get me started on Isobel Fitzroy. Together, these two are explosive.

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Hard Nox (Wild Scots, #1) is out December 12th, 2019!

Nate the soldier is live <3 Read chapter one now!

Fight For Us is live! This is a second-chance military romantic suspense containing:

  • childhood sweethearts torn apart by tragedy

  • a kicka55 sharpshooting heroine with an attitude problem

  • an emotional alpha male on a suicide mission

Scroll down to read chapter one now!

“Fight For Us - Chapter One

Nate – near the Syrian/Turkish border

The ammo magazine locked into place with a satisfying click, and I squared my shoulders to the pockmarked wall, trying to keep my mind on the standard weapons check of my rifle. My spine tingled under the tattoo of Kit’s name, and I forced back dangerous regret that I’d never see her face again.

In twenty-four hours, I’d be dead.

I knew she’d forgive me.

Too late for remorse, even if I hadn’t long ago shut down my emotions. Six years it had taken to get here. Six long years of learning from the best in how to fight and how to kill. Now, only hours remained until I could ditch my unit and take my chance.

I couldn’t stop my hands from shaking.

Lomax shot me a glance across the bare floorboards of our holding area. He wiped his straight razor across his pants, his head half-shaved. “Is there a problem?”

The rest of our Green Beret Special Forces unit was spread throughout the stucco building overlooking the market town. Recon from Charlie and Griffin on the square outside, on the eyes watching, told us how many guns were trained on each and every window. If I stuck my head up a few inches, I’d lose it.

My mind should be on the mission. On the shit storm we were primed to rain down.

The over-muscled sniper sharing my space knew me well enough to tell something wasn’t right. If Lomax could read my mind, he’d have me hauled in faster than I could blink desert dust from my eye.

Fuck. I needed to dial it back.

“Just ready to go, my brother.”

“Bullshit.” He drew the razor through his fuzz with a scratch of bristles, eyeing me still.

For his sake, I made a show of checking my pack, ignoring his piercing gaze. We were traveling light, but I had all I needed: my SIG side arm, M4 carbine, money to hire a car, and an all-encompassing hatred fueled by loss.

I’d been ready for years.

I was out. Done.

Everyone wanted to kill terrorists, but there was only one in my sights. Araim.

He was mine, a dead man walking.

My father’s murderer.

Dad’s death—the video of his execution—had rocked the nation and had kids signing up to the army like flies swarming a rotting corpse. It had turned me into a machine with only one objective.

Araim was fifty kilometers away. My informant had finally come through.

Even thoughts of the girl I’d left behind couldn’t stop me. I owed this to my dad, and I was the only one who could right the wrong.

So long as the team didn’t guess my intentions, my revenge mission had begun.

***

Kit – Trelaida military base, US

Hot Blond ground his dick against my leg, shoving me through the open door of his quarters. With a slobbering mouth, he sucked on my neck then worked his way down, grabbing hold of my hips over my pants.

“I’m gonna fuck you so hard, baby,” the walking dildo panted, his breath stale beer mixed with a smack of the shots we’d done. “You’re going to see stars. Meteor showers.”

I was so not into this.

The Nate Wolfe effect had struck again.

Ugh. Yeah, right.

My back hit the wall and I rolled my neck, giving him better access, trying to get into the zone. The tension in my muscles desperately needed release. My head ached like I’d smashed rocks with it, the liquor I’d swallowed to kick off my week of leave wearing off far too soon.

What was I even supposed to do for seven days without work? It was enforced R&R after a completed mission, and what a waste of my time. I had no clue how to spend it. If I wanted to feel particularly shitty, I could visit Mom in military prison, but I’d probably do as I’d always done in the past: hit the road and drive until it was time to return.

That was why I was thinking about Nate.

I had nowhere to go, I was that pathetic. It shouldn’t have been like this. We’d had plans. We were never going to enlist like our parents had. The world had been ours to discover together.

Until he’d left.

Thoughts of that abandoned future could get the fuck out of my head.

Avoiding memories of the man wasn’t so easy. I had to hear about his exploits like everyone else. The son of the man famous for being kidnapped and murdered in cold blood was now celebrated in his own right. Nate was the poster boy for military recruitment and national pride from sea to shining sea. Everything he did made America safer. He was the soldier of the people, out there with his unit of full-grown Action Men, taking down the bad guys. He belonged to everyone.

He should have belonged to me alone.

“You know what you do to me when you flaunt this tight little ass around the base?” Hot Blond’s thumbs pressed into my waist, his fingers sliding south. “You thinking about me when you run by every morning? Do your shorts rub you right where you want my tongue?”

Uh, not really.

This guy couldn’t talk dirty for shit. Nate could; we’d learned to do it together. And so, the man ruined my sex life, too. Every guy I hooked up with, it was Nate’s dumbass face I saw. His broad body I compared them to. I couldn’t even remember Hot Blond’s name. Kevin? Kane? Something like that. Whatever it was, if he didn’t shut up, I was seconds away from walking and scratching my itch with my battery-operated boyfriend. At least Sawyer had the night shift and I’d have our barracks room to myself.

Deep in my pocket, my phone buzzed, the sensation the most exciting feeling I’d got all night. Hot Blond made a noise like he was enjoying it, too, but I used the distraction to push him off.

“Sorry, buddy. I need to take this.”

Reaching down, I extracted the phone and checked the screen, blinding bright in the dark of a room that could only exist on a military base. The place screamed army with its standard issue everything. Something a military brat like me knew all too well.

“You fucking kidding me?” he said.

“Give me five.” I patted him on the cheek and squinted at the screen.

Hot Blond groaned then stalked out the door.

I answered the call. It was Sawyer’s name on the display. “What up, Lieutenant Bitch?”

“Where the fuck are you?” Her no-nonsense tone had my whiskey haze receding further.

“Still on base. Some guy’s room. Why?”

“We mobilize in thirty. Get to HQ. Cody went to our block to collect you. I’ll redirect.”

Mobilize? My mind scrambled to keep up. “I’m being deployed? But I’m meant to be on R&R.”

My roommate’s voice barked back, “Postponed. Two days. This is top priority, and you’re assigned essential personnel. Give me your location so I can get Cody’s ass over to you.”

Where was I? “Um, hey,” I called out into the hall. “What block is this?”

“Thirty west, block D. Out on Magnolia. Babe, don’t even think about leaving. We’ve got business to finish. I’m all swollen up here.”

I relayed my location and killed the call, not hiding my snicker. I was Kit Samson, a twenty-four-year-old second lieutenant intelligence officer whose leave had been cancelled, thank fuck, and nobody, nobody, was telling me what I was or wasn’t thinking.

***

Cody gave me a once-over as I jumped into his black MP Jeep, my tank top riding up my belly and my pants button still undone. Aside from Sawyer, he was the only other person at Fort Trelaida I considered a friend. He’d grown up here with Nate and me before he joined the Military Police right out of college.

“Hey. What’s the mission?” I asked.

Cody gunned the engine, a grin stretching his face and a buzz of excitement coming off him in waves. With his brown hair, tan skin, and bright-blue eyes, he was handsome and he knew it. And he’d prowled his way around the barracks more times than I had.

Stretching over, he thwacked my boots off his dash where I’d set them.

“You look like crap, Kit. Who was it this time?”

“Do you hear me asking questions about your sex life? Give me the mission details or shut up and drive.” He’d know what was going on. Cody always knew everything. A benefit of being the son of a commander. The only benefit I could see.

His grin dialed back, and a pensive energy haunted his features. Lights flashed over his face, and we sped up, leaving the quiet residential blocks for the base’s wide main circular road.

“Extraction of a high-priority target. About to go AWOL. Likely a deserter.”

The words penetrated, clearing the last vestiges of my drunken night, and my mind woke into clear, sharp focus. This was a military target. The mission just got way more interesting. “Who?”

Cody hit the brakes, the car squealing around the corner, and the brightly lit HQ building came into sight. “You know I can’t tell you that, Kit, but the man’s in trouble. You’re being sent in to rescue him. Save him from himself.”

***

You’re being sent in to rescue him, save him from himself.

The mantra repeated over and over in time with the drone of the C-130 Hercules engines, and I fidgeted in my seat. None of this made sense. Not the ultra-short briefing I’d been given as I was hustled through the building and out to the airstrip, nor the role I had to play. I’d never had an assignment like this before. So…imprecise, with so few details. My function was intelligence, and I was used to being in the rearguard, providing the information. Clear about what was needed of me.

They’d told me shit.

Aside from Sawyer, I only recognized a couple of other people on the plane. None of my usual unit. Something felt very wrong. Like the objective wasn’t what it seemed and it was a mistake why my name in particular had been pulled out of the hat.

All I was sure about was that I had to walk into a market in a remote dusty village, undercover, and on reconnaissance. For what, I’d be told on the fly. I wasn’t clear what country we were heading for, and I couldn’t find out what the target soldier’s mission had been or why the army cared so much.

Why would the top brass go to such efforts to pull in an AWOL soldier? The most he’d get would be a slap on the wrist for his adventure. It must be someone important.

My hardened, bitter heart beat out of time at the random thought that I might see Nate. Why? I had no reason to expect his Special Forces unit to be there. Even so, it staggered me, just as it did every time I was deployed. The chance to see his face again…

Focus. This is what you’ve trained for.

Binding my hair into a braid, I donned the civilian attire I’d been ordered to wear—the clothes of a married, respectable woman. Inconspicuous, so long as no one could hear the clanging bells of dread that rang in my mind.

Then I waited as the plane sped on, plunging into the dark night ahead.”

The Rival is now on Amazon

Announcement: The Rival (Marry the Scot, #0.5) is now available on Amazon for 99c or free in Kindle Unlimited.

Have you met Lachlan McRae? You might remember the McRae brothers' stroppy relative from the main series. Did you know his bride was originally engaged to another man?

This steamy novella takes in a romp around the Highlands and of course wraps up in a neat HEA 💑

Let the Games begin!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZCBPZNL/

Please note: The Rival is no longer available as a free download to newsletter subscribers.

Jolie x