She was never meant to be his. But his heart was always hers.
Ross Michaels hasn’t laid eyes on Hadley Keller since the night she took off on the back of his younger brother’s motorcycle. Her innocent sweetness had called to him. But she wasn’t his. End of story.
But fate can be viciously unpredictable.
He’s been working at the members only, Club Nexus, when he receives an unexpected letter from Hadley. Even though four years have passed, she still has such a hold on him that when she writes begging him to rescue her daughter, as they are both trapped in an outlaw MC, he decides to rescue both of them out of that hellhole. It’s when he sees her bruises and the helplessness in her youthful face, that the Daddy Dom in him, recognizes from her behavior that she is a Middle and in desperate need of his help and protection.
Only, his mission isn’t as simple as loading them into his truck and driving away. Hadley’s trauma had set its hooks deep. Ross is determined to remove each one; barb by painful barb. And keep her safe from MC elements that’ll do anything to claw her back in.
Note: Ross is a standalone romance in the Central Florida Stories - Club Nexus universe. Contains DDLG dynamics. Visit the author's website for TW.
Bestselling and multiple award-winning author Victoria Saccenti writes what she loves to read: contemporary steamy/dark romance, PNR and Fantasy romance, MC Daddies and 20th century military. She can’t resist exploring the twists and turns of human interaction and the ways of love. Her characters are flawed, angsty, and seeking redemption. The good news is she’s an avowed optimist, so expect to read happy endings. A native of Cuba, she speaks English and Spanish fluently, loves to dance salsa and drink single malt whisky. After thirty years of traveling the world for an international company, she’s settled in Central Florida, where she splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
She was never meant to be his. But his heart was always hers.
But fate can be viciously unpredictable.
Ross is the fourth book in the romantic suspense Central Florida Stories and is a standalone romance book in the series - Club Nexus universe but why not start at the beginning as characters do cross over in some books. This book does contain DDLG dynamics. Whilst DDLG play is not my favourite I still really enjoyed the story.
Victoria has given us a bit of everything to make this a page turner. There is action, suspense, drama, danger, tension, angst, emotions, BDSM, Dom/Sub, secrets, and assault, and running from a Motorcycle club. Lies and truths are revealed but trust is broken and may never heal. Her vivid narrative paints a picture and seductively draws you in with a BDSM club, Doms and Subs and hot and sexy and full of chemistry. It is an emotionally charged time as they flee from those who do harm. Hadley has known more than her fair share of pain in her life. She needs help escaping the MC she has found herself trapped in so she calls in the one person she hopes will help her. Ross is a Daddy Dominant and when his past reaches out, he will do anything to save her. He vows that he will do whatever he has to keep her safe and protected. If you like to dip your toes into BDSM and in particular DDLG play, then you will like this story. I can’t wait for what comes next.
Although it was a bit slower at the beginning, it picked up quick about 25% through and I couldn't put it down. I fell in love with Ross and Hadley's characters right away. And enjoyed watching their dynamics/relationship progress throughout. I have yet to read the first 3 in this central Florida stories series but now plan to. (They can be read as standalone's). Also, really loved that it wasn't just "kink" but they did some education on subjects and explained things quite nicely and respectfully.
Definitely intended for more mature audiences(read the trigger warnings).
This is a standalone romantic suspense story in the Central Florida Stories, Club Nexus universe and the first book in the series I had read. Although I am now keen on reading the previous books as the characters and setting do crossover. Ross Michaels knew that Hadley Keller, with her innocent sweetness had his heart even if he knew she was never going to be his. He hadn’t seen her since she took off on the back of his younger brother’s motorcycle four years ago, and Ross now works at the members only Club Nexus. When he receives a letter from Hadley begging him to rescue her daughter from the outlaw MC they are both trapped in, he realises that she still has his heart. Ross is determined to not only rescue her daughter but also Hadley, especially once he sees her bruises and the helplessness in her eyes. The Daddy Dom in him also recognises that Hadley is a Middle and that she needs his help, however her experiences have left her traumatised. Ross also needs to keep her safe from the MC who want her back, and will do anything to silence her as she knows the MC’s secrets. This heartwarming and at times heartbreaking romance took me on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading it. I really felt for Hadley, and I liked how her relationship with Ross developed throughout the story and that their chemistry really came across in the narrative. The story contained DDLG dynamics which not everyone may enjoy, but it did add an extra element to the storyline and was part of Hadley and Ross’s relationship. An enjoyable and engaging read.
Ross returns from an enlistment in the Marine Corps to his brother running from the law and taking his girlfriend with him…the girlfriend that Ross enlisted to get away from.
Fast forward some years and the story begins…Ross and Hadley meet again under bad circumstances and feelings are shared. Lives have grown while they were apart. There is a touch of kink play in the book but not the 50 shades kind.
It was a good story with a good plot. I enjoyed it. I was intrigued by the mention of his boss’ story so I might go back and read that one.
This is the fourth book in the Central Florida Series and even though they can be read as standalone reads I feel one you've read one you will want to read then all. This author does an amazing job of opening the world of BDSM up to the reader in a way that goes deeper than just the sexual kinks. The author shows us the actual relationship side to these types of relationships and how loving and protecting they can be. This story is full of angst, danger, steamy chemistry and a connection to the dom/submissive relationship that can't be denied. This is Ross and Hadley's story.
To Ross, Hadley has always been the one who got away. Unable to deal with his feelings he enlisted to get away hoping the time apart would make his feelings less but on his return he finds her planning to go on the run with his brother. As much as he wants to stop her and protect her he knows he has no right to so he let's her leave.
Fast forward and Ross is moving on but he has never forgotten her and often thinks about her. When Hadley gets in touch with a cry for help Ross knows that this time he will stop her from making a mistake and he will protect her from anything that threatens her.
Hadley has known nothing but pain since leaving all those years ago. Now she finds herself in a unsafe world of a Outlaw MC with her daughter. Knowing she needs to find a way to protect her she reaches out to the only person she knows she can trust. What she didn't expect was that not only would Ross rescue her daughter but also her as well. Over the years though Hadley had built walls to protect herself and she isn't so keen to tear them down. The girl Ross fell in love with no longer exists or so she thinks. As their relationship progresses and Ross's protective, dominant Daddy side comes out will this be just the antidote that Hadley needs to recover and learn to love again. With the added danger of the people they escaped trying to find them will Hadley and her daughter ever be safe? And now that Ross finally has her how far will he go to protect the woman who has always held his heart. This book was a real page turner for me. I loved the characters and the way they complimented each other so well.
Ross has his regrets in life his most potent is letting Hadley get on the back of his brother's motorbike 4 years ago, at that time in his life he thought it was the best decision being in love with your brother's girlfriend is not the done thing. Four years later, Hadley reaches out to him to recuse her daughter but can Ross shut off his feelings and leave her in her world of the devil or can he truly tell her the truth he wanted to say all those years ago.
The night Hadley jumped on Steve's motor bike and left Ross and his mother was the hardest thing Hadley had ever done. Knowing deep down her heart was with Ross, she thought she could eventually love Steve. When Steve upgrades from petty theft to prospecting for an outlaw Motorcycle gang her world descended into the evil horrors. Her only salvation is getting her daughter out of this horrendous situation and her angel is Ross.
Ross arrives and sees the abuse that his brother has physically inflected on Hadley but not aware of the sexual abuse he decides to recuse both of them and hopefully he can follow his heart and hopefully ,make a home with Hadley and Lacey, the only thorn in the side is if his brother follows them and decides he wants her back but at the moment Ross would gladly teach his brother some manners.
I have read the other books in this series and this one does not disappoint. I love the forbidden love aspect between Ross and Hadley and it smoulders on the page, with his Alpha dominance which was there is part but his softness towards Hadley was lovely to read. My lord, I love the way Hadley was strong and still independent after what had happened to her and that she was not going to let it beat her which was brilliant to read.
This book does have triggers of Drug abuse, Sexual and Physical abuse but the way the author has written it adds a shock value and lets you know what has contributed to this strong female character and her journey but is not shocking enough for to you not read. As always the characters are well developed and enhances the story and can't wait to read more.
Ross is the fourth book in the Central Florida Stories series by Victoria Saccenti. Even though this is the fourth instalment in the series, it can be read as a standalone as each book in the series focuses on a different ‘couple’. This is a contemporary romantic suspense with DDLG dynamics (he’s a DD and she’s a Middle), tension, chemistry, pain, angst, danger, drama, agendas, mystery, action, and emotion. (Possible triggers of abuse and violence) For Ross, Hadley was always ‘the one who got away’. He’d secretly given her his heart but never thought he was good enough for her, to give her the future he thought she deserved. Now he hasn’t seen her in in the four years since she rode out of his life, so when she contacts him out of the blue, begging for help, his protective instincts kick in and he can’t refuse. Throw in Outlaw MC danger, drama, angst, and the DDLG dynamic and things certainly get interesting. Again, Victoria Saccenti developed her characters really well- crafting fully realised individuals with their own unique quirks and flaws. Both our MC’s have their own complexities, challenges, and pain- which adds an extra element of angsty tension, and plenty of emotion, to the whole story. The history between them that adds another layer to the story and gives them more depth, and a little vulnerability. I didn’t realise going into the story that there is a DDLG dynamic, as I am not a huge fan of that genre- but in saying that, the DDLG component of this story worked well. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Saccenti does next. Happy Reading!
"Ross" by Victoria Saccenti is a gripping tale of love, redemption, and the relentless pull of destiny. Ross Michaels and Hadley Keller's lives diverged after a night of fleeting connection, but their paths are forever intertwined. Fate's unexpected twist sends Ross back into Hadley's world, where he's confronted with her desperate plea to rescue her daughter from the clutches of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Saccenti skillfully weaves a complex narrative that explores the depths of trauma, the power of love, and the unwavering determination of a protector. Ross, a member of Club Nexus, embarks on a mission to save Hadley and her daughter, revealing his inner Daddy Dom instincts. What follows is a heart-wrenching journey to heal not only physical wounds but the emotional scars that run deep.
The author's storytelling prowess shines as she delves into the characters' pain and vulnerability, creating a poignant and intense narrative. "Ross" is a powerful testament to the strength of human connection, and Victoria Saccenti's writing will leave readers captivated by the enduring love story that transcends adversity and danger. This book is a must-read for those who crave a rollercoaster of emotions, suspense, and love conquering all odds.
Ross had always loved Hadley, but worried he was no good for her. He was so concerned about protecting her from himself that first, he enlisted, and then, he watched her ride off on the back of his little brothers Harley. He never forgot her, though - and he never stopped pining for her.
Four years after watching her back disappear on that bike, he is surprised to get a letter from Hadley. She's begging for his help to rescue her daughter from a MC gang that is dangerous, and Ross realizes as his protective instincts kick in that he plans to save them both.
Hadley has had many things happen to her in the past 4 years and has built nearly impenetrable walls to protect herself and her spirit - but she adores her daughter and would do anything to protect her. When she starts thinking of how to save her, she thinks of Ross and what a gentle giant and caretaker he always was.
After rescuing the woman he loves, he realizes it is going to take a lot of soothing, protecting, loving and supporting to get Hadley to open up to him and it's just what his Daddy Dom heart desires. As he's keeping her safe from those who mean to shut her up for good, will he help her heal her heart?
Ross met Hadley through his brother Steve. Steve and Hadley were dating but, Hadley really didn’t know any better. She came From a messed up family. All she really knew was Steve and his mother Abigail. Abigail always treated Hadley like her own daughter and they had a special bond. One crazy night, Ross is home from the service and Steve is out of control. He decides he’s leaving and takes Hadley with him. By going with him, her life changes for the worse for the next few years until she reaches out to Ross! Hadley is literally being tortured physically and sexually. Ross of course chooses to rescue her and be the hero. It was never a doubt. He always had feelings for her but she was much too young for him and aside from that, she was his brothers girl. Now, Nothing will stand in his way carrying out the request she writes in her letter accept there’s a tiny chance. Not only is he coming for Lacey but, he’s not leaving without Hadley. I really don’t understand how someone can go from that type of abuse to playing in that daddy dom / middle / little play. Just a bit strange. All In all I thought the book was pretty good.
This is the fourth book in the Central Florida Stories series. These books can be read as standalones, but I do recommend reading the entire series as there are characters which interconnect. The author was able to portray the emotions of the characters very well, to the point you can’t help but get emotionally invested in them. The trauma that Hadley has experienced (as an example) and how this has affected her, changed her and the danger she’s in tugs at your heartstrings, you want to jump in and take the pain away. The descriptive narrative paints vivid imagery that makes you feel you could step into the world alongside the characters and experience what they do. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hadley and Ross, the chemistry was evident, and the progression was believable. The character development was also enjoyable and believable. This is was enjoyable read and contains doms and subs and BDSM so if this is not for you be aware of this. I’m hoping for more soon!
I haven't read many books by this author yet but this was a beautiful story. Ross had a thing for Hadley but when she left with his brother 4 years ago, his heart was broken. When he receives a letter from her asking him to please come rescue her little girl, he realizes that he is going to rescue both her daughter and her. Hadley's story is heartbreaking with what she went through with Ross's brother and the outlaw MC gang he's with. What follows is an intense story of love and getting away from abuse. There are some things that could possibly be considered triggers so I would recommend checking them out! It's so good, I read it in one sitting!! Easy to follow and well written, just go get the book and see for yourself.
This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up. This is an author that I have been reading for awhile and I enjoy her writing skills. She uses details to bring her stories to life and have a realistic feel. This book is no different. This is a well written story about breaking down walls. Hadley has put up walls to protect herself and with good reason. Ross is determined to break down these walls. Can he keep her safe from those who want her to keep her secrets? I enjoyed how the characters pulled me into their world. They are connectable and add so much to the entertaining value which makes it easy to read. I enjoyed watching the chemistry and growth of these characters throughout the story. This is a fast paced, engaging, hard to put down story which I highly recommend.
Ross was a great 5 star read. I always look forward to reading the next book from this author and I wasn’t disappointed. All I can say is Wow, Ross and Hadley’s story had so much going on. Ross had feelings for Hadley when she left town and when her cry for help came he didn’t hesitate. There are some intense scenes that may cause triggers for some. My emotions were all over the place with all the things that Hadley had gone through. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see just how things would turn out. This is a must read, so if you like MC read with some elements of darkness you will like this book. The author does a great job with her writing and I look forward to the next book. 1-click and get started today.
This is a wonderful book that focuses on Ross. Ross is hung up on Hadley, who he let go despite of being in love with her. When Hadley reaches out to Ross for help neither could anticipate what all is going to happen. This book is definitely dark and twisty, but every page leaves you wanting more. There is so much to this story from the more complicated topics to the chemistry that literally jumps off the page between Ross and Hadley. Both characters are fantastically well developed and really made me enjoy the story even more. I definitely recommend reading this story, but note that there are trigger warnings for drug abuse, sexual abuse and physical abuse.
This is one author I never hesitate to pick up a book from. Her work is always so well done and this book is no exception. For me, this was all about the characters and their connection. It was so strong and could be felt on each and every page. Although this is an intense story it is one that you can easily become invested in. This book is the fourth in the series, however it can be read as a standalone. My recommendation would definitely be to read them all as they are so good and it is worth the time investment. This book was a brilliant addition to the series and has just made me want to read more.
This is book 4 and I’m going back for more!! Ross was attracted to his brother’s girlfriend Hadley years prior but never acted on it. When she reaches out asking for help to keep her daughter safe he knows he’s going not only for the little girl, but also for the woman he loved. Unfortunately for him, Hadley’s life has been heartbreaking and it’s going to take more than just getting away from his brother and the outlaw mc that they have been with while they were gone to help make her whole. Will absolutely be back tracking asap to the first 3 books!!!
Ross: Central Florida Stories can be read alone or as part of the series! After reading it I will be going back to read the others! It kept my attention and felt fresh. I had not discovered this author before reading this story!