Everything for Her
Everything for Her
By Alexa Riley
I’ll never forget the way she looked, so confident and sure of herself. I watched her from a distance. She wasn’t ready for me yet. I didn’t approach her and I didn’t disturb her, but I never once took my eyes off her.
Mallory Sullivan is ready to start her new life. After graduating at the top of her class, she’s landed one of the most coveted internships in the United States. Hard work and determination have gotten her to this moment of living the life she only dreamed of while growing up in foster care.
From the start, I knew that she would be my greatest achievement, so the day I let her go, I set down a path for her. A path to me.
She never expected Oz to be the greatest culmination of those dreams. But sometimes fate determines who you fall in love with. Who makes you lose control. Who owns your soul.
And then you realize it wasn’t fate at all...
I’ve wanted to care for and protect her since the first moment I saw her. I’ve constructed everything in our lives so that at the perfect moment, I could have her, could give her the life she deserves.
The time has come.
99,132 words
Dear Reader,
Happy New Year! I looked back at some of my Dear Reader letters from past Januarys going back six years, and it looks like in many years I’ve reiterated our commitment to bringing you great books, memorable stories and excellent authors. It’s always tempting to try and one-up the year before, with things like “buy our books and...watch us swallow fire!” and “...we’ll bungee jump off the tallest building in the world!” But the truth is, since I’m a reader at heart, I know the only promise I want from a publisher is to not try and trick me with misleading genre labeling and to keep giving me the stories I want to read. So that’s what the Carina Press team will continue to work to do for you, our readers, in 2017. Sorry, we’ll have to save the fire swallowing for another year (and the bungee jumping for never).
We start 2017 off in the best way possible, with USA TODAY bestselling author Alexa Riley’s first full-length novel, Everything for Her. This contemporary romance, available in print, audio and digital, shows just what happens when a strong, possessive hero finds the woman of his dreams. Get ready to read this with an ice bath (or a snowbank) nearby!
Appropriate for the new year, we have four other new series starting this January. First this month, from the author of the quirky urban fantasy series Monster Haven is a new spin-off series, Djinn Haven. When a reaper goes missing, djinn and expert soul chaser Kam must recover the reaper’s ring before the souls inside it are trapped forever—but the past she ran from a hundred years ago is about to catch her and change everything in To Catch a Stolen Soul by R.L. Naquin.
Popular LGBTQ author Sean Michael joins Carina Press and launches the Dragon Soul series, five sizzling hot paranormal male/male erotic romances. There are dragons. And did I mention dragons? Meet the Beteferoce brothers. Five dragon shifters, each with a strong elemental power. And each with a fierce desire to find his soul mate. In book one, Branded by Flames, dragon-shifter-slash-firefighter Jake is beginning to tire of his search for a soul mate. Until he meets Shae, a former navy welder who’s into power play and rough sex...
Welcome to Luminous: where your pleasure is our purpose. With her new erotic romance trilogy, Stacey Lynn tantalizes readers, bringing us into the world of deep desire, naughty play and all-consuming love. Don’t miss Dominate Me, book one in the Luminous trilogy.
In Off Base, navy SEAL Zack Nelson wants peace, not a roommate, after trading the barracks for a fixer-upper rental. Especially not Pike, who sees the things about Zack he most wants to hide. A virgin hero and his flirty new love interest make this Out of Uniform spin-off series from #gaymers author Annabeth Albert a must-read.
We say a fond farewell to the Black Ops: Automatik series by Nico Rosso with the final book in this romantic suspense trilogy that’s been called “an action movie in book form” and “romantic suspense at its finest!” In Seconds to Sunrise, former SAS operator James Sant gets a second chance to help people with Automatik, but when a protection assignment brings him close to war widow April Banks, he finds himself hoping for more of a connection than ever—and she’ll have to discover if she’s ready to start living again. You can also buy the first two books in the trilogy, Countdown to Zero Hour and One Minute to Midnight.
Julie Moffett returns with No Living Soul, another Lexi Carmichael Mystery! An ancient secret is no match for amateur sleuth and professional trouble magnet Lexi Carmichael. Lexi and friends need to find and safeguard an ancient artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. You can start here or go back to Lexi’s beginning and read No One Lives Twice.
Emery Harper follows up Person of Interest, her first Celeste Eagan mystery, with In the Bag. Celeste Eagan thinks she’s gotten her life back on track...until her BFF drags her into the middle of yet another murder investigation, one that has killers, the police and even a suspicious new friend all chasing after her.
Last but certainly not least, ever-popular New York Times bestselling author Lauren Dane welcomes you back to the paranormal world of Diablo Lake, Tennessee: a town founded by witches, governed by werewolves and full of secrets. In Diablo Lake: Protected, tensions are building as the two main rival Packs vie for control, and the town is divided along lines of Pack loyalty. Aimee Benton and Mac Pembry are on opposite sides and he seems to find excuses to spar with her daily. He’s infuriating—not to mention charming, gorgeous and oh-so-lickable. Start with this book or pick up book one, Diablo Lake: Moonstruck.
Also from Lauren we have the next book in the Cascadia Wolves series. In Wolves’ Triad, Tracy Warden’s search for her mate leads her to not one, but two sexy alphas. But not everybody is as thrilled about that as Tracy, and when outside forces threaten their bond, the triad will have to fight for their newfound happiness.
As you can see, we’re starting 2017 off right with a great mix of romance, mystery and urban fantasy. And still not bungee jumping off tall buildings. We look forward to delivering to you plenty of excitement without the need for drastic measures, and we hope you’ll let us know some of your favorite books throughout the year.
As always, until next time, my fellow book lovers, here’s wishing you a wonderful month of books you love, remember and recommend.
Happy reading!
Angela James
Editorial Director, Carina Press
Advance praise for
EVERYTHING FOR HER
“Alexa Riley delivers their signature steamy, alpha feel-good romance with addictive helpings of secrets, suspense, and revenge!
—The Rock Stars of Romance
“Alexa Riley delivers big time in this first full length scorching romance! Addicting, fun, over the top, and utterly delectable, Everything for Her is a guaranteed delight from start to stop. I couldn’t put it down!”
—Angie, Angie and Jessica’s Dreamy Reads
“Alexa Riley has given me everything I want and more. Sizzling passion, a devoted and loyal hero and a safe love story that has me sighing with pleasure at the end.”
—Nichole, Sizzling Pages
“Just when you think Alexa Riley can’t possiblyget any better with their over the top romance, they go on and deliver a sizzling romance in their debut full-length novel, Everything for Her. Charismatic characters, palpable chemistry, blazing hot sex scenes, and raw emotions make this book an easy one to devour. Alexa Riley packs a one-two punch of entertainment that will have readers begging for their next Alexa Riley fix.”
—Michel
le, Four Chicks Flipping Pages
“Alexa Riley sucks you in like a vortex and grips your heart from the start like only she can do. No one else can give you an insta-love and make it 100% believable. Be prepared to go on a journey of love, uncertainty, devotion, and passion. This is the sexiest book I’ve read all year. You will be on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what will happen next. Prepare for your heart to pound rapidly in your chest and for Miles and Mallory to steal your soul.”
—Tina, Bookalicious Babes Blog
“It’s what Alexa Riley fantasies are made of—Sugar and Spice and Everything Kinky and Nice!”
—Yaya, After Dark Book Lovers
“Alexa Riley is the queen of over the top Alpha men and with Everything for Her she cranks up the heat and leaves you breathless.”
—The SubClub Books
“Everything for Her combines toe-curling sweetness with panty-melting hotness in perfect balance. With a smitten OTT hero and a swoony moment on every single page, Alexa Riley delivers the perfect fantasy.”
—PopKitty Reviews
“Alexa Riley’s full-length debut is chock full of the same brand of insta-love possessiveness they have come to be known for. And this time, readers will be delighted with such richly layered development of their characters.”
—Frannie’s Romance
“Alexa Riley’s debut full length novel is everything a fan can ask for. A mix of over the top sweetness and downright naughty moments.”
—Polly Matthews, The Review Loft
“Everything for Her was the ultimate tale of love and obsession, with one man willing to move heaven and earth for the woman he adored. Throw in some dirty, sensual love scenes and a ton of secrets, and you have an insta-winner.”
—Harlequin Junkie
“Everything for Her is an intense and emotion packed new read. What an awesome debut!”
—Night Owl Reviews
“Alexa Riley crafts a deliciously sexy...story, complete with dark and manipulative undertones.”
—Fresh Fiction
Dedication
Dedicated to dirty books and friendship. We couldn’t imagine our lives, or a world, without both.
Author’s Note
We wrote Everything for Her based on what we admire most in romance. Obsession, seduction, love and lots of steam. We hope you enjoy our first full-length novel and get lost in the story of Mallory and Oz. Bottoms up!
Coming April 2017 from Alexa Riley and Carina Press
His Alone
Contents
Preface: Miles
Chapter One: Mallory
Chapter Two: Mallory
Chapter Three: Mallory
Chapter Four: Mallory
Chapter Five: Miles
Chapter Six: Mallory
Chapter Seven: Mallory
Chapter Eight: Mallory
Chapter Nine: Mallory
Chapter Ten: Mallory
Chapter Eleven: Mallory
Chapter Twelve: Mallory
Chapter Thirteen: Mallory
Chapter Fourteen: Mallory
Chapter Fifteen: Mallory
Chapter Sixteen: Mallory
Chapter Seventeen: Mallory
Chapter Eighteen: Mallory
Chapter Nineteen: Miles
Chapter Twenty: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-One: Miles
Chapter Twenty-Two: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Three: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Four: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Five: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Six: Miles
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Mallory
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Mallory
Chapter Thirty: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-One: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-Two: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-Three: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-Four: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-Five: Mallory
Chapter Thirty-Six: Miles
Epilogue: Miles
Epilogue: Miles
Epilogue: Mallory
Epilogue: Mallory
Bonus Material: First time Miles and Mallory meet
Excerpt from His Alone by Alexa Riley
Acknowledgments
Preface
Miles
* * *
I’ve watched her since the beginning.
It’s funny, but I don’t really remember much before her. It’s as if I could split my life into two halves. Before her and after. I remember my life with my parents, and I remember getting into college, but it’s all gray before her. Until the day I saw her, there was no color. But once my eyes landed on her for the first time, it was like when Dorothy landed in Oz and she opened the door. The world went Technicolor, and she was my very own Glinda the Good Witch.
I was twenty-two years old the first time I saw her. She was seventeen and competing in a state-level high school math competition.
Yale University asked me to represent them as a student judge, and I nearly declined. The state of Connecticut is small but houses one of the greatest Ivy League colleges in the country. One that makes becoming a standout almost impossible. I was among the top 1 percent in my class as a senior at Yale, with a major in statistics.
The only reason I’d accepted the invitation was to play a part. Many expected me to follow in the footsteps of my father, and I wanted them to believe that, but my end goal was a little different than anyone knew. I was on the path of revenge, but playing a part would help me on that path. Rubbing shoulders with the same men my father did, even if it left a bitter taste in my mouth.
Agreeing to judge the competition was life-changing. The bitter taste in my mouth altered that day. A sweetness took over. I wanted it. Needed it.
I’ll never forget the way she looked, so confident and sure of herself. I watched her from a distance, like you would a lioness in the wild. I didn’t approach her and I didn’t disturb her, but I never once took my eyes off her.
I found out later she was being sponsored by her high school so that she could attend the competition. She had no family and was being raised in a group foster home, so her school funded the trip. She was smart, and they wanted to see her succeed, which she did.
I saw so much in her as she competed. She knew all the answers and was absolutely sure each time. She trusted her instincts, and they didn’t let her down. There was so much potential in her just waiting to be unleashed. I wanted to sit down and have her tell me everything, anything, as long as she talked to me.
She swept the competition and won first place in her division. I was strangely proud of her.
When she walked out of the hotel ballroom after the competition was over, I let her go. It was the hardest thing I’d ever had to do. But I knew that if I went after her too soon, or too fast, she would run. Not only was she too young for me, but something about her told me she was the kind of woman who came along once in ten thousand lifetimes.
This wasn’t to be rushed. It was to be savored.
I may hate my father, but I’ve learned from his mistakes. I’m going to use those mistakes for my own advantage. He’s smart but sloppy at the same time and it’s been showing. But I know if you want something, you work hard for it, plan out all the details to make it yours.
From the beginning, I knew that she would be my greatest achievement, so the day I let her go, I set down a path for her.
A path to me.
No one knows it’s been me behind the curtain, pulling the strings. I’ve constructed everything in our lives so that at the perfect moment, I could have her.
The time has
come.
Chapter One
Mallory
* * *
“Jesus, that thing is hideous.” Paige scrunches her face in disgust as she continues to run on the treadmill. She set it up in the living room first thing when we moved in. Her long auburn ponytail bounces behind her with each stride. She’s been on it for thirty minutes now and hasn’t even broken a sweat.
When we lived together in the dorms, she always went to the gym at the university, which she hated. I’m guessing it was because guys were usually hitting on her. If it’s anything like when we go out, I’m sure there were a few trying to talk to her. But this is just a guess because I’d never gone to the gym with her, nor would you ever see me on that treadmill. I don’t run, unless I’m running late, which I never am.
“What? It’s cute,” I protest, pulling the pink fuzzy blanket to my cheek, rubbing it against my skin. “And it’s so soft.”
She shakes her head at me, and I throw the blanket across the back of the leather sofa.
“This place has no color. It’s gray, black or white. It needs a little something.” I move the blanket to show her how good it looks. I know nothing is going to get her to love the pink throw, but I know she’ll let me keep it here.
Paige doesn’t really care about fashion or design. She likes things simple, clean and put where they belong. It’s a trait I loved when we got paired up to room together at Yale. Being crammed in a small space with someone else is rough, so it makes things easier if the other person is clean. It’s something I came to value after growing up in foster care, where you’re often shoved in a room with three to four other girls.
“Leave the stupid pink blanket. What’s next? Vases with fake plastic flowers and throw pillows?” This time she smiles as she says it.
“No, not plastic flowers. That’s tacky.” I turn around, picking up another box we need to unpack. We’ve been here for a few days but all I’ve been doing is reading anything and everything I can about Osbourne Corp’s financials and investment reports. “But throw pillows might be nice, maybe some pictures on the walls, too,” I suggest, making her laugh. I want this place to be homey. I’m starting off on a new adventure, and this is the first part of that.