Muscle

Hunter Rutledge is a former mercenary who was offered a place in Josh Salinger's altruistic den of thieves. Dylan Grace Li, a superb dancer and transcendent thief, turns to Josh for help when mobsters blackmail the people who gave him dance and the means to save his own soul. Hunter's solid and grounding presence makes him feel safer, but Grace must trust that letting down his guard to a former mercenary doesn't mean he'll get shot in the heart.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 27 July 2021
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

A true protector will always prioritize the safety and well-being of others, even before his own. Hunter Rutledge, a former mercenary who had witnessed too many lives lost, found himself at a crossroads when Josh Salinger, a charismatic leader of an altruistic den of thieves, offered him a place within their ranks. Hunter, seeking a sense of purpose and a home among a group of individuals driven by a desire for justice, gladly accepted the offer. He found contentment in his new found family, united by their shared goal of stealing what was rightfully theirs. However, amidst their thrilling escapades, Hunter's attention was frequently diverted by one particular member of the group, Dylan Grace Li.

Dylan Grace Li, a virtuoso dancer and accomplished thief, lived life on the edge, embracing the present moment with reckless abandon. However, when a group of ruthless mobsters threatened the very people who had given him the gift of dance—and the means to redeem his soul—Grace turned to Josh for assistance. Unbeknownst to him, working alongside Josh's crew would inevitably bring him into contact with Hunter Rutledge, a former mercenary with a reputation for being unpredictable and dangerous. For Grace, associating with Hunter was more perilous than any heist they could plan.

Grace's childhood had instilled in him a belief that he was too complex and difficult to love, leading him to adopt a self-protective strategy of avoiding commitment. He believed that by keeping his distance, he could safeguard himself from potential heartbreak and pain. Yet, there was something unique about Hunter's unwavering presence that made Grace feel safer than ever before. His solid and grounded nature provided a sense of stability and reassurance that he had never experienced before.

As Grace struggled with the paradoxical notion of trusting a former mercenary with his heart, he found himself drawn to Hunter in ways he couldn't explain. Hunter's unwavering loyalty and commitment to those he cared about were a stark contrast to his own guarded nature. Despite his fears, Grace began to open up to Hunter, sharing glimpses of his past and his deepest desires. He realized that by allowing himself to be vulnerable with Hunter, he could experience a level of intimacy and connection that he had previously thought was impossible.

As their relationship deepened, Hunter and Grace faced numerous challenges and obstacles. They had to navigate the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld, where trust was a rare commodity and betrayal was always a possibility. Hunter's past as a mercenary came back to haunt him, as he struggled to reconcile his violent past with his newfound love for Grace. However, Grace was unwavering in her support and understanding, seeing beyond Hunter's past and recognizing the genuine goodness that lay within him.

Through their journey together, Hunter and Grace learned the true meaning of sacrifice and selflessness. They discovered that true love transcends boundaries and that sometimes, the greatest risks can lead to the greatest rewards. They learned that by putting others before themselves, they could create a world that was more just and equitable for all.

In the end, Hunter and Grace emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. They had faced their fears, overcome their doubts, and found true happiness in each other's arms. Their love story was a testament to the power of second chances and the transformative power of love.

As they looked forward to a future filled with adventure and possibility, Hunter and Grace knew that they would always have each other to lean on. They were a team, a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and a shared commitment to making the world a better place. And they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, with hearts open and arms wide open.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644059227