Wheels of Fire (Hollywood Demons Book 3)

by Autumn Jones Lake

  SLOW BURN (LOST KINGS MC #1)

  The ebook is free at all platforms.

  It is also available in audio.

  Author Notes

  A few readers mentioned the lack of author notes in the last two books. Thank you so much for noticing and caring. I usually write author notes as I’m preparing to publish. This year, I felt…drained and oddly out of words by the time I’d poured my heart onto the pages.

  From the very bottom of my heart, thank you for buying and loving the Hollywood Demons books (I’m assuming if you’re reading my author notes, you loved them. If not, carry on.) These books are incredibly special to me. Having grown up in the 80’s, I was obviously heavily influenced by a lot of 80s-ish things (some of it incredibly problematic looking back at them now—yikes!) As a kid, I’d often write these wild, epic romances (oddly, also always three books long, go figure.) They were, of course, embarrassingly awful. But I so much wanted to capture that fun, adventurous, neon-colored spirit for these books. And yet, the story also covered some hard topics at times, because that’s life.

  It’s probably obvious that some of the events were influenced by more recent stories coming out of Hollywood. I watched a few interviews with actresses who I’d always wondered “gee, whatever happened to her?” Now we know. They were chased out of the business in one way or another. I paid close attention to the stories of male actors who actually stood up for their female colleagues (spoiler alert—they were few and far between.) Not the ones who pretended they had no idea what was going on or “never suspected” a thing. Fuck those guys.

  This is a theme throughout my books. I want my hero to always have my heroine’s back—even if it comes at a personal cost. Nothing is more important or greater than the love and respect my couples have for each other. Poor Chaser and Mallory were a bit dickish to each other at certain points but it was always out of a frustration that they weren’t together. When Andrew hits on Mallory, I suppose in some other world, he wouldn’t have believed her, or maybe he would’ve blamed her, and they would’ve broken up. Or maybe Mallory would’ve said, “sure, let’s bang!” But that’s not who they are. I love a couple who faces the world and fights their problems together. I’m not into the angst of a couple doing horrible, hurtful, things to each other throughout a book. I’m just not. There’s enough awfulness in real-life human relationships.

  Even when Chaser’s own father questions their relationship, Chaser stands up to him. A worthy alpha hero always defends his heroine. Although, it did plant that tiny seed of doubt that eventually worked its way out of Chaser’s mouth in the heat of their argument over Andrew’s actions. But he didn’t let his pride stop him from making it right.

  Oh, Chaser!

  These two killed me. I just loved every moment with them. Maybe it’s the horrifically challenging times we’re living through right now, but I never wanted to leave their world.

  It might surprise you to learn that I originally planned to kill off Jacob and Andrew. Andrew was such a dick. But a loveable one. Sort of. Somewhere in the middle of Blow my Fuse, he grew on me. I started wondering what his happy ending would look like. Does he even deserve one? Has he been redeemed enough? I still haven’t decided.

  Poor Jacob. It was traumatic for me to kill him off, even though I had been planning to do it all along. I reconsidered his death several times. But sadly, we’ve lost a lot of brilliant artists in similar ways and he was representative of that and all the complicated emotions the band and his loved ones would have.

  For some reason, back in 2018 when I started re-writing Kickstart my Heart, I planned for Mallory and Chaser’s story to be “three 50,000 word books.” I based all of my “plans” around those numbers. I booked editing time and scheduled the audiobook recordings on those figures. I budgeted to pay for those services on those numbers as well. 268,000 words later…I am exceedingly lucky no one said, “What the fuck, Autumn?” when I handed in these significantly longer books and coughed up the extra money.

  Although I’ve used “True love stories never end…” as my author tagline for a couple of years now, I can’t think of a couple that it applies to more than Mallory and Chaser. Don’t you think?

  As I pointed out several times in my Facebook group, I have a span of like thirty years to write books about Mallory and Chaser. We know they’re still together and kicking ass in the present-day Lost Kings MC world. Surely, they must have had lots of exciting adventures in that time.

  I love leaving little things unfinished or up in the air. I love the discussions my readers have about certain events that take place in my stories. I love leaving breadcrumbs for you to find and ponder. Not just the evil glee kind of love, but genuine affection and appreciation. Maybe I’m biased or you’ll think this is obnoxious, but I am blessed to have some of the most incredibly passionate, creative, and enthusiastic readers an author could ever dream of having. The discussions in my Facebook group, in the spoiler groups for each book, the messages and comments I receive make all the pain and frustration worth it. Over and over readers tell me they re-read my books. I’ve always re-read beloved books. I still do. Not every book. Only special ones. So, I consider that one of the highest compliments. It also freaks me out because I’m always thinking, “OMG! Maybe this time they’re going to discover I’m actually a shitty writer!”

  And I’m self-aware enough to know that some of my readers don’t care about the breadcrumbs and interconnectedness of the books and characters. You’re not here for wedding books or baby books. You don’t care what happens after the HEA. Sure, it hurts my feelings, and obviously I think you’re missing out, but I get it. And I strive to write my books in a way that you will still enjoy the ones you do pick up whether or not you remember every last Easter egg or not.

  I truly hope you enjoyed the Hollywood Demons. If you think I should write more in the series, by all means, let me know. I have more than a few ideas…Right now, my plans are to finish Rooster and Shelby’s story in the Lost Kings MC series. It wasn’t easy returning to the “present” time to work on their books. (Spoiler alert: You’ll see Mallory and Chaser.) I had to make a decision about whether or not to include certain “current” events and ultimately decided not to. I think we’re all getting a little too much “real life” now and we need books to escape into more than ever. Then, I want to release Grinder’s book. He’s already making me cry way too much and I can’t wait to get to his happily-ever-after. He’s really earned it.

  If you loved this series, please tell your book-loving friends, and leave a review at your favorite bookstore. With this series, more than ever, I really, really need your help to spread the word. Your review doesn’t have to be long or detailed. A few quick words about how the book made you feel helps enormously. Reviews left at retailers, Goodreads, and Bookbub are one of the only ways left to help authors obtain meaningful visibility for their work. Your words matter.

  I hope you and your family are safe and well.

  Please be kind to your fellow humans. A little compassion costs nothing and makes the world a better place.

  I appreciate you so much.

  xo,

  Autumn

  Also by Autumn Jones Lake

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  THE LOST KINGS MC SERIES

  SLOW BURN (LOST KINGS MC #1)

  President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan “Rock” North, hasn’t managed to find a woman capable of making him want to curb his wild ways—until he meets sweet, innocent, married lawyer Hope Kendall.

  Forced to represent the outlaw biker, Hope is rattled by her immediate attraction to Rock. Hope is a good girl in a good marriage. Rock thrills her, but she's not going to throw away everything she's built on a fling with her criminal client.

  Rock respects Hope enough to leave her alone, even as he realizes he's become a little obse
ssed with her. When their connection endangers her life, he'll have to destroy her in order to save her.

  After tragedy strikes, Rock is determined to earn Hope's forgiveness and convince her that even with their staggering differences, they're meant to be together.

  CORRUPTING CINDERELLA

  (LOST KINGS MC #2)

  Although widowed attorney Hope Kendall cares deeply for President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan “Rock” North, the truth is they come from completely different worlds. Add to that the fact that they are also both headstrong people, and they have a very rough road ahead of them.

  Real love isn't a fairy tale.

  For Rock that means introducing Hope to what it really means to be part of his brutal and shady world, where the Lost Kings Motorcycle Club is his main focus. For Hope it means accepting the things she can't change, and understanding that Rock is a man who will do anything to keep her safe.

  Love doesn't follow any rules.

  As Rock continues to draw Hope deeper into his world, painful misunderstandings, past relationships, and opposition from the members of his club will threaten to drive them apart.

  How do a lawyer and a badass biker with a heart of gold keep their love alive while their opposing worlds collide?

  THREE KINGS, ONE NIGHT

  (LOST KINGS MC #2.5)

  Three short holiday stories featuring Murphy, Wrath, and Zero.

  STRENGTH FROM LOYALTY

  (LOST KINGS MC #3)

  As a dark cloud descends over Hope and Rock’s already precarious future, will a long-hidden secret push them both past the point of no return?

  Struggling attorney Hope Kendall loves her outlaw biker boyfriend Rochlan “Rock” North with all her heart, but the questionable activities his motorcycle club is involved in threaten her legal career.

  But does she even want this career anymore?

  As a near-death situation makes their professional differences seem insignificant, a cloud descends over their personal relationship’s already unsteady future.

  Even though Hope seems to have finally found her niche in the club as Rock’s ol’ lady, can she mingle in politics with neighboring clubs as well? A trip to the Lost Kings MC downstate charter will put her to the test.

  While Rock works hard to give Hope the honesty she craves without betraying his loyalty to his brothers, tension from outside forces threatens to push him to the brink. But it’s the one secret Hope has hidden all along that may finally drive them apart for good.

  TATTERED ON MY SLEEVE

  (LOST KINGS MC #4)

  Tattered on my Sleeve isn't a "typical" romance. It's not even a typical MC Romance. Prepare yourself for Wrath and Trinity’s long, tattered tale of lust, fury, and ultimately forgiveness.

  Lust.

  Eight years ago, the Lost Kings, MC was recovering from turmoil within the club Wrath and Trinity met. Their connection was instant and explosive.

  Fury.

  After three perfect nights, Wrath knew she was the one. But Trinity's dark past was about to catch up to her and the Lost Kings MC was her only hope for protection. One misunderstanding leads to a mistake that locks both of them into a war to see who can hurt who the most.

  Forgiveness.

  Once Wrath learns the dark secret that's been fueling Trinity all this time, he'll stop at nothing to prove they're meant to be together and that she's worthy of the love she keeps denying. Can they move past their horrible pasts to become better people and ultimately forgive each other?

  WHITE HEAT (LOST KINGS MC #5)

  THE QUEEN ALWAYS PROTECTS HER KING.

  For straight-laced attorney, Hope Kendall, loving an outlaw has never been easy. New challenges test her loyalty as she discovers how far she’s willing to go to protect her man.

  IF YOU HAVE HOPE, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING.

  MC President, Rochlan “Rock” North finally has everything he’s ever wanted. Hope as his ol’ lady and his MC earning money while staying out of trouble. The only thing left is to make Hope his wife. But as their wedding day nears, an old adversary threatens Rock’s freedom, the wedding, and throws the Lost Kings MC into chaos.

  LOVE MAKES THE RIDE WORTHWHILE.

  While the club waits for Rock's fate to be decided, Wrath has to balance solidifying his new relationship with Trinity and fulfilling his president's orders.

  LOYALTY GIVES AN OUTLAW STRENGTH.

  Threats from unexpected places will challenge every member, but in the Lost Kings MC, brotherhood isn’t about the blood you share. It’s about those who are willing to bleed for you.

  BETWEEN EMBERS (LOST KINGS MC #5.5)

  A companion to White Heat. Three short stories featuring Murphy, Teller, and Zero.

  MORE THAN MILES (LOST KINGS MC #6)

  Forbidden love is the hardest to forget...

  Blake “Murphy” O'Callaghan, Road Captain of the Lost Kings MC, has the world by the balls. Money. Women. The wide-open road. It’s all his, everything he wants…except the one girl he loves, the one girl who’s off limits. His best friend’s little sister, Heidi.

  Abandoned by her mother when she was little, Heidi Whelan’s familiar with heartbreak. Especially the heartbreak of falling in love with her big brother’s best friend. When Murphy pushed her away, it broke her heart. Now, on her eighteenth birthday, he claims he loves her? Growing up around the Lost Kings MC, Heidi’s witnessed his manwhoring ways. He’ll never give that up for her. Besides, he’s too late: Heidi’s in love with her high-school boyfriend Axel.

  Axel Ryan loves two things—motorcycles and Heidi. He signed up to be a prospect for the Lost Kings MC because it seemed like a fun way to get closer to her. Now that he’s gotten a taste of MC life, he’s not so sure this is where he belongs. He’s confident Heidi shares his dreams for the future, so even if he chooses another road, their relationship will survive the detour.

  With more than miles between them, will the deceptions they’ve lived with for so long be too much to overcome? Can Murphy convince Heidi that the hard roads they’ve traveled will lead to the most beautiful destination of all, or is he destined to ride the open road alone?

  WHITE KNUCKLES (LOST KINGS MC #7)

  TWO TATTERED SOULS

  After countless detours, Wrath and Trinity’s wedding is only ten days away. Together they’ve battled their demons and are ready to declare their commitment to each other in front of their entire Lost Kings MC family.

  ONE BITTER ENEMY

  No one is prepared for the threat that crawls out of the shadows and issues an evil ultimatum. One that places Trinity’s future in danger and jeopardizes the entire club. Trinity’s more than ready to put her life on the line to save the club. For her it’s not a question.

  AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

  Wrath’s role as protector of the club forces him to choose between the safety of his angel or the future of the Lost Kings MC and all they’ve built together. But Trinity won’t relent. A queen always fights for her king. She’ll risk everything to hold on to the peace she shares with Wrath.

  FAITH IS STRONGER THAN FEAR

  When evil takes her for a ride, will Trinity’s faith in Wrath and her faith in the Lost Kings MC be stronger than her fear?

  BEYOND RECKLESS: TELLER’S STORY, PART ONE (LOST KINGS MC #8)

  Blood doesn’t make you family, loyalty does.

  Marcel “Teller” Whelan, Treasurer of the Lost Kings MC, has always been two things—honest and responsible. At ten years old, he was already taking care of his baby sister. At eighteen, he patched into the Lost Kings MC and took a major role in shaping the club’s future.

  Three years ago, he thought he’d met the perfect woman, only to have her reject everything he is—a Lost King.

  One bullet is a lifetime supply.

  Now, after an accident that left a girl dead and Teller almost crippled, he’s struggling through the darkest time in his life. His niece, sister, and Lost Kings MC family are the only things holding him together, but his reckless ac
tions are bound to drive everyone away.

  Then, in the most unlikely place, he crosses paths with her again. The woman he once thought might be his perfect match.

  Love soothes our inner demons.

  Sparks fly for both of them. She’s the ride-or-die woman he needs, able to calm his many demons, and bring the light back into his life. But she has a secret—one that forces him to lie to his brothers.

  In chaos we trust.

  When Teller’s brothers find out who he’s falling in love with, it will create a storm of chaos for the Lost Kings MC. But if there’s one thing Teller’s turbulent life has taught him, it’s that sometimes love is worth the chaos.

  BEYOND REASON: TELLER’S STORY, PART TWO (LOST KINGS MC #9)

  When the most toxic people come disguised as family, who can you trust?

  Betrayal by blood cuts the deepest.

  Teller’s found his ride or die girl. The light Charlotte brings to his life has touched the darkest parts of his soul. But a devastating secret from her past resurfaces to threaten their future.

  Every truth can be erased with one lie.

  When a sinister truth is exposed, it forces Charlotte to question everything about herself. Even whether she’s worthy of Teller’s love.

  The darkest betrayals never come from your enemies.

  With Teller’s love roaring louder than the lies, Charlotte can finally put her demons to rest. But has too much damage been done for her to prove her loyalty to the Lost Kings?