Series: The Paladin League #7
Publication date: July 21st, 2025
Synopsis:
Ayla Desmond never takes risks, but when she senses her twin is in trouble, she boards a plane to Puerto Jardin--a country teetering on the edge of chaos. As a Public Relations specialist at the Paladin League, she's used to spin, not bullets. But this mission plunges her into a deadly game where trust is scarce and danger is everywhere.
Special Forces Sgt. Oziah "Wizard" West is the king of one-night stands, but he hasn't been able to forget the last woman he hooked up with, a mysterious blonde who slipped away from his hotel room. When she spots her in Puerto Jardin, he knows there will be trouble. Oz rushes to her side, determined to keep her safe.
Ayla wants nothing to do with Oz. He's a mistake she'd rather forget, but circumstances force them together. Surrounded by mercenaries and stalked by mobsters who believe she holds the key to a hidden treasure, she has no choice but to rely on the enigmatic stranger who ignited her passion. As danger escalates, so do their feelings, and then a positive pregnancy test changes everything.
Now, Oz risks not only his heart but also his life to protect Ayla and their unborn child. Can they survive the treacherous game they're caught in, or will their love become the ultimate casualty?
Wicked Ambition is a stand-alone romance with a HEA. There are references to events that happened in earlier books, but it's not necessary to read them to enjoy this story.
Indulge in a protective Special Forces hero and a heroine who is a fish-out-of-water, but will do whatever it takes to save her sister. This romantic suspense story features a one-night stand, an unexpected pregnancy, and a second chance romance.
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Excerpt
Gripping her suitcase handle tighter, she did as her rescuer instructed.
She was the practical twin. Everyone told her that. The smartest thing to do was to follow orders. The relief she felt when she had him between her and the gang was intense, and she had to blink back tears again. They might not be out of trouble yet, but she couldn't dismiss the sense of safety that filled her, knowing she had his protection.
It wasn't his size, although he was big. A few inches over six feet with broad shoulders and lots of muscle. A lot of muscle. He seemed like a bulwark against danger. No, what had her feeling secure was she knew she could trust him.
She already had once before.
Ayla waited for him to tell her they were leaving, but it didn't come. She peeked around his big body. If they tried to walk away, those men would be on them before they made it to the other side of the street. Terror returned. What could one man do against a dozen?
Her protector spoke in a lazy, bored voice. "Do you really want to start a war? The city is filled with mercs with nothing to do. You attack me or my wife, and they suddenly have revenge to keep them occupied. Mercenaries don't allow anyone to take out one of their own."
It took a few seconds for her to translate his Spanish into English, but Ayla must have gotten something wrong. Mercenaries?
"Do you think we're afraid of a mercenary?" one of the gang sneered.
"One? No, but you won't be facing one. You'll be facing dozens."
"They care only for money, not for friendship."
Her protector shrugged. "You know better. Allowing an attack to go unchallenged puts more mercenaries at risk. The answer will be swift and brutal retaliation. You and the rest of your buddies won't live to see mass on Sunday."
Division brewed among the gang members.
The camouflage pants and shirt her rescuer was wearing finally registered. She'd been focused on the guns when she'd rushed toward him, but if she remembered correctly, he'd been wearing the shirt open over an olive green T-shirt. Military attire. Mercenary attire?
He couldn't be a mercenary. He must be claiming to be one to get them safely out of here. That had to be what was happening.
There was more muttering from the gang, and Ayla leaned to check out what was going on. One man was murmuring to the leader. She couldn't make out the words, but the scowl suggested the asshat in charge didn't like the message. More rumbling and then a sharp nod.
"Killing you isn't worth the effort, not for some scrawny woman."
Ayla stiffened. Scrawny? She went to the gym every day. She could do half an hour on the elliptical while scrolling on her phone. That leader wouldn't be able to do that.
The gang started breaking up, leaving in smaller groups of two or three. They remained standing in the street until the leader finally walked away. He was the last one.
"Let's go, chicken woman," her rescuer said.
Her brows went up. "Chicken woman?"
"That's what the dude called you." His lips quirked.
"I thought he said scrawny."
That got her a shrug. "Either way, we need to move in case he changes his mind and returns with reinforcements. Come on, Pollita." He holstered his guns.
"Little chicken?"
He moved her hand off the telescoping handle of her suitcase, lowered it, and then reached for the grip. Lifting her bag, he headed across the street toward a cafe. Ayla followed him, not willing to give up the safety his presence gave her. "Little chicken?"
"Relax, I know you're not a scrawny chicken woman. I remember everything that that night."
PATTI O'SHEA's passions are writing, airplanes and traveling. Fortunately, she's been able to enjoy all three. After receiving a degree in advertising copywriting, she took a job with a major U.S. airline and now works in 757 Engineering. Besides teaching her about the planes she loves, it's given her an opportunity to travel to places like Australia, Papua New Guinea and Canada's Yukon Territory.
Writing, though, remains her primary love. Patti created her first romance when she was in junior high school and has been hooked ever since. She should have figured out she was a writer years earlier, however, since her dolls had such involved lives, complete with goals, motivation and conflict.
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