Blaze Family Romance E-Book Bundle

Warning: Side effects may include spontaneous booking of ski vacations, checking out dating apps "just to see," and suddenly believing in second chances at any season. May cause unexpected warm feelings during cool autumn nights, dreamy sighs in frigid weather causing visible breath clouds, and the unshakeable conviction that you deserve your own love triangle. Readers report thinking twice before judging a jock by his letterman jacket, sudden urges to plan destination weddings (specifically to places where you might run into old flames), and desires to cuddle that last well beyond winter. Author not responsible for making heart-eyes at every seasonal holiday or the persistent belief that romance peaks differently in spring, summer, fall, AND winter. Proceed with caution year-round. ❤️☀️🍂❄️

Blazing Hot Irish
Chapter One

MADELINE

I am so done looking for the fairy tale. Been there, done that, got the white dress, veil, and all the rest—in fact, it’s still in a crumpled mess on the floor of my closet back home. I should burn it; maybe then I’ll stop feeling like such a fool. 


It’s bad enough Peter was only marrying me for my family’s money, but the fact that he was also engaged to someone else—and they planned to just carry on with their secret life while enjoying the lifestyle I provided, with me totally in the dark was too much—the humiliation was complete.
I run through our two years together and try to pin-point moments in my memory where I might have been given clues. Had there been signs? There had to be, right? Should I have known? Oh God, did anyone else know and not tell me?


I didn’t stick around long enough to find out. 


Lacy, my best friend and would-be maid of honor called me the night everything fell apart and insisted I escape Colorado and join her in Dublin. She’s there for some big VIP weekend celebrating the launch of Blackthorn’s new album tour. The promoter is her sorority sister and a bunch of them were going to be there. Lacy has had her eye on the lead singer, Sean Black, since forever and she is determined to make the most of her connections and finally meet him.


“I’m not in the mood for people, Lace,” I say as I spoon mouthfuls of strawberry ice cream straight from the container. 

“You can skip the parties, Maddie. Just come. The place is booked solid, but you can stay in my room—with any luck I won’t be spending much time there, if you know what I mean.” She giggles.


Just hearing her voice makes me feel better. “You’re so bad.”


“Yeah, but this time I have help. Janie’s going to arrange a private meeting for me and Sean Black himself.” The tone of her voice pops an image of her waggling her eyebrows into my head.


I smile at her excitement but still, I push back. Traveling sounds exhausting right now. “I don’t know.”


“Aw, hon. You need to get away from everything—and everyone back there. You should see the castle Janie’s booked for us. It’s enough to get lost in.”


She knows as well as I do this is exactly what I need. Getting lost in Ireland sounds like the perfect way to forget everything, at least for a little while.

I log into the air hangar app on my phone, checking to see if my family’s private jet is available. I am not opposed to flying commercial, but right now, I think I deserve a little indulgence.

The jet looks like it’s home and not booked for anything for a few days. I have to call and check with our flight crew to make sure, and even if they aren’t available I can always book with an airline.

I sigh, feeling the decision being made in my chest. “All right. I’ll come.”

Lacy squeals through the phone. “Yay! You won’t regret it, I promise! I’ll make sure we get some time together, but I was serious when I said that I won’t be around much.”

My smile spreads as the idea of a true getaway settles into my mind. “Don’t worry about me. I think you’re right. Some far away alone time might be exactly what I need.”


“Perfect! Text me your flight details. I will make sure a driver is there to pick you up.”

“Will do. Thanks, Lace.”

“You got it, hon. Okay, I have to run. Can’t wait to see you!” She ends the call.

I tap the screen and pull up the number for the airport hangar where our family jet lies in wait.

“Blaze Incorporated.” The woman’s voice says.

“Hi, Yvonne. This is Maddie Blaze. I was hoping to schedule a flight this afternoon…”

* * *

My driver pulls the car through a wrought-iron gate and up a winding country lane. I can already feel Peter and my embarrassment fading ever so slightly into the background. Trees and greenery close in as the lane narrows and falls into shadow. Nobody here knows what happened. Nobody I’ll meet this weekend will know I am a complete idiot. I’ve managed to put thousands of miles and an ocean between me and my drama.


The light changes as the trees thin, and the overcast sky glows bright enough to tease us with some sun. The driver eases the car through another gate and turns right, giving me my first glimpse of Castle Glenkerry. It’s like something out of a movie. The pale gray stone house is massive and surrounded by manicured gardens with hedge walls and trees that disappear around the back of the castle. The front lawn is terraced for hundreds of yards that lead down to a wide pond. 

We pull to a stop outside the main entrance and as I step out of the car, I feel like I’ve stepped back in time. The sensation is uncanny. A man dressed in black tie with a baby blue vest greets me and takes my bags.


“Greetings, Miss. Welcome to Glenkerry. Are ye here celebrating with the Blackthorn lads then?” His voice has a lyrical quality to it that makes me smile.


“I am. Though I think I’ll skip most of the parties and keep to myself.”


I follow him inside. 


“Then you’ll be glad to know the festivities are happening down in town, for the most part. There are a few small gatherings planned at the estate, but I think you’ll have the place to yourself during the days. You’ve an itinerary in your room.” He places my bags next to the front desk and grins as he leans in conspiratorially. “But if it’s quiet you seek, you’ll find the north gardens especially pleasing.” 


“Thank you.” I smile as I hand him a tip and wait for the front desk clerk to wave me over.