Books by C J Pastore

Growing up is hard. No one knows that better than Alicia Cesare.As a child, Alicia struggled to free herself from the cloying shadow of her mother's depression and the overprotectiveness of a meddlesome family. With a top-selling fashion design and a passionate relationship with New York City real estate mogul Chase Reardon blossoming, being an adult isn't so bad . . . until she's viciously attacked by a Russian drug lord out for the blood of anyone that matters to Chase.Now, under constant surveillance from family or a team of former special-ops Marines, Alicia remains determined to maintain her freedom and grow her brand. This does not sit well with Chase who sees Alicia's behavior as reckless and as much of a threat to her safety as the vicious gangster himself.Chase thought his service to the United States ended, but when he's called to duty, he readily responds. What's meant to be a simple mission unravels into a dangerous separation for both.Nothing could have prepared Alicia for what was to follow.Trapped in a web of lethal reprisals and on her own for the first time, Alicia struggles to protect herself and those she loves while balancing independence and the transcendent force of unconditional love.

Alicia Cesare has a lot to celebrate. A recent Parsons School of Design graduate and recipient of a fashion design award, she embarks to Europe on a quest for independence and recognition. Instead, she finds trouble and mayhem and must accept the help of former Marine and real estate magnate, Chase Reardon, the only man she's ever desired. Problem is he barely knew she existed.That is about to change.Like a lit match to a firework, rash innocence ignites fierce overprotectiveness and a sizzling romance develops, but Chase is a haunted man. Scarred by an abusive past and stalked by the vengeful head of the Russian drug cartel, he struggles to follow his heart while safeguarding those he loves. When Alicia is unwittingly thrust into his web of relentless violence, Chase is determined-at any cost-to protect her from his past.As each new sexual awakening binds her closer to him, Alicia is convinced she must help the love of her life defeat the ghosts of his past. It will prove to be an unyielding test of courage and stamina.