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Slowly, Jillian turned around, keeping her eyes averted until the last moment, working hard to keep her expression clear.
His eyes widened and he fixed her with a stare as blue as the ocean but
much hotter. She couldn’t look away. He scanned her from the top of her
head to her shoes and back again. “Jillian.” The sound barely passed
his lips but it broke the tense hush.
She opened her mouth, tried to speak but found her lips too dry and she
passed her tongue over the lower one before closing her mouth again.
His groan was a little louder but not much, more of a sigh, an
exhalation that seemed to release something inside him. He took a step
toward her but stopped when she instinctively shrank back and planted
his feet wide apart instead, shoving his hands in his pockets. He
seemed bigger in reality than in any of the photos she’d studied, more
vital somehow.
“Where have you been?” His voice was level but she saw the effort it
took him to keep it that way from the strained tendons in his neck and
the taut lines around his mouth.
“Getting better.” She had her story pat but now she faced him, she
found it far more difficult than she’d ever imagined. And she’d
imagined it a lot, practiced it until she could do it in her sleep.
Until now, when she faced him for the first time. “I couldn’t come
back. Not before. I was too ill.”
“The car crash?”
She nodded, trying to remember the script or something resembling it.
She’d been through this so many times in preparation for this moment.
But it was too late. It had all gone, fled from her memory at the sight
of this devastating male. From the top of his gleaming golden head to
his highly polished Italian shoes, he exuded powerful masculinity and
it took her breath away.
“You’re better? Recovered?”
She nodded again.
“That’s all I need to know for now.” He took the three strides
separating them and swept her into his arms, his mouth crashing down on
hers as she gasped in shock.
She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think as he devoured her like a man
starving for her taste. His scent, hauntingly familiar, a cologne she
knew but couldn’t place, mingled with the unmistakable aroma of hot,
needy male. And it was her he wanted. Her or the person he thought she
was.
At that moment, she wanted him. Whatever, whoever he was. When he
flicked his tongue across her lips, shaping, tasting, then returned to
the seam, she opened her mouth to him. And her body. She was lost.
Anything he wanted, he could have.
When she imagined this scenario, tried to prepare for it, this part was
the hardest of all to prepare for. Not that Chase Maynord wasn’t the
most powerful, gorgeous man she’d ever met but he would want her and
she thought that would make her feel cheap and degraded. They’d known
the sight of his lost love would lead to this but never had she
imagined how much she’d want him too. He’d refused to take part in
vital experiments her bosses had proposed to him but she couldn’t hold
that against him now. Not with what he was holding against her. She
wanted his hard, long, hot cock with a ferocity that astonished her,
but she couldn’t deny her need.
He tore his mouth from hers, only to search her face with a hunger
she’d never experienced before. No one had ever wanted her with such
intensity and it burned her shame and doubts away. She could do this.
More than that, she wanted it.
“Tell me you’re okay now,” he whispered, the intimacy searing her heart.
“I’m okay now.” She felt far from okay, but she didn’t feel lost and alone anymore.
“Do you still feel the same about me?”
She choked. He was opening himself completely to her now and instead of
feeling good about it, he made her feel cheap, because she was the liar
here. She decided to lie as little as possible. “I don’t know.”
He touched her cheek with one finger, as tender now as he’d been
passionate a moment before but she saw in his eyes that he’d only
banked it down. “What happened to you, sweetheart? Where have you been?”
“I—I—”
With one impatient gesture, he waved it away and curved his hand around
her waist. “That doesn’t matter. Not now. Only this does. Do you still
want me?”
Still? “I want you.” That was no lie. She wanted this man, wanted him
to take her and fuck her brains out so she wouldn’t have to think
anymore. This man was gorgeous and right now he only had eyes for her.
“I never stopped wanting you. Even when I thought you were dead I never
stopped. It’s been driving me insane.” The fires returned to his eyes
and he bent his head, stealing another kiss before he lifted her into
his arms and headed for the bed.
He laid her down and his hands went to his tie, ripping it off without
looking away from her. His shirt lasted about ten seconds before it
landed on the floor and she had an unimpeded view of his chest.
Powerful, lightly sprinkled with hair a shade darker than the golden
hair on his head, the expanse was marked with ridges that showed
developed muscle. She wanted to touch it, know if it tasted as good as
it looked.
She sat up but when she would have lifted her top over her head, he
leaned down and touched his lips to hers in a fleeting kiss, leaving
her starving for more. He urged her down and she lay on the soft
bedcover while he climbed up and over her, straddling her yearning
body, owning it. She lifted her hands and pressed them on his hard,
beautiful chest. It felt so good, hot and smooth with the slight
roughness of hair and when she moved her hands, his nipples pressed
hard against her palms. She wanted that heat against her skin. The only
recent touches she could remember were impersonal ones from the doctors
or friendly pats from her mentors. Nothing like this. She arched up to
him and felt him grasp her blouse. When she opened her eyes all she
could see was him, drinking her in. She wanted this. Whatever came
next, she’d have this.
He stripped the silk sheath over her head and returned to deal with her
bra. He didn’t pause there but unzipped her pants and dragged them down
her legs, taking her panties with them. He stripped away everything
that lay between them with an urgency that echoed the raw longing she
felt deep inside. Her pussy settled into a heavy throb and with every
pulse she wanted him more. She’d worn pretty lacy lingerie that had
cost a fortune just to tease him with and maybe give her a little more
time to stay at least partly covered. That had been when she imagined
this would be an ordeal and tried to work out how to keep out of bed
for as long as she could. Now she wanted this with everything she had,
needed him to fuck her hard, fuck her now. She tried to rationalize her
thoughts, tell herself he was the sexiest man she’d ever seen but it
was more than that. Much more, although right now she couldn’t tell and
didn’t much care.
Her thighs were wet. She could feel the hot dampness when she pressed
them together but his knee came between them, urging them apart.
Shyness assaulted her and she whimpered. He stopped and drew back,
leaning over her. “What is it? Do you want me to stop? Please say you
don’t want me to stop.”
She looked up at him and caught her bottom lip between her teeth before
releasing it and answering him. “It’s just—”
“I’m going too fast.” He grimaced and dropped his chin. A lock of dark
blond hair fell over his forehead and she watched it, fascinated, as it
swept his brow. Everything about this man fascinated her. She’d studied
him, learned him but it was like learning the pictures in the Sistine
Chapel from a computer screen, then walking into the building itself
and feeling the sheer impact of the paintings like a punch to the gut.
How had she known that? She’d never been to Rome and she’d surely
remember if she had. Just one of the mysteries that had plagued her
recently, but her trainers had told her not to worry. False memories,
they’d said. Oh God, when he looked at her like that she couldn’t
remember anything. Passion soaked his eyes with an intensity that would
have scared her if she hadn’t felt the same way.
He lifted his leg as if to climb off her but she whimpered again and he
stared down at her, a question in his eyes now.
She tried to smile. “No, don’t stop. Try to imagine this is our first time together. It’s been so long…”
He rolled to one side of her and curved his arm around her waist,
drawing her close. “I was too needy and I’m sorry.” He laughed. “I’m
too overjoyed to have you walk back into my life. Do you want to get
dressed?”
She shook her head. “Just kiss me.”
He did, taking her mouth so sweetly, so completely, she gave herself up
to him right that moment. He cupped her cheek in one hand and she
stroked his side, from chest to waist and back and a little lower. This
time he didn’t stop her when she stroked just inside the waistband of
his pants, searching for the fastening and unhooking it, going straight
for his zipper.
He groaned into their kiss before he pulled away to kiss the corner of
her mouth, her chin and her throat, making a chain of kisses to the
hollow at the base, lifting so she could push his pants farther down,
hook her thumbs inside his underwear and pull that off too. He pushed
her back and kicked off the rest of his clothes, his cock rising hard
against her lower stomach, pressing damply against her, but she wanted
him inside, hard and deep. Oh she wanted that so much and she pushed
everything away except this man, this moment and this bed.
When he discovered what she wanted, he’d hate her but not yet. Behind
the mental barriers her handlers had helped her to erect, barriers even
a powerful Sorcerer like Chase couldn’t break without hurting her, she
let her senses relax. Regret simmered through her until he kissed her
breast and everything dissolved in a sea of desire.
His lips feathered over her nipple, then returned to lick. He curled
his tongue over the rising peak and then his mouth opened and he took
her in. One long draw left her gasping with the intensity of sensation
that traveled from her nipple right down into her pussy and she
squirmed until he put a hand on her hip to steady her, lifted away and
blew cool air over her breast. At her anguished, “Chase!” he growled
and lavished the same treatment on the other side.
He licked and tasted her, taking his time, driving her crazy. But where
he’d been urgent and needy a few moments before, now he seemed
determined to learn every bit of her all over again. A thread of fear
passed through her, that he might sense she wasn’t the person he
thought but she forced it back.
When he drifted over the thatch of curls at the apex of her thighs, she
gasped and pushed up to him, all modesty gone. “Please.”
He lifted his head. “Please what? Do you remember what you used to say?”
She didn’t, but she could improvise. “Eat me, drink me, fuck me.”
More STORM books coming soon! |
When an old lover returns from the dead, it’s a new beginning, isn't it? Red Heat explores just how bad mind control and manipulation can be. Jillian believes she is someone else until Chase proves that she didn't die. Chase is willing to work with STORM to find out what happened, but his main goal is getting Jillian back in his arms forever. I was once again reminded on how brilliant Ms. Connolly's mind is while following Jillian and Chase's race to find the truth. Just when I was afraid of heartbreak, I found an even deeper pool of love. The intrigue kept me going and wondering from start to finish. And while I can't tell you the hardest part of Jillian and Chase's struggle, I can tell you that it will affect you deeply. Jillian's strength of character is amazing and Chase's undying support and love supports them. Red Heat is a must read for any paranormal lover and a serious keeper to be brought out over and over again.
Jo for Joyfully Reviewed
Ms. Connolly has continued her fast paced series filled with paranormal creatures and enough suspense to keep the reader of the edge of their seat. I find the many abilities of the Talents and their struggle true to live fascinating. Many minorities find their differences either looked down upon or as the Talents find envied. The struggle between the Talents, trying to keep their people safe, and the IRDC, who are determined to solve the mystery of the Talents abilities no matter who gets hurt, is realistic and frightening. I loved how Chase looked into Caroline's mind and recognized the woman he loved in spite of all that was done to her. I can't wait to read the next book in the Storm series. Thanks go to Ms. Connolly for a incredible read!!
Reviewed by: Teresa for Fallen Angel Reviews 5 Angels
Lynne Connolly writes a powerful story, the emotion just flows off the page. I almost felt the heroine’s confusion and fear at times. I truly enjoyed Chase as he is a great character, and I’m looking forward to reading stories for several of the others. Red Heat has lots of sexy scenes and great dialogue throughout; a truly enjoyable read.
Valleriana for Night Owl Romance
The writing in Red Heat is outstanding and engrosses the reader right away. I found myself trying to imagine what it must be like to be unsure of who I am. Chase is a hero who inspires feelings of awe for his unwavering love of his woman. Everyone dreams of finding that one man or woman who provides unconditional love. Lynne Connolly has an amazing talent for writing a thriller of a story that puts the reader on the razor edge of excitement. I look forward to reading future releases by Lynne Connolly and I highly recommend Red Heat as a must have for any library.
Delane for Coffee Time Romance & More 5 cups
Red Heat is full of twists and turns. It continually keeps you guessing, is she Caroline or is she Jillian? And how does it all end. This is a book that I will have no problem reading over again, I was captured from the beginning all the way to the end.
Annette Stone for Paranormal Romance Reviews
Red Heat is so red hot you’ll need a fan or your partner nearby while you read it.
I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Red Heat. I had planned to read a couple chapters and life just had to stop and let me finish it, even if that meant reading far into the night. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and hope there will be many more to come. Well done Ms. Connolly!
Gillyflower for Whipped Cream Reviews
As we have come to expect from her, Ms. Connolly again delivers an exciting page turner. Red Heat is definitely as strong as Red Alert, and I definitely enjoyed seeing the characters I met in the first book of the Storm series. By the way, this novel is even hotter than Red Alert; from the very first time Chase and Jillian met again, they cannot keep their hands off of each other. Their chemistry just sizzles. Plus, the special way Ms. Connolly handled the second chance formula make this read extremely romantic. What more can you ask for? Definitely nothing more.
CeCe for Bitten By Books
This one has it all: plenty of action, deception at its finest, secrets of the worst kind and a touch of horror at its core. The premise in this might not be the most original, but the creative flow along with characters you come to know and sympathize with puts this tale by Ms. Connolly into one to be kept and re-read. Plus this has some truly hot sex that makes you wish for some ice water, a fan and an encore of seconds.
WitchGiggles for Alternative Read
Red Heat by Lynne Connollyled me into a new world of psi-talented people. Each chapter layered into a plot that took me into the very hearts of the hero and heroine. Jillian's strength and charisma, mixed with a keen intelligence and wit, kept me turning the pages. The love that Chase held for his woman melted my soul, keeping a smile on my face. I found myself holding my breath during the action-filled scenes and holding my hand over my heart during the erotic and sensual intimate moments. I would recommend this read to my closest friends and acquaintances. I look forward to diving into another one of Ms. Connolly’s works. This book begins a new series that follows closely on the heels of Ms. Connolly’s Dept. 57 series.
Sin for Twolips Reviews
Red Heat is part of the same world as Ms. Connolly’s beloved Dept 57 and Pure Wildfire series, except that Talents have come out of the closet and revealed their differences to the world. While I’ve long been a huge fan of both series Red Heat has that extra spark of pure passion many of Ms. Connolly’s historical novels are loved for, but in this book it’s sparked a forest blaze. This couple’s passion is reserved strictly for each other but they enjoy adding public performance art to their lovemaking. You don’t need to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but many of the characters, including the villainous Dr. Bennett, and several of our heroes are around to act as bodyguards and to help save the day. They keep the story moving along like a snappy Bond flick. In my opinion this is the best book of all about the Talents’ world. Red Heat is red hot!
Karen Haas for Just Erotic Romance Reviews
I love Chase’s character; he’s the epitome of a true alpha male-sexy, strong, dedicated, determined, passionate, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep the people he loves safe. He’s also loyal to a fault and dependable. Certainly, the type of person you’d want standing beside you in a conflict…no matter what it is...I can’t wait to see where Ms. Connolly goes with her next release in this new unique paranormal series.
Mystical Nymph for Literary Nymphs
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