#militaryromance

[readersmagnet]

A paratrooper discovers an abandoned infant, Baby Jane, and takes her to the Army hospital. Sergeant Craig Donnelly bonds with Baby Jane and embarks on a journey towards full adoption, focusing on fraternization and adoption hurdles. Greg Bruorton also wrote books about military romance.

Dive into the gripping tale of Sergeant Craig Donnelly's bond with Baby Jane. Visit https://www.gregbruorton.com/ and get your copy of Baby Jane today!

[rd-lancaster]

Chapter Three

Silas:

"Are you sure about this? It just doesn't feel right, no matter how desperate we are," Ivy's voice quivered with uncertainty, her doubts echoing in the air.

I stood above her, my grip firm on the pistol aimed at the door. The sound of the lock clicking confirmed Ivy's successful attempt at picking it. "Don't worry, I don't plan on shooting anyone unless we have no other choice. It's more of an intimidation tactic, you know?" I glanced down at her, my eyes filled with a mix of determination and concern. "We can't afford to let compassion cloud our judgement. We need to find food and supplies, even if it means making sacrifices along the way."

Together, we searched the house, rummaging through cabinets to find any canned goods we could. I headed upstairs, gathering medical supplies and spare clothing, ensuring we had what we needed for our journey. In just a short span of ten minutes, our backpacks were overflowing with the weight of our supplies needed for travel. We aimed to blend into the world, unnoticed.

As we ventured through the dense woods, our footsteps muffled by nature, we moved in silence. The only sounds that broke the silence were our occasional breaks to quench our thirst or answer nature's call. My mind couldn't help but dwell on the unsettling idea of a traitor lurking within the military and government. It didn't seem far-fetched. Our government had always been filled with officials driven by self-interest, willing to employ anyone to further their own agendas. And now, we were pawns in their game.

The memories of Marcus and Owen flooded my mind once more, their sacrifices intertwined with my own. We had fought for a cause, only to be discarded and left to fend for ourselves. Anger bubbled within me, the thought of justice becoming a driving force propelling me forward. These traitors would sink with their own ship. They had become my collateral, the price they would pay for their actions.

"You've been quiet. Everything okay?" Ivy's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, her concern evident.

"Yeah, just lost in my own thoughts," I replied, meeting her gaze with a slight nod. "I think it's best if we stop for the night. It's getting dark, and travelling at night is risky."

She halted abruptly, appalled determination flashing in her eyes. "We can't afford to waste time. We need to keep going."

"Travelling at night is asking for trouble. I know even you know that," I reasoned, sliding off my backpack and letting it rest on the ground. My tired shoulders received a soothing rub from my hand. "Take a break. Rest for the night. I'll gather some firewood and we can have a meal."

"I don't feel like resting. Unlike you, I still have the energy to keep going," she retorted, resuming her stride. I reached out and grasped her arm, trying to assert my point.

"You don’t know the location of the safehouse, but I do. We're staying here for the night. No arguments," I stated firmly, locking eyes with her defiant stare. "I’ll tie you to the tree if I have to because believe it or not, I'd rather have you alive. So, sit down. Now."

With a defiant jerk, she freed her arm from my grasp and flung her backpack onto the ground, plopping down beside it. I sighed, exasperated by her stubbornness, and walked away to gather supplies for a fire. The darkness grew, but I was determined to provide some warmth and comfort in the midst of uncertainty.

—————

The warmth of the crackling fire enveloped me, sending waves of comfort through my weary bones. Satisfied with the simple meal of canned food that had managed to fill my stomach, I leaned back, lost in my own thoughts. Ivy and I hadn't exchanged more than a few words since our earlier conversation. But I figured she was used to my silence by now.

As I stared into the dancing flames, my mind raced frantically, trying to find the best way to handle the situation with the traitor. Should I confide in Stewart right away, or should I gather more evidence before revealing anything? What if I discover Stewart is the traitor or he tells someone and gets himself and me killed in the process?

"Penny for your thoughts?" Ivy's voice broke through the silence, her tone gentle.

I turned my gaze towards her, the soft glow of the fire illuminating her face. The flickering flames reflected in her eyes. It struck me for a moment how beautiful she was. I brushed that thought away quickly and let myself ease the tension in my shoulders. "Just trying to figure out how to expose the traitor without divulging any details," I confessed.

She nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "You’re not telling Stewart? I thought you trusted him."

I sighed, grappling with my conflicting emotions. "I can't take any risks. The only person I can truly rely on is myself," I replied, my voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "And you."

A smile played on her lips, a glimmer of a teasing spark. . "So, that's what you meant earlier by wanting me to stay alive?"

I rolled my eyes, attempting to brush off the deep-seated emotions developing that threatened to surface. "Sure, let's go with that," I said, tending to the fire, stoking it slightly. "So, I guess you've let go of your earlier fit?"

She chuckled softly. "Sure, let's go with that," she replied, mirroring my words.

"Good. Get some rest now. I'll keep watch for a couple of hours and wake you up," I instructed, a hint of concern seeping through my authoritative tone.

"But you've been..." she began to protest.

I interrupted her, a note of command in my voice. "Just go to sleep. I’m the one calling the shots here.” I said, settling back against my backpack. She sighed in response, turning away from me to find a comfortable position.

As the night wore on, the sound of nature surrounded us. The wind whispered through the trees through their rustling leaves. A chorus of crickets joined in, their rhythmic chirping filling the air. The fire crackled and danced, its glow diminishing with each passing moment, almost demanding I tend to it.

Amidst the ambient sounds, I couldn't help but notice the gentle rise and fall of Ivy's breathing. It grew deeper and more steady, a testament to her weariness. I knew I was exhausted too. As I mapped out the remainder of our journey, pondering the challenges that laid ahead, I reflected on Ivy's struggle to keep up with my pace.

With a sigh, I approached her backpack, quietly unzipping it. Carefully, I redistributed some of the weight into my own, careful not to wake her. I didn't want her to feel like I was coddling her, but I knew that lightening her load would help her to keep up. Besides, having her close by brought a sense of peace, knowing that we had each other's backs.

I trusted Ivy more than she possibly realized. I could only hope that she felt the same.

Grace:

My fingertips brushed through the tall grass as we ventured deeper into the woods. The trees served as our shield, allowing us to move swiftly with minimal breaks. Today, I found myself keeping up a better pace, managing to stay close to Apollo's back. He had this habit of mumbling to himself, his eyes glued to a compass as we continued our trek. As it turned out, he wasn't all that bad. In fact, I had grown accustomed to his presence and even started to admire him. There was something about him that demanded respect, and it was easy to give it. Sure, I couldn't resist teasing him from time to time, but I didn't mind following his lead. I just knew deep down that I could trust him.

Eventually, we reached a peaceful area filled with more grass and an abundance of wildflowers. The sight before me was truly breathtaking, an open field adorned with a vibrant painting of colors.

"We'll take a quick break here," Apollo announced, a faint smile playing on his lips as he caught me getting lost in the beauty around us.

Unable to resist the allure, I crouched down to take in the sweet scent of the flowers. Their petals and the tips of the grass gently tickled my face and brushed against my hair, filling me with a sense of peace. It reminded me of the garden my mother used to have back home. I raised myself upright once more. The fields turned upside in my eyes to reveal a scene of her garden. Strands of her red hair appeared above the tall flowers. The lilt in her voice threatened me with tears.

“Grace! Darling! Come help me with the weeding, please!”

I closed my eyes almost calling out to her. I wanted to tell her I was coming and beg her to stay before another voice sliced through my deleting escape.

"Quit fooling around over there and grab a bite. I'm not waiting here forever," Apollo called out, his mouth full of jerky.

I rolled my eyes, unable to hide a smirk. Despite his gruffness, he had a point. We couldn't afford to lose track of time. Our lives were hanging in the balance, and I wasn't about to keep them hanging any longer.

With determination, I reached for my backpack and prepared to refuel. The sting of my mother’s voice rang in my ears. I pushed it aside though. Like I always did since the day of the accident.

Words faded into the background when the hike commenced again. The silence suited me just fine. It allowed me to stay focused. I trailed behind Apollo, keeping a watchful eye on his back, mirroring his observations of the treeline.

—————

"The sun is getting low," I panted, my breath catching in the steep and rocky terrain that demanded every ounce of strength to climb.

"I'm well aware of that, rookie," his voice raspy and filled with thirst. He took a sip from the canteen before continuing, "I need to use the bathroom. Once I'm done, we'll find a suitable spot to settle for the night."

As he disappeared behind the trees in search of privacy, I gratefully removed the backpack from my aching shoulders, giving my sore muscles a desperate massage.

With the backpack unzipped, I began rummaging for food when the sound of a twig snapping behind me sent a jolt through my stomach. In an instant, my hand darted towards my pistol, aiming it towards the source of the noise. Two men emerged from the shadows of the tree line, their hands raised in a seemingly non-threatening manner. Despite their starved and ragged appearance, their presence still made my heart race.

"Hello there," one of them greeted, his slimy smile oozing with a hint of menace. His eyes lingered toward the backpack. "You got any food in there to spare?"

My palms tightened around the pistol as I clicked off the safety, sending a clear warning. "None for you. Now, leave before things get ugly."

The other man scoffed, his mocking tone dripping with disdain. "Look at this princess, thinking she can give orders. Maybe a lesson in manners is in order." His hand reached behind him, and panic gripped me.

Without hesitation, I fired, and the men crumpled to the ground in front of me.

Before I could fully process the chaos around me, a powerful force wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I struggled against the large figure, desperately trying to keep him from wrestling the gun away. His fists hammered into my stomach, each blow an attempt to incapacitate me. Gasping for air, I refused to yield.

He shoved me to the ground, his weight bearing down on me. I aimed my weapon quickly, but he grabbed hold of the barrel, redirecting it towards the sky. His free hand clenched beneath my jaw, pushing my cheek into the mud. Sweat mingled with dirt on my brow as I clenched my teeth together. The pistol wavered between us, threatening to turn against me.

"Stop fighting it, sweetheart. You're no match--"

Suddenly, a splatter of crimson landed on my face, and the man collapsed on top of me. Pushing his lifeless body aside, I scrambled to an upright position, my weapon still trained on the source of the noise.

Apollo.

Lowering his pistol, he jogged towards me, his voice trembling with a mix of concern and relief. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, my trembling hand wiping the blood from my mouth as I managed to speak. "Thank you," I whispered, my words ragged and breathless from the exertion. My eyes darted to his victim, taking in the gruesome sight.

Apollo crouched beside me, offering a comforting touch. "It's alright. It’s over. We're okay." His hand briefly brushed against my cheeks, wiping away the blood. Rising to his feet, he extended a hand, helping me up.

Confusion filled my mind as he swiftly zipped up my backpack and handed it back to me. "What are you--" I began, but he cut me off.

"We can't stay here. It's too dangerous now. They might have others come looking for them," urgency laced his words. "We need to keep moving through the night. I won’t be a sitting duck and neither will you." His resolve was unwavering.

I couldn't argue with him.

Silas:

Ivy and I finally reached the safehouse in the early morning hours, the remainder of our hike shrouded in an unspoken tension. The events that had taken place had done a number on her. I could see the weight of it in her eyes, but I knew her resilience. She was strong. A quality that I had become accustomed to since day one.

However, the incident had heightened my senses, making me aware of every small noise. We approached the secluded house nestled in the woods. Its wooden exterior, chimney, and front porch gave it a rustic facade that seemed to blend with nature.

As we neared the front door, I raised my hand, silently signalling for Ivy to cover me.

"I'll sweep it. You cover me," my voice held firm in its command.

"Copy that," Ivy responded.

With practiced precision, I swiftly cleared every corner of the house, ensuring our safety. Exhaustion began to seep into my bones, threatening to pull me into a deep slumber. I collapsed onto the worn leather couch, fingertips massaging my temples to alleviate the beginnings of a tension headache.

Meanwhile, Ivy settled into the armchair, shedding her jacket and releasing her tattered hair from the hair tie. As the adrenaline subsided, my eyelids grew heavy, tempting me with sleep.

Fighting against the pull of exhaustion, I shifted my gaze to Ivy. The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a gentle glow upon her bloody dirt-streaked face. Dark circles formed under her eyes.

"You need to get cleaned up. You look like hell. I’m worried about you," I found myself blurting out, unable to suppress my concern for her well-being.

She nodded, emitting a tired groan as she rose from the armchair. She made her way down the narrow hallway and into the bathroom, the sound of running water replacing the silence.

In an attempt to keep myself alert, I began to explore the safehouse. The traces of dust that settled on the surfaces and furniture spoke of a reminder of the absence of recent visitors.

Continuing on, I found myself in a back bedroom, where a full-sized bed occupied the space. With a swift motion, I released clouds of dust from the pillows and blankets, watching as they danced in the sunlight that streamed through the window.

Settling onto the bed, I positioned myself near the window, my gaze drawn to the large birds perched in the nearby trees. They stood motionless, their presence seeming almost unnatural. It dawned on me—they were cameras, surveilling the outside and waiting to alert us to potential enemies.

Ivy’s throat cleared behind me and broke my spell. I turned to see her clutching a towel wrapped around her body. I closed my eyes and she chuckled a bit.

“Damn… sorry. I should’ve waited—“ I stuttered with an apology.

"No, it's alright," She interrupted, allowing a brief pause before continuing. "Are there any clean—“

“Yes- uh drawer on the left. I’m sure something in there should work.” I stuttered once more. Keeping my eyes shielded, I listened to the sound of Ivy rummaging through the drawers as I made my way out of the bedroom and into the bathroom, eager to wash away the grime that clung to my body.

The hot water cascaded over my tired muscles, washing away the dirt that had accumulated. Leaning against the shower wall, I let the water soothe my senses, attempting to find a moment of calm in the chaos that had consumed my life.

Restlessness and exhaustion intertwined within me, a heavy burden that refused to leave me be. The sting of betrayal lingered in the air I breathed. With every step and turn, I found myself waiting for the ground to crumble beneath me. Trust, a commodity that once carried stability for me, threatened to crumble.

"You alright in there?" Ivy's voice permeated through the bathroom door, her knuckles lightly tapping against it.

Startled, I snapped back to the present, scrambling to regain composure. "Geez yeah, I'll be out in a second."

"It's alright. Take your time. I just got a bit worried…. You've been in there for 30 minutes," she replied, her voice laced with understanding.

My eyes widened in disbelief, suddenly aware of how lost in my thoughts I was. Hastily, I shut off the water, a tinge of guilt in my voice. "Sorry. I didn't realize how long I was in here."

Ivy's reassuring voice soothed me. "Like I said, it's alright. I found some MRE's in the freezer. Chili with beans. I'll start making a pack for you." Her footsteps faded away as she made her way to the kitchen, leaving me standing there, struck by her thoughtfulness.

A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, a rare moment of warmth. I appreciated Ivy's kindness, her ability to provide comfort relieved some tension building within me.

A reminder that I had someone I could depend on.

[samanthamarkle92]

Hey followers! Just a quick update for my Soap fic: I had a nice chat with a fellow fic writer in a writing group and she pointed something out to me: she kept associating the Kate in my story with canon character Kate Laswell. After some brainstorming and discussion, I decided to change the name to Katie. More writing will be up soon, and I’m working on an original work for NaNoWriMo! Sit tight and stay posted!

[allthingsdarkanddirty]

Variation by Rebecca Yarros is LIVE!

WHAT TO EXCPECT! a second chance for first love Friends to enemies to accomplices to… Fake Dating  He falls first READ TODAY!

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AUDIO: https://geni.us/VariationAudible  

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BAM: https://geni.us/VariationBAM   

BLURB

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fourth Wing comes a new contemporary romance about the summer a celebrated dancer returns home and unearths years of family secrets and deep regrets with the Coast Guard rescue swimmer she never forgot.

Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under.

As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath.

When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever.

[joyffree]

Variation a Contemporary Second Chance Romance Novel by Rebecca Yarros Release Blitz

WHAT TO EXCPECT! a second chance for first love Friends to enemies to accomplices to… Fake Dating He falls first

@candikanepr

[hannahs-quirky-moments]

“ I hadn’t gone after her because it was the right thing to do. I’d gone after her because I couldn’t bear the thought of her not existing. I didn’t deserve an ounce of her hero worship, not when my motive was pure terror. I wasn’t anyone’s hero.”

- Great And Precious Things by Rebecca Yarros

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A Trio of Loyal, Alpha Males Bonded in Service! We dare you to name your favorite from this trio of sweet stories! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPYYVVYD

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RELEASE BLITZ - Salvaged by A.K. Evans

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Title: SalvagedSeries: Harper Security Ops #9Author: A.K. EvansGenre: Military Romantic SuspenseTropes: Second Chance/Opposites Attract/KidnappingRelease Date: June 27, 2023BLURBWhen Maren Casey’s best friend was kidnapped and held for ransom, one name came to mind. She just wasn’t sure her high school sweetheart would want to see her again, not after the way things ended between them. But Maren…

[mahoganysilverrain]

Reading with me tonight is my bestie and fellow author, J. Z. Luciano! We will read from her a chapter (or two), time permitting from her latest release, Operation Night Mixer! For my listeners who are not familiar with her body of work, I will tell you, she has some very steamy military romances! The ever enchanting Elle, the ultimate intelligent beauty, and battle buddy is sweet as sugar, but don't let the smooth taste fool you! Operation Night Mixer"Rangers lead the way. But Artillery Men Will Pound You All Night Long!"Elle thought bliss would follow her for the rest of her days, once united with her estranged lover. However, with pleasure and wealth, comes a fated peril. Neither entity plays fair... they play for keeps. Fate and Katie Inc. may be hard at work in separating the two lovers, but Katie's jealousy, scorn, or insolence won't take First Sergeant Elle Lucia Cruz down! The Iron Gazelle within Elle knuckled up in a manner that was about to blow their hair back...Hailing from South Georgia, J. Z. Luciano is a multi-genre author/writer. However, military romantic suspense and dramas are this author's literary wheelhouse. Ms. Luciano is an Operation Just Cause and Persian Gulf Army veteran. The author performed most of her military duty as a communications instructor and ceremonial detail for fallen soldiers. Hers was an extraordinary military career. Readers who are thrusting for provocative and dynamic literary works will find them in abundance from the pen of J. Z. Luciano. Because this southern debutante and author is leveling up the Military Romantic Suspense and New Urban Renaissance literary game!www.authorjzlucianossglb.comTikTok.com/RomanceAuthorjzlucianofacebook.com/thesmokingglassliterarybar

[rd-lancaster]

My OC’s!! (Art by Kristy P on Instagram. Her username is thirdattempt. Fantastic to work with and so talented. Please check her out!)

Title: Heartbeats in the Crossfire

Introductions (left to right)

Name: Silas Griffin

Codename: Apollo

Gender: Male (he/him)

Age: 28-29 (duration of the story)

Occupation: American Special Ops Soldier

Name: Grace Abbott

Alias: Ivy Hudgens

Gender: Female (she/her/hers)

Age: 25-26 (duration of the story)

Occupation: CIA Field Agent

MORE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND DESCRIPTIONS TO COME

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Grab your copy of Broken by JL Drake today and it will cost you nothing!! Well, it might cost you some tears, but it’s all worth it. Broken: https://books2read.com/u/3JZg1X *** This is the first book in this series and it ends with a cliffhanger. Intended for 18+.*** My name is Savannah Miller. My father is the mayor of New York. One day after my twenty-seventh birthday I was grabbed from behind. A cloth sack was quickly pulled over my head, and I was taken from everything I’d ever known. I was beaten, starved, treated like an animal, and forced to live in a room with no windows. With no sense of time and no dignity left I finally gave up hope and made a promise to myself to end it all. Unfortunately, it was going to be a slow process. Then one night an elite group of US Army soldiers came to my rescue. I was brought to a safe house and given two options: One—Stay under their protection and follow their rules or... Two—Leave and be guaranteed to be returned to the savages within a week. I chose option one. As I work with a therapist and begin processing my hellish ordeal things slowly begin to surface. With the help of new friends and a potential new love I fight to get my life back and make choices that will forever alter my future. This is my story… #BookSale #Free @j.l.drake #BrokenTrilogy #MilitaryRomance #GreatBooksToRead #KindleBooks #bookhumor #completeseries https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiVBA3OIfh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[joyffree]

Mended Hearts (Broken & Mended Series Book 2) Contemporary; Military Romance by Erika Ashby Release Blitz

Dustin Adams was once known for his down-to-earth, carefree spirit. He was the well-rounded kid with a promising future—until the girl he loved was yanked from his life.

[authorhblack-blog]

Renegade Healing With a SEAL Book 6 By Heather Black After a training accident forced him to take a medical discharge from the Navy, Renegade faced the daunting task of transitioning to the civilian world. Frustrated by employers who ignore the ADA, he turns to social media to find a job. Kayla needed help, fast. A series of events at her bed and breakfast left her convinced someone was stalking her. Reluctant to reveal this suspicion to her guests or local authorities, she hires Renegade to provide security. When Renegade finds out the truth behind his job, he offers a unconventional solution. A fake marriage until the stalker is caught. Passion flares as the danger increases. Can they keep it ‘just business’ or will they fall for real? *This is the sixth book in the Healing With a SEAL series. *All books in the series can be read as standalones. *This book is intended for audience 18+

https://books2read.com/u/bxQZvv