Once Upon a Christmas (Kismet Bay Book 1) Read online

  “There you are,” his partner, Carter, said as he entered. His gaze locked on Reese. Then he glanced at Dane and sighed. “You too—I’ve been looking for you both.”

  “What is it?” Reese asked. “I’m working, so it better be important.”

  “I have bad news…”

  Apparently, it was a day filled with that variety. “Spill it,” Dane said. “Might as well rip off the bandage and get it over with.”

  Carter didn’t hold back and said without preamble, “Nolan escaped.”

  Double fuck. “How?”

  “A bus transporting him to prison overturned a week ago. They just thought to notify us he was missing.”

  All the color drained from Reese’s face. She swayed on her feet, losing consciousness, and would have hit the floor if he hadn’t stepped forward to catch her. Even if she didn’t trust him—he’d always be there for her. It was so innate inside of him that he didn’t know any other way to be. He lifted her into his arms and cradled her against him. “I’ve got her. Have you spoken to Claire yet?”

  He shook his head. “She’s not answering her phone either. I was already here, so I thought I would find you two first. I have to warn her…” Carter covered his mouth with his hand and then rubbed it through his blond hair. “How am I going to protect the two of them? They're my sisters…”

  “I have Reese. Go to Claire.”

  He nodded and exited the room. Dane carried Reese over to the other vacant bed in the room and laid her on top of it. She’d come out of it soon enough, and he’d make sure he was there to protect her—whether she liked it or not…

  Afterword

  This is the first book in an eight book series. They all will be short stories and follow the same format. Some might have happy ever after endings, but most will have a happy for now ending.

  A little about Kismet Bay… It is a magical town that thrives on fate, but mostly on bringing fated lovers together. Sometimes the inhabitants ignore what their hearts are telling them and it takes them longer to come together. Each story is centered around some kind of holiday or time of the year. The first book is obviously Christmas, the next will be New Years, then Valentines… You get the point. The final book though will bring us back to Christmas to make it a full circle.

  I know some of you like print books. As these are short stories they won’t be in print individually. After they are all written and released I’ll do a print anthology of the whole series.

  About The Author

  USA TODAY Bestselling author, DAWN BROWER writes both historical and contemporary romance. There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.

  Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby and she loves all genres.

  Also by Dawn Brower

  Broken Pearl

  Deadly Benevolence

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss

  A Gypsy’s Christmas Kiss

  Snowflake Kisses

  Begin Again

  There You’ll Be

  Better as a Memory

  Won’t Let Go

  Enduring Legacy

  The Legacy’s Origin

  Charming Her Rogue

  Scandal Meets Love

  Love Only Me (Amanda Mariel)

  Find Me Love (Dawn Brower)

  Bluestockings Defying Rogues

  Earl of Harrington

  A Lady Hoyden’s Secret

  One Wicked Kiss

  Marsden Descendants

  Rebellious Angel

  Marsden Romances

  A Flawed Jewel

  A Crystal Angel

  A Treasured Lily

  A Sanguine Gem

  A Hidden Ruby

  A Discarded Pearl

  Novak Springs

  Cowgirl Fever

  Dirty Proof

  Unbridled Pursuit

  Sensual Games

  Christmas Temptation

  Linked Across Time

  Saved by My Blackguard

  Searching for My Rogue

  Seduction of My Rake

  Surrendering to My Spy

  Spellbound by My Charmer

  Stolen by My Knave

  Separated from My Love

  Scheming with My Duke

  Secluded with My Hellion

  Heart’s Intent

  One Heart to Give

  Unveiled Hearts

  Heart of the Moment

  Kiss My Heart Goodbye

  Heart in Waiting

  Broken Curses

  The Enchanted Princess

  The Bespelled Knight

  The Magical Hunt

  Ever Beloved

  Forever My Earl

  Always My Viscount

  Infinitely My Marquess

  Kismet Bay

  Once Upon a Christmas

  Coming soon…

  New Year Revelation

  All Things Valentine