Ardent Strangers

by Samantha Kately

  “I’ll let you in on a little secret. I never hired him to kill you. I hired him to scare you, to know that I’m prepared to do whatever it takes to make you suffer, and the best way to do that is by keeping you and Nathaniel apart. And if you need an incentive to stay away, Nathaniel has been absolutely distraught. Next time I’ll make sure the bullets don’t miss. Next time it won’t be you.”

  “What?” I gasp. No, she couldn’t mean…

  She leans in and whispers, “Nathaniel.”

  I take off the ring and clutch it in my hand.

  Evangeline’s journey continues in book 2…

  ~

  ARDENT FORCES

  ~

  COMING IN 2019

  For updates on Ardent Strangers please visit Samantha at

  her website: samanthakately.com or Facebook.

  Thank you:

  Mum & Linda – for reading my books and giving honest feedback. You’re amazing!

  Lindsay Tiry of LT Arts for your patience while designing this amazing book cover!

  Lona – for being my first and most dedicated reader. I think you’ve read everything I’ve written. You’ve helped me so much with edits, fighting scenes, and medical scenes. Thanks for your lovely friendship.

  Dee – for talking through the difficulties of writing this book, the laughs, for the tips like the Nathaniel and Aaron Points system to make it a fair contest—it might still be lopsided. For comparing the leading men to chocolatey flavors, so it goes on…

  Sarah – for your support, patience, and guidance with the blurb!

  Melissa K – for being the only other person to dream about Ardent Strangers – you after reading it, me before writing it. I’ve loved your passion for the characters.

  Amy – for making me take chances & loving Ardent Strangers. You’re a dear friend.

  Orla – for being a great friend and proof reader. Despite my reservations, I’m so glad that I took the chance to join the group for Postnatal depression. I met you.

  To the other girls in our old Postnatal depression group, thanks for being there. You are all so special. Xo

  Kate L. for reading my books & for your wonderful feedback.

  Kathryn M. – for reading my final draft!

  Nathan and Jamie for your specialized advice in Close Protection work, police and army training and the worlds in which you live. It made a huge difference.

  Alissa and Shane – Thank you for reading it all and for the support, for letting me ask a million questions!

  And to my other test readers—thank you! Your help has been invaluable.

  Mum, Dad, Rich, Linda, Manh, Ma, —for giving me advice, for being there and always believing in me.

  Troy – For first inspiring me to write and teaching me the ways, for love, and for everything else.

  For my special ones who make me laugh and give the best hugs.

  And lastly, a massive thank you to you—the readers—for following these characters who are so close to my heart. Thanks for your support with my first book! It’s just the beginning…

  Thanks again, Sam. X

  About the Author:

  Samantha Kately lives in Australia. She is a contemporary romance and young adult writer, who loves reading books as much as writing them. Ardent Strangers is her debut novel, the first in the series. Her upcoming Starbound series will begin with Chasing Starlight, a Young Adult romance with a sprinkling of magic along the way.

  In her free time she can be found reading, making music, drawing, playing tennis badly, visiting wildlife parks (butterflies are a bonus) and spending time with the people she loves most.

  An important note:

  If you or anyone close to you is struggling with depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts, or family violence, please see your local medical practitioner or call an emergency hotline in your country as soon as possible.

  Always remember, you’re not alone. There are people who can help. You just need to ask.