When the number calls again, I sigh and answer.
“Hello, Gwen,” I answer, even saying her name has me going for beer number four.
When she speaks, I trade the beer for whiskey.
Hard liquor is the only way to deal with ghosts and the woman who ground your heart under her worn red cowboy boots like it was nothing.
Operator
Last to Leave, Book Two
This elite group of U.S. Marines are the last to leave a fight…or the women who steal their hearts.
He’s the one man she never wanted to see again.
It’s been five years since Gwen Winston laid eyes on the man who took her virginity–and broke her heart. Five years since he told her he could never see her again–right after she married his brother. Now he’s back, a year after her husband’s death to pay his respects. The cause of death was suicide–but he doesn’t believe it.
Once Gwen’s life is threatened, she begins to doubt everything she thought was true…including how wrong it would be to get close to Callum Reece.
She’s the one woman he can’t have.
Callum “Cal” Reece is at loose ends after losing the only family he had left and leaving the Marines. When he sees Gwen again for the first time in years, all he can think about is how much he missed her while he’d been deployed on back-to-back missions, even if she’s his brother’s widow. Wanting her is wrong. Needing her is worse…but losing her is unthinkable.
Sometimes the forbidden is a dangerous temptation.
When they give into a passion they can’t deny and uncover secrets determined to tear them apart, Gwen and Cal realize it will take learning to forgive to survive.
Dear Reader
I’m so excited to finally introduce you to a new bunch of kickass men. The Last to Leave series has been percolating in my brain for a while now and I can’t wait for you to meet all the new guys.
If you enjoyed reading, please consider leaving a review at your preferred retailer.
Keep your eyes peeled for the next book in the series!
Thank you for all of your support,
Nicole
Acknowledgments
This book wouldn’t be here without the help of some very important people in my life.
To my mother. For holding my hand this past year even though I wanted to do everything myself. Thank you for helping me when I needed it the most. I may be a pain in the ass, but I love you to the moon and back and always will.
To my brothers. The past ten years, we’ve all be doing our own thing and for the first time in a long time, it’s nice to be on the same track, in the same area. I love the men you’ve become and I’m so very grateful to have you both in my life. You’ve both shown me there will always be someone in my corner. And that you’re always available for a strong back or a kind word. You’re the best!
To my daughter. I do everything with you and mind and sometimes, I have to just cross my fingers and hope the choices I’ve made are the right ones. I hope one day you’ll look back and say I’ve been a good mom. Each day I want to quit, you remind me how important it is to keep going. In a world full of darkness, you are the light.
To Alana. I mean, I think you in every book, but it honestly will never be enough for all that you’ve done for me in the five years we’ve known each other. I continue to be grateful for your helping hand and your sympathetic ear.
To Melissa. Who is always there if I need to bounce an idea or need someone to cheer me on. I don’t even know what you get out of listening to me go on and on about these books, but I’m thankful that you take the time out of your busy day to listen and to give your thoughtful opinions. A lot of words wouldn’t be written without your endless encouragement.
To my friends from Nicole’s Knockouts who have stood by me every step of the way, thank you for your support and patience. I know I say it all the time, but you are the reason why I put fingers to keys and make these books a reality. You always seem to know just when I want to throw in the towel and are there with an encouraging word and a listening ear. Sometimes I think I’m alone in this journey and then I look up and all of you are there to remind me I’m not.
To each and every blogger who helps spread the word. Thank you for your tireless dedication and unwavering support!
Thank you to Letitia Hasser from R.B.A Designs for helping me format the paperback cover. You’re an angel!
To Jessica Neilson, Cindy Camp, Teri Hicks, Vera Green, Rhonda Brant, and Kristin Youngblood. I can’t thank you enough for beta reading Traitor when it was raw and new and helping me to make it shine.
Last but not least, thank you to each and every one of you for reading!
About the Author
Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of gritty romantic suspense and heartwarming new adult romance. She and her family reside in the south along with their two spunky Boston Terriers and one chatty cat. Visit her website www.authornicoleblanchard.com for more information or to subscribe to her newsletter for updates on sales and new releases.
Also by Nicole Blanchard
First to Fight Series
Anchor
Warrior
Survivor
Savior
Honor
Box Set: Books 1-5
Last to Leave Series
Traitor
Operator
Aviator
Captor
Protector
Immortals Ever After Series
Deal with a Dragon
Vow to a Vampire
Fated to a Fae King
Dark Romance
Toxic
Fatal
Friend Zone Series
Friend Zone
Frenemies
Friends with Benefits
Standalone Novellas
Bear with Me
Darkest Desires
Mechanical Hearts
Traitor (Last to Leave Book 1) Page 19