Bullets & Bonfires by Autumn Jones Lake
Liam obliges by flipping my brother off.
“Some things never change,” I mutter.
Liam chuckles and reaches into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
“Now?” I whisper. “With my brother like three feet away?”
He snorts and shakes his head. “No. Here.” He presents me with a small, white velvet box. “I want to marry you and love you for the rest of my life, Bree.”
I swipe a few tears off my cheeks and open the box. “Oh, wow. Oh my God. I can’t believe you’re springing this on me now. You’ve been holding on to this all day?”
“Was waiting for the right moment.” He glances at the guys. “When people weren’t up in our business.”
I chuckle and continue staring at the ring. The fire’s bright enough for me to make out the simple but elegant details. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s a fire opal surrounded by diamonds,” he explains, plucking it out of the box and taking my hand. “My mom said you once told her opals were your favorite stone.” He slides the ring on my finger.
I hold my hand out and wiggle it around, loving how the ring sparkles in the firelight.
“I did and I do. I love it so much.”
“You didn’t say yes yet.”
I throw my arms around his neck and pepper his face with kisses. “Yes, yes, yes! Is that better?” I tease.
“It’s perfect,” he answers.
Please continue reading for information from the author.
RESOURCES
If you or someone you love needs help, please consider reaching out to one of the following organizations.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
http://www.thehotline.org
https://www.domesticshelters.org
A NOTE FROM AUTUMN
If you’ve read my work before, you know I’m very passionate about my series, the Lost Kings MC. What you might not know, is that at the time I started writing what became Slow Burn (Lost Kings MC #1), I was also working on this book called Alone Together. I loved this idea of the older brother’s best friend helping his friend’s sister through a difficult time. The tension of being alone in the house together. The struggle between doing what Liam wanted to do and what he thought he should do. I worked on it for a long time, but could never figure out how it ended. I had editors who requested it and was determined to finish it and send it to them (sorry!) But then Rochlan “Rock” North and his MC brothers started speaking to me and they stole both my heart and my focus.
But I never forgot about Liam and Bree.
Alone Together was written in third person, as I used to write everything. After attending a workshop late last year, I went back to my hotel room and pulled up Alone Together and doodled around with re-writing it into first person.
I went home and played with it some more, liking it better and better. Then Teller showed up and Alone Together had my complete attention. This was a problem, because, I had just released White Knuckles (Lost Kings MC #7) and I was committed to getting Teller’s book out next (I already had his cover photo and everything) but the little bastard wasn’t speaking to me or maybe he was speaking to me too much. His book has a lot going on. But in Alone Together, he was the confident, cocky, lovable guy I knew well (for Lost Kings MC readers who are wondering, Bullets & Bonfires fits in somewhere between White Heat and More Than Miles time-wise.)
After that, I started working on Alone Together in earnest. Then I changed the title. That title still wasn’t right. Once I heard Brantley Gilbert’s Bullet in a Bonfire, the book got another title change, and the rest of the story came pouring out.
I hope you love Liam and Bree’s story as much as I do. I wanted a heroine who learned to stand up for herself but wasn’t weak or bratty with Liam. I personally love over-the-top, loving alpha heroes (not the abusive assholes that people sometimes confuse alpha heroes with) but I worried about Liam being too overbearing, considering the relationship Bree just came out of. Bree is also smart and knows what she wants. Of course, everyone has their opinion on what the right amount of love or dominance is, but I always leave it up to the character. In particular, I worried readers might find the scene where Liam pushes her against the door troublesome considering what Chad had done when Bree tried to leave him. This is why it was important to me that the scene was in Bree’s point-of-view. That way you knew she wasn’t threatened. Nothing about his behavior frightened her. That’s one of my favorite scenes in the book.
If you’ve read me before, you know I’m not big on what I call “manufactured conflict.” I’ve taken a lot of workshops on “story beats” etc. Romance usually follows a certain, specific progression leading up to a “black moment.” In my opinion, few writers actually do this well—although the ones who do, do it fabulously. I normally hate that progression and have always struggled to get those beats “right.” I’ve found my best work comes out when I say “fuck the beats” and just write the story the way I want to write it. I could have easily added a “black moment” where Bree thinks Liam is going to choose his job over her. But when I read that sort of contrivance in other books, I always feel that it cheapens the whole love story. Instead, I liked a hero who fought for the woman he loved and gave up something he cared about for someone he cared about even more. That’s true romance to me. Some people like my style. Some people find it lacking.
If you enjoy my style—thank you! I love writing. I’ve given up my legal career to write full-time, so I’m definitely invested in earning a living with my writing. But at the same time, I write to amuse myself first and foremost. One of my husband’s favorite things is when I’m sitting next to him typing away and suddenly break out into giggles over something one of my characters says or does. I write the kind of stories I want to read, not what I think I should write to make more money. If the two things happen to coincide, then that is my perfect definition of success.
During the beta process I received a lot of questions about whose book was next. This is funny because, Keegan, is someone I had in mind for an entirely different series (my eagle-eye LOKI readers will recognize him from White Knuckles.) I always had plans for Sully to have a book, even back when this was Alone Together. Regular LOKI readers probably also recognize Jake from Wrath’s gym. I think he might need a book soon too.
Then Vince. Oh, Vince. For someone who was away for 95% of the book, I had a lot of questions about when he’d get his own story. He’s a good big brother. I think he deserves an HEA of his own.
Well, these notes ended up being longer than I planned. So, if you’re still reading—thank you!
ALSO BY AUTUMN JONES LAKE
If you’d like to learn more about Teller and Murphy, they are prominent characters from my Lost Kings MC Series.
Murphy’s book, More Than Miles, is already available.
Find it here.
Teller’s book, Beyond Reckless, will be available September 18, 2017.
Find out more on my website.
Jake, Sully, and Keegan also appear throughout the Lost Kings MC series.
THE LOST KINGS MC SERIES
Slow Burn (Lost Kings MC #1)
Love Doesn’t Obey the Law
Forced to represent an outlaw biker, a married attorney must come to terms with her feelings for her client while avoiding the danger he brings into her sedate life.
President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan “Rock” North, hasn’t managed to find a woman capable of making him want to curb his wild ways—until he meets sweet, innocent, married lawyer Hope Kendall.
Forced to represent the outlaw biker, Hope is rattled by her immediate attraction to Rock. Hope is a good girl in a good marriage. Rock thrills her, but she’s not going to throw away everything she’s built on a fling with her criminal client.
Rock respects Hope enough to leave her alone, even as he realizes he’s become a little obsessed with her. When their connection endangers her life, he’ll h
After tragedy strikes, Rock is determined to earn Hope’s forgiveness and convince her that even with their staggering differences, they’re meant to be together.
Corrupting Cinderella (Lost Kings MC #2)
Love is the ultimate outlaw.
Although widowed attorney Hope Kendall cares deeply for President of the Lost Kings MC, Rochlan “Rock” North, the truth is they come from completely different worlds. Add to that the fact that they are also both headstrong people, and they have a very rough road ahead of them.
Real love isn’t a fairy tale.
For Rock that means introducing Hope to what it really means to be part of his brutal and shady world, where the Lost Kings Motorcycle Club is his main focus. For Hope it means accepting the things she can’t change, and understanding that Rock is a man who will do anything to keep her safe.
Love doesn’t follow any rules.
As Rock continues to draw Hope deeper into his world, painful misunderstandings, past relationships, and opposition from the members of his club will threaten to drive them apart.
How do a lawyer and a badass biker with a heart of gold keep their love alive while their opposing worlds collide?
Strength From Loyalty (Lost Kings MC #3)
As a dark cloud descends over Hope and Rock’s already precarious future, will a long-hidden secret push them both past the point of no return?
Struggling attorney Hope Kendall loves her outlaw biker boyfriend Rochlan “Rock” North with all her heart, but the questionable activities his motorcycle club is involved in threaten her legal career.
But does she even want this career anymore?
As a near-death situation makes their professional differences seem insignificant, a cloud descends over their personal relationship’s already unsteady future.
Even though Hope seems to have finally found her niche in the club as Rock’s ol’ lady, can she mingle in politics with neighboring clubs as well? A trip to the Lost Kings MC downstate charter will put her to the test.
While Rock works hard to give Hope the honesty she craves without betraying his loyalty to his brothers, tension from outside forces threatens to push him to the brink. But it’s the one secret Hope has hidden all along that may finally drive them apart for good.
Tattered on My Sleeve (Lost Kings MC #4)
Tattered on my Sleeve isn’t a “typical” romance. It’s not even a typical MC Romance. Prepare yourself for a long, tattered tale of lust, fury, and ultimately forgiveness.
Lust.
Eight years ago, the Lost Kings, MC was recovering from turmoil within the club Wrath and Trinity met. Their connection was instant and explosive.
Fury.
After three perfect nights, Wrath knew she was the one. But Trinity’s dark past was about to catch up to her and the Lost Kings MC was her only hope for protection. One misunderstanding leads to a mistake that locks both of them into a war to see who can hurt who the most.
Forgiveness.
Once Wrath learns the dark secret that’s been fueling Trinity all this time, he’ll stop at nothing to prove they’re meant to be together and that she’s worthy of the love she keeps denying. Can they move past their horrible pasts to become better people and ultimately forgive each other?
White Heat (Lost Kings MC #5)
THE QUEEN ALWAYS PROTECTS HER KING.
For straight-laced attorney, Hope Kendall, loving an outlaw has never been easy. New challenges test her loyalty as she discovers how far she’s willing to go to protect her man.
IF YOU HAVE HOPE, YOU HAVE EVERYTHING.
MC President, Rochlan “Rock” North finally has everything he’s ever wanted. Hope as his ol’ lady and his MC earning money while staying out of trouble. The only thing left is to make Hope his wife. But as their wedding day nears, an old adversary threatens Rock’s freedom, the wedding, and throws the Lost Kings MC into chaos.
LOVE MAKES THE RIDE WORTHWHILE.
While the club waits for Rock’s fate to be decided, Wrath has to balance solidifying his new relationship with Trinity and fulfilling his president’s orders.
LOYALTY GIVES AN OUTLAW STRENGTH.
Threats from unexpected places will challenge every member, but in the Lost Kings MC, brotherhood isn’t about the blood you share. It’s about those who are willing to bleed for you.
More Than Miles (Lost Kings MC #6)
Forbidden love is the hardest to forget…
Blake “Murphy” O’Callaghan, Road Captain of the Lost Kings MC, has the world by the balls. Money. Women. The wide-open road. It’s all his, everything he wants…except the one girl he loves, the one girl who’s off limits. His best friend’s little sister, Heidi.
Abandoned by her mother when she was little, Heidi Whelan’s familiar with heartbreak. Especially the heartbreak of falling in love with her big brother’s best friend. When Murphy pushed her away, it broke her heart. Now, on her eighteenth birthday, he claims he loves her? Growing up around the Lost Kings MC, Heidi’s witnessed his manwhoring ways. He’ll never give that up for her. Besides, he’s too late: Heidi’s in love with her high-school boyfriend Axel.
Axel Ryan loves two things—motorcycles and Heidi. He signed up to be a prospect for the Lost Kings MC because it seemed like a fun way to get closer to her. Now that he’s gotten a taste of MC life, he’s not so sure this is where he belongs. He’s confident Heidi shares his dreams for the future, so even if he chooses another road, their relationship will survive the detour.
With more than miles between them, will the deceptions they’ve lived with for so long be too much to overcome? Can Murphy convince Heidi that the hard roads they’ve traveled will lead to the most beautiful destination of all, or is he destined to ride the open road alone?
White Knuckles (Lost Kings MC #7)
TWO TATTERED SOULS
After countless detours, Wrath and Trinity’s wedding is only ten days away. Together they’ve battled their demons and are ready to declare their commitment to each other in front of their entire Lost Kings MC family.
ONE BITTER ENEMY
No one is prepared for the threat that crawls out of the shadows and issues an evil ultimatum. One that places Trinity’s future in danger and jeopardizes the entire club. Trinity’s more than ready to put her life on the line to save the club. For her it’s not a question.
AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE
Wrath’s role as protector of the club forces him to choose between the safety of his angel or the future of the Lost Kings MC and all they’ve built together. But Trinity won’t relent. A queen always fights for her king. She’ll risk everything to hold on to the peace she shares with Wrath.
FAITH IS STRONGER THAN FEAR
When evil takes her for a ride, will Trinity’s faith in Wrath and her faith in the Lost Kings MC be stronger than her fear?
Beyond Reckless (Lost Kings MC #8)
Teller’s Story
Coming September 18, 2017
Pre Order Now!
Excerpt from More Than Miles
On the Edge
Been waiting for this day for what feels like forever.
My hand’s in the air, ready to knock when the door swings open. Heidi’s mouth drops in a surprised gasp. “What are you doing here? Axel was supposed to pick me up.”
“They needed him at the clubhouse. Besides, it’s your birthday, gonna take you for a ride.”
Her lips twitch into a smile. “Okay.”
She takes a step back to let me muscle my way inside. My arm brushes against her as I pass, and her sweet scent snaps something inside me.
My foot lashes out behind me, kicking the door shut.
“Happy eighteenth birthday, baby girl.”
She takes a step back and crosses her arms over her chest. “Thanks.”
Every step I take closer to her, she takes one away. Finally her back’s to the wall and she’s got nowhere else to go. She turns and I slap my hand against the wall
“Heidi, look at me.”
Her big brown eyes blink up at me. Words can’t express what’s inside my head or heart. Instead, I lower my mouth to hers. Capture her lips in a soft kiss. As soft as I’m capable of. I pull back just to breathe her in. My hands slide into her hair, holding her still so I can taste every inch of her sweet mouth.
I’m a bastard, because this isn’t the first time I’ve kissed Heidi. We kissed two Christmases ago under the frigid night sky and last year on her birthday.
But it was nothing like this. I don’t have to hold back now. She’s mine and I’m ready to finally be hers.
Her hands settle on my shoulders. Not pushing me away. But not urging me closer, either. I pull back.
“What are you doing, Blake?” she whispers.
“Claiming my girl.”
Her gaze skips away. “I’m not yours.”
My arms wrap around her waist, tugging her against me. “Yeah, you are. You’ve been waiting for this day as much as I have.”
One corner of her mouth twists down. It’s an irresistible gesture she’s done since she was a kid. I’ve always found it cute.
Now? It’s fucking hot.
My lips seal over hers again. This time, she opens for me, slides her hands over my chest, twists her fingers in my flannel shirt, and pulls me closer. My hands slide from her waist to her ass, pulling her against me. She wraps her arms around my neck, holding on to me as I lift her off her feet and carry her to her bedroom.
I kick that door shut, too.
I’ve got fucking hornets buzzing in my stomach. I’ve thought about this for longer than is wise to admit. Yet I’m nervous.
We break our kiss.
“Marcel?” she asks.
“Your brother ain’t comin’ home any time soon.” Now isn’t the time to talk about my best friend. We’ll deal with him later.
Reaching out, I rub my knuckles over her cheek, then cup her jaw and pull her to me for another kiss. I’ve never loved kissing anyone the way I love kissing Heidi. Even if that’s all she lets me do today, I’ll be a satisfied man.