Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
For centuries the Ito family has served their home planet—Reunion. Now they must be prepared to give up anything to defend it.
Although the war is over, there are still pockets of resistance in the Federation—those who would do anything to destroy the fragile peace they've fought for and won. The members of the Ito family have all fought in their individual ways, but will the battle demand further sacrifices and pain?
Renjiro Ito and Selina Codecko were forced apart during the war. When they meet five years later, the passion between them flares hot, but betrayal could exact a high price.
Kumi Ito and Carmichael Snow must find those who have conspired to damage Reunion financially while fighting to stay alive and ignoring the fire that burns between them.
Tomi Ito and Gillian Edgemont have held the political arm on track, but when she's accused of the ultimate betrayal only Tomi can save the woman he's loved for years.
Content Warning: this book contains hot, sexy scenes, butt-kicking heroines, and strong, hunky heroes
"Sit down." Renjiro's terse words filled Selina with pain and sadness.
She acceded to his request in silence, holding her throbbing hand against her breast. He squatted before her, his face close to hers, his dark eyes shadowed. His touch was gentle as his fingers traced the line of her jaw. They shook a little and she felt the glancing caress. It warmed her.
He touched a raw spot on her chin and she hissed involuntarily.
"Where else are you injured?"
Selina shook her head.
"Captain Codecko? Selina?"
His gentle words nearly undid her. Tears burned in her eyes and she blinked, hoping to banish them. It didn't work though. They dripped down her face, scalding her frozen cheeks.
Now his hands dropped to her shoulders. "Where else are you hurt, Selina?" His gaze was hypnotic. It drew her words without thought.
"My hand, ribs, and the top of my head."
He frowned and started tugging at her shirt, pulling it free of the loose-fitting pants.
"What… What are you doing?"
He glanced at her, his face taut and strained. "I'm checking your injuries."
The Assassin Excerpt:
The small craft Carmichael and Tomi traveled in approached an imposing tower, slowing and dropping to the plascrete surface with a slight bump before rolling to a stop in an empty bay. The doors opened and both men climbed out.
A man approached, and Carmichael guessed he was maybe fifty. He's carefully preserved, he thought, noting the impeccable gray suit and discreet adornments. He wasn't tall, but his black hair sprinkled with silver was as immaculate as his clothing. In his uniform, Carmichael felt crumpled before the picture of sartorial elegance. No doubt this was the kind of man Kumi appreciated. He pulled himself up short. He wasn't there to further his relationship prospects. He had a job to do.
"Madam Kumi is expecting you, Senator. Your friend, however…" The man frowned slightly as he indicated with his perfectly manicured hands toward the seating area.
"He is with me."
The man nodded, but his eyes narrowed. "She has requested privacy for your meeting."
Tomi moved through the doorway and Carmichael shadowed him. "Thank you, Dobry."
Carmichael filed the name away. Never know what will be the piece of information that will solve the puzzle.
Once inside, the door closed with an audible snick. Behind a large wooden desk overflowing with files was Kumi. As elegant as ever in a silver-gray suit. Kumi wasn't a tall or large woman, but with her golden toned skin and tip-tilted brown eyes she drew the eye. Her short, dark hair was worn in a bob that framed her pixie-shaped face.
She looked soft. Womanly. He also knew she had a spine of pure steel. He'd already seen it in action the night he'd
squired her at the commitment ceremony.
She smiled as she rose. "Well, Tomi. Whatever this is, it had better be good."
Carmichael noted her bare feet with a grin.
Kumi obviously noticed him and his quick glance. She came to a standstill, frowning before stepping in his direction, then stopped in front of him. Her gaze dipped to her feet and she blushed the most charming pink tinge along her high cheekbones. "Oh, dear. Do forgive me, Captain." She wiggled the toes which peeked out from under her long, flowing pants.
"There is nothing to forgive, Madam Kumi." He watched her fluid movements and admired her curves. She was sleek and lithe, and his body tightened at the thought of what lay under the light silk jacket.
Executing Justice Excerpt:
Tension rose in the cabin, thick and heady. The rescuer plunged into the cold waters. A harness was handed over and gripped while the officer dealt with the other. From the movements, Gillian could tell that the person was panicked. Slowly, the first harness rose and she could tell it wasn't Tomi, as the person had long hair and bare legs. She sucked in a breath as the second person in the water was assisted into another harness, then he or she rose with the rescuer. Even though she craned, the outline of the officer obscured her view. She sucked in an unsteady breath, clenched her hands together, and waited.
When Gillian was sure she could last no longer, the door opened with a bang. She quickly looked up, anticipation sizzling along every nerve ending.
There in the doorway was Tomi, wet and shivering, but very much alive. In his arms was a woman, bedraggled and dirty, but he held her so tenderly that any hopes or dreams Gillian harbored melted away. There was never any hope for her and the feelings that burned in her chest.
Without a word, Gillian turned away and fought the sting of tears in her eyes. She noted the sounds of joyous reunion between brother and sister, but she kept her gaze averted, to give them privacy, she piously told herself. When the pilot ordered them strapped in, she breathed a silent sigh of relief. She knew that this torture, him being so close but now forever so far away, would come to an end sooner rather than later.
Just as she was sure she'd be spared, Tomi spoke. "Gillian, thank you for coming to find me."
The clog of tears filled her throat, but she managed to croak, "It was nothing."
"It means a lot to me." He reached out and touched her hand, and she bit back the gasp that rose.
Nerves in her hand jumped and thrummed, but she ignored them. "Honestly, I'm just pleased I could help." She glanced in his direction, taken aback by the directness in his gaze before the woman beside him shuddered. He scooped her closer and Gillian turned away.
~About the Author~
Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of
Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.
