Reluctant Hero

By Elizabeth Reed

This is a short fiction story – word count 6,597.

Jade’s world has come apart! Her fiancé, who she thought she knew so well, has been revealed as a fraudster and has run off after clearing out their joint bank account, leaving her stranded and facing eviction.

She is so distressed by her dire situation that she faints in her local park, but is helped by a handsome stranger called Michael. He makes sure she gets home safely, and gives Jade an alternative to being left homeless.

Will Michael and Jade give into their obvious attraction for each other? Does Jade have the strength to trust again, and can her rescuer give her a second chance at happiness and love!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Reed
• Release date: Jun 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310302824

Elizabeth Reed

As long as I can remember I have always loved everything and anything to do with the romance genre. Enjoying writing, reading and watching a wide range of love stories. I am a true romantic at heart! So after studying for a philosophy degree and then going on to work in a corporate job in advertising, I decided to reconnect with my passion again! I now write mainly romance short stories, with the aim to share all of my ideas with others who also have an interest in romantic fiction. I write in a range of romance subgenres including erotic romance, contemporary, sweet, paranormal/fantasy fiction and historical. I hope to continue writing as long as my ideas keep flowing out from my mind. In early 2014 I experienced my own personal love story, when I married my one true love. I now live together with my husband in London.

Book preview

Reluctant Hero

By Elizabeth Reed

Published by Elizabeth Reed at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Elizabeth Reed

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Reluctant Hero

Chapter 1

Jade opened her eyes, but she was still in a daze, unsure of what had just happened or where she was.

‘Are you ok?’

She turned over to see a man. He was crouching down to where she was lying on the bare ground. She couldn’t see his features clearly, and so she stared at him, not uttering a sound.

‘Are you alright?’ he repeated. ‘Do you want me to ring for an ambulance?’

‘No please, please don’t,’ she replied, finding her voice. ‘I’m fine.’

She made an attempt to stand up, but only stumbled into him, her legs refusing to support her.

‘I can see that,’ came the sarcastic reply. ‘Look, I can take you the nearest hospital if you prefer?’

‘No really, I am much better now,’ she said, in a determined tone, ‘you have been very kind; please don’t worry about me. It must be the hot weather making me dehydrated, I will feel much better once I’ve drunk a bottle of water.’

He gave her a look that showed her that he was not under any illusion and he doubted the truth of what she was saying – after all, it was a very mild summer day. He was just about to say something, but clearly thought better of it.

‘OK, glad you are feeling