High Stakes (Jones)

I know exactly why it turns you on . . . because you're messed up too. Asha's life is no fairytale, by any stretch of the imagination. There was no kind, generous father to care for and protect her from the Vegas that exists beyond the glitz and glamour of The Strip. No wise, doting mother to look over and guide her, passing down essential lessons and leading her to the right path. And certainly, no Prince Charming just around the corner, ready to rescue her from working late nights to cover steadily mounting bills. You're not born to sharks without becoming one yourself. In Vegas, King is exactly what his name implies. Born into money and influence, but respected-and feared-in his own right. The privileges of wealth have afforded him many things, freedom, power, massive eligibility-while simultaneously leaving him exposed to others: betrayal, exploitation, and manipulation. Like attracts like . . . Her poker face has kept her alive all this time, and he keeps his cards close to his chest. Neither is interested in gambling their hearts, but when they can't stay away from each other, there's only one choice . . . ante up. Contains mature themes.

Alicia "Ace" Miller has always had a somewhat contentious, arms-length relationship with Las Vegas Detective Cree Bradley. She likes their level of engagement exactly where it is-non-existent, never any occasion to cross paths. Until she needs his help. Only the most powerful of emotions-paired with fractured memories and the unshakeable feeling that something is missing-can make Alicia seek assistance from a man whose very presence puts her on edge. However, with lives at stake, her family on the line, and a chance at filling in the blanks of her past on the verge of slipping through her fingers, her choices are limited. He's the perfect person to have by her side. Cree Bradley takes his job seriously-protect and serve. Somewhere along the way, he's realized that for many of his peers, those lines have been blurred to the point of no return . . . destroying his own ability to walk the straight and narrow. Sometimes, that means walking the wrong way to do the right thing. Contains mature themes.