Caged Hearts Series by Heather West

The woman who won’t take no for an answer... Kaitlyn Stewart thought her last moments would be at the hands of the thugs prepared to take her life when they were through with her that night. But fate would have it otherwise… …Meets the man who can’t say yes. Jasper Duboix wasn’t the generous type. He learned that you look out for yourself, because nobody else was going to. That doesn’t stop him from saving the woman in the alleyway, though – but it does change his world forever... moreThe woman who won’t take no for an answer... Kaitlyn Stewart thought her last moments would be at the hands of the thugs prepared to take her life when they were through with her that night. But fate would have it otherwise… …Meets the man who can’t say yes. Jasper Duboix wasn’t the generous type. He learned that you look out for yourself, because nobody else was going to. That doesn’t stop him from saving the woman in the alleyway, though – but it does change his world forever. The unstoppable object meets the immovable force – and sparks will fly. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He had more important things to worry about, like his blossoming MMA fighting career. But something keeps bringing him back to her, and Kait’s wild heart might just be okay with that… EXCERPT Kait eyed the wound and wondered what sort of injuries Jasper had suffered before. This one looked pretty nasty, though thankfully, on further inspection didn’t appear too deep. Ripping open a sterile wipe packet, Kait tentatively came and sat beside Jasper. His chest was rising and falling with each breath he took. “This might sting a little,” she warned. “I’ll do my best not to scream,” Jasper smiled teasingly at her. Kait pressed the wipe against his strong chest and saw his jaw clench and his eyes glisten. But he didn’t cry out. Carefully, she wiped away the blood and cleaned the cut. Then she went back to the first aid box and sourced a sterile bandage large enough to adequately cover it. “Here,” she pressed the bandage across the wound. He was so irresistibly warm beneath her touch. “This should do you for a day or two, but then you’ll need to change the dressing.” Kait lingered beside him a moment too long. He smelt amazing like cinnamon and strawberries. She wanted to stay beside him, soaking in his scent. But she remembered herself and went to lean back, but Jasper’s hand was suddenly above hers, holding it in place. less

Jasper Duboix only knows how to talk with his hands The visceral heat, the pain and pleasure of fighting in the ring has all paled in comparison to the feisty Kait, and Jasper is in deep... moreJasper Duboix only knows how to talk with his hands The visceral heat, the pain and pleasure of fighting in the ring has all paled in comparison to the feisty Kait, and Jasper is in deep. He knows he’s no good for the likes of her, and with the biggest tournament of his career coming up, he might have to make a painful decision… Kaitlyn Stewart needs more than a searing touch The last thing Kait expected after getting mugged was to fall in love with her savior – a raw-knuckled, taut-muscled man with a penchant for blazing caresses at night. Problem is, she’s pretty sure she feels much more than he does for her, and she’s not sure if her heart can take it… But will she be able to take the heat? The heart wants what it wants, but sometimes the mind is good at getting in the way. Jasper’s career is on the line, and Kait’s heart is as well – will they be able to break past the barriers and find the common ground they so desperately need? If not, they might just be down and out… EXCERPT “Oh my God.” Kait cupped a hand over her mouth. A visit to hospital meant that things were serious. This was exactly what she’d feared for Jasper, that he’d eventually take his training too far. “Come in,” she stepped aside so that he could enter her apartment. He nodded in gratitude as he limped passed her, barely able to walk on one of his legs. “What happened to you?” She asked him as she watched him struggle over to the sofa and collapse upon it. “I’ve been wondering the same thing,” he said with a wry smile. “One minute I’m the baddest, meanest guy out there, the next I’m on my back at the gym staring up at a load of paramedics.” “Jasper-” “I needed to see you,” he interrupted, his eyes boring into hers. “My life is chaos and brutality, but with you I find some sort of calm.” Kait rubbed at her neck, not knowing how to take the compliment. “With you I can just be myself,” he continued, his voice hoarse. “You don’t expect me to be a fighter; you don’t push me to always win.” “No,” Kait agreed as her heart swelled in her chest. “I always just wanted you for you.” less

One lie. Just when things were looking up, Jasper hits a losing streak of the likes he’s never seen before. He’s not giving up yet, and if it means more blood and sweat, he’ll do it. But keeping this secret might just ruin everything once and for all… One risk. Kait’s certain she must be living in a dream, until it turns into a living nightmare. Jasper’s distance has left a bad feeling in the pit of her chest, and the more she tries to close the gap, the more mysteries she uncovers... moreOne lie. Just when things were looking up, Jasper hits a losing streak of the likes he’s never seen before. He’s not giving up yet, and if it means more blood and sweat, he’ll do it. But keeping this secret might just ruin everything once and for all… One risk. Kait’s certain she must be living in a dream, until it turns into a living nightmare. Jasper’s distance has left a bad feeling in the pit of her chest, and the more she tries to close the gap, the more mysteries she uncovers. And they might just tear them apart. One love. Kait and Jasper have one important trait in common, and that’s their ability to fight for what they want. As the lies and the stakes reach an all-time high, all bets are off and they’re going to push the limits to come out on top. …But will it be together? Or will the betrayal finally tear these fighters hearts apart? EXCERPT Kait held her breath as the lights went down in the arena, and the two fighters were introduced in to the ring. People were cheering louder for Jasper’s opponent, already discounting him as a has-been. It pained Kait to hear. She just had to keep telling herself that Jasper was about to turn it all around. She was once again on the front row on the opposite side of the ring to Jasper. She sat there tightly crossing her fingers. He looked powerful and determined as he stepped in to the ring wearing bright red shorts and a matching helmet. As he banged his gloved hands together, he revealed his impressive muscles. Jasper was ready. Kait could feel the energy radiating off from him over to her. He’d been training aggressively and it had all been for this moment – for this chance to reclaim his rightful glory. less