Crippled Heroes and War Veterans

by Diane Alberts

When the idea came to me for BROKEN, I was literally blown away. It’s not often you see a modern day war hero in a wheelchair in a book, and Matt demanded that his story be told. Though he was injured in war, he felt he was misunderstood as a whole, and had it up to here—points to neck—with the sad looks cast his way. He didn’t want pity or sympathy from me or anyone—he wanted a scorching and fun story with a loveable heroine. Enter Tiffany.

She, being the type of woman that she is, doesn’t mind the fact that he more than likely will never walk again. She doesn’t care about his insecurities or his tormented past. All she sees is a hot guy who she wants to get to know better—and that’s exactly what he needs. A woman who looks beyond the man in the chair, and falls for him nonetheless. Perhaps even because of him being in a wheelchair, and because he is a hero fighting for our country.

Being married to an Ex-Marine—is there any such thing?!—I have a soft spot for soldiers of any type, and Matt is no different. I hope this story makes people remember the sacrifices our soldiers make for us on a daily basis, and how much we all love them—male or female. But even more so, I hope it makes you fall in love with Matt as much as I did—and Tiffany, of course. :D

Happy reading, and thank you for stopping by! Enjoy the excerpt and blurb below:

Blurb:

Staff Sergeant Matt Warwick returns from war with two broken legs—and a shattered future. Abandoned by his fiancée, he withdraws into a protective shell to hide from the pity filled glances thrown his way. His squad worries he’s fallen into depression, and arranges a 1NightStand through the renowned Madame Eve. Matt agrees, but fears he will not be able to satisfy his date, for who would want a crippled man in their bed?

Tiffany Forsen escaped a brutal relationship, and seeks to jump-start her life with a fling. Bars aren’t her scene, so when she hears of the fabulous 1NightStand service, she contacts Madame Eve immediately. All she wants is a night of fun with the hot guy in her picture—but winds up with much more. Can she convince him that when she sees him, she doesn’t see a crippled man…but a hero?

Or will his defenses keep her at arm’s length?

Excerpt:

He snorted at the same time as he took a sip of champagne. It spewed out, spraying all over her chest. His hand covered his mouth, but he ruined the effect by bursting into laughter.

“Well, I didn’t see that coming,” she murmured.

“I’m sorry. But if you could have seen the way you looked at me,” he managed through his laughter. He lost it again, doubling over in renewed merriment. Seeing him so happy, so carefree, made her lips twitch into a smile as well. “You’re so small, and dainty, but you looked ready to track her down and beat her to death. Maybe you should enlist in the Marines.”

“Hell no.Army brat all the way.”

“Blasphemy,” he said, wiping the tears from his cheeks. “God, Tiffany, I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Or at all.”

Their gazes collided and they both froze. An invisible pull, some indescribable magnet, pulled them closer, even as it built up tension. Her stomach clenched, and her body tingled from head to toe. The man’s ability to weaken her with desire was laughable. If he made her this hot before trying, imagine what he’d be like in the bed. Or on the floor.

“Then it’s been too long.” She rose to her feet, ready to get things moving. She had the perfect excuse. Knees wobbling, she turned her back to him, slanting a coy look over her shoulder. “Can you unbutton me? I want to get out of this wet dress.”

He swallowed hard, set his champagne down next to hers and wiped his palm on his jeans. Reaching out, he parted her dress one button at a time. His fingers brushed against her skin with each movement, making her bite back a moan. Her legs grew even weaker, her knees shaking. How much longer would she be able to remain standing?

When he reached the last button, right above her butt, she took a steadying breath, shrugged her shoulders free, and allowed the dress to float to her feet. He drew in a harsh breath behind her. She turned to him, her red lace panties and matching bra her only clothing. She kicked her sandals off, paused—dare she be so brave?—and slid onto his lap.

She didn’t tend to act so boldly, but damn, she needed him now. Not because it had been six months since she’d been laid. Not because she’d had a few glasses of champagne. No, she needed him now because of…well…him. From the moment she’d seen him, she’d craved him.

She met his eyes, running her fingers down the arms she’d been admiring from afar all night long. “Excuse my forwardness, but I can’t wait any longer to have you. I don’t think you disagree.”

“Hell, no,” he whispered. He buried his fingers in her hair, guiding her lips to his. When his mouth touched hers, all fire and hell broke loose. She moaned, her stomach lurching at the simple contact.

About the Author:

Best-selling author of all things romance. Diane believes strongly in a happily-ever-after for everyone. She especially loves tortured heroes and heroines, as can be seen in her stories. She is repped by the fabulous Lauren Hammond of ADA Management.

Diane Alberts lives in Northeast Pennsylvania with her husband, four kids, a bird named Nemo, and two clown fish named Blue and Jewel. She lives in the mountains-but wishes it were the beach. She has been writing since she was in elementary school, but only recently fulfilled her dreams of being published in 2011.