Behind the Facade by Rebecca Heap
Katherine Pearson is happy with her life. She has a successful, doting father, a rewarding job and is soon to be married to a man who adores her. When she is kidnapped by an Irish terrorist, her world is destroyed. Years later, she still suffers from disturbing flashbacks and an inability to form new relationships. When she meets the enigmatic American, Michael Hunter, she believes she may have finally found love again. However, can you ever really know what is beneath the surface? Her new found peace of mind is shattered as the reasons for her kidnap are revealed and dangerous secrets come to light, linking her father to murder and sexual exploitation.
An amazing suspense thriller. Official Review By Juicy Books
“Behind the Facade by Victoria and Rebecca Heap tells a gripping story of kidnap, romance, and betrayal. What seemed to be an almost perfect life for main character Katherine, was turned upside down throughout this exciting suspense thriller. A fantastic debut novel. If you love a fast paced read that is both unpredictable and engrossing this book is for you. It is full of action and moderate violence that compliment the pace and emotion of Katherine’s story. A great read for those who have a few spare hours, it’s far too gripping to just put down!”
Description
Find more from this author on:
About the author:
We are twin sisters and we live in Bolton, a multi-faceted and friendly town in Lancashire, UK. Our maiden name is Heap so this is what we have used as our pen name. We can’t say if we are identical or fraternal twins as no-one, least of all our parents, seems able to agree on this! It doesn’t matter to us. What matters is our mutual love of reading and literature and our symbiotic relationship, which has facilitated the inception and creation of our first novel. We are now writing our next novel, a fantasy trilogy, and have already received interest from a literary agent.
What inspired you to write your book?
Rebecca says “I have always loved to write. My favourite time at school was when we were asked to write a story. The irony is, I failed to get the expected “A” in my English Lit A-Level as I ran out of time because I was too busy writing long, wordy answers! My deepest most fervent wish has always been to publish a book, not for the money but just to be able to give that escapism and enjoyment to people and to leave a legacy for my children.
Here is a short sample from the book:
The man had not even been looking at her but behind him into the building. He had somehow missed her approach but, at the sound of her voice, he turned towards her and shot out a hand that was as swift and as startling as a snake. Instead of falling into the welcoming arms of her lover, she found herself grabbed harshly and spun around with her arm held behind her in a vice like grip.
She had little time to adjust herself to the shock of this unexpected situation and instinctively cried out in fear and surprise. Her captor immediately put his other hand over her mouth and snarled, “Who the ‘ell are you and what are you doing here?” an Irish lilt doing nothing to soften the censure in his tone.
It struck her as ironic that this was the very question she would have asked him if she could but, with his hand held so firmly on her mouth, she could not speak. But there was no need to reply. He answered for her with the words, “Of course…! You must be his bitta fluff.”
She struggled then, fearing not for herself but for Robert. He tightened his hold and said, “What was it you said just now? You’ve gone an’ called the cops? Shit!”
As if on cue a police car then turned into the car park, its headlights illuminating them briefly before it came to a halt. She felt him tense and, in contrast, she sagged with relief. Now this would all be over she thought.
As the police officer was busy getting out of the car, her aggressor pulled her upright with a jerk and his voice hissed urgently in her ear, “As far as they are concerned, I am your boyfriend and there is absolutely nothing wrong here. There’s a bomb in that building. If you do anything to alert them, I’ll blow it all to ‘ell, along with your fella. You’d better act your part well if you value his life.”
With these words the man destroyed any delusionary hope Kate had momentarily felt and his next move took her completely off guard. He held his grip on her arm but subtly and quickly changed their positions, so she was facing him, took her other arm in his grasp and pulled her towards him, his mouth meeting hers before she had any chance to resist.
The kiss was blessedly hard and quick and as he released her mouth he called across to the approaching officer, “My girlfriend here told me she’d called you. She rang you unnecessarily I’m afraid. There’s been no break-in.” He squeezed her arm, a reminder to her, she had no doubt, of her role and his warning. Then he finally took his hands off her.
Kate’s head was reeling. She felt assaulted on both a mental and physical level and it took all her strength to resist the overwhelming and instinctive urge to retaliate. Instead she plastered what she hoped was a convincing smile on her face as the policeman approached.
“Evening Miss,” he said in greeting. He introduced himself as Police Constable Anthony Connor, produced a notebook and asked, “Were you the lady that made the report?”
She nodded and the officer’s gaze lingered on her a little while, no doubt taking in her dishevelled hair and flushed face. It was then that she fully appreciated how crafty the man had been as Officer Connor would surely put this down to the kiss he had witnessed.
“The weather’s quite nasty and you look frozen Miss. I’ll try not to keep you both very long. Can I just verify a few things?” He didn’t wait for a reply and simply continued, “You are Miss Pearson?” Kate confirmed this was correct with another nod. He looked down at his notes. “I notice here that a Harry Pearson is the landlord. Is that a relation of yours?”
“Yes, that’s my father.” Kate replied.
She felt the assessing eyes of her assailant upon her. She glanced towards him but switched her gaze swiftly back to the policeman, shivering not only from the cold but also from the undisguised hostility she had seen in his eyes.
“I’d normally have to notify him if there’s been a security breach.”
Kate was about to affirm that this was quite alright when the stranger stepped in and countered, “I don’t think that is necessary, officer. There’s no sign of an intruder or any disturbance. I’ve been inside and I think it was just a system fault. No need to trouble Mr. Pearson. I’ll mention it to Harry tomorrow, myself.”
The policeman now gave his full attention to her partner, carefully considering the man beside her, who Kate noticed held himself confidently under his scrutiny. “And your name, Sir?” asked the officer.
Kate wondered how he would respond. When he gave out Robert’s name without hesitation, her heart sank. Her thoughts turned once more to Robert. What if he was dead already or in need of medical attention? She trembled, torn between the desire to give the policeman some positive sign that there was a problem and knowing that, if she did, she could be putting all of them in immediate and mortal danger. A bomb explosion would certainly ruin any chances for Robert’s survival and might injure them as well.
The officer continued with, “You have authority to enter the building Sir, I take it?”
“Yes.”
“Can I see some credentials?”
Kate held her breath. Would he be able to produce this? Should she do something? What if her assailant couldn’t comply with this request and now panicked and set off the bomb?
As if fate had intervened, this crisis point was interrupted by a loud bleep and an electronically distorted voice. Officer Connor excused himself and turned away, lifting a walkie-talkie to his ear.
After a few moments, he turned back to them and said, “I’m sorry but I have to go. There’s a more urgent matter I’ve been called to deal with. Thank you both for your co-operation. I have your details so I’ll send someone to make further checks on Monday morning. Is the building now secured?” he queried.
Her attacker nodded and said, “Everything’s back online now. False alarm I think. Sorry to ‘ave wasted your time.”
The police officer seemed satisfied with this and, after wishing them good night, walked back to his car. Kate watched him get in the car, whip it around and drive speedily away. With him left any last vestige of hope she had harboured.
As soon as the vehicle was out of sight, her captor grabbed her arm. However, Kate had anticipated this and spun around letting all her pent up fear and frustration out as she lunged at him with her free arm. He only just dodged her strike and grabbed her attacking arm seconds before her nails bit into his cheek.
He held both her arms in check and said, “Just calm down, will you? I’m not gonna harm you.”
She didn’t believe him. He’d planted a bomb and she could identify him. Taking in his demeanour and clothing she couldn’t believe she had mistaken him for Robert. She’d seen what she’d wanted and expected to see. It was a blunder she would pay for, she knew that with utter certainty. He was Robert’s height maybe and had dark hair but there any similarity ended. He was dressed completely in black. Flinty grey eyes glared out at her from under an untidy mop of coarse black hair. He looked a good ten years older than her fiancé and had an angular face with high, narrow cheekbones that gave him a slightly savage, wolfish air.
He grasped her arms tightly now and shook her, “Why did you ‘ave to show up? You’re coming with me.” Roughly pulling her along with him, he headed towards the back of the building. Kate resisted with all her strength, trying to extricate herself from his grasp and, when this failed, she raged, “Let me go! Let me go!” He paid no heed, dragging her after him.
They stumbled onto a cobbled, unlit side street. A black Mazda MX5 was parked there. He swiftly released the locking mechanism and forced her down into the passenger seat whilst she kicked and screamed. He easily avoided her thrashing limbs and secured the seat-belt across her, slamming the door on her histrionics. She began to grapple wildly with the door handle. It was locked of course.
As he took his seat, the forbidding stranger warned, “I wouldn’t do that.”
But, instead of stopping, Kate increased her efforts. She had to find some way out, some way to get back to Robert! She found herself wrenched back around by a powerful pull on her wrist. She shrieked and struggled to no avail. His hand found her throat. He leaned close, putting further pressure on her arm and pinning her to the seat with his weight. She whimpered in pain and protest, trying vainly to turn her face away from his.
“Shut the hell up!” he spat, emphasising each word, his tone vicious. He jerked away from her.
She trembled uncontrollably and tears now dripped slowly down her face. Her arm burned where his hand had been and she could feel the spittle he had left on her cheek. Sobs rose in her throat and she tried to smother them, afraid of another backlash.
He started the car, revved the engine violently, and then sped out of the back street, swerving on to the main carriageway. Watching him drive, Kate considered her options. She could grab the wheel but he had already demonstrated his superior strength and this would probably just annoy him further or cause an accident. Either way, the outcome was unlikely to be her freedom.
Her mind clamped down on the panic and terror that threatened to engulf her. She had to try and stay calm and just keep alert to any opportunity that might help her to get away. She must escape and get help for Robert. If she concentrated on this positive goal, maybe she wouldn’t feel so powerless and afraid.
Related products
-
Finding Alice by Stephane Morris
Romantic, sensual and enlightening.
This novel creates a new genre by taking a refreshingly different angle to other romantic novels. A love affair leads to a journey of self-discovery that is both thought provoking and enlightening.
John Mason is a successful businessman. A beautiful free spirited woman brings out passions John never knew existed, with consequences he could never have imagined. What unresolved inner conflicts from his youth does the love affair expose? Can he overcome them? If he does where will that leave him? The outcome is unpredictable.
A life-changing journey that is both fascinating and confronting.
Literally, a page-turner that starts slowly but will ultimately grip you and hold you to the end.
For mature readers.
SEDUCTIVE SUPERNATURALS: 12 Tales of Shapeshifters, Vampires & Sexy Spirits by Erin Quinn, Caridad Pineiro, Erin Kellison, Lisa Kessler, Chris Marie Green, Mary Leo, Maureen Child, Cassi Carver, Janet Wellington, Theresa Meyers, Sheri Whitefeather, Elisabeth Staab
Bad boys, tortured alpha heroes, and kick-ass heroines all come together in 12 steamy full-length paranormal romance novels and novellas from NY Times, USA Today, and national bestselling authors! Whether you’re looking for tantalizing dark tales or the humorous side of the supernatural, you’ll get werewolves, vampires, fallen angels, monster hunters, and ghosts—every one of them a hot temptation you won’t be able to resist…
DIABLO SPRINGS by Erin Quinn: Gracie Beck vowed that she would never to return to Diablo Springs, but the haunted town lures her back—along with the man who betrayed her years ago. Reilly broke her heart with his lies. Now, he wants a second chance to win her, but can they survive the ghosts of Diablo Springs?
VAMPIRE REBORN by Caridad Pineiro: Would you be reborn for love? Ryder Latimer, sexy Southern vampire, will have to make one of the most difficult choices in his undead life: Become human again or protect his new wife and child.
SHADOW FALL by Erin Kellison: Just discovering her magic, ballerina Annabella Ames didn’t mean to summon a dark wolf from Twilight, nor the tempting fallen angel Custo Santovari, who has no place in Heaven. The cunning wolf stalks them relentlessly, and danger seduces as they fight for redemption and love.
NIGHT ANGEL by Lisa Kessler: When Colin Flynn returns home to Ireland, the immortal Night Walker’s flesh has healed, but the scars hide a broken spirit. Juliana Duffy plays piano in spite of her deafness, challenging him to redefine himself and find the strength to battle an ancient enemy.
SHADOWS TILL SUNRISE by Chris Marie Green: Two monster hunters fighting a star-crossed attraction and one bloodthirsty phantom leaving a trail of death… Can love survive till the sun rises?
A SHADOW AT TWILIGHT by Mary Leo: They say Hotel Colorado is haunted, but when Dillon Spencer appears in his hotel room to find Hilly Thompson, his assistant, soaking in the tub, he begins to question whether or not he’s alive, dead, or caught in another dimension.
MORE THAN FIENDS by Maureen Child: At 32, Cassidy Burke discovers she’s a legendary Demon Duster. But she’s got bigger problems than some pesky demons. Like, Logan Miller–first love, baby daddy to her genius daughter is back. Then there’s Devlin Cole, a walking orgasm with too many secrets. Cassidy’s life is out of control and about to get way too interesting.
IMMORTAL POSSESSION by Cassi Carver: When Dr. Evelyn Vale is paired with Immortal Bounty’s sexy commander to go undercover and infiltrate a supernatural body-trafficking ring, she’s eager to get to work. Until she learns the catch… To crack this case, he’ll need to possess her body.
FOREVER ROSE by Janet Wellington: Tarot cards predict a dangerous journey for Taylor Rose, but she doesn’t expect to travel back to 1888 San Diego. What the cards didn’t predict was falling for a man bent on revenge, a helpful ghost, and spooky séances. Is she there to prevent a murder or to find love?
WELCOME HOME, VAMPIRE by Theresa Meyers: Corporal Cole Wagner lost his humanity in war – literally. Turned into a vampire by the military’s Vector Force, he’s the ultimate weapon, but when he returns home to set the past right, will the enemy stop at nothing to get him, including threatening the life of the woman he loved, and lost, before?
VAMPIRE MAGIC (Blood Genie, books 1 and 2) by Sheri Whitefeather: Two tenderly romantic, wildly erotic stories featuring supernatural hybrids (vampires/genies) who grant wishes for the exchange of blood.
WILD NIGHTS WITH A LONE WOLF by Elisabeth Staab: A mandatory vacation lands Agent Sherri Walker in bed with a local werewolf. Asher Hughes walked away from his outlaw pack but couldn’t ditch the bad blood. Together they’ll have to pull off one hell of an act to get out of treacherous territory alive.
Those Necessary Thorns Desiree Elizabeth Taylor by Sabrina Childress
Desiree’ Elizabeth Taylor (Desi) is a sexy, smart, and no-nonsense kind of woman. Some would say she is wholesome — while others would gladly call her a bitch.
After years of living the life of the perfect, wife, friend and business savvy know-it-all, Desi had a secret that would destroy everything she’d worked so hard to achieve.
The cast of characters in her life are starting to unravel and Desi is losing control fast! Her marriage is on the rocks and her best friend is turning into a spiteful enemy.
What happens when Desiree decides its better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission?
{Adult themes} {Explicit Content}
Sex With Strangers (8 super short erotic tales) by Natalie Foxe
A collection of 8 filthy erotic tales. Sex With Strangers indulges into this mysterious ‘no strings’ world where two sexy strangers come together for pure adulterous pleasure! No relationships, no emotions…just raw sex! Each tale is guaranteed to steam up your screen and make you squirm in your seat. This collection is designed to be quick bites of lust to be read individually or collectively. Ideal for bedtime quickies. Come inside and explore a world many have only ever dreamed of…
Thrones of Desire: Erotic Tales of Swords, Mist and Fire by Mitzi Szereto
Thrones of Desire is a place where lust and legend abound, and adventure, passion and danger entwine. Think mystical lands and creatures, kings and queens, knights and renegades, heroes and villains, warlords, maidens and princesses. Think battles and danger, honor and dishonor, good and evil. Most of all, think hearts filled with passion and secret desire. This is a place where romantic chivalry is alive and well, but so too is romantic wickedness. This is a place where the good do not always win, and the bad are often more captivating and desirable than their altruistic counterparts. In these lush and timeless landscapes, the battle for flesh can be as important as the battle for power. Intrigue, sorcery, revenge, lawlessness, dark secrets and mysterious elixirs; entanglements with supernatural beings — everything is possible in these magical mythical landscapes. Inspired by Game of Thrones these imaginative steamy tales transport the reader to fantastical realms. Featuring a special foreword from legendary fantasy author Piers Anthony.
Perfect Need – Seven Tales of Love and Passion by Barbara L.B. Storey
Close your eyes.
Fall in love.
Stay there.
~ Rumi
You never know who you’ll fall in love with, or why, or whether it’s a good idea – ask Rowan in A Star, A Stone. A sudden rainstorm – Stormy Weather – or even an exercise class – The Queen of Heaven – can be the spark that creates abandon and exhilarating passion between two lovers. In Dolce, a full-course Italian meal prepared with love whets . . . other appetites.
The stories in Perfect Need explore what love and passion can become, how they can affect two people for a moment, or for a lifetime; when they tumble into a love they never expected; when they decide it’s worth the risk to stay . . . or not.
Tall, Dark & Alpha Boxed by Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Paige Tyler, Sam Cheever, Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Eve Vaughn, Farrah Rochon, Delaney Diamond, Dawn Montgomery
“~ Top 100 Amazon Bestseller~
~ USA Today Recommended Read in Romance~
These HOT alphas are ready to take charge.
Are you ready for the decadence and allure of an alpha’s dark charm? The bad boys in these 10 sizzling stories will make your heart pound. Against these dominant seducers, the heroines don’t stand a chance. Prepare to fall in lust–and love.
Delve into the sensual worlds of award-winning authors: Randi Alexander, Koko Brown, Sam Cheever, Delaney Diamond, Eve Langlais, Afton Locke, Dawn Montgomery, Farrah Rochon, Paige Tyler, and Eve Vaughn. Immerse yourself in the alpha male experience.
***
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Rock My Boat by Afton Locke: Rhonda Simms embarks on a cruise to create an ad campaign. Instead, she lands a shape shifter who will do anything to be human again. Will she let him rock her boat?
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Silver Tongued Devils by Dawn Montgomery: Captain Na’varr and his executive officer, Brom, know they have a good thing when they capture stowaway hacker, Raesa, with her hot temper and dangerous curves. They want her, body and soul just as she wants them. But such trust endangers them in ways none of them can anticipate. Dare they risk it all?
Fight for Love by Delaney Diamond: Rafael Lopez, former professional wrestler and “”Sexiest Athlete Alive,”” is back and determined to hold onto the woman he lost, but still loves, and the son he never knew existed.
Crazy (Vampire Love) by Eve Langlais: Ella hears voices and they don’t like anyone. But not even poltergeists can stand in the way of a vampire in love.
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Sex with an Ex by Eve Vaughn: When these two divorcees reunite in the bedroom, the sex is hotter than ever. But can their hearts survive the second time around?
In Her Wildest Dreams by Farrah Rochon : When Erica Cole, owner of “”Your Wildest Dreams”” event planning, requests his help in creating a Valentine’s Day fantasy date for her clients, chocolatier Gavin Foster sees it as the perfect opportunity to show her just how sweet their reality could be.
*New, Boxed Set Exclusive* Player’s Challenge by Koko Brown: Sports agent Gemma Clarke must face the biggest challenge of her young career: represent her former lover and bad boy footballer, Devin Spencer. Their passionate love affair ended badly. Now he’s back to prove to Gemma he’s changed and convince her to give them one more chance.
Two Cops, a Girl, and a Pair of Handcuffs by Paige Tyler: Cilla Garner has it bad for hot cops Hayes Prescott and Reed Lockwood. If they both end up asking her out, she doesn’t know how she’ll choose. Having a threesome doesn’t even enter her mind until they hint at it, and then it’s all she can think about.
Chase and Seduction by Randi Alexander: Country music superstar/actor Chase Tanner has never wanted anything or anyone more than gorgeous screenplay writer Reno Linden. To Reno, Chase is larger than life, sinfully sexy and hell-bent on getting her into bed. Reno risks the plunge into Chase’s arms, but will their attraction survive the glitz and stress of fame?
Tall, Dark and Apocalyptic by Sam Cheever: He’s a hunter in a world turned upside down. She’s his prey, a creature of dark magic. But the passion burning within them may be their undoing.”
Boxed Set: My Alpha Billionaire, A New Adult romance by Tawny Taylor
For fans of Fifty Shades of Grey, a sexy New Adult boxed set by USA Today Bestselling author Tawny Taylor.
A USA Today Bestselling Book!
An Amazon Kindle Top 10 Bestseller!
A Barnes and Noble Top 20 Bestseller!
An Amazon Top 10 HOT NEW RELEASE (Erotica)!
An Amazon #1 Bestseller (Coming of Age and New Adult & College)!
AT LAST, YOU CAN BUY ALL FOUR BOOKS AT ONCE AT THIS SPECIAL SALE PRICE. AN $8.99 VALUE!
This ebook contains:
Book 1: What He Wants
Book 2: What He Demands
Book 3: What He Craves
Book 4: What He Needs
Billionaire Shane Trant is used to getting what he wants. What he can’t buy, he takes. When he sees Bristol Deatrich for the first time in over ten years, he knows he wants her. But there’s a problem. Only complete possession of her mind and body will satisfy him. He’s not sure the sweet little Bristol is ready for his brand of extreme carnal play.
But that’s not going to stop him from trying. After all, he learned a long time ago, nobody wins if they don’t take risks. If this risk pays off, they’ll both win.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.