Brenda Jackson - Bachelor Untamed

Dear Reader,

I love starting a new series!

I can recall when I wrote the first books of my Madaris, Westmoreland and Steele series. It felt wonderful introducing my readers to a family I had created in my mind and held in my heart. I am proud to now introduce to you six men whose ties that bind them forever were created by their fathers, best friends in college.

I envisioned six men, close friends, deciding their lives would be connected forever through their offspring and making their firstborn sons godbrothers to each other. What also would be unique was that their first names would be taken from the last six letters of the alphabet.

I would like to introduce you to Uriel Lassiter, Virgil Harrison, Winston Coltrane, Xavier Kane, York Ellis and Zion Blackstone. Xavier was introduced in my Steele series book four, Risky Pleasures , and Uriel was introduced in Steele series book six, Intimate Seduction. These six guys, for various reasons, are members of the Bachelors in Demand Club, and are determined to stay single for as long as they can. It will be fun to see how many will retain their membership when the right woman comes along.

Book one, Bachelor Untamed , is Uriel Lassiters story and his leading lady is someone from his past, Ellie Weston. And although Uriel wishes otherwise, she is also someone for his future.

I hope you enjoy reading Uriel and Ellies story.

Happy reading!

Brenda Jackson

G o ahead and do it, El. Youve been dying to kiss him forever. Do it. I dare you.

Ellie Weston rolled her eyes at her best friend Darcelle Owenss statement. She was used to Darcy getting them in trouble with her dares. But, this was one dare that she was more than tempted to carry through.

The two of them stood hiding in the thicket of trees and bushes while spying on the guy Ellie had had a crush on forever. It didnt matter that Uriel Lassiter was twenty-one to her sixteen and a senior in college. All that mattered was how her heart started beating fast in her chest whenever she saw him.

Come on, El. Hes leaving tomorrow to go back home, and youre going to hate yourself for a missed opportunity. This will probably be the last time youll see him until who knows when. He graduates next spring and will probably never come back here for the summer.

Ellie felt a thump in the pit of her stomach and pondered Darcys words. With Uriel graduating from college next year, he probably wouldnt be coming back to the lake, at least not as often. Uriels parents owned a summerhouse right next door to her aunts home on Cavanaugh Lake, a few miles outside of Gatlinburg. For a entire month during the summer she would visit her aunt, and it was only then when she would see Uriel. The thought that she might not ever see him again was too painful to think about.

She could recall only one summer that he hadnt come, and that had been last year. Shed heard that he and his five godbrothers had taken a trip abroad that summer. It had been the most boring summer of her life.

Ellie glanced over at Darcy and whispered, If I take you up on your dare, what do I get?

Now it was Darcys turn to roll her eyes. I would think to lock lips with your dreamboat would be enough. But since you want to be greedy, if you take me up on my dare you can have my autographed picture of Maxwell.

Ellies eyes widened. She had been scheduled to go to that Maxwell concert with Darcy, but had come down with the mumps and missed it. Youll risk the chance of losing that? she asked, since she knew what a big Maxwell fan Darcy was. She probably sang Fortunate in her sleep.

Yes, but only if the kiss lasts for more than a minute. I dont want to see just a peck on the lips, El. Youre going to have to make him kiss you for a long time.

Ellie was aghast. How was she supposed to do something like that, when shed never kissed a boy before? Any bright ideas how to pull that off?

Of course Miss-Know-It-All Darcy would have all the answers. Youre going to have to use your tongue. I heard Jonas tell one of his friends that he liked kissing girls who used their tongue.

Ellie lifted a brow. Jonas was Darcys oldest brother, who was a senior in high school, so he would know. All the girls back home in Minneapolis just loved Jonas and he loved all the girls. And he said guys actually liked it? Ellie asked, to be sure.

Darcy nodded her head. Yes, I heard him say it. He and Leroy Green didnt know I was hiding under the bed.

Ellie knew better than to ask Darcy what she was doing hiding under her brothers bed. Well, okay. But if he doesnt want to keep his mouth on mine I cant make him. But Ill try.

Darcys eyes brightened. Youre going to do it?

Ellie released a deep breath. Yes, but you cant make a sound.

Okay, but remember the kiss has to last for at least a whole minute.

Ellie frowned. You dont have to remind me.