The Starkis Family Series
Deacon – Book 1
When Deacon Starkis sets his sights on the gorgeous young model gracing the pages of his glossy catalogue, he knows he has to have her. One problem. She’s not available. But that won’t stop Deacon. He’s a man used to getting what he wants and he wants Mia.
Mia is stunned when she receives an email from the elusive billionaire who owns the lingerie company she models for. He tells her he’s intrigued. He’s not the only one. But she knows she’d be a fool to throw away an eight year relationship for a brief affair with the head honcho. He doesn’t do relationships and she doesn’t do casual sex. It seems they’re at an impasse.
Who will come out on top in this battle of wills? The dominant one or the woman intent on teaching him the meaning of submission?
Note to readers: No cliff-hangers! Mature content, 18+
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Book Trailer
Excerpt
I barged into Deacon’s office at eight o’clock that evening. Since his silver Lamborghini was one of the few cars left in the parking lot, I wasn’t too concerned about interrupting a meeting.
He looked up from his computer when I stormed in, and a smile quickly replaced his scowl.
“They let you in without clearance?”
I plopped down in the seat across from him, trying not to notice how tempting he lookedwith his sleeves rolled up and no tie on.
“The receptionist who usually guards your castle left for the day, and the security guard at the front desk has a crush on me, so he didn’t ask any questions.”
He frowned. “Which security guard is that?”
I spotted a stress ball on the corner of his desk. I doubted he used it; it looked like a promo item Alabaster’s gave away. I whipped it at his chest.
“You’re not serious.”
He laughed, catching the ball before it hit him. “You have a pretty good arm.”
“Shut up, Deacon!”
The nagging voice in the back of my head reminded me I was talking to my boss, but I told her to mind her own goddamn business and go back to sleep.
“I’m pissed at you.”
He leaned back, kicking his feet up on the desk as he tossed the ball from one hand to the other and squeezed it.
“Do tell.”
“You told Eleni about us.”
“So?”
“So you had no right to do that!”
He seemed totally unfazed by my anger, which only incensed me further.
“She’s my friend. I should have been the one to tell her, when—or if—I decided there was anything worth telling her.”
That got his attention. When he pinned me with that hot gaze, I feared he would demand I bend over the desk and take my punishment like a brave girl.
“I asked you not to tell anyone, including Eleni. You didn’t, and I appreciate that. Now that you’re single, I’ve decided it’s time your best friend know about our… relationship.”
The way he said relationship made me feel as though he had been seeking a different wordbut come up short. Arrangement, perhaps? Was that what this was to him?
Not willing to let him have the last word, I said, “We’re not in a relationship. We’re still getting to know each other. If I like what I see, I might agree to date you, though not exclusively.
I’ve been tied down too long to get serious again so soon.” I swallowed, averting my eyes when the thin skin across his knuckles turned white from the pressure he was inflicting on the ball.
“Let me get this straight. You might agree to date me—though not exclusively?”
I was almost afraid to push him further, but if I backed down, that would set a precedent for all future arguments.
“That’s right. If you have a problem with that, we can part ways now and—”
He planted his feet on the floor and made his way around the desk slowly, like a panther preparing to devour its prey. He gripped the armrests of my chair, his face a fraction of an inch from mine. I held my breath—waiting, praying, and trying to predict what he might do next.
Pushing him had been a very bad idea.
“You really think that’s an option?” he whispered.
Damon – Book 2
Eleni Litras recognized a kindred spirit when she saw one. Damon loved to have a good time, was allergic to commitment, and was honest to a fault. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant raising a few eyebrows. She loved that about him. In fact, she feared she may be falling in love with him. But her tragic upbringing taught her trust was a filthy four letter word.
Damon Starkis partied like a rock star most of his life, with little regard for consequences. That was one of the many advantages of being born to a billionaire. But when he got news that rocked his world, he had a choice… grow up or risk losing out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Change didn’t come easily, but he was proud of his new life and the man he’d become, except for one little problem. The secrets and lies were piling up and if Eleni found out, she’d never forgive him.
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Tracey’s Review
What Deacon Starkis wants, Deacon Starkis gets, and his latest obsession is Mia. As one of the top model’s for Deacon’s company, Mia has heard all about his manwhore ways, and, while she’s intrigued, she’s not about to join the long list of his conquests. But when it comes to getting his way, Deacon is willing to do whatever it takes, as Mia quickly learns.
I had never read anything by Cheryl Douglas, so I went into this book not knowing what to expect. I have to say that I was hooked from the very first, and could not wait to see how the story unfolded. Deacon Starkis is alpha in the extreme. A self-made man, he is used to things being done his way. When he sets his sights on Mia, his pursuit is total and persistent, and it isn’t long before their mutual attraction brings them together. Their chemistry is sizzling, and their relationship volatile, but the secrets that Deacon is keeping soon bring trouble to Paradise.
DEACON was a good solid read for me. The main thing that gave me pause, and led to a bit of a lower rating, was the Insta-love. There it is, the one thing that really makes me go, ‘Hmmm, really?’ Deacon and Mia went from a situation where he was really basically sort of, well, stalking her, and coercing her into a relationship, to a place of total and complete commitment for the both of them. I liked the characters and plot enough, though, that this wasn’t a deal breaker for me, and Cheryl does explain the reasoning behind it. The secondary characters are extremely likable and entertaining, with Eleni being one of my favorites, and I am looking forward to getting her story in DAMON (Book 2). DEACON is easily a 4-star read, and a nice addition to the sexy alpha billionaire genre.
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Author Bio:
When one door closes, another one opens. I closed the door to my business for the last time in 2011, which left me with a decision. What now? Find another location and move my nutrition business, go to work for someone else, or take a chance on my dream? I chose the latter and I’ve never looked back!
I’ve always loved reading and writing, but it wasn’t until I jumped in with both feet and decided writing would be my career, instead of just a hobby, that my muse woke up from her deep slumber.
It was like someone flipped a switch inside my head and stories just came pouring out. At the end of the day, I would often look at the keyboard and wonder, ‘Who the heck wrote that? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure it wasn’t me!’
I don’t write books. I tell stories, or rather, I allow my characters to tell their stories through me. I’m not a plotter, never have been, never will be. Why? Because I have no idea how the story will evolve and it’s not my place to manipulate it. My job is to get to know these characters, figure out what makes them tick, then follow their journey wherever it takes me.
When I’m not writing, I’m daydreaming. Thankfully, I have an understanding husband and son who know I’ll re-join the land of the living just as soon as my muse decides it’s quitting time. I don’t work for myself. I work for her. She’s the boss. And I’m okay with that.
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