Surrendering Love: Sugar & Spice Mountain Series, #1

By Tara L Newby

It was only ever supposed to be one unforgettable night. Any more with Thunder Edwards would be dangerous.

 

But fate had other ideas.

I'm settled in Nant Falls. I have plenty of book boyfriends in my shop, Sugar & Spice Romance Books, and a great group of friends. Yet something is missing.

When Gwyllion Woods comes up for sale, there's a chance to fill a void in my life. But Thunder Edwards, mountain rescue volunteer, skilled carpenter, and talented stripper, wants the land, too. The seller's condition? We must share the woodland. Forced to work in Thunder's intoxicating presence, my peaceful life is thrown into a whirlwind.

Sparks fly. Temptation burns. Love looms.

But our wounds make love a dangerous game. Can we confront our fears and surrender to love before the past sets our lives ablaze?

Surrendering Love is a standalone, extra-spicy romance novel in the Sugar & Spice Mountain series. If you love angst-ridden love stories, complex characters, and spectacular mountain settings, then you'll love this second chance small-town contemporary romance novel by Tara L Newby. "Surrender" to Surrendering Love today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sugar & Spice Books
• Release date: Dec 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223057642

Book preview

Surrendering Love

Tara L Newby

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Sugar & Spice Books

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7395179-0-8

Copyright © 2023 by Tara L Newby.

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except as permitted by U.K. copyright law.

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Tom Stych.

Contents

Notes From The Author

Keep In Touch

Dedication

Part One

1.Ava

2.Thunder

3.Ava

4.Thunder

5.Ava

6.Thunder

7.Ava

8.Thunder

9.Ava

10.Thunder

Part Two

11.Ava

12.Thunder

13.Ava

14.Thunder

15.Ava

16.Thunder

17.Ava

18.Thunder

19.Ava

20.Thunder

21.Ava

22.Thunder

23.Ava

24.Thunder

25.Ava

26.Ava

27.Thunder

28.Ava

29.Thunder

30.Ava

31.Ava

32.Thunder

33.Ava

34.Thunder

35.Thunder

36.Ava

37.Ava

38.Ava

39.Thunder

40.Thunder

41.Ava

42.Thunder

43.Thunder

44.Ava

45.Ava

46.Ava

47.Ava

48.Thunder

Part Three

49.Ava

50.Thunder

51.Thunder

52.Ava

53.Ava

54.Ava

55.Thunder

56.Ava

57.Ava's Epilogue

Acknowledgements

Notes From The Author

On Content Warnings

This book is not a dark romance. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deal with life’s issues, some of which may trigger some readers. For a full list, visit www.taralnewby.com/books. Most are only mentioned as part of the characters’ pasts. However, the novel does deal with some mental health issues, including PTSD. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to contact the author via the website or on social media.

On British English

I am British, and this series is set in North Wales, a country within Great Britain. I therefore chose to write in British English. Some of our words differ from those used by Americans. However, I strived, with the help of American editors to use words which would be understood by both audiences. Note that I have used British spellings. These are not errors.

On Places in North Wales

The novel is set in a fictitious small town called Nant Falls. It is similar to other small towns around Eryri National Park (formerly known as Snowdonia) but is not based on any of them. Real lakes and mountains do feature but some features are fictionalised for story purposes. The mountain rescue team is also fictional.

Keep In Touch

Want to keep in touch? Here’s how:

Join the mailing list: www.taralnewby.com

Visit the website: www.taralnewby.com

Join the Sugar & Spice Romance Book Club (my Facebook Readers Group): www.facebook.com/groups/sugarandspiceromancebookclub/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/taralnewbyauthor

Instagram: www.instagram.com/taralnewby

TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@taralnewby

Threads: @taralnewby

Dedication

For all the women who’ve embraced their sexual desires, and those who have yet to do so. You’re such good girls.

Part One

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Chapter one

Ava

Jacob leaned forward, his lips brushing against my ear. This was it. He would claim me. My knees shuddered as he took a deep breath and held it, his tongue flicking once across my ear lobe.

Any moment now.

I pressed my knees together. Pointless. It neither stopped my legs shaking, nor dulled the ache building between them. My heart raced. Any moment, he would say the word.

The word that would change everything.

The word that would start the hunt.

It would end with him thrusting deep inside me as he pushed me onto the forest floor and claimed me as his captured prey.

Behind me, the whisper of the trees hushed, as if they too held their breath, waiting, watching. Closing my eyes, I tried to steady my breathing. And then it came. Jacob’s rolling, rumbling, growl in my ear, vibrating through my body, touching something ancient, primal. My eyes shot open, adjusting to the dark. I took a deep breath. And then came the word, "RUN!"

The bell above the door to my shop tinkled, interrupting my reading. A woman stood in the doorway her eyes hidden behind large sunglasses. She had bright red lips and smooth curls. She reminded me of one of those 1940s movie stars who sat in open-top sports cars, sprinkling their stardom along long, windy roads.

The woman’s dress hugged her curves, and a large belt cinched her in at the waist. Her rich, umber skin glowed. Joyce Bryant vibes, I thought, cursing myself for not taking better care of my pale skin. I patted down my own curls, which sprung in every direction, and pulled my cardigan around my waist.

Such glamour was not typical in Nant Falls. We attracted the adventurers and outdoor types who wanted to climb the mountains protecting our town or explore the old mines which lay below. This woman belonged to the polished chrome, yachts, and million-pound homes of Abersoch. She was high heels. We were hiking boots.

Oh god, I was gawping at the poor woman. I closed my mouth and tugged at the sleeve of my cardigan, willing myself to speak. Sorry, gosh. How rude of me. Welcome to Sugar & Spice Romance Books. Is there something in particular you’re looking for, or are you just browsing? I smiled, hoping she didn’t think I was a rambling idiot.

I think I might just have found my new favourite store. She sashayed into the store, flashing me a wide grin.

It was only then that I saw the man who had entered the store with her. All hair, beard, and muscles. When he crossed his arms in front of his chest, it drew attention to his bulging biceps. Thunder. I flashed him a glare and returned my attention to the woman.

Is that an American accent I detect?

It sure is, honey. Original southern Belle. Although, I’ve spent the last few years on the west coast. But I needed an escape… Her voice trailed off.

An escape. I knew all about those. Maybe she had a hidden past, too. And if she did, she probably didn’t want to talk about it, especially with some weirdo bookshop owner she’d only just met.

She pointed to the Sugar & Spice neon-glow sign on the back wall. I take it when you say spice, you mean the type of books which are a one-handed read?

I almost choked. While it was a term I used, it remained in my head. Erm…well…yes, they still have a plot, but… Sorry, I’m not used to people being so forward. I mean, yes, I sell books for all levels of spice, or you could say I cater for every reading kink. Oh god. How embarrassing. Reading kink? Where did I pluck that from? In front of Thunder, too. I took a deep breath. Sorry, I’m rambling. I’m Ava, owner of Sugar & Spice Romance Books. I raised my shoulders and offered the woman an awkward wave.

She removed her sunglasses, came over to the counter, and stuck her hand out. Hi, I’m Zelda. I’ve heard the British can be a little reserved, but it’s quite cute to see it in action. She grinned.

Ah, yes. We certainly can. I shook her hand and breathed a sigh of relief. I liked this woman already. Maybe it was her Chanel perfume. The scent was one of the few comforting memories from my childhood. So, you’re taking a holiday here, then? Or are you on a day trip?

Oh no, I’m staying right here in Nant Falls. I rented a place up the mountain. Who knows, I might even make it permanent.

I grinned. Zelda oozed fun and glamour. Having her around could be fun. I wasn’t sure why she’d come to Nant Falls, but I sensed she, too, had a story. Well, welcome to Nant Falls! I hope we don’t bore you too much.

Zelda laughed. With a bookshop selling spicy reads? I’ll do just fine! She rubbed her hands together. Okay, where do I start? I want some escapism. The more smut, the better. What do you recommend?

I smiled. You’ll find plenty of smut in the ever-popular Men of the Mountains Series on that table there. And there are a few more I would recommend depending on your particular…tastes.

Oh, I’m not fussy. Show me all the goodies. Hot as you like!

I walked round the counter. In that case, you’ll want the five-chilli pepper reads. Let me show you. I guided her to the hottest reads displayed towards the back of the store and walked back to the till.

Thunder was still standing near the door, staring out the window ignoring me. Up until three months ago, he had been one of my regular customers. But he’d not stepped foot in my bookshop since we’d slept together just before Christmas. We had both agreed on a one-night stand, and we were both grown ass adults. So why the hell did he feel the need to avoid me?

He probably thought I didn’t know what he’d been doing. But I’d seen him. One time, I was walking down the High Street, and he was heading in my direction, our paths destined to cross. But as soon as he spotted me, he dashed inside a women’s clothes shop. I might have thought it was coincidence, except I’d also seen him on multiple occasions, crossing the road to avoid walking directly in front of my shop. As soon as he got a little further up the street, he would cross back over. It was weird. And annoying.

Somewhere towards the back of the shop, Zelda hummed to herself while she perused the books.

Are you just going to stand there and not even say hello?

Nothing.

Thunder!

He turned his back on me, refusing to engage, and swearing under his breath.

Why the hell are avoiding me?

He swivelled round, fixing me with a glare that almost made me wither. "This is why. I knew you’d be like this, and I can do without the fucking grief. It was one night. Get over it."

Shocked, my mouth opened, but I was unable to form a coherent response before Zelda returned holding a teetering pile of books.

Thunder rushed to her aid, grabbing the books from her. Hey, let me take them.

Zelda giggled. Thank you. You’re such a gentleman. She brushed down the front of her dress, looking up at him through her long eyelashes.

Well, a man can’t stand by and watch a woman like you struggling. He smiled at her, but there was something ingenuine about it.

It didn’t stop a surge of jealousy taking me by surprise, though. I reminded myself that it didn’t matter how good the sex was, or how attentive he had been that night, he had literally just proven he was a total douche. So, how did you two meet? Damn my mouth, betraying me.

Zelda grinned. Oh, we’ve only just met, in the coffee shop to be precise. He offered to show me the town.

I bet he did. He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he? Especially when you first spend time with him. I grinned at Thunder, unsure if my sarcasm was obvious.

He grimaced.

But Zelda didn’t seem to notice. Did you know he rescues people from the mountains? And he finds missing people? A real-life, in-the-flesh, hero! She lay a hand on one of Thunder’s biceps.

Oh, that’s just one thing he does. I raised an eyebrow at Thunder. If he thought I was going to let his behaviour towards me slide, he was wrong. He deserved a little discomfort.

Ooh, what else do you do? she asked.

Thunder shrugged. I’m a carpenter and dancer. The mountain rescue stuff is voluntary.

Zelda placed a hand on her hip. What type of dancing? I mean, no offence, but you don’t look like a ballet dancer.

Thunder’s cheeks reddened, and I bit the inside of my lip, trying to stop myself from saying it. But the temptation was too much. He’s the type of dancer who takes his clothes off.

Oh, like the Chippendales or Magic Mike? That sounds fun.

Blood rushed to my head as I remembered that night before Christmas, watching him on stage. And in his bedroom. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about it since.

Now he stood in my shop, all rugged, rough around the edges, and raunchy as hell…and acting like a complete asshole. Let’s not forget that. I wanted to both hurt him and have him inside me.

Thunder and I remained silent, our eyes locked together, the air fizzling around us. Whether the tension was sexual or hatred, I wasn’t sure.

Right, I’ll leave you two to it while I find more goodies. Zelda slipped off amongst the shelves again.

Why did you do that? Thunder stormed over, half-throwing the pile of books on the counter.

Anticipation rolled in my belly. What? You’re an excellent dancer. You should be proud of your moves. Talking of which, are you planning on showing any of them to Zelda?

He clenched his jaw. And what if I am?

I shrugged, but didn’t miss the way my tummy squirmed. It makes no difference to me. Anyway, you’re clearly lovesick after our night together. That’s why you’ve been avoiding me.

He raked his hand through his hair. Fuck you, Ava. I knew you were more trouble than that night was worth. For the record, I wouldn’t touch you again if you were the last—

Zelda reappeared carrying another pile of books, which threatened to spill over.

Here, let me help you. I rushed over and grabbed half the books before Thunder had chance to rush in.

As I scanned them through the till, I paused when I reached Prey. No way! This is the book I was reading when you came in. I was choosing an excerpt for our Sugar & Spice Romance Book Club tomorrow night. It’s just a few women who meet at my home, and they’re a little shy, but you’d be welcome to join us.

Sounds perfect. Where do you want me and when?

You’ll come?

Of course. We can bring them out of their shells a little, show them it’s okay for women to talk about sexual needs, pleasure and everything that comes with that.

"Yes, exactly that. Shame-free talk about sex, relationships, healthy boundaries, and desire. And how to expect a real man to treat you."

I threw a look towards Thunder, who shifted from one foot to the other, his shoulders hunched up around his ears, staring out the window.

I turned back to Zelda. Well, we meet at 7:00pm. I’m the tiny house just behind this shop. It’s a bit of a squeeze but…

I can already tell I’m going to love it here.

Thunder stormed over to the counter, picking up Zelda’s books. I’ll see you back at my car.

He left without saying a word to me. I watched him join the drove of tourists, unsure whether I hated him or craved him.

Zelda drummed her immaculate nails on the counter. So, tell me, how long have you liked him?

Shocked, my mouth opened and closed, no sound coming out. As if I would be interested in a grumpy ass like Thunder.

If I’m going to be living here for the next few months, girl code says you need to give me the gossip. I saw that look. There’s something between you two.

My cheeks warmed, a mixture of heat from thinking about that night, and anger at the way he was behaving now. The last thing I wanted to talk about was Thunder. But that wasn’t Zelda’s fault. I liked her and wanted to make her feel welcome. I smiled. Okay, yes, we have history. One night of history, if you catch my drift.

And was it good?

I paused, lost in the memories of that night. The best in all my thirty-eight years. I cleared my throat and snapped myself out of the daydream. But he’s also rude, obstinate, and immature. Not the sort of person I want to spend any more of my time with. Besides, the only men I want in my life are my book boyfriends. Real-life relationships are over-rated.

She stared off into the distance. Yeah? The right relationship is what I truly crave. I’d give almost anything for it. But on the wrong side of forty, I worry my time has passed.

I’m sure you’ll find the right man for you one day. Everyone says romance novels have spoiled me. Maybe they’re right. I wouldn’t settle for anything less than a truly fiery, all-encompassing kind of love. Anything less is half measures. But that kind of love comes with other issues I never want. You ever notice those couples who fight as hard as they love?

The sort of couple who prove love and hate are much closer than we believe?

Exactly. Hate is never far behind love.

And you feel nothing for Thunder? I mean, you looked as though you wanted to devour each other…

Oh, he made me feel all kinds of things that night. I laughed a little too loud at my joke. But we only wanted one night together, and the way he’s behaved since, I wouldn’t even want to be friends with him.

Zelda put her handbag over her arm. Well, for the record, should the opportunity present itself again, I don’t think you should say no.

I didn’t say no to him once that night. I clamped my hand over my mouth. Why did I not have a filter?

Zelda laughed.

But in all seriousness, I want absolutely nothing to do with him anymore.

Zelda tilted her head to the side. You might say that now, but I have a sneaky suspicion you would struggle to refuse him. Anyway, I shall see you tomorrow at the book club.

See you then.

As Zelda left, her words stayed with me. Could I refuse Thunder if the opportunity arose? Of course I could. But as I imagined doing so, the only thing I pictured was our bodies tangled together.

No. I needed to avoid Thunder at all costs. Three months on, he was still haunting my mind. That could be dangerous.

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Chapter two

Thunder

Igrabbed the bottle of baby oil, holding it above my chest and squeezing. The oil dripped down across my pecs and pooled in my belly button. The young woman in the chair in front of me screamed and pumped her arms in the air. Her dark hair swung behind her, the lights shining off it. I could appreciate her beauty, even if she wasn’t my type.

The primary goal of dancing was to ensure the audience enjoyed themselves. After years of practice, I was good at it. The trick was to remain focused on their pleasure, something I found easier than the other dancers did. And her excitement told me I was doing a good job.

Grabbing her hands and placing them on my tattooed chest, I straddled her legs. Moving her hands in small circles through the oil, the pressure from her fingers increased. I thrust my hips back and forth, ramping up my performance, my dick only a few inches from her breasts.

She licked her lips and slipped her fingertips beneath the top of my black boxers. She wouldn’t be the first or last to try her luck. In all honesty, it annoyed the hell out of me. There would be hell to pay if I behaved that way towards a woman. Rightly so. But it came with the territory, and I could stop her while keeping her happy.

Placing both her wrists in one hand and holding them high above her head, I thrust harder and used my other hand to cup my balls. I held her gaze and licked my upper lip. Her chest heaved as her excitement grew. In one swift move, I stepped behind the chair, bringing her hands down and round behind her back. Holding them in place, I brushed my lips along her clavicle and neck.

The crowd roared their approval. Some women threw money on the stage. But my time was nearly up. Another dancer would bounce onto the stage shortly.

I dropped the woman’s hands and stepped back, grabbing the oil. Facing the crowd, I pulled my boxers out and tipped the bottle of oil upside down. It dripped down my dick as my hand slid inside my Calvin Klein’s. The crowd grew louder. I fondled myself enough to give the women a show.

Timing was everything for the last move. As my hands grasped my boxers, the lights flashed faster. The crowd whooped and hollered, hoping for a sneak peek. I ripped them away as the lights flashed off—when they came back on, I was walking off stage, buck naked, with my hands protecting my assets.

Back stage, Nick gave me a high-five before heading out onto the stage in his fireman’s costume to close the show. For me, the night was finally over. Seven long years of travelling to different cities with women screaming, caressing my body with oil, and trying to grope me took its toll. My forty-three-year-old, six-foot-three inches frame would not keep up the smooth moves much longer. I was living most men’s dream. Every night women threw themselves at me. I could take my pick. But it got boring. The harder they tried to please me, the more it turned me off.

And it had only gotten worse since that night with Ava. She had ruined other women for me. But I needed to forget about her. My usual rule of three nights didn’t apply to a woman like Ava. One night with her had already proved too much.

As I showered off the night’s baby oil, I focused on the fact the end was in sight. Between stripping and my day job as a carpenter, I’d almost saved enough to live my actual dream. All I needed now was a woodland to purchase.

I threw on my grey joggers, t-shirt, and checked shirt before pulling my hair back and tying it up in a man bun. I readied myself to run the women-strewn gauntlet beyond the back door. There were always women waiting there, hoping to take the stage performance one step further.

Some dancers took advantage of the harmless fun. After all, the women wouldn’t take a stripper home to their families. And no-strings sex can be hard to reject when you’re single. But as the years drifted by, I found less pleasure in hook ups. But I didn’t want a relationship, either. Besides, none of these women got me or my sexual needs. None except Ava. I was a different breed. Perhaps no one would satisfy me again the way she had.

Hey, Thunder. You coming for a drink tonight? We’re hitting the clubs. Nick had just finished his routine and stood in the middle of the dressing room, naked, except for the fireman’s helmet.

Are you planning on wearing that helmet all night?

Hell yeah. It’s a chick magnet.

I’m going to give it a miss tonight. I’ve got a long drive back, and I spent half of last night traipsing across fields looking for a missing person. Have fun, though.

Aww, the old man is getting too tired to party with us boys, teased Flick, the youngest dancer of the crew.

I shook my head and laughed. Right guys, I’m out of here. See you next week. As I pushed open the side door, the usual stench of urine and vomit greeted me. In a few hours, the nightclubs would kick out and the smell would worsen. I never understood the attraction of city life. I preferred the clean air of Welsh mountains and forests.

A few women hung around, clinging onto each other’s arms, giggling. One of them thrust a marker pen into my hand and pulled down her top, exposing a voluptuous breast. I smiled politely and scribbled my signature across it, doing my best to avoid my skin touching hers. Further up, another woman stepped out from a doorway.

Hey, thanks for the dance. It was the woman I had pulled onto the stage.

No problem. Glad you enjoyed it.

Enjoyed it? My god, I don’t think my panties have ever been so wet.

Right…well, I need to get going. I didn’t want to be rude; it was women like her who were making my dream a possibility. I walked past.

I thought I might return the favour. Here. The woman grabbed at my arm.

I didn’t appreciate being treated like a piece of meat, but I wanted a peaceful end to my night. You seem like a lovely woman but—

What? Come on!

Sorry, I’m just tired. It’s been a long day.

Oh my god, you don’t have a girlfriend, do you?

For a second, I considered letting her believe that one. Maybe that was the easy way out. But I couldn’t be dishonest. The last thing I needed was a rumour that I was unfaithful. When that stuff got on social media, there was no telling where it would end. I wanted to save a little more money before I called it quits, which meant protecting my reputation. No, it’s like I said. I’m just tired.

The woman placed her hands on her hips. That’s bullshit, and we both know it. At least be honest. You don’t find me attractive. Is that why you pulled me from the audience? You felt sorry for me?

No, no. Not at all. You are extremely attractive. It’s just been a long day and I need to get—

Oh, whatever. Fuck you. You’re just some playboy. No one wants anything more than a quick fuck with a stripper. She stuck her finger up at me over her shoulder and marched off down the alley.

I sighed. Those comments were nothing new, but it didn’t mean they hurt any less. Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I set off along the alley. I needed to get in my car, drive home, and crawl into bed. Since reaching the other side of forty, my muscles tired quicker. What they needed right now was rest.

Once home, I threw my bag on the kitchen counter and grabbed a glass of water. It took time to unwind from a performance. Throwing myself into my dad’s old armchair, I grabbed my phone, checking my emails for the first time that day. Most were junk, but one caught my eye.

Hi Thunder

Finally, something suitable has come up. It’s a ten-acre ancient woodland site, with a stream running through the middle. It also comes with the benefit of being in your local area. There is road access, but the location is remote, so there won’t be much traffic noise, as per your stipulations.

It is a little over your budget, but being offered at a great price, and the owner is insisting the buyer use it for social good – he’s having it written into the deeds. If he likes your plans, you might swing a deal? Details are attached.

Call me if you’re interested.

John Crawley – Nant Falls Estate Agents.

It sounded perfect. The price was high, but maybe I could apply for a loan or make a deal. It would be worth the financial stretch.