Synopsis
Some choices are simple, some are hard, and some leave a
brand.
One unforgettable night at a masquerade changes it all.
Mogul Nik Strand is all too familiar with the curve balls
life likes to throw. Believing his soul can never be restored, he covers his
pain and heartbreak with money. The more the better—as his heart is nothing but
ice.
Aimee Taylor makes a decision that will haunt her forever.
Unfortunately life doesn’t come with a do over; therefore, she makes the best
out of what she has.
An unforeseen circumstance brings these two together again,
even though, neither can explain how or why the other seems so familiar. As
love tries to heal this wounded couple, a common adversary seeks to
destroy.
Please note: This
book has strong language, violence, and sexual content. Not intended for
readers under the age of 18.
Buy Branded
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Excerpt
*****
As we perused the menu, Nik commented, “I hope you don’t
mind this café instead of the hospital cafeteria.” He made a face like he’d
just tasted something vile.
Couldn’t say I blamed him. No one ever enjoyed hospital
food. Blech! I grinned, “No. I don’t mind, at all.”
His lips turned up slightly. Never had he graced me with an
actual smile that reached his eyes. He’d come close, and that had been heart
pounding. Will I ever see his amazing lips in a megawatt smile? The thought
made me squirm, because I knew it’d be panty dropping. Oh my. I fanned myself
mentally. He held my gaze—no doubt, trying to figure out what I was thinking.
“Penny for your thoughts?” he purred.
Holy crap! Surely he didn’t know. “Um…just trying to make a
selection,” I replied.
He shot me a knowing look. Ah, hell. “Riiiight. You only had
food on your mind.”
Not like I was going to claim my indecent musings. “Yes.” I
asked innocently, “Was there something else I’m supposed to be considering?”
He nodded and half-smiled—good heavens, that mouth! “If
that’s the way you wanna play this, Aimee.”
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect when our server
asked, “What can I get for you?”
I looked up at her. “I’ll have the Spanish omelet and a cup
of coffee, please.”
She turned her attention to Nik. When he glanced up at her,
she blinked rapidly. Her lips parted as her breathing increased. Good, at least
it’s not just me he has that effect on. The man was handsome personified—by no
means an actor or model attractive, more like rugged and untamed and a wild
kind of good-looking. That did things to a woman. He answered, “I’ll have the
same but with a short stack of pancakes on the side. Coffee as well, thank
you.”
She paused a moment too long and then turned to leave. I
shook my head at him. “You have no idea, do you?”
His brows rose. “’Bout what, exactly?”
I grinned wryly. “Your effect on women.”
He actually looked astonished. “Come again.”
“Please! You can’t be that oblivious.”
He steepled his fingers in front of his mouth and admitted,
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Why was that so hot?! He wore humility well, and damn, if it
wasn’t a huge turn on. My mouth was suddenly dry. I wanted him. And I had no
clue how to make that happen. I knew he was attracted to me. No one could
ignore the awareness that arced between us; even now it was a force to be
reckoned with. I decided honesty was best. “You’re a very attractive man, Nik.
There’s not a woman in here that hasn’t checked you out.”
His eyes conveyed his bewilderment. “Really?” He shrugged.
“Can’t say I’ve ever noticed.”
Teaser Time!
Kari's 4-Star Review of
Branded
Summary:
Some choices are simple, some are hard, and some leave a
brand.
One unforgettable night at a masquerade changes it all.
Mogul Nik Strand is all too familiar with the curve balls
life likes to throw. Believing his soul can never be restored, he covers his
pain and heartbreak with money. The more the better—as his heart is nothing but
ice.
Aimee Taylor makes a decision that will haunt her forever.
Unfortunately life doesn’t come with a do over; therefore, she makes the best
out of what she has.
An unforeseen circumstance brings these two together again,
even though, neither can explain how or why the other seems so familiar. As
love tries to heal this wounded couple, a common adversary seeks to destroy.
What I loved:
Lora Ann begins the story at a masquerade 5 years prior.
There was a brief encounter with Nik and Aimee, while she is at a function for
an escort service she is a part of. The evening ends without any identities
being known. There is such a sense of mystery and intrigue that is developed
from this one encounter years before and neither one can really pinpoint where
it stems from when they are face to face again.
Nik is an alpha, with a burden of guilt that he carries
around for a long time. He lost his wife and child, and blames himself. When
Aimee finds herself in a dangerous situation with a corrupt politician named
Caleb, Nik is almost as dangerous as Caleb because Aimee knows Nik could
destroy her forever emotionally if she falls in love with him. Still, they come
together and instantly feel as if they have met before, which they have.
Its ultimately a love story with ups, downs, laughs, cries,
and some kindle breaking moments. (Which I was able to overcome..my kindle is
just fine!)
What I Didn't Love:
The prologue, for me, was a bit too long. I feel the
information we garnered in it, could have been expedited a bit and some of the
other information cut out. That really was the only thing I found off putting.
But, as I don’t really review based on grammar and punctuation, story is where
I look. This was a problem for me.
Overall:
Author Lora Ann gives you a great mix of love, steamy sex
scenes, and suspense. She also shows that despite your past, and what you
believe to be sins, you can overcome. I am excited to read more about these
brothers. They all seem pretty alpha to me and we know how I feel about my
alphas!
Meet Lora Ann
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Lora is a Missouri native who relocated to California as a
teen. She spent several years as an international flight attendant for a major
airline, before taking on her greatest job ever, a stay-at-home mom. Now she
resides in Kentucky with her family, and has taken on her newest adventure,
writing.
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