Rare Gems Series by Kathi S. Barton

“Good morning, Diamond. And to what do I owe this pleasure—” “Don’t fuck with me and I won’t you.” He started to snap at her, but he simply nodded and sat down. “I’m here about my sister. She’s hurt, did you know that?” “I hurt her yesterday when I moved her away from…” Diamond was shaking her head. “Then I don’t understand. How else was she hurt? If you’re talking about the wound on her back, I didn’t cause that one.” “Jeffery Benetton did that and a great deal more to her... more“Good morning, Diamond. And to what do I owe this pleasure—” “Don’t fuck with me and I won’t you.” He started to snap at her, but he simply nodded and sat down. “I’m here about my sister. She’s hurt, did you know that?” “I hurt her yesterday when I moved her away from…” Diamond was shaking her head. “Then I don’t understand. How else was she hurt? If you’re talking about the wound on her back, I didn’t cause that one.” “Jeffery Benetton did that and a great deal more to her. And yesterday trying to get away from you, she hurt herself even more. She had a broken rib and a gash on her left hip that I had to put fifteen stitches in after she went to sleep.” Diamond sat down across from him as she continued. “Did you know that she gave up everything to keep us safe from men like you?” “I’m nothing like Benetton, and I resent you coupling my name with his.” She only stared at him, and he shifted on his seat. “Why are you here?” “I came to see what kind of man you are. I’m not impressed.” Jeffery Benetton is the only other man that has ever shown an interest in Sapphire Erickson. And Sapphire had nearly killed him to protect her family from the sadistic bastard. She moves herself and her family into Blair Henson’s territory to hide protect her sisters from Jeffery. They are all she has in this world. Trust doesn’t come easy to her and the wounds she received from Jeffery won’t heal until she finds a new Alpha or a mate. Neither option holds any appeal to her. And the last thing she needs is another man ordering her around.Blair Henson is the new Alpha in the territory. He has enough on his plate running his successful business, and doesn’t have the time or desire for a mate… When he meets Sapphire and recognizes her for who she is, his mate, the man wants to run in the opposite direction, but his wolf…he wants to dominate.Blair tries to convince himself that he’s chasing after Sapphire because he feels an overwhelming need to protect her and she just won’t follow orders. When he comes across as a complete jerk, Sapphire really wants no part of him. Of course, leaving him isn't going to work…she's his mate. Now, if only he can get his head out of his ass, learn to treat Sapphire the way she should be treated, maybe, just maybe, there is a chance for them…that is unless Jeffery Benetton finds her first… less

Thad moved slowly. For as much as he wanted her to tell him what was going on, the need to touch and be touched by her was driving him over the edge. Her scent, too, one he was sure didn’t come from a bottle or from soap. This time when he pulled her to him he didn’t let her pull back.“I want to taste you. Then I want to take you upstairs and fuck you. What better way to spend a hazy afternoon than getting sweaty between the sheets.” She pushed at his chest, but he didn’t let her go... moreThad moved slowly. For as much as he wanted her to tell him what was going on, the need to touch and be touched by her was driving him over the edge. Her scent, too, one he was sure didn’t come from a bottle or from soap. This time when he pulled her to him he didn’t let her pull back.“I want to taste you. Then I want to take you upstairs and fuck you. What better way to spend a hazy afternoon than getting sweaty between the sheets.” She pushed at his chest, but he didn’t let her go. “If I’m barking up the wrong tree, Nurse Ericks—”“I don’t bark, Mr. Galloway, I howl. And I’d appreciate it if you’d simply back the fuck up. I don’t want your attention or your speculations on what I should do with my spare time.” When she moved to walk away from him, he reached for her arm. He wasn’t used to people not doing what he wanted and she...intrigued him. But when he touched her, he hadn’t counted on her strength and found himself pinned against the wall, dangling a foot from the floor with a hand around his throat holding him there.Thad Galloway is a self-made billionaire. He made his fortune the old fashioned way―he earned it. When Thad speaks people jump and don’t argue, so he’s accustomed to getting what he wants. When a sassy nurse barks orders at him he is impressed that she stands up to him. He’s a Dom and wants Diamond to submit in the worst way.Diamond Erickson is the best nurse the small hospital has. She is just coming off three straight doubles and is looking forward to three days off when she let the doctor con her into working another half shift. She is beyond tired and has no patience for a bossy overbearing jerk who is going to hurt himself if he doesn’t do as he’s told. She gets a taste of his blood and realizes the handsome jerk is her mate. The last thing she wants is a mate―especially one into inflicting sexual pain…Thad soon learns that the world isn’t what he thought it was. He’s horrified to find out that Diamond isn’t human at all, she’s a wolf, and half his staff is one form of supernatural or another.He can bask in self-denial or pursue the best woman to ever walk into his life…Thad and Diamond are capable of a deep passionate love. Can they get past their differences to find out? Will Diamond warm up to Thad’s games? Find out in the second installment of the Rare Gems Series―Diamond. less

Jade can’t seem to catch a break. Her last boyfriend was a loser who took her bank account for a joy ride leaving her with a heap of debt. Now, the flower shop where she works has been sold and more likely than not she’s going to have to find another job. Her life is in turmoil and having to go home and see her sisters happy with their new mates is almost more than she can stomach. Jade isn’t impressed with the handsome new owner, Quentin Witt... moreJade can’t seem to catch a break. Her last boyfriend was a loser who took her bank account for a joy ride leaving her with a heap of debt. Now, the flower shop where she works has been sold and more likely than not she’s going to have to find another job. Her life is in turmoil and having to go home and see her sisters happy with their new mates is almost more than she can stomach. Jade isn’t impressed with the handsome new owner, Quentin Witt. The man is too blind to see that that girlfriend of his isn’t nice to his little girl, and the little girl is terrified of the woman and her uncle. It is time to go, to move on and start over. Quentin can’t let that happen. There is something about Jade that sets his blood on fire―they’re mates. He knows about her kind and that she’s a wolf. He has to stop her from leaving, but Jade has no time for boyfriends or mates. The last one took more than she had to give. Quentin’s brother is a wolf and his so-called girlfriend, Debra, is his brother’s mate. Those two are teamed together to swindle Quentin out of a good deal of money. But when their plans backfire, Debra resorts to more desperate measures. Now, they’re all in danger. Jade’s past has returned to destroy them all, and he has targeted Quentin’s little girl, Angie, to be the first to die…. less

Sloan Crane is a vampire on a mission. He knows from the moment he catches Opal’s scent that she is his mate. The last thing in this world Sloan wants is a mate, but he won’t let that monster, Fletcher, have her either. Just because he doesn’t want her doesn’t mean he wants her to die. And he has two choices: let her bleed to death or change her without her permission.Opal Erickson is beyond furious. Up until now she might not have exactly been happy with her life, but it was hers... moreSloan Crane is a vampire on a mission. He knows from the moment he catches Opal’s scent that she is his mate. The last thing in this world Sloan wants is a mate, but he won’t let that monster, Fletcher, have her either. Just because he doesn’t want her doesn’t mean he wants her to die. And he has two choices: let her bleed to death or change her without her permission.Opal Erickson is beyond furious. Up until now she might not have exactly been happy with her life, but it was hers. In the blink of an eye that bloodsucker has stolen her freedom and turned her into a bloodsucking hybrid. And she is supposed to be grateful? Not in this lifetime…or any other.Why must everything be so complicated?Fletcher is far from finished with the couple, and if he has his way Opal won’t survive it… less

Ruby Erickson was the best OR surgeon the small hospital had. Management had mandated that the doctors were to turn away any people for treatment that couldn’t pay. Under strict orders to follow the rules or else…Ruby operated on the young woman anyway. She’d never live long enough to survive the trip to County. Josh Ewing was suffering from a bad breakup. He had moved to the small town to get away from his cheating ex-girlfriend and former best friend and partner... moreRuby Erickson was the best OR surgeon the small hospital had. Management had mandated that the doctors were to turn away any people for treatment that couldn’t pay. Under strict orders to follow the rules or else…Ruby operated on the young woman anyway. She’d never live long enough to survive the trip to County. Josh Ewing was suffering from a bad breakup. He had moved to the small town to get away from his cheating ex-girlfriend and former best friend and partner. His sister Bri was here and was all he had left in way of family. When Bri comes up missing, Josh is beside himself with worry. He finds his sister in a small hospital listed as a Jane Doe in critical condition. When he finds out that the doctor who saved her life had lost her job because she didn’t turn his sister away, he wants to do all he can for her… She cut Josh off with a finger punching to his chest. “You’re damn right I saved her life. And do you think that because you put money in my account or paid nearly a hundred grand to my loans that I’m somehow going to be beholden to you? You fucking bastard, take it back. All of it, right now.” Josh shook his head and braced his arms over his chest as if to do battle. Quentin took a step back now. He wasn’t stupid. “You heard me, I want you to take back that money now, or so help me you’re going to need it for your own hospital bills.” “Even if I could—which I don’t care if I can or not—I won’t do it. You risked a great deal to save her life, and I pay my debts.” Ruby growled and took another step toward Josh. It took Quentin several seconds to realize that something had happened in that short period of time. Ruby didn’t have time for a mate, not now not ever. Josh wasn’t happy about it either, but discovered once he got past her stubborn surface, that she really was a rare gem. But trouble doesn’t elude them for long. That ex-girlfriend of Josh’s was into some heavy stuff―things he didn’t know about―things that could get them all killed―things that put them all on the radar of the wrong people… less

18+ Erotic Shapeshifter Roomance, fantasy romance, paranormal fantasy, vampires. Rare Gems Series 1. Sapphire 2. Diamond 3. Jade 4. Opal 5. Ruby 6. Emerald Jul Whitney’s mother, Celeste, has known Annabelle Erickson for many years, and it is high time she pays her a visit. Celeste has just arrived at the Erickson’s when she receives a disturbing phone call from Jul―he’s been shot. Annabelle insists that Jul recover in their home... more18+ Erotic Shapeshifter Roomance, fantasy romance, paranormal fantasy, vampires. Rare Gems Series 1. Sapphire 2. Diamond 3. Jade 4. Opal 5. Ruby 6. Emerald Jul Whitney’s mother, Celeste, has known Annabelle Erickson for many years, and it is high time she pays her a visit. Celeste has just arrived at the Erickson’s when she receives a disturbing phone call from Jul―he’s been shot. Annabelle insists that Jul recover in their home. She has granddaughters in the medical field that can take care of him better than any hospital…. Jul loves the Erickson home and is given Emerald’s old bedroom to recuperate in. However, there is something about the Erickson family that’s odd…everyone is friendly enough, but they’re speaking to him very cryptic like he should know something about them, but not. And when Jade tells him that the large wolf playing in the yard by the edge of the woods is part human he doesn’t believe her. He’s thinking at this point he’d be better off finding a nice hotel room to recuperate in―like now. He rounds the corner and is hit so hard in the chest that he finds himself soaking wet in the middle of the pool with the most beautiful―and quite angry―woman that he’s ever seen.... Emerald Erickson didn’t see that coming. The man, human no less, just steps right out in front of her. She hits him so hard that they’re both in the middle of the pool. Now all the fool’s doing is staring at her breasts with a sappy grin on his face. When she looks down she sees that the wet fabric hides nothing. Pissed off only touches the surface of the feelings raging through her body―he is her mate. Emerald has been avoiding spending time at her sister’s house because they’re all happily mated and she feels like she’s intruding into their happiness. And she had given up finding a mate a long time ago because she only attracts the bad sorts―men who love to intimate women with their fists. Would this man be any different? She doesn’t want to stick around long enough to find out…. less