tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71984155257325630422024-02-18T22:34:45.663-05:00Author Carolyn LaRocheAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-25869106949258709582017-10-01T12:43:00.001-04:002017-10-01T18:51:35.017-04:00All She Never Wanted- SIBA Nominee- Excerpt (And a contest!)<span style="font-size: large;">It's October. The leaves are changing, the breezes are brisk and all my free time has been spent at the baseball fields for the fall ball season. I love this time of year as it's also a great time for writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a long time since I've shared any of my work here. The past eight months or so have been pretty wild. My mom has been very ill and as her primary caretaker, all of my free time was devoted to her for a good chunk of the year. She is holding steady now and I finally have a little bit of time to get back into writing and I've decided to start right here. So, today I want to share with you my favorite of all my books. The whole first chapter, in fact. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh...and if you get to the end of this post, you'll find a link for a giveaway during the month of October....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>All She Never Wanted </b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> A Summer Indie Book Award Nominee by Carolyn LaRoche</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> BLURB</span><br />
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<i>One moment changed everything… <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Evie Ward had everything she’d ever dreamed of. An
action-packed job where no two shifts were ever the same, the best friend a
girl could ever want, and a fairy tale wedding just days away. Her life was
absolutely perfect. Until one bullet—one horrible choice—left her with a broken
heart and shattered dreams. Fleeing the city she loved and a lifetime of
memories, Evie took a job in the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the hopes
that the ocean air and fresh beaches could somehow restore her soul. Falling in
love again wasn’t part of the plan.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Landon Reed was on top of the world. The money, the women,
the status—he had it all until one bad decision nearly cost him his life. His
father gave him three months to get his act together or be cut off from the
family fortune and business. No house, no job and no money. His will and his
patience are tested further when his father hires a nurse to whip him into
shape. She may be little but she's mean and it looks like Landon has finally
met his match. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>With her shattered heart and his broken spirit, the road to
recovery will be long. Can they help each other heal or will their fractured
pasts be too much to overcome? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Chapter One<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Evie<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
swear there’s a black market for gauze and bandages.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Alone
in the shadowy storage room, talking to myself somehow made it feel less dark
and creepy as I gathered re-stock supplies for the various bays in the
emergency room. We were always running out at the worst possible time so I grabbed
supplies whenever there was a tiny break in the action. I hated the oversized
closet we used for storage. Something about the space made it feel forgotten
and cold. I tried to get in and get out, as quickly as possible, every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
door opened, flooding the room briefly in fluorescent lighting before it closed
again quickly. The shadows returned. Heavy footsteps sounded methodically. Much
too heavy and methodical to be another harried nurse in rubber soled shoes. Gooseflesh
rippled along my arms and the tiny hairs on the back of my neck prickled as I
slipped behind one of the tall shelving units. Stacks of cloth gowns, boxes of bandages
and rolls of gauze all went flying from my arms as I backed into a solid form
and let out a scream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A
large hand closed over my mouth lightly, stifling the sound. I relaxed as soon
as I recognized the touch and scent of him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“You
make those scrubs look so hot they should be illegal.” The harsh whisper and
hot breath against my ear sent a shiver hopscotching down my backbone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What are you doing? You know you can’t be
back here.” I whispered against the slightly stubbled jaw that nuzzled my
cheek.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
work here. Same as you.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Turning
around, I slid my arms up over a solid mass of polyester covered <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kevlar</i> and wrapped them around Matthew’s
neck, pulling him close. “You do not. Besides, only nurses are allowed in the
supply room.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Matthew
leaned down and pressed his lips lightly against mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’ve been dying to do this since my shift
started. I kept volunteering for calls where I might have to go to the
hospital.” His radio crackled in the dim light of the closet as he pulled me
closer. “Finally got lucky—brought in a vic that had an unfortunate meet up
with the knuckle side of a fist.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yours?”
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Matthew
laughed and tapped the tip of my nose with his finger then kissed the spot. He’d
started doing that on our first date. It annoyed me then because it made me
feel like a child. Now though, it was our thing. The way he let me know he
adored me and I leaned into the tiny touch. “No. I didn’t hit him. It was his
wife, actually.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“His
wife?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“He
didn’t like the lasagna she made for dinner.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“You’re
kidding.” I laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
never kid about work.” Matthew breathed against my ear, sending those shivers
in to high gear once again. It didn’t matter what he said, the sound of his
voice always sent my heart racing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A
loud pop sounded outside the closet, followed by three more. Matthew froze, his
head turned toward the door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Did
you hear that?” I asked<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Shhh!”
Matthew let go of me and stepped toward the door as several more pops rang out.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“What
was that?” I was pretty sure I already knew though. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Stay
here! Whatever happens, do <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> leave
this room!” he ordered, pushing me behind a rack of supplies. “I love you,
Evie.” He leaned down and pressed a hard kiss to my lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I
grabbed at his uniform. “Don’t go out there.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I
have to. Just stay in here.” He pulled my hands free from his shirt before
yanking the door open and running into the hall. As the room flooded with
light, I caught sight of the determined set of his jaw and the forty-five
caliber Smith and Wesson in his hand. Screams filled the air as several bangs
rang out in quick succession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Gun shots</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We’d
all trained for this. Drilled time and time again yet I never thought it would
actually happen. Everyone had the same responsibility—protect the patients. Don’t
be a hero. I couldn’t stay in the store room; the way Matthew had commanded. It
was my job to get patients to safety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Looking
around for something to use to protect myself, I grabbed the fire extinguisher
off the wall by the door. I ran from the storeroom with the extinguisher held
in front of me and straight into the pits of hell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Blood
splashed the floors and crisscrossed the shiny white tile in the shape of shoe
prints. People scattered in every direction as their screams permeated the air.
I quickly scanned the waiting room trying to make sense of what I saw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Matthew’s
voice rang out above the chaos. “Stop! Police! Drop your weapon!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Who’s
gonna make me?” I could hear the crazy in the voice that responded as the
emergency ward again filled with gunfire. The screams got louder and somewhere
a baby cried but all I could focus on was Matthew. I found him by the main door
already engaged with the assailant. People ran screaming from the standoff.
Matthew stood, feet planted shoulder width apart, arms extended in front of him
as he fired over and over. The gunman jumped around as he fired back
erratically, miraculously missing Matthew with every shot he took. Without
thinking it through, I charged forward, the fire extinguisher poised above my
head. The man had his back to me, gun pointed straight at my fiancé’s chest.
Matthew caught sight of me and yelled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Evie!
No! Stay back!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
man turned on me then, gun waving wildly and let off a couple of rounds. Either
I had no idea I was about to die or I just didn’t care. I’m not sure. I only knew
that as he turned back to Matthew and unloaded the rest of his clip into the
man that was supposed to someday be the father of my children, something inside
of me snapped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
extinguisher crashed down on the gunman’s head, knocking him to the floor. Over
and over, I slammed the heavy metal canister against his body all the while
yelling Matthew’s name. Arms wrapped around me, prying the extinguisher from my
hands as tears poured down my cheeks and my heart pounded against my ribs.
Fighting against the hold on me, I finally escaped and ran to where Matthew’s
crumpled form lay on the bright linoleum. Blood had already begun to seep
through the black fabric of his uniform. His breath came in short labored gasps
as a tiny trail of red ran from the corner of his mouth and down the side of
his chin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Dropping
to my knees, I felt for his pulse. If it’s strong and steady he’ll be all
right. It’s not. It’s weak and erratic. My own heart kicked into high gear as I
readied him for CPR.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Don’t
leave me, Matthew!” I pulled at his shirt, tore at the Velcro bindings of the
stupid <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kevlar </i>vest that was supposed
to protect him but had done nothing to stop the rifle bullets that tore into
his body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
sobs rolled heavy and fast as I counted the holes in his torso. Four. The left
lung, straight into the liver, somewhere in the intestines and the right side
of his neck. The way blood spurted from the wound, I knew the bullet had nicked
an artery. Wrapping my hands over his neck and shoving a finger into that hole,
I begged God not to take the man I love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Fight,
Matthew! Fight! You can’t die! I need you!” I lay there, clutching his body and
sobbing. Feet ran by us but I had no idea who they belonged to. Voices melted
into one with the fire alarms and raging monitors and I heard none of it. The
only sound I wanted to hear was Matthew’s heart beating in his chest again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Someone
tried to lift me but I held on tighter. Soothing words were murmured and gentle
hands worked to pry away my grip on Matthew’s body but I held on as if my life
depended on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As
if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> life depended on it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As if I could pass my life’s breath into him and bring
him back to me. I bargained with God. I made promises to the devil but nothing
brought life back to Matthew. An hour could have passed, or barely a minute as
someone finally managed to separate our bodies. The wild roar had died down to
just loud. There were uniforms everywhere. Doctors, paramedics, cops,
firefighters. I grabbed at the first white coat that came within my reach. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Please! Help him! That man’s supposed to be my
husband next month. You have to save him. I can’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">live</i> without him!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Evie.” Hands gripped my biceps and gave me a gentle
shake. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Evie</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Mary Ellen. Thank God! Matthew’s hurt! We have to
help him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mary Ellen wrapped an arm around my shoulders and
pulled me in close. “It’s okay, Evie. They’ve got him. Let me help you. Are you
hurt?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I shook my head, the tears soaking my lashes blinded
me. My eyes stung as I dragged a fist across them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, Evie. Don’t! Let me help you.” Mary Ellen, my
closest friend and fellow nurse grabbed a towel off a supply cart and pressed
it to my eyes. “You have Mat—blood—all over you. Don’t wipe your eyes again
until we can clean you up.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I shook my head and pushed the towel away. “I don’t
need to get cleaned up. I need to get back to Matthew.” Turing around, I
started back to where Matthew had been but stopped and spun straight into Mary
Ellen. “He’s gone! Where is he?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Come on, Evie. Let me help you. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Please</i>.” Mary Ellen looked at me with such sadness that I couldn’t
bear the weight of it and collapsed right there in the middle of the emergency
room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It was dark when I slowly became aware of my
surroundings again. The familiar click and beep of the monitors that filled the
hospital on a regular day were all that I could hear. There was no more fear.
No more chaos. Just the sound of my breathing and the hushed brush of soft
soled shoes against waxed flooring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Memories slipped back into the fog of my mind,
blending together like the colors of a kaleidoscope.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Matthew!</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">I bolted upright, pulling at wires and tubes I hadn’t
realized were attached to me. An alarm sounded, piercing my eardrums with its
high-pitched chirp. The curtains parted and Mary Ellen stepped into the small space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“What are you doing, Evie?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I need to see Matthew.” The need shifted to absolute desperation.
Mary Ellen’s hands closed over mine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“He’s gone, Evie.” The words were quiet. Her usually
sparkling eyes dulled with sadness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“What do you mean? I just saw him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Evie! Listen to me.” Mary Ellen <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">never</i> raised her voice. Ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">My best friend looked so sad. I’d never seen her look
like that before. “I’m so sorry, Evie. Matthew’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gone.</i> He didn’t make it. There was nothing the doctors could do. He
lost too much blood and there was just too much damage.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Gone? Matthew didn’t make it? The words swirled
through my brain with the force of a tornado. Pictures flooded my mind. Matthew
on the floor. Blood. So much blood. I shook my head against the relentless
images.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“No,” I whispered. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mary Ellen’s eyes were soaked with tears. “I’m so
sorry, honey.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“He’s not gone. Matthew’s a good cop. He would never
let himself get killed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, Evie. He was a good cop. He saved a lot of people
today.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Stop talking about him like that!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Like what, sweetie?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“In the past tense!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Evie—”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“But I stopped the bleeding! He wouldn’t leave me. He
loves me.” My pulse pounded in my ears so loudly it drowned everything else
out. I shook my head over and over. “No. He’s not dead. He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">can’t</i> be dead.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Mary Ellen gathered me up in a hug, patting my back
and murmuring soft, incomprehensible words. Still I couldn’t believe it.
Refused to believe it. How could she lie to me like that? With shaking fists, I
pounded against her chest. “You’re lying! Why would you do such a thing? You’re
supposed to be my best friend!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, honey,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m so very
sorry.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The sobs took over then. Great, massive, body quaking
sobs that shook me to my very core. Mary Ellen just held on, smoothing my hair
and murmuring against my ear. I couldn’t—wouldn’t—be soothed against the
shattering heart inside my chest as the reality of Matthew’s death took over.
The tiny shards cut like glass against my lungs as I gasped for air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Evie!” Mary Ellen called from somewhere far away.
“You have to relax! Breathe, Evie!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Breathe. It was such a simple concept. The lungs
expand with fresh oxygen to feed my cells while they collapsed with the release
of carbon dioxide. I did it a thousand times a day without ever once thinking
about it so why had it become so damned impossible to do now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Just let me die.” I think I said it out loud. My
brain told my mouth to speak but I couldn’t tell if it listened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; tab-stops: 375.6pt; text-indent: .3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Just
let me die</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
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Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</xml><![endif]-->
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<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Without Matthew, I was already dead anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;">And now for the giveaway...click below:</span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4b4f56;"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4abca1cc1/?">All She Never Wanted October Giveaway</a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Available in paperback and eBook, you can get your copy at any of the retailers here:</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/All-Never-Wanted-Carolyn-LaRoche-ebook/dp/B01N482RPI/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1506875702&sr=8-1">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-she-never-wanted-carolyn-laroche/1125256179?ean=2940157514785">Barnes and Noble</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1239081094">iTunes</a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-71151209410454299692016-08-26T12:45:00.000-04:002016-08-26T12:45:17.920-04:00Summer Reading List- Final Installment and the last in a seriesI can't believe I am saying this, but Monday I am back to work...The freedom to read and write as much as I want is now gone...<br />
<br />
Before I end this series however, I'm leaving you with the final installment in my Defender's of Love series...Keegan James finally gets his girl...but not before she tries to arrest him...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr00nf8Y_0QMDF1iyUGtrap53OmDX-W7UXvzko-3kYO_jtYrkdmtVU9pm-ZNnD08yxDUBTTP_LRSOMCDmdXOGKG7UEYqpS489xDGVoPD4b-dlMzDKXXydnnshNKKDYKVSXORRT4fwkHImp/s1600/borderpatrolebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr00nf8Y_0QMDF1iyUGtrap53OmDX-W7UXvzko-3kYO_jtYrkdmtVU9pm-ZNnD08yxDUBTTP_LRSOMCDmdXOGKG7UEYqpS489xDGVoPD4b-dlMzDKXXydnnshNKKDYKVSXORRT4fwkHImp/s320/borderpatrolebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>He’s running away from a broken heart…</i></span></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>For Keegan James, his career meant everything. Until
he let his heart get in the way of his good sense. Oh, she was thinking about
the future too—with another man. So, he did what any jilted lover would do and
left the FBI to move to the beach to join the Border Patrol. He bought an old
farm in need of a ton of work—or a total tear down. Unfortunately for him, the
entire property is under investigation by the DEA for drug trafficking and the
agent on the case thinks he’s involved. What’s worse? She’s smart, sex and good
with a gun.</i></span></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Falling for those deep blue eyes could ruin her
career…</i></span></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Nikki Swenson has had to prove herself every step of
the way to get where she is. After months of investigation, dedication, and
surveillance, she’s about to break the biggest case of her career and possibly
arrest the sexiest man she’d ever met. But things are not always as they seem.
Will one tiny detail totally derail Nikki’s carefully constructed case?</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Since it's the last week of summer, I figured I'd raise the temperature just a little bit with this week's excerpt...</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"> "I've got your
towel," he called through the space between the door and the frame.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Can you come in and
put it on the counter for me please?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Clearing his suddenly
clogged throat, Keegan pushed the door open and stepped into the unexpectedly
large bathroom. He intended to just toss the towel to the counter and hightail
it out of there but the smooth glass of the shower, coated with steam, stopped
him in his tracks. Despite the fogged over shower door, he could make out the
definite outline of Nikki. She had her arms up over her head, massaging
grapefruit smelling suds into her thick hair. The position accentuated the
shadowy curve of her breasts and hips making his mouth go dry.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Keegan? Can you
leave it on the counter?" Nikki called, her back now to him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Yes," he
croaked out over the lump that had formed in his throat.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki jumped at the sound
of his voice, dropping the bottle she held with a loud crash. "You scared
me."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Sorry. My brother
always said my ability to sneak up on him was a mad ninja skill."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki laughed. He watched
as she leaned her </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">head back into the steady stream of water
and worked her finger tips through the wet strands of thick, dark hair wishing
those were his fingers.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"I guess it’s a
skill that served you well in the FBI."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"I suppose." It
used to drive Margot crazy that she never knew when he was approaching.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"I like
surprises."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Damn</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">. The way she said that made Keegan want to tear of his
clothes and show her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">all</i> of his
secret talents. Why the hell not? His fingers went to the hem of his shirt when
the water in the shower suddenly shut off. He was halfway out of it when Nikki
cracked the shower door open, letting out a squeal when she saw him. Keegan
froze.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What </i>are you doing?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Um, it was hot in
here?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki smiled, a small
knowing smile lacking the shock and annoyance he had expected. "Hand me
the towel."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Keegan did as he was
told, his eyes never leaving hers. The steam was beginning to dissipate enough
that he could start to make out few details of the shadow that had been her
body a few seconds ago. His self-control was dissipating at the same rate.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki pulled the towel
into the shower and </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">wrapped it around herself. He knew this
because he watched every movement through the still opaque glass, his feet
rooted to the tile beneath them. A memory of Margot doing the same thing passed
through his mind but there was nothing sexy about it the way there was with
Nikki. For the first time ever, he was beginning to think his entire relationship
with Margot had been a mistake of epic proportions.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Yeah, but if he hadn’t
been through the hell with his ex, he never would have quit the agency and most
definitely wouldn't be standing there in Nikki's bathroom right then.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">She pushed open the door,
knocking him in the knee cap with the beveled edge. White hot pain shot through
his leg in both directions dropping him to the tiles.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Oh Keegan! I'm so
sorry! Are you all right?" Nikki leaned over him, clutching the towel
closed.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He looked up and straight
down into the gaping towel between two smooth, creamy breasts and let out a
groan.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"I did hurt
you!" </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Oh, she hurt him all
right, just not in the way she thought. A certain other part throbbed a hell of
a lot more than his knee did. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"I'm fine," he
ground out between clenched teeth as he pulled himself upright using the </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">vanity.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki used her free hand
to help him. At least she thought she was helping. What really happened was his
gut clenched with an overwhelming desire to feel her still damp skin pressed up
against his. As he struggled to maintain his composure, Nikki turned him to
face her, concern darkening her eyes.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Are you sure you're
okay?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He shook his head.
"No. No, I am not sure."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Without thinking through
his actions, Keegan put his hands on Nikki's shoulders. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh my God, her skin was softer than it looked.</i> In one swift motion
he backed her into the shower pressing her body against the slick tiles. Moving
his hands to the wall on either side of her head, he crushed his lips to hers.
No more dancing around each other. No more teasing and flirting. No more
arguing and no more Margot </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">taunting him from the depths of his mind.
He knew what she tasted like and he needed more. So much more. He was like an
addict that carried his drug around to torture himself. That ended now. Being
with Nikki all night, watching her fall into the icy water, feeling her cold,
wet body shake so violently—it had shredded his soul in a way even his ex
hadn’t </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">done. To hell with waiting until the case
was over. She knew he wasn't involved and that was </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">enough for him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Nikki quickly melded her
body to his, her arms sliding up and around his neck as she parted her lips to
his insistence. The only thing that held her towel closed was the pressure
between them. Keegan was torn between not wanting to ever let her go and
stepping away just to see what that piece of cotton hid from him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He slid one hand slowly
on the tile until his fingers touched her cheek. Trailing the now wet tips
along her jawline, down her neck and on to her bare shoulder, Keegan moaned
deep in his throat. Nikki responded by deepening the kiss and pressing herself
more tightly against him. So much for letting the towel drop. He wouldn't break
the contact between them now for all the money in the bank. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">He let his fingers dance
a little toward the top of her breast. This time the moan came from Nikki who
lowered her hands from where they had been threaded in his hair to the waist of
his jeans. She tugged his shirt out and slipped her hands up under the material.
His skin burned at her touch setting every inch of him on fire. Grasping the
towel she wore with both hands, he yanked it down between them, letting it fall
to the shower floor.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Not breaking their kiss,
Nikki started </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">frantically working the buttons on his shirt.
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Keegan loved a woman who wasn't shy about
what she wanted but he was as impatient as she was so he stepped back a little,
reluctantly separating their lips so he could pull the offending clothing off
letting it hang over the shower wall. In the process he caught a full glance of
what had been hidden from him before and sucked in a breath.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"No talking,"
Nikki command as she pulled his lips back to hers. She didn’t wait for him to
deepen it either, rather demanded entrance to his mouth which he readily gave
her. Nikki's approach was refreshing and hot as hell.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">His hands roamed
everywhere they could reach, memorizing the contours of her hips, her waist and
the firmness of her abdomen. He had just discovered the heaven that was her
perfectly sized breasts when a loud voice boomed through the house. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Nikki!"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Oh, shit! It's
Henry!" Nikki pushed him away reaching for her towel. "You have to
get out of here."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"Your boss has a key
to your house?" he </span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">asked with disbelief. "You sure there
isn't </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">something—?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<b></b><u></u><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><b><br /></b></div>
</span><div style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-75175731026071123032016-08-20T12:32:00.000-04:002016-08-20T12:32:14.886-04:00Summer Reading List- Like a Little Mystery and Suspense?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just because summer is almost at it's end doesn't mean you have give up those good summer reads! If you like gun fights, car chases, a dose of humor and some good old fashioned stolen kisses, check out Book 2 in the Defenders of Love Series. There are three books in the series but each one can be read as a stand alone. Watch out for Aunt Clara, she doesn't take anything from anyone!</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B014OAOGJC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1471710435&sr=8-2&keywords=carolyn+laroche">Grab your copy here! $;99 summer sale or FREE in Kindle Unlimited!</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All Katie McCoy wanted was a quiet Friday evening, a frozen
pizza and a pair of comfy pajamas. Damn her stupid ex-fiance to hell for the
armed men that stormed her apartment and dragged her off on a matter of
“national security”. Wearing those comfy pajamas and nothing else, she wasn’t
at all prepared for the interrogation that awaited her…or the man with the
questions.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kaiden James would like to get through one vacation without
the job interfering. Just once… Called away from his cousin’s wedding and his
best man duties, he is less than happy to have to deal with Homeland Security’s
new domestic terrorism case. Until he gets a look at the pajama-clad suspect...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After several attempts on Katie’s life, it’s clear she’s no
terrorist but a loose end the real suspects need to tie up…and fast. Can Kaiden
solve the case and keep her safe without losing his heart in the process?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u>A little excerpt for your reading pleasure...</u></b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katie
glanced around the small, dark room where she sat with one wrist handcuffed to a
steel table. The only furniture in the room—a table and a couple of metal
chairs—were bolted to the floor. All of her attempts to slip out of the
handcuffs had been futile. The more she struggled the tighter they seemed to
get, chafing the skin around her wrist until the flesh felt raw. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dropping
her head to her free arm resting on the table, Katie sighed deeply. Twenty four
hours ago she had been jogging down the boardwalk enjoying a stunning Virginia
Beach sunset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A hot shower, some worn
flannel pajamas, and a frozen pizza had been her big plans for the night. Until
armed men dressed all in black came crashing through her front door and dragged
her away to God knows where for God knows why.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Actually,
she had a pretty good idea as to why. But she wasn't about to say, not without
a lot of </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">prodding. That lousy no
good ex of hers had stirred up more than one mess in her life and she wanted
nothing more to do with him. Ever.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
echo of footsteps in the hallway caught her attention. When they stopped
outside the door, Katie braced herself. The way this night had gone so far, who
knew what was about to happen. Not that she could do much with one wrist
handcuffed to the table. She eyed the single incandescent bulb that hung over
her head, the only other item in the room aside from the table and two chairs.
Nothing to defend her one-armed self with. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Muted
voices passed through the small space beyond the heavy door but strain as she
might, Katie couldn't make out any words. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katie
refused to give into the panic that was building. She needed a clear head to
figure how to get out of this mess. The bad guys had guns. All she had were her
wits. If she could keep them about her, that is. Which didn't seem likely as
the panic grew when the sound of a key in the lock echoed through the small
room.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
heavy door swung open. Fully expecting</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">another black clad,
automatic rifle bearing commando like the ones that had dragged her from her
apartment, Katie's jaw dropped when a tall, broad frame wearing a tuxedo filled
the space. His form almost completely blocked out any light from the hallway.
Katie sucked in a breath.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Good
evening, Ms. McCoy." Tuxedo man stepped through the door, not making eye
contact as he studied the file in his hand.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
didn't have to introduce himself. She knew exactly who he was.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Oh crap. Would he remember her?</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"I'd
shake your hand or curtsy or something if I weren't attached to this stupid
table." Katie scowled for effect but he still wasn't looking at her.
Instead, he chuckled as he settled himself in a chair opposite hers, stretching
his long legs underneath the table. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Don't
worry, Miss. Despite the fact that I missed a delicious prime rib dinner this
evening I will not bite you." That explained the tux.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
mean you don't always dress that way for an interrogation? Don't I feel special
now?" she snapped, unable or unwilling to bite back the sarcasm as she sat
as far back in her chair as she could. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally
he looked at her. She saw the quick gleam of recognition before it disappeared.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He knew who she was.</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"See
anything you like?" Katie grumbled, resisting the urge to squirm under his
blue gaze. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"What's
your name?" the man asked casually, although Katie knew casual had nothing
to do with it. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
know my name. You just used it. Stop trying to butter me up and get down to
business. I'm sure you know everything about me. I mean, I doubt those
commandos of yours kidnap random women for fun on a Friday night. Or maybe they
do?" She noticed the man watching her with the slightest hint of a smile.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Are
you always so defensive?" He eyed her again, as if seeing straight into
her soul. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Her
blood started to percolate a little in her veins under the intensity of his
scrutiny. Aggravation, that's all. What other explanation could there be for
the sudden rise in her internal temperature.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"McCoy.
My name is Katie McCoy. And only when I have been kidnapped by a bunch of
Special Forces wanna-be's. That tends to ruffle my feathers a bit, Mr…?"
Two could play his game.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"James.
Agent James."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Your
mother not like you much?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
eyed her questioningly. "What's that supposed to mean?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"She
named you 'Agent', so she must not have liked you very much."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
man chuckled and she almost smiled in return until she went to push a stray
hair behind her ear and realized handcuffs still held her to the steel table.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"It's
Kaiden, Ms. McCoy. Agent Kaiden James."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Agent
of what agency?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Well,
aren't you full of questions tonight?" He winked at her as he leaned back
in his chair.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katie
scowled at him across the small space. "I always have a lot of questions
when I am dragged from my home in my pajamas in the middle of the night."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Agent
Kaiden James looked at his watch. The same military style, digital type Nathan
used to wear. Katie scowled again. The memory of her ex-fiancé was not what she
needed to be thinking about.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"It's
barely nine in the evening, Ms. McCoy. I would hardly call it the middle of the
night. Do you always dress for bed at dinner time?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"I
wasn't exactly expecting any company," she shot back.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"No,
I suppose you weren't." He fiddled with his watch again, eyes narrowing as
he studied the illuminated face. She didn't remember him being so pensive the
last time they had met. Of course he had been under the influence of some
strong narcotics. When would he admit that he knew her?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Why
am I here, Agent James?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Please,
call me Kaiden."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Fine,
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kaiden</i>, why am I here?'</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Do
you really expect me to believe that you have no idea why you are here?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Yes,
I do. Apparently making a frozen pizza is a capital offense in this part of the
world. You still haven't even told me what agency you represent, Agent
James."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"I'm
with Homeland Security. My specialty is domestic terrorism."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He thinks I'm a terrorist?
Seriously?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Katie started laughing.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"There
is nothing to laugh about, Ms. McCoy. You are in some serious trouble
here."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
think I am a terrorist? Please. Did you have a few drinks at that
wedding?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Sadly,
no. I didn't have the opportunity. Which means I am completely sober as we have
this conversation." His words were serious but his voice held a hint of
humor. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Do
you remember me, Agent James?" <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do
you remember a certain sponge bath perhaps?</i></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He shrugged. "Should I?" He acted
nonchalant but she could tell he knew exactly who she was. Well, if he wanted
to play hard to get, she could too.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"It must have been another Mr. James who…
well, I must have been mistaken anyway." She offered up a smile meant to
be both a little sexy and a little bit shy. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Katie
watched as Kaiden sifted through some papers in his file without acknowledging
her. She tapped a finger against the metal table as she watched him intently.
Oh, he definitely knew exactly who she was.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Do
you want to tell me why I am here or what?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
looked at her pajamas with a half-smile. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Pajama
party?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"You
are overdressed for the occasion, Agent James."</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"Perhaps
a hospital gown would have been more appropriate?"</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did</i> remember her. Katie couldn't help
but smile. Despite the circumstances—she eyeballed the cuff on her wrist—seeing
Kaiden James again was the best thing to have happened to her in months.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><u>Other books in the series...also currently on sale:</u></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><u><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Protection-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00YJQO1Q0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1471710435&sr=8-1&keywords=carolyn+laroche">Book 1: Witness Protection</a></u></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Border-Patrol-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B01BRTI30Q/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471710435&sr=8-3&keywords=carolyn+laroche"><b><i>Book 3: Border Patrol</i></b></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-39287084971962072252016-07-15T12:06:00.000-04:002016-07-15T12:06:14.351-04:00Summer Reading List
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;">Two struggling souls seek peace and end up finding each other...</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ka6P4ZOeLEfY03G7LBYgUuozg6gRMEyfLnEHi9kkboWfC-2fhjKnFDuO9fEzyFSbAh85cXnE6HqsnEW08cP7OsvYBsl7LxS8u7-ALpSOjQWb2NoUxLD91cn97Aq-QMsZPieAHEbuh0Pg/s1600/Tormented.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ka6P4ZOeLEfY03G7LBYgUuozg6gRMEyfLnEHi9kkboWfC-2fhjKnFDuO9fEzyFSbAh85cXnE6HqsnEW08cP7OsvYBsl7LxS8u7-ALpSOjQWb2NoUxLD91cn97Aq-QMsZPieAHEbuh0Pg/s320/Tormented.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tormented-Rescuers-Heart-Book-1-ebook/dp/B012237WBM/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1468597945&sr=8-9&keywords=carolyn+laroche#nav-subnav">Find your copy on Amazon</a>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tormented-carolyn-laroche/1122448320;jsessionid=F600313698FF8BEEF00F1936292BF4DB.prodny_store02-atgap05?ean=2940153370408">Also available on Barnes and Noble for Nook</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1134367663">And iTunes</a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Layla Evans was a
damned good defense attorney with the fancy car and beach condo to prove it. But,
sometimes success comes at too steep a price and she’s done with it all. She’s
sold her soul to the devil for the last time. Escape comes in the form of an
unexpected inheritance. She leaves her expensive, tailored lifestyle and turns
in her high heels for a pair of cowboy boots. The move is a major but with any
luck her demons will stay behind with her old life.</i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ben Callahan knew a
thing or two about demons. His have haunted him day and night since leaving his
Special Forces unit a few years ago. It was the sole reason he sought out the
solitude of the mountains. With nothing more than a cabin, a fishing pole and a
few acres, he was finally able to sleep a little at night. Until he gets a new
neighbor that rocks his carefully constructed world with all the force of an
IED.</i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">When Layla’s past
catches up to her, Ben finds old instincts kicking in. His need to protect the
woman he is falling for becomes stronger than his desire to protect his heart.
Can he get to Layla in time to save her and also heal his battered soul?</i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b>A little excerpt:</b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Without
another word, Ben followed her directions and headed to the bedroom. All the
way there, Layla alternated between anger and gratitude. She was flipping hot
that another human being had inflicted such physical pain on Ben and down-right
pissed off that someone he loved had in essence treated him worse than his
torturers. On the other hand, if those things hadn’t happened she wouldn’t be
in the arms of a man she was pretty sure she was close to falling in love with.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He
placed her carefully on top of the colorful patchwork quilt Layla had found in
a closet when she took the house over from her deceased father. After replacing
the mattress, box spring and sheets, the handmade piece made her feel homey and
comfortable. It almost seemed sinful to have it present for what she was about
to do with Ben who was stretching out on the bed on top of her.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She
didn't have a problem with that at all.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ben
adjusted the pillows behind her head. Layla couldn't stop trying to touch him.
She was as hungry for the contact between them as a man starved for food but he
stayed just out of reach of her embrace.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Ben!"
There was frustration in her cry. She needed him and she needed him right now.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Shh…"
He held a finger to his lips as he ran his hand along the bottom of her shirt,
slipping just inside. The muscles in her abdomen trembled under his fingertips.
With that hand he slowly inched her shirt up exposing her stomach. Layla
shivered. Ben continued to pull the top up until the bottoms of her breasts
peeked out. She heard him suck in a breath and then release it slowly.
"Are you sure…?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Oh,
yes," Layla replied before he could even finish his question.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Sitting
up and pulling her with him, he yanked the tee shirt up over her head and then
pushed her gently back against the pillows. "It's been a while—I might be
a little out of practice." The pink tinge of embarrassment in the russet
skin of his face just made her smile.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Just
like riding a bike, I promise." </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As
she contemplating pushing him over and climbing on top of him, Ben leaned in
and took her lips. The kiss was tentative at first, not like his usual
passionate go broke or go home approach. Wrapping her arms around his neck she
pulled him back down on top of her, opening her lips and granting him the
access he hadn't yet asked for. To hell with it, the guy had no idea what he
wanted. She would just have to show him.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
feel of his hard chest against her softer one was glorious in all the ways one
could imagine. So many nights of sleeping alone, the other side of the bed cold
and empty, could be coming to an end. Layla hadn't been alone as long as Ben
but she had been lonely for a lifetime. She needed this as much as he did, if
not more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trailing kisses from her lips
to the line of her jaw and down her neck, Ben let out a little moan that Layla
echoed. His touch sent sparks shooting over every last one of her nerves. Her
entire body was electrically charged and ready to spontaneously combust if he
didn't do something soon to relieve the agony.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Ben,
please." She reached for the button on his jeans as his mouth moved a
little lower on her chest. He stiffened for a second and Layla was certain he
was about to flee like a startled deer but he slowly relaxed. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He
nodded against her chest and she felt a shudder run through him before he
spoke. "Do you want me to close the shutters and pull the drapes?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Now
why would I want you to do that?" Layla slid her hands up his abdomen
until she held his face in her hands. Avoiding her gaze, Ben kept his eyes
focused on the place where her heart beat. Just having him stare at her like
that, so focused, stepped up the rise and fall of her chest.\</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"Look at me, Ben." He did as she
asked. "I am not Lauren. I am not repulsed by you. Can't you see that by
now? Everything—and I mean everything— about you turns me on. Now, stop holding
back on me, would you? I want the lights on and the windows open. If it will
make you believe me, we can go out back in the middle of the pasture and do
this."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I'm
sorry." He shook his head vigorously, tossing a lock of thick, dark hair
onto his forehead. She reached up and pushed it away as he laughed. "Damn
it! Why do I keep saying that? I feel like a teenaged boy getting it on for the
first time!"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Don't
apologize any more. There is nothing to be sorry about. I want you, you want me
and it's Lauren's loss."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He
seemed to consider what she said for a moment before jumping up off the bed.
Afraid he was leaving, she started to speak until she realized he was pulling
off his boots and dropping his jeans to the floor.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"That's
so much better." Layla grinned, feeling giddy. "Now get back over
here."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ben
did as he was told but instead of stretching out over her again, he hooked his
fingers in the waist of her borrowed sweat pants and yanked them down. Layla
giggled. "Now I’m the one that feels like the teenager. Did you lock the
door?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Ben
laughed, a relaxed sound that just added to the excitement of the building
anticipation. "Nope. Let your folks walk in. I don't care."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"My
folks? You're ridiculous!" She squealed as he dropped down on top of her
again. His hands went everywhere his mouth wasn't. Her body was hot all over,
muscles pulled so tight she thought they might snap as Ben continued exploring
parts of her that had been dormant for much too long. When his fingers trailed
their way along the top of her pink lace panties, Layla's pulse pounded so
loudly in her ears she thought she might go deaf from it.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
pounding got louder. And louder. Ben stopped the assault his tongue and lips
were waging on her and sat up. "Did you hear that?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"What?"
She gasped, reaching for him again.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Someone's
knocking on the door."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"They
will go away eventually." Her voice was hoarse with need as she tried
again to reach for Ben at the same time he rose from the bed. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Wait
here." The undertone to Ben's voice unnerved her. The pounding had grown
more insistent. Ben pulled on his jeans, settling them over his hips but not
bothering to button them. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"What's
wrong?" she asked, grabbing her shirt and pants and scrambling back into
them.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I
don't know. Were you expecting any visitors?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I
don’t know anyone and I haven't called the insurance company yet."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Grabbing
a gun off the bureau she hadn't realized he’d been carrying, he held a finger
to his lips telling her to be quiet. "Stay out of sight and be
quiet."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She
thought about arguing with him that he wasn't her father or her boss but
something in Ben's eyes told her do as he asked. Ben made his way down the hall
toward the front door. Layla trailed behind, quiet as a mouse despite the fear
setting up camp in her insides. No one knew Ben was there. What if it was the
same person that had burned her barn down and painted the cows?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Why would a criminal knock on the
door? </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
thought made sense but then why was Ben holding a gun, ready to shoot whoever
it was that kept pounding on the door?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She
watched from the corner of the hallway as Ben looked through the peep hole. Her
heart raced and her body shook just a little. Ben was all business. Standing
behind the door, he grasped the handle and yanked the door open pointing his
gun at the chest of whoever was there.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Who
the hell are you?" Ben demanded.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Who
the hell are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">you</i>?"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She
heard a click as Ben readied his weapon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His voice was low and deadly. "I asked you first."</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Whoa,
man! Put the gun down!"</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It
couldn't be.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She
stuck her head around the corner and yelled. "Ben, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no!"</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
</span><div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-35905576299976706922016-07-13T12:10:00.000-04:002016-07-13T12:10:08.068-04:00Summer Reading List- Romantic Suspense<span style="font-size: large;">I can't believe we are already half way through July. This summer has been moving way too fast. I am not ready to even think about going back to work in the fall and it seems like it's just around the corner. There's still plenty of time to get some writing done and definitely time to read! This week I am posting excerpts from one of my romantic suspense series. Plenty of car chases, gun fights and oh, chemistry of course.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-cogRxN5F030L-QJ9uD6mMyQH966nb2Qt2-qHZIRUFuAwA42gF4OS78BVYA-2SpWwzYb9irAdw9C4MfYVERIg_CyUbsZnhrilEreXCOXsg8jaErOErWtmdYfDbG02IB2ebho_KT_bI7g/s1600/WitnessProtectionebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-cogRxN5F030L-QJ9uD6mMyQH966nb2Qt2-qHZIRUFuAwA42gF4OS78BVYA-2SpWwzYb9irAdw9C4MfYVERIg_CyUbsZnhrilEreXCOXsg8jaErOErWtmdYfDbG02IB2ebho_KT_bI7g/s320/WitnessProtectionebook.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Protection-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00YJQO1Q0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1468424483&sr=8-4&keywords=carolyn+laroche"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grab your copy here!</span></a><br />
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone wants NYPD detective Angelina Ferrara dead…again. </span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Following her heart instead of her mind landed her in Witness Protection. Can she trust it and handsome detective Logan James to keep her alive this time?</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As far as the world knows, NYPD detective Angelina Ferrara died in a violent firefight on Chelsea piers over a year ago. Living in the witness protection program as history teacher Lucy Taylor was supposed to save her life but being alive and living were two very different things. Until she meets detective Logan James when he goes undercover in the same private school where she works. Something about the handsome man with the gorgeous blue eyes piques her interest. There’s no doubt he has secrets… but then so does she.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the Ricci crime family discovers she’s still alive, can she trust the same heart that landed her in the witness protection program in the first place to let Logan to help her survive it?</span></div>
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<br />
<b><u> A little excerpt...</u></b><br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I so <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cannot</i> do this again." Lucy groaned loudly and pulled her pillow over her head as the bright Virginia sunshine filled her bedroom. There was no smog, no skyscrapers, no<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> anything</i> to filter the light and give her a chance to ease into being awake.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">A distant rooster crowed its early greeting to the sun. Five thirty in the morning, every freaking morning. If she stayed in this godforsaken town for a hundred years she would never get used to it. She missed horns blaring and tires squealing against heavy brakes that used to serve as her alarm clock back home in New York City. The whole chickens in the yard, cows grazing alongside the highway, thing didn't really work for her. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Teaching Catholic school wasn't so great either. Why the powers that be in witness protection felt a New York City cop would make a good Catholic school history teacher, she couldn't begin to fathom. In fact, she hated teaching almost as much as she hated chickens. The only thing she had in common with her students was being Catholic. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Yet here she was, all dressed up in her ridiculous teacher clothes, with her fake blue eyes, and disturbing straight blonde hair, trying to live a life she despised and be thankful for it. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"At least you are still alive, girl," she whispered to the sad reflection in the bathroom mirror.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Yeah, right. She might be alive, but living was another idea all together.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"If I could at least carry a gun..." Lucy said to no one in particular. Not carrying her trusty sidearm made her feel as naked as a jaybird, but there was no getting around it. Part of the terms of the contract stipulated she could do nothing reminiscent of her old life, including the concealed carry of her favorite type of accessory.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Here we go again," she muttered, sliding behind the wheel of her little car. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The drive to St. Mary's took less than ten minutes. The parking lot looked exactly the way it did when she drove away the previous June, full of expensive SUVs and shiny convertibles that all made her aged sedan look much older than its nine years. The only noticeable change was a deep blue Jeep Wrangler—as about as out of place as a football team would be in the all-girls school—sat in the space where Lucy usually parked. Not a good way to start her morning when she was already so tense.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Hey, Ms. Taylor!" a voice called to her from across the lot.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Good morning, Sarah!" she called back a lot less cheerfully than she had intended. Her former student waved and walked on.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Another year was about to begin. Oh, how she missed her old life. Lucy was not born to be a teacher, not by any stretch of the imagination. But, it was a job. It kept her from going insane from the loneliness that had been a constant part of her life since she fled the city over a year ago and left her friends and family to believe she was dead.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I'm so sorry, Mom," she whispered for the hundredth time since it had all gone down.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">As she trudged her way to room 210, Lucy forced thoughts of death and funerals from her mind, replacing them with good memories of her life in the city. Such as the smell of roasted cashews and sauerkraut covered hotdogs from street vendors, taxis honking, New Yorkers telling each other to go to hell on every corner. Dark alleys hosting a multitude of crimes that beckoned to her like crack to an addict. No text books, no lesson plans, no parent conferences.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Umpf!" Lost in recollection, Lucy slammed into a solid mass. As the man turned around, she came face to face with the bluest pair of eyes she had ever seen. A quirky smile lifted one corner of his lip as he reached out to steady her. His light touch on her forearm sent a shocking shiver down her spine. No one had elicited any sort of response from her feminine side since...well, in a long, long time.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Excuse me, Miss. I'm sorry to get in your way. I...umm...I am a little lost. I guess my eyes were focused on room numbers instead of where I was walking." </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lucy couldn't help but smile back, despite her best effort not to.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Oh...are you new here?" </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Yes, ma'am." The handsome stranger stuck out his hand. "Name's Logan Smith. I'm teaching World History."</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lucy eyed the man, instantly suspicious. Of course, lately she had become instantly suspicious of everyone. Lucy accepted his outstretched hand.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Lucy Taylor. I teach U.S. History. What room were you looking for?"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Oooohhhh, Ms. Taylor! Who's the hottie?" The same girl from the parking lot called out, openly eyeing the school's newest instructor. Lucy flushed a deep crimson. They were standing in the middle of the main hallway practically holding hands. Quickly letting go of Mr. Smith's hand, she shoved her own into the pocket of her corduroy skirt. It irritated her that she missed simple human contact way more than she should.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Don't you have a class to get to, Sarah?" Lucy used her sternest teacher voice to redirect the young lady. Sarah was all smiles as she waved to the new teacher. Lucy could see why, Mr. Smith was definitely nice to look at, a fact that was going to cause some unrest in the all female population. "The bell is about to ring, you know."</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Yes, Ms. Taylor." The girl scurried off giggling, her plaid skirt flipping around her legs as she moved. Lucy turned back to Logan. The man was definitely way too handsome for his own good. His students were never going to take him seriously. Why did she even care anyway?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Because that man is fine with a capital F, and you have been alone and lonely for way too long.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lucy pushed thoughts of how handsome Mr. Smith was out of her mind and focused on the task at hand.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Now, Mr. Smith, which room were you looking for?"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">He checked the crumpled piece of paper in his hand. "Um, looks like room 212."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Oh, that's easy. I can take you there. It's the room right next to mine. Follow me."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Damn! He's right next door. </span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The new teacher unnerved her, and she didn't need anything throwing her off her game. Suddenly very self-conscious, Lucy took off down the hall and through the throng of girls eagerly greeting each after a summer of camps and vacations. Without looking back even once to see if Logan Smith followed her, Lucy stopped short in front of her classroom.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Your room is right there." She pointed to the open door about ten feet away from her own.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Logan flashed her a smile that lit a playful light in his eyes. That little shiver traveled the length of her spine once again. What the heck? Since when did the smile of a good-looking guy have any effect on her at all? Nothing had penetrated her shell since Salvatore.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Thank you. I feel as lost as I did my freshman year of high school! Of course, back in those days I didn't have a pretty escort to show me around, so maybe this time around won't be quite so bad." He winked and then chuckled when Lucy blushed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She averted her eyes, not accustomed to having conversations anymore with anyone, especially flirty, handsome men. In five minutes she would have thirty expectant teenagers waiting to see if she could teach them a thing or two. She didn't have time to wonder where Mr. Smith had come from or why he was stirring feelings deep inside her that she was absolutely certain she had locked away a long time ago.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Well, everyone gets the jitters on the first day. You'll be fine. Let me know if you need anything.</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;"> Lucy disappeared inside her room. She could feel his eyes on her as she walked away. Her abrupt departure was on the rude side, but she was a little rusty on the personal interaction front. Mostly, she just talked to her students, and occasionally the television. She hadn't made a single friend in all the months since leaving New York. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">She had no desire to get comfortable in this place and certainly didn't intend to die in the mountains of Virginia, no matter what the feds had to say about it. Lucy sighed heavily and dropped her bag on her desk. The mess that was her life would never be resolved. Not as long as a single member of the Ricci family was alive.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The shrill bell announcing the beginning of her school day filled the classroom and made her jump in her seat. Everything had her jumpy anymore. She had to give away her cat after she almost shot the poor feline in the middle of the night just for jumping off the windowsill. It had probably been a year since she last slept through the night.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Good morning, Ms. Taylor. Did you have a good summer?" A young lady with big green eyes and tight ginger colored curls stood over her. Lucy looked up from her desk.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Hello, Hailey. It was just fine. Thank you for asking. How was yours?"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Umm, it was okay."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Just okay?"</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"Spent most of it watching my two little brothers. Not much fun in that."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Lucy smiled, memories of her own large family filling her with warmth and then a hint of sadness. "Little brothers aren't so bad, really. Some day when you are all grown, they will be your best friends."</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">"I guess. Whatever." Hailey shrugged and headed to an empty desk in the front row. She was a good student, somewhat shy and reserved but friendly. She reminded Lucy of herself at that age. Lucy had two brothers also, but they were older than her. Another twinge of nostalgia stung in her chest before she pushed all memories of her former life into the deep dark spot in her brain where she had forced them over a year ago. This was her life now. She'd done the right thing, and she could live with that. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">For now.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Protection-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00YJQO1Q0/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1468424483&sr=8-4&keywords=carolyn+laroche"><span style="font-size: large;">Start this new series today!</span></a></span> <br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-20263063308051804522016-07-08T12:06:00.002-04:002016-07-08T12:19:07.681-04:00Sweet Love in a Small Town For Anyone Who's Ever Loved a Soldier<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span>Looking for a sweet love story for the weekend? Join Jennie Marshall as she navigates loss and love in a small town... Free in Kindle Unlimited. $.99 summer sale...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJEeSL0xSombfxThi5X36uzg8Lq0-qGS1c9ocUYBhE8jAr-cXHHuzgxU_PpnC74DAPI2bUd4OAdH4afGg2dSCPyOKipaigVNQnu3jnIwOfnDY9np6henUyKokLCTJblu8MxihQ-4e1FqP/s1600/Cover+final+DTDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJEeSL0xSombfxThi5X36uzg8Lq0-qGS1c9ocUYBhE8jAr-cXHHuzgxU_PpnC74DAPI2bUd4OAdH4afGg2dSCPyOKipaigVNQnu3jnIwOfnDY9np6henUyKokLCTJblu8MxihQ-4e1FqP/s320/Cover+final+DTDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Jennie Marshall has some hard choices to make. </span></i></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Does she leave the small town life she resents or stay in
the old house she’d been raised in and care for her grieving mother? Staying
means no college and giving up all her dreams. It also means keeping the farm
going, taking on a job she’d never wanted, and facing the reality of Trisha and
Michael getting married and starting a family. Leaving would mean Momma losing the
home John Marshall had built for them before he died. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">So, of course, she does what a good, responsible daughter
should do—gives up her own dreams, determined to carry out her father’s. When
the stress of her life becomes almost intolerable, relief in the form of
Grayson Jennings arrives. He’s sweet, handsome, and totally in love with her. But
Jennie, being as stubborn a Marshall as her father, refuses to see what’s right
there in front of her until it’s too late. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It takes yet another tragedy to prove that everything she
never knew she wanted was right there </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Down the Dirt Road</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Down-Dirt-Road-Carolyn-LaRoche-ebook/dp/B00AC92WSC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467994689&sr=8-4&keywords=down+the+dirt+road"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Get your copy here!</span></a></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A little excerpt...</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jennie picked up the box and went to her room where
sat on her bed, the bundle of letters in her lap. There were exactly sixty two
of them- every single one had a date written in the upper left corner, the
earliest one dating back to October when Grayson was in boot camp. All this
time she had waited, thinking what a fool she had been believing he would
actually write to her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why hadn’t he
sent even one?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">And now he was missing in action and she might not
ever get the chance to ask him. She turned the stack over in her lap again,
studying his handwriting on the front of the top envelope. Much neater than
Michael’s but still very masculine.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">She really wanted to open one and read it but where to
start?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Flipping the pile back over, she pulled the very first
one- dated 18 October- out from the stack and opened it, careful not to tear
the envelope. A part of her felt like she was invading someone’s privacy,
reading secret thoughts in a diary meant only for the writer. But, they <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">were</i> addressed to her. Grayson had
written them for her.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Never mind that he had never actually sent them to
her.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The first letter was written in black ink on lined
notebook paper, the ragged edges from the spiral meticulously removed.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">18 October 2001</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dearest Jennie,</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I know you thought
I would never write and honestly, as I sit here in my bunk I wonder if I
should. Do you really want to hear from me or am I just setting us both up for
heartache? You have gone through so much with the death of your father, I have
no right to volunteer for war and then expect you to sit at home and wait for me
when there is no guarantee I will even make it him. Of course, if I could
survive the first three weeks of boot camp, I suppose I can make it through
even the worst enemy prison camp. That was supposed to be a joke. Not very
funny was it?</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">There is something
I would like to say Jennie. I am very glad that you came to find me that day I
left. The memory of holding you, kissing you even as brief as it was, has
helped me through many a lonely night and long day in the field. I don’t know
why you came for me, I like to think it is because you are as head over heels
in love with me as I have been with you for so many years but I am smart enough
to know that’s not it. I guess it really doesn’t matter why, just that you did
and now I find I have a reason to make it home alive when all is said and done.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Yours Always,</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Private Grayson
Jennings, United States Army</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">A single tear drop fell, landing right beside the
words <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yours always</i>, the image of a
tiny heart taking shape as the salty water saturated the paper. Her own heart
was aching. How could such a letter possibly be meant for her? She grabbed up
the envelope, checked the name and address again, just to be sure it really <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">had </i>been for her.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">How would she have felt receiving that letter when
Grayson was alive and well, knowing he was waiting for her response in an Army
barracks somewhere? What would she have said to him as he poured out his heart
and soul to her, naming her as his reason for living?</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Grabbing a pen and a notebook from her desk, she sat
down and pulled out a fresh piece of paper.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Dear Grayson,</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I am so glad to
finally hear from you. I was beginning to think that I had dreamt our last
meeting, so quick that it was. I only wish you had written sooner.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I am a grown
woman, about to turn twenty one and no one can make my decisions for me. If I
choose to wait for you while you fight the war for our freedom than it is my
choice and you have nothing to feel guilty for. I don’t really know why I went
after you that day, I only know that I couldn’t bear the thought of you being
halfway around the world without my having told you how sorry I was for being
pigheaded and stubborn. Did I just describe the same thing twice? That’s how
strongly I feel about it! I look forward to the day when I will see you once
again, alive and well on my front porch in your cop uniform, your gun slung low
on your hip and crooked smile meant only for me.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Until then,</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Jennie</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Reading back over what she had written, Jennie decided
that for every one of Grayson’s letters she would write a reply. If she were to
be privileged to his private thoughts and feelings then he should be able to
share hers. He could read the whole stack when he was found—alive—and sent home
with a purple heart and an honorable discharge. Yes, that was what she would do.
For every letter he wrote to her she would write a reply.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-32903879345286115682016-07-02T19:36:00.000-04:002016-07-02T19:36:26.023-04:00Summer Reading List<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are looking to read on the beach this weekend, check out </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">When First They Practice To Deceive</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Meet the man reviewers are calling a "hunk" and "Mr. Trey McDreamy" in the action packed third book of the </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Secret Lives</span></i><span style="font-size: large;"> series.</span> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT94-cZo8hxCIG9rDOWeGk7hBbAxQz2PYD57N9JhTl-PmmHEBOu9tjMzTU-YlfCfFe9Dbrd-_f6H6KjM_AvRSo2Kj8kiZaB_ZqsD1jD42ii4a-XlMipa64C3JBQqNDQif69q0mI20540AT/s1600/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT94-cZo8hxCIG9rDOWeGk7hBbAxQz2PYD57N9JhTl-PmmHEBOu9tjMzTU-YlfCfFe9Dbrd-_f6H6KjM_AvRSo2Kj8kiZaB_ZqsD1jD42ii4a-XlMipa64C3JBQqNDQif69q0mI20540AT/s320/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_jacket.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Practice-Deceive-Secret-Lives-ebook/dp/B01EH1PCGE/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1467501239&sr=8-6#nav-subnav">Read The Reviews Here!!!</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To Get You Started...Here's a little bit of Jessy and Trey... enjoy!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Jessy
stepped out into the cold and wrapped her coat around her more tightly. Agnes
had given her an envelope for the packet of papers that she carried under her
arm. The wind had definitely kicked up while she was inside the office; she
wouldn’t be surprised if there were a storm brewing off the coast.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Quickening
her step, she crossed the road and headed to the lot where her car was parked.
From behind her, someone called her name.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Jessy!
Wait, Jessy!” She stopped when she reached the sidewalk and turned around,
expecting to see one of Sam’s friends or some guy he worked with. Instead, she
saw Trey.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Her
body didn’t know how to react. The hint of electricity that ran down her spine
at the sight of him in his well-worn leather bomber jacket warred with the
nausea over possibly being seen coming out of the attorney’s office.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Hi,
Trey. What are you doing in this neck of the woods?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>He
grinned down at her. His cheeks were red from the cold, but that just made his blueeyes
bluer. “I was supposed to meet my dad for lunch but he had to cancel. Work
stuff, I guess. How ‘bout you? Do you live around here?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“No.
I, uh, I had an appointment.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
hope it was to file for divorce against that loser husband of yours. There’s
about ten divorce attorneys around here. I can recommend a good one for you if
you want me to.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Once
again, her emotions warred with each other. Her mind wanted to both defend Sam
for some crazy reason, and she wanted jump into Trey’s arms so he could hold
her until all of it was done and over with. She settled for telling him the
truth instead.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Actually,
I did.” She pulled the packet from under her arm. “Here’s the papers I have to
fill out .”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. Jessy may have leaned into his
touch just a tiny little bit, not that she’d actually admit it to anyone. He
didn’t seem to mind, if the sparkle in his eye was any indicator. “I know how
hard all of this is. I’ve had my share of loss. If you need anything—a shoulder
to cry on, a couple bottles of wine—I’m here for you.” </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Jessy
couldn’t resist his smile. It consumed the entirety of his features and made
her feel all warm and fuzzy in places that had, just moments before, been
freezing. “Thank you, Trey, I appreciate that.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Hey,
have you eaten yet? I’m starving and I don’t have lunch date.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
don’t know—” </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
promise, no diner food. There’s a great little barbeque place down Lynnhaven
Parkway. They were on the Food Channel once, I heard.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Well—”
</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“My
treat.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i> It was so hard to resist his boyish grin. What
the heck, it was only lunch, right? It’s not like they were dating. She threw
caution to the wind. This was the first day of the rest of her life; she might
as well start over the right way. Lunch with a very handsome man sounded good
to her. “Okay, fine. I’ll follow you there.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>He
rubbed his hands together. “Excellent. As soon as I get some feeling back in my
fingertips, I will unlock my car and we can be on our way.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
had no idea what came over her when she reached her hands out and took his in
her own, rubbing the backs and the palms to create warmth between them. Time
slowed around them. Jessy was no longer aware of anyone or anything except the
point where she and Trey touched and the depths of his eyes that searched her
soul in a very unnerving way.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Coming
through!” a panicked voice yelled, jarring her back to reality. Trey wrapped an
arm around her, pulling her toward him swiftly. She slammed into his chest as
they tumbled to the icy ground in a heap and tangle. A man on a motorized
scooter whizzed by them, the orange flag attached to his seat waving wildly in
the air. “Watch it next time, suckers!” </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
was on top of her, his eyes full of worry. “Are you okay, Jessy?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Was
she okay? Now that was an interesting question. She was sprawled on the wet
ground, wind blowing up her long skirt, and she was fairly certain there was
mud on her face. On the other hand, an almost illegally sexy man was spread out
on top of her and she was pretty sure he didn’t have a gun in his pocket. So,
was she okay? Hell yeah, she was more than okay.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I’m
fine.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Are
you sure?” He rolled to her side and started checking her appendages for broken
bones. “Did you hit your head? Does anything hurt?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Oh,
something hurt all right. But it wasn’t because she had fallen. “I’m really
okay, I promise.” She sat up and smoothed her hair. Yup, full of mud. “I must
look a real fright though.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
wiped at her cheek with a thumb. “Actually, you look quite beautiful.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>All
kinds of heat radiated from her as blood rushed to the surface of her skin.
“You don’t have to say that. I fell in the mud.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Yes,
and you wear it very well.” Trey gave her another amazing smile as he stood and
gently pulled her to her feet. “I suppose this means you are going to cancel
lunch on me as well?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
should probably go home, clean up, and take a nap before work, but the war in
her brain was happening again. This time it was between her practical side and
the rest of her that really, really wanted to have lunch with Trey.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Nope.
I’m hungry. If you can stand to look at me like this for the next hour then I’m
game. I just need to hit the ladies’ room to wash up a little.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“It
won’t be any hardship on my part to look at such a beautiful woman while I
eat.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“You
don’t have to keep saying that.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>He
looked confused. “Saying what?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“You
know, that I’m beautiful. I’m still hungry either way. Flattery is unnecessary.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Hasn’t
anyone ever told you how stunning you are?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Please,
I am as homely as they come. Let’s go eat.” She started walking the rest of the
way to her car. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“That
man of yours was a bigger ass hat than I thought. He never once complimented
you, did he?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
waved away his words with one hand as she unlocked her car with the other. “I’m
sure he did. We were together for years.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
took the keys from her fumbling fingers and hit the remote unlock button.
Nothing happened. “Why didn’t it work?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
shrugged. “Battery died.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>He
fit the key in the lock and pulled the driver’s side door open. “We need to get
that fixed for you. I don’t like the idea of you not being able to unlock your
car after work. I’m not there every night.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I’ll
take care of it. With everything going on, it kept slipping my mind.” She slid
in behind the wheel and nodded toward a car she recognized as his. “Go. Get in
your car and lead me to food. My stomach is going to digest itself soon.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
offered her a mock salute, obviously deciding the key fob was a non-issue at
the moment. “Yes, ma’am. You every wish is my command.” He turned and jogged
toward his car, leaving Jessy wondering if he meant everything he said.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>It
took over ten minutes to get to the restaurant. Apparently everyone in Virginia
Beach was out to lunch on Lynnhaven Parkway that day. When he finally led her
into the parking lot of a strip mall, Jessy was confused. Maybe with all the
traffic he had changed his mind about lunch. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
pulled into a spot and Jessy pulled up alongside him, rolling down the
passenger window. A gust of cold air swirled into the car, making her shake.
“Change your mind?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“What?
No. This is it. Come on, I told you it was a little hole in the wall.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>A
restaurant in a strip mall worried her. How good could it be if they couldn’t
even afford their own building?</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
walked around her car and met her as she stepped from the driver’s seat.
Tucking her arm in the crook of his, he led her to a tiny storefront she never
would have noticed on her own. As they walked inside, the sweet, vinegary smell
of Carolina barbeque assaulted her senses, making her mouth water. She might
have moaned right then, but she would deny it until her death bed. She
completely ignored the cashier eyeballing her and her disheveled, dirty
appearance.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Okay
if I order for you?” Trey stood at the counter, looking over at her. “I’m not
trying to go all alpha male on you or anything, I just have a feeling I know
what you will like.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Yeah
he was going a little alpha male, but it actually didn’t bother her. Truth be
told, she kind of liked him taking care of her a little. “Go ahead, I trust
you. I need to go clean up anyway.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
could feel Trey’s eyes on her as she walked to the restroom. At least, she
hoped they were his and not everyone elses’ in the tiny restaurant.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Thankfully,
the bathroom was a single-occupant-only space. She closed and locked the door
behind her and turned to face the evil truth in the mirror. Opening eyes she
didn’t realize she had closed, Jessy bit back a little scream. Pieces of dead
grass and a few brown pine needles were stuck in her hair. Smudges of mud under
her eyes made her look like a wannabe athlete, and the hem of her skirt was
nearly black. Yay. Either Trey really didn’t see what a hot mess she was, or he
was enjoying a secret laugh at her expense.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Squirting
a pile of foamy soap in the palm of her hand, Jessy scrubbed her face until it
was red and felt raw. Carefully picking all the vegetation from her hair, she
then undid her braid and brushed through her waist-length hair. Her wrist ached
with the effort. Apparently she had hurt herself a little in the fall after
all. It took too much effort to try and braid her hair back up, so she tucked
the long waves behind her ears, put her brush back in her purse, took a deep breath and left the bathroom.
Things were as good as they were going to get.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
caught sight of Trey setting two foam plates on a table, and headed toward him.
He turned, one large Styrofoam cup in each hand and stopped when he saw her. “I
didn’t know what you liked to drink. You look different.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“No
more dirt on my face?” She smiled and reached for the cups. “Let me fill them.
I like sweet tea. You?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I’ll
have the same.” He sucked in a breath as she turned away from him, bringing a
smile to her own lips. “Jessy, your hair.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
felt a light tug and glanced at him over her shoulder. “Thanks for not telling
me it was full of pine needles.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
didn’t notice.” He kept step with her as she went to the drink station. As she
poured the two sweet teas, Trey buried his fingers in the hair at the base of
her neck, sending a shiver down through her.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Here.”
She turned and handed him one of the cups. “It was too hard to re-braid in the
bathroom, but I can if it bothers you.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Bothers
me? What is wrong with you, girl?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Wrong
with me?” Unexplained anger started
to boil slowly inside her.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Relax,
I don’t mean it as an insult.” He leaned forward, placing his lips close to her
ear. “You have no idea how many fantasies I’ve had about that hair of yours.
You’ve just made one of them come true.” He straightened and returned to their
table, leaving her rooted to the floor and stuttering. Sam had hated her hair, said
it got in the way of everything—clogged drains, irritated him while he slept. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Did
Trey just say he had been fantasizing about her? Yes, he most certainly did.
Tossing all her hair over her shoulder so that it fell, sensually she hoped,
over her body, Jessy joined Trey at the table. She picked up her sandwich,
complete with fresh coleslaw piled on the pork just the way she liked it, and
took a bite, watching Trey all the while.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>They
chatted about the weather and Dixie and the colorful customers that Jessy was
getting to know. When they were just about done, Jessy asked the question that
had been on her mind for a while. “Have you always been a cook?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Have
I always loved to cook? Yes. The job at Dixie’s
though is just temporary…while I figure a few things out.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Maybe
she had been completely off base thinking he was a cop. Her instincts weren’t
usually wrong, but maybe they were this time.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“What
did you do before?”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“A
lot of different things, much to the dismay of my father.” He laughed, but the
sound lacked his usual humor. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
reached across the table and touched the back of his hand. “I’m sure he is very
proud of you.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
guess. He is a good man. Does great things for people in need. He expected me to
follow in his footsteps but I wanted something different. Something that didn’t
quite fit the family mold.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
wish I knew how that was. My parents died when I was young, and my grandparents
raised me. They loved me, but they didn’t have a lot of expectations of me. By
the time I graduated high school they were nearing their eighties. I left home
and have been on my own ever since. Until I met Sam on my nineteenth birthday.
We were married a year later. If I could go back in time, I definitely wouldn’t
have gotten married so young.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Our
experiences in life make us who we are. I just wish your experiences hadn’t
been so heartbreaking.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>She
shrugged. “It wasn’t all bad. I mean, aside from the obvious. I had a good
childhood. I just have a lousy taste in men, I guess.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“Not
all men are like your soon-to-be ex-husband. Some of us are capable of
appreciating a real jewel when we find it.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“I
really hope not all men are like Sam. I’d be forced to join a convent, and I
don’t really look all that good in black.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Trey
leaned back against his chair, folded his arms over his chest, and bellowed
loudly, “Trust me, Jessy. You’d look good in a paper sack.”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/First-Practice-Deceive-Secret-Lives/dp/1680586017/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1467502454&sr=8-6&keywords=carolyn+laroche"><span style="font-size: large;">Want more of Trey? Pick up your copy here...in ebook or paperback!</span></a><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-71884335418043929442016-06-18T07:00:00.000-04:002016-06-18T07:00:16.320-04:00This Series Will Tug at Your Heart Strings...<div align="CENTER">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">If you are looking for the perfect sweet romances, then you really need to read these books. I've read them both AND have had the pleasure of a sneak peak at the third in the series due out in July...you will not want to miss. (I'll do a review of it then.)</span></div>
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Title: NOTHING LIKE THE FIRST TIME</div>
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(The Sweet Romance Series Book 1)</div>
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Author: KEREN HUGHES</div>
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<img alt="Keren 1" class="alignnone wp-image-5437" height="349" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/keren-1.jpg" width="199" /></div>
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Synopsis:</div>
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*This NA Contemporary Romance story contains sexual content and language aimed at a mature audience. 17+*
Carly Summers and Greyston Sterling were each other's first kiss, first sexual experience, first love, first everything.
They had a love that was made to last. That was until Grey took a job as a freelance photographer that took him to the other side of the world. When it came down to a choice between his career and his girl - he chose the career. He's travelled the world and seen sights he wished Carly was there to experience. He's had relationships along the way but nothing meaningful.
Carly has had relationships but nothing that lasted. No-one could compare to Grey.
Now, 10 years later, Grey's back in town and wants to see if they can rekindle what they had all those years ago. But how can they if he's engaged to somebody else?
Nothing Like The First Time is a tale of how nothing compares to your first love. There are trials and tribulations Carly and Grey must overcome on their way back to each other... what if they can't get over the obstacles life throws at them?
*This book can be read as a stand-alone or as part of The Sweet Romance Series*</div>
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Add to Goodreads here: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20411538-nothing-like-the-first-time">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20411538-nothing-like-the-first-time</a></div>
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<img alt="Keren2" class="alignnone wp-image-5440" height="324" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/keren2.jpg" width="204" /></div>
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Title: READY TO LOVE AGAIN</div>
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(The Sweet Romance Series Book 2)</div>
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Author: KEREN HUGHES</div>
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Synopsis:</div>
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For Alyssa Young, life has never been easy. But the hardest thing of all was two years ago when her husband Ethan committed suicide…
Moving town was her only option, she had to get out of the town where she grew up and all the buildings and people reminded her of what she had lost.
She found a new job at Emerging Butterfly Publishing House and that was where she met editor, Chase Williams.
Although she has no romantic interest in him, he pursues her…
Of course he's good looking. He's also smart, funny, and she loves spending time with him. But Alyssa can't put the past to rest.
He wants Alyssa to open up to him and fall in love with him the way he fell for her the moment he met her.
Can Chase convince Alyssa that the time is right and she’s ready to love again?
*This book can be read as a stand-alone or as part of The Sweet Romance Series*</div>
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Add To Goodreads Here: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22908594-ready-to-love-again">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22908594-ready-to-love-again</a></div>
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Author Bio:</div>
Keren lives in the UK and is an avid bookworm. She fondly remembers the days where she would lie in her bedroom away from distraction and get lost in the world of make believe. Her first real memory of reading something she fell in love with was The Hobbit. In her teenage years, she became addicted to Point Horror books like RL Stine's The Boyfriend, but she also enjoyed light Summer reads like What Katy Did and What Katy Did Next.
Over the years she has come to realise that she is a bit of an OCD freak about books. They have to be in perfect condition without the slightest bit of damage.
She has been a book reviewer for the last few years and a book hoarder for a LOT longer. You can NEVER have too many books! Her shelves are bulging and overflowing but she always wants "just one more book".
Keren had her first book published by Limitless Publishing in November 2013. It's a YA Paranormal Romance novel called Stolen. Her second book was published with LP in May 2014. This time, an NA Contemporary Romance called Nothing Like The First Time.
She couldn't have been more surprised when NLTFT appeared on the Amazon Best Seller list. That was a dream come true.
Keren is currently working on more NA Contemporary Romances for you to fall in love with.
Keren loves hearing from her readers.
You can reach her by email at kerentshughes@gmail.com
Visit her author blog here: <a href="http://www.authorkerentshughes.wordpress.com/">www.authorkerentshughes.wordpress.com</a>
Facebook Profile: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/keren.hughes.92">www.facebook.com/keren.hughes.92</a>
Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kerentshughes">www.facebook.com/kerentshughes</a>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-1194431943272403082016-06-17T06:59:00.000-04:002016-06-17T06:59:35.667-04:00Pain by Amanda Mackey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fi8ySU7eStE/Vn4Kt3ySCII/AAAAAAAACc4/0ULvcAFlw3c/s1600/ed23b9f9-5733-4e9e-b9ec-cabfe46948ea.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fi8ySU7eStE/Vn4Kt3ySCII/AAAAAAAACc4/0ULvcAFlw3c/s320/ed23b9f9-5733-4e9e-b9ec-cabfe46948ea.jpe" width="200" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">PAIN </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">by Amanda Mackey</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> SYNOPSIS </span></b><b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Life
is sweet in The Sanctuary—until Lillian Harris is thrown the curveball of her
life.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lillian is perfectly happy cocooned within
the lofty perimeter fence of The Sanctuary. <i>Her</i>
Sanctuary—a vast oasis for rescued lions, tigers, and elephants. The animals
are her world. So when Lillian’s dad tells her a nineteen-year-old criminal who’s
fresh out of prison is coming to The Sanctuary as part of a rehabilitation program,
Lillian is more than a little apprehensive. She interacts with animals more
than humans—and definitely not criminals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Justice
Armstrong is more arrogant than a Silverback, but something darker lurks behind
his eyes… <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It isn’t until Justice swaggers toward her
from the parole officer’s car—pierced, confident, and more than a little hot—Lillian
knows she has her work cut out for her. His stare has the power to rob her of
all thoughts. His words, although crude and nefarious, bring a part of her to
life she never knew existed. How is this criminal suddenly turning her world
upside down?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
has the power to drag her to the dark side....<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pain is his drug of choice, a vice he
can’t survive without. Then he meets Lillian Harris. <i>Little miss hellcat.</i> Fiery, strong, and all woman. She challenges him
at every damn turn, and watching her tame those fierce big cats makes his need for
her that much stronger. He wants to do things to her…wicked things. She makes
him crave pain in a whole new way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When
a teen with a dark past bumps heads with a feisty rescue worker, will it be
love over lust—or a matter of life and death?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>✯★PURCHASE NOW★✯</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://amzn.com/B019R8903I">http://amzn.com/B019R8903I</a></b></span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b><b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b><b><span style="font-size: large;"> AMANDA MACKEY </span></b><b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b><b style="font-size: x-large;">★✯</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Amanda Mackey was born in New Zealand and moved to Australia when she was 12 years old with her family, where she has lived ever since. She has loved books since an early age and is an avid reader. This has helped lay the foundation for her writing. She's published 2 non-fiction books and has her a fiction novel titled, Instinctual out now. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Instinctual is a 2 book series. Book 2 will be out Sept. 30 2014.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Amanda hopes to make writing her full time career.</span></div>
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FACEBOOK: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shealyjamesbooks">https://www.facebook.com/amandamackeyauthorpage/</a></div>
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LIMITLESS PUBLISHING: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1HAmyL3&h=TAQHP2JRtAQEbANAkFGkW1DU_x3W-o-1dK1f1cozzAxYc4A&enc=AZO23IycWxElv75D7eWZm0r_QgcmGaWbhr8cvjjXLLQCpyej2GcSdwBvgRDlLOg64x8fb0LRuPEOEGwHclMnWUCTNRu7Kc2DOlZvlo8Jx0GdXWPyrUZHKuIvSKVPLrOdFA6xieRPBK5-2aTLuVYEfoKQUkgbkdqPRwDSKBWM1xNS4nww_OQ-DffIq6XFmdv1hN8QaBZaeNQSxcLo899r1HLu&s=1">http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/amanda-mackey/</a></div>
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AMAZON: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1O8ycRh&h=dAQHJbeXUAQGcG1E10NhC54aeQX7wClnj2iTLvjUB5o9Zkg&enc=AZP0b0aiC7iQT3_MOHaxypnpYzcDNl_mpnOmTUtppYib7RL3c6beaKI1rPrX3YBnhWEFhXAIOEHR5eOtoXzUrH9LSX7_uyyuWp_exYm5palS2ZshSjCfHgWyIVobh85OJt1MT62y5VVeNvyCOHsLtzULGLGpHc0DenEPk89LGBoMdJBIv9JH8Glrjvffjzmme3ACudAV71U9B7zkrbodONW3&s=1">http://www.amazon.com/Amanda-Mackey/e/B00DU1JGM4/ref</a></div>
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TWITTER: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1M7K7A5&h=MAQFnbSJMAQGog1kHKHJmijYH1fSID2_BaBzXLWg3c8B2lg&enc=AZOx1jcekja3nYj1RHvCmLNBjnN2ZmwjXcz15NnQBzVdZDuuF2aAn-SlQpZyr4S9Ppwgd0AkRQ41J8D-JVc0E726yU5LFVCSzbeJVVd5VaZ9btCE4ZgAQkZ47YIzInf5p4V3-bH2VLECjfxWRAA8NhmY0rCbrN5IXwAMigVqMx0CZ4LJPCsQtVb_fYzwCwynx9OvLVSGhWPr9PwXqED0HVg5&s=1">https://twitter.com/AmandaMacey43</a></div>
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GOODREADS: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1SpmvXu&h=xAQFWKYstAQEH8AjykJdOZFxU1xgtafPtV5svV3sz8Wi_XA&enc=AZNprwjb2aH-k5E3HsxrZc_hvqFybA_WqhswvCaVmUIQKswAnGlRlbkON_TIcYufuu_iZb1mxDN1C4P26xBkwCsF-DkuSrkSp1pglY_xQuyyEMBU-ocSTKecSHYIrQz2jlaCp6nFMU4J56lC6wpiCOwF0OTR0lD-cxo6SXdAGo3gereTWbqvMWr3z0H6wcePxBSmVZ2xm_wMWLQ-WxFUElSS&s=1">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7069947.Amanda_Mackey</a></div>
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WEBSITE: <a href="http://amandamackeyauthor.blogspot.com.au/">http://amandamackeyauthor.blogspot.com.au/</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lIAM4yL9buWqkyD7HMaD3eyXbheqdwkw3qGpGm2m2b8tPa_9YrBA9PEfO8WHmpDT_8-8xEdWqvG-B9XJmTfLdA-u-l15Ef4sGqSIaQIj0MQZ_h_EG70tPLftrqBRf8iYpPFJUyyv85QR/s1600/limitless+publishing+blue+3.png"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lIAM4yL9buWqkyD7HMaD3eyXbheqdwkw3qGpGm2m2b8tPa_9YrBA9PEfO8WHmpDT_8-8xEdWqvG-B9XJmTfLdA-u-l15Ef4sGqSIaQIj0MQZ_h_EG70tPLftrqBRf8iYpPFJUyyv85QR/s200/limitless+publishing+blue+3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-45353035496847441662016-06-16T06:51:00.002-04:002016-06-16T06:51:54.425-04:00We Will Always Have the Closet by Natalina Reis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>We Will Always Have the Closet </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">by Natalina Reis</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1gI3BRrq6A/VzPv3LnUPgI/AAAAAAAADXg/2aM1PWNcwBouf1ukMf-yZ8k3_m2YothHwCLcB/s1600/c7ed22f5-e95d-4c2b-91aa-918c70832105.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1gI3BRrq6A/VzPv3LnUPgI/AAAAAAAADXg/2aM1PWNcwBouf1ukMf-yZ8k3_m2YothHwCLcB/s320/c7ed22f5-e95d-4c2b-91aa-918c70832105.jpe" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Publisher: Limitless Publishing</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://amzn.com/B01A9ITPUI">https://amzn.com/B01A9ITPUI</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Synopsis</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Petra Galatas sees the world through rose-colored glasses… </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Petra has always chosen to see the best in people. Even her ex-husband’s extramarital affairs couldn’t destroy her faith in humanity. However, as much as she craves love, she’s not ready to trust another man with her heart.</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">The last place Petra thought she’d meet a guy was a closet in her ex-husband’s house…</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">While investigating Jonas Linden for millions of dollars in art fraud, Sam Corra’s clues lead him into the most unlikely of places—Jonas’ closet. Even less likely was meeting a woman there…a beautiful woman with honey skin and big brown eyes. Though neither of them divulge the reason they’re there, there’s an instant mutual attraction. And when Sam pursues her, he discovers the beautiful woman is none other than Jonas Linden’s ex-wife.</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">He’s on a mission to prove Jonas’ guilt. She’s determined to prove his innocence…</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Unwilling to believe she’d been stupid enough to marry a criminal, Petra attempts an investigation of her own, and unwittingly puts herself—and Sam—in danger. First comes an “accident” that lands Petra in the hospital. Second is a kidnapping that puts Sam’s life in grave danger.</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When they both become pawns in a deadly game, money, art, and love are all at stake.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnA7s81Vis/VzPwN8jVdUI/AAAAAAAADXo/gmw_ypIlrHkbMyXgYTt22ygHnlFLYffwQCLcB/s1600/ClosetNow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iAnA7s81Vis/VzPwN8jVdUI/AAAAAAAADXo/gmw_ypIlrHkbMyXgYTt22ygHnlFLYffwQCLcB/s320/ClosetNow1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>AVAILABLE NOW</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://amzn.com/B01A9ITPUI">https://amzn.com/B01A9ITPUI</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_JcXPBhlIs/VzPwbKoiyLI/AAAAAAAADXw/z5BLLTLFJOs1HoezdgDJZsfG2OfK9FKrwCLcB/s1600/3a0ef357-bce9-4e44-9d96-95b7ac89885b.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6_JcXPBhlIs/VzPwbKoiyLI/AAAAAAAADXw/z5BLLTLFJOs1HoezdgDJZsfG2OfK9FKrwCLcB/s320/3a0ef357-bce9-4e44-9d96-95b7ac89885b.jpe" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Meet the Author</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Natalina wrote her first romance in collaboration with her best friend at the age of 13. Since then she has ventured into other genres, but romance is first and foremost in almost everything she writes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After earning a degree in tourism and foreign languages, she worked as a tourist guide in her native Portugal for a short time before moving to the United States. She lived in three continents and a few islands, and her knack for languages and linguistics led her to a master's degree in education. She lives in Virginia where she has taught English as a Second Language to elementary school children for more years than she cares to admit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"></span><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Natalina doesn't believe you can have too many books or too much coffee. Art and dance make her happy and she is pretty sure she could survive on lobster and bananas alone. When she is not writing or stressing over lesson plans, she shares her life with her husband and two adult sons.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 19px;">Amazon: </span><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Natalina-Reis/e/B01ADQ9FJW/">http://www.amazon.com/Natalina-Reis/e/B01ADQ9FJW/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14883335.Natalina_Reis">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14883335.Natalina_Reis</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authornatalinareis/">https://www.facebook.com/authornatalinareis/</a></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-32338623238589820512016-06-15T06:48:00.000-04:002016-06-15T06:48:07.959-04:00Into the Fire by Kelly Hashaway<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">INTO THE FIRE by Kelly Hashway</span></div>
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Genre: YA Paranormal Romance</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7_ldjaGsZk/VrUsH4L4F-I/AAAAAAAACz8/G4UZHgTnCCI/s1600/Into%2Bthe%2BFire%2BFRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f7_ldjaGsZk/VrUsH4L4F-I/AAAAAAAACz8/G4UZHgTnCCI/s640/Into%2Bthe%2BFire%2BFRONT.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">♒ SYNOPSIS </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">♒</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">In one month’s time, seventeen-year-old
Cara Tillman will die and be reborn from her own ashes…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Her life
of secrecy has never been easy. She’s watched her younger brother, Jeremy, burn
and rise again in a coming-of-age process called rebirth. And just like her
brother, when her time comes, she won’t remember anything from her first life other
than she’s a Phoenix—a member of a small group of people descended from the
mythical Phoenix bird.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The last thing she needs to worry
about is falling for the new guy in town—Logan Schmidt.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cara is
drawn to Logan in a way she can’t explain, but she’s not exactly complaining.
Everything is perfect…except it’s not. Once she’s reborn, she’ll forget Logan.
And to make things worse, a Phoenix Hunter is on the loose, and Cara’s
involvement with Logan is bringing out her Phoenix qualities—the very qualities
that will draw the Hunter right to her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Desperate times call for desperate
measures…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afraid of
hurting Logan, Cara breaks it off for good. But her attraction to him runs
deeper than a typical high school crush. She wants him—needs him. <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">And if he proves willing to stay by her side, their love might
destroy them both.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can Cara hide from the Phoenix Hunters
long enough to survive her rebirth? <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">And if so, will it mean a new beginning with Logan—or the beginning of
the end?</span></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD2XoKOwTp4/Vxg2-b-OMOI/AAAAAAAADSM/M2qmKr7tEU4ZzXlnJvZEvAWb2gGsCWxJwCLcB/s1600/Fire3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LD2XoKOwTp4/Vxg2-b-OMOI/AAAAAAAADSM/M2qmKr7tEU4ZzXlnJvZEvAWb2gGsCWxJwCLcB/s400/Fire3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">♒ AVAILABLE NOW</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">♒</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AMAZON US: <a href="http://amzn.to/1KvIspR" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1KvIspR</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">AMAZON UK: <a href="http://amzn.to/1PFCGCn" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1PFCGCn</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpDX5q0Zbf8/VrUsSDjZ38I/AAAAAAAAC0A/Zu5XS7UQ2nI/s1600/Into%2Bthe%2BFire%2BFULL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpDX5q0Zbf8/VrUsSDjZ38I/AAAAAAAAC0A/Zu5XS7UQ2nI/s400/Into%2Bthe%2BFire%2BFULL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">♒ KELLY HASHWAY </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">♒</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7K2FsdaRHNg/VrUrr1UMHjI/AAAAAAAACz0/fQj-BYUUWfY/s1600/Author-Pic-Ashelyn-Drake-400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7K2FsdaRHNg/VrUrr1UMHjI/AAAAAAAACz0/fQj-BYUUWfY/s200/Author-Pic-Ashelyn-Drake-400x400.jpg" width="200" /></a>Kelly Hashway grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.</div>
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Limitless Publishing: <a href="http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/kelly-hashway/" target="_blank">http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/kelly-hashway/</a></div>
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Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kellyhashway" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/kellyhashway</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/kellyhashway" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/kellyhashway</a></div>
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Website: <a href="http://www.kellyhashway.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kellyhashway.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-46915371839852172072016-06-14T07:00:00.000-04:002016-06-14T07:00:15.957-04:00A Stone's Throw by Debbie DeLouise
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">Announcing A Stone’s
Throw Summer Photo Contest</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt;">for a <span style="color: red;">$25 Amazon Gift Card</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To enter, submit a photo of yourself, a friend, or even a
pet with a copy of my book, A Stone's Throw, by midnight EST on July 31st. The
photo can feature a paperback or ebook copy on your Kindle or other eReader.
The most creative photo will win a $25 gift card and be announced in my August
1st newsletter. The photo can either be emailed to </span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">debbiewriter@yahoo.com</span></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">or posted to my author
Facebook page: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;">https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/</span></a><a href="https://www.facebook.co/debbie.delouise.author" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2e74b5; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent1; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">By
participating, you agree to allow your photo to be posted on social media sites
and acknowledge that Facebook and Mailchimp are not responsible for this
contest. <span style="color: red;">Only subscribers to my Ruff Drafts newsletter
are eligible to win. To subscribe, fill out the pop-up form at </span></span><a href="https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com</span></a><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> and confirm
the email you receive. If you have any problems or prefer me to subscribe you,
please send me your email address and request to be subscribed.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Widowed librarian Alicia
Fairmont needs answers…</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After her husband is
killed in a hit and run accident, Alicia travels upstate to his hometown of
Cobble Cove, New York, hoping to locate his estranged family and shed light on
his mysterious past. Anticipating staying only a weekend, her visit is extended
when she accepts a job at the town’s library.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Secrets stretch decades
into the past…</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Assisted by handsome
newspaper publisher and aspiring novelist, John McKinney, Alicia discovers a
connection between her absent in-laws and a secret John’s father has kept for
over sixty years. But her investigation is interrupted when she receives word
her house has burned and arson is suspected, sending her rushing back to Long
Island, accompanied by John.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Back in Cobble Cove,
cryptic clues are uncovered…</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Alicia returns, she
finds a strange diary, confiscated letters, and a digital audio device
containing a recording made the day her husband was killed. Anonymous notes
warn Alicia to leave town, but she can’t turn her back on the mystery—or her
attraction to John</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the pieces begin to
fall into place, evidence points to John’s involvement in her husband’s
accident. The past and present threaten to collide, and Alicia confronts her
fears…</span></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Has
she fallen in love with her husband’s killer?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Publisher: Limitless Publishing</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Publication Date:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> November 17, 2015</span></div>
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Australia: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D"><span style="color: #426f86; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://bit.ly/1Sdh82D</span></a></div>
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Noble: </span><a href="http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4"><span style="color: #426f86; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://bit.ly/1nQPyv4</span></a></div>
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iTunes and Ingram</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333a42; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The latest reviewer, a reader from Illinois, said: “</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Let me tell you that this book is one that had twists and
unexpected turns. I think I actually gasped at one point. It was a captivating
book that keeps you guessing up to the end.”</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333a42; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About the Author</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Debbie De
Louise is a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island. Her
self-published romantic suspense novel, “Cloudy Rainbow” (Booklocker 2008)
received an honorable mention in the Writer’s Digest self-published awards. She
was awarded the Lawrence C. Lobaugh Memorial Award in Journalism from Long
Island University/C.W. Post where she earned a B.A. in English and a M.L.S. in
Library Science. A member of the Cat Writer’s Association, she has published
articles in Cats Magazine and Catnip (Tufts University Veterinary Newsletter).
Her short mystery, “Stitches in Time” was published in the Cat Crimes Through
Time Anthology, (1999). She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter,
and two cats.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Limitless Publishing: </span><a href="http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/debbie-de-louise/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/debbie-de-louise/</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Facebook: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Goodreads: </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Amazon Author Page: </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.amazon.com/Debbie-De-Louise/e/B0144ZGXPW/</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: </span><a href="https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com</span></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-23764282813362318942016-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:002016-06-13T07:00:06.649-04:00The Rebellion Project by Sara Schoen<div>
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Signed paperback giveaway and hot new release!</div>
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A new YA Romance has just released and been raved about. Rebellion Project, hit #10 in hot releases and #65 in contemporary romance on Amazon!</div>
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REBELLION PROJECT</div>
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by Sara Schoen</div>
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*~BLURB~*</div>
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Lauren Scott has always been tormented by her peers for being a good girl…</div>
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She is viewed as the golden child by her parents—following their rules and allowing them to make all of her life decisions. But after a lifetime of walking the straight and narrow, Lauren feels as though her life is passing her by.</div>
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When she catches her father having an affair, she throws the rulebook out the window…</div>
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Lauren realizes that even if she does everything perfectly, life can—and will—surprise you. When life throws her a major curveball, she sets out to live for herself, making the rules up as she goes and smashing through everyone else’s expectations, but she doesn't know how to live without a guideline. So, Lauren is forced to ask her biggest tormentor for help—Kayden Daniels.</div>
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Kayden is nothing but trouble—which is why Lauren needs him so badly…</div>
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Kayden turns Lauren’s whole world upside down with a mischievous smirk and a proposition. But if Lauren wants his help to remake herself, she has to pay the price—her virginity. With no one else willing to help her, she agrees to make the trade. But when her change becomes too much to handle, will she give up or will she keep moving forward with a new reputation and a more adventurous life?</div>
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Cliques, stereotypes, popularity contests, and drama.</div>
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Some say it’s just another day in high school.</div>
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For Lauren, it’s the Rebellion Project…</div>
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*~ GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY~*</div>
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Amazon US:http://amzn.to/245ebSK</div>
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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1Pyzyuc</div>
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Amazon AU: http://bit.ly/25HZNG4</div>
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Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1RUWYnR</div>
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<img alt="Screen Shot 2016-05-23 at 10.00.03 AM" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-383" height="658" src="https://schoentheworld.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/screen-shot-2016-05-23-at-10-00-03-am.png" width="403" /></div>
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Add on Goodreads: https://goo.gl/UGxIaj</div>
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GIVEAWAY: There's a paperback giveaway going on at Sara's page (www.facebook.com/authorsaraschoen), where if you order an ebook version you're entered to win a SIGNED paperback. So be sure to enter for a chance for a signed copy of the newest romance release!</div>
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*~WATCH THE TRAILER~*</div>
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https://youtu.be/WGzwKrFbshw</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-27761699466629135802016-06-12T10:53:00.005-04:002016-06-12T10:53:58.769-04:00The Matchmaker by Heather DahlgrenHTML for Blogs:
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1exp5Ez9KMfh6QBPfqd36uHj7bGhz4oUmJZWtD8VQe9N_7LXKdcQvPvHQ7Vl9LywO9jE1tATdJN8F7TgTYWmp4JLkHXUDNv-EZEbjQSh3TQi3H49a77P89I55Q4ZsJrVvBHWKE7W5WFWo/s1600/13329802_10207222888263729_170224972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1exp5Ez9KMfh6QBPfqd36uHj7bGhz4oUmJZWtD8VQe9N_7LXKdcQvPvHQ7Vl9LywO9jE1tATdJN8F7TgTYWmp4JLkHXUDNv-EZEbjQSh3TQi3H49a77P89I55Q4ZsJrVvBHWKE7W5WFWo/s320/13329802_10207222888263729_170224972_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwWDN-GcTjnUgczli0eovnsV1gOzyQX75p4tGn6KkpjxMj-U2XczCuAtq3YE_lqnJ-ZPaGvnQWOFi3g9zceSYtBOR_zPyuBSRpymPaxPeZuoWSZHH9F8mpc7X8FmnXy8N-GNMAkvjdn4G/s1600/13318836_10207222823662114_1184679939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwWDN-GcTjnUgczli0eovnsV1gOzyQX75p4tGn6KkpjxMj-U2XczCuAtq3YE_lqnJ-ZPaGvnQWOFi3g9zceSYtBOR_zPyuBSRpymPaxPeZuoWSZHH9F8mpc7X8FmnXy8N-GNMAkvjdn4G/s320/13318836_10207222823662114_1184679939_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">☆.•°*°•.☆</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>THE MATCHMAKER IS #LIVE</b></span></span><span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">☆.•°*°•.☆</span><br />
<br style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">She can find love for anyone...</span><br />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">He isn't looking...</span><br />
<br style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finding love is exactly what Amanda and Davis need without knowing it. Who knew a date when neither were looking for more, could lead to so much? But what if it’s built on a tiny omission of fact? </span><br />
<span style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Matches can be made, but can they survive the truth?</span><br />
<br style="color: #4b4f56; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #4b4f56;">☆</span><b><span style="color: #990000;">ONE CLICK NOW</span></b><span style="color: #4b4f56;">☆</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;"><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fitun.es%2Fus%2Fj6mvcb.l&h=OAQGsOMQ9" rel="nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heather Dahlgren writes Contemporary Romance, sprinkling each book with a bit of humor, a lot of naughty and true love. She self-published her first book in 2014 and continues to do so today. Her over active mind promises the stories are in no short supply. </span><span style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Heather grew up and still resides at the Jersey shore. She loves being so close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Pine Barrens. She is surrounded by the best of both worlds.</span><span style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">She is married to her high school sweetheart and has three kids. There is nothing more important in the world to her then her family. </span><span style="font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Heather isn’t writing you can find her getting lost in a great book, spending time with family and helping her fellow authors. </span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0x-bbMeDzINeaDWmoTTfQlKNm5Xfb0kwD0GoAuAtbPF1mJwebQA24zBkjBBY-LZedaSwcl9r_D7HDWECmNckqzKoLrQw-_MVOQ2zOgdXqjRr1D2wKpCjsxEUlWaG2zobJjHEttP1fAeW/s1600/13342528_10207222824582137_1167718224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0x-bbMeDzINeaDWmoTTfQlKNm5Xfb0kwD0GoAuAtbPF1mJwebQA24zBkjBBY-LZedaSwcl9r_D7HDWECmNckqzKoLrQw-_MVOQ2zOgdXqjRr1D2wKpCjsxEUlWaG2zobJjHEttP1fAeW/s320/13342528_10207222824582137_1167718224_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-66019296247876987052016-06-10T10:00:00.000-04:002016-06-11T09:47:37.974-04:00Get Ready for Summer- Beach Read $.99 sale<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Summer Is Finally Here...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Time for a little romantic suspense to heat up the beach!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Check out this series by suspense author Carolyn LaRoche for car chases, gun fights, heart stopping danger and plenty of romance.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Witness Protection</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Homeland Security</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Border Patrol </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/2016/06/get-ready-for-summer-beach-read-99-sale.html">Check them out and pick up your copies here!</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> ***The entire series is on Amazon for just $.99 each for the entire month of June.***</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">As always...FREE in Kindle Unlimited!</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmJVByVA9BTZBLA8hmv35GOssjdA7HYFYhKl7zx6igbJ9jYpc2YCltIcpap4F3loavMqF8NFGeuSpfbG5l5eFHiGMuXs1OLQ60tet8cGO5E2Up7qnjmtEybJti8n0eO2Srwnn3vmCf8Kl/s1600/WitnessProtectionebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMmJVByVA9BTZBLA8hmv35GOssjdA7HYFYhKl7zx6igbJ9jYpc2YCltIcpap4F3loavMqF8NFGeuSpfbG5l5eFHiGMuXs1OLQ60tet8cGO5E2Up7qnjmtEybJti8n0eO2Srwnn3vmCf8Kl/s200/WitnessProtectionebook.jpg" width="125" /></a></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Book 1: Witness Protection</u> </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone wants NYPD detective Angelina Ferrara dead…again.
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in Witness Protection. Can she trust it and handsome detective Logan James to
keep her alive this time?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As far as the world knows, NYPD detective Angelina
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><b>Book 2: Homeland Security</b></u></span></span></span></div>
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All Katie McCoy wanted was a quiet Friday evening, a frozen
pizza and a pair of comfy pajamas. Damn her stupid ex-fiance to hell for the
armed men that stormed her apartment and dragged her off on a matter of
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After several attempts on Katie’s life, it’s clear she’s no
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><u><b>Book 3: Border Patrol</b></u></span></div>
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<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> About the Author:</span></span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Carolyn
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She now lives near the beach with her husband, their two boys, two finicky cats
and one old dog. When she is not at the baseball field cheering on big hits and
home runs, she is busy teaching science to unwilling teenagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span></span><br />
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</span><b></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-52408990669720218492016-06-05T12:16:00.004-04:002016-06-05T12:16:52.230-04:00His Confession by S. Valentine<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>S.VALENTINE – THE BLACK DOOR TRILOGY!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
@SophiaValentineAuthor @SophiaVAuthor</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>TITLE: </strong>HIS CONFESSION.<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>SERIES NAME: </strong>The Black Door trilogy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><img alt="Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000026_00033]" class="alignnone wp-image-5133" height="341" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/his-confession-final-cover.jpg" width="459" /> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>BLURB:</strong><strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It’s her <em>own.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Until his confession changes everything…</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her heart is telling her to stay.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her instinct is telling her to run.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Or can she?</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amazon US Purchase Link: <a href="http://amzn.to/1r3Z66Q">http://amzn.to/1r3Z66Q</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amazon UK Purchase Link: <a href="http://amzn.to/1UjAlLr">http://amzn.to/1UjAlLr</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> <img alt="Sophia Valentine" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5135" height="308" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/sophia-valentine.jpg" width="308" /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>ABOUT S.VALENTINE</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
S.<strong> </strong>Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however divide her time between both countries.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information, please visit: <a href="http://www.s-valentine.wix.com/books">www.s-valentine.wix.com/books</a>. If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.s-valentine.wix.com/books">www.s-valentine.wix.com/books</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor">www.facebook.com/SophiaValentineAuthor</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor">www.twitter.com/SophiaVAuthor</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor">www.instagram.com/SophiaValentineAuthor</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites">www.pinterest.com/SophiaVWrites</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine">www.goodreads.com/SophiaValentine</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com/">www.lifestyleandliterature.wordpress.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Newsletter sign up: <a href="http://s-valentine.wix.com/books#!newsletter/w0zub">http://s-valentine.wix.com/books#!newsletter/w0zub</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="series" class="alignnone wp-image-5148" height="348" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/series.jpg" width="347" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT HIS CONFESSION.</strong><strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I'm used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” - <strong>Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
”His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” -<strong> </strong><strong>Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
”I loved it and I'm excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn't know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I'm dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” -<strong> </strong><strong>Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
”S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run wild.” -<strong> </strong><strong>AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion's past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he's built.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't wait for book 2 and I'm hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion's ex wife.” -<strong> </strong><strong>Rebecca Barber, author Nobody's Obligation.</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Her Confession COMING Aug 30<sup>th</sup>!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> <img alt="Her Confession Poster" class="alignnone wp-image-5140" height="317" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/her-confession-poster.jpg" width="336" /></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Their Confession – COMING SOON!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><img alt="Their Confession Poster." class="alignnone wp-image-5143" height="341" src="https://lifestyleandliterature.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/their-confession-poster.jpg" width="361" /> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-1711649676624333542016-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:002016-06-03T07:00:02.186-04:00New Release! Scandalous Redemption by Amanda Mariel<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="scandalous redemption blog tour banner" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-117" height="200" src="https://teatimeandbooks76.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/scandalous-redemption-blog-tour-banner.jpg" width="600" /></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Scandalous Redemption</strong></em></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong> </strong><strong>By</strong></em></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong> </strong><strong>Amanda Mariel</strong></em></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong> </strong><strong>Blog Tour </strong></em></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong> </strong><strong>May 31 to June 4, 2016</strong></em></h2>
<strong> </strong>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Scandalous Redemption About the Book" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-121" height="100" src="https://teatimeandbooks76.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/scandalous-redemption-about-the-book.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Title: Scandalous Redemption</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Author: Amanda Mariel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Release date: May 31, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Heat Rating: 3</div>
<img alt="scandalous redemption cover" class=" size-medium wp-image-123 aligncenter" height="300" src="https://teatimeandbooks76.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/scandalous-redemption-cover.jpg?w=194" width="194" />
She never wanted him…
Ruined by scandal, Claudia Akford survived years of marriage to a cruel brute. Widowed, she is determined to regain her standing in society, but Lord Shillington personifies temptation. Kind and gentle, yet masculine and sinfully handsome, he would make the perfect lover, but he wants more than she is willing to give.
He needed her…
While Henry Shillington knows a little of the beautiful but notorious Lady Claudia Akford, he is struck by her kindhearted, accomplished, and witty demeanor. The more time he spends in her company, the more he dreams of a future with her. But the lady resists his honorable overtures, and a mistress will never do for him.
Can two wary people overcome past hurts, an old scandal, and social strictures to embrace true love?
<img alt="scandalous redemption excerpt banner" class=" size-medium wp-image-127 aligncenter" height="100" src="https://teatimeandbooks76.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/scandalous-redemption-excerpt-banner.jpg?w=300" width="300" />
Lord Henry Shillington strode across the music room of Lord and Lady Morse’s country estate intent on locating his sister. The force of someone bumping into him sent him stumbling backward. He whirled around, auburn curls catching his gaze as he reached out to steady her. “Excuse me.” He offered a slight bow but did not release his hold on her.
The lady peered at him through narrowed, fierce green eyes the color of emeralds. “You should watch your step. Kindly unhand me.”
Henry met her icy glare. She radiated the sweet scent of champagne. It clung to the air around her filling his senses as if she had used it for perfume. “Good God, you’re foxed.”
Her earbobs danced and sparkled as she leaned in close, the fire in her eyes growing more intense. “My state is not your concern.” She jerked free of his hold and took a step back. Her blue jewel-toned gown swooshed with the sudden movement.
He grabbed her arm, halting her. His pulse pounded through his veins. “You cannot stay here in your condition. You will cause a scandal for yourself and our hosts.”
“What concern is it of yours?” She rounded on him.
He had to prevent her from causing a scene. “Allow me to escort you outside. We can stroll through the garden.” Part of him worried for their hosts, Lord and Lady Wexil were dear friends, but, if he were being honest, he would have to admit he wished to know more about this beauty. Something about her captivated him. Perhaps her unusual eyes or the misery he saw in them.
A slow smile spread across her full lips. “Very well.”
She swayed and clung to his arm as he led her out through the veranda doors and into the country air. What would compel a lady to become foxed so early in the evening? The sun had yet to give way to the moon’s glow. And who was she? Surely, they had never met before.
He turned her down a path lined with flowers and green foliage. The details of who she was and why she’d overindulged did not signify. She was clearly in distress, and he intended to help if he could. He studied the profile of her delicate face.
“Might we sit...what is your name?” Her exhilarating laughter floated through the empty space.
He had never heard a sweeter sound. “Lord Shillington. And yours?” He stopped in front of a cast iron bench. He couldn’t look away as she lowered herself onto the seat in a flutter of skirts. She was a mystery he wished to solve.
“Do sit with me, Lord Shillington.” She patted the bench next to her.
Henry positioned himself near her, but not too close. Being out here with an unchaperoned lady was scandalous enough. It was not his desire to compromise her--or himself. Given her state, he had no choice but to remove her from the gathering. However, he also had a responsibility to control the propriety of his own behavior.
A cool breeze ruffled her elegant skirts, drawing his attention to her body. Heat fanned through him as he studied her. She was tall and lithe, yet she possessed curves in all the right places. He offered a polite smile. “Your name, my lady?”
She looked at him through hooded lashes. “Lady Claudia Akford.”
His heart skipped a beat as his throat tightened. The notorious Lady Claudia Akford.
<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Redemption-Ladies-Scoundrels-Book-ebook/dp/B01DN6BZLA/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1459651149&sr=8-10&keywords=Amanda+Mariel">Amazon</a></div>
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Also available in Kindle Unlimited</div>
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Bestselling, Amazon All Star author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.
Amanda lives along the Lake Huron shoreline in northern Michigan with her husband and two kids. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts Degree with a concentration in literature and has a long-standing love affair with sugary junk food.
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-31774752870570239732016-06-01T00:00:00.000-04:002016-06-01T00:00:04.316-04:00Meet Me in the Garden by Rosa Sophia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PZmbhExfzKvfUv8GoMibXJieeqL773pwKp571oCOXdMjiQWJ3ngpks33JjKa9uJZ8Z50ZawcwBB6IdZQBIqYlgryXn5pxWJ1l58Iw68qCQQq2tMrDZJh8rxwVmk6_qqWf-rYYhSIcKNm/s1600/rosa+sophia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PZmbhExfzKvfUv8GoMibXJieeqL773pwKp571oCOXdMjiQWJ3ngpks33JjKa9uJZ8Z50ZawcwBB6IdZQBIqYlgryXn5pxWJ1l58Iw68qCQQq2tMrDZJh8rxwVmk6_qqWf-rYYhSIcKNm/s320/rosa+sophia.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Memories
of another life, and the garden where it all began, keep Amalie Jarvis awake at
night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">A
columnist for a popular magazine, she attends a function in Palm Beach at the
famous Breakers Hotel, only to cross paths with graphic designer Ian Gardner—who
appears to hold the key to her visions. The more time they spend together, the
more Amalie realizes how much she wants to be with him. And how much she fears
admitting that she loves him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Ian can’t
remember the past, but he is drawn to Amalie with an intense passion he’s never
felt before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Many moons
ago, they met in a garden. Different names, different faces—but their souls
were still the same. Unable to resist her, Ian falls deeply in love. He remains
by her side as she battles severe facial pain, not knowing what it is or if it
could kill her. Frightened for her, he swears his adoration without ever
speaking the words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">But their
devotion has dangers, and they’re about to be faced by hazards neither of them
could have foreseen…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Genre:
Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Publisher:
Limitless Publishing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Publication
Date: January 20, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Buy on
Amazon: </span><a href="http://amzn.to/1TLR1hw"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;">http://amzn.to/1TLR1hw</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">About the Author</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Rosa
Sophia lives in South Florida in a cottage by the sea. She is an automotive
technician, crazy cat lady, and member of the Editorial Freelancers
Association. She is the author of numerous novels including <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Meet Me In the Garden, Over the Ivy Wall,
Orion Cross My Sky</i>, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The House
Guest</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Visit Rosa:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Blog: </span><a href="http://www.backwordswriter.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;">www.backwordswriter.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Website: </span><a href="http://www.authorrosasophia.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;">www.authorrosasophia.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Facebook: </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS Mincho"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/editing.by.rosa.sophia"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;">www.facebook.com/editing.by.rosa.sophia</span></span></a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-33708358988471154822016-05-31T14:00:00.000-04:002016-05-31T14:00:13.464-04:00NEW RELEASE ALERT! ***Clandestine by Allie Kincheloe***<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZvuY0o_IfJ7q5eFoKAl8VkR0hX0m-hKitLPMgrUgt28PdL5eb7cMhHcKUrUs93_skOKw5-LdkW8a7oWy-OHekx8TxfBY1UUVRCnxKSP_nUzWRPv-vo5TQoyPCp1DIVl386D39dOYY558/s1600/CL+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ZvuY0o_IfJ7q5eFoKAl8VkR0hX0m-hKitLPMgrUgt28PdL5eb7cMhHcKUrUs93_skOKw5-LdkW8a7oWy-OHekx8TxfBY1UUVRCnxKSP_nUzWRPv-vo5TQoyPCp1DIVl386D39dOYY558/s320/CL+Cover.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"><span style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;">Finding himself in Claire's bed
wearing nothing but a Zorro mask wasn't exactly how Zane planned his Halloween.
It was a certainty his sister’s best friend would lose her mind when she
realized what they'd done. Having been secretly in love with Claire for years,
Zane has no choice but to hide his identity. But he can’t just walk away... <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "garamond";">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;">Claire knew waking up naked and
alone was just a part of a one-night stand. So she wasn’t too upset to find her
mystery man had bounced sometime during the night. But when she finds his mask
and a note, she can’t help but be intrigued. A few corny poems later, Claire
starts a hunt to discover the identity of the mysterious “Z”. His demanding,
yet sincere, persistence arouses not only her desire to recapture the magic
they had shared on Halloween, but stirs up hidden desires she’s held on to for
years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;">When her best friend’s brother
suddenly ups his flirting game, Claire is caught somewhere between her
clandestine admirer and the man she knows she can’t have. Will she choose the
secretive "Z" who won't even tell her his name, or risk her relationship
with her best friend and take a chance on Zane?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "times new roman";">
</span><a name='more'></a><br />
</span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="color: black;">Clandestine:
A Garden Falls Novel<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Allie
Kincheloe</span></b><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "garamond";"></span></strong><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "garamond";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
1:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px 0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Turning into the packed parking lot at Garden,
Claire stomped the brakes and winced. Her car screeched to a stop, the bumper
mere inches from Dracula and Medusa. The kissing couple didn't seem to notice
their near brush with death. If they did, it didn't bother them enough to
interrupt their embrace, anyway. With an exasperated shake of her head, Claire
eased her car around them, glancing toward the front of the building as she
crept slowly by. The line of people went from the double front doors, all the
way around the side under the big stained glass windows. Of course it would,
every adult in town under thirty was inside the club—or wanted to be. She
finally found an empty spot at the back of the lot. A sports car was straddling
the line, but it left just enough space for Claire to squeeze her little
compact car in between it and the red Ford truck on the left. The Richland
Construction sign on the door of the big truck made her sigh. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shit.</span></i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> The last thing she wanted to deal with
tonight was Zane freaking Richmond. The big goof had made it his life's mission
to make her smile for years. But lately? Oh, lately, he'd taken it a step
further and the teasing had taken on more of a flirty tone. And now her heart
went crazy every time he smiled her direction. Which happened way more than she
wanted to admit. If he wasn't her best friend's brother, maybe... But after all
that she and Talia had been through, endangering their friendship all for an
uncertain relationship with Zane wasn't something she was willing to chance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">It was just one night. She could ignore
him for one night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even
if he flirted?</span></i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> No... Some
things just weren't worth the risk. And despite how much that little dimple
when he laughed begged her to kiss it, or how her heart fluttered whenever
their hands brushed, she couldn't give in to the temptation of Zane. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">With a fortifying breath, Claire
stepped out of her car. She pulled the rest of her costume from the back seat.
Huge wings. Tonight, she was an angel. The snowy white feathers weighed heavily
on her back. But with her mask and wings firmly in place, she strode up to the
worn brick building. Zane Richmond wasn't going to keep her from this party.
Not tonight. Halloween was her favorite holiday and she'd be damned if she let
his presence stop her.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">She got in line behind a pair of ninjas
and crept slowly toward the entrance, inch by inch. The slow moving line gave
her too much time to worry. It would be a miracle if she was able to find her
friends in the crowded club. At least she'd be able to find Sean. Even if he
was in costume, the massive bartender her best friend had just married would be
easy to find. And he'd be able to point Talia out.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A shiver coursed down her spine as the
cool autumn breeze picked up. The angel costume really needed more fabric to be
appropriate for this weather. She rubbed her hands over her bare arms, trying
to warm the chilled flesh. She almost reneged on her promise to show up tonight
when the line stopped moving for a minute. With the sun high in the sky today,
the air had warmed to the mid-fifties. But now that it had eased below the
horizon, those warmer temperatures were falling fast. She didn't recognize the
bouncer, but the jerk laughed at her chattering teeth when she finally made it
to the door. She showed him ID and got the 21+ stamp on her hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Oh she definitely planned to have a few
drinks tonight. This week had been damn ridiculous at work. They'd lost three
patients due to various complications and her stress level had reached its max.
She was so ready for some alcohol and a little relaxation. A few drinks, maybe
some dancing where she could get close to a hot guy for a bit. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Slipping her ID inside the tiny pocket
she'd sewn on her costume, she fought a shiver as her body tried to adjust to
the temperature difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten feet
inside the club Peter Pan asked her to dance. She eyed him carefully. He was
kinda cute. Glancing down, she vetoed that. Nope. Not nearly enough in those
tights to tempt her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave him a
soft smile and let him down easy. "Sorry, Pete. I'm an angel, not a fairy.
Keep looking, you'll find your Tinkerbell."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 33.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excerpt 2: <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The loud blare of a train whistle pulled Zane from the depths of
sleep. Why was there a train? Where the hell was he? There weren't any trains
near the lake. His Zorro mask blocked one eye. Tugging it up, he blinked a few
times until his eyes adjusted to the dim light. A four poster bed? Satin sheets
and pillows, a sweet perfume lingering in the air. Not his apartment.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Silky, long hair splayed across his bare chest. A soft arm lay across
his stomach. Feathers tickled his arm. Feathers?</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Damn.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He'd went home with Claire. Not just went home with her, but went to
bed with her. That was her arm. Her naked body pressed so temptingly against
his side. The feathers from her angel costume bent around his arm. And damn,
she felt just as amazing as he'd dreamed she would.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">She'd hate him
when she woke up and discovered him in her bed.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He gulped down a ball of dread when that little speck of
consciousness dropped into active thought. No way would she be cool with this.
Not even a little bit. His heart and mind raced while he tried to come up with
a plan that didn't end with Claire castrating him. She'd made it clear how
little she cared for him, repeatedly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He wasn't even sure why she seemed to hate him so much. Back when
they were teenagers, she'd followed him around like a lost puppy for about a
year. And even the year she'd half-lived with Talia they'd been cool. But it
seemed like the more he tried to make her like him, the less she did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">And finding out they'd had a drunken one-night-stand? Yeah. No. He
liked his balls just where they were. Firmly attached to his body.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
3:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Talia! Come in, how are you feeling?" Her best friend gave
her a quick hug before coming inside. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I'm good. I wanted to see if you wanted to come with me to
Garden? Hang out for a bit?" Talia sat and propped her swollen feet up on
the coffee table. "How you been? I'm sorry I didn't make it out to the
costume party. This pregnancy is kicking my butt." She rubbed her belly
with a soft smile on her face.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I have to be at work early in the morning. I do need to run by
Garden though. I..." Claire trailed off giggling. "Oh, I have to tell
you. I have a secret admirer!"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"What?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Okay, so since you totally bailed on me for the Halloween
party, I went alone. I mean, that costume was too fine and too expensive to
waste, right?" Claire paused only for a second before continuing,
"So... I'm standing there at the bar and this guy walks up and asks me to
dance. And he's totally hot, so I'm like okay. And so we dance. And drink. And
dance. And kiss—oh my God, can he kiss. And well, the details get a bit fuzzy,
but I uh... brought him home with me."</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"That's a one night stand, not a secret admirer." Talia
nudged her.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I know that." Claire nudged back, but gentler. "When
I woke up, he was gone."</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"So romantic... Never understood the whole hit it and quit it
thing?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"But he didn't! Well, I guess kinda... but he went and got me
flowers. And left me a note that's signed Z for Zorro. And then a poem on my
car, and a poem beneath the door." Claire jumped up and ran to her bedroom
to get the other notes. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When she came back, she dropped them in Talia's lap. "See, look.
How sweet is that? I have to write my next note and leave it at Garden."</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Talia read the notes, with Claire watching her face the entire time.
There was a hint of confusion, then something that Claire thought might be
anger, before Talia's face softened into a smile.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"So, Z, huh? What are you saying back to him?" Talia raised
an eyebrow.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I don't know. Pretty sure I sounded ignorant in my first
note." Laying her head on Talia's shoulder, Claire asked, "Can you
help me come up with something?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"I suppose." Her doubtful tone made Claire sit up and look
at her.</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"What's that supposed to mean? You found love in an
unconventional way. Who's to say I can't. Something about this guy..."
Claire flipped her hair back. She searched for the words to explain how Z made
her feel. How even his note made her feel. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Okay, I'll help you. But keep it G-rated, alright?" Talia
shook her head. "Sean has made me more willing to try some things, but
this is a line I won't cross. And if you all get more X-rated than the whisker
burn, I don't want to read them."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Why not?" Claire poked Talia's belly. "Baby stole
your sex drive?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Hush. My sex drive is just fine. I just don't need to hear
about yours right now. Unless you want to hear about just how good Sean is with
his—"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Got it!" Laughing, Claire grabbed the stationery.
"So... what do I say to Z?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Aren't you going to try to figure out who he is?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Pretty sure it's a guy who works at the hospital. I think he's
an anesthesiologist." After a lot of thought, she could only think of one
guy who might be romantic enough to pull this sort of seduction off. </span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Talia shook her head. "I wouldn't get too attached to that idea,
if I were you."</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Claire met her friend's gaze. "Do you know something I
don't?"</span><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">"Nope.
I wasn't even there to see Zorro, remember? Don't know anything about him
except he had a scratchy beard." Something about the expression on her
face said Talia knew more than she was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Book Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRLGMDU<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1114610877<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clandestine-allie-kincheloe/1123809833?ean=2940153243436<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/clandestine-24<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Author Links:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Author website: </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/LaRoche/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/IE/KO0CRQLO/www.alliekincheloe.com"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">www.alliekincheloe.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Twitter: </span><a href="https://twitter.com/Allie_Kincheloe"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">@allie_kincheloe</span></a><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-18407256269578652702016-05-31T00:00:00.001-04:002016-05-31T00:00:15.151-04:00Down the Dirt Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPBH9g0f3hVaf7nOenTGSiwDt2223TQ6Zcf2QJUIIgZvLWEGBVrAIBmENNTX39LuR7pXlEAXWU4J_VosD5CjeaH5G3z1wtxFGsT9bPZyUMQIiAQHLkaHEnYuiWjd6cF-le2hmqQnJrfc8/s1600/Cover+final+DTDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPBH9g0f3hVaf7nOenTGSiwDt2223TQ6Zcf2QJUIIgZvLWEGBVrAIBmENNTX39LuR7pXlEAXWU4J_VosD5CjeaH5G3z1wtxFGsT9bPZyUMQIiAQHLkaHEnYuiWjd6cF-le2hmqQnJrfc8/s320/Cover+final+DTDR.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jennie Marshall has some hard choices to make. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Does she leave the small town life she resents or stay in
the old house she’d been raised in and care for her grieving mother? Staying
means no college and giving up all her dreams. It also means keeping the farm
going, taking on a job she’d never wanted, and facing the reality of Trisha and
Michael getting married and starting a family. Leaving would mean Momma losing
the home John Marshall had built for them before he died. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, of course, she does what a good, responsible daughter
should do—gives up her own dreams, determined to carry out her father’s. When
the stress of her life becomes almost intolerable, relief in the form of
Grayson Jennings arrives. He’s sweet, handsome, and totally in love with her.
But Jennie, being as stubborn a Marshall as her father, refuses to see what’s
right there in front of her until it’s too late. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It takes yet another tragedy to prove that everything she
never knew she wanted was right there <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Down the Dirt Road</i></b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Excerpt 1:<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">So as
not to be caught eavesdropping, Jennie hurried away and out of the house to
greet her uncle and her cousin. Instead she ran full force into a solid mass of
muscle on the back porch. The impact nearly knocked her to the ground but a
pair of strong, tanned arms grabbed her shoulders and steadied her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well,
hello there, miss. You must be Jennie. Your uncle…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jennie
looked up into the darkest, warmest brown eyes she had ever seen. Dark like
molten milk chocolate and deep like the river that ran along the edge of town.
The eyes sparkled with humor. Lines along either side of each eye crinkled
slightly with the wide, slightly crooked smile that greeted her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Who are
you?” She didn’t mean to sound so short, so demanding but those eyes unnerved
her more than she wanted to admit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Name’s
Grayson Jennings. Your uncle sent me up here to let you know he and Tommy are
out back in the pasture surveying the crime scene.” He removed the cowboy hat
he wore, holding against his abdomen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“There’s
no crime scene. Just my dead <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">cow.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grayson
chuckled at her indignation. “Well, I think I know that miss. I was just… well
I was just being funny.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jennie
threw her hands on her hips in aggravation. “Well, it’s not funny. Not funny at
all. That animal was like a part of our family.” Her cheeks flamed with anger
and maybe just the slightest hint of embarrassment. Grayson Jennings had the
most beautiful eyelashes she had ever seen on a boy— or a girl for that
matter—and the way he kept smiling at her with that slow, sexy smile made her
insides melt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’m
very sorry, miss. I wasn’t meaning to offend. I go to school nights at the
community college, working on my criminal justice degree. I want to be a cop
but I ain’t old enough to carry a gun legally yet. Another six months till I
get into the academy. My sense of humor tends to be—off—and always shows itself
at the most inappropriate times. Please forgive me.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jennie
tried very hard to retain her indignation but it was hard to when he kept
smiling at her the way that he was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well, I
suppose you couldn’t know any better. You are a man after all.” She brushed
past him leaving her words dangling in the air where she had previously stood,
almost as a <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">dare to see what he would
say in response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I guess
there’s no excuse for my sex but still, I hope you’ll forgive me. I really
wasn’t meaning to offend.” He followed her across the open space between the
house and the barn. “I get nervous ‘round pretty girls—say stupid stuff.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He
thought she was pretty? He had to be joking. With her hair all wild—and that
knot on her head had to be real attractive. He was one smooth talker that one.
Momma always warned her about the smooth talkers. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Michael</i> was a smooth talker and look at where that got her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Yeah…
well…” She couldn’t come up with anything smart to say so she just picked up
the pace and left the handsome Grayson Jennings in her wake, holding his hat in
his hands and grinning after her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
2:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> She
never heard the footsteps behind her as she filled the horse’s grain buckets
from the bin inside the barn so she cursed at the sound of his deep voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Here,
let me take those.” Grayson and his sexy smile looked down at her. He was so
tall, he made her feel like a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I can
handle it just fine, thank you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I have
no doubt that you can, Jennie. I just <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">wanted to give you a
hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There
was something about the way he said her name, the letters sliding off his
tongue like silk that caused gooseflesh to break out all over her arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Fine,”
she snapped. “The horses are in the stalls at the end. I’ll go feed the
chickens and the rabbits.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Turning
on her heel she stomped away to the chicken feed barrel, drew out the scoop and
walked out of the barn to spread the feed in the chicken coop. He was still
standing there, crooked smile and all when she returned to the barn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Are you
always so angry when someone offers to help you?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Do you
always follow women around? Some might call you a stalker.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“If I
were stalking you, you wouldn’t know it. I’m studyin’ criminal behavior,
remember?” He smiled brightly as he took the chicken feed scoop from her and
dropped it into the barrel, still smiling. He was infuriating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“How do
you know my Uncle Tommy?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The
change of subject was obvious but she didn’t know what else to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I work
on his dairy farm during the day so I can pay for my classes at night.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t
remember seeing you around here <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">before.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’m
guessing you were too busy mooning over that boyfriend of yours to rightly
notice anyone else.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Her head
whipped around at the mention of her lost love and she all but snarled at
Grayson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You
know Michael?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“From
school.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I think
I would remember you if I had seen you around here before. This town’s way too
small to hide in.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I don’t
hide but I don’t go runnin’ through the streets lookin’ for attention either.
I’m a quiet sorta guy, you know?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You
don’t seem so quiet right now.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You
make it easy to talk.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The
silence that fell over them was electrically charged. Jennie searched for
something witty to say but she was so emotionally drained from the day, her
usual gift for gab was long gone. It was time to end it and get rid of the
handsome and intriguing Grayson Jennings before she did something she’d totally
regret. Like throw herself into his arms and kiss him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Well,
thank you for your help with feeding the animals. I’ve got to get inside and
make something for dinner for Momma while she is <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">actually awake and out of
her room. I’ll be seein’ you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She was
already halfway to the house as she waved a hurried goodbye but she heard
Grayson’s quiet words as clear as day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“You can
count on it.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
3:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> It was
Labor Day weekend. The streets would be full of townsfolk tomorrow for the <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">annual parade and
festival. Momma always entered her strawberry pies in the pie tasting contest
but not this year. The only one who had done any work in the kitchen lately was
her and there was absolutely no pie baking talent in Jennie’s genes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe
Momma would want to go to town for dinner. The fried chicken and pulled pork
sandwiches bound to be served would make a nice change from all the casseroles
they were still working on from Daddy’s funeral. She could almost taste the
barbeque and cole slaw in anticipation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She made
up her mind on her way back to bed. Even if Momma refused, she would go for a
bit. A change of pace might be just what she needed to get Bessie and Grayson
out of her mind. A good nights’ sleep and some pork barbeque could fix
anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What she
didn’t count on was running into the handsome aspiring cop at the first booth
she stopped at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">His deep
voice nearly made her drop the fried dough she had just purchased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hello,
Jennie. Nice to see you again.” His lopsided grin held boyish charm that she
was finding very hard to resist and that aggravated her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Hello,
Mr. Jennings.” She really hoped he <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">couldn’t hear the sound
of her heart pounding against her chest wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He
laughed. “Please, call my Grayson. Mr. Jennings makes me sound so—old. Are you
here with anyone? Your momma maybe?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She
tossed her tangled curls over her shoulder and began to walk away from the food
cart. “Nope. Momma wasn’t quite feeling up to going out today. I had few
errands to run so I thought I might grab some lunch.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Starting
with desert?” He reached up and rubbed a smudge of powdered sugar from her
cheek. Her skin tingled where he made contact, throwing her insides into a
tornado of turmoil. Heat rose up her neck and spread over her cheeks as she
looked down at the greasy hunk of sugar covered dough in her hand. Little white
dots of sugar covered her tank top that was as red as her skin had become.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I
always eat my desert first. What if I get full?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I
suppose that would be the best plan. I think I will join you. Wait here.”
Grayson stepped over to the pie tent and grabbed a piece of apple pie, dropping
a dollar on the table and hurried back to her. “There, now we can have desert
together. Maybe afterwards you will let me have dinner with you? You know, once
we get the important stuff over with.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Jennie
couldn’t help but smile at the hopeful look in Grayson’s eyes. She was supposed
to be annoyed but he was so charming it became difficult to maintain that
façade. “Okay.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Okay?
Just like that? I thought I might have to apply my strong powers of persuasion
to convince you.” There went that crooked smile again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“I’m
hungry. I’m gonna eat either way, no harm in you sitting at the same table
right?” She tried to sound flippant, uninterested but she failed miserably. She
sounded interested and maybe even a little desperate. Grayson didn’t seem to
mind though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“No, I
don’t rightly think there is any harm in sharing a table.” His ever-present
smile grew bigger, doing things to her heart that were getting tougher to
ignore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grayson
Jennings was not handsome the way Michael had been. He was less boy next store
and more cover of a romance novel. His body was hard and muscled, in the way
one could only achieve from honest physical labor. Close cropped dark hair,
typical of any farmer in the area fit well under the hat he seemed to take on
and off constantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">They
made their way through the crowds, eating desert and chatting about the weather
in search of an empty picnic table or a shady spot under a tree. Jennie felt
the eyes of the town watching them but she tried hard to ignore it. Grayson was
easy company, he made her feel good and she relished that feeling after so many
days of feeling so rotten.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">She
should have known there was no way the day could keep going so well. As soon as
they settled in on a grassy knoll, Jennie looked up and caught site of the two
people she had sincerely hoped she would never, ever see again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">About
twenty feet in front her, holding hands and gazing at each other with
disgusting lovesick expressions stood Trisha and Michael.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Seriously?”
She mumbled jumping to her feet and dumping what was left of her fried dough on
the grass. “I have to go.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“What’s
wrong, Jennie?” Grayson rose from the ground reaching for her hand as she
turned to leave.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“Nothing.”
She replied hurriedly. “I just have to go is all. I don’t like leavin’ Momma
home by herself for too long.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.3in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Grayson
followed her eyes toward the couple standing across the street from them. “Oh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Author
Bio:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Carolyn
LaRoche grew up in snow country but fled the cold and ice several years ago.
She now lives near the beach with her husband, their two boys, two finicky cats
and one old dog. When she is not at the baseball field cheering on big hits and
home runs, she is busy teaching science to unwilling teenagers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Social Links: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Facebook: <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynLaRoche">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynLaRoche</a></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Goodreads<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7734909.Carolyn_LaRoche">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7734909.Carolyn_LaRoche</a></span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Twitter:
@CarolynLaRoche</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Amazon: <u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;">http://www.amazon.com/Carolyn-LaRoche/e/B005OKHIDI</span></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span> </div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-40833347181145745922016-05-16T19:41:00.003-04:002016-05-16T19:41:39.501-04:00Cover Reveal! More by Keren Hughes<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">✬✬</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">▬▬▬</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">✬✬</span></b><b><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">COVER REVEAL</span><br />
</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">✬✬</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">▬▬▬</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">✬✬<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaJOKEtpWgvNIPymt8KuoSVxTRERucULo877hwgrwTtF6hldQzJ5uOr7RCT0At2LTmrJ4WDywrT1nR24BrwMDpBtxk6oUPhjhiTjQhws25HQvHIEX4_6feGPKNFfKY5ShP6Bv-P1U96Zk/s1600/More.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaJOKEtpWgvNIPymt8KuoSVxTRERucULo877hwgrwTtF6hldQzJ5uOr7RCT0At2LTmrJ4WDywrT1nR24BrwMDpBtxk6oUPhjhiTjQhws25HQvHIEX4_6feGPKNFfKY5ShP6Bv-P1U96Zk/s640/More.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Title: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">More<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Author: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Keren Hughes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Cover Designer: </span></b><span style="background: rgb(254, 254, 254); font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ashley Byland from
Redbird Designs</span><b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Release Date: </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">July 19th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Cover Model: </b>Amanda Renee</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Goodreads:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29093984-more?ac=1&from_search=true"><span style="background: white; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29093984-more?ac=1&from_search=true</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "segoe ui symbol" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Synopsis:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Drake Anderson is all the man Annalise Duncan ever wanted…</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Annalise has it all. The perfect husband. The
perfect son. The perfect life. After the father of her son Ayden abandoned her
to be a single parent, she finally felt like she hit the romance jackpot. Her
boss, Drake Anderson, turned out to be more than just a friend. He’s the love
of her life, and an amazing stepfather to her son.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">But the picture perfect marriage is merely an
illusion…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">After seven wonderful years, Drake leaves. He
doesn’t give her a reason, or even the courtesy of a return phone call. Six
months go by without even a single acknowledgement. Annalise is devastated. Her
heart and soul belonged to Drake, and he was the only father Ayden ever knew.
She’d dedicated her life to him and the family they built together, and she
isn’t willing to let that dream go easily.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">When Annalise spots Drake out at a café with a
woman, her heart shatters all over again. But it’s not what Annalise thinks. He
isn’t cheating on her. There are things about leaving that Drake just can’t or
won’t explain. Some things should remain a secret.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">He wants his old life back, but Annalise won’t
accept anything but the truth…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Drake has to find a way to convince his wife,
his Cariad, to take him back, but it may mean facing a truth he wanted to keep
hidden. He must prove to Annalise that despite his past, he wants her…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">More.</span></span><span style="font-family: "segoe ui" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-38053744582970874512016-04-17T13:59:00.001-04:002016-04-26T11:10:48.166-04:00What a Tangled Web They Weave...<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>...When First They Practice To Deceive...</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Coming May 3rd... The third installment of the Secret Lives Series</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i><br />
<br />
<i>For a little sneak peak at Jessy and Trey... Read all the way to the end</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWXY6ZsXs8s/VwQSJ8iwp5I/AAAAAAAADMo/zvjuYRDEPVIKTNSoYPa3zln-pqK9nhsjQ/s1600/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_ecover.jpg"><b><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWXY6ZsXs8s/VwQSJ8iwp5I/AAAAAAAADMo/zvjuYRDEPVIKTNSoYPa3zln-pqK9nhsjQ/s640/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_ecover.jpg" /></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WHEN FIRST THEY PRACTICE TO DECEIVE</b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/First-Practice-Deceive-Secret-Lives-ebook/dp/B01EH1PCGE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1461511321&sr=8-6&keywords=carolyn+laroche"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pre-order your copies here!</span></a></b></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<b><b></b></b><br />
<b><b>Author: Carolyn LaRoche</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Series: The Secret Lives #3</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>✦SYNOPSIS✦</b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All Jessy Wallace wants is a happy marriage, but her husband is a liar and in over his head…</b></div>
<b>
</b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jessy has spent the last decade happily married to her husband, Sam. But when she finally lands a job at Dixie’s Place, a hole-in-the-wall diner, she learns not all is well in paradise. Officer Sam Wallace has been spending the majority of their marriage in the beds of other women. Fed up, Jessy kicks her husband to the curb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last thing she wants is another messy relationship…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Uncertain if her husband ever truly loved her, Jessy gets caught completely off guard by the intense attraction she feels for Trey Smith, the night cook at Dixie’s Place. But she recognizes some telltale signs, and discovers he’s an undercover FBI agent. Jessy curses herself for falling for another lawman. To make matters worse, her soon-to-be ex-husband might be involved with Trey’s case.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the death of his wife, FBI agent Trey Smith has spent the last four years married to his work…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when Jessy starts waitressing at the diner where he is working undercover, he falls head over heels for her. Her ex-husband, however, is one of the top suspects in Trey’s case, and all Trey wants to do is protect her. He can’t lose this once in a lifetime chance at love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jessy is the soon-to-be ex-wife of a suspected criminal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trey Smith is an undercover FBI agent. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can their love overcome the odds, or will it all come crashing down under the weight of lies and deception?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>✦</b><b>✦</b><b>✦ COVER DESIGNER </b><b>✦</b><b>✦</b><b>✦</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WICKED BY DESIGN</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dixie dumped her
packages on the counter with a grunt. “Where the hell is that cook? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trey!</i>”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trey’s appearance
in the dining room was announced by the slam of the back door. His cheeks were
red. Jessy caught sight of a cell phone sticking out of his shirt pocket. Trey
rubbed his hands together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s mighty
frosty out there tonight. Was just taking out the trash. You need something,
Dix?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“How many times
have I told you not to call me that? It sounds too much like <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dicks.” </i>She swatted at him but Trey
sidestepped the hit.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Aw lighten up, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dix</i>, no one is going to think that of
you.” Jessy experienced an annoying twinge of jealousy as Trey ran a long, lazy
glance over Dixie’s body, making the woman flush a deep crimson which just made
her look sexier. Jessy glanced down at her own, curveless frame and frowned. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Life is so unfair.</i><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Just take this
stuff into my office so I can sort it.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Sure thing.
What’s in all these packages anyway?” Trey flipped open a box lid. “Christmas
decorations?”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dixie shrugged.
“Well, yeah. It’s December.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trey rummaged
around and pulled out an ornament of a tiny ballerina. “Shattered dreams going
on the tree this year, Dixie?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Gimme that!”
Dixie snatched the figure from Trey’s hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Okay, so which
one of us is the angel supposed to represent? Knowing all of you like I do, I
have to go with the only logical conclusion. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Me</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Yeah, ‘cause
you’re a real angel all right.” Arnetta gave Trey a searing look, like the ones
they write about in romance novels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“You know nothing
about my angel status.” Trey returned the angel to the box as he winked at
Jessy. “That is a mystery that remains to be discovered. Oh wait, maybe this
will help.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“What is it?”
Jessy, intrigued by the contents of the box as much as she was interested in
just how much Arnetta knew about Trey’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">status</i>,
stepped forward. Trey whipped around to face her, his hand on his head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Only it wasn’t
resting on his head. It held a little sprig of green vegetation in his hand and
a grin on his face that rivaled that of the Chesire Cat. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mistletoe.</i> Aw, crap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Oops, I’m stuck
under some mistletoe. You know legend says I have to kiss the person nearest to
me.” His eyes burned into Jessy’s skin as her cheeks heated to new proportions
never before experienced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I don’t think
that’s quite how it goes,” Arnetta said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Shut up! He’s
about to have his meal!” Surrey whispered loudly behind Jessy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I think the
legend says someone is supposed to kiss you.” Jessy looked into Trey’s <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>eyes without blinking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Breaking legend
is bad luck. Very, very bad luck.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“I think you mean
tradition. It’s bad luck to break tradition.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Legend.
Tradition. Whatever. All I know is you are leaving me hanging and potentially
exposing both of us to many years of pain and suffering.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jessy could feel
three sets of female eyes on her, but she only cared about Trey’s. His eyes
were so warm and so welcoming, and they were doing things to her insides so she
couldn’t think straight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Well, I guess we
wouldn’t want that.” She rose up slightly on tip toe, closing some of the
height gap between them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“No. I guess not.”
He leaned forward, closing just a little more of the distance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“It’s never a good
idea to tempt the fates.” Jessy heard three breaths sucked in as one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 1em 0px; text-indent: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Nope. Definitely
not.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Freezing air
wrapped around them as the sounds of laughter and chatter suddenly filled the
diner.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Show’s over,
folks. Time to make some money.” Dixie grabbed a few bags and headed to her
office. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">“Trey! Get the rest of those boxes for me then get in the kitchen!”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trey stepped back
and lowered the mistletoe, never breaking eye contact with Jessy. “Yes, ma’am!
I’m right behind you.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">He blew her a
little kiss then stepped over to the counter, scooped up the boxes, and was
gone before Jessy could remember to breathe.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Surrey was the
first to grab up a notepad and take a table, but not before she whispered in
Jessy’s ear, “Just like I said. Looks at you like his next meal.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Other Books in the Series</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Inch-Stilettos-Secret-Lives-ebook/dp/B017AWC2HO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1460915604&sr=8-2&keywords=carolyn+laroche">Undercover in Six Inch Stilettos</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Shield-Secret-Lives-Book-ebook/dp/B018W98LEW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460915604&sr=8-1&keywords=carolyn+laroche">In The Shadow of the Shield</a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-36051501454648470562016-04-07T00:01:00.000-04:002016-04-07T09:24:47.700-04:00Cover Reveal! When First They Practice to Deceive<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">✦✦ ✦✦ COVER REVEAL ✦✦ ✦✦</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWXY6ZsXs8s/VwQSJ8iwp5I/AAAAAAAADMo/zvjuYRDEPVIKTNSoYPa3zln-pqK9nhsjQ/s1600/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_ecover.jpg"><b><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWXY6ZsXs8s/VwQSJ8iwp5I/AAAAAAAADMo/zvjuYRDEPVIKTNSoYPa3zln-pqK9nhsjQ/s640/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_ecover.jpg" /></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WHEN FIRST THEY PRACTICE TO DECEIVE</b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><b>Author: Carolyn LaRoche</b></b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Series: The Secret Lives #3</b></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>✦SYNOPSIS✦</b></div>
<b></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>All Jessy Wallace wants is a happy marriage, but her husband is a liar and in over his head…</b></div>
<b>
</b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jessy has spent the last decade happily married to her husband, Sam. But when she finally lands a job at Dixie’s Place, a hole-in-the-wall diner, she learns not all is well in paradise. Officer Sam Wallace has been spending the majority of their marriage in the beds of other women. Fed up, Jessy kicks her husband to the curb.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The last thing she wants is another messy relationship…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Uncertain if her husband ever truly loved her, Jessy gets caught completely off guard by the intense attraction she feels for Trey Smith, the night cook at Dixie’s Place. But she recognizes some telltale signs, and discovers he’s an undercover FBI agent. Jessy curses herself for falling for another lawman. To make matters worse, her soon-to-be ex-husband might be involved with Trey’s case.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the death of his wife, FBI agent Trey Smith has spent the last four years married to his work…</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But when Jessy starts waitressing at the diner where he is working undercover, he falls head over heels for her. Her ex-husband, however, is one of the top suspects in Trey’s case, and all Trey wants to do is protect her. He can’t lose this once in a lifetime chance at love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jessy is the soon-to-be ex-wife of a suspected criminal. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trey Smith is an undercover FBI agent. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Can their love overcome the odds, or will it all come crashing down under the weight of lies and deception?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>✦</b><b>✦</b><b>✦ COVER DESIGNER </b><b>✦</b><b>✦</b><b>✦</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WICKED BY DESIGN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WickedByDesignRobinHarper" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/WickedByDesignRobinHarper</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6D1YtCoUH0/VwQTNpCyjqI/AAAAAAAADMw/sRCspdmBDuU_Jjp8Hbz07tid1qqTFqTkw/s1600/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_jacket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c6D1YtCoUH0/VwQTNpCyjqI/AAAAAAAADMw/sRCspdmBDuU_Jjp8Hbz07tid1qqTFqTkw/s640/WhenFirstTheyPracticetoDeceive_jacket.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>To get books 1 and 2 in the series, click on the links below:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Undercover-Inch-Stilettos-Secret-Lives-ebook/dp/B017AWC2HO/ref=pd_sim_351_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51KqVjaXFAL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL160_SR102%2C160_&refRID=0HGMJRGGDH4YJF1KAAAG">Book 1: Undercover in Six Inch Stilettos</a></b></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Shield-Secret-Lives-Series-ebook/dp/B018W98LEW/ref=pd_sim_351_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51zCJM7PFdL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_UX300_PJku-sticker-v3%2CTopRight%2C0%2C-44_OU01_AC_UL160_SR102%2C160_&refRID=1368JABE1YJY0CMBDKZ9">Book 2: In the Shadow of the Shield</a></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">✦✦ ✦✦ CAROLYN LAROCHE ✦✦ ✦✦ </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LPOQz-spZYU/ViwG9ecljRI/AAAAAAAABu0/syFT5_gHvPk/s320/Author-Pic-Carolyn-LaRoche-343x400.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Carolyn LaRoche grew up in snow country but fled the cold and ice several years ago. She now lives near the beach with her husband, their two boys, two finicky cats and one old dog. When she is not at the baseball field cheering on big hits and home runs, she is busy teaching science to unwilling teenagers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Limitless Publishing: <a href="http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/carolyn-laroche/">http://www.limitlesspublishing.net/authors/carolyn-laroche/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynLaRoche">https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCarolynLaRoche</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolynLaRoche">https://twitter.com/CarolynLaRoche</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Website: <a href="http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/">http://carolynlarocheauthor.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goodreads: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7734909.Carolyn_LaRoche">https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7734909.Carolyn_LaRoche</a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMOq49uGLys/VwRAQSQgv8I/AAAAAAAADNA/Eu_yN2ASsdgOnNIXGq4GFAoLnQ3DkMFTQ/s1600/limitless%2Bpublishing%2Bblue%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMOq49uGLys/VwRAQSQgv8I/AAAAAAAADNA/Eu_yN2ASsdgOnNIXGq4GFAoLnQ3DkMFTQ/s320/limitless%2Bpublishing%2Bblue%2B3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-46009245993590527432016-04-02T11:24:00.000-04:002016-04-02T11:24:12.363-04:00Release Information And A Little Something ExtraI'm very excited to announce that the third book in the Secret Lives Series will be released on May 3 by Limitless Publishing! I'll be sharing the cover here in just five days...and it's absolutely awesome!! I can't wait for you all to see it.<br />
<br />
As a little treat in preparation for the cover reveal, I am sharing one of my favorite parts of <strong>In the Shadow of the Shield </strong>with you today. Diana is finally pulling out mourning and allowing herself to live again...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8xnU6NgoO3-umeuvvB6eP48G0CAzLaw95H3SCXWElv2M-RpIq1bv5gynFb_MEX9au3OKDf2Fngf1v2KxPg1H8ynrDN5bw-WK4oPTl00Q62hPwOOjZV4wQSz8aXc_yB31XWZuVI95owzH/s1600/IN+THE+SHADOW+OF+THE+SHIELD+FRONT.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8xnU6NgoO3-umeuvvB6eP48G0CAzLaw95H3SCXWElv2M-RpIq1bv5gynFb_MEX9au3OKDf2Fngf1v2KxPg1H8ynrDN5bw-WK4oPTl00Q62hPwOOjZV4wQSz8aXc_yB31XWZuVI95owzH/s320/IN+THE+SHADOW+OF+THE+SHIELD+FRONT.png" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018W98LEW/ref=s9_simh_gw_g351_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0HASYQA3CB9D7GTMZDX0&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869742&pf_rd_i=desktop">If you haven't read this book yet, you can get a copy here...or borrow it free in kindle unlimited</a><br />
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<br />
<br />
“So, what are you doing here anyway?” she asked as she pulled a couple of tea bags from a canister on the counter. “Obviously you’re on duty.” <br />
He shrugged and offered a sheepish smile. “Would you believe that I missed you?” <br />
She returned the smile. “I definitely wouldn’t mind if you did.” <br />
“You almost shooting me aside, is it okay that I dropped by? I was down the street on patrol, and my unit seemed to develop a mind of its own. Next thing I knew, I was sitting in your driveway.” <br />
<br />
“You can stop by anytime. I’m glad you did.” Diana set out two mugs, dropped the tea bags in them, and reached for the lemon juice and honey she kept handy.<br />
Carter caught her hand from across the counter and held it, caressing the palm with his thumb. “It’s been a long week. I never minded going home to my empty apartment before. Now, I can’t stand how lonely and cold it is. For the first time since my wife left, I feel like I have a reason to be a little bit happy. Being with you makes me happy.” He looked up at her. “Too much too soon?” <br />
“No. I have been pacing the house for days, hoping Louie would text you so you would have a reason to come by. Crazy, huh?” <br />
“Not at all. I wanted to, but I figured you needed a little space after—how did things go with your son the other day?” <br />
The tea pot whistled. Diana poured steaming water into both cups and passed Carter one of them with a spoon. “Jackson misses his father. He’s struggling with the idea that life has to go on, and you have to admit, he did happen in on us at a very inopportune time.”<br />
“Yeah, no kidding. It took me half the afternoon…” <br />
“Half the afternoon to what?”<br />
“Let’s just say that kiss didn’t end in my mind for a good long time.” <br />
“You youngsters are so dramatic!” She flipped a dish towel at him. Carter caught it in one hand, and his expression turned serious.<br />
“Why are you so hung up on our age difference? It’s only eight years. If I were older than you, would it even occur to you to care?” <br />
<br />
She felt her cheeks heat up as Carter watched her intently. “I—I don’t know. I mean, it’s a little strange to me to have someone so much younger—I mean, the way I—” She threw her hands in the air in frustration and turned her back on him. “Look, Donnie was my high school sweetheart. I loved him for more than half my life. I still love him. I was not prepared for the way I would be affected by a man other than him.” <br />
When she turned around again, Carter was standing there, his eyes filled with desire and emotion. “I’m not trying to take Massey’s place in your life. I had no idea when I went to the cemetery that—oh, I don’t even know. I was looking for you, yes, but only because I wanted to know what really happened to Massey. I wasn’t prepared for the way—for what’s happening either. I’m still not. Not really. I’m broken, Diana. I have a mother who didn’t love me, and a wife who couldn’t love me enough to stick around. It’s only been a week since I met you, and it has been the best time in my life in a very long time. I only want the opportunity to get to know you, see where— if anywhere—this thing will go. And figure out what really happened to Massey.”<br />
“How do we even know something happened to him?” <br />
“It’s a gut feeling. That’s all I can say.” They were standing very close. Too close. She could smell that musky soap of his again, and it was all she could do to stay where she was. He sure looked good in that uniform. Too good. She moistened her suddenly dry lips with the tip of her tongue. “Don’t do that.” <br />
<br />
“What?”<br />
“Lick your lips that way. I have to get back on the road in a minute, and that might make me quit my job so I can see you do that again.” <br />
She giggled like a schoolgirl. “Oh, you can’t do that. Your uniform is half the appeal. Don’t you know, once a badge bunny, always a badge bunny?” She tapped the badge on his chest with one finger. <br />
“Badge bunny, huh?” In one smooth move, his arm slipped around her and his lips pressed to hers in a quick kiss. “I hate to leave, Madam Bunny, but the streets of Virginia Beach are begging to be kept safe.”<br />
“What kind of crime is there in a resort town in the middle of the winter?”<br />
“You’d be surprised. Hookers still got pimps to pay, no matter how cold it is. Crack heads still need a fix, and drive-bys are very popular this time of year. The discerning gangster prefers not to freeze the family jewels to get the weekly quota of shootings in.” <br />
“I suppose that makes sense, since it was this time last year when Donnie got mixed up in that supposed meth case.” No sooner had the words left her mouth that they heard the ringing of a cell phone. <br />
Carter let her go and dug into one of his pockets. “That’s the Louie phone number. A text message.” “What’s it say?”<br />
“He says he wants a pizza with his Snickers and his Mountain Dew.”<br />
“What?” <br />
“Hold on. Another message is coming in. It’s a photograph.” <br />
<br />
“A photo of what?” <br />
“Hard to tell. It’s pretty dark, but it looks like three people. He says he caught them leaving the house, and they are the same guys he saw the other night.” <br />
“Ask him who they are.” Her heart rate picked up at the thought of a possible lead. “Are they cops?” Carter tapped out a message and then waited for Louie to reply. “Okay, he says they left and locked the place up tight. He doesn’t know who they are, but he is certain they are the same guys he saw the other night.” Carter typed in another message, then set the phone down on the counter by his radio. It buzzed almost immediately with a message from Louie, promising to let them know the second the men returned, as long as he could have an extra-large double cheese pie. “All right, as much as I hate to go, I need to get back out on patrol. Lunchtime is over.”<br />
“Lunch time? Was I supposed to be a quickie on your lunch break?” <br />
Carter grabbed his radio and clipped it back on his belt. “Trust me, baby, if that was why I was here, there would be nothing quick about it.” Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08964105649682275594noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7198415525732563042.post-32039849504286009642016-03-29T09:22:00.000-04:002016-03-29T09:22:04.567-04:00A Spring Break Treat- An Excerpt From Another James Man Love Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X6EpXlV8UbaU0iMZrhBV7bId44UEssEuIGJkhrf_TzXUY29XGoWFlUZebh8_eXIwP1jukFApP8_xIF78UNTZSAFLZfPsqPaHVljsNCVlhQWcKuiZr-HnycZ6aKw7AlEwuCaVCNi7OPKF/s1600/Homeland-Security-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9X6EpXlV8UbaU0iMZrhBV7bId44UEssEuIGJkhrf_TzXUY29XGoWFlUZebh8_eXIwP1jukFApP8_xIF78UNTZSAFLZfPsqPaHVljsNCVlhQWcKuiZr-HnycZ6aKw7AlEwuCaVCNi7OPKF/s320/Homeland-Security-2.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homeland-Security-Defenders-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B014OAOGJC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1459257371&sr=8-4&keywords=carolyn+laroche">Get your copy of Homeland Security here!</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
One: <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The heavy door
swung open. Fully expecting another black clad, automatic rifle bearing
commando like the ones that had dragged her from her apartment, Katie's jaw
dropped when a tall, broad frame wearing a tuxedo filled the space. His form
almost completely blocked out any light from the hallway. Katie sucked in a
breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Good
evening, Ms. McCoy." Tuxedo man stepped through the door, not making eye
contact as he studied the file in his hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He didn't have to
introduce himself. She knew exactly who he was.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Oh crap. Would he remember her?</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"I'd shake
your hand or curtsy or something if I weren't attached to this stupid
table." Katie scowled for effect but he still wasn't looking at her.
Instead, he chuckled as he settled himself in a chair opposite hers, stretching
his long legs underneath the table. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Don't worry,
Miss. Despite the fact that I missed a delicious prime rib dinner this evening
I will not bite you." That explained the tux.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"You mean you
don't always dress that way for an interrogation? Don't I feel special
now?" she snapped, unable or unwilling to bite back the sarcasm as she sat
as far back in her chair as she could. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Finally he looked
at her. She saw the quick gleam of recognition before it disappeared.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He
knew who she was.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"See anything
you like?" Katie grumbled, resisting the urge to squirm under his blue
gaze. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"What's your
name?" the man asked casually, although Katie knew casual had nothing to
do with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"You know my
name. You just used it. Stop trying to butter me up and get down to business.
I'm sure you know everything about me. I mean, I doubt those commandos of yours
kidnap random women for fun on a Friday night. Or maybe they do?" She
noticed the man watching her with the slightest hint of a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Are you
always so defensive?" He eyed her again, as if seeing straight into her
soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Her blood started
to percolate a little in her veins under the intensity of his scrutiny.
Aggravation, that's all. What other explanation could there be for the sudden
rise in her internal temperature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"McCoy. My
name is Katie McCoy. And only when I have been kidnapped by a bunch of Special
Forces wanna-be's. That tends to ruffle my feathers a bit, Mr…?" Two could
play his game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"James. Agent
James."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Your mother
not like you much?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He eyed her
questioningly. "What's that supposed to mean?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"She named
you 'Agent', so she must not have liked you very much."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">The man chuckled
and she almost smiled in return until she went to push a stray hair behind her
ear and realized handcuffs still held her to the steel table.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"It's Kaiden,
Ms. McCoy. Agent Kaiden James."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Agent of
what agency?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Well, aren't
you full of questions tonight?" He winked at her as he leaned back in his
chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Katie scowled at
him across the small space. "I always have a lot of questions when I am
dragged from my home in my pajamas in the middle of the night."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Agent Kaiden James
looked at his watch. The same military style, digital type Nathan used to wear.
Katie scowled again. The memory of her ex-fiancé was not what she needed to be
thinking about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"It's barely
nine in the evening, Ms. McCoy. I would hardly call it the middle of the night.
Do you always dress for bed at dinner time?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"I wasn't
exactly expecting any company," she shot back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"No, I
suppose you weren't." He fiddled with his watch again, eyes narrowing as
he studied the illuminated face. She didn't remember him being so pensive the
last time they had met. Of course he had been under the influence of some
strong narcotics. When would he admit that he knew her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Why am I
here, Agent James?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Please, call
me Kaiden."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Fine, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kaiden</i>, why am I here?'<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Do you
really expect me to believe that you have no idea why you are here?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">"Yes, I do. Apparently making a frozen pizza is a
capital offense in this part of the world."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Excerpt
2</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In another place,
under other circumstances, silk, satin and lace rubbing up on him would have
been a turn on. At one in the morning, in a building that smelled of dust and
must, nothing got turned on except his allergy response. He needed an
antihistamine and a cup of coffee in the worst way. And maybe a sandwich. Or
some fried chicken. His stomach rumbled at the thought of hot, moist fried
chicken and buttermilk biscuits. He had missed dinner, after all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He caught Katie's
eye over a display of animal print push up bras. His blood warmed pleasantly as
she smiled at him. A hunger of a different sort clenched in his gut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"I'm
sorry," she said. "I know it's late but I can't stomach the thought
of anything that man touched on my skin. I want to grab a couple of things to
hold me until I can get to the mall."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Take your
time. You might not be able to go home for a few days so grab what you
need," Kaiden responded with more conviction than he felt. He nodded at a
leopard print push-up in front of him. "That looks nice." It would
look <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">real</i> nice on Katie. Forget about
his allergy response, everything started to warm up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Agent James!
I had no idea you had such a wild side to you!" <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"I'm not all
business all the time you know. And please, call me Kaiden already. I am pretty
sure we have gone beyond formal. Not every woman I meet gives me a sponge
bath." He winked at her as a blush formed on her cheeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"We probably
shouldn't discuss that. Nurse-patient privilege or something." She reached
for a deep emerald satin and lace set that would look like the jewel of the
same tone against her creamy skin and bring out the green in her hazel eyes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"I don't
think there is any such thing. Besides, it's something I certainly <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">enjoy </i>thinking about."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">He watched as the
flush in her cheeks darkened by at least three shades. Kaiden couldn't help but
wonder if Nurse Katie had ever thought about him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Of course not, you idiot, she was engaged!</i> Still, during his stay
in the hospital they had definitely shared a flirtation. Apparently it ended at
flirting since she had a boyfriend the entire time. The pain meds had probably
colored the experience, making it something more in his mind than it had
actually been.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"All right
then it must be off-limits for a secret agent to discuss such things with a
suspect."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Kaiden laughed.
"There is nothing secret about this agent. You know who I am and what I do
and I'm fairly certain the only thing you are guilty of is bad judgment in
men."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And just for an extra spring treat...Meet Clara, the James Matriarch with attitude...Excerpt
3</span></u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Clara peered out
the door, squinting at him. "That you, Kaiden?" she called out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"It's me, Ma!
You got your glasses on?"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"You know I
hate those things, boy. Besides, don't need glasses to see that monstrosity of
a vehicle of yours. Didn't know I raised a boy with such self-confidence
issues."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Come on, Ma,
you know I just like big trucks."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"You know
what they say about a man with a big truck… he's compensating for other <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">smaller</i> things."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Ma!"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Clara opened the
door and stepped through, toting her favorite shot gun over her shoulder.
"Come here, boy, and give your mother a hug."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">With a glance at
Katie, Kaiden jogged over to his mother and grabbed her up in a bear hug,
spinning her around before setting her back on the ground. Clara giggled like a
little girl. "Just like your daddy, you really know how to sweep a girl
off her feet!"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Only you,
Ma. I don't seem to have that touch with the rest of the ladies."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Clara looked past
him at where Katie still stood. "Well, now, look what the cat dragged in.
I can't believe Kaiden found you again. I was pretty certain he was going to be
pining after you for a lifetime. Dumb fool left the hospital without even
getting your number!"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"Ma!"<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">"What? I'm an
old lady. We say what's on our mind in case we lose our mind before we get
another chance."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Katie's face
reddened as she offered her hand to Clara. Clara chuckled but ignored the other
woman's outstretched hand, instead grabbing her up in a hug. "No one's a
stranger round here."<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 1em 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="text-decoration: none;"> </span></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<br />
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