Anaiah Press proudly presents BOUND BY BLOOD by Scott Springer, an inspirational romantic suspense novel now available!
Julia has accepted the Lord and is busy returning her life to order. She is not ready for love, especially when the new site foreman at work stirs up forgotten feelings. She knows a playboy when she sees one, but to Rick Mercado the attraction between them is surprisingly real. Other girls no longer interest him, and if she wants to play hard to get that's fine with him. Let the games begin!
What he doesn't realize is that her dangerous secret is not a game.
Julia's brother has returned from the street, strung out and in trouble with rival gangs. Loyalty to her brother draws Julia deeper into a world of drug deals and thugs. Rick doesn't understand why Julia won't simply go to the cops, especially once the bullets start flying. As Julia slips further into a world of violence, Rick realizes how easily his heart can be broken. His brain says to run, but his heart isn't listening. It may already be too late.
BOUND BY BLOOD. Love and suspense, heartfelt moments and guns a blazing.
What a killer combination!
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About the Author:
Scott Springer spent his youth playing pretend and dreaming of being a writer. As an adult he worked as a carpenter before becoming a software developer. Having produced much, his two children remain his proudest accomplishment. His wife led him to the Lord, and he’s glad that she did.
Website | Twitter | Goodreads Chapter One Excerpt Rick Mercado stood in the doorway, his mouth dry with nerves. He forced an easy breath and settled his focus on the man behind the desk, searching his eyes. The man rocked back in his chair and gave a satisfied smile. He was bald on top with gray on the sides. His hand swept the room, inviting inspection. “This is it,” he said. Rick scanned the small office as directed: Cluttered desk, leather high-back chair, a window shaded with plastic louvers, everything a little dusty. “It’s very nice.” The man puffed out his chest. “Oh, it’s not much, but it works.” Rick’s lips twitched up toward a smile. “I built this company on my own, you know. No silver spoon.” “Yes, I know,” Rick said. Ben was a self-made man. He had mentioned this several times during the employment interview, which had been coffee at the truck stop. At the end of which, Ben had reached across the table to offer Rick a calloused hand and welcome him aboard Ben Johnson’s Concrete Construction. Ben tilted forward and a spring squeaked. “Close the door.” He pointed to the small chair in the corner. “Have a sit. We’ll go over your duties.” Rick pulled the chair to the center of the room and faced the desk, but he remained standing. His hands rested on the steel tubing that framed the chair’s back and his head nodded with interest while Ben shuffled some papers. Rick had taken an instant liking to the old contractor. The glint in the man’s eyes reminded him of ringing door bells and running off. When the waitress had asked his age in a playful way, Ben had said, “I’ve been ordering from the senior menu for years.” Then giving her a wink he had added, “Nobody ever wants to see my driver’s license for proof.” Thinking of this, Rick’s grin widened. He was going to like working for Ol’ Ben Johnson. He had a good feeling. Except then Ben stiffened up. “What’s so funny?” Rick’s lips tightened. He said softly, “Nothing.” The old man studied the young one with a fatherly eye. “Times have been tough out here the last four years while you’ve been hiding in the books.” “Yes, sir.” Ben showed him the stack of papers. “But business is starting to pick up again.” Rick nodded agreement. “Been in this business all my life, and it’s cyclical. Feast or famine.” The old man gave the young one a significant look. “You hungry, Rick?” “Yes, sir.” “Then wipe that grin off your face. This is serious stuff.” Rick’s grip on the chair tightened, but then he caught that glint in the old man’s eye. Rick laughed and Ben joined him. “Got you, didn’t I.” “Yes, sir. Yes, you sure did.” Rick felt his body loosen. “But seriously, my point is this. If you are going to be running work for me you need to wipe that grin off your face. My crews are all good, but they’re roughnecks.” “I can do this,” Rick said. “I know you can, that’s why I hired you. Fine, strong young man. Got all the confidence in the world in you, boy. You’ll make someone a fine hand someday.” Rick warmed. That’s what his dad always said. “I’ve got some sidewalk repairs coming up. We’re replacing a driveway later this week. But I’ve got significant jobs to bid on. A couple of restaurants and even a small strip mall on the interstate. I’m sure I’ll keep you busy.” “That’s great.” “And if not, I suppose you can always do office work for your dad, huh?” “Sure,” Rick said. “But I’d rather make it on my own. When I walk out to take charge of a crew I don’t want them whispering Daddy’s Boy.” Ben’s round eyes gleamed. “I respect that, kid. I do. Your dad is a fine contractor and stiff competition. I can’t help but feel I’m cheating him a little.” “He’s fine with my decision,” Rick said evenly. “Then I’ll let it go at that.” Ben stood and stretched his hand across the desk. Rick knew the knuckle crushing strength of Ben’s grip and was prepared for it this time. The two locked on and worked forearm strength against each other. All the while Ben grinned. “You’ll get there, kid,” he said at last and loosened his grip. “Thanks again, Ben. I won’t mess up this opportunity.” “Of course you won’t, but look.” Ben’s gaze returned to the papers on his desk. “Everything is all formal now. I have a written job description for site foreman. You have to read it and sign it. And whatever else. Tax papers and such. Julia knows all that, so introduce yourself to her on the way out.” He glanced at the clock. “If she’s back from lunch.” “Yeah, sure. I will.” Rick turned to leave but hesitated before opening the door. “When do I start?” “Tonight. Be back at six. You can help us bid the strip mall. It’s big and I don’t want to mess it up.” “Sure,” Rick said. “See you then. I’ll bring a calculator.” He stepped out and saw the young secretary sitting at her desk in the small reception area. She was a real cutie with dark hair cut shoulder length and intense eyes, but there was something more there than merely good looks. The old man’s words hung in his mind. Are you hungry, Rick? Yes, he thought, surprising himself. Yes, I am.
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