The Sergeant's Temptation

The Sergeant's Temptation
Sophia Sasson

Is he protecting her from the enemy…or himself?Sergeant Alessa Parrino is one of the toughest soldiers in her unit. But does she have what it takes to fight her growing attraction to Lieutenant Luke Williams…her CO? If she falls for a superior officer, her career is over. And the Army is all she’s got. Working closely with Luke on a covert mission overseas isn’t helping. His caring, compassion and piercing blue eyes are weakening her resolve by the hour. But this is Alessa's last chance to prove herself and earn the promotion she desperately needs. She can’t let his charms distract her from her goals, no matter how much she longs to let down her guard…

Is he protecting her from the enemy...or himself?

Sergeant Alessa Parrino is one of the toughest soldiers in her unit. But does she have what it takes to fight her growing attraction to Lieutenant Luke Williams, her CO? If she falls for a superior officer, her career is over. And the army is all she’s got. Working closely with Luke on a covert mission overseas isn’t helping. His caring, compassion and piercing blue eyes are weakening her resolve by the hour. But this is Alessa’s last chance to prove herself and earn the promotion she desperately needs. She can’t let his charms distract her from her goals, no matter how much she longs to let down her guard...

A cold dread seeped into Alessa’s bones.

This was how it had started with Aidan. Personal favors that seemed innocuous, part of the job, even. But the mistake she’d made with Aidan was that she’d let him get too close. Forgotten the fact that she was an enlisted soldier and he was a commissioned officer, which meant they couldn’t even be friends. She wouldn’t do that with Luke.

Luke stood and she followed suit, getting ready to salute him the way she would any other superior officer. But he extended his hand and she automatically took it.

“We wear civilian clothes in this unit. No saluting. From now on, we’re colleagues, perhaps even friends.”

She looked into his ocean-blue eyes. I can’t be friends with you. That would be dangerous. Her career couldn’t withstand one more rumor of an improper relationship with a superior officer.

Dear Reader (#u3ef489b5-224b-5df6-b3c9-d6bb9008aabb),

There are no words to describe the extraordinary sacrifice given by those who serve in the armed forces. It’s not just the physical danger they face on our behalf, but the considerable sacrifice of their families and loved ones. This book is about the tough choices service members often face in their personal lives. While workplace romance is mainstream for most people, it is not for military personnel. For good reason, relationships during active duty are off-limits for soldiers, who can face serious consequences for falling in love with the wrong person.

This book is also about the heroines of the military. I know a lot of tough women. As a former paramedic, I appreciate how difficult it can be for a woman in a male-dominated field, and the crushing pressure to constantly prove that you can do the job well. Alessa Parrino is in the impossible situation of choosing between the one thing she’s needed all her life (love) and the only thing she’s ever had (the army).

I hope you enjoy Alessa’s journey; it’s one that many of us face when choosing between what our hearts desire and what our circumstances allow.

To get free book extras, visit my website, sophiasasson.com (http://www.sophiasasson.com). I love hearing from readers, so please find me on Twitter (@SophiaSasson (https://twitter.com/sophiasasson?lang=en)) or Facebook (SophiaSassonAuthor (https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSophiaSasson)) or email me at readers@sophiasasson.com.

Enjoy!

Sophia Sasson

The Sergeant’s Temptation

Sophia Sasson

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

SOPHIA SASSON puts her childhood habit of daydreaming to good use by writing stories she hopes will give you hope and make you laugh, cry and possibly snort tea from your nose. She was born in Bombay, India, and has lived in the Canary Islands, Spain and Toronto, Canada. Currently she calls the madness of Washington, DC, home. She’s the author of the Welcome to Bellhaven and the State of the Union series. She loves to read, travel to exotic locations in the name of research, bake, explore water sports and watch foreign movies. Hearing from readers makes her day. Contact her through sophiasasson.com (http://www.sophiasasson.com).

To those who serve our country in the military. Words cannot express the gratitude we owe you.

Acknowledgments (#u3ef489b5-224b-5df6-b3c9-d6bb9008aabb)

This book, and the entire State of the Union series, would not happen without my awesome editor Claire Caldwell. Thank you for our brainstorming sessions.

A huge thank-you to my husband, who puts up with me disappearing into the writing abyss. And my critique partner, Jayne Evans, who deals with my writing crises.

Most of all, thank you to my readers. Your reviews, emails and letters keep me writing.

Contents

Cover (#uca2f7bba-1a69-5a48-9964-4bec9a4c27c7)

Back Cover Text (#u2d33c424-91d8-571a-9496-860a16bc54f8)

Introduction (#u325c037a-6b2c-5121-8d53-b87ac5decc5f)

Dear Reader (#u5532cb89-ad1d-5666-b09e-5c1e2872822a)

Title Page (#u083725e4-4909-5883-a0f3-a7eec9467de6)

About the Author (#u4ea75212-41b0-5e66-856a-3362ca276b37)

Acknowledgments (#ud6e561c3-96bd-518c-ad9d-ae3ae493e03d)

CHAPTER ONE (#u8c5eff93-450e-5609-a0f1-e5f8c8feec5d)

CHAPTER TWO (#u5d7e9c72-98a2-560d-8674-d07eb7ab0d8d)

CHAPTER THREE (#u5867639e-3053-5616-9f34-3e3908875ed5)

CHAPTER FOUR (#u382b3e61-4c62-5151-860f-e88751f46e50)

CHAPTER FIVE (#uf00ff3c2-c1bb-538e-869e-2b707d1cc010)

CHAPTER SIX (#u10ebbf5c-a9dc-556b-82c2-39c0fd398970)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#uc7352e37-c90c-569e-addd-58571b315227)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TWELVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIFTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN (#litres_trial_promo)