It doesn’t happen often, but when I doubt myself, I seal my eyes shut. When I do, the blackness inside is replaced by images of you— I see is the silk of your hair, falling gently onto your shoulder; the way you smile at me when you want to break through the tough exterior I show to the world. At those moments my heart swells and races, and my thoughts replicate themselves until I have more than I know what to do with. They all involve you. They all wear your beauty. They all smell like your skin. And the darkness is chased away.
We’ve been through so much together, but the best and worst is yet to come. You left everything behind to follow me into my world—a world of scoundrels, bikers, killers, and gangsters. We survived together, but I lost a part of myself in the process. With my wounds still healing you offered me solace, offered me peace, offered me an opportunity to be the man I always knew that I could be.
I want to be a Wordsmith—to tell people our story. It’s one for the ages.
First thing’s first—you do not have to have read “True North” to read this one, but if you did you’ll certainly recognize a character or two. Those who’ve read my Wordsmith Chronicles (Knight, Colton, Grayson, and True North) will recognize the character of James North, who’s based loosely on my friend and bestselling author Scott Hildreth. In those books he’s a bestselling author who mentors the up and coming indie romance boys, but he was such a popular character that he deserved his own books. In True North, we learn his backstory. To sum up, James North is an ex military guy with dreams of being a writer. At the time we meet him in “True North” he’s trying to get out of the MC that he helped found with his best friend Joaquin, The Mescaleros. Through that journey he meets the lovely Delilah, the woman who’ll change him forever.
In “North” (out January 25th), James is at a crossroads. He’s finally going to step into the world of indie publishing, only he doesn’t know what to do with himself in ‘normal’ life outside of a motorcycle club. He feels neutered, listless, even emasculated. So him and Delilah decide to chuck it all and get inspiration by taking a trip. . .and that’s when things really get going.
“North” is sexy, fun, advernturous, and the story of one man’s journey from MC founder to bestselling romance author, and it’s getting great reviews already! Featuring another amazing cover from Jessica Hildreth, and cover model BT Urruela, “North” is a book you’ll want on your shelf asap!
If he’s new to you, I can’t wait for you to meet him—he’s a bad fucker!
Christopher Harlan has done it again and delivers another incredible book with "North". You can see the characters right in front of your eyes while reading and you get lost in the story until the end. I am always amazed by his pure talent of keeping readers glued to the pages. Not only do his books have an edge of drama and rawness to them but he writes the hottest sex scenes. North was my favorite character in the Wordsmiths Series right from the beginning. This book is all about the beginnings of James North from dreaming of being an author to making it in the Indie Community with Delilah being the strong woman by his side. Once again another phenomenal book by Christopher Harlan. Let's not forget about the teaser of BT Urruela's upcoming book "Echoes of a Dream". These first 2 chapters already left me at the edge of my seat. It makes you want to continue reading but sadly we still have to wait. These authors never disappoint when it comes to delivering a phenomenal book.
Omg! North and delilah! The story is amazing. I love how they support each other and come together throughout the whole story. More like a real couple than others I have read. Beautiful story of north's beginning as a writer. Love how he did research and gained some connections that started it all. Christopher did it again! Sometimes you never know what to expect and I really wasnt sure when I started the book but it was great!
Thank You for taking us through the life of becoming an author. I love how you were able to intertwine the love story between James and Delilah. Seeing their relationship grow and see how they over come the obstacles within their relationships. This is another perfect book for the grateful readers!!!
North and Delilah met in a creative writing class where they were both asked to leave before the first assignment was handed out. North did not need any help writing down his thoughts because with all the places their journey would take them, the words flowed from his mind, on to the paper, for all to read until the end of time.
Delilah was the muse that North never knew he needed. When they met, he was at a crossroads in his life and she helped him find his way and loved him unconditionally. She supported him with her love, friendship and the desire to be by his side as he pursued his dream of becoming an author. North needed to observe, listen and follow his heart when it came to writing his first book. Delilah had a creative mind and was soon helping North with his work and they became a team as they ventured into the indie book world.
When it came time to write his most important book, their story, North called upon Delilah to help him, guide him and nurture his soul. They needed to go back to the beginning of their relationship in order to once again experience falling in love, escaping danger, and becoming one.
The latest novel by Christopher Harlan follows Delilah and North who could not be any more different, but somehow have found that love can and will get you through anything if you both try to understand and accept eachother for who you are and not who you'd want eachother to become.
From the minute that North met Deliliah, there was something about her that allowed to him to be himself: the alpha, tattooed, motorcycle riding man and not a watered down version he thought he had to become just to impress her. She accepted him for who he was and that was the start of their story to finding true love. Dalilah, is a strong, woman who knows what she wants and will not accept anything less; so when she meets North he not only checks all her boxes; but gives her a sense of excitement that only helps solidify what she knows- she has found her match! Christopher Harlan has always been able to capture the essense of each couple through his unique writing style, North and Deliliah are no exception. The chemistry between these two characters was awesome they fed off eachother from the start and the devotion they had to eachother's happiness was such a joy to experience. Do yourself a favor and take a chance on Christopher Harlan you will not be sorry. His stories are universal- you are sure to find something that will appeal to you.
First we get to see the inner workings of what an author goes through to write, publish, and get his name out there. Do all experiences go as smoothly or successfully as North's, probably not but it's nice to know that they don't give up otherwise some of my favorites might have quit a long time ago. Special shout out to the mention of that famous (furious) photog "G". (The non-engagement scene cracked me up.)
Second is the glimpse of North's life after the MC. I mean we read where the hero rides away from it all for the love of his soulmate but I don't recall seeing him settle into "ordinary" life. I mean, he now lives in the 'burbs!?!? He has writer's block. And he's seriously questioning who the hell he is. (Once again, ex-MC guy now living off his woman's earnings so he can pursue being a writer?)
But it's still there. The spark that started it all. The love. The trust. The fights. They both do some evolving and sacrificing but it's all towards one goal....a lifetime of love and togetherness.
Christopher Harlan has done it again!!! An amazing read about two characters who most would believe would never work. Delilah and North start on a journey to making North a best selling author. Problem is North has no idea how to accomplish this in his new "normal"life. Reading about their journey is a wonderful reminder of what real relationships are about. No matter what trouble or good times happen along the way, sticking by each other and working through it makes them stronger. Absolutely loved their story and the realness brought to these characters.
This is the first book of Christopher’s that I have read even though I own several books of his. I really enjoyed this book so much. It was the beautiful story of North’s indie writer journey and how Delilah stayed by his side even though they had some trials and tribulations that they needed to overcome. Their story was so realistic and you laughed and cried with them. You got angry at them and you forgave them when they worked their issues out. This book had it all. This book was the first book of his that I have read and it will not be the last.
Christopher Harlan brings back North and his struggles to make it as a writer. Loved the further story of North and Delilah after True North...
As North and Delilah get ready for parenthood, the thought of North's next bestseller is on his mind.
So with the support of his wife whose always been there from the beginning of the start of his writing career, why not write their story.
But the story wouldn't be theirs, so he asks Delilah to co-write his next book.
Their co-written story happens not how they met (must read True North for that story) but their struggles as North leaves the MC world to become a civilian in the world as a romance author. As he struggles with this new path forward, so does Delilah and her role by North's.
We both view through their eyes as the learn to navigate everything it.takes to make it in the romance writing world.
"Tread lightly, I'm your sugar momma now, and you wouldn't want to upset me now, would you> I might cut you off and send you back with your tail between your legs."
What do you get when you mix a bad-A, tattooed biker, who just happens to want to write romance novels, with a strong-willed, sassy-mouthed bombshell? The perfect match, that's what you get!! I loved learning more about their start!
North shouldn't complain. He's got the woman of his dreams, and a chance to chase his dream to be a novelist. Not just a novelist - a ROMANCE novelist. The only problem? He's got writer's block to a fierce degree. Enter Delilah - his love, his muse, and his inspiration. Suggesting he write about their life during the writing of his first novel, we get the privilege of being given a glimpse in to the birth of North the debuting novelist - and what a tale it is!
It's a story of love, support, inspiration, and sacrifice. These two are truly an amazing pair. We should all be so lucky to find that special person that will stand by you through it all - through triumphs and trials, through anger and joy, and through perfection and mistakes. I loved this story and I know you will too!
This was the first book I’ve read from this author and I must say I was impressed. This story was unique in that it had a story within the main story. North and Delilah were a joy to read. The book doesn’t lack for steamy scenes and held my attention through every page. The only thing I struggled a bit with was that some lines throughout the story were repetitive, that is the only reason I rated this book as a 4 star instead of a five. I would definitely recommend it.
North, which can be read as a stand-alone due to the major plot line in True North is briefly explained, dives deeper into the book side of North and Delilah’s world. It was nice to see the softer side (so to speak) of Norths inner workings. What was really refreshing was Delilah stood up for herself when he was feeling under appreciated. I really enjoyed the excerpts of North’s MMA book. I hope we get to see a book following Ana and little James.
I love North and Delilah. I loved them in True North and I loved them in this one too. We find out more of the struggles they face whilst North tries to make it in the book world and how he and Delilah face this and the obstacles of day to day life and the struggles of a relationship. They are both strong individually but when they are together they are a force to be reckoned with. I am really pleased the author wrote more about them to showcase the whole of their story.
North and Delilah have a love that can carry them thru any storm. They are the definition of Unconditional Love. North shows Delilah a side of him not many people get to see. They not only have an emotional connection but their sexual chemistry is off the charts. I am so glad that Christopher decided to write more of James North.
Oh yes I definitely loved everything about this book!! It was perfect. Such🔥 hot scenes and Delilah and North are such great characters. So well written as usual from Christopher Harlan. 👏 I love how supportive North and Delilah are of each other. ❤️. 100% would recommend this book. This story just had such a great flow.
It's Nice to be in a wrighters mind to see how he show the form a whole story. I alsof love the chemistry between North and Dililah. From a mc to a writer very well written Christopher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I think this is the best one written by Mr Harlan to date. It has a great flow and feel to it. I loved North in the previous books and enjoyed reading more about his and Delilah’s story. Those two have a great chemistry and there are lots of steamy hot scenes between them. There is humor, sorrow, anger, a person learning to do something he’s never done before and two people learning to love and live with each other.
Loved it! This is the first book I've read in this series and I'm jumping in both feet! North and Delilah are amazing and the chemistry is out of this world. I would suggest this book to anyone that loves spicy scenes and some insight on what it takes!
This is the first book I have ever read by Christopher Harlan. I have certainly found a new author to follow. This story about Delilah and North was outstanding. Two people from completely different worlds finding each other and doing their best to make things work. Together they write their story. North is trying to find himself in a completely different world than he is use to and getting his career off the ground with the support of his girlfriend. Reading how they go through that process and dealing with certain issues along the way was surreal. This book will have you laughing, getting pissed, and even crying. I felt their emotions. Not many authors can do that to me. Well done Christopher Harlan. This book deserves more than a 5 star rating
I absolutely love Christopher Harlan latest book North. He has such a way of storytelling that really hooks you. I love the characters of Delilah and North. I am so glad the Christopher decided to write More about their story. They have amazing chemistry and they are such strong independent individuals, who show what true unconditional love is.
Absolutely loved the continuation of North and Delilah's story. This is a story of true love and how they make it work through the everyday struggles. Very well written and relatable.
North is the fifth book in the Wordsmith Chronicles by Christopher Harlan. It could be read as a stand- alone but the book can spoil events from the previous novel. Similar to the previous Wordsmith Chronicle novels, Christopher gives us a glimpse of the writing world and the real- life struggles an author faces with a gritty backstory.
I really enjoyed the different scene changes this story provided but it was mild in the feeling of MC... this book felt more truly like North's Wordsmith story.
Love love love North.. This is such a great read.. I so happy I got to read more about North story. I really think you will enjoy this as much as I did.. Must read🖤🖤
Ah NORTH! How can someone not fall for you. In his previous story (True North) we got a look inside North and Delilah, a peek into how they got together and how they mesh so well. In this book, we get more information about how he got started as an author. It is like a new tattoo – True North was the outline work and North is the shading and colors! The overall effect is a beautiful piece of work, that took both parts to shine; and left lots of room to learn more as we go down the road. There is a moment in the book that gets you, it is that moment you’re nodding your head saying “yes” that is their story in its rawest form. “…I have trouble remembering how I felt before I met her. I remember what I did, and I remember who I was, but the feeling of waking up without her is something I can’t seem to remind myself of. She’s become as important as the air I breathe. There’s nothing without her.” (loc 629, kindle version) They are woven together in such a way I am not sure the reader would ever accept one without the other anymore. Much like the characters wouldn’t be able to accept their story going on without either of them - together. Writing his first book was just the beginning, but it also taught both characters how they handle different reactions and responses to each other. Much like living with someone for the first time and really seeing who they are; working closely with someone you care about can add strain or it can add reinforcement. Their story gives the reader a little glimpse into the life of starting out in the independent author environment. Who knew there was a difference between a writer and an author 😉. I never realized everything that it takes to get into the business or to be successful in it. Reading about North’s journey to get where he is when we met him in True North really paints in all the scenery of his world (well a little bit at least, I am sure Bob Ross would add many happy little accidents we wouldn’t expect when that world was being painted for North & Delilah).
As I've come to expect with Christopher Harlan's books, this unputdownable 5 star read had me reading until the early hours. You could say that I went into North blind as I haven't yet read any of the earlier books in the series, but I didn't find this to be a problem and thoroughly enjoyed the journey I shared with North and Delilah. I didn't just read about what they went through, I was right there experiencing their feelings, becoming hot under the collar, and wanting to overcome the obstacles sent their way.
I loved how the story kept me hooked and I wanted to read faster to see what happened next, but I also didn't want to rush as I wanted to allow myself time to savour and fully enjoy the story of North and Delilah. This addictive story stayed with me afterwards and I found myself thinking about it at work and at home as I went about my daily life. I've been left eager to go back and start the series from the beginning and work my way towards North so that I can read it all over again.
I discovered Christopher Harlan by chance and he's one of those treasures you're happy to have found. If you haven't picked up and read one of his books yet, then you really do need to. You won't be disappointed!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
Part of the Wordsmith Chronicles, a truly great series by Mr. Harlan, North is the story of James North, the mentor of Knight, Colton, and Grayson. This is his and Delilah’s origin story. You recognize a couple of characters from True North, but this is its own story and a wonderful one at that. Here we learn about North before he became the guys’ mentor, but after the death of his best friend Joaquin. This is when North is writing his first story, the inspiration behind it, and the journey they take while writing it. North can be read as a standalone. You won’t be lost, you won’t be missing any information. But once you’ve read North, I think you’ll want to read the rest of the stories in the Wordsmith Chronicles series. Mr. Harlan has a way of putting together a story that has both edge and heart. The story draws you in, I mean who doesn’t want to read about a hot, tatted, alpha biker and the woman he loves, the woman who’s as different as night is from day but allows him to still be himself. The writing keeps you engaged. It’s seductive and steamy, hot and at times aggressive. Everything a good story should be. *I was given an ARC of this story and this is my voluntary and honest review.