Blurb
Kidnapped by the enemy. Bought by the jefe. Will his smoldering touch thaw her frozen heart?
Rubén Lozano, the new leader of the Lozano Cartel, craves peace amidst a legacy of bloodshed and death. He never expected to find his ex-lover, Drina Cabrera, in the clutches of his vicious rivals. Her haunted eyes compel him to rescue her, but freeing her is another matter.
After five months of captivity, Drina trades one captor for another. Though she succumbs to Rubéns masterful touch, the bittersweet memory of her daughter and the life she was stolen from is a constant wedge between them.
When Rubéns darkest secret comes out, he will have to wash his hands in crimson. Will Drina let her king face the danger alone, or stand at his side as his cartel queen?
– Book two in the dark romance series, the Lozano Cartel. All the books can be read as a standalone, but are part of an interconnected series.
– Scenes featuring drug distribution, violence, kidnapping, and attempted sexual assault may be uncomfortable for some readers.
– No cheating. HEA guaranteed!
Excerpt
Half an hour passed as Rubén and Drina schmoozed with the chief of police, the mayor, and a slew of businessmen. As Santiago and Zacarías conversed with Jéron Otero and the mans pinch-faced wife, Rubén steered clear of them, having greeted the couple earlier. The last thing he wanted was a chink in Drinas armor. She was the perfect eye candy, polite and personable with a heavy dose of courage in her every word and step. His queen. He couldnt be prouder.
She suddenly stiffened.
He turned to see Marita sneering at them from the glass terrace doors. Her tits were half hanging out from her skintight cocktail dress that had more sequins on it than a quinceañera gown. Carajo. She wasnt supposed to be here. “Ignore Marita. Ill deal with her later.” He led Drina back to the music room.
Near the baby grand, his sister Carlota drank champagne and spoke in hushed whispers with their former sister-in-law, Lourdes. Her sleek golden-brown hair bobbed around her chin, completely at odds with Lourdess wild dark curls that shed piled atop her head. Carlotas slinky gold gown offset Lourdess silver one as though theyd planned it.
As far as Rubén knew, the women hadnt seen or talked with each other in years.
How should he introduce Drina? Unlike the acquaintances shed just met, Carlota would surely speak her mind, as long as her bastard husband wasnt around to curb her tongue.
Both women glanced toward them. Curiosity flared in Carlotas eyes while Lourdes, the shyer, more modest of the two, smiled in welcome.
He seized the steps between them and clasped Drinas arm tighter. Words clogged his throat like he was a boy about to be chastised for some misgiving. How odd. He was the elder brother, eight years Carlotas senior. The woman shouldnt have the power to rattle him.
“Rubén?” Drina blinked, swinging her gaze between him and the women before landing on the latter. “My apologies. Apparently, hes gone mute. Im Drina, his captive. Bought and paid for, and ordered to act as his arm candy with less than twelve hours notice.”
Carlotas mouth dropped open.
Lourdes gasped and stepped back, her hand hovering over her parted lips.
Irritation flooded him as Drina flashed him her wicked smirk. He clamped his jaw so tight the tendon in his neck throbbed.
She chuckled and flicked her hand dismissively. “Kidding. Rubén is a little nervous about me meeting his family. We dated some years back but recently reconnected. Were not too sure whats between us right now, but were in it for the long haul.”
The women laughed, loosening up.
“Oh, youre good. You had me worried.” Carlota grinned at Drina and punched Rubén lightly on the arm. “My brother is rough around the edges, but he knows better than to do something so heinous to a woman.”
Drina winked, standing taller. “I always thought so, too.”
Thought so, past tense. Amused, he made the introductions. How did Drina know Carlota was his family? No, wait. She had to have recognized her because of Carmen. His sisters resembled one another to a T, except Carlota was a fair bit shorter.
He caught Enriques gaze from the doorway to the foyer. The grimacing man cocked his head, indicating that Rubén should follow.
After a longing glance at Lourdes, Enrique walked away.
“Ill probably regret this, but Drina, Im leaving you with these fine ladies. Carlota, Lourdes, keep an eye on her.” He kissed Drinas cheek and left the room.
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About the Author
Amber Daulton is the author of the Lozano Cartel, the Arresting Onyx, the Embracing You, and the Ramseys in Time series, as well as several standalone novellas. Her books are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats.
She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton
Wow she really laid it all out there! He DID NOT see that coming. 😉
Oh, yeah! Drina is keeping him on his toes.
Your heroines are always a bit more than the heroes can really handle… despite what the men think! Great excerpt.
My heroines always gotta teach their men a lesson.
LOVE the title, cover art, and tagline for the blurb. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting to read this. Great job! 🙂
Thank you, Tina. I’m thrilled with how the book turned out.
Go Girl! Stepping in when your man freezes up.
LOL! She can handle herself no matter what life throws at her.
Drina is very bold and sassy. Love her!
Bold and sassy is my favorite kind of heroine.
I think a fiery woman from his past is just what he needs.
Exactly. It’s time he wises up.
Love second chance romance.
Me, too! It’s my favorite trope.