The breakup was just the beginning … When college junior Alana Adams catches her boyfriend passionately kissing another woman, she promptly dumps Nathan and turns to her best friend, Michael, for advice and emotional support. At first, Nathan apologizes and showers Alana with gifts in an effort to win her back. He tries to get her to see they belong together, but when his efforts fail, he concludes the real problem in their relationship must be her best friend. As Alana’s rejection further sinks in, Nathan realizes there’s only one solution to their problem: kill Michael Stevens. Mini-Q&A with the Author: How does your story link to the Lei Crime Series? My story is a prequel that explores the reasons why Michael Stevens became a cop. It stems from two small but very powerful lines in Blood Orchids, but I’m not going to tell you which ones because that would completely spoil the story. After you read, Never Again, you should totally go back and read Blood Orchids. The two lines will leap off the page and dance on your nose. Tell us a little about your main characters. Why do you think readers will like your main characters? You’ll get to meet Michael’s best friend growing up. Alana Adams is a sweet kid struggling to balance college and social life. Aside from Michael, she’s got pretty lousy taste in men, but I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that. She’s finding dumping her pseudo-cheater boyfriend very difficult to do. Young Michael Stevens is also a central character here. Most Toby Neal fans have come to love and adore the adult, dashing hero version of Michael Stevens. I’d like to introduce you to the young man who will one day be that guy.

When a vanquished foe resurfaces with vengeance on his mind … Special Agent Marcella Scott expects the danger to fall to her. She does not expect her FBI partner’s entire family to disappear. Cassandra Mirren witnesses her boss’s murder and gets drawn into a deadly game. Now, she has a choice—either work with Agent Scott or betray her. Both women are about to find out that treachery makes it tense. (This story is set before Black Jasmine, Book 3 of the Lei Crime Series.)