Danger Deception Devotion The Firsts Read online

  DANGER DECEPTION DEVOTION

  The Firsts

  Lorhainne Eckhart

  The One

  The Wilde Brothers, Book 1

  --“Once again Lorhainne has captured me in her writings. A wonderful book, just like the books about the Friessen men. This series is going to be just as good.” Reviewer, Petra

  You never know when you'll suddenly meet The One!

  In THE ONE, Margaret Gordon was once a prominent Seattle surgeon, until a slip of the knife leaves a young boy without a future. Margaret is fired and returns to her hometown, the perfect

  Margaret never considered herself a horse person. In truth, she understands horses better than people. And when the now-widowed Joe Wilde drives in one morning with a teenage boy and a horse with a problem, Margaret turns into that klutzy teenage misfit that silently carried a torch for Joe all through school. But when smooth-talking Joe convinces Margaret into working with the temperamental horse, she grows closer to his son Ryan, and soon learns the horse’s issues have more to do with father and son, and Ryan’s anxiety over the fact his father is now dating a woman who is only interested in the sexy Joe Wilde, and not his misfit of a son.

  The only problem is that Ryan wants Margaret to be his mother, so he takes matters into his own hands putting Margaret in his father’s path, every chance he gets. Even though sparks fly and sizzle between them Joe believes Margaret has despised him all his life, and decides all his rebellious son needs is a mother. But when Joe proposes marriage to the wrong woman, his son takes off with a backpack and a feisty horse, into the Backcountry.

  Except to Joe’s surprise, it’s Margaret who saddles up her horse, and heads off alone with him in over a hundred of miles of wilderness in a race against time and the elements to find his son. And with his son's life in jeopardy will that be enough for Joe and Margaret to put aside their differences and realize that the other is, The One?

  The Forgotten Child

  The Outsider Series, Book 1

  How do you tell a man there is something wrong with his child?

  --“This is by far one of the best books I have read. Lorhainne Eckhart proved herself yet again by pulling you in with a heartfelt story and keeping your attention with the passion that fills the pages.” — ROMANCE JUNKIES

  --“A Real Tear Jerker: Omg, I loved this book. I stayed up all night trying to finish it. I cried, My heart broke, I have an 18 year old with autism. This would make a fabulous movie.” Reviewer – Tammy

  --“Brilliant, there is no other word for it, heart grabbing, heart warming, gut wrenching, well written well researched, wanted to read it over & over again.” – Maureen

  --BLACK RAVEN'S REVIEWS — “Ms. Eckhart has crafted a delightful story with engaging characters, enough drama for a Hallmark movie, and enough unconditional love to last a lifetime.”—Rated 5 Ravens and a Recommended Read by AJ!—

  --“I didn't expect I'd fall for the four main characters as hard as I did, but The Forgotten Child is an amazing book, not just for a romance fan like myself, but for single parents who may or may not have a child with autism.” — Reviewer — Adria

  In THE FORGOTTEN CHILD, Brad Friessen wasn't looking to love again. But what he got was a woman who shook his lonely bitter world upside down, and touched him in a way no other woman could.

  Emily Nelson, a courageous young mother, ends a loveless, bitter marriage and strikes out on her own. She answers an ad as a cook and live-in caregiver to a three-year-old boy on a local ranch. Ranch owner Brad Friessen hires and moves in Emily and her daughter. But Emily soon discovers something's seriously wrong with the boy, and the reclusive, difficult man who hired her can't see the behavior and how delayed his son is. So Emily researches until she stumbles across what she suspects are the soft signs of autism. Now she must tell him, give him hope, and help him come to terms with this neurological disorder—to take the necessary steps to get his child the help he needs.

  As their lives become intertwined, their attraction is unavoidable—a connection sparks between them. But just as they're getting close, Brad's estranged wife, Crystal, returns after abandoning the family two years earlier. Among the shock and confusion is one disturbing question Brad can’t shake: How does Crystal know so much of his personal business, the inner working of the ranch, and Emily's relationship with his son?

  Crystal must’ve had a plan, as she somehow gains the upper hand, driving a wedge in the emotional bond forged between Brad, Emily, and the children. The primary focus for care and therapy of three-year-old Trevor is diverted. The lengths to which Crystal will go, the lies, the greed, just to keep what's hers, are nothing short of cold and calculating. Emily's forced out of the house. Brad fights to save his boy, to protect what’s his, and struggles over his greatest sacrifice—Emily, and the haunting question: Has he lost her forever?

  The Deadline

  The Friessens: A New Begininng, Book 1

  “Author Lorhainne Eckhart is adept at showing deeply felt emotions through actions, instead of just telling us. The insecurity, fear and paranoia practically emanated from Laura at the beginning of the story and watching her find her strength was truly an honor.” ~ Reviewed by Natasha Jackson, Readers Favorite

  "This book will steal your heart & have you waiting for the next one. It will also teach you to speak your mind when necessary. I do hope this situation never happens in real life! Don't miss a very good emotional read." - Whodunnit, Reviewer

  "I love these Friessen men and their families. Was so excited the stories are going to keep on how going. Andy and Laura had a plate full with a sick child and moving to a new state along with twins. Andy has a strong personality and I appreciate him more after this book. What a man won't do for his family. Please read!" - Janet Murphy, Reviewer

  "I'm like your other fans, absolutely in love with this family. I so wanted Gabriel to get well and can't wait until Andy's mother finally gets what's coming to her. I've never read of such a vicious, manipulative, heartless character like her before. I love how this family comes together for each other, and the hubbies, momma mia, so masterful, hunks personified. I personally could see this as a series on TV." - Arkansan, Reviewer

  "I loved this book! Thank You Lorhainne Eckhart for bringing the Friessens back. You make the Friessen men so alive and the kind of men us women wish we could meet. The Deadline is a touching story of unconditional love and strength." - Amazon Customer, Reviewer

  In THE DEADLINE, Andy Friessen has packed up everything and moved his family two states away, to Montana, to protect his wife, Laura, his newborn babies, and his stepson, Gabriel, from the threats of his mother. What Andy doesn't know is that they'll soon face a new threat, one he never saw coming.

  Gabriel is sick, and a trip to the doctor confirms Laura and Andy's worst nightmare: Without a lifesaving transplant, their son won't survive.

  What Andy doesn't count on, as he tracks down the young man who fathered Gabriel, as well as Laura's estranged parents, is that a whole host of problems are about to be unleashed.

  Saved

  The Saved Series, Book 1

  “A Passionate Tale of Love during the Iraq War.”

  --“Eckhart knocks one out of the park with this great story.” RT Book Reviews

  --“Taken! Okay you had me at the first page”….Katy M.

  --God Bless our Military Men! It takes a horrible, but real tragedy and shows how love can be a true healer. We need more men like the Captain!! Reviewer, Spring Hale

  “Growing up I had dreams that one day I'd fall in love, get married and start a family. Then one night I was taken. But I survived, I escaped and I was saved. Eric didn't see me as damaged.
He didn't see my baby as a monster. He protected me, he kept me safe ... he saved me.”

  The Choice

  Walk the Right Road, Book 1

  What would you do for someone you loved?

  --“The Choice will leave you questioning your own morals and motivations and leave you asking others what they would do in that same situation. This is a genre-bending novel that will surprise you”— Amazon Reviewer, JRA

  --“From the Pacific Northwest to New Orleans, with its rich Cajun heritage, dialect, food...and voodoo, comes this spellbinder from Ms Eckhart.”—Reviewer, Elysabeth

  --“This book has everything I love. Romance, suspense, action and spiritual life struggles. Loved it! Kept me on my toes. The author creates characters that the readers either love or hate or a little, of both.” – Reviewer, Tina Marie

  One Woman...

  Marcie is crazy in love with Dan who has been using her and promising his love in return. And she'll do anything for him, which is fast becoming a one way ticket to trouble. But in a freak accident she loses her memory landing in the path of sexy DEA Agent Sam Carre.

  Two Men...

  For DEA Agent Sam Carre when this attractive stranger lands in his path he just can't resist helping her, even though he's haunted by a past that gives him no peace. But as the sparks fly so do questions of what she's really involved in.

  And a choice that could kill her...

  This complex case pushes them both to explain the unexplainable bringing them face to face with generations-old evil and a haunting question. Sam's forced to make a choice: walk away from the attraction connecting them or risk losing everything.

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Book 1: The One

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Epilogue

  Book 2: The Forgotten Child

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-One

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Chapter Forty-Four

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Book 3: The Deadline

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Book 4: Saved

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Chapter Twenty Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Epilogue

  Book 5: The Choice

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Chapter Thirty-four

  Chapter Thirty-five

  Chapter Thirty-six

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  Chapter Thirty-nine

  Chapter Forty

  Chapter Forty-one

  Chapter Forty-three

  Chapter Forty-four

  Chapter Forty-five

  Chapter Forty-six

  Chapter Forty-seven

  Chapter Forty-eight

  Chapter Forty-nine

  Chapter Fifty

  About the Author

  Links to Lorhainne Eckhart’s Booklist

  Copyright Information

  Book 1:
The One

  The Wilde Brothers, Book 1

  Chapter One

  Margaret Gordon leaned against the splintered front steps, watching the sun rise from the privacy of her front yard. There were only two things that could have irritated her as she stood outside the older two-bedroom farmhouse she’d inherited from her grandfather—which she still found odd, him leaving everything to her and not her mother, who felt slighted. The first thing was the possibility of having her morning coffee interrupted by anyone, and the second was the sight of an uninvited guest, driving a dark blue truck spewing dust and gravel down her very private driveway.

  The large four by four pulled in, stopping a few feet in front of her. Margaret froze. Instead of turning, running back into the house and slamming the door, she found herself rooted to the spot, suffering a sudden lapse of basic social skills. Her eyes widened, and she stared in horror as a tall, dark-haired man dressed in a tan barn coat and blue jeans stepped out of the truck. His wavy hair was a little shaggy, falling just past his ears and flickering almost black under the early morning sunlight. He was handsome, with a square jaw and the kind of body a woman would never tire of…and he was staring at her now with an unusual amount of interest.

  When the passenger door slammed, Margaret jumped, spilling what was left of her coffee on the wrinkled jeans she’d pulled on that morning. “Shit…” she muttered, biting her tongue before she could embarrass herself further. She wiped the wet spot on her pants before fisting her hand and giving up. A tall, gangly boy fell in behind the cowboy. Obviously, they were father and son, but what did the pair want with her? Margaret yanked down her wide-brimmed cowboy hat and yanked up the collar of her grandfather’s old wool coat. She’d just climbed out of bed and hadn’t taken the time to splash water on her face or run a brush through her long, dark hair. Her first priority had been coffee, outside, in this cool April morning on her very private twenty acres that no one ever visited. She was horrified. For a minute, she wondered if she smelled, and then she worried about how bad she looked.

  Margaret wished she was sitting down as she lowered her gaze, fighting the urge to press her hand over her pounding heart. She dumped out the rest of her coffee, creating a puddle at her feet, and then stared at the tall man, all muscles and arrogance, striding toward her.

  “I’m looking for a Miss Gordon,” he barked.