Interview Peggy Jaeger Author of Hope’s Dream
Happy Book Birthday to our guest today! Give a big welcome to Peggy Jaeger, author of Hope’s Dream. A Deerbourn Inn novella released today!
Have a seat and grab an insulated mug. I’ve got hot chocolate, hot cider and coffee. Choose your pot, they’re labeled. Pick your choice of a Snicker-doodle, Chocolate Chip or Peanut butter cookie from the plate. Yep, I baked them myself. Lets see what Peggy’s new release Hope’s Dream is all about. Thanks for joining us!
What inspired this particular story?
Sometime in 2018, during one of the Tuesday night Wild Rose Press chats, the call went out for a new series that would be set in a fictional town of Vermont and revolve around a two centuries-old Inn. The WRP powers-that-be wanted stories from any time period, any genre, and any heat level, but the stipulation had to be that one of the protagonists be a visitor at the DEERBOURNE INN. The minute I read the series bible, which described the tiny New England town, I knew I had to write a story for the series, because I live in what could be Willow Springs’ doppelganger. I live in a tiny New Hampshire town that I swear is the town the WRP powers-that-be decided to depict their fictional one on, straight down to the town square gazebo. Once I decided I needed to submit a story for consideration, I spent the rest of the night outlining it and by Wednesday morning I had my synopsis written and ready to submit – which I did.
Why did you choose the cover concept you did?
Since Hope Kildarie is a ski instructor in Willow Springs, and my story is a contemporary romance about forgiveness and acceptance, I knew I wanted a ski scene on the cover, and that I wanted it to be a happy one because so much of Hope’s recent life has been sad. She had to give up on her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner; her lost her father in a horrific car crash; her mother is an invalid who lives at home. So many things that could make the story – and Hope – a downer, but didn’t. I wanted the cover to reflect her happy mien.
What secret do you use to blast through writer’s block?
You know, I wish it was a secret cure, but it isn’t. I simply keep typing. Even when what I’m writing I know isn’t good, I keep going until I need to take a break. Then I go back and reread the dredge. Typically I can find one gem to pull from it. Walking away from the computer is never an option for me because I consider this my job. My occupation. You can’t simply walk off a job if you’re not feeling it one day, or if a co worker is being a pain. SO when my blocking becomes a “pain” I barrel through it just as I would at an office.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
That everyone deserves their own Happily ever after and that hope, faith in yourself, and the strength of your family can get you through anything life tosses at you. The good, the bad, the really ugly! My tagline is I write about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them. That sums up my philosophy on my book themes in a nutshell!
Do you find it easier to write from a male or female point of view?
Great question. When I write first person, I only write female. When I write in third person, I do both male and female POVs. Why? Obviously, I’m a girl and I think like one, so the first person female POV is easy for me. I have a hard time speaking like a male character in first person, but not in third. I can’t explain why this is, but in third person male, I’m a little removed from the actual mind of the hero, so I can assume what he is thinking and what he will say. I know that sounds wonky, but hey! It’s me we’re talking about here. Wonky is my Confirmation name!
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: GONE WITH THE WIND
Favorite book: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
Last book read: LEAN IN
Favorite color: GREEN
Stilettos or flipflops: STILETTOS
Coffee or tea: TEA
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: EBOOK
Pencil or pen: LAPTOP!
Favorite song: SECRET AGENT MAN
Streak or not: NEVER
Favorite dessert: CHOCOLATE CAKE
Favorite junk food: PEPPERMINT PATTY CANDIES
Favorite thing to do to relax: READ
Champagne or gin: NEITHER – I DON’T DRINK ALCOHOL
Paranormal or Historical: REGENCY
Wonder Woman or Top Model: WONDER WOMAN
Favorite TV show: I LOVE LUCY
Hot or cold: COLD
POV: THIRD
I’d die if I don’t have: DIET MOUNTAIN DEW EVERYDAY
Review or Not: REVIEW
Tell us a little about Hope’s Dream
Hope Kildaire gave up her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner when a car accident killed her father and left her mother an invalid. Working two jobs and caring for her mother leaves the twenty-seven-year-old with no time for fun or relationships. When a law firm representing her paternal grandparents sends her several letters, Hope ignores them. She despises the family who disowned her father and wants nothing to do with them.
Lawyer Tyler Coleman’s job is simply to obtain Hope’s signature on a legal document. Getting it is harder than planned, though, when an unexpected attraction blossoms between them. If Ty is honest with Hope about why he’s in Willow Springs, he’ll fulfill his assignment but may risk hurting her.
The opportunity to have everything she’s ever desired is at Hope’s fingertips. Will her dream come true at the expense of Tyler’s love?
A sneak peek between the pages of Hope’s Dream!
Hope stood behind the bar, filling two glasses with draft beer. She hadn’t spotted him approach, so he took the moment to observe her unawares.
A reserved smile graced her face as the guy waiting for his order chatted her up. Early twenties by Tyler’s guess, the kid stared at Hope with a serious case of attraction. He knew how the younger man felt.
During their lesson her hair had been woven into a braid. In the lodge, when she’d removed her hat, he’d likened the colors to butterscotch and honey. Now with it unbraided and freely floating down past her shoulders, the colors burst into life. Gold and red highlights shimmered from the waves framing her face, as if each strand had been hand painted for emphasis. In the tavern’s subdued lighting, Hope was a bright, vibrant beacon, sparkling with health and life.
Tyler was drawn to her light, her vitality, as if he’d spent his existence until that moment in perpetual darkness.
Hope turned, reached for something behind her, and caught his eye.
For a moment her body froze, her hand still outstretched, her eyes widening in surprise when they lit on him. She dipped her chin and regarded him from under her eyelashes as she finger-swiped the hair falling across her face behind her ear. A quick head bob his way indicated she’d be right with him.
With an expert’s finesse she uncorked a bottle of Jameson’s, poured a thimbleful each into two shot glasses, then added them to beer-guy’s order. He slid a bill into her hand and then waved off the change she tried to give him back. He scooped the drinks, then carried them back to his table. Hope slid the change into one of the jelly jars behind the bar marked with several names, hers among them, and made her way over to him.
“Hey, New York.” Sweet laughter warmed with surprise rang in her voice. “How are the legs?”
Tyler groaned and stretched them out in front of him. “Better after a long, hot soak, but I’m betting they’re gonna feel worse in the morning.”
She tossed him a quick, sympathetic look. “Make sure you take some kind of analgesic before going to sleep tonight. It’ll help. Trust me.”
“Will do.”
“What can I get you?”
He spurted off the name of one of the draft beers.
She pulled it and then brought it back to him. “Anything to eat? I know the inn doesn’t serve dinner.”
He glanced up at the selection board again and asked, “What do you recommend?”
“The soup’s hot and fabulous. Comes with a salad or fresh bread. The burgers here are always great, but I’m biased.” Her open smile charmed him.
“Sold.”
“So,” he said after she came back from placing his order, “you’re a woman of many talents. Ski instructor. Bartender.”
The brighter colors in her hair glistened when she shook her head. “We in the business prefer the term mixologist.”
Buy Links:
AMAZON THE WILD ROSE PRESS NOOK ITUNES
About the author:
Peggy Jaeger is a contemporary romance writer who writes about strong women, the families who support them, and the men who can’t live without them.
Family and food play huge roles in Peggy’s stories because she believes there is nothing that holds a family structure together like sharing a meal…or two…or ten. Dotted with humor and characters that are as real as they are loving, Peggy brings all topics of daily life into her stories: life, death, sibling rivalry, illness and the desire for everyone to find their own happily ever after. Growing up the only child of divorced parents she longed for sisters, brothers and a family that vowed to stick together no matter what came their way. Through her books, she has created the families she wanted as that lonely child.
Tying into her love of families, her children’s book, THE KINDNESS TALES, was illustrated by her artist mother-in-law.
Peggy holds a master’s degree in Nursing Administration and first found publication with several articles she authored on Alzheimer’s Disease during her time running an Alzheimer’s in-patient care unit during the 1990s.
In 2013, she placed first in two categories in the Dixie Kane Memorial Contest: Single Title Contemporary Romance and Short/Long Contemporary Romance.
In 2017 she came in 3rd in the New England Reader’s Choice contest for A KISS UNDER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS and was a finalist in the 2017 STILETTO contest for the same title.
In 2018, Peggy was a finalist in the HOLT MEDALLION Award and once again in the 2018 Stiletto Contest.
A lifelong and avid romance reader and writer, she is a member of RWA and her local New Hampshire RWA Chapter.
You can find her at the following social media sites.
Website/Blog: http://peggyjaeger.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/peggy_jaeger
Amazon Author page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00T8E5LN0
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Peggy-Jaeger-Author/825914814095072?ref=bookmarks
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/peggyjaeger/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13478796.Peggy_Jaeger
Instagram: https://instagram.com/mmj122687/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/peggy-jaeger
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Hope’s Dream!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Deerbourne Inn, Hope's Dream, Peggy Jaeger by Tena Stetler with 12 comments.
Interview Mona Sedrak Author of Six Months
Give a warm welcome to Mona Sedrak, author of Six Months, released today, October 29, 2018! Congratulations Mona!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron. Take your choice of a bat wing Chocolate Chip or Pumpkin, or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Mona and her new release Six Months!
What inspired you to write?
I have been an avid reader since I was a child. Reading, in many ways, saved my life and sanity. I could escape my world and enter another and forget all my troubles. Soon I learned that I could do the same thing through writing and this time, I could create any world I wanted to. I loved expressing myself through the written word from a young age and still do. I find beauty in words and their various combinations. I find understanding of events and emotions through writing. I write because I am most happy creating a story others can lose themselves in
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
Before I wrote fiction, I wrote academic texts. Some of my family knows I write fiction, others do not. With this book, I am using my real name and so the world will know, and I am proud of it.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
In every story I write, I see a bit of myself in my characters and a bit of my life in my stories. I think often a writer’s life and all the people they know and the experiences they have influences their writing. For me, it happens naturally.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
I want readers to laugh and cry and think when they read my stories. I want them to understand the strength of forgiveness and love and the beauty and great blessing that comes with good friends and family. Hopefully, they will find a little bit of themselves in my story and even though they may cry with some of my emotional scences, at the end, they will smile and feel hopeful.
SPEED ROUND FOR A LITTLE ADDED FUN:
Speed Round (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: Gone With The Wind
Favorite book: Sense and Sensibility
Last book read: Kristen Ashley – The Time in Between
Favorite color: Grass Green
Stilettos or flipflops: flipflops
Coffee or tea: Coffee
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: audio
Pencil or pen: pen
Favorite song: You Raise Me Up
Streak or not: not
Favorite dessert: crème brulee
Favorite junk food: Cheetos
Favorite thing to do to relax: read
Champagne or gin: champagne
Paranormal or Historical: paranormal
Wonder Woman or Top Model: wonder woman
Favorite TV show: Downtown Abbey
Hot or cold: hot
POV: third person
I’d die if I don’t have: coffee
Review or Not: review
Tell us a little about Six Months.
For twenty years, Mikala Jacobson had it all: loyal friends, a precious little girl, and a man who adores her. Then double tragedy strikes and her perfect world shatters.
Good friends, Rena and Jake are instantly by her side, protecting her from her husband David’s sordid secret life and his final drunken confession.
With their help, Mikala finds strength to rebuild and redefine her life. As her spirit and heart heal, she not only finds closure, but the beauty of a new love built upon an old friendship.
Buy Links:
AMAZON THE WILD ROSE PRESS BARNES & NOBLE iBOOKS
A sneak peek between the pages of Six Months.
Mikala raised her gaze to the heavens and raged. “Why? Why? Why?” With every word, she slammed her palms into the frozen earth. “Why did you have to steal my child? Why didn’t you just take me? Why did you give her to me only to reclaim her a few short years later? She was only a baby. She hadn’t lived a full life yet.” Sobbing, Mikala doubled over, her body wracked with pain. “Please, just take me to be with her. I can’t do this anymore on my own. I don’t want to. Please have mercy.”
She could beg all she wanted, but no one listened. Six months ago, her little butterfly flew to heaven. Never again would Mikala wake up to the melody of her sweet giggles or revel in the warmth of her tiny body as it settled against her own. Mikala couldn’t caress Molly’s pudgy cheeks, tickle behind her ears, or inhale her fresh little-girl scent after a bath. She couldn’t tangle her fingers through her wild mane of curls or get lost in those bottomless blue eyes that stopped most people in their tracks with their unusual color and their ability to see right through them.
Worst of all, Mikala didn’t know who she was. No longer was she a mother. She would never hear the word Mama coming from her daughter’s bow-shaped lips, giving meaning and worth to her life. Without her child, and without that title, Mikala was no one––no one special.
Mikala had lied to Molly. She didn’t catch her, hold her, or protect her like she’d promised on the day she was born. She could have and should have. But Mikala hadn’t listened to her internal alarm bell—the one that came as an added bonus the day she learned she was pregnant with Molly, and the one that warned when her precious girl was in trouble. Instead, she’d listened to all the people around her who loved her and Molly, but they had no clue what being a mother was.
“Wake up, wake up, wake up,” Molly had chanted as she bounced up and down on Mikala’s bed early one Saturday morning in mid-August. “It’s here. It’s today. Daddy says to get you up and get me dressed.” She dropped to her knees and crawled over Mikala, positioning her small body on top of her mother. Molly placed her head on Mikala’s breast as her itsy-bitsy fingers tiptoed their way to Mikala’s armpits and dug in.
Mikala smiled and grabbed Molly’s hands in one of hers as her other arm banded around the giggling girl and pulled her even closer. She breathed in Molly.
About the Author
Mona Sedrak lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and works as a university administrator and professor. Although she has co-published two academic books, she is now writing mainstream fiction and women’s fiction. She is an avid reader and is probably Audible’s best customer.
Writing and reading fiction is her escape from reality.
Mona lives with her husband of 31 years, a geriatric maltipoo, and an Amazon Parrot named Pretzel. She binge watches too many shows to count and she loves fine brandy.
You can find Mona on social media sites below:
Website: https://www.monasedrak.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mona-Sedrak/e/B003VGUOZQ
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMSedrak
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MonaSedrakAuthor/
Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4563964.Mona_Sedrak
Email: AuthorMonaSedrak@gmail.com
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/h1a1s0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormonasedrak/
Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MonasReaderGroup/
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Six Months!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Mona Sedrak, Six Months by Tena Stetler with 7 comments.
Interview with Leslie Scott Author of Two Hearts, One Stone
Give a warm welcome to Leslie Scott, author of Two Hearts, One Stone, just released September 26, 2018!
Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Leslie and her Tow Hearts, One Stone.
Why should we read this book and what sets you apart from the rest and makes your book unique?
With Two Hearts, One Stone I remember sitting in on a chat about Western romances and how publishers were looking for something different than Montana or Texas for contemporary novels. I live at the tail end of the Smokey Mountains and we have cowboys too! Down here we say farm not ranch (though most of us know farms grow food and ranches raise animals—but still it’s what we say) and don’t have thousands of acres of cow grazing pasture. We do have a strong horse culture though and raise some amazing animals. I wanted to show that and I think I did well.
Did you tell friends and family that you were writing a book? Or did it take a while to come out and tell friends and family you were a writer?
Well, most everyone who has known me my entire life, knows I write. It’s part of who I am. A few were surprised when my debut novel (The Finish Line) was published, but not many. My son is super proud—he’s eleven—and tells everyone we meet that I’m a writer. It’s cute.
One funny story though: I’ve known our church secretary for a few years (I met her at her previous job). I really like her, she’s one of my favorite people. I got a message from her not long ago about how she’d bought my book and read it, but didn’t want to tell me she had bought it until she finished (just in case she didn’t like it, or I ended up being a terrible writer, etc). Turns out she absolutely loved it and is now one of my ARC readers.
Do you see yourself in your characters?
Not really, no. Is that bad? Each character I write is like living in someone else’s brain for a few months. They are all so different from me and I love that. I want them to be someone else, otherwise I think writing them would be pretty boring.
Raelynn in The Finish Line is subdued, which I am not. She internalizes a lot and I’m a complete extrovert. She has multiple handsome men vying for her affections—I do not (ha!).
Hadley (in the upcoming Hot Lap) is upbeat and positive in the face of difficulties and hardship. I am not. I cave, I get angry, I lash out. She smiles and dusts herself off.
Emmy in Two Hearts, One Stone is by far way more intelligent than I’d ever be. Thanks to be son’s pediatrician for her help with that one.
BUT… they all have a piece of my heart and I think that’s what matters the most.
What do you want your readers to take away from your books?
Joy and entertainment. I want readers to feel like each character is a friend, a part of their family or better—like they were a part of the character’s family. A novel is about escape, transporting yourself to somewhere else. I want that for everyone that reads my book.
Speed Round: (one word only answer): Yep, I know torture for a writer!<evil laugh>
Favorite movie: I have two: Legends of the Fall or Robinhood Prince of Thieves.
Favorite book: Far too many to count. But, John Scalzi’s Old Man’s War comes close to the top.
Last book read: I just finished Lisa Cron’s Wired for Story.
Favorite color: Pink.
Stilettos or flipflops: Flipflops, I’d break my face in stilettos.
Coffee or tea: Neither? Or a fancy sweet, iced coffee.
Ebook or audiobook or paperback: No audiobook.
Pencil or pen: Pens, of varying colors.
Favorite song: All of them (I’m not picky with music).
Streak or not: I joke that God made me fat so I wouldn’t run around naked. So, no. lol
Favorite dessert: All of them (I’m not picky with food). See what I did there?
Favorite junk food: See above.
Favorite thing to do to relax: Write.
Champagne or gin: Champagne. I got drunk on gin in highschool and it wasn’t pretty. Nope.
Paranormal or Historical: Steampunk! (Ha! Take that!)
Wonder Woman or Top Model: Dude… WW for sure.
Favorite TV show: Sons of Anarchy (I love hot biker dudes, I cannot help myself)
Hot or cold: Cold
POV: Gah! First is the reel that plays in my head. However, I’m learning to love third limited.
I’d die if I don’t have: My kid, my cats, my dogs, my laptop… the list goes on and on and on.
Review or Not: Review!
See I told you, writers just cant do it! LOL
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
So tell us a little about Two Hearts, One Stone. Interesting title.
Horse trainer Stone Dempsey’s life is all about the ride—with horses and women. He uses his equine talents to impress the country club set and earn money for Smoky Mountain Reining Horses. When his drug-addicted sister deposits her sick baby on his doorstep, he’s suddenly saddled with real responsibility.
Dr. Emmersyn Cole’s goal of starting a practice in her favorite place on earth is finally coming to fruition and she is not going to be sidetracked. Everything is going great until Stone swaggers into her life, half-dressed with a smile that could melt her insides. She’s determined to keep her distance…until he rushes into her grandfather’s home, clutching a feverish baby, terrified and vulnerable, and her heart’s hard shell begins to crack.
In only a few short weeks, Stone’s wayward heart suddenly relies on two women—one who needs him—and one that he might not be able to live without.
Can we have a sneak peak between the pages of Two Hearts, One Stone.
Sure.
He was spinning and dizzy because of Emmy. He hadn’t expected her to throw him for a loop like she had, have him waiting on her after work, cleaning up his cabin, and all the other silly things he’d done in the past few weeks.
Yet there he was, with a shoulder against the stall door, watching the sparkles of faded sunlight dance in her reddish, curling hair.
He was a goner.
“I feel naked when you look at me like that.” Her fingers trembled as she tucked a lock behind her ear.
“That’s not the way I look at you when you’re naked.”
Buy links:
About the author:
Leslie spends most days attempting to wrangle the voices in her head and often wishes she could clone herself so that their stories get told faster. She loves words, romance, and characters that feel like family and spends almost all of her free time with her own family; including a boisterous eleven year old that she homeschools and an assorted cast of rescue pets. She lives her own happily ever after with her soul mate and best friend in the northern part of Alabama and hopes you enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
Leslie Scott on the internet:
Website: http://lesliescottromance.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lesliescottwrites/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/leslieSwrites
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lesliescottwrites/
Youtube Playlists: http://bit.ly/2O6IDea
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Two Hearts, One Stone!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Contemporary Romance, Leslie Scott, One Stone, Two Hearts, Western by Tena Stetler with 8 comments.
Interview Claire Marti Author of Sunset in Laguna
Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti, author of Sunset in Laguna, third in the Finding Forever in Laguna series. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about
Sunset in Laguna and Claire’s thoughts on why romance matters. Is love a superpower?
LOVE IS A SUPERPOWER: WHY ROMANCE MATTERS
“It’s about what you believe. And I believe in love. Only love will truly save the world.” Wonder Woman from the awesome movie. Love is a superhero power!
We can all be superheroes. Love heals everything. Love is strength. Love is power. Love comes from within. I’m talking love in all its forms: love for yourself, love for nature and the world, and love for your fellow humans and animals. No matter what is going on in your life, acting from a place of self-love will allow you to be your most powerful.
I enjoy writing romances where the characters need to heal their own wounds before they can truly love another person. In my latest book, SUNSET IN LAGUNA, both Christian and Kelly battle personal demons that have caused them to be mired in fear. Once they are able to peel away the layers of armor restricting them, they find the courage to live a life filled with love. Now my characters (or you and me for that matter) may not save the world like Wonder Woman, but everyone can learn to be their greatest self.
Love and fear are often said to be the only two emotions. Or, I like to think of love as an absence of fear. Closing yourself off to protect from pain only prevents you from accepting love. What would it take to release the fear, to process the pain, to lift your hands up in the air in reckless abandon and accept you’re on this ride called life? Sickness, death, lost love—we all experience these realities of life. Gather your courage and enter the darkness. Trust yourself.
Trust that you have the ability to regenerate and love again. When you forgive those who’ve harmed you, you open your heart. Come on, open your heart and share your love with the world. Use your superpowers! And check out Christian and Kelly’s story to see how they discovered theirs.
Click on the cover to read more or purchase.
Tell us a little about your new release SUNSET IN LAGUNA.
Returning to Laguna Beach after four tours in the Middle East, Christian Wolfe leaves the military behind and buys a wine bar, vowing to keep his life simple. He fights to keep his devastating PTSD a secret and refuses to burden anyone else with his baggage. When stunning Kelly Prescott and her red stilettos saunter into town, she drives him past the bonds of his self-control.
Successful in her father’s stuffy law firm, Kelly’s too compassionate to survive in the cutthroat world of corporate litigation. Leaving behind both family and courtroom drama, she moves to Laguna to become general counsel for a nonprofit veterans’ organization.
She didn’t bargain on a gorgeous modern-day Heathcliff, and in Christian, she sees another kind of challenge—one she can’t resist.
Buy links:
AMAZON Barnes&Noble iBooks Kobo The Wild Rose Press
A sneak peek between the pages of SUNSET IN LAGUNA.
“Scared? Of this? No.” Still, he didn’t bend down to pet the alien-looking object. He didn’t want to encourage her attentions.
Kelly leaned in to pet Olive, and her hand brushed his denim-clad leg. Even through the heavy material, a spark of heat ignited and shot straight up his thigh. Damn. Maybe the dog was safer?
Olive shifted her attention to his other leg and began dancing a little jig. What the hell was wrong with it?
“Come on, Christian. Just pick her up. Poor thing seems to be half in love with you.” Kelly laughed again. “Oh fine.” He leaned down and grasped the little beast by its plump midsection. “What is it? Not really a dog, right?” He held the ten pounds of fur aloft, and it locked its bug eyes onto his. Was she grinning at him? Her pink tongue lolled out of the right side of her mouth.
“Give her a little hug. Don’t just hold her out there.” Melinda’s brisk tone brooked no argument.
Geez. Fine. He snuggled the dog against his shoulder, and he could have sworn she sighed in ecstasy. She laid her head on his shoulder and gazed up at him. Even he could see the worship in her eyes. Figures this ugly little creature would latch onto him. He gave a few gentle pats to the rolls of fat on her back and set her down.
“There. Are you happy?” He glanced at Kelly, who was grinning, looking incredibly gorgeous. He’d much rather snuggle her sexy little body into his shoulder.
“Are you sure it’s a dog? And how could it help a disabled vet?” He directed his gaze at Melinda. Weren’t service dogs usually Labs or other large breeds who could provide physical assistance if needed?
“I’ll tell you. Come on. We’ll let Olive and Howard finish training while we continue the tour.” Melinda headed back toward the metal gate, and they trailed behind her.
Before they could exit the pen, Olive darted out and slammed against his ankles. He peered down, and sure enough she was gazing up at him with stars in her Bette Davis eyes. She hopped and yipped, apparently wanting to be carried. Some service dog.
“Olive, go back to Howard,” Melinda commanded.
“We’re about done, so she can follow along with you on the tour,” Howard called with a smirk on his freckled face.
“Great,” he muttered. Olive looked up at him in triumph and marched next to him. He’d probably trip over her and break his neck.
REVIEW LINKS:
5 Stars Wild Women Reviews: http://wildwomenreviews.blogspot.com/2018/08/sunset-in-laguna-claire-marti.html
About the Author:
Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga. At Last in Laguna is the second book in her Finding Forever in Laguna series from The Wild Rose Press.
Website: www.clairemarti.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/
Twitter: @clairepmarti
Instagram: @clairepmarti
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti
It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with SUNSET IN LAGUNA!
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Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Claire Marti, Contemporary Romance, Sunset in Laguna, Superpower by Tena Stetler with 11 comments.
