Operation Soldier Next Door. Justine Davis

      

      The Cutter’s Code series continues with a hero who fights to remember...and love

      Instead of a peaceful homecoming, wounded warrior Tate McLaughlin faces an explosion, near-electrocution and Cutter, an incredibly smart dog. Worse, the sexy veteran needs Lacy—the pretty girl next door—to leave him alone! He’s been hurt too many times to risk his heart again.

      To Lacy Steele, it’s apparent that the attacks on her neighbor were no accident. Someone is after him, but his damaged memory offers no clue who! But as they investigate, Lacy finds an intimacy with Tate neither of them has ever known. And it’s that bond—and secrets from his deployment—that threatens his life and heart.

       You might be surprised at the desires I have.

      Tate quashed the traitorous thought. “Actually,” he said, “that’s always my first assumption.”

      Lacy blinked. Drew back. “What?”

      He shrugged.

      “You always assume a woman’s not interested? You’re smart, great-looking and sexy as hell. And you volunteered to serve, to protect. Any woman with a brain would be interested.”

      He actually felt his jaw drop. He wanted to look away but couldn’t, not when she was looking at him with such genuine puzzlement, after saying...that. And for a moment all he could think of was that she’d seen his scars and still said it.

      “You,” he said carefully, “have a brain.”

      “Enough of one to see that you’re not interested.”

      He sucked in a deep breath. “Then I’m a better liar than I thought.”

      Be sure to check out the rest of the books in this

      series—Cutter’s Code: A clever and mysterious canine helps a group of secret operatives crack the case

Dear Reader,

      I’ve always been a huge supporter of our military veterans. More so now than ever, since they are all volunteers. While I once wore a uniform, it was never the kind that would send me out of the relative safety of home, and I admired those who had such nerve. I still do.

      I have also always been fascinated with WWII history. I wonder what it was like on the home front both here and in theater, but mostly I wonder about the people who fought it—and the aftermath. How on earth did those people, that greatest generation, go through that and then come home to lead, for the most part, quiet, unassuming lives? How did you spend all that time in a state of such high tension and brotherhood, watching your comrades die, and then come home and adjust to everyday life? How did you feel knowing that most likely you would never experience anything like that again? Would that be a relief? A letdown? Might you miss it?

      So take all those rambling thoughts, throw in another cause dear to my heart—dogs who also serve—and you end up with a story that tugs my heart in about three different ways! I hope it reaches you, as well.

      Happy reading!

      Justine

      Operation Soldier Next Door

      Justine Davis

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      JUSTINE DAVIS lives on Puget Sound in Washington State, watching big ships and the occasional submarine go by and sharing the neighborhood with assorted wildlife, including a pair of bald eagles, deer, a bear or two and a tailless raccoon. In the few hours when she’s not planning, plotting or writing her next book, her favorite things are photography, knitting her way through a huge yarn stash and driving her restored 1967 Corvette roadster—top down, of course.

      Connect with Justine at her website, justinedavis.com, at Twitter.com/justine_d_davis, or on Facebook at Facebook.com/justinedaredavis.

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      Yugo (named after a tour of duty my husband did), nicknamed “Nugget,” was my best friend. A Lhasa-poodle cross, a chunky, curly furred bundle of warmth and love. Creamy beige with beautiful brown eyes, he had expressive feet and a pokey little nose. He wasn’t much for tricks but he loved cuddles and snuggles and was the perfect reading buddy. His front feet danced when he sat and waited for treats and food. When he was laying down he always stretched one leg out and if he could, up on something. I loved his expressive feet!

      Yugo, sadly, suffered with anxiety and panic disorders that left him terrified, crying. We taught him to run for a dark room so he had no triggers from sound and light and he could calm down. His illness limited our lives but he was worth it. Despite his necessary isolation, he was a well loved and happy dog. He had many human friends who cheered him on.

      Yugo was a part of our family from Dec 2010 until June 18th, 2015.

      We saved him from a puppy mill when he was four months old. We rescued him and in return he gave us a great gift.

      He loved us unconditionally. He put all his faith and trust in us.

      He made us laugh and filled our home with joy.

      He taught us patience, commitment, strength, to love unconditionally, and to never give up.

      He gave me, personally, a purpose unlike anything I’ve ever known. I was his safety, his calm, his person. All he asked was that we love him and keep him safe.

      And so, we did!

      ~Lisa Miller

       Contents

       Cover

       Back Cover Text

       Introduction

Dear Reader

       Title Page

       About the Author

       Dedication