Saturday, April 30, 2016

Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri


For your reading pleasure you sometimes just want a story that is short and quick to read, but you still want that writing to be engaging and have an impact.

When you open a copy of PIECES LIKE POTTERY by Dan Buri, you’ll find an engrossing collection of short stories that will captivate your emotions and satisfy your reading taste buds. The numerous stories epitomize all of your senses and emotions as you’re drawn into each plot.

The nine stories are as varied in their plots as the reactions drawn from the reader. The tales deal with pain and suffering, hope and inspiration, overcoming our inner demons to survive. Each story touches you in different ways while stimulating your senses.

The author’s style of writing is easy flowing quickly drawing you into each setting. He has created well-balanced characters readers can relate to or feel emotions toward. Buri’s rich descriptions brings each story to life right on the page.

The numerous stories in PIECES LIKE POTTERY come together to form a wonderful reading experience. Readers will be transported and uplifted by the resiliency of love and human nature found throughout these tales.

Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri, DJB Publishing, @2015, ASIN: BO163NLWDQ, Digital, 522 KB File Size, 179 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out this collection of short stories. Do you find that sometimes you just want a quick story to read instead of a tale that takes days to finish?

Friday, April 29, 2016

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss


The name Vanderbilt brings to mind wealth and fame and to some that automatically translates to happiness.

However, in THE RAINBOW COMES AND GOES Gloria Vanderbilt tells her son, Anderson Cooper, some of the heartaches and sorrows she has faced growing up dubbed ‘the poor, little rich girl.’ Thought emails the mother and son shared over a year period listeners learn money truly does not buy happiness and love. The story is read by Gloria and Anderson giving listeners an added bonus.

After his mother suffered a brief serious illness at age 91, Anderson resolved to get to know her better. They began corresponding through emails which lead them to have more in depth and honest discussions than they had ever had. Anderson questioned his mother about her childhood and the choices she had made along the way.

THE RAINBOW COMES AND GOES cover a year-long discussion between mother and son that brought them to a closer understanding of each other. In their own voices, the two share their sorrows and disappointments, along with fleeting moments of happiness. Gloria talks at length about growing up without a father or father figure in her life, her unresolved feelings toward her mother, and what life was like for a young girl thrown into the spotlight when family members fought in court to control her inheritances.

This is not a story about having it all. It’s a touching, tender story of a young girl searching for love and family, her drive to live, and the life she created. In addition, it’s a story of a grown son’s love and admiration for his mother and the driving spirit that pushes him forward.

Through the telling of triumphs and tragedies, the story stresses the need for parents and children to share more between themselves. The sometimes humorous and often very candid private thoughts reveal a lot remains to be shared if only one will pursue it.

An inspiring memoir that might just change the way you view people, especially those who have it all. This is a lovely reminder to connect with those you love before it’s too late.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss, Narrated by Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper, Harper Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1BLV2086, Unabridged, Audible Audio Edition, Run Time: 6 Hours and 16 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I encourage you to check out this fascinating audio. I was truly surprised by the in depth personal look into their lives. Do you know the background of Gloria Vanderbilt and how she was in court at age 9 due to her inheritances?

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Wages of Sin by Nancy Allen


It’s always a pleasure to share with you when I know an intriguing new book is about to hit the bookstores.

Today I want to highlight THE WAGES OF SIN by Nancy Allen, published by Witness Impulse. While this book became available in eBook (ISBN: 978-0062438751) yesterday, the print format (ISBN: 978-0062438768) doesn’t release until June 14. This is the third installment in Nancy’s Ozarks Mysteries series.

THE WAGES OF SIN is another suspenseful legal thriller set in the Ozark hills starring prosecutor Elsie Arnold, who’s ready to deliver justice for a pregnant woman who was killed--with the only witness her young daughter--but, arguing for capital punishment in a small town, Elsie’s in for more than she bargained.

Here's a brief synopsis of the book …
In rural McCown County, Missouri, a young pregnant woman is found beaten to death in a trailer park. The only witness to the murder is Ivy, her six-year-old daughter, who points to her mom’s boyfriend—father of the unborn child. County prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises the community justice, and in the Ozarks, that can only mean one thing: a death sentence.
When Madeleine’s first choice for co-counsel declines to try a death penalty case, she is forced to turn to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. Elsie is reluctant to join forces with her frosty boss, but the road to conviction seems smooth—until unexpected facts about the victim arise, and the testimony of the lone eyewitness Ivy becomes increasingly crucial. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine brings in the state attorney general’s office to assist them, while cutthroat trial attorney Claire O’Hara joins the defense.
Elsie will not let the power of prosecution—of seeking justice—be wrested from her without a fight. She wants to win the case, and to avenge the death of the mother and her unborn child. But as the trial nears, Elsie begins to harbor doubts about the death penalty itself. Meanwhile, the child Ivy is in greater danger than anyone knows.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Nancy Allen
Nancy Allen practiced law for 15 years as Assistant Missouri Attorney General and Assistant Prosecutor in her native Ozarks. She tried over 30 jury trials, including murder and sexual offenses, and is now a law instructor at Missouri State University.

For more on Nancy and her writing, visit her at Goodreads.

Other books in the Ozarks Mysteries series included: THE CODE OF THE HILLS (Book #1) and A KILLING AT THE CREEK (Book #2).

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to be on the lookout for this fascinating book. Have you read the earlier books in this series? Does it matter if the prosecutor is male or female in the stories you read?

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Wizards, Witches, and Muggles, Oh My!


I’m thrilled to be participating in Next Century Publishing’s huge promotion for Reader’s Legacy through April 30, which includes a 20% off sale on all of J.K. Rowling’s books. 

Their aim in doing this is to bring attention to their Grant Program, in which they will be giving away books to children across the nation (see details below).

The votes are in, and in a remarkable landslide, J.K. Rowling has been identified as the top author of Reader’s Legacy! To celebrate Ms. Rowling’s literary triumph, we looked into our Goblet of Fire and pulled these out 10 magical phrases; sure to guarantee any Potterhead the Hogwarts acceptance letter they’ve been waiting for!

1.      “It’s no good crying over spilt potion.” – Meaning there is no use in worrying about events that have already taken place, and that cannot be undone.

2.    “In the name of Merlin.” – An expression of bewilderment. EX: “What in the name of Merlin, are you doing?”

3.    “Like bowtuckles on doxy eggs.” – Meaning to stick to someone or something, incredibly close. Used in a sentence, “She took to potions like bowtuckles on doxyeggs.”

4.    “I’ll take Cadogan’s Pony.” – Meaning to make light of a dark situation.

5.     “The fire’s lit but the cauldron’s empty.” – Meaning someone seemingly functions in a proper manner, but is actually socially inept.

6.    “The tip of the dungheap.” – Synonymous to the muggle idiom, ‘Tip of the Iceberg’, it symbolizes a smaller piece of a larger picture.

7.     “To have a hairy heart.” – Meaning, someone bitter. To have a cold and unforgiving way about you.

8.    “Don’t count your owls before they are delivered.” – Meaning to not plan on anything expected to happen in the future, as said to Harry Potter by Dumbledore in ‘The Half-Blood Prince’.

9.    “Hanged for a dragon as an egg.” – A larger punishment for a minor offence in order to bring the point across stronger to the offender.

10.  “Time is Galleons.” – Meaning, time is money.

As an added perk of Reader’s Legacy’s Rowling celebration, we will be holding a special 20% off sale for each of her novels from April 25th to April 30th – ReadersLegacy.com/JKRowling
The sale not only celebrates J.K. Rowling, but was also brings attention for a special grant program we have created in order to give away one (1) million physical books in support of literacy programs! 

Spreading a love of books, and ending illiteracy around the world is 100% possible, and with the help of reader’s on the site, we believe will be one step closer to achieving that goal! Get in on this sale HERE.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

R.C. Ryan’s MATT Launch {+ Giveaway}


I’m delighted today to be participating in author R.C. Ryan’s Launch Day Blitz for her latest release, MATT, the first installment in her new Malloys of Montana Series.

To celebrate the release of this new series today, there is a tour-wide giveaway for five (5) print copies of MATT. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book …

Wild Horses Couldn't Drag Him Away From Her
        Raised beneath the big Montana sky, Matt Malloy was never meant to be a jet-setting businessman. But he'll do anything to protect the family ranch he shares with his brothers. Coming home after a two-week trip to Italy, Matt wants nothing more than to shed his suit and tie for a well-worn pair of jeans and ride his horse up to the cabin for some alone time. The last thing he needs is a big-city lawyer invading his privacy-even if she is the most beautiful woman he's ever seen . . .
        Vanessa Kettering has devoted her life to her work. As a passionate animal rights defender, she doesn't have room for anything else. But from the moment she meets Matt, she's taken with this rugged cowboy's lazy smile and tender touch. When a raging storm traps them inside his cabin for the night, one steamy kiss leads to another, sweeping them away with a force that's as wild and untamed as the land he loves. But when the morning light comes, will she lose her heart?

MATT is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Goodreads.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author R.C. Ryan
New York Times bestselling author R.C. Ryan has written more than ninety novels, both contemporary and historical.  Quite an accomplishment for someone who, after her fifth child started school, gave herself the gift of an hour a day to follow her dream to become a writer.

In a career spanning more than twenty years, R.C. has given dozens of radio, television, and print interviews across the country and Canada, and has been quoted in such diverse publications as the Wall Street Journal and Cosmopolitan. She has also appeared on CNN News, and Good Morning America.  

R.C. Ryan is a pseudonym of New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ryan Langan.

You can learn more about R. C. and her alter ego Ruth Ryan Langan by visiting her website and connecting with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Now here are my thoughts on this fascinating new series. Once again I was fortunate to be able to read a print copy of the book while listening to the audio version. I highly recommend both formats.

MATT by R.C. Ryan

It’s always interesting when an author puts a city character with a country character and author R.C. Ryan knows how to blend the combination into a tantalizing tale.

Narrator Loretta Rawlins is spot-on in her interruption of the characters along with their actions and emotions. Her mannerisms and accents enhances this delightful story.

Matt Malloy loves life on his family’s Montana ranch. He tends to try to fix the family’s problems since the death of both of his parents. But he’s unprepared for a big city lawyer visiting to talk with his grandmother about animal rights.

Vanessa Kettering is a dedicated animal rights defender that stays busy between Chicago and Washington D.C. Never one to back down from anything, Vanessa finds more than she bargained for when she winds up having to talk to the grandson of the woman she was hoping to interview.

Between an angry storm and death threats from criminals her father is working to put away, Vanessa finds there’s more to the wide open country of Montana than she ever imaged.

A sweet love story, MATT is also about family loyalty, a cross knit small community, and finding one’s place in the world. The characters are well-developed and likable. The bantering among family members brings out the realism of the story.

Through the author’s rich descriptions, the Montana landscape comes alive on the page and through the narration. The small town atmosphere is genuine and heartwarming, while the family bond among the Malloys and the Ketterins is refreshing.

MATT is a delightful tale of suspense with a touch of romance and a nice helping of good old fashion western flare. A fun start to an intriguing new series.

Matt by R.C. Ryan, The Malloys of Montana (Book #1), Forever, @2016, ISBN: 978-1455591602, Mass Market Paperback, 368 Pages; Narrated by Loretta Rawlins, Hachette, Audio, ASIN: B01DYHZBAO, Audible Audio Edition, Listening Length: 9 Hours and 33 Minutes  

FTC Full Disclosure – This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) print copies of MATT by R. C. Ryan.

To enter, click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few moments to load so please be patient.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you enjoy following a series that focuses on each member of a family?

Monday, April 25, 2016

Surrender to an Exciting New Western Series


I’m excited today to welcome New York Times Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas back to Thoughts in Progress to talk about LONE HEART PASS, the latest installment in her Ransom Canyon series.

LONE HEART PASS hits bookstores tomorrow and is the third installment in Thomas’ exciting new western series.

“Compelling and beautifully written, it is exactly the kind of heart-wrenching, emotional story one has come to expect from Jodi Thomas.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In a story that carves into the breathtaking romance of two lonely souls, Jodi introduces the next title in her six-book Ransom Canyon series, a contemporary Western romance series featuring sweeping family dramas, rugged heroes and the beautiful Texas landscape.

Here’s a brief synopsis:

With a career and a relationship in ruins, Jubalee Hamilton is left reeling from a fast fall to the bottom. The run-down Texas farm she inherited is a far cry from the second chance she hoped for, but it and its abrasive foreman are all she’s got.
Every time Charley Collins has let a woman get close, he’s been burned. So Lone Heart ranch and the contrary woman who owns it are merely a means to an end, until Jubalee tempts him to take another risk—to stop resisting the attraction drawing them together despite all his hard-learned logic.
Desperation is all young Thatcher Jones knows. When he leads an injured Steeldust horse to a ramshackle ranch, he needs help. A horse-stealing ring is on his trail and the sheriff suspects him…and his only protection is the shelter of a man and woman who—just like him—need someone to trust.

“Jodi Thomas is a masterful storyteller. She grabs your attention on the first page, captures your heart, and then makes you sad when it is time to bid her wonderful characters farewell. You can count on Jodi Thomas to give you a satisfying and memorable read.” Catherine Anderson, New York Times bestselling author

LONE HEART PASS is available wherever books are sold and at www.HQNBooks.com.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Jodi. She’s here to talk about her book. Welcome, Jodi.

I was recently asked of all my books, which one would I love to see become a book to movie adaptation? I think LONE HEART PASS would make a great movie. It’s got a handsome hero, a crazy heroine, and a great love story.

I opened this story with two people. Jubilee’s world is crashing down so she goes to the only place she’s ever felt safe—a tiny ranch near Crossroads, Texas. Charley thinks he’s messed up his life and is struggling to get it right for once. He’s broke, she’s desperate to make this last chance work, so they agree on a partnership that might just save them both.

By the way, readers are going to fall in love with the kid, Thatcher Jones, also. He’s 14 and hunts rattlers to earn his lunch money. 

LONE HEART PASS marks my 43rd novel. Sometimes I feel like I’ve had an extra lifetime of friends and family. I loved these characters from Charley with his good looks only bringing him trouble to Thatcher who’s had to raise himself and thinks twins happen if you hiccup during sex.

It was hard writing the end to this one. I hope you enjoy reading my story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Jodi, thanks for joining us sharing this look at your latest release. I think the Ransom Canyon series would make a great series of movies.

Now for those of you who aren’t familiar with Jodi, here’s some background on her.

Author Jodi Thomas
A fifth-generation Texan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas chooses to set the majority of her novels in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A former teacher, Thomas traces the beginning of her storytelling career to the days when her twin sisters were young and impressionable. 

With a degree in family studies, Thomas is a marriage and family counselor by education, a background that enables her to write about family dynamics. Honored in 2002 as a Distinguished Alumni by Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Thomas enjoys interacting with students on the West Texas A&M University campus, where she currently serves as Writer in Residence.

Commenting on her contribution to the arts, Thomas said, “When I was teaching classes full-time, I thought I was making the world a better place. Now I think of a teacher or nurse or mother settling back and relaxing with one of my books. I want to take her away on an adventure that will entertain her. Maybe, in a small way, I’m still making the world a better place.”

When not working on a novel or inspiring students to pursue a writing career, Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband, renovating a historic home they bought in Amarillo and “checking up” on their two grown sons.

For more information on Jodi and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Now I’d like to share my thoughts on this entertaining story.

LONE HEART PASS by Jodi Thomas

Author Jodi Thomas has a knack for creating characters you wish you could know in real life.

In her latest release, LONE HEART PASS, Thomas brings together two characters that have been hurt deeply, made some life mistakes, and have isolated themselves. Her secondary characters have their own share of troubles readers can also relate to.

Jubilee Hamilton’s life has hit rock bottom – her career is a bust, she has aliened herself from relationships and her family thinks she needs a goal in her life. Returning to a run-down Texas ranch she inherited from her great-grandfather, Jubilee sees it as her last chance to make a go of her life.

Charley Collins loves the land and only wanted to continue running his family’s ranch, but those dreams went up in smoke after some bad choices he made. Charley is determined to finally make the right choices and his young daughter is going to be the only female in his life from now on.

Older than his years, young Thatcher Jones has always more or less looked out for himself. Without knowing it, Thatcher is searching for someone to care about him while he pretends he doesn’t care.

When life’s circumstances bring these individuals together, their worlds are turned upside down. They soon learn there are others searching for someone to trust. Can they learn to trust one another, while trying to save the ranch and their lives as desperate criminals wait nearby.

The author’s characters are realistic, likable and well-developed. The bonds of friendship and concern that grows between the various characters adds depth to the story. The mix of emotions experienced by each character and how they interact enhances the tale. The slow, budding romance draws you in as the suspense surrounding the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The setting comes alive on the page through the author’s rich descriptions and eye for details. Thomas blends a bit of the old west with a modern life for a well-balanced western.

LONE HEART PASS is an enthralling mix of romance, mystery and self-discovery. It’s the third installment in the series, but can be read on its own. Filled with well-crafted characters, a touch of romance, mystery, and friendship, this is a book you won’t be able to put down until you turn the final page.

Lone Heart Pass by Jodi Thomas, Ransom Canyon Series (Book #3), HQN Books, @2016, ISBN: 978-0373789214, Mass Market Paperback, 352 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me as part of the author’s blog tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Jodi’s visit. Do you enjoy stories where the characters evolve with a bit of self-discovery? Do you like the western-theme in a story?

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Gratitude Journals {+ Giveaway}


Journals
Gratitude Journals by MK McClintock

WHAT TALENTS HAVE YOU BEEN blessed with? What challenges have you faced and overcome? Who has impacted your life in a positive way, no matter how large or small the good deed? How did you feel when someone gave you a helping hand? 

When we focus on the positive things in our lives, we are replacing negative energy with positive affirmations. To put it simply, gratitude means being grateful for everything you have and are, every single day. 

This journal is a powerful instrument that provides a simple, yet effective foundation for your personal declarations of gratitude and thanksgiving. Discover your voice, your dreams, and the profound moments of your life with daily expressions of appreciation. 

One-hundred percent (100%) of all author royalties from the Africa Collection gratitude journals goes to the Africa Heartwood Project. Learn more about them at www.africaheartwoodproject.org


amazon
       
MK Mcclintock
Author MK McClintock

About the Author:

MK McClintock, an award-winning author and life-long seeker and adventurer, is inspired by the good works of mankind and believes that within every person is a better version of themselves waiting to be discovered. 

She lives a quiet life in the Rocky Mountains. 

For more on this author and her writing, visit her at the following links:

Blast Giveaway:

This Blast Giveaway is for a $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash. The giveaway ends May 2 (5/2/16). The giveaway is open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or PayPal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. 

The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you keep a journal? If so, does it change with the seasons or are you just more prone to use the journal depending on the seasons?

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, April 23, 2016

Welcome to Forever by Annie Rains


Get WELCOME TO FOREVER for $0.99 for a Limited Time!


WELCOME TO FOREVER
A Hero's Welcome Book One
Annie Rains
Released Dec 1st, 2015
Loveswept


If you love Kristan Higgins, Susan Mallery, or Jill Shalvis, you won’t want to miss the Hero’s Welcome military romance series! Welcome to Forever introduces a small coastal town where America’s best and brightest risk everything for love.

        In Seaside, North Carolina, there are two kinds of people: Marines, and kids of Marines. Then there’s Kat Chandler. Recently hired as the principal of Seaside Elementary, Kat makes it her mission to turn the school into a place of peace and calm. That’s not going to be easy with hard-liner parents like Micah Peterson storming in, telling her how to do her job—and then kissing her with those gorgeous lips of his and turning her brain into mush.
        As a Marine Sergeant and a single dad, Micah Peterson has just two priorities: doing his job better than anyone else, and getting the absolute best for his son, Ben. But when he meets Ben’s beautiful new principal, a different yearning shifts into focus. He wants her, sure, but he’s also moved by the connection Kat forges with her students. So after learning that she refuses to date Marines, Micah sets two more objectives: convincing Kat to give him a chance . . . and then holding on to her forever.

Only $0.99


If you loved Kat and Micah, 
don't miss this FREE Short Story!




Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors. Represented by Sarah Younger at Nancy Yost Literary Agency (NYLA).

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

      “Have you thought about that kiss?” she asked, as he leaned in close to fasten her seatbelt. She couldn’t control what was coming out of her mouth. “Because I have. A little.” She started laughing again. Val had warned her that she was a horrible drunk, and evidently, it was true.
      “What have you thought about it?” he asked, his voice low and bristly. Her buckle snapped into place with a loud click. He could step back now, but he didn’t.
      And she didn’t want him to. What was the point of being drunk if you couldn’t say and do what you wanted, and then apologize for it in the morning? No one blamed a drunk, they blamed the drink. “I thought that I liked it. The kiss. It was amazing.” She held her breath as he lingered in front of her, his hand still resting on the seat’s buckle.
      “I thought the same thing.”
      “You did?” She swallowed thickly, as her heart rode up her throat.
      His brow lifted. “You sound surprised.”
      “I’m out of practice.” She nibbled on her lower lip, drawing his gaze there. Then his gaze flicked back to her ring. Just the thought squashed the flutterings in her chest, leaving a deep ache that vibrated with the alcohol. “He’s been gone for two years,” she said.
      Micah’s brows pinched together softly.
      Explaining about John in her state wasn’t a good idea, though. She might start crying, which she didn’t do in front of others anymore, and right now all she wanted to do was forget everything but their kiss. That she wanted to remember. “You could kiss me again,” she said softly.
      His smile deepened and, damn, he smelled good.
      Leaning in closer to her ear, his hot breath melted her as he whispered, “Kat, you’ve had too much to drink. I’m taking you home now.”
      Before she could process what he’d said, he stepped back and shut the Jeep’s door, the sound as offensive as if someone had crashed cymbals in her ears. A moment later, he reappeared on the driver’s side and cranked the engine, another sound that made her wince.
      She closed her eyes, unsure of what to do with her drunken emotions.
      “If I kiss you again, I want to be one hundred percent sure it’s what you want. Not because my almost ex is walking up and you want to help me out. Not because you’ve had too much to drink and want to escape.”
      She suddenly felt very tired, as the Jeep Cherokee headed out of the parking lot. “So, you are going to kiss me again?” she asked. Before she could hear his answer, though, her eyes closed and the sounds of the road and his voice, and the blood thundering in her head, blurred together. She remembered their kiss, the feel of his stubble roughly brushing against her cheek, and the way he had smelled like pine and fudge brownies.
      No, wait. His eyes reminded her of fudge brownies. He didn’t smell like them.
      Her eyes fluttered open. Yeah, she was definitely going to regret tonight in the morning. 

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Now's the perfect time to get a copy of WELCOME TO FOREVER. Do you enjoy books that feature characters who are or have served in the Armed Forces? 

 
Don't Miss any of the Hero's Welcome Series
Pre-Order Today!