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More Than a Connection ~ Excerpt from 'An Inner Fire'
It was more than liking; it was a connection, a force. When Grayce had looked into his eyes, he had a sensation of transparency, as if she peered deep into his soul. He’d had the same unfamiliar sensation when she’d gazed at his dad’s picture in his office. She understood his loss; somehow she knew he had suffered when he could do nothing to stop the agonizing progression of his dad’s bone cancer.
Oblivious to the rain, he crossed Fremont Avenue. What had the receptionist said? Grayce was always taking care of everyone.
She had rushed to the rescue of an injured dog. It wasn’t hard to imagine Grayce Walters consoling anyone in pain. Obviously, the receptionist was one of her charity cases. But who took care of Grayce Walters?
During this visit, like in his office, she had appeared worried. Was her fear more pronounced today or was he more attentive? He had the same gut reaction then. Grayce Walters was hiding something. He didn’t suspect for a minute she was involved with the wharf fire. There was nothing criminal about the sensitive woman.
For the first time in his career, he doubted his ability to be objective about a witness.
Get your copy of An Inner Fire to keep reading!
Celebrate Christmas in July with a 99¢ Regency Holiday Box Set
I remember how surprised I was when I learned that people in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate Christmas in summer. Because their seasons are the opposite of ours, December comes with sunshine, hot temperatures and not so much as a single snowflake.
Can you imagine?!
Christmas in July started as an activities at summer camps many years ago, and has evolved into a pop culture tradition. I can get on the bandwagon with a summertime yuletide celebration because it’s one of my favorite holidays and I’m (almost!) ready for eggnog, holly, sugar cookies, and shopping for gifts.
Here are three ways to indulge in some holiday magic without waiting for December 25th!
1. Organize a holiday movie marathon. Check the Hallmark Channel for their lineup of showtimes.
2. Spend an afternoon in the kitchen whipping up your favorite Christmas treats. Another option is serving up a plate of Watermelon Christmas trees.
3. Binge on a 99¢ box set of Regency holiday romantic suspense books. Get The Code Breakers Series: Holiday Romances ~ no gift wrap needed.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/38nBP7n
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/31R5TY7
Apple: https://apple.co/31IAJlp
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2C4bKhS
Google Play: https://bit.ly/38p9gqs
How to plan a staycation that feels like a vacation
Staycations aren’t new, but this summer, many people will be spending days off at home. You can still experience the fun and thrills of a vacation by putting some thought and creativity into planning a staycation.
Here are a few ideas to make the most of getting away from it all without going anywhere.
1. Take time off from work.
2. Plan a budget for things like ordering out and splurging on luxury items to make your staycation relaxing and indulgent.
3. Hire a housecleaner so your place feels fresh and inviting before your staycation.
4. Eat off the fancy dishes.
5. Try out those new recipes you never have time for.
6. Create a playlist with your favorite tunes to kickback to.
7. Treat yourself to kicky flip-flops and comfy clothes to lounge around in.
8. Check out the sights to see in your community. You might be surprised to discover places you didn’t know about.
9. Enjoy the outdoors. Take a walk. Set up a hammock. Invest in a new patio lounger.
10. Stock up on movies, puzzles, games, and books.
Have you ever enjoyed a staycation? Share your favorite tips and suggestions!
Out of Control ~ Excerpt from 'Mission: Impossible to Forget'
He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against his body. Her every curve pressed against him, teasing him. “Emily, I’m barely in control. It isn’t the way I want our first time after how I’ve screwed up. I want you to be treated the way you deserve.”
“Having you out of control is perfect—not thinking, not protecting, but you as a man, needing me as your mate, your woman. Not the responsible US Marine captain, but Nick Jenkins, the man who needs my love.”
Emily, her head and shoulders thrown back, her mane of dark curls flowing around him, was like an avenging goddess. She was a force to be reckoned with, and he was the man who’d step up.
“I was so bitter and exhausted when I came to Sausalito. And there you were, all light and joy. I’ve been lost without you.”
She cupped his face into her hand. “I’m here now. And I’m not leaving, no matter what crazy ass ideas you get about protecting me from yourself. Take me how you would have if we hadn’t been interrupted. How you fantasized.”
He slanted his mouth over hers and kissed her with everything he had while he walked her back until she reached the bedroom wall. He gripped both her hands in one of his and forced them over her head, opening her to his stare, his touch.
“I’ve dreamed about punishing you for making me want a life I could never have with you. For ruining me for any other woman or any other future without you.” He kissed her, stroking his tongue against hers before he lifted her against the wall.
She clasped her hands behind his neck and locked her ankles at the small of his back. Nick shifted his hold, lifting her, aligning their bodies for the perfect fit. Heat burned through him. In that moment, he felt as if he had been cold all his life until Emily.
Get your copy of Mission: Impossible to Forget to keep reading.
Fourth of July Book Binge
With communities still battling Covid-19, many traditional Fourth of July events and traditions are not an option this year. If your picnic has been nixed or your parade has been cancelled, how about celebrating with a book binge instead.
Here are a few tips and a FREE ebook to get you started.
- Pick the right books. Are you in the mood for comedy, suspense, romance or adventure? Once you decide, assemble a list of books that fit the theme.
- Get comfy. Set up your hammock or lawn chair in a shady spot. If the temps are sizzling outside, lounge around inside.
- Stock up on drinks and snacks. The idea of a book binge is that you don’t have to step away to do anything else. It’s all about reading and escaping into books. Fuel your binge with sweet and salty snacks and a few drink options.
- Hang up the Do Not Disturb sign. You might have to negotiate a few hours of ME time to thoroughly enjoy your book binge so let your family/housemates know your plans. Log off of social media, silence the phone, and spend some QT with your book friends.
Right now, An Inner Fire is free. Download a copy to start your binge list.
Grayce Walters, animal acupuncturist, harbors a secret. She hides her intuitive gifts from the world until she becomes embroiled in arson on Seattle’s waterfront.
As a key crime witness, Grayce must convince the attractive, logical, by-the-numbers fire investigator, Ewan Davis,that the fire she witnessed is part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Grayce embarks upon a mission to gather proof of the dangerous threat. She enlists the help of her cross-dressing best friend, her street-wise assistant, and Davis’ poodle, to conduct her own investigation.
As her feelings for Davis shift between white hot passion and cold fear, Grayce must risk exposing her secrets to save Davis’ life. Davis must accept things, he can neither see, nor understand to solve the mystery and finally find the love he has stopped believing in.
With nudges from the protective poodle, Grayce and Davis confront shocking betrayal and international crime on the rain soaked streets of Seattle.
If you want more contemporary romantic suspense, check out the entire Grayce Walters series, available on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited.
Have a fabulous Fourth of July!
