Grumbler's Ride: Satan's Devils MC San Diego #2
Page 37
I’ve been an asshole all of my life. I came out of the womb that way, or so I’ve been told. I’d rather believe it was down to nurture, surely men aren’t born bad? Perhaps it’s too late for redemption, but I’d hoped for absolution before I died.
I need to come back to life, but the struggle is hard.
I need to fight, if only for her and not myself. Death can’t take me. I need just one more chance, else she won’t survive. Just a few words uttered out of my mouth will assure she’s safe. Then I can die peacefully.
But it might already be too late, for me and for her.
Other Works by Manda Mellett
Blood Brothers – A series about sexy dominant sheikhs and their bodyguards
Stolen Lives (#1) Nijad and Cara
Close Protection (#2) Jon and Mia
Second Chances (#3) Kadar and Zoe
Identity Crisis (#4) Sean and Vanessa
Dark Horses (#5) Jasim and Janna
Hard Choices (#6) Aiza
Satan’s Devils MC - Arizona Chapter
Turning Wheels (Blood Brothers #3.5, Satan’s Devils #1) Wraith and Sophie
Drummer’s Beat (#2) Drummer and Sam
Slick Running (#3) Slick and Ella
Targeting Dart (#4) Dart and Alex
Heart Broken (#5) Heart and Marc
Peg’s Stand (#6) Peg and Darcy
Rock Bottom (#7) Rock and Becca
Joker’s Fool (#8) Joker and Lady
Mouse Trapped (#9) Mouse and Mariana
Blade’s Edge (#10) Blade and Tash
Heart Mended: A Satan’s Devils MC Novella
Truck Stopped (#11) Truck & Allie
Satan's Devils MC Boxset 1 Books 1-5
Satan’s Devils MC Boxset 2 Books 6-8
Satan’s Devils MC Boxset 3 Books 9-11
Satan’s Devils MC - Colorado Chapter
Paladin’s Hell (#1) Paladin and Jayden
Demon’s Angel (#2) Demon and Violet
Devil’s Due (#3) Beef and Steph
Devil’s Dilemma (#4) Pyro and Mel
Ink’s Devil (#5) Ink and Beth
Devil’s Spawn (#6)
Satan’s Devils MC - Next Generation
Amy’s Santa (#1) Wizard and Amy
Hawk’s Cry (#2) Hawk and Olivia
Satan’s Devils MC - San Diego Chapter
Being Lost (#1)
Satan’s Devils MC - Utah Chapter
Road Tripped (#1)
Acknowledgments & Author’s Note
I should start this note with a disclaimer. Devon Starr is not based on any of the amazing photographers who I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He’s completely a figment of my imagination.
The darker parts of this book are fiction, but are unfortunately grounded in reality. Kids do disappear crossing the border and are prime for being targeted and abused.
In real life, people you’d never suspect in a million years are suddenly arrested for having child porn on their PCs – I sadly know, it happened with someone I thought was a good friend. That happened a few years back, but it plays on your mind. Why didn’t I know? What had I missed? Unfortunately, there were no clues. It shows there are monsters everywhere.
I apologise if these scenes upset you, but you know me by now, I don’t shy away from difficult topics.
As well as shocking you, I hope the lighter parts of this book made you smile.
I loved writing about Grumbler. So many people facing a milestone in their life measure where they should be in life by the number of years that they’ve lived. But why should the best of life be behind them? I wanted to give Grumbler a new lease on life, and Mary as well. I do love writing older characters as I’ve lived through what they’re experiencing.
Don’t worry, you’ve not seen the last of Grumbler and Mary, we’ll be checking in with their story in future San Diego books.
I’m currently writing the second Utah book, Stormy’s Thunder. Yes, we’re catching up with Stormy and finding out why he left the club, and what he’s been up to. He’s an interesting character with one hell of a story to tell – I hope I’ll be able to do him justice.
On to the thank yous.
All my beta readers are amazing, but Sheri and Danena deserve special mention. Without their talents at spotting where I’ve gone wrong, this book wouldn’t have come together. You both help keep me on the straight and narrow, so thank you both for helping me sort all the details out. Thanks also go to Tami, Alex, Nicole, Terra, and Zoe. Your reactions showed me I’d got a storyline which works.
Maggie Kern, thank you once again for being such a pro-active editor. You really helped me shape the book. I can’t recommend you enough as an editor and am proud to call you a friend. You go out of your way to help me.
I’ve reconnected with Melanie Darrow for the proofreading of Grumbler’s Ride. Thank you so much for your timely responses and suggestions. I’ve enjoyed working with you again.
The cover image was provided by Golden Czermak of Furious Fotog. As before, he had the perfect model, Fred Dibella. I’m sure you agree, he makes a perfect Grumbler. The cover was brought to life by Dar Dixon of Wicked Smart Designs. Thank you all.
Finally, last as always, but definitely not least, thanks to all of you, my wonderful readers who’ve taken a chance on this book. If it wasn’t for your encouragement, I wouldn’t keep writing. I have recently received messages and emails telling me how much you like my books, and I love reading every one. A positive message inspires me to write more.
This book, like all of my works, has been to beta readers, through editing twice, to a proofreader and then to ARC readers, but there could still be the odd typo that’s crept through. Please message me if you’ve found anything so I have a chance to correct the book. I love to hear from readers, even if you’re pointing out something I’ve got wrong.
If you’ve enjoyed this book, please consider writing a review. Reviews are essential to us authors, and I appreciate and read them all.
This book may be done, but don’t worry. There’ll be another Satan’s Devil coming along very soon.
Stay in Touch
Email: manda@mandamellett.com
Website: www.mandamellett.com
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Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mandasbadboys/
About the Author
Manda’s life's always seemed a bit weird, starting with a childhood that even today she’s still trying to make sense of, then losing her parents in the late teens. Going from the tragic to the bizarre, who else could be unlucky enough to have had two car accidents, neither her fault, one involving a nun, and another involving a police woman?
There isn’t enough space to list everything that’s happened to Manda, or what she’s learned from it. But by using the rich fabric of her personal life, psychology degree, varied work experiences, and amazing characters she’s met, Manda is able to populate her books with believable in-depth characters and enjoys pitting them against situations which challenge them. Her books are full of suspense, twists and turns and the unexpected.
Manda lives in the beautiful countryside of Essex in the UK, the area’s claim to fame being the Wilkin’s Jam Factory at nearby Tiptree. She can usually find jars of jam which remind her of home wherever she goes. As well as writing books and reading, Manda loves walking her dogs and keeping fit. She lives with her husband of over 30 years, who, along with her son, is her greatest fan and supporter.
Manda is thankful that one of the more unusual, and at the time unpleasant, turns her life took, now enables her to spend her time writing. Confirming, in her view, every cloud has a silver lining.
Photo by Carmel Jane Photography
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