Running Off Radar, page 27
Suddenly raw fish and wasabi sounded irresistible. Unless she could see Rose. Even then, she realized, she’d handle that better with some protein in her. “Let me just check in.” She texted Dev, Safe to come back yet?
Going to dinner with work people. Hang tight, he texted back. A few seconds later, Go eat. Really.
Frustrating as it was to wait, she had to smile. Dev knew her too well. “Sushi sounds great.”
* * *
Ludvig’s was too busy to get in, and Rose realized she was relieved. She wasn’t up for the memories of her dinner there with Maji or the evening that followed. The thought of never sharing that kind of evening with her again brought tears to the surface. Arvid and Birgit, engaged in a lively discussion about other dining options, didn’t notice. And though he said nothing, she knew Dev did. Much as she appreciated his insights, she was glad they couldn’t talk about Maji anymore. If she could just stop thinking about her, the evening might be bearable.
A glass of wine with the fish of the day at the chosen next-best restaurant did help. Rose tried to tune in to the conversation, to fully engage. But fatigue and grief ganged up on her, and she kept drifting mentally away.
“Rose? You knew him, isn’t that so?”
Dev caught her eye. “Javier Mendez. The man killed in that terrible auto accident,” he prompted.
Javi, protecting his family. “Oh yes. He was a friend.”
“So tragic,” Arvid said. “In my country, we don’t tolerate the driving with the alcohol.” The official story, Rose supposed. How about cold-blooded murder? Do you tolerate that?
Birgit laid a hand on hers. “So sorry. A terrible loss.”
“Rose was so strong, helping the police contact his family, making arrangements,” Dev chimed in. “I hope you did not miss your own presentation?”
“No,” she said. “That went quite well. It was…earlier.”
That gave them all a safe segue back to work topics, with polite questions about her research project, the book Birgit was cowriting, and Arvid’s application for a grant.
* * *
Rose looked at the empty bed and felt pulled to it. To just dissolve into sleep and forget for a little while the last day. But she didn’t want to sleep alone. She wondered where Maji was. Was she alone too? Did she feel this awful?
“I’m going to get changed and bed down,” Dev said, heading for the bathroom. “Need anything first?”
She looked up at him, still feeling torn. “Do you think Ri is still in town?”
Dev didn’t do a good job of hiding his smile. “I think she’s probably in the lobby.”
“Oh. Well, please ask her to come up.” Rose second-guessed herself. “No, wait. I’ll do it.” She got her phone out and opened their chain of messages, saw Maji’s enthusiastic response to her invitation to lunch at the conference. To join her for a few moments of sweet, precious normal people time. I can’t leave things like this, she typed. Please come see me.
After pressing send Rose realized that she had not given Maji their room number. Maybe Dev had given it to her, or…
A knock came at the door. With a salsa beat. Rose laughed with relief.
* * *
Maji stood at the threshold waiting to be asked in. Rose looked tired, beautiful as always, and inexplicably happy. Had she changed her mind?
“I wanted to explain,” Rose began.
Dev stepped between them, angling to get out. “’Scuse me.” Outside, he gave Maji a light shove toward Rose.
As the door closed on him, Rose opened her mouth to continue.
“Wait,” Maji interrupted, afraid to hear anything that started with I wanted to explain. “Don’t give up on us. I know you’re scared for me—I’m scared for you. But I can’t let that stop me anymore. I can’t stop loving you. And if you need some time, some space, anything at all, you can have whatever you need to feel safe. Dev says I should propose to you, like right now.” The surprise on Rose’s face was not delight. “But I don’t think that’s fair, to spring a take-it-or-leave-it on you when you know I’m about to disappear again. So you should know, when we’ve got this jackass in the bag, I’m going to come back—to you. And I’m going to ask you to marry me and never ever have to pretend again. Not about us, at least.”
Rose crossed her arms over her middle. “Is that it?”
“That’s the best I’ve got right now. If you give me another chance, I promise I’ll do better.” Maji ducked her head and turned toward the door.
“Stop.”
Maji turned slowly back around. She could tell Rose was just barely holding herself together. She waited, her breath caught in her throat.
“You cannot be out there hunting Sirko while he thinks Sergeant Ariela Rios has me as an Achilles’ heel. The only safe Ri for you or me is a single Ri.” Rose gave her the barest smile, a whisper of hope. “So Maji, here’s how it’s going to go—as far as everyone else is concerned, I have broken up with you, whoever they think you are. I am single and, God help me, I will date as many yawningly normal people as I have to, to make that believable. I may even kiss one or two if absolutely necessary.”
“Are you—”
“Ah,” Rose cut her off. “Not done yet. When you are done catching that bastard and anyone else your folks are sure knows about us, then you come home to me. Whenever that is. Whatever condition you are in.” No hint of the smile was left. “Take too long and you may come home to a really pissed-off single mother. Am I clear?”
Maji swallowed hard. “Is that a yes?”
“To what? Marriage? Hell no. I intend to enjoy dating you—like normal people do, or would if they had you to date. And then maybe I’ll ask you. And you’d better say yes.”
Maji laughed out loud. “For you, it’s always yes.”
“Good. Then come to bed.”
“Uh, I’m—”
“Too injured to wow me. I know.” Rose looked less cross, but still exhausted.
“No. Well, yeah. But also, I have to get gone around four a.m. I’m sorry.”
Rose cupped Maji’s face in her hands. “You will stop saying that. I’ll set the damn alarm. And I just want you to hold me. Can you do that?”
Maji nodded. “Yes. Always yes.”
About the Author
MB Austin, a mild-mannered civil servant by day, spends her discretionary time writing, training in a mix of martial arts, and working to end violence. She also enjoys cooking, eating, reading, dancing, and laughing as much as possible.
MB’s first series, featuring Maji Rios, is inspired by real people, in and out of uniform, who work to make their communities and the world safer for all. And by the people who feed them.
MB lives with her fabulous wife in Seattle, an excellent town for coffee-fueled writers who don’t need too much sun. Peek into daily life and upcoming stories at: www.mbaustin.me
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Exposed by MJ Williamz. The closet is no place to live if you want to find true love. (978-1-62639-989-1)
Force of Fire: Toujours a Vous by Ali Vali. Immortals Kendal and Piper welcome their new child and celebrate the defeat of an old enemy, but another ancient evil is about to awaken deep in the jungles of Costa Rica. (978-1-63555-047-4)
Holding Their Place by Kelly A. Wacker. Together Dr. Helen Connery and ambulance driver Julia March, discover that goodness, love, and passion can be found in the most unlikely and even dangerous places during WWI. (978-1-63555-338-3)
Landing Zone by Erin Dutton. Can a career veteran finally discover a love stronger than even her pride? (978-1-63555-199-0)
Love at Last Call by M. Ullrich. Is balancing business, friendship, and love more than any willing woman can handle? (978-1-63555-197-6)
Pleasure Cruise by Yolanda Wallace. Spencer Collins and Amy Donovan have few things in common, but a Caribbean cruise offers both women an unexpected chance to face one of their greatest fears: falling in love. (978-1-63555-219-5)
Running Off Radar by MB Austin. Maji’s plans to win Rose back are interrupted when work intrudes and duty calls her to help a SEAL team stop a Russian mobster from harvesting gold from the bottom of Sitka Sound. (978-1-63555-152-5)
Shadow of the Phoenix by Rebecca Harwell. In the final battle for the fate of Storm’s Quarry, even Nadya’s and Shay’s powers may not be enough. (978-1-63555-181-5)
Take a Chance by D. Jackson Leigh. There’s hardly a woman within fifty miles of Pine Cone that veterinarian Trip Beaumont can’t charm, except for the irritating new cop, Jamie Grant, who keeps leaving parking tickets on her truck. (978-1-63555-118-1)
The Outcasts by Alexa Black. Spacebus driver Sue Jones is running from her past. When she crash-lands on a faraway world, the Outcast Kara might be her chance for redemption. (978-1-63555-242-3)
Alias by Cari Hunter. A car crash leaves a woman with no memory and no identity. Together with Detective Bronwen Pryce, she fights to uncover a truth that might just kill them both. (978-1-63555-221-8)
Death in Time by Robyn Nyx. Working in the past is hell on your future. (978-1-63555-053-5)
Hers to Protect by Nicole Disney. High school sweethearts Kaia and Adrienne will have to see past their differences and survive the vengeance of a brutal gang if they want to be together. (978-1-63555-229-4)
Of Echoes Born by ’Nathan Burgoine. A collection of queer fantasy short stories set in Canada from Lambda Literary Award finalist ’Nathan Burgoine. (978-1-63555-096-2)
Perfect Little Worlds by Clifford Mae Henderson. Lucy can’t hold the secret any longer. Twenty-six years ago, her sister did the unthinkable. (978-1-63555-164-8)
Room Service by Fiona Riley. Interior designer Olivia likes stability, but when work brings footloose Savannah into her world and into a new city every month, Olivia must decide if what makes her comfortable is what makes her happy. (978-1-63555-120-4)
Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden. Professional surfers Gia Malone and Elle Britton can’t deny their chemistry on and off the beach. But only one can win… (978-1-63555-016-0)
Take My Hand by Missouri Vaun. River Hemsworth arrives in Georgia intent on escaping quickly, but when she crashes her Mercedes into the Clip ’n Curl, sexy Clay Cahill ends up rescuing more than her car. (978-1-63555-104-4)
The Last Time I Saw Her by Kathleen Knowles. Lane Hudson only has twelve days to win back Alison’s heart. That is if she can gather the courage to try. (978-1-63555-067-2)
Wayworn Lovers by Gun Brooke. Will agoraphobic composer Giselle Bonnaire and Tierney Edwards, a wandering soul who can’t remain in one place for long, trust in the passionate love destiny hands them? (978-1-62639-995-2)
Breakthrough by Kris Bryant. Falling for a sexy ranger is one thing, but is the possibility of love worth giving up the career Kennedy Wells has always dreamed of? (978-1-63555-179-2)
Certain Requirements by Elinor Zimmerman. Phoenix has always kept her love of kinky submission strictly behind the bedroom door and inside the bounds of romantic relationships, until she meets Kris Andersen. (978-1-63555-195-2)
Dark Euphoria by Ronica Black. When a high-profile case drops in Detective Maria Diaz’s lap, she forges ahead only to discover this case, and her main suspect, aren’t like any other. (978-1-63555-141-9)
Fore Play by Julie Cannon. Executive Leigh Marshall falls hard for Peyton Broader, her golf pro…and an ex-con. Will she risk sabotaging her career for love? (978-1-63555-102-0)
Love Came Calling by CA Popovich. Can a romantic looking for a long-term, committed relationship and a jaded cynic too busy for love conquer life’s struggles and find their way to what matters most? (978-1-63555-205-8)
Outside the Law by Carsen Taite. Former sweethearts Tanner Cohen and Sydney Braswell must work together on a federal task force to see justice served, but will they choose to embrace their second chance at love? (978-1-63555-039-9)
The Princess Deception by Nell Stark. When journalist Missy Duke realizes Prince Sebastian is really his twin sister Viola in disguise, she plays along, but when sparks flare between them, will the double deception doom their fairy-tale romance? (978-1-62639-979-2)
The Smell of Rain by Cameron MacElvee. Reyha Arslan, a wise and elegant woman with a tragic past, shows Chrys that there’s still beauty to embrace and reason to hope despite the world’s cruelty. (978-1-63555-166-2)
The Talebearer by Sheri Lewis Wohl. Liz’s visions show her the faces of the lost and the killers who took their lives. As one by one, the murdered are found, a stranger works to stop Liz before the serial killer is brought to justice. (978-1-635550-126-6)
White Wings Weeping by Lesley Davis. The world is full of discord and hatred, but how much of it is just human nature when an evil with sinister intent is invading people’s hearts? (978-1-63555-191-4)
A Call Away by KC Richardson. Can a businesswoman from a big city find the answers she’s looking for, and possibly love, on a small-town farm? (978-1-63555-025-2)
Berlin Hungers by Justine Saracen. Can the love between an RAF woman and the wife of a Luftwaffe pilot, former enemies, survive in besieged Berlin during the aftermath of World War II? (978-1-63555-116-7)
Blend by Georgia Beers. Lindsay and Piper are like night and day. Working together won’t be easy, but not falling in love might prove the hardest job of all. (978-1-63555-189-1)
Hunger for You by Jenny Frame. Principe of an ancient vampire clan Byron Debrek must save her one true love from falling into the hands of her enemies and into the middle of a vampire war. (978-1-63555-168-6)
Mercy by Michelle Larkin. FBI Special Agent Mercy Parker and psychic ex-profiler Piper Vasey learn to love again as they race to stop a man with supernatural gifts who’s bent on annihilating humankind. (978-1-63555-202-7)
Pride and Porters by Charlotte Greene. Will pride and prejudice prevent these modern-day lovers from living happily ever after? (978-1-63555-158-7)
Rocks and Stars by Sam Ledel. Kyle’s struggle to own who she is and what she really wants may end up landing her on the bench and without the woman of her dreams. (978-1-63555-156-3)
The Boss of Her: Office Romance Novellas by Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich. Going to work never felt so good. Three office romance novellas from talented writers Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich. (978-1-63555-145-7)
The Deep End by Ellie Hart. When family ties become entangled in murder and deception, it’s time to find a way out… (978-1-63555-288-1)
A Country Girl’s Heart by Dena Blake. When Kat Jackson gets a second chance at love, following her heart will prove the hardest decision of all. (978-1-63555-134-1)
Dangerous Waters by Radclyffe. Life, death, and war on the home front. Two women join forces against a powerful opponent, nature itself. (978-1-63555-233-1)
Fury’s Death by Brey Willows. When all we hold sacred fails, who will be there to save us? (978-1-63555-063-4)
It’s Not a Date by Heather Blackmore. Kade’s desire to keep things with Jen on a professional level is in Jen’s best interest. Yet what’s in Kade’s best interest…is Jen. (978-1-63555-149-5)
Killer Winter by Kay Bigelow. Just when she thought things could get no worse, homicide Lieutenant Leah Samuels learns the woman she loves has betrayed her in devastating ways. (978-1-63555-177-8)
Score by MJ Williamz. Will an addiction to pain pills destroy Ronda’s chance with the woman she loves or will she come out on top and score a happily ever after? (978-1-62639-807-8)
Spring’s Wake by Aurora Rey. When wanderer Willa Lange falls for Provincetown B&B owner Nora Calhoun, will past hurts and a fifteen-year age gap keep them from finding love? (978-1-63555-035-1)
The Northwoods by Jane Hoppen. When Evelyn Bauer, disguised as her dead husband, George, travels to a Northwoods logging camp to work, she and the camp cook Sarah Bell forge a friendship fraught with both tenderness and turmoil. (978-1-63555-143-3)
Truth or Dare by C. Spencer. For a group of six lesbian friends, life changes course after one long snow-filled weekend. (978-1-63555-148-8)
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MB Austin, Running Off Radar
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Going to dinner with work people. Hang tight, he texted back. A few seconds later, Go eat. Really.
Frustrating as it was to wait, she had to smile. Dev knew her too well. “Sushi sounds great.”
* * *
Ludvig’s was too busy to get in, and Rose realized she was relieved. She wasn’t up for the memories of her dinner there with Maji or the evening that followed. The thought of never sharing that kind of evening with her again brought tears to the surface. Arvid and Birgit, engaged in a lively discussion about other dining options, didn’t notice. And though he said nothing, she knew Dev did. Much as she appreciated his insights, she was glad they couldn’t talk about Maji anymore. If she could just stop thinking about her, the evening might be bearable.
A glass of wine with the fish of the day at the chosen next-best restaurant did help. Rose tried to tune in to the conversation, to fully engage. But fatigue and grief ganged up on her, and she kept drifting mentally away.
“Rose? You knew him, isn’t that so?”
Dev caught her eye. “Javier Mendez. The man killed in that terrible auto accident,” he prompted.
Javi, protecting his family. “Oh yes. He was a friend.”
“So tragic,” Arvid said. “In my country, we don’t tolerate the driving with the alcohol.” The official story, Rose supposed. How about cold-blooded murder? Do you tolerate that?
Birgit laid a hand on hers. “So sorry. A terrible loss.”
“Rose was so strong, helping the police contact his family, making arrangements,” Dev chimed in. “I hope you did not miss your own presentation?”
“No,” she said. “That went quite well. It was…earlier.”
That gave them all a safe segue back to work topics, with polite questions about her research project, the book Birgit was cowriting, and Arvid’s application for a grant.
* * *
Rose looked at the empty bed and felt pulled to it. To just dissolve into sleep and forget for a little while the last day. But she didn’t want to sleep alone. She wondered where Maji was. Was she alone too? Did she feel this awful?
“I’m going to get changed and bed down,” Dev said, heading for the bathroom. “Need anything first?”
She looked up at him, still feeling torn. “Do you think Ri is still in town?”
Dev didn’t do a good job of hiding his smile. “I think she’s probably in the lobby.”
“Oh. Well, please ask her to come up.” Rose second-guessed herself. “No, wait. I’ll do it.” She got her phone out and opened their chain of messages, saw Maji’s enthusiastic response to her invitation to lunch at the conference. To join her for a few moments of sweet, precious normal people time. I can’t leave things like this, she typed. Please come see me.
After pressing send Rose realized that she had not given Maji their room number. Maybe Dev had given it to her, or…
A knock came at the door. With a salsa beat. Rose laughed with relief.
* * *
Maji stood at the threshold waiting to be asked in. Rose looked tired, beautiful as always, and inexplicably happy. Had she changed her mind?
“I wanted to explain,” Rose began.
Dev stepped between them, angling to get out. “’Scuse me.” Outside, he gave Maji a light shove toward Rose.
As the door closed on him, Rose opened her mouth to continue.
“Wait,” Maji interrupted, afraid to hear anything that started with I wanted to explain. “Don’t give up on us. I know you’re scared for me—I’m scared for you. But I can’t let that stop me anymore. I can’t stop loving you. And if you need some time, some space, anything at all, you can have whatever you need to feel safe. Dev says I should propose to you, like right now.” The surprise on Rose’s face was not delight. “But I don’t think that’s fair, to spring a take-it-or-leave-it on you when you know I’m about to disappear again. So you should know, when we’ve got this jackass in the bag, I’m going to come back—to you. And I’m going to ask you to marry me and never ever have to pretend again. Not about us, at least.”
Rose crossed her arms over her middle. “Is that it?”
“That’s the best I’ve got right now. If you give me another chance, I promise I’ll do better.” Maji ducked her head and turned toward the door.
“Stop.”
Maji turned slowly back around. She could tell Rose was just barely holding herself together. She waited, her breath caught in her throat.
“You cannot be out there hunting Sirko while he thinks Sergeant Ariela Rios has me as an Achilles’ heel. The only safe Ri for you or me is a single Ri.” Rose gave her the barest smile, a whisper of hope. “So Maji, here’s how it’s going to go—as far as everyone else is concerned, I have broken up with you, whoever they think you are. I am single and, God help me, I will date as many yawningly normal people as I have to, to make that believable. I may even kiss one or two if absolutely necessary.”
“Are you—”
“Ah,” Rose cut her off. “Not done yet. When you are done catching that bastard and anyone else your folks are sure knows about us, then you come home to me. Whenever that is. Whatever condition you are in.” No hint of the smile was left. “Take too long and you may come home to a really pissed-off single mother. Am I clear?”
Maji swallowed hard. “Is that a yes?”
“To what? Marriage? Hell no. I intend to enjoy dating you—like normal people do, or would if they had you to date. And then maybe I’ll ask you. And you’d better say yes.”
Maji laughed out loud. “For you, it’s always yes.”
“Good. Then come to bed.”
“Uh, I’m—”
“Too injured to wow me. I know.” Rose looked less cross, but still exhausted.
“No. Well, yeah. But also, I have to get gone around four a.m. I’m sorry.”
Rose cupped Maji’s face in her hands. “You will stop saying that. I’ll set the damn alarm. And I just want you to hold me. Can you do that?”
Maji nodded. “Yes. Always yes.”
About the Author
MB Austin, a mild-mannered civil servant by day, spends her discretionary time writing, training in a mix of martial arts, and working to end violence. She also enjoys cooking, eating, reading, dancing, and laughing as much as possible.
MB’s first series, featuring Maji Rios, is inspired by real people, in and out of uniform, who work to make their communities and the world safer for all. And by the people who feed them.
MB lives with her fabulous wife in Seattle, an excellent town for coffee-fueled writers who don’t need too much sun. Peek into daily life and upcoming stories at: www.mbaustin.me
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Exposed by MJ Williamz. The closet is no place to live if you want to find true love. (978-1-62639-989-1)
Force of Fire: Toujours a Vous by Ali Vali. Immortals Kendal and Piper welcome their new child and celebrate the defeat of an old enemy, but another ancient evil is about to awaken deep in the jungles of Costa Rica. (978-1-63555-047-4)
Holding Their Place by Kelly A. Wacker. Together Dr. Helen Connery and ambulance driver Julia March, discover that goodness, love, and passion can be found in the most unlikely and even dangerous places during WWI. (978-1-63555-338-3)
Landing Zone by Erin Dutton. Can a career veteran finally discover a love stronger than even her pride? (978-1-63555-199-0)
Love at Last Call by M. Ullrich. Is balancing business, friendship, and love more than any willing woman can handle? (978-1-63555-197-6)
Pleasure Cruise by Yolanda Wallace. Spencer Collins and Amy Donovan have few things in common, but a Caribbean cruise offers both women an unexpected chance to face one of their greatest fears: falling in love. (978-1-63555-219-5)
Running Off Radar by MB Austin. Maji’s plans to win Rose back are interrupted when work intrudes and duty calls her to help a SEAL team stop a Russian mobster from harvesting gold from the bottom of Sitka Sound. (978-1-63555-152-5)
Shadow of the Phoenix by Rebecca Harwell. In the final battle for the fate of Storm’s Quarry, even Nadya’s and Shay’s powers may not be enough. (978-1-63555-181-5)
Take a Chance by D. Jackson Leigh. There’s hardly a woman within fifty miles of Pine Cone that veterinarian Trip Beaumont can’t charm, except for the irritating new cop, Jamie Grant, who keeps leaving parking tickets on her truck. (978-1-63555-118-1)
The Outcasts by Alexa Black. Spacebus driver Sue Jones is running from her past. When she crash-lands on a faraway world, the Outcast Kara might be her chance for redemption. (978-1-63555-242-3)
Alias by Cari Hunter. A car crash leaves a woman with no memory and no identity. Together with Detective Bronwen Pryce, she fights to uncover a truth that might just kill them both. (978-1-63555-221-8)
Death in Time by Robyn Nyx. Working in the past is hell on your future. (978-1-63555-053-5)
Hers to Protect by Nicole Disney. High school sweethearts Kaia and Adrienne will have to see past their differences and survive the vengeance of a brutal gang if they want to be together. (978-1-63555-229-4)
Of Echoes Born by ’Nathan Burgoine. A collection of queer fantasy short stories set in Canada from Lambda Literary Award finalist ’Nathan Burgoine. (978-1-63555-096-2)
Perfect Little Worlds by Clifford Mae Henderson. Lucy can’t hold the secret any longer. Twenty-six years ago, her sister did the unthinkable. (978-1-63555-164-8)
Room Service by Fiona Riley. Interior designer Olivia likes stability, but when work brings footloose Savannah into her world and into a new city every month, Olivia must decide if what makes her comfortable is what makes her happy. (978-1-63555-120-4)
Sparks Like Ours by Melissa Brayden. Professional surfers Gia Malone and Elle Britton can’t deny their chemistry on and off the beach. But only one can win… (978-1-63555-016-0)
Take My Hand by Missouri Vaun. River Hemsworth arrives in Georgia intent on escaping quickly, but when she crashes her Mercedes into the Clip ’n Curl, sexy Clay Cahill ends up rescuing more than her car. (978-1-63555-104-4)
The Last Time I Saw Her by Kathleen Knowles. Lane Hudson only has twelve days to win back Alison’s heart. That is if she can gather the courage to try. (978-1-63555-067-2)
Wayworn Lovers by Gun Brooke. Will agoraphobic composer Giselle Bonnaire and Tierney Edwards, a wandering soul who can’t remain in one place for long, trust in the passionate love destiny hands them? (978-1-62639-995-2)
Breakthrough by Kris Bryant. Falling for a sexy ranger is one thing, but is the possibility of love worth giving up the career Kennedy Wells has always dreamed of? (978-1-63555-179-2)
Certain Requirements by Elinor Zimmerman. Phoenix has always kept her love of kinky submission strictly behind the bedroom door and inside the bounds of romantic relationships, until she meets Kris Andersen. (978-1-63555-195-2)
Dark Euphoria by Ronica Black. When a high-profile case drops in Detective Maria Diaz’s lap, she forges ahead only to discover this case, and her main suspect, aren’t like any other. (978-1-63555-141-9)
Fore Play by Julie Cannon. Executive Leigh Marshall falls hard for Peyton Broader, her golf pro…and an ex-con. Will she risk sabotaging her career for love? (978-1-63555-102-0)
Love Came Calling by CA Popovich. Can a romantic looking for a long-term, committed relationship and a jaded cynic too busy for love conquer life’s struggles and find their way to what matters most? (978-1-63555-205-8)
Outside the Law by Carsen Taite. Former sweethearts Tanner Cohen and Sydney Braswell must work together on a federal task force to see justice served, but will they choose to embrace their second chance at love? (978-1-63555-039-9)
The Princess Deception by Nell Stark. When journalist Missy Duke realizes Prince Sebastian is really his twin sister Viola in disguise, she plays along, but when sparks flare between them, will the double deception doom their fairy-tale romance? (978-1-62639-979-2)
The Smell of Rain by Cameron MacElvee. Reyha Arslan, a wise and elegant woman with a tragic past, shows Chrys that there’s still beauty to embrace and reason to hope despite the world’s cruelty. (978-1-63555-166-2)
The Talebearer by Sheri Lewis Wohl. Liz’s visions show her the faces of the lost and the killers who took their lives. As one by one, the murdered are found, a stranger works to stop Liz before the serial killer is brought to justice. (978-1-635550-126-6)
White Wings Weeping by Lesley Davis. The world is full of discord and hatred, but how much of it is just human nature when an evil with sinister intent is invading people’s hearts? (978-1-63555-191-4)
A Call Away by KC Richardson. Can a businesswoman from a big city find the answers she’s looking for, and possibly love, on a small-town farm? (978-1-63555-025-2)
Berlin Hungers by Justine Saracen. Can the love between an RAF woman and the wife of a Luftwaffe pilot, former enemies, survive in besieged Berlin during the aftermath of World War II? (978-1-63555-116-7)
Blend by Georgia Beers. Lindsay and Piper are like night and day. Working together won’t be easy, but not falling in love might prove the hardest job of all. (978-1-63555-189-1)
Hunger for You by Jenny Frame. Principe of an ancient vampire clan Byron Debrek must save her one true love from falling into the hands of her enemies and into the middle of a vampire war. (978-1-63555-168-6)
Mercy by Michelle Larkin. FBI Special Agent Mercy Parker and psychic ex-profiler Piper Vasey learn to love again as they race to stop a man with supernatural gifts who’s bent on annihilating humankind. (978-1-63555-202-7)
Pride and Porters by Charlotte Greene. Will pride and prejudice prevent these modern-day lovers from living happily ever after? (978-1-63555-158-7)
Rocks and Stars by Sam Ledel. Kyle’s struggle to own who she is and what she really wants may end up landing her on the bench and without the woman of her dreams. (978-1-63555-156-3)
The Boss of Her: Office Romance Novellas by Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich. Going to work never felt so good. Three office romance novellas from talented writers Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich. (978-1-63555-145-7)
The Deep End by Ellie Hart. When family ties become entangled in murder and deception, it’s time to find a way out… (978-1-63555-288-1)
A Country Girl’s Heart by Dena Blake. When Kat Jackson gets a second chance at love, following her heart will prove the hardest decision of all. (978-1-63555-134-1)
Dangerous Waters by Radclyffe. Life, death, and war on the home front. Two women join forces against a powerful opponent, nature itself. (978-1-63555-233-1)
Fury’s Death by Brey Willows. When all we hold sacred fails, who will be there to save us? (978-1-63555-063-4)
It’s Not a Date by Heather Blackmore. Kade’s desire to keep things with Jen on a professional level is in Jen’s best interest. Yet what’s in Kade’s best interest…is Jen. (978-1-63555-149-5)
Killer Winter by Kay Bigelow. Just when she thought things could get no worse, homicide Lieutenant Leah Samuels learns the woman she loves has betrayed her in devastating ways. (978-1-63555-177-8)
Score by MJ Williamz. Will an addiction to pain pills destroy Ronda’s chance with the woman she loves or will she come out on top and score a happily ever after? (978-1-62639-807-8)
Spring’s Wake by Aurora Rey. When wanderer Willa Lange falls for Provincetown B&B owner Nora Calhoun, will past hurts and a fifteen-year age gap keep them from finding love? (978-1-63555-035-1)
The Northwoods by Jane Hoppen. When Evelyn Bauer, disguised as her dead husband, George, travels to a Northwoods logging camp to work, she and the camp cook Sarah Bell forge a friendship fraught with both tenderness and turmoil. (978-1-63555-143-3)
Truth or Dare by C. Spencer. For a group of six lesbian friends, life changes course after one long snow-filled weekend. (978-1-63555-148-8)
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MB Austin, Running Off Radar
