Xavier… Some things in nature are impossible to explain. I have lived my entire life hiding what I am, watching my family and friends being fatally wounded while I escape with sometimes a scar to mark the tragedy. I know of only one other man like me. We both use what we are to serve and protect. I have no need now to come out of the shadows, except for the firebrand Cassandra Kelly. She is more than a man like me deserves: beautiful, intelligent, and funny as hell. Despite knowing that she is far out of my league, I can’t help wanting the bliss her sweetness promises. I have to ask myself whether she will survive when others close to me haven’t. I’m not in her country in a professional capacity, but I have to rely on all of my resources to keep her safe from a determined stalker. Now that he knows that I am a part of her life he will stop at nothing to eradicate me from the picture. Many have tried to kill me, but I appear to be indestructible. We are under constant threat, and it will be impossible for Cassandra to ignore what a freak of nature I am.
Cassandra… I don’t need or want a man in my life. I’ve got too many things left to do, not the least of which are getting myself drafted into the WNBA and making sure my youngest brother gets into college. No one warned me about men like Xavier Bautista. He is the most beautiful soul I have ever encountered. He is gentle and protective, making me feel like the most cherished woman on the planet. Against what is best for my future, I want him, despite the scars and despite what he considers freakish. Now I find that I have a sadist stalking me. Why me, why now? Xavier hasn’t admitted who he is, but one has only to look at him to know that he’s a defender. I should be worried about the man following my every move, but Xavier proves time and again he can be relied upon to shield me.
The first romance novel I ever read was Cinderella! I devoured Disney’s version of romance until I was eleven, and then I discovered Mills & Boons. In those days kissing was the most explicit intimacy disclosed: the hero and heroine went to bed and came out the next day with smiles! I had no idea what happened, but I was intrigued. My mom had shelves and shelves of them. Over the long summer breaks, I barely left my bedroom! My busy parent had no idea what I was up to. I’ve always been fascinated with love stories. I started writing in college, but I never expected anyone would ever read my whimsical musings. LOL! Now years later, after husband and kids, and a solid career in finance I’ve started publishing those early ideas.
I write my stories so that every woman would be inspired to find the other half of themselves. With every story I tell, my Caribbean sisters are highlighted. Our culture is a melting pot of all ethnicities, where love has no color. We love who we love and make no apology for it. These stories are also infused with my love for sports and action thrillers. I’m an avid sports fan. Tennis, football, track and basketball are my favorites. I devour dramas and action movies. So it’s to be expected that my books have a healthy dose of adventure.
Writing romance novels has been a dream I never knew I had. It was born out of suddenly having a little extra time with the kids out of the house. I absolutely love this creative outlet.
Author’s Creed I like women strong, and my men stronger! I like my sex raunchy but meaningful!
Cassandra and Xavier were a great couple. I loved the way he protected her at all costs! Her entire family was messed up in the head but despite all of that she loved them. Qin was a sicko for real. A great fantasy read. I really enjoyed it! Great job D M Mortier!
Trope: Love/lust at first sight. Protective/obsessive hero. Paranormal/ enhanced human hero.
Setting: Nassau & New Providence, Bahamas/ New York City, NY & Miami FL.
Main characters: 1. Xavier "X" Bautista, hero, is a wealthy 34 year-old black male humanoid with regenerative powers. Xavier is a defender and USA D.E. Agent and former US Special Forces Seal.
2. Cassandra Kelly, heroine, is a 21-year-old beautiful virginal college student with WNBA aspirations.
3. Cameron, Cassandra's 18-year-old brother, the one family member she wishes to help overcome the illegal family drugs dealing and other bad behavior.
A Chinese mafia king pen has set ups a black female sex trafficking ring in Nassau. He has also prioritized kidnapping Cassandra for himself . X and Cassandra meet when he encounters her being physically assaulted by her older brother. X is in awe of her ability to defend herself and Cassandra is in awe of his audaciousness and physical prowess. The two are immediately attracted to each other; however, because of his physical scars, X is surprised that such a beautiful woman is attracted to him. Cassandra and X start dating and fall in love. After rescuing Cassandra from the clutches of the Chinese, X and Cassandra marry and start a family, she finishes college and stratus playing for the WNBA. Cameron also graduates college and avoids the pitfalls of other family members. As well written as this story is, I did not connect with the main characters...Cassandra's taunting sneering speech is tiring and not accounting for Xavier's indestructibly took me out of the story-guessing why or how.
This is my absolute favorite book in the series! I loved Cassandra (the h), because she is confident, knows what she wants early on and doesn't play games. And she's not prone to tantrums or drama, which I absolutely loathe in heroines. In fact, other than when dealing with her VERY trifling family, she's very upbeat. Xavier, who is actually on the island for something else, immediately notices her and wastes no time becoming her shadow and silent protector. Well, maybe not so silent. :-) In spite of major scarring on his body that makes him feel he is a beast and very unattractive, Cassandra sees his beauty and has no qualms about letting him know that continuously- but not in a he's-so-insecure-and-needs-his-ego-stroked way.
They have great interaction and chemistry, with Cassandra wasting no time in chipping away at Xavier's aloofness and tearing down his walls. Poor guy never had a chance. When enemies of both Casssandra and Xavier make their moves, it's up to Xavier to keep them both safe. Of course, they have some much-needed help from some SEALS from previous stories. I love the action, romance, and humor (as usual) in this story and series (well...maybe not in the first story). I looked forward to reading other books by this author.
This book was just awesome and I love every single minute of it. Xavier is Alpha and Cassandra was the right woman for him..again I the characters and their chemistry and the storyline was good.
This truly was an instance of Beauty and the Beast. Cassandra accepted Xavier for who he was and loved him unconditionally. Her family was truly dysfunctional. Would have loved an update on them.
Not only were Xavier and Cassandra indestructible, but they were fearless as well. I loved how Cassandra recognized his inner and outer beauty regardless of the many scars they held. Xavier protected and loved her unapologetically.
I dub thee Xavier Mr. Boombastic; because you are fantastic!! I love your journey, your struggles and your triumphs!! This was a tough read base on certain scenarios (which might lead to trauma/ or trigger) but it was such a deep read, and I for one was happy to partake.
I think I have smiled almost through this entire book. I loved it. This series has been great. So far Xavier, the Sean's book and Rico's stories have been my favorites. Waiting on Neo's book, I know it's going to be just as good. 5 hot, alpha men with hearts of gold.
Looooong sigh. This was yet another of D.M. Mortier's work to love. The story flowed seamlessly containing mystery, action with some total bad @$$es (hey Dom and co), passionate feelings and displays of love and oh yeah even some comedic scenes...Cassandra taunting her brothers and Qin...priceless. I am never disappointed with this authors work and always look forward to her next. Highly recommend reading Cassandra's and Xavier's story.
I had to give this book five stars just for the female lead, Cassandra. It's very rare where I really like the female heroine in books because they often seem unrealistic and weak. This story was the opposite, Cassandra in the end saves Xavier not vice versa. The book should be called Cassandra to be honest with you. This is the best book I have read by this author and I highly recommend it.
4-XAVIER/INDESTRUCTIBLE X/Xavier was more than meets the eye. He was a strong tall body of lethal intent. He would work to champion for the underdog. He would do what it took to protect and serve. X never saw Cassie coming his way. She was a beautiful distraction to his entire being. She was also being stalked. She was in demand. Her family wanted her to do what they wanted. A stalker wanted her for himself. And then there was X. He wanted her for her. She was all that he wanted and then some. He would do what it took to keep her safe.
Cassie was determined to be more than what her family had turned into. She was determined to save her little brother from the same fate of the others. She was determined to have her taste of X. He was a tall, dark drink of tantalizing teasing goodness. She could see the lethalness of him. She could see more than the scars on his face. She could see him. She wanted him. She was going to get him. She was not going to give up. The one thing she would not do was role over and play submissive to anyone. She did what she wanted to do. She was strong, opinionated and quick witted. These two had a serious ride to go on. Along the way we meet some interesting characters and other stories that need to be uncovered.
Then chemistry between the two main characters was so spot on the you almost believe that you know them. The storyline was well developed and moved at a pace that you don't have time to declare that you are bored. This was good storytelling and a fun way to see old friends. The writer keeps is on the edge with all the action taking.place. This was a.good read and an entertaining way to spend time.
Loved Xavier and Cassandra is story. All if the character s in this story were interesting. I was detailed from the beginning two the end. Well written and filled with excitement, trials and tribulations, triumph and lasting love. D.M. didn't disappoint in writing a best seller! Darlene Walker
This was my first book by this author. The story was exciting and unpredictable. I loved how strong Cassandra was and that she saved him. They rapey scenes caught me off guard.
Another great read from this author. I'm fast running out of this author's writing to entertain me. Full lovely characters, pretty on point with islanders attitudes. Well written, I recommend.
I'm not sure how this author finds unique storylines which reuses some of the same characters that does not bore my enjoyment of reading each story. Another one I could not put down.
I loved Cassandra being a beautiful, intelligent and athletic black woman! I loved that she is focused on her life goals and completes them! I love X because he is so ferocious and he has a huge heart! Great story to read!
Loved the sassy, strong heroine! Fast paced, page turner! An enjoyable read! Could not put this down until the end! Xavier was so hot - the perfect hero! Strong, protective and tender!
I have to first say, there is nothing available, I have not read from this author. The way she weaves through a romance story is nothing short of amazing. Xavier and Cassandra story has become one of my favorite over the years. I’ve read their story many times, usually after reading something disappointing, to lift me back up. The mystery of Xavier’s power of indestructibility, keeps you glued to this book. He thinks of himself as a freak of nature, but in fact he is a hero in hiding. I love Cassandra’s personality. Her inner and outer beauty is absolutely perfect for this alpha beast, who will tear the world up to protect her. If you want to know the truth of Xavier’s powers read brother Neo’s story next. Another great read!