Dear readers,

I began writing movie and television scripts years ago. My Fan Fiction stories inspired by The Unit were my early attempts at writing fiction for readers. I've learned a lot about the craft of writing since these early stories and even won some major awards for my series about an Army Special Ops team—inspired by my love for The Unit and the idea of Mack getting a good woman.

I'm excited to announce that I'm publishing the Bad Karma Special Ops series with the prequel novella coming out February 4, 2020. I'm sharing this news with you because your early reviews and follows encouraged me when I was just a beginning writer and because you are my target audience. I'm posting the first chapters of Desperate Choices here in hopes you'll want to read the series. If you email me at tracybrodybooks and tell me you're a fan of my Unit Fan Fiction stories, I'll send you a copy of the prequel novella DESPERATE CHOICES for FREE. If you'd rather not share your email, you can purchase a copy at Desperate-Choices-Karma-Special-Book-ebook/.

Desperate Choices

At nineteen, Stephanie Anderson harbored a secret crush on high school senior Ray Lundgren—her brother's best friend. After Ray left to join the Army, she put her unrequited crush behind her. Over the next five years, she fell in love, married, and started a family. Only her happy life was shattered when her husband was killed eight months ago. Being a single mom was never her plan, but Stephanie's doing the best she can for her daughter. However, danger may be closing in after she witnesses activity that may tie her husband's unsolved murder to a drug smuggling operation.

Elite soldier Ray Lundgren has been following orders since high school—even when his best friend forbid him from dating his sister. On leave following a deployment, Ray is back in town when a desperate Stephanie turns to him for help. When he takes charge to help protect her and her daughter, the attraction both tried to deny years ago reignites.

Ray's time home is running short, so when the police ask for Stephanie's help to get evidence, they go along with the risky plan to crack the case. When danger emerges from an unexpected source, this time Ray disobeys orders from the authorities, but will he be able to get to Stephanie in time when not only their shot at love, but her life, is in jeopardy?

DEADLY AIM will be out in March and the lead is SFC Mack Hanlon, a sexy redheaded sniper.

Deadly Aim

Widowed Black Hawk pilot, Kristie Donovan is determined not to fall for Mack Hanlon, the Special Ops sniper she saved on a mission tied to a drug cartel. Army regulations about rank mean Mack is off limits. Besides, she is not risking losing her heart to another man in Special Ops. Only when Mack insists on protecting her from a fellow soldier with a grudge, he rekindles her desire and hopes for love and a family.

Mack's marriage failed because his ex-wife was done with all things Army. However, the brave Black Hawk pilot who pulled off the daring rescue could be the woman who understands his drive to serve and support his career. She's also attractive and her interactions with his daughters have him on a mission to break through her excuse about the danger to their careers from engaging in a romantic relationship. Just when potential victory is in sight, they learn the drug cartel is targeting her as she is the only link to finding the men behind the mission that led to his son's death—Mack's Bad Karma Special Ops team.

Though Mack and his team are determined to protect Kristie, she has her own plan. Deploying to Afghanistan will keep her out of reach and keep Mack, his daughters, and his team safe. But when the cartel uses a ruse to capture Kristie before she can deploy, Mack and the team will have to find and save her from the drug lord hell bent on getting vengeance against them.

BACK IN THE SADDLE

Chapter 1

"Come on, Carlito, not Jake's. You have to know a better place to meet women than a dive like that." Mack failed to mention that a few months ago he had gone there to blow off steam after their failed mission in Iran. How he wished he could take back that night. He suppressed the nauseous feeling that arose every time he thought of what had happened that night. Picking a fight over a pool table was stupid. Losing control with Crystal though was idiotic even if things had been strained with Tiffy.

There were still days when he missed Tiffy, despite his anger and resentment at how things had worked out. His lawyer was attempting to work out more time with the girls, but his job blew all chances of him getting custody and that's what hurt most. What tore at his gut and kept him up at night.

For weeks Charlie had been riding him, telling him it was time to get out and circulate. When it became apparent that words weren't enough to get Mack to do something, Charlie decided to put his own mission plan into action. When he'd arrived to pick Mack up tonight, Charlie couldn't keep his amusement to himself. "You think you're going to a frat party?" He probably expected Mack to be wearing boots, jeans and his favorite Triumph t-shirt instead of khakis and a royal blue polo shirt.

"Gimme a break, dude. It's been a while."

"Obviously," Charlie grinned. "I'm willing to suffer for the cause." He bypassed Jake's and headed further off post to Grady's – a step above Jake's.

Entering the club, Mack looked around self-consciously as if every woman inside knew he was here to practice his pick-up skills.

"First round's on you." Charlie nudged him and headed to the bar – right next to two young women both wearing tight shirts, short skirts, and three-inch heels. Charlie asked for two beers then looked to Mack who handed the bartender a bill in exchange for the beers. Discreet was not Charlie modus operandi as he checked out the two women, flashing them an approving smile.

"What do you think?" Charlie addressed Mack, nodding his head toward the women.

"I think the blonde rode Lissy's school bus." Mack shook his head and scanned the room. I should have worn my Triumph shirt. Feeling conspicuous, he took a long swig of his beer.

"Okay then," Charlie turned around and studied the prospects in the room. His fingers moved in a dismissive manner as if eliminating anyone under twenty-five—or likely another woman he didn't personally find attractive or bearing any resemblance to Tiffy.

Half and hour and two beers later, Charlie was deep in flirtatious conversation with an attractive brunette who was giggling and edging closer to him by the minute. Something told Mack he might be driving Charlie's car home tonight, or worse, walking. Damn, Charlie made it look easy. Something about his buddy's easy, self-confident way around women drew them like flies. And a few minutes of looking into his intense dark eyes and they seemed hypnotized.

Mack didn't feel a need to excuse himself; he doubted Charlie would note his absence. Mack headed to the bathroom giving himself an opportunity to once again survey the room. Don't sweat it, Gerhardt. Don't try some stupid pick up line. You're not here looking to find the love of your life. It's not as hard as hitting a terrorist from a quarter mile away. Just pick someone and strike up a conversation. He looked at his reflection in the mirror as he washed his hands, taking stock of what he saw. Sure, his body was in incredible shape, he tightened his biceps for effect since no one was watching. His blue eyes were also one of his better features. How many times had he been called Opie growing up though due to his red hair and freckles? Not many dared imply that now but still…

That's when he realized what he needed to do. Mack took a breath and replaced the analytical warrior expression he'd worn all night. The difference was noticeable.

He kept the soft smile on his face as he exited the bathroom, ready to traverse the rest of the club. He nearly knocked over the woman emerging from the ladies' room. He reached out in time to grip her elbow and steady her.

"I'm sorry." He prepared to be berated for not paying attention. instead, a pair of sparkling blue eyes matched by a genuine smile looked directly at him.

"It's okay. I'm fine." She didn't shake off Mack's hand, nor did she break eye contact for several too short seconds.