MFRW Archives - Page 2 of 14

He gave one long, slow lick… #Excerpt PG13 from Surrender Love #MMRomance

Kayelle Allen 07/12/2022 Fallen Empires 4 Comments

But this dinner might change his mind...

Excerpt: the dessert scene from Surrender Love

After dinner, they enjoyed a light wine while they each tore into massive slices of cheesecake topped with a thick sauce of fresh cherries in brandy.

"Oh, stars that was good." Izzorah put down his fork. "If my father hadn't raised me to be polite, I swear I'd lick my plate. That was the best dessert ever. McDoth is an amazing cook."

"That was straight from Batchelor's."

"They make cheesecake?"

"Yes. Yvan's famous for it. That one had all the creaminess I've learned to expect from their kitchen."

"I never thought they'd be famous for food. No wonder everyone wants to go there." Izzorah leaned back in his chair. "I probably ate way too much, but I was hungry."

"Same here. No worry. I'm sure we'll work it off." Luc's plate still held crumbles of crust from the cheesecake, along with a smear of cherries. "You know, since you and I are alone..." On impulse, he lifted the dessert plate and while holding Izzorah's gaze, gave it a long, slow lick.

Izzorah giggled, biting his lip. He picked up his plate as well and gave the plate a quick lick with the tip of his tongue.

Luc stroked his tongue across the plate, taking his time, letting his gaze tell Izzorah how delicious it tasted -- and felt.

Color rose in Izzorah's cheeks. His lashes lowered. He performed a far more thorough lick. He gave Luc a sultry smile and then stroked his tongue along the edge of the plate. The soft wet barbs on his tongue glistened in the light.

Stifling an oath, Luc struggled for composure. The tightness in his throat had nothing to do with the surfeit of sugar.

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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5 times the romance: the Antonello Brothers Complete Set #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 06/07/2022 Immortal Empires 8 Comments

Snuggle up with the Antonello Brothers. This boxed set contains one novella and four exciting books in the science fiction romance series, plus links to three bonus stories.

♥ A Stolen Heart - This child can steal anything. Including a warrior-pirate's heart...

♥ Bro - He can be invisible, but he can't hide from the truth...

♥ At the Mercy of Her Pleasure - She's addictive. He can't touch her. But what if he kissed her just once...

♥ For Women Only - His secret truth is her people's darkest lie...

♥ Crystal Clear Truth - How can you trust when your own truth is a lie...

Three brothers. One missing mother. Not raised together, none of the brothers know about the others. That is, until fate brings the youngest into the life of a former warrior-pirate. From the moment Luc decides to intervene and save a frightened child, nothing in Luc's life will ever be the same.

If you like science fiction romance on the sweeter side, have an ache for wounded heroes, and admire heroines who don't wait around to be rescued... The Antonello Brothers series is for you.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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The thought made her claws itch #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/20/2022 Science Fiction Romance 8 Comments

During the ride into Miraj City, Luc pulled out his mobile and scrolled through the list he'd uploaded from the paper in his pocket. He forwarded one item to his assistant, and added a few notes to his own to-do list. The mobile buzzed in his hand.

Shohn Lexius.

He answered, voice mode. "What's up?"

"A bit of intel. I know we're meeting later, but this will only take a minute. I think you'll want to hear it."

He put the device on holophone and his Kin liaison shimmered into view. Catlike ears were up and forward, a sign of curiosity and attention.

"Sir, I anticipated you'd want a background check on"-- She looked at something off-screen --"Senthys Antonello."

"What are you? A mind reader?"

"Oh, no, sir." Shohn picked up a note-reader. "I try to anticipate what'll be needed next. What's the next logical step. Prepare for it best I can."

"Do you have relatives needing work? I could use a dozen more like you."

Inclining her head, she lowered her ears in a Kin thank you. "I'm one of a kind."

"You can say that again."

She gave him a curious look. "Idiom?"

"Means I agree." He gestured toward her. "So you know I took custody of the boy."

"Sir, I know your shoe size, what sort of pickles you like and the thread count on your sheets. You signed papers for him at the Guild. It wasn't hard."

In his other lives, no one had known squat about happenings within Guild walls. "You scare me a little, Ms. Lexius."

One ear flicked back. "Is that good?"

"I'll let you know." He set his mobile on handsfree and dropped it into a pocket. "What do you have?"

"I dug up the name of the place where the boy lived from birth until he was bought by the Guild. He--"

"Bought?"

"He was purchased in a group of thirty children. Twenty-seven humans plus him."

"That's twenty-eight."

"There were thirty total, but two are unaccounted for. Not sure who they were or whether they were human." She tapped a screen. "Looks like they were counted when they left the children's shelter where Senthys was reared, but I have no record of them reaching the Guild. No record of names, either. Just the count."

"Were they sold before the Guild got them?"

"No record."

The more he learned about the doings of his Guild, the less it felt like the one he knew. His Guild had been honorable. Like a family. This felt more and more like a faceless organization. Since when did family sell its most vulnerable members?

"But sir, I'm looking into it. That two children can disappear makes my claws itch. If they're safe, I want to know and if they're not-- Well, I'll let you know either way."

---
*Shohn Lexius is in all the Antonello Brothers books and is the heroine in book five, Crystal Clear Truth.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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“Now I know how the Empress feels.” #Excerpt Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 04/06/2022 New Book 6 Comments

In this scene, Shohn, Joe's bodyguard, is escorting him out of a conference center where he'd just given a presentation.

When Joe suggested they were being followed, Shohn tapped a link on her bracelet. "Status?"

Multiple pings answered, all positive.

"They're all my people."

He released a sigh, glancing around and over his shoulder. "What a relief! I figured there were at least five. Was I close?"

"There are six in here, another eight outside." The ring of multiple boot heels hitting the ground ricocheted off the wide-spaced walls. Though the building's sound suppression system worked fine in most areas, big hallways like this one still echoed. "It's good you're aware of your surroundings. Some aren't."

"My dad drilled that into me as a kid. 'Situational awareness,' he used to say. 'Keep your head on a swivel.' Hmm..."

"What?"

"Maybe he was preparing me for whatever 'truth' it is I'm about to discover." He slowed his steps. "Wait. I thought you were sending a team of eight. How can there be six in here and eight out there?"

A good question that showed he paid attention. "My team leader assessed the situation and called in reinforcements. This place has good security inside, but far too little in passageways and exits. You're being protected by idBot. We don't hope for the best. We ensure it."

"Impressive. Thank you."

"The droids from the hotel submitted their scans, and there was nothing to indicate the invisible man you saw--or rather, didn't see--was still there when they arrived. But the door was left open, so it's possible he'd left that way. Oh, and by the way," she touched his arm, "you had locked the door to the balcony. The droids checked it."

"Thank you. Really bothered me not being able to remember one way or the other."

As they approached a bank of outer doors, two of her people opened them and Shohn led Joe through a cordon of black-and-green uniformed guards, into sunshine, then straight into a waiting transport. She climbed in beside him and the door shut.

The vehicle bumped into the air. It and the vehicles fore and aft moved forward as one unit.

"Wow." Joe leaned back and crossed his legs at the ankles. "Now I know how the Empress must feel when she's leaving someplace."

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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“Are you trying to make me feel like I’m in charge?” Excerpt Crystal Clear Truth #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 03/29/2022 Character Insights 11 Comments

They faced one another across a table at Jade House.

It might be unprofessional of her, but she enjoyed the view. Why did males always get such long lashes? Thick and dark, they framed those blue-blue eyes, giving him an innocence she doubted was true at all.

Joe sipped a plain black coffee. "You pick some nice places. But why does it say Jade House, when their sign has a jade horse?"

"That has been a mystery for ages." She stirred honey into her tea. "Rumor has it the place used to be called Jade Horse, but someone shot the middle out of the R and the letter turned upside down, which makes it a U. Of course, that wouldn't work. It wouldn't hang that way." When Joe stared at her, she checked behind herself. "What?"

"I was expecting that to be another joke."

"No, I'm serious. It's a local rumor. Probably not true, but it's more colorful than anything else I've heard." She opened the holographic menu. "Now that we have our drinks, what do you want to eat?"

"I'll have what you have."

"Is that you trying to make a Kin female feel like she's in charge, or are you really unsure what to eat?"

"Why?" He opened his napkin. "Can't a guy do both?"

"There's a fallacy in that reasoning, Mr. Scientist."

He lifted one eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

"A Kin female doesn't need to feel she's in charge. She just is."

"Logic corrected. I have no problem whatsoever with a female in charge." His sly smile relayed volumes. "I don't have a clue what to order. I only dine out during trips like this one. Two or three times a Tradestandard year."

"Got it." He had no problem not being in charge. This self-assigned mission kept getting better.

"Shohn, do they serve Tyran food? I like hofa shrimp."

"Yes, and I love that too." She entered a double order of the shrimp and marinated vegetables, and then minimized the menu. "Most nights, I program my synther and eat on the couch, going over notes."

"Your social life sounds like mine but with much better food."

"The closest I come to being in the presence of others when not working is during a Tyran Ustijuj workout or on the firing range. In the first, no one has any breath left to talk, and in the second, no one can hear a thing." She cupped both hands over her ears. "Protection."

"How does a Kin keep ear coverings on?"

"There are Kin-designed covers. I threaten to shoot mine if it falls off."

He squinted at her. "You what?"

"That was a joke."

"I might have known." He sat back, shaking his head with a smile. "How do you say this stuff with such a straight face?"

She shrugged. "It's a Kin thing." And she was good at it because she lived every day of her life as a lie.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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#Excerpt from Bro: a sweet yet awkward father and son moment #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor #SciFi

Kayelle Allen 03/08/2022 Character Insights

"Is that the info?" Senthys nudged his chin toward the reader. "What else does it say?"

"In good time," Luc responded. "I adopted you but didn't change your last name to Saint-Cyr so if your family looked for you, they'd find you, and that's how it happened. A worker at the Guild mentioned to this person that he knew another Antonello. One thing led to another."

"That's why you kept my name?"

"Of course." Luc frowned. "Why else?"

"I thought--" Senthys eased back into his chair. "Never mind."

"Say what you're thinking."

His son didn't react at first, but finally lifted his head. "I figured... you were--you know." He gave a small shrug. "Ashamed of me."

"What? No! I am inordinately proud of you." Why did his son not see that? "Why would you think I wasn't?"

The youth traced a pattern in the wood. "I figured if you were proud, you'd have wanted to tell people about me." He peeked up under his lashes. "Instead of making me hide."

His son could not have cut out Luc's heart any better with a knife.

"No! That was never why. Son." He reached for Senthys but placed his hand flat on the table. "I promise you." He held his son's gaze, willing him to understand. "I am indeed proud of you. I hide you to protect you."

"You're my father. It's public record. You own the house where I live. You sponsored me into the Guild. I don't see how that's hiding."

Luc sagged in his chair. "Do you have any idea how much it costs to buy off the media? There are almost two dozen planets in this empire. The media exacts a heavy toll on silence when--" He stopped himself. Lowered his voice. "You don't need to know the deals I make and you don't need to make it more difficult--or expensive--for me to protect you from the fame that dogs my every step. A thief can't work in a spotlight." He drew back. "Most of the time, neither can I."

"What you're saying is--you've been protecting me?"

How many times had he said that exact thing? Did this child never listen? With yet another reminder to pick his battles, Luc tamped down his frustration. "Yes."

The adorable blue eyes and shy smile that had charmed Luc when Senthys was a toddler flashed across his son's face and then was gone.

No sweet little kitten remained a kitten forever. No matter how much you wished they could.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team

~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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When the bouncer asked for ID, he flashed the Harbinger’s hand sign #Excerpt #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 03/01/2022 Character Insights 6 Comments

In this scene, Senth and his brother Khyff are heading to a nightclub where they'll meet Senth's adoptive father. But at the door, Senth has a little trouble...

Excerpt

As Senth approached The Ghost, the club's beefy Kin bouncer put out a hand. "Hold up, kid. You--" She motioned toward Khyff -- "Wait over there. Now..." She motioned Senth aside. "You got ID?"
Senth opened his cloak, revealing the lining with its unmistakable Thieves' Guild insignia, a skeleton key inside a slashed circle. He gave his Sen'dai's hand sign, showing the back of two fingers placed together straight across his waist.
"Ffffftt!" The bouncer made an apologetic shrug. "Sorry. Why didn't you say you were the Man's right up front?"
"His shouldn't have to." Senth brushed a hand down the front of the cloak. "And I'm no kid."
"Sorry, sir." She opened the door for both of them and bowed.
Once inside, Khyff held out one palm, and Senth slid his down it, hooked his fingers as Khyff did, and with hands clasped, gave one downward shake.
"C'mon, Bro." Khyff led the way past the darkened foyer.
Inside, music pulsed like a living entity. Throbbing bass tickled Senth's chest, and he coughed. Drums pounded. Colored lights swept the cavernous room. Strobes flashed across the congested dance floor, highlighting bobbing heads and upflung arms. Light glinted off human bodies slick with sweat, while bared and damp Kin furskin stuck out in points, laden with glitter.
"Stay close," Khyff shouted over the pounding music, standing next to Senth. He headed for the rear and left no chance to argue. They skirted around the crammed dance area. Senth liberated a few loose credit stubs clipped to belts and stuffed them into the pockets of his cloak.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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“Does that mean you want me?” #Excerpt At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #MFRWhooks #Romance

Kayelle Allen 02/22/2022 Character Insights 3 Comments

Excerpt At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

NarrAy offered her hand. She'd practiced this with her father as a girl. "A gentleman doesn't try to overpower a lady's hand, NarrAy. But he isn't afraid to be firm either."

She held his gloved hand between both of hers. "I can see you're a gentleman, Mr. Antonello."

His cheeks reddened. "Just Senth, ma'am."

She squeezed Senth's hand. "And I'm NarrAy. Never Ms. Jorlan, nor ma'am. Not on this job. Understood?"

He met her gaze. "Does that mean you want me?" He blushed again and glanced down at their still-joined hands. "For the job, I mean."

She bit back a laugh. What an innocent. "So long as we're clear on who's in charge."

"When it comes to theft, I am. For everything else, you are, in every way."

He had no idea. But, he had never once looked at her body. Maybe this red dress would be okay after all.

"Come sit." She gestured toward an adjacent room. "Let's talk business."

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

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~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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Who is she – and is she single? Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 01/18/2022 New Book 6 Comments

Hands behind his head, Joe lay on the bed. He couldn't sleep if he tried, so he hadn't bothered pulling down the sheets. Faint light from around the door cast a bit of light on the ceiling. Before long, that went out, and he found himself in darkness.

He pulled out his mobile and brought up Imperinet. "Search people," he told the device. "Basic background on Kin Shohn Lexius."

The unit made an answering ping. "Full name Lexius, Shohnahki, born 4624 on Felidae, Lexius Township, age forty-four years. Employed by idBot 4645. Volunteer at Kin Kids Healthcare. Do you require current address?"

"Think I've got that pretty well covered. What's her position at idBot?"

"Ms. Lexius is the Senior Liaison on the Lucsondis security team."

"What is Lucsondis?"

"Lucsondis is an umbrella company owned by Luc Saint-Cyr."

"Saint-Cyr?" Joe rubbed the tight spot between his eyes. Wasn't that just great? "Is there a civilian world equivalent of her position?"

"Comparative titles include Senior Vice President of Security, Senior Vice President of Security and Transport Division, Executive Director of--"

"Okay. I get it. She's powerful and she works for Saint-Cyr." Hadn't his father often lamented not being able to seek research grants outside the TCF? Saint-Cyr's interests in firestorms was a matter of public record. More specifically, in the crystals created during firestorms. "Okay, idBot. Is Ms. Lexius married or dating anyone?" He gritted his teeth, waiting for the answer.

"According to Idle Time Ezine, Ms. Lexius is not and has never been married. She is listed as number seven on a list of the ten 'Most Sought After Businesswomen of Tarth City.'"

And why did that give him such a feeling of satisfaction? Joe set aside his mobile.

So she worked for Saint-Cyr. What would it take to get Shohn to set up a meeting with the man? And if she did, what would it take to keep the TCF from firing him on the spot?

She might be helping him at Saint-Cyr's behest, or because of the research of Joe's father. Maybe even his own. After all, why would an executive that high up in the company take on a missing person case like his? And then bring him right into her own home?

What were her ulterior motives? Was she planning corporate espionage on Saint-Cyr's behalf? But how would she have known Joe would end up in a vulnerable position, the victim of a break-in?

Unless she set it up in order to gain access to him. Or had herself been the one in that room.

No. He'd felt the vibes. Definitely male.

If she was spying on him, why did she have to be so damned attractive?

Joe swallowed. He'd been right. He wouldn't sleep for a week.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team

~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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Meet the Hero of Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Kayelle Allen 01/12/2022 New Book 2 Comments

Meet Joe - Crystal Clear Truth

Tarthian Empire, Kyrenie
Fenris City, Taskya District
Birit 53

The barren house echoed the void inside. Empty places looked back, demanding a reaction. But Joe Townsend the third had nothing left to give.

From the moment he'd learned of his folks' accidental death, life had screamed past him like a banshee. The never-ending whirlwind of people needing around-the-clock decisions sucked his energy dry. He leaned against the inside of his parents' front door and slid down.

Today, he'd said his formal goodbyes at their memorial. He'd smiled like a wooden soldier at the unending I'm-so-sorrys and the non-stop oh-poor-Joe-how-are-you-doings.

How did they think he was doing?

Life had plunged him into a lightless, inescapable world of sympathetic platitudes.

How could he move forward when everywhere he looked, the past held him fast?

How could he move forward when every step led him further away from the people he'd loved most?

How could he move forward and lever past this pain?

There had to be a better way to handle heartbreak. A saner way.

Joe stood and dusted himself off. He would throw himself into his work. That's what his dad always--

A fresh ache swept over him.

"Whatever you can't change, accept and work through, Son. Focus on what you can do, what you have to do, and don't waste time looking back."

Joe braced an arm across his stomach. Would he ever think of his father's words of wisdom again without this foreboding sensation of loss? This sense that part of himself was missing? Or of his mother and her strength? Her abiding belief in him, encouraging him, guiding the way?

Dragging his feet, Joe staggered through the house, back to the room that had been his when he lived here as a boy, now stripped bare. His parents had put the house on the market and accepted an offer weeks prior to their deaths. They'd put everything in storage, preparing to move. The new owners would arrive tomorrow.

Nothing remained of the place Joe had once called his haven.

There was no home to go to. Starting tomorrow, this place would be someone else's. Not his parents'. Not his. Not anymore.

This sterile room symbolized everything he'd lost.

He couldn't think about this tonight. Couldn't think about work, even work he'd been preparing for his whole life.

Joe had longed for the opportunity to work at his father's side. The pride he'd felt when appointed had rivaled the thrill of collaborating with him. The joy of raw discovery, uncovering new truths while pushing the frontiers of knowledge to the nth degree.

Now, he was taking his father's place instead. Trying to fill shoes he would never be worthy to wear.

Right this moment, success was a meaningless distraction.

Exhausted, he curled up in the middle of the floor, surrounded by nothing but loss. He'd spend one last night in this empty shell of a place he'd once considered home.

Come morning, he'd walk away forever.

You'll find these characters mentioned in multiple books in my story universe. Download a printable book list and check them off as you read.

Download a printable book list or a list of trigger warnings for all books. Claim your immortality by signing up for my newsletter

Immortal Reviews Rock & Rule - Join the Review Team

~ Copyright ©2025 Kayelle Allen. All rights reserved ~ Kayelle Allen participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates program, an affiliate advertising program which provides the means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com. If you purchase an item listed on the site from Amazon.com, Kayelle will earn a small commission. Other sites might be affiliate links as well. These will not result in higher prices for you. Thank you for your support!

My characters may be found in multiple books in my story universe. Pietas images Nik Nitsvetov as Pietas cosplay.

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Tag: MFRW

He gave one long, slow lick… #Excerpt PG13 from Surrender Love #MMRomance

Surrender Love

Excerpt: the dessert scene from Surrender Love

Antonello Brothers: Immortal

5 times the romance: the Antonello Brothers Complete Set #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Antonello Brothers

The thought made her claws itch #Excerpt A Stolen Heart #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Antonello Brothers

“Now I know how the Empress feels.” #Excerpt Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Antonello Brothers

“Are you trying to make me feel like I’m in charge?” Excerpt Crystal Clear Truth #Romance #SciFi #MFRWhooks

Crystal Clear Truth Releases April 25, 2022

Antonello Brothers

#Excerpt from Bro: a sweet yet awkward father and son moment #MFRWhooks #MFRWauthor #SciFi

Antonello Brothers

When the bouncer asked for ID, he flashed the Harbinger’s hand sign #Excerpt #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

Excerpt

Antonello Brothers

“Does that mean you want me?” #Excerpt At the Mercy of Her Pleasure #MFRWhooks #Romance

Excerpt At the Mercy of Her Pleasure

Antonello Brothers

Who is she – and is she single? Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Crystal Clear Truth

Excerpt from Crystal Clear Truth

Antonello Brothers

Meet the Hero of Crystal Clear Truth #SciFi #Romance #MFRWhooks

Meet Joe - Crystal Clear Truth

Antonello Brothers