Romance in Seattle

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A Christmas Wedding

For those of you haven’t read the holiday edition of Marriage Under Fire, which features Maddy and Hunter’s wedding, today’s blog includes the bonus content. Enjoy this short read with a mug of hot cocoa or in between wrapping gifts!

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Hunter, Colonel Dawson, his commanding officer, and his best friend Drew stood in Aunt Aideen’s library waiting to be called for the wedding ceremony. Through the pane-glass windows Hunter could see could see falling snow beginning to blanket the Queen Anne neighborhood. Maddy must be ecstatic that her wish for a snowy Christmas Eve wedding had come true.

“Sir, it means a great deal to Maddy and me that you were willing to come on Christmas Eve to perform this service,” Hunter said.

“I’ve got a special spot for Maddy. She is the daughter we never had. My wife would’ve loved to have had a daughter. Three sons, three Marines.”

“I hope you won’t have any trouble getting to the airport, sir.”

“I’m sorry I can’t stay for the celebration. But I know how Seattle closes down when it snows.”

Hunter tried to keep the conversation going with the Colonel, but all he could think about was Maddy. Was she excited, nervous? He had so much wanted to share Maddy’s day. She told him about her conversation with Dr. Walters, and how she had realized how much she would miss her parents on her wedding day.

He didn’t want her to feel alone. It had been only twenty-four hours since he kissed her goodnight before she spent her last night as a single woman with Angie. After today, he would never spend another night without her.

He could hear Aunt Aideen’s commanding voice directing the guests to their seats in the living room. James had decorated the entire house with flowers. The chairs lining the living room had white ribbons and bouquets attached to each aisle seat. White candles burned throughout the house, and the flowery fragrances blended with the smell of pine from the giant Christmas tree standing in the front window.

Two bars were set up on each side of the library, where the twenty-five guests would gather after the ceremony. While the guests had drinks and appetizers, the staff would remove the chairs from the living room and set up tables for dinner. Everything had been orchestrated as flawlessly as a well-organized military operation by James and Aunt Aideen.

Hunter checked his watch again. He didn’t want to admit it, but he had the same nervous tension building in his body that he experienced before a dangerous operation, in spite of the fact that this wasn’t an assignment and there was no threat. This was the beginning of his mission to protect and care for Maddy for the rest of his life.

James entered the library in a black tuxedo with a white rose on his lapel. The debonair man looked like he had just stepped out of a James Bond movie. “You’re one lucky man. Maddy is more gorgeous than I’d anticipated. Maddy and Angie are both spectacular women, so I have to admit they made my job easy.”

Hunter had started to resent James and all the time Maddy had spent planning the wedding with him. But seeing how happy she was, he couldn’t really be upset. And it was obvious that James cared for Maddy.

“Is Maddy okay?”

“She’s more than okay. She is radiant and excited and pleased as can be that it snowed.”

It didn’t sound like Maddy was having bridal jitters. He might be more nervous than his bride.

“Colonel, I’ve arranged for a car service to take you to the airport,” James said.

“Thank you. I’m sorry I can’t stay, but I can’t miss Christmas Eve with my grandkids.”

James stiffened and looked at Drew. “May I have a private word with you?”

Drew, in his Special Forces formal dress uniform, was leaning against the wall next to the window. Hunter and the Colonel wore their Marine dress uniforms, as did all his buddies. The only Marines not in uniform were Maddy and Angie.

Drew laughed. “No need. I truly can handle the ring business.”

James’s dark eyes narrowed. “I’m not worried about the ring. It will only take a minute.”

Drew shrugged his shoulders. “Sure.”

James gave a slight bow of his head. “Gentleman, excuse us.” He looked at his watch. “Only seven minutes before you take your places.”

James walked away with Drew following.

Colonel looked at Hunter. “Drew’s in trouble again. And why do I think it’s about a woman?”

Hunter watched the two men standing outside the door talking. James was definitely incensed about something. His face was red, and he was poking his finger into Drew’s chest. Whatever had James hot under the collar, he didn’t care about the consequences of provoking Drew—or he had a death wish.

If Drew had offended one of Maddy’s friends last night at the rehearsal dinner, Hunter was going to kick his ass—after the wedding, of course. Except Drew was a smooth player and wouldn’t push any boundaries that a woman didn’t want pushed.

The ultimate alpha, Drew—who outweighed James by fifty pounds—stepped back and nodded. The Colonel winked at Hunter, amused by Drew’s submissive response.

James looked again at his watch, then stepped back into the library. “Are you ready to take your places? Colonel, you will go out first. Is there anything you need?”

“Nothing. If you or Aunt Aideen want to join the Marines, I’m always in need of good sergeants.”

James rubbed his chin, pretending to contemplate the possibility. “I would get so tired of wearing the same uniform over and over again.” And then the ballsy man winked at the Colonel.

The Colonel responded with a loud guffaw.

James looked directly at Hunter. “Give the Colonel and Aunt Aideen a few minutes, and then come out.” Hunter felt his heart kick against his chest. He was finally going to make Maddy his wife.

The Colonel slapped him on the back. “Never seen that look before, Hunter. Pure terror from the man who was willing to take on the Taliban singlehandedly.” The Colonel rubbed his hands together. “This a great day for my little Maddy. Never officiated a wedding where both the bride and groom were Marines.”

Aunt Aideen, in a billowing emerald green dress, marched into the room. “It’s our time, Colonel. Let me escort you to your spot.”

The Colonel offered Aunt Aideen his arm. “Let me escort you, my lady.”

Aunt Aideen fanned her face. “I always did have a soft spot for a man in uniform.”

Drew waited at the doorway while the Colonel and Aunt Aideen exited. He looked at Hunter. “Are you ready?”

Hunter shook his head. “We’re supposed to give them a few minutes. Just enough time for you to explain what that little side conversation with James was about.”

“Nothing to concern you on your wedding day,” Drew said laconically.

“What did you do to get James riled up?”

“I think the wedding planning has gotten to his nerves.”

Hunter grabbed his arm. “Spill it.”

“It really isn’t anything. Your sister didn’t like me joking with some of the guys about getting hitched.”

“That’s it?”

“She got all fiery about defending you.”

“That doesn’t sound like Angie. She’s really easygoing.”

Drew stopped. “No she’s not. She’s…”

Hunter would have to finish this conversation later. He needn’t worry about his sister, she could take care of herself. Besides, it was time to marry Maddy.

“Let’s go.” Hunter’s heart raced, and his palms were sweaty. He looked straight ahead as he took his spot next to the Colonel in the packed living room. Drew followed and positioned himself next to Hunter.

Everything happened in a blur. The Colonel nodding to him, Angie coming down the aisle, stunning all in red. Hunter didn’t really know much about music, but Angie moved gracefully with the music despite her impressively high heels.

And instead of turning to her place, she walked straight to Hunter and hugged him tightly. She whispered, “I’m so glad you came to Seattle.” Tears were in her eyes as she stared into his. Eyes that looked just like his and his father’s.

If he hadn’t come to find his missing sister, he’d never have met Maddy. He hugged Angie so tight that he felt her breath tighten. “Me, too.”

Angie stepped into her spot across from him. And they all waited until the church music changed to “Love is All Around.” Everyone in the room stood and faced the foyer.

And then Maddy emerged. She was magnificent in a white fluffy gown, her blond curls bobbing. From across the room, he could see her blue eyes focused on him. His heart swelled with possessiveness and love.

James held her arm as they started toward him. The song matched the feeling in the room. Love was all around because of Maddy. She was love incarnate. Her eyes sparkled like the snowy night. She took her time coming down the aisle, smiling first at her VA group, then at Dr.Walters and her parents, and finally at Aunt Aideen. He understood. Everyone was under her spell. He hadn’t been to many weddings and didn’t know how brides were supposed to act, but Maddy’s genuine joy enveloped everyone.

James had tears in his eyes when he presented her to Hunter. He felt a primitive satisfaction when James placed Maddy’s hand onto Hunter’s. “Take good care of my princess.” James’s voice broke. He turned and sat next to Aunt Aideen in the front row, dabbing at his eyes with a red handkerchief.

Hunter took Maddy’s arm, pulling her next to his side. She never took her eyes away from his face. James was right. Maddy didn’t look like the tough Marine. She was a snow angel or a princess, a feminine love goddess, and now she belonged to him.

He didn’t care that he was supposed to wait to say it. He didn’t care what anyone thought. “I love you, Maddy, now and forever.”

Maddy’s blue eyes softened. “Now and forever, Hunter.”

This special holiday edition of Marriage Under Fire is available for a limited time.

iBooks    Kindle    Kobo    Nook    GooglePlay

Christmas...and criminals?!

Well, it’s official. Now that Halloween is over, retailers and advertisers have launched their winter holiday promotional push. For the next 60 days, expect to be bombarded with red and green, silver and gold, Santa and elves, gilt and gift wrap.

There are many cliches associated with the holiday season. Like every other writer, however, I have been taught from Day One to avoid cliches. Fortunately that was easy to do with the upcoming box featuring my recent release, MARRIAGE UNDER FIRE, with more than four chapters of new and exclusive content.

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Criminal Christmas, a collection of 8 holiday suspense stories is now available for pre-order for just $0.99 and will be available November 9.

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Amazon US
| Amazon UK | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

Order your copy of Criminal Christmas today for a break from the holiday cliches and chaos. You won’t want to miss Maddy and Hunter’s romantic holiday wedding, exclusively available with this box set. Merry Criminal Christmas to one and all!

 

 

Pearl Hewitt on the Emerald City Writers' Conference

Last weekend was the Emerald City Writers Conference and Passport to Romance Reader Appreciation Event. Audiobook narrator Pearl Hewitt shares a few highlights.

I had the opportunity to meet many readers and some very enthusiastic audiobook listeners at the Passport to Romance Reader Appreciation Event. It was a very successful evening of laughter, chatter and giveaways. Everyone seemed to have a great time.

PicMonkey CollageThe presentation on how to Successfully Create an Audiobook went very well although it was a little rushed toward the end because the volume of information is large and many questions were asked by interested authors who seriously want to move into the audiobook minefield. I was happy to help get the word out and encouraged authors to branch out into the audiobook world and take advantage of this extra income source.

Thanks, Pearl, for sharing your experience with my readers!

Catch me at the Emerald City Writers' Conference

This weekend I’ll be attending the Emerald City Writers’ Conference. I’m looking forward to the event for several special reasons.

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First and foremost, I will be presenting a workshop on How to Successfully Produce an Audio Book with Pearl Hewitt. For those who don’t know, Pearl is the talented narrator who’s brought two of my Code Breaker series book to life. She’s currently working on a third, A CHRISTMAS CODE, which will be available in early November. This will be my first opportunity to meet Pearl in-person, and I’m looking forward to it!

Second, I’ll be participating in the Passport to Romance Reader Appreciation Event on Saturday, October 17. Readers are invited to this free event, which provides an opportunity to celebrate romantic fiction, meet their favorite authors and discover new authors.

Passport-header1@2xLast but not least, writers’ conferences offer authors a chance to network with industry professionals, connect with their peers, learn what’s new and exciting in publishing and hone their craft through workshops and master classes.

After spending so many days alone in my writing cave, I’m excited to spend the weekend with my favorite people – writers and readers! For more information, visit the Greater Seattle RWA website.

Christmas, criminals and a wedding

Join Maddy and Hunter for a very special holiday wedding!

Marriage Under Fire, featuring an exclusive wedding scene never before released, is part of Criminal Christmas, a collection of 8 holiday suspense stories. The box set is now available for pre-order for just $0.99 and be the first to read these thrilling romantic suspense stories on November 9.

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Amazon US
| Amazon UK | BN | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

Share in the anticipation as Grayce, Davis, Hollie, James and the entire Grayce Walters crew plan a ceremony overflowing with all the love, romance and fellowship of the season.

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Christmas isn’t all Peace on Earth this Holiday Season in 8 Outstanding Suspense Stories of Murderers, Stalkers, Terrorists, Thieves, and Kidnappers. Criminal Christmas puts the Danger in the season of Mistletoe, Christmas Trees & Goodwill. Snuggle up by the fire with our books and enjoy Christmas like never before. This fabulous set is comprised of 6 Novellas (including never before published!), 1 Short Story and 1 Full Novel!

Deadly Holiday – Novella

It’s four days before Christmas and the characters you grew to love in The Deadly Series are struggling with life-threatening problems. When a five-year old boy testifies against his father, then disappears without a trace, the town struggles to find him. But an impending blizzard threatens to halts the search just before Christmas.

Deadly Holiday is an action-packed thriller you don’t want to miss.

The Old Man’s Back in Town – Short Story

A sizzling, suspenseful SHORT STORY wrapped in a puzzling mystery that will leave you hungry for more.
**It’s “Groundhog Day” meets the modern day Old West!**

Holiday Justice – Novella

A Justice Team Holiday Novella!
When his Justice Team partners, Mitch Monroe and Caroline Foster, discover a Santa sneaking around behind the restaurant, Grey and Mitch uncover a theft ring that’s leaving kids without toys and families without a reason to celebrate.

Christmas Interrupted – Novella

Christmas in snowy Carnation, Washington seems like the idyllic get away until Jamey Dunn has a prophetic dream of his father’s house burning to the ground on Christmas Eve. Jamey and his wife Tina race to Carnation to prevent the tragedy that will take Pops’ life and discovers something is strange about the new neighbors.

Marriage Under Fire – Novella

Marine veteran Maddy Jeffers never expected her most demanding and daunting mission would come off the battlefield. Ordered to infiltrate a Seattle terrorist cell, Maddy must pose as a loving wife to Major Hunter Hines. The undercover role begins to feel all too real when Maddy falls hard for the rugged, macho Marine.

The Twelfth Day – Novella

Years ago, Sabrina Spencer was the lone survivor of a serial killer’s attack on her family, her testimony putting the killer behind bars. When she begins receiving daily packages containing bizarre gifts related to the Twelve Days of Christmas, Sabrina suspects her new love is behind the twisted countdown to the twelfth day.

Christmas 911 – Novella

When mother-to-be Corrine Landry stops off to purchase a gift for her niece on Christmas Eve, she finds herself in the middle of a crisis situation. Luke Oliver is about to end his final twelve-hour shift as a 911 dispatcher. After answering a desperate plea from a frantic pregnant woman, he suspects this particular call could change his life–maybe forever.

The Way Evil Does – Novel

When novelist Rebecca Reis interviews convicted serial killer, Thomas Eisenbrey in the Washington State Penitentiary she finds herself having strange feelings for the psychopath. Nicknamed the Hunter, Eisenbrey is crafty, aloof, and has somehow wheedled his way into her mind. When he escapes, Rebecca is terrified–who will he hunt next?

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