Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she’d never return to her hometown, but she made a promise to her sister and finally has a way to set things right. Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with Nikki, especially since the last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But, if he wants to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back, Henry will have to put his trust in the thief who once broke his heart. Readers who enjoy second-chance, grumpy sunshine romances will want to sink their teeth into Release You by Diana A. Hicks, a steamy, small-town romantic suspense.
Blurb
Former con artist Nikki Swift swore she’d never return to her hometown. But she made a promise that is long overdue. Fifteen years after her sister went to prison for a murder she didn’t commit, Nikki finally has a way to set things right. She will do whatever it takes to bring her sister home, including living in a condemned hotel with hot-as-hell Henry.
Architect by day, poker player by night, Henry Cavalier wants nothing to do with bombshell Nikki. Hell, last time he saw her, she skipped town with his money. But after his family disowned him, Nikki’s particular skill set is exactly what he needs to rescue his mom and steal his fortune back.
To keep her promise to her sister, Nikki will have to come out of retirement and swindle one last time. But can Henry trust the thief who broke his heart once upon a time with a con that means everything?
Note: This is a steamy romance with explicit sensual scenes, happily ever after, no cheating, and no cliffhanger.
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Excerpt
Copyright 2024, Diana A. Hicks
When we reached the lobby, I threw my arms around Dom’s neck. “Darling, it was so good to see you.”
“Always a pleasure.” Dom winked at then headed for the door.
“I’m glad the condition of the hotel hasn’t deterred your clients,” Henry said from the bar.
That was a low blow. But if that was how he wanted to play it, fine. “He was here for me, darling. I was all he could see.” I took out the check and showed it to him. “Oh, Dom. Always so generous.”
“That’s a lot of cash for just a few minutes.” Henry pursed his lips.
“I’m very good at what I do.” I stepped toward him.
I had no doubt in my mind this was Henry Cavalier. His boyish smile had been replaced by a half smirk, though his mouth hadn’t changed much. He had the same full lips, soft and sexy. Like his mood, his hair had gone from dark blond to dark brown to match his eyes. Even though he was a foot taller than me now and built like a quarterback, there was something familiar and comforting about him.
His face gave nothing away, but the vein throbbing in his temple told me what I needed to know. For some reason, he was affected by all the fake-sex I’d just had. Did he care about me? I met his gaze. His eyes were full of regret and anger—those beautiful eyes that so long ago looked at me with such tenderness and helped me get through the worst months in my life. The same eyes that had promised we’d be together forever. Why was he mad at me? He wasn’t the one who left Paradise Creek with a heart broken into a million pieces. He lied to me. He hurt me, not the other way around.
“Cut the crap.” He closed the space between us. “We both know you didn’t have sex with that guy.”
“Oh yeah? Why is that?” I placed my hands on my waist, fighting the urge to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him.
“Because you’re here. If I had that kind of cash, it’d be days before I let you out of my bed.”
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About Diana A. Hicks
Diana A. Hicks is an award-winning author of steamy romantic suspense and science-fiction romance.
When Diana is not writing, she enjoys hot yoga, kickboxing, traveling, and indulging in the simple joys of life like wine and chocolate. She lives in Atlanta and loves spending time with her two children and husband. Connect with Diana on social media to stay up to date on her latest releases.
Praise for Diana A. Hicks:
“Hicks’ first installment of her Desert Monsoon series is confident and assured with strong storytelling, nuanced characters, and a dynamic blend of romance and suspense…A sexy and irresistible tale for fans of contemporary romance.” – Kirkus Reviews
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