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Brynne Asher’s Beauties
Other Books by Brynne Asher
The Carpino Series
Overflow – The Carpino Series, Book 1
Beautiful Life – The Carpino Series, Book 2
Athica Lane – The Carpino Series, Book 3
Until Avery – A Carpino Series Crossover Novella
Killers Series
Vines – A Killers Novel, Book 1
Paths – A Killers Novel, Book 2
Gifts – A Killers Novel, Book 3
Veils – A Killers Novel, Book 4
Scars – A Killers Novel, Book 5
Until the Tequila – A Killers Crossover Novella
The Montgomery Series
Bad Situation – The Montgomery Series, Book 1
Broken Halo – The Montgomery Series, Book 2
Standalones
Blackburn
Thoughts and Acknowledgements
Once upon a time, a character was born from nothing more than an author pondering, “I need a side character who will get very little screen time. Hey, let’s make it interesting. Make him a her, and let her kick some ass.”
Then the author fell completely and utterly in love and was forced at fictional gunpoint to create an entire backstory because that little character was screaming to have her story told.
Hello, Bella Donnelly.
Bella is also the most frustrating character the author has ever written. Neither English nor a badass, the author struggled. How does one create an alpha for Bella when she’s a badass who can ninja anyone she pleases?
Hello, Cole Carson.
Only the most arrogant, lovable asshole around. It took a hero as over the top as him to balance someone as strong as Bella. Throw in the intelligence community, a nasty politician, and a tribe of favorite killers, and you’ve got yourself one wild rollercoaster.
Hello, I am that author.
Every book is a journey … each one different from the rest. Scars challenged me in ways that left me frustrated while learning a great deal about how to push through writing struggles as well as environmental challenges (thank you very much, 2020).
I’m grateful to so many for the final product of this book. Michele, you’re the first one to believe in me, have remained my biggest cheerleader, and accept me as your best friend no matter how scary I look daily on Marco Polo. I love you.
Kristan with edit llc, as always, you prettied up my words like a rock star. Thank you for not only being the perfect editing partner but a precious friend.
Layla Frost and Sarah Curtis, not only do you put up with my high-maintenance non-problems, but you beta read this book like badasses. And, Layla, thank you for naming your baby after me. ;-)
Heather Stewart Soligo, you’re a kickass alpha reader and didn’t even know it. Thank you for your time and input exactly when I needed it. And, as always, thank you for your never-ending support.
Annette and Michelle with Book Nerd Services, you are my lifelines during releases. I’m so lucky I get to work with my friends.
Rebecca Arvieux with Bex Book Revieux and Sarah Poulton with Sarah Loves Reading Romance, when I needed special skill sets and knowledge on my characters, you both stepped up and saved the day. Thank you for your time and valuable input. Without you, Scars wouldn’t be what it is.
Gi Paar with Gi’s Spot Reviews, Carrie Marie with Carrie’s Bookshelf, thank you for always having my back and reading my words early. I treasure you both.
To Emoji, despite 2020, it’s been a good year and I can’t wait to see where the next twenty-five bring us. It’s a gift to live life with you.
To my Street and Review Teams, you ladies are the shit! Quick on the draw to spread the word and unwavering support. It’s an honor that you’ve chosen me to spend time with and support.
Lastly, to my Beauties. Every single one of you feels like my next-door neighbor. I could stand in the driveway for hours and chat with you. Thank you for spending time with me and helping to create one of the best spots on the Freakybook.
Humbled and grateful forever.
Thank you for reading.
BA xx
Chapter 1 of Bad Situation
Four Minutes
Jen
Adult purgatory.
I swear, it’s where I’m stuck.
I don’t have time to keep up with old friends. I’m drifting in nowhere-land, somewhere between I’m too old to act like this and I’m popping out babies. Since there’s no way I’m popping out a baby anytime soon, I finally relented and let the friends who are too old to act like this twist my arm.
Earlier today, I shut my laptop and stored my Jimmy Choo’s away in their neatly labeled storage container on their assigned shelf in my closet. I traded my smart business chic for ripped jeans, a slouchy blouse,