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Savage Hope Duet #1
His Trust: Collin & Mia
* Book 1 of 2 in the Savage Hope Duet *
He thinks I’m a corporate spy. Me—plump, boring Mia James. Yes, I omitted an advanced degree on my resume, but being overqualified to be able to pay rent wasn’t how I was going to start my newly single (okay, newly dumped) life.
Do I regret doing it? Seeing as how I got a junior secretary position in my field, for the private military company run by billionaire badass CEO Collin Stark no less, I’m going to go with ‘no.’ No regrets here. Which is what I basically tell Mr. Stark when he starts questioning my motives.
Did I mention he’s an ex-Army interrogator? Or that he’s too intense to put into words? While it’s obvious he doesn’t trust me, that’s probably a good thing. Because something tells me if that hot, hardened man were to ever fully trust a woman, his intensity level over her would be...off the charts.
* * * * *
She thinks I haven’t noticed her all this time. Hell, I’d have to be missing both a brain and functioning balls to overlook the quietly enigmatic woman who’s clearly too smart and skilled to be working in any entry-level capacity for me.
I don’t want to believe Mia’s capable of corporate espionage. But given the evidence, it’s hard to think otherwise. Not that I seem to be capable of a whole lot of rational thought when I’m around her. She’s my own curves-for-days kryptonite—which just makes her that much more dangerous.
Is it possible my enemies planted a woman in my company to seduce me (in the most awkwardly tempting way possible)? In the past, I would’ve said no way in hell. But after getting a taste of just how hot Mia can burn, I’m starting to see it’s definitely possible…and damn worth it, either way.
* * * * *
NOTE: While this is the Collin Stark (CEO of Stark International) mentioned throughout the Savage Trust series, the events of his story actually take place prior to Wrecked, Scarred, and Frayed. Be advised that Collin and Mia’s story is a two-part 80K word duet. This is Book 1. Book 2 takes place six months after the end of this book, and as such, the books need to be read in order.
The Savage Hope Duet
His Trust (Book 1)
Her Heart (Book 2)
Previously published as Smoke & Curves, Books 1 & 2 (c) 2013, and previously part of the Undeniably His bundled collection (c) 2013, revised throughout with freshly added content, changed/different story scenes, and a new extended ending.
He thinks I’m a corporate spy. Me—plump, boring Mia James. Yes, I omitted an advanced degree on my resume, but being overqualified to be able to pay rent wasn’t how I was going to start my newly single (okay, newly dumped) life.
Do I regret doing it? Seeing as how I got a junior secretary position in my field, for the private military company run by billionaire badass CEO Collin Stark no less, I’m going to go with ‘no.’ No regrets here. Which is what I basically tell Mr. Stark when he starts questioning my motives.
Did I mention he’s an ex-Army interrogator? Or that he’s too intense to put into words? While it’s obvious he doesn’t trust me, that’s probably a good thing. Because something tells me if that hot, hardened man were to ever fully trust a woman, his intensity level over her would be...off the charts.
* * * * *
She thinks I haven’t noticed her all this time. Hell, I’d have to be missing both a brain and functioning balls to overlook the quietly enigmatic woman who’s clearly too smart and skilled to be working in any entry-level capacity for me.
I don’t want to believe Mia’s capable of corporate espionage. But given the evidence, it’s hard to think otherwise. Not that I seem to be capable of a whole lot of rational thought when I’m around her. She’s my own curves-for-days kryptonite—which just makes her that much more dangerous.
Is it possible my enemies planted a woman in my company to seduce me (in the most awkwardly tempting way possible)? In the past, I would’ve said no way in hell. But after getting a taste of just how hot Mia can burn, I’m starting to see it’s definitely possible…and damn worth it, either way.
* * * * *
NOTE: While this is the Collin Stark (CEO of Stark International) mentioned throughout the Savage Trust series, the events of his story actually take place prior to Wrecked, Scarred, and Frayed. Be advised that Collin and Mia’s story is a two-part 80K word duet. This is Book 1. Book 2 takes place six months after the end of this book, and as such, the books need to be read in order.
The Savage Hope Duet
His Trust (Book 1)
Her Heart (Book 2)
Previously published as Smoke & Curves, Books 1 & 2 (c) 2013, and previously part of the Undeniably His bundled collection (c) 2013, revised throughout with freshly added content, changed/different story scenes, and a new extended ending.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
348 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Christa Wick
321 books838 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Christa Wick has been hybrid publishing since 2012 (yep, she's one of the O.G. indie authors). She's written 50+ romances starring curvalicious heroines and alphalicious heroes whose stories span the spectrum of: steamy & sweet, steamy & emotional, steamy & suspenseful, steamy & paranormal, steamy & dark, and...well, you get the idea. Her darker, dirtier books are under C.M. Wick, and she also writes general fiction sci-fi thrillers and suspense novels under other pen names.
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New Release & Sale Alerts
→ bit.ly/ChristaWickEmailList
Get my FREEBIES!
→ www.christawick.com/free
Where to find me & my books:
→ www.christawick.com
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→ bookbub.com/authors/christa-wick
→ bit.ly/Books2Read_ChristaWickLinks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 14, 2021
Well now I need book two. Darn it. 4 ⭐
November 23, 2019
His Trust: Collin & Mia, Book 1 of 2 (Savage Hope Duet) By: Christa or C.M. Wick"His Trust" Is A Great Read Balancing Drama & S€X¥ Times!!
What's a DOWN on Her Luck Gal to DO...
When She's been Dumped & LEFT Broke & penniless!
Well... She's gotta get a Job;
Even if THAT means being Creative on the 'Ol Résumé!
Sooo, THAT'S just WHAT She's DONE...
Only UnLike others IN Her position,
She didn't Embellish Her SkillSet~
Ohhh NO! She DUMBED HerSelf Down...
By leav'n Her Degree OFF the Thing!
Course, She would have to be gett'n Hired for a Security Firm...
With an Alpha BOSS who noticed Her!
And once ON His Radar She's SCREWED~ (Soon Quite Literally!)
Cuz He's like a Dog with a Bone,
Try'n to Interrogate Secrets from Her...
By any means NECESSARY!
And let's just say His tactics are H€@T¡π' Her Up...
But it's doing Li'l towards earn'n "His Trust!"
This book contains BDSM elements & is intended for readers over 18; NOW, if that's not your type of Reading Genre, please don't dip your toes into this book, as you won't enjoy IT. Plus, leaving an unfavorable review, because it's not your cup of tea, is unfair to the author. That said, you know what to Expect... Sooo, if this is your JAM, GO Ahead & One-Click!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Christa or C.M. Wick's "His Trust: Collin & Mia, Book 1 of 2 (Savage Hope Duet)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
1🌟:Hate IT! Didn't finish; usually only given if/when some contents truly objectionable (i.e. main characters does something awful & gets away w/it!)
2🌟:Don't like IT! Rating means I felt the writing was poor, editing was bad, I don't care for characters, or book had some major flaw.
3🌟: I like IT, BUT! There are minor issues... Rating means there's editing issues, needs character development, is too unrealistic, or has issues– I do not consider it an overall bad rating.
4🌟:I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
5🌟: I LOVE IT! It's Spectacular, & I'll read IT Over & Over Again. Few books Receive this rating from me. HowEver, those that DO become Classics.
November 12, 2019
Colin believes Mia has taken her job for nefarious reasons. Mia’s fiancé left her with nothing including a ride to her job interview. Soon sparks are flying between her and Colin, will he ever be able to Trust her? Fast-paced intense chemistry with lots of emotion. I liked it.
Want to read
December 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2019)! 🎁
January 19, 2020
Wow...this book was just a D/s steamy emotional roller coaster. With that crazy ending I have to start the second one right now!! Really good.
January 13, 2020
One thing I will say for sure is that Collin and Mia's story gets off to an intense and scorching start. I enjoyed this read. The story is made up of a compelling blend of drama, emotions, excitement, twists and hot passion. Here are a couple things to keep in mind though: 1. This is only book one of two. So try to prepare for one whopper of a cliffhanger and 2. In my opinion this is by far the kinkiest and darkest book that I have read from this author. So if are not a fan of BDSM this book might not be for you. I like a book that is dark and kinky, so this wasn't an issue for me but for others it is. I did have two issues with this book. 1. I wish that I had felt a deeper emotional connection between these two characters. Physically they generate tons of sparks and heat. However, they both seemed very closed off and cold to me. Don't get me wrong, in many, many ways I felt this made perfect sense to me considering both of their histories, his occupation and her insecurities. In all fairness, there are occasional glimmers (from him) but with her, it just wasn't happening and that bugged me. And 2. I'm going to be 100% honest here and say that when the book starts and Collin and Mia's relationship begins to build, there were a few moments that made me uncomfortable. I know she was offered choices and that she made decisions about what would happen. Yet, with the situation being what it was and with the employer/employee angle I thought it felt a bit icky and wrong. Regardless, of those moments, I felt that this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. I am eager to read book two to see what happens as this couple's story continues.
November 6, 2019
Just WOW !!!!
Very strong story from the beginning. In the first chapter, the way Collin questions Mia is both embarrassing and exciting and finally we wonder how it can evolve because in reality it would end in lawsuit. But it works because the empathy for Mia is immediate, without calling into question his loyalty to the company, while Collin spends his time to make her confess something she would not have done.
It is very well written, exciting, steamy, mixing espionage, a partial dark romance (because we're as far as possible from a sweet and cute story), with characters as strong as the story. Sometimes the relationship Mia / Collin can be unconfortable because of the impression that Mia undergoes and that they will never understand each other.
I loved this first part and I look forward to the rest, especially because of the timing in their life where the cliffhanger is placed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Very strong story from the beginning. In the first chapter, the way Collin questions Mia is both embarrassing and exciting and finally we wonder how it can evolve because in reality it would end in lawsuit. But it works because the empathy for Mia is immediate, without calling into question his loyalty to the company, while Collin spends his time to make her confess something she would not have done.
It is very well written, exciting, steamy, mixing espionage, a partial dark romance (because we're as far as possible from a sweet and cute story), with characters as strong as the story. Sometimes the relationship Mia / Collin can be unconfortable because of the impression that Mia undergoes and that they will never understand each other.
I loved this first part and I look forward to the rest, especially because of the timing in their life where the cliffhanger is placed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
November 8, 2019
Intense, sexy, heart-stopping action romance!
Collin and Mia come together like two freight trains on the same track, but the impact awakens a side of each of them that they didn't know existed and it changes the entire game. This is Part 1, a dark, gritty, edge-of-your-seat adventure that will leave you stunned at the cliffhanger ending. Luckily, the author has released both parts at the same time, so there's no waiting to finish the story.
I enjoyed this story very much. Collin and Mia will steal your heart and make it bleed for both of them as they struggle through everything standing between them and their HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Collin and Mia come together like two freight trains on the same track, but the impact awakens a side of each of them that they didn't know existed and it changes the entire game. This is Part 1, a dark, gritty, edge-of-your-seat adventure that will leave you stunned at the cliffhanger ending. Luckily, the author has released both parts at the same time, so there's no waiting to finish the story.
I enjoyed this story very much. Collin and Mia will steal your heart and make it bleed for both of them as they struggle through everything standing between them and their HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
November 13, 2019
OMG! What a cliffhanger that was! I loved book one of His Trust by Christa Wick. Mia and Collin had chemistry that was intense and could not be denied. Despite his attraction to Mia, Collin does not know if he can trust her. After all, she took a secretarial job she was definitely over qualified for. Could she be a spy? He is determined to break her down to get the truth. But as they explore, feelings get in the way. Then the unthinkable happens and you are left breathless. Can't wait for book 2!!!
November 21, 2019
This was a very good read. Collin is the head of Stark International and Mia is an entry-level secretary. He thinks that she is a spy because he knows she left some very important information off her resume. He decides to punish her for her lies. She doesn't want to care for him but she does. So she decides to let him use her but will never trust him. On an overseas business trip, their relationship explodes and he sends her home without any explanation. What a cliffhanger! Can't wait to finish their story!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! ❤️
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! ❤️
March 27, 2020
I'm between liking it and not. The sex is hot but the mistrust is not. It's your basic Boss wanting to dominate his secretary. He asks for his loyalty and for complete honesty. But loyalty and trust goes both ways.
She lies because she has to not because she wants to. How else can she survive if she doesn't. How else can anyone of us survive if we find ourselves in the same position. Can we honestly say that she was wrong to do so? Does he have to be so severe with her for little white lies?
I guess I'll find out when I read the second book.
She lies because she has to not because she wants to. How else can she survive if she doesn't. How else can anyone of us survive if we find ourselves in the same position. Can we honestly say that she was wrong to do so? Does he have to be so severe with her for little white lies?
I guess I'll find out when I read the second book.
November 10, 2019
an adjustment to her resume, she finally finds work .. even though it is below her level. but the adaptation is discovered and that entails more than she thought. He is her boss and does not want to develop feelings for her, but a simple business trip turns out differently. it is an easy reading story .. you hold the tension to the end. from me 4 stars ..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2019
Collin and Mia
This book began sexy and cute. It took a left hand turn the hard way. It became passionate and intense and kinky. I really liked this a lot. Collin owns and operates a security company. He hires a junior executive secretary and has reason to think she may be a spy. So he interrogated her. Now that’s a fun scene! I’ve gotta read the next one now. Too intense. Go Collin!!!
This book began sexy and cute. It took a left hand turn the hard way. It became passionate and intense and kinky. I really liked this a lot. Collin owns and operates a security company. He hires a junior executive secretary and has reason to think she may be a spy. So he interrogated her. Now that’s a fun scene! I’ve gotta read the next one now. Too intense. Go Collin!!!
April 24, 2020
Intriguing and Steamy
Grab a glass of your favorite vino and get ready for a wild ride. If you enjoy reading about those dark, brooding and ready to claim you Alpha males, you'll love Collin. The vulnerability that Mia has is felt throughout the book. It makes her real and relatable. For a curvy girl with self image issues, who over analyzing everything, it was like reading about myself...sort of lol.
Grab a glass of your favorite vino and get ready for a wild ride. If you enjoy reading about those dark, brooding and ready to claim you Alpha males, you'll love Collin. The vulnerability that Mia has is felt throughout the book. It makes her real and relatable. For a curvy girl with self image issues, who over analyzing everything, it was like reading about myself...sort of lol.
May 22, 2021
Manipulating alpha
So this novella was filled with sexy scenes.
5🔥stream
But...
It lost me with the fact, yes, he is the boss, and she is his employee, and I love workplace romance, but this book felt unrealistic.
No, build up just straight to sex.
He used his power to control and force her into these positions to be “ tested of her trust.”
Yes, they have a mutual attraction, but still, I’m not too fond of this hero
He sounds sexy, but I think I’ll pass
3✨ stars
So this novella was filled with sexy scenes.
5🔥stream
But...
It lost me with the fact, yes, he is the boss, and she is his employee, and I love workplace romance, but this book felt unrealistic.
No, build up just straight to sex.
He used his power to control and force her into these positions to be “ tested of her trust.”
Yes, they have a mutual attraction, but still, I’m not too fond of this hero
He sounds sexy, but I think I’ll pass
3✨ stars
November 6, 2019
Wow! This was such an interesting and enthralling read. The suspense and mystery and fire between them was just too much to handle. But, I couldn't put it down. I still need to read their conclusion but the story is so good that I didn't mind that it didn't all come together in one book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2019
His Trust will make your blood boil, your heart break and your spine tingle. No one does romance quite like Christa Wick. From the first page til the last word your emotions are invested. Collin and Mia test everything that the heart tells you that love should be. Yet it's hopeless to try and look away.
November 8, 2019
The first book in the Savage Trust Duet was fantastic! With suspense, mystery and incredible chemistry you get an amazing story! It’s a dark, sexy, adventurous, edge of your seat read. The ending will leave you eager for the next book in the Duet! I really enjoyed His Trust and can’t wait for Her Heart!
November 9, 2019
Intense romance read!
Collin and Mia’s story starts with a bang and never end. Intense chemistry makes for some hot sizzling loving that I want more of and the storyline is action packed filled that was never boring. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this intense romance read that doesn’t disappoint!
Collin and Mia’s story starts with a bang and never end. Intense chemistry makes for some hot sizzling loving that I want more of and the storyline is action packed filled that was never boring. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this intense romance read that doesn’t disappoint!
December 21, 2019
Office romance
Wow, cliffhanger!! Tony Stark you have some work cut out for you with Collin Starks!! Hot and steamy office interrogations yes! Collin and Mia’s story is HOT! Both are holding on to their feelings. Mia lie about her degrees to get any position at Stark International. but did little did she know her smarts and self brought her attention to the CEO.
Wow, cliffhanger!! Tony Stark you have some work cut out for you with Collin Starks!! Hot and steamy office interrogations yes! Collin and Mia’s story is HOT! Both are holding on to their feelings. Mia lie about her degrees to get any position at Stark International. but did little did she know her smarts and self brought her attention to the CEO.
January 18, 2020
So this book was a ride.
Finished in a day.
I feel like we were thrown into the middle portion rather than having an introduction.
Thing felt really rushed, and really there was no base scenes of them even having a conversation except when they were being intimate.
I still would like to know how this ends though. Even though it was rushed it peaked my interest.
Finished in a day.
I feel like we were thrown into the middle portion rather than having an introduction.
Thing felt really rushed, and really there was no base scenes of them even having a conversation except when they were being intimate.
I still would like to know how this ends though. Even though it was rushed it peaked my interest.
February 27, 2020
Collin and Mia are combustible
Collin and Mia have a trust issue, Collin isn’t sure why Mia lied to him, but does not like it. Now they have to decide If they can trust each other and give their relationship a chance. I really enjoyed this first half of the duet and can’t wait to start the other half.
Collin and Mia have a trust issue, Collin isn’t sure why Mia lied to him, but does not like it. Now they have to decide If they can trust each other and give their relationship a chance. I really enjoyed this first half of the duet and can’t wait to start the other half.
June 26, 2020
Loved it even though it was a cliffhanger.
I loves this book. The characters have depth and are interesting. The story is fast moving. The sex is intense and hot enough to burn your hands. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was a cliffhanger. Nevertheless, I will buying sequel when I finish writing this review.
I loves this book. The characters have depth and are interesting. The story is fast moving. The sex is intense and hot enough to burn your hands. I didn't give it 5 stars because it was a cliffhanger. Nevertheless, I will buying sequel when I finish writing this review.
March 19, 2021
Oh my gosh, what a heartbreaking story! I cried hard for two people who both believe that they shouldn't or don't deserve to love, or be loved themselves. My favorite quote: "Trent protecting my life was nowhere near as important as him protecting my heart and soul." I can't wait to read the second book because if it's anything like book 1, their HEA is going to be amazing.
May 25, 2023
A lot rough.
Rough on Collin's part, rough for poor Mia, misunderstanding every slight unloving reaction on Collin's part, rough scenes with no lead in, just rough. Part two better be miles better on Collin's part, or I'm going to be very angry! Right now I just want to slap him silly for how he's treating her. And of course she'll forgive him. ARGH!
Rough on Collin's part, rough for poor Mia, misunderstanding every slight unloving reaction on Collin's part, rough scenes with no lead in, just rough. Part two better be miles better on Collin's part, or I'm going to be very angry! Right now I just want to slap him silly for how he's treating her. And of course she'll forgive him. ARGH!
November 11, 2019
DNF. I mean, just no. With all the #MeToo movement going around, this book is too much. I mean, the way this book starts. Just no.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2019
Shew turn on the a.c.
Suspicious, hard and tough. Sweet, innocent and loving. Mix all this and add hot, commanding alpha sex. Nothing else to say. Get a fan, turn on the a.c. Don't forget B.O.B.
Suspicious, hard and tough. Sweet, innocent and loving. Mix all this and add hot, commanding alpha sex. Nothing else to say. Get a fan, turn on the a.c. Don't forget B.O.B.
January 19, 2020
A well-done suspenseful romance
The characters are good, and the writing is very good. The beta readers and editors did an excellent job.
The only problem, for me, is it's formulaic.
The characters are good, and the writing is very good. The beta readers and editors did an excellent job.
The only problem, for me, is it's formulaic.
February 22, 2020
Kept me on my toes
This story was intense, provocative, dangerous, craving the emotions are out of control this book is aEverything it’s it’s out to be and more the man does not do it justice so much going on it’s crazy
This story was intense, provocative, dangerous, craving the emotions are out of control this book is aEverything it’s it’s out to be and more the man does not do it justice so much going on it’s crazy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews