Freed, 18, Paperback

Dale Steel has spent his life running from the horror of his past, so he's completely unprepared for horror to follow him into the present. But that's exactly what it's done. His only hope is his love for Ashley White, so he grabs hold with both hands, determined to escape his bleak existence.

Ashley is so in love she can't see straight. Dale--and the thrall he holds over her--has given her a new outlook on sex and relationships, and she's all in. Things are finally falling into place.

But Ashley and Dale's troubles are far from over. An untimely death disrupts their hopes at happiness, followed by a phone call that leaves Dale even more grief-stricken. He must make an important decision. Two roads lie in front of him, but only one will free him.

About author(s):#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn't stopped since. In addition to being an award-winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she's a mother, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family. Helen loves to hear from readers.