Whistlin' Dixie
Tempered Steel Book 1
by Maggie Adams
Genre: Contemporary Romance with Comedy, Suspense and Mystery
A man on a mission....
Mackenzie Coalson was determined to rebuild his hometown after a devastating flood left it in ruins. He has no time for a relationship and all the romantic junk that goes with it. He has a vandal to catch and no sweet smelling bundle of femininity is going to sway him.
A woman protecting her family.....
Dixie Harris charged into the county sheriff's office with a sassy sway and a smart mouth, eager to give the sheriff, and anyone else, a piece of her mind. When she locks horns with the devil himself, in the form of Mac Coalson, she quickly learns he has a temper to rival hers, even if he's the living epitome of her sexual fantasies.
When the two unite to catch a potential murderer, it's in everyone's best interest to keep it, "business only". But that's hard to do when their combined attraction is volatile enough to burn down the town.
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Dixie heard Mac just on the other side of the bedroom door. She wanted to run and hide. She needed to lick her wounds and come to grips with what a fool she had been to trust Mac and his kisses. She didn’t want to listen to reason. She was hurting too badly and nothing he could say or do would erase the picture indelibly printed on her mind of him in the arms of another woman.
So when Mac knocked softly on the door minutes later, she turned a deaf ear to his plea. “Dixie, please let me in. I want to explain what you saw,” Mac whispered.
Oh my God! Did he think she was blind? Or just plain stupid? Or so deeply enamored of him that she was gonna let this stand?
“I saw what I saw. I took biology. I know all about sexual reproduction. Please leave.” She was privately amazed she was able to carry on any kind of conversation with the two timing jerk. She congratulated herself on how collected she’d been, considering her temper was threatening to erupt again.
Knocking again a little more forcefully, he pleaded. “Dixie baby, please open up. You didn’t see what you thought you saw. Please. Just let me explain.”
“I may be young, but I’m not stupid. And I am most certainly not blind,” she snapped at him from the other side of the door. The man was unbelievable.
“You are the most infuriating bit of baggage I have ever encountered. If I didn’t care for you so much, I’d leave right now and never look back.”
“You call that caring?! I call it a line of crap! The only thing you cared about begins with an “F” and ends with me losing my virginity!” Oh, God! Had she really just shouted that?
Pounding on the door with his fist, he shouted, “Dixie Harris, you open the door this minute, or I’ll break it down!”
“Then I’ll just have you arrested for breaking and entering. Sort of ironic, don’t you think?” she countered sweetly. She felt like crying the Mississippi River because he broke her heart, but she was not going to let that arrogant pain-in-the-ass know just how much she was hurting. She had her pride!
“Fine. Just fine. I should’ve known better than to get involved with a little girl, anyhow. Maybe, in a few years, when you grow up and if you have apologized nicely, I might just take you back! And bring a damn soapbox to stand on. My neck’s getting sore from looking down at you!” he snarled. After giving the closed-door another good pounding, he stomped out of the house, slamming the front door.
“Oooooh!” Dixie’s eyes narrowed to mere slits and her hands balled into fists as Mac’s last remark registered with the banging of the screen door. It was like pouring gasoline on a bonfire. She was out of her bedroom and on the front porch in seconds. Heedless of the people
walking down the street, she advanced like a mad woman across the yard, screaming. “Apologize to you? When pigs fly, you Mississippi River rat. I wasn’t the one caught fornicating in the parking lot of the local pizza parlor. Hell will freeze over before I apologize.”
Mac saw her coming out on the front porch, and he started toward her, but the smugness left his face, however, with each shouted word. By the time she was finished with her tirade, Mac’s eyes were tempered steel and his face was set granite. “Well, the Devil better get ready for a heat wave, baby, because I feel the same way.”
He hopped in his truck and with a squeal of tires, he was gone.
Leather and Lace
Tempered Steel Book 2
Sam Coalson, ex-Navy Seal, has returned to Grafton for the wedding of his brother. After being run out of town fifteen years ago for a crime he didn’t commit, he’s determined to claim what is rightfully his and take on anyone crazy enough to try and stop him.
Angel Devereaux is smart, sexy and definitely on Sam’s blacklist. After siding with Sam’s enemy fifteen years ago, Angel can’t help but wonder what if….what if Sam had never left? What if he could forgive her now? She had her reasons, but he won’t listen. So enough with words, sometimes action is exactly what’s called for.
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“Well, if it isn’t the Angel of Mercy. Have you come to administer to the weak and injured? I’m afraid you’re a little too late. Everyone’s been patched up. Of course you can always kiss the boo-boos, can’t you?” Sam drawled as he shifted position on the railing.
Angel felt a blush heat her cheeks at his words and started to turn away. This was obviously a mistake. She was getting nowhere with him. She saw him wince as he moved and she turned back. “Were you really hurt?”
“Yeah, I’m in a lot of pain. Do you think you can help me?” he drawled as he passed his hand across his brow.
Angel immediately became solicitous. “Where are you hurt?” She ran up the front porch steps. She looked him over, searching for injury.
“Here.” Sam smiled and pointed to his groin. She could see his erection tenting his jeans. “Still want to help?”
Angel stiffened in outrage. “You bast…”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Careful there, Angel baby, you wouldn’t want to tarnish that halo, would you?” He hefted himself off the railing and came to stand next to her.
Something's Gotta Give
Tempered Steel Book 3
Chance Coalson loves women. And they love him. Young or old, no woman is immune to his charm.
Except one.
Georgia Haines is the only female volunteer firefighter in Grafton. She’s had a crush on Chance Coalson since he offered her his handkerchief at her momma’s funeral. But she’s smart enough to know that it takes a special woman to tame a charmer like Chance, and there’s nothing particularly special about her.
When fire breaks out at the Coalson’s construction business and Chance is trapped inside, Georgia braves the flames to save him, only to discover her “crush” has morphed into love. And she’s helpless to hide her desire.
Chance awakens to find an angel breathing life into his lungs with a kiss. The woman he wanted more than any other was the one who paid the “Casanova of the County” no mind.
So how does a man with a bad reputation convince a shy firefighter that he’s worth taking a chance on love?
By fighting fire with fire…..
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His breath sent shivers of desire down Georgia’s spine as he traced a path of kisses along her collarbone. Surrendering for the moment, she wound her arms around his neck, ruffling his black hair. She pressed herself against him. He kissed her, his mouth slanting over hers, again and again. Part of her brain vaguely recalled that she had made the decision to stop doing this with Chance. But her body now controlled her mind, and she found herself rejoicing that she was once again in his arms. This time, there would be no reason to stop their love play.
Chance’s hands were lightly massaging her breasts through her faded cotton shirt, his very touch igniting a fire she didn’t try to extinguish, while his kisses branded her as his woman, if only for the night. His tongue invaded her mouth to mate with hers, reenacting the intimate act of love.
Chance was driving her to the brink of sexual insanity. Would it be so bad just to give in? Just for one night? If only she could have just one night of making love with Chance, just one fabulous night to always remember, to hold dear to her heart and keep close in her memories, forever. She knew she’d never find this kind of rapture with another man, so why not take advantage of the special time they had together? Her body caught fire, as her mind let go of her worries and inhibitions. There was only tonight and this wonderful man. The man she loved. She’d worry about the consequences tomorrow. With a sigh of surrender, she reached down to caress him through his shirt.
“Georgia?” Chance felt the change in her body. She was soft and willing. “I want you to want this freely and willingly. No regrets and no recriminations. Only then, can I show you how wonderful making love can be.”
Georgia looked up into his questioning eyes, and nodded quickly, afraid she would lose her nerve if she voiced her acceptance out loud. Instead, she scooted off his lap and took his hand.
She led him up the stairs to her bedroom. Once there, she wasn’t sure what to do, so she concentrated on turning on the bedside lamp. She felt totally awkward. She plumped the pillows and rearranged the covers. She could feel Chance staring at her, but he never said a word. What exactly is normal protocol inviting a man to bed? Georgia’s mouth felt dry, her palms sweaty. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea at all.
“Honey, look at me.” Chance put his hands on her shoulders and she stiffened, but he turned her around to face him. Tilting her chin up, he tenderly kissed her lips, then her cheeks, and finally, her forehead. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I want you, but I can and will control myself until you’re ready. We have all night, and more, together. Don’t be nervous. Just relax.”
He massaged her shoulders gently, but she was still stiff as a board. He needed to calm her down. “Hey,” he said softly, “I’m going to make love to you, eventually. We can just sit here all night long, and I’ll hold you,” he hugged her to him, “and kiss you,” he kissed her nose, “and touch you,” he ran his hands down her back, “until you’re ready to trust me for more. I’m in no hurry, Peaches.” He laughed ruefully. “Well, maybe a bit of a hurry. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want you. But I promise, I’ll be good.”
Getting Lucky
A Tempered Steel Novella
Lawrence “Lucky” Coalson is on the track of the arsonist that torched his older brother’s construction company. The clues have led him to the Mississippi Flame Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Taking a job as a bouncer there, he hopes to find a connection to the vandalism or even the arsonist. What he finds is a blonde bombshell in a bit of trouble, so like the alpha male he is, Lucky comes to the rescue. But like a magician’s trick, not everything is as it appears.
Can Lucky discern the difference between lust and love when what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas? And is the Coalson family prepared to face the consequences of his actions?
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Love, Marriage & Mayhem
Tempered Steel Book 4
His brothers tease that he's the "Sensitive" one... Brandon Coalson has a huge heart and a tender touch with those that need saving. He thought it a weakness. He will see it as a gift when he meets shy and frightened Anna Meeks.
Anna has a secret that keeps her from encouraging Brandon's thoughtful advances. He lifts her to heaven during the day, but she goes home to hell at night. Can she trust this gentle giant with her life and the lives of those she loves?
When tragedy strikes the Coalson family, can Brandon and his brothers save the company they’ve worked so hard to build? Or will he be forced to sacrifice Anna when she’s caught in the crosshairs of a psychopath’s revenge?
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Brandon saw this beautiful creature coming down the stairs toward him and his senses came alive. This was not his demure little Anna. The woman standing before him was confident in her sexuality, bold in attitude and clearly bent on seduction. As she descended the last few steps, his gaze travelled up from the sexy stilettos to the long legs encased in that barely there dress, and he blanched. “Where the hell is the top to that dress?” he roared.
There was no way he was letting her out in that dress looking like that. With her newfound confidence, she’d have every man panting after her. Pushing his way through his family to the bottom of the stairs, he grabbed Anna’s wrap from the banister and flung it across her breasts, tying it in a big knot in the front and effectively concealing what she sought to reveal.
Anna was in shock. This was not the way the evening was supposed to begin. He was supposed to admire her, tell her she was beautiful and sexy. Not wrap her up like a mummy on Halloween. She blinked back tears, then looked to Angel for help. Brandon intercepted the look and sent a warning frown to his sister in law.
“What are you doing to that beautiful dress?” Ginny demanded as she pushed his hands away and untied the knot, removing Anna’s shawl from around her shoulders.
“That dress is too damn low in front. She’s practically falling out of it. I think she’s got it on backwards,” Brandon told his mother. He looked at Anna. “Turn around.”
Anna’s eyes narrowed at his surly tone, but she did as he asked and then pointed to the zipper on the back. “I do not have it on backwards, and I’ll thank you not to embarrass me further,” she hissed.
Brandon’s eyes began to twitch as he registered the not-so-quiet rebuke from his wife. He knew she was right, but his lust was overriding his common sense. He was making a fool of himself, but dammit, he didn’t need every man in the place ogling her.
“This dress is perfectly acceptable. The lady at the boutique told me this was the newest trend.” Anna stated as she folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot impatiently.
Her slight action pushed her breasts up further and Brandon blanched. She was definitely about to fall out of that thing. He had to put his foot down or he’d be in misery all evening.
Anna frowned at him. He was ready to explode. Not with lust, but with temper. She could tell by the eye twitchy thing. She glanced at Angel who grimaced in sympathy but offered no help.
Sam settled the matter. “What the matter with you?” he asked Brandon. “She looks lovely. Now let’s go. It’s customary for the host and hostess to be there when their guests arrive.”
As the family filed out to the garage, Brandon took Anna’s arm and placed her shawl around her shoulders crisscrossing the ends in front. “You leave your wrap on and stick by me this evening. And from now on, I’m going to start inspecting what clothes you buy.”
Anna started to object then thought better of it when she looked into his eyes. His outburst of temper was caused by jealousy. She saw the banked desire in his eyes. Well, Anna smiled, this could be fun!
Forged in Fire
Tempered Steel Book 5
“Lady, if I were you, I’d get the hell away from here ‘cause when I make it up this hill, I’m gonna be looking for you.” Lucky Coalson’s luck has run out. His ex-wife turned out to be a con artist; his business is in a shambles, and he’s been tossed into a muddy river by a smart assed feminist with a chip on her shoulder. Things couldn’t get much worse…or so he thought.
When Lucky’s accused of murdering his ex-wife, the Coalson family enlists the help of a private investigator to gather the clues necessary to prove his innocence. Little did they know that Renee Morgan is the same woman that sent Lucky scrambling up a sodden river bank at the height of a storm.
The two square off immediately, but Renee’s admiration of the Coalson family, despite her dislike of Lucky, is the deciding factor in her acceptance of the job. And although Lucky bristles every time she speaks, he grudgingly respects her intelligence and savvy skills as a private investigator.
As the hunt for the killer escalates, the two find they are not the only ones looking for the mysterious assassin. And the other people are more than willing to take out anyone that gets in their way, including those that Lucky and Renee hold dear to their hearts.
In a moment of passion that rocks them to the core, they realize their love may be forged in fire, but both have been badly burned by past lovers, and too stubborn to admit the truth. Can they find a way around their fears, or will Lucky’s ex-wife continue to plague him from the grave?
Lucky was drowning in her blue eyes. She could have stolen his wallet, stripped him naked and left him for dead, and he would have thanked her for the experience just at that moment. Her tight ass was nestled against his shaft, while her lips beckoned him with every word she spoke.
“Lucky?” Renee whispered. “You still with me?”
With her? He wanted to be with her. Hell, at this moment, he wanted to be in her, loving her sweet body till she cried out in rapture. He shook his head and cleared his throat. “Yeah,” he croaked out.
“You sure you’re okay? You look a little feverish.” She wiggled around to put her hand on his head. “You’re not overdoing again, are you? You’re not fully recovered.”
Her raised arm pushed her breasts closer to his chest. He shuddered as he stared down at the creamy mounds revealed by the low-cut dress.
“Are you cold?” she inquired. “You just shivered.”
Lucky felt her breath so close to his ear. He had to move now or he’d take her right there. He jumped up, tossing her on the sofa and began some pacing of his own.
“I’m fine” he growled. “Just frustrated.” He raked his hand through his hair.
“Don’t worry.” She came off the sofa toward him. “We’ll catch Claudia’s killer. You’re not going to jail. We’ve just encountered a bit more than we bargained for here. We’re getting closer. I can feel it.”
She touched his arm. He clenched his teeth. “A year from now, you’ll be wondering why you ever doubted me.”
“I am not frustrated about the case!” he roared as he flung her hand away. “I want you, Renee, and I’m trying to be a gentleman here, but you’re making it damn difficult.”
He headed for the kitchen while Renee stared at him in shock. She heard him ranting as he walked down the hall. “God only knows why I’m attracted to you. You’re headstrong, opinionated, reckless…”
He came back into the living room with a glass of whiskey while she continued to gape at him. “And your investigative methods,” he laughed harshly, “and I use that term loosely, are absolutely ridiculous.” He took a deep swallow of the potent drink, welcoming the burning liquid down his throat.
He never noticed her eyes narrowing at the insults.
He continued pacing. “Tattooed, bald headed psychics, motorcycle gangs,” he rounded on her angrily, “half naked hookers…”
That one pissed her off. She couldn’t help the gasp from her lips. She would admit she was a bit stubborn and sometimes even aggressive, and perhaps she used unorthodox methods of obtaining information, but that was her business. And no one insulted her job or her skills!
“I may be all of those things, but at least I’m not so stupid as to still be in love with the damn ghost of a woman who tried to steal my family blind!”
“You think I’m still in love with Claudia?” he asked incredulously.
Renee turned away so he couldn’t see the hurt in her eyes. She shrugged.
Lucky shook his head. “How on earth did you come up with such a stupid idea?”
That did it! “Probably because every time you held me in your arms you mention her fuckin’ name!” she roared.
Cold as Ice
Tempered Steel Book 6
Nick Coalson is abrasive, arrogant, and an absolute dynamo in the bedroom. Problem is, he knows it…
Rebecca Morgan is sweet, shy, and immensely attracted to Nick, but he's trouble in tight jeans and she knows it.
After saving Rebecca and her feisty sister, Renee, from an assassin’s bullet, Nick sets his sites on the quiet private detective. But he mistakes her kindness for weakness, and learns the hard way that although she may seem submissive, she’s a voluptuous bundle of intelligence and determination.
Rebecca tries to hide her feelings for Nick because he’s the kind of man that makes a smart girl do stupid things. After a sensual encounter in a pressured situation, Rebecca knows she’s going to need to keep her wits about her or lose herself to Nick’s dominant personality.
When Rebecca is kidnapped and sold to a sex slave ring, Nick goes out of his mind trying to rescue her, but finds his lone wolf ways won't work. He must enlist the aid of the mysterious Jonas Blackshire, who seems to know way too much about the slave ring he rescues Rebecca from.
Is Jonas friend or foe, and what is his connection to the man sworn to destroy the Coalson family? Nick must find out before he loses Rebecca and his family to the killer's nefarious plans.
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“Hello, Jonas! How lovely to see you. I didn’t know you were back in town.” She offered her hand in greeting.
“Good afternoon, my lovely Rebecca.” He took her hand but lowered his head and kissed her cheek. “I couldn’t resist stopping by to see how you and your Nick are recovering from your adventure.”
Rebecca shot him a sly grin. “I’m flattered we entertained a thought from you, Jonas, but I have a feeling you know exactly what’s going on with everyone who crosses your path.”
He laughed. “Ah, there’s that sassy wit Noah has told me about. I’m glad you are back to your old self, not that you weren’t beauty and grace personified in my presence.” He winked.
Rebecca blushed at the reminder she had met him nearly naked. “Please have a seat, Jonas. Can I offer you something?”
When he simply stared at her, she felt the blush intensify. “That, my dear, is a loaded question, but I’ll leave it alone. You’re about to go up in flames as it is. I wonder why that might be?” He gifted her with a slow sexy grin, then chuckled as he placed a hand upon her back, leading her to the seated reception area.
He could probably feel her pulse race, Rebecca surmised. She was no match for his sexual play. “How can I help you, Jonas?”
“I believe I can help you, love. Noah says there’s a bit of tension between you and Nick. I’d like to be of assistance if I can.”
Rebecca eyed him with embarrassed curiosity. “I didn’t know you were into matchmaking.”
His eyes narrowed. “Curb the brat, love or I’ll give you the discipline you so obviously desire.”
She bristled at his tone, but he simply chuckled. “See? You’re practically begging me to spank you. It’s all over your body language. Nick needs to take a firmer hand with you.”
“I’m not sure what gave you the impression that I enjoy a good spanking or that my attitude is any of your business.” My God, what was wrong with her? She was acting like the brat he accused her of being.
“Knees, Rebecca. Now.”
Her independence warred with her submissive self. She was torn. This man’s tone brooked no interference.
“Now!”
She fell out of the chair and onto her knees, eyes lowered immediately. Dammit, how did he do that?
“Becca! Get the hell up!”
She heard the furious shout and hastily threw herself back into the chair. Nick’s order took precedence in her mind.
She glanced up in time to see Nick’s fist fly toward Jonas’ face. It was caught in the older man’s hand, so Nick threw the other fist. He was abruptly knocked to his butt when Jonas swept both legs out from under him with a precise kick. “Calm down. I was making a point.”
Both Nick and Rebecca looked at him in shock.
Jonas shook his head. “Both of you have to learn to trust; to communicate; to admit your mutual attraction and go from there. Or this D/s relationship is doomed to fail.”
“We don’t have a relationship.” Rebecca whispered. “I wasn’t what he needed.”
“That’s not true!” Nick stammered. “I wasn’t what you needed, Rebecca. I know that.”
Jonas looked at Nick. “Explain.”
Rebecca watched as Nick’s face closed down. “None of your damn business, Blackshire. I want to know what the hell you were doing forcing Rebecca to her knees?”
“I want her. She’s just stated that you don’t, so she’s open to play.”
“I am not!” Rebecca stammered. “I didn’t…I don’t know why I…” she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.
“So you do belong to Nick?”
She felt the tears fall. She lowered her eyes, unable to look at either man as she told the sad truth. “No.”
“Yes.” Nick hissed, coming to his feet, facing Jonas. “She is mine and I’ll fucking kill you if try this shit again, Jonas. I don’t give a damn if you saved my life or not.”
Maggie Adams is an Amazon Best Selling romance author. Her first book in the Tempered Steel Series, Whistlin’ Dixie, debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 for Women’s Fiction, humor, on November 2014. Since then, she has consistently made the Amazon best seller 5-star list with her Tempered Steel Series. Her series has launched the tiny town of Grafton, Illinois, into international recognition with sales in Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Australia and the UK. She is the recipient of various awards for excellence including Dayreader Reviews Best of 2015, the Readers Favorite Award 2016, the Indie Romance Convention Romantic Comedy Award 2017 and the 2017 New Apple Awards -Suspense
She also writes erotica, paranormal romance, young adult romance and women’s fiction. Maggie’s books can be found on eBook and paperback on her website and all book sites.
When she’s not writing, she can be found dancing, singing and cooking (usually all at the same time), and spending time with her family and friends.
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