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The Pretender: My Brother's Warrior Friend
Haunted by war and betrayal, Caleb Winters seeks solace in the wilderness, his heart locked behind walls no one has dared to breach—until Ysabelle Moore arrives, desperate and unannounced. A widow with a young son, she carries secrets as deep as his own, and though Caleb vows to keep his distance, the pull between them is undeniable.
Ysabelle is warmth and light, awakening memories of summers long past, of a love that once flickered but never truly died. But danger lurks in the shadows, the ghosts of her late husband’s past creeping closer, threatening everything Caleb swore to protect.
As passion ignites and danger looms, they must fight for their fragile happiness. But when the past comes knocking, will their love be strong enough to survive the storm?
But when danger finally came for me, it wasn’t my family or friends who showed up—it was Alex. Gun drawn. Eyes locked on mine like I was the only mission that mattered.
Now we’re tangled in something neither of us can escape. Every secret he keeps drags us deeper, every glance ignites what we both swore we’d never want. And just when I start to believe I’m safe with him, the truth surfaces.
Alex isn’t who I thought he was.
The man I’m trusting with my life—my heart—might be hiding the biggest secret of all.
He might be the reason I’m being hunted.
And if he is… loving him could be the most dangerous choice I’ve ever made.
Ysabelle is warmth and light, awakening memories of summers long past, of a love that once flickered but never truly died. But danger lurks in the shadows, the ghosts of her late husband’s past creeping closer, threatening everything Caleb swore to protect.
As passion ignites and danger looms, they must fight for their fragile happiness. But when the past comes knocking, will their love be strong enough to survive the storm?
But when danger finally came for me, it wasn’t my family or friends who showed up—it was Alex. Gun drawn. Eyes locked on mine like I was the only mission that mattered.
Now we’re tangled in something neither of us can escape. Every secret he keeps drags us deeper, every glance ignites what we both swore we’d never want. And just when I start to believe I’m safe with him, the truth surfaces.
Alex isn’t who I thought he was.
The man I’m trusting with my life—my heart—might be hiding the biggest secret of all.
He might be the reason I’m being hunted.
And if he is… loving him could be the most dangerous choice I’ve ever made.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2025
3 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 11, 2025
I really wanted to like this story but there were some inconsistencies that kept keeping me from liking this story. Lily's daughter was Ava at first then it changed to Emma. Next Alex's son 'Ethan' he's mentioned like 2 to 3 times and no more, Alex, Lily and her daughter are having dinner or in hiding and no more son but miraculously he has a almost 9-year-old daughter that he hasn't seen since she was 3 and is in custody of his in-laws, her grandparents. Not to mention a few more areas that changed scenarios, they hear noises outside and know they were followed and the next moment they are relaxing on the sofa chatting... what about the noise, did anyone check, set cameras, anything? Now he repeats about his daughter, but she's gone, like passed away or what you already talked about, with her grandparents?
When we first meet Lily she's injured and covered in bruises but there is no explanation of how she's like this and then much later in the story she's kickbutt gun skilled women that can fight back. What?
When we first meet Lily she's injured and covered in bruises but there is no explanation of how she's like this and then much later in the story she's kickbutt gun skilled women that can fight back. What?
April 16, 2025
Alexander and Lily . . .
Already having a bad day, Alexander Carter didn’t want to hear from Liam Callahan who needed a big favor. But this one got his full attention. Lily was hurt and she and her daughter Emma needed a safe place to hide for a short time. He hadn’t seen Lily in years, not since summer camp when they were kids. Liam had no other option, so he has already sent her to him. But it was Lily, so he told Liam she could stay. His nanny Marie called to confirm Lily and her daughter would be arriving and questioned if there would be “complications”. His son, Ethan, would be asleep, so there should be no issue right now. But what would he say to her? Lily stepped out of the car, no more gangly limbs and oversized t-shirts anymore. She looked exhausted and he saw a bruise on her cheek. The tight bandages on her body restricted her movement and caused her pain. To her surprise, her 5-year-old daughter smiled at Alex and, when he bent down, she touched his cheek and told him he was scruffy… and she obviously trusted him. Marie took over. And Alex and Lily cautiously talked, each remembering a long-ago kiss neither could forget. Alex’s phone rang, again and again, until he read the message -- Unknown Number: You should’ve walked away from that deal, Carter. You and your son aren’t untouchable.
When Lily had to go to the doctor for a checkup, Alex insisted on taking her there. But pulling out of the driveway, they both saw a black SUV down the street, obviously there to watch one or the other of them, but neither knew for sure which one. Will they agree to work together against their enemies. Would being in close proximity again reignite their feelings from the past? And if they can survive what’s coming, are they ready to accept the future they almost lost?
Already having a bad day, Alexander Carter didn’t want to hear from Liam Callahan who needed a big favor. But this one got his full attention. Lily was hurt and she and her daughter Emma needed a safe place to hide for a short time. He hadn’t seen Lily in years, not since summer camp when they were kids. Liam had no other option, so he has already sent her to him. But it was Lily, so he told Liam she could stay. His nanny Marie called to confirm Lily and her daughter would be arriving and questioned if there would be “complications”. His son, Ethan, would be asleep, so there should be no issue right now. But what would he say to her? Lily stepped out of the car, no more gangly limbs and oversized t-shirts anymore. She looked exhausted and he saw a bruise on her cheek. The tight bandages on her body restricted her movement and caused her pain. To her surprise, her 5-year-old daughter smiled at Alex and, when he bent down, she touched his cheek and told him he was scruffy… and she obviously trusted him. Marie took over. And Alex and Lily cautiously talked, each remembering a long-ago kiss neither could forget. Alex’s phone rang, again and again, until he read the message -- Unknown Number: You should’ve walked away from that deal, Carter. You and your son aren’t untouchable.
When Lily had to go to the doctor for a checkup, Alex insisted on taking her there. But pulling out of the driveway, they both saw a black SUV down the street, obviously there to watch one or the other of them, but neither knew for sure which one. Will they agree to work together against their enemies. Would being in close proximity again reignite their feelings from the past? And if they can survive what’s coming, are they ready to accept the future they almost lost?
April 3, 2025
It Takes Two to Succeed at Love -
Lily may have gone to Alex for sanctuary, but she wasn’t prepared to be kept in a cage whilst dealt with the threats against both of them. Alex didn’t expect his past to come after him, whilst he was meant to be protecting Lily and trying to suppress his long hidden attraction for her. Alex and Lily soon found themselves working together to deal with the threats and dangers surrounding them, which brought them closer and led to their attraction for each other growing. It took strength, courage and determination on Alex and Lily’s part, but they were able to deal with the problem and explore the possibility of a future together.
This is another great story to add to the amazing Dark Shadows of Forbidden Love Series. I really enjoyed reading the second chance at love story, with engaging characters and action-packed moments, that made this a wonder page turner. Grab a copy of this book and entertain yourself for a few hours.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily may have gone to Alex for sanctuary, but she wasn’t prepared to be kept in a cage whilst dealt with the threats against both of them. Alex didn’t expect his past to come after him, whilst he was meant to be protecting Lily and trying to suppress his long hidden attraction for her. Alex and Lily soon found themselves working together to deal with the threats and dangers surrounding them, which brought them closer and led to their attraction for each other growing. It took strength, courage and determination on Alex and Lily’s part, but they were able to deal with the problem and explore the possibility of a future together.
This is another great story to add to the amazing Dark Shadows of Forbidden Love Series. I really enjoyed reading the second chance at love story, with engaging characters and action-packed moments, that made this a wonder page turner. Grab a copy of this book and entertain yourself for a few hours.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2025
The only regret you will have is if you don’t read this wonderful book by Elaine. I had all of my daily errands finished and started reading this book and holy cow what a page turning read this is. I loved EVERYTHING from the characters to the storyline and ending and think this read deserves every bit of a 5 out 5-star review.
April 16, 2025
Lily was in danger so her brother sent her for protection to his old college buddy. But when the met again all these years later, they must face their feeling for each other and deal with the danger that is coming for them both. A bit of action, drama , and emotional baggage to deal with. A light easy read.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews