Xmas Angel

Description

In the art of love and war, there is no fair play. Art prodigy Noelle Michaels clings to school for access to a studio and materials, her only chance at sculpting a future different from the one she was born into. Former soldier Nick Christoph struggles to reintegrate into civilian life, exchanging a military rifle for a chalkboard and embracing his new mission. When they meet, chemistry ignites a fire that could destroy their plans. Nick and Noelle’s love is forbidden. They have everything to lose. But, if they risk breaking the rules, maybe they can save each other.

Xmas Angel Tropes

Age gap, older man younger woman; former military hero; strong female mc; forbidden romance; student teacher romance (she’s of age)

An Excerpt:

What was he going to do? Nick dropped into the driver’s seat and started the car but remained parked. Noelle’s face was still stony, maybe in shock.

“Was that your mom?” he asked.

“You mean the screaming naked woman? Yeah, that’s her.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose with her finger.

“And your dad?”

She stopped rubbing. “Stepdad. He was the one in handcuffs when we first pulled up.”

“They aren’t going to let you back inside. It’s too dangerous.”

“Doesn’t matter. I don’t leave anything there I care about, ever.”

“Do you have any family you can call? Grandparents, aunts, uncles?” He reached for her, unable to resist the attempt to comfort.

Noelle leaned away. “No.”

“Do you have a friend you can stay with?” He prayed she had a friend, anyone, because if not, he was about to make a very bad decision.

She shook her head. “I have enough for a cheap hotel.”

“That’s not safe. You’ll stay with me for tonight. One night, and I’ll find another, more permanent solution.” The hotel was a terrible idea, but staying with him was worse.

The drive back to his place was quiet. Noelle fell asleep sometime before they arrived. How had he ended up with a student in his car, soon to be asleep in his bed? It wasn’t that she was beautiful, even though she could be an angel with her creamy skin and fiery locks. He’d gone years without sex or even the desire. It was something else that called to him. She needed to be rescued.

Nick parked in his driveway and dropped his head to his hands on the steering wheel. There was only one problem.

Every other time he’d tried to save a woman he’d failed.

Accolades for Xmas Angel

Oklahoma Romance Writers Guild Hearts Award – 2021 Finalist

Reviews for Xmas Angel

“I loved the taboo dynamic between Noelle and Nick, and the way Noelle’s character unfolded through the story.” – Amazon reviewer

“I especially loved how Ms. Kross danced this pair along the line of forbidden romance, back and forth with rhythm.” – Goodreads reviewer