Lies Jane Austen Told Me, by Julie Wright
2017, 320p, Contemporary Romance
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way
Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So naturally when Emma falls for Blake Hampton and he invites her home to meet his parents, she is positive an engagement is in her future. After all, Blake is a single man in possession of a good fortune, and thus must be in want of a wife.
But when it turns out that what Blake actually wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, the fastest growing gym franchise in the nation. She loves her work, and she's good at it, which is why she bristles when her boss brings in a consultant to help her spearhead the new facilities on the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas.
Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate.
What she can't understand is why Lucas continues to try to push her back into Blake's arms when he so clearly has fallen as hard for her as she has fallen for him. It isn't until Lucas reveals to Emma that he was adopted into the Hampton family that she begins to understand his loyalty to Blake as well as his devotion to the child April-she is Lucas's biological niece.
Emma opens up to Lucas about the feelings of abandonment she has harbored ever since she was a child and her mother left the family. As she helps Lucas deal with his past demons, she is able to exorcise some of her own.
Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must find a way to let Blake know that it's time for him to let her go and to let Lucas know it's time for him to love her back.
I love the Proper Romance line and the cover and title of this book made it impossible for me to pass up. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down until I finished! Emma is in a tough situation. She's in love with Blake but after a disastrous event, finds herself drawn to his brother, Lucas. And then Blake decides to fight for her. There's some drama as she tries to figure out what to do. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book! There was one in particular that I didn't like very much in the beginning and was surprised that I changed my mind by the end. I also like how each chapter starts with a Jane Austen quote which relates to what will happen in that chapter. What I love the most about this book is that it's clean!! I can freely recommend it to anyone, whether they are a Jane Austen fan or not.
Julie Wright wrote her first book when she was fifteen. She's written over twenty novels since then. She is represented by Sara Crowe at Harvey Klinger Inc. She is a Whitney Awards winner for best romance with her book Cross My Heart and a Crown Heart recipient for the novel The Fortune Café.
She has one husband, three kids, one dog, and a varying amount of fish, frogs, and salamanders (depending on attrition).
She loves writing, reading, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.
This is Livia Blackburne, and I'm thrilled to share ROSEMARKED with you at long last. There are a lot of elements to this book, including a love story, a spy story, reflections on trauma and mortality, medical ethics, and political intrigue. Perhaps because of this, my research for the book was equally eclectic, from archery and stick fighting lessons, to chats with memory researchers and soldiers, and lots and lots of reading, including books about leper colonies, hospice care, and PTSD. Hopefully, I wove it all into an entertaining and thought-provoking story!
This story centers on Zivah, a talented healer with an incurable illness, and Dineas, a traumatized soldier. The two couldn't be more different, and I had a lot of fun writing their unlikely love story. In order to work together, they both have to let go of their own prejudices and preconceptions. It's a painful process, with fights and misunderstandings, anger, laughter and tears, but in the end, they both come out as stronger people.
To celebrate the ROSEMARKED release, I’m offering 3 lucky winners a ROSEMARKED swag pack, which includes a copy of ROSEMARKED and a signed bookplate! Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate. Best of luck, and happy reading!
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The first in a duology, ROSEMARKED (Hyperion | On Sale November 7, 2017) by New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne follows a healer and a solider on a high-stakes mission to spy on the Empire to uncover a deadly secret. With sizzling chemistry and a heartrending ethical dilemma, this thrilling fantasy with nuanced characters will capture fans of An Ember in the Ashes and The Lumatere Chronicles.
New York Times best-selling author LIVIA BLACKBURNE has a PhD in neuroscience from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she conducted research on the neural correlates of reading. She still blogs on the intersection of writing and brain science, and she now lives in Los Angeles with her family. Livia is also the author of Midnight Thief, an Indies Introduce New Voices selection, and its sequel, Daughter of Dusk.
I have so many scenes in THE FORGOTTEN CAROLS that are “favorites” for a variety of reasons. But I’m surprised, performance after performance, how often something touches me differently and teaches me something that I’ve missed in performances past. It’s the gift of doing this show for 26 years. I keep learning things, understanding things, and feeling things that bring me closer to the One Christmas is all about…the One who we remember…It’s about remembering what’s been “forgotten” when it comes to the meaning of Christmas.
2. Do you have a favorite snack you enjoy while traveling to each tour city?
I'm a diabetic, so this is sort of a trick question. I crave chocolate cake donuts, but have to eat Kind Bars. That’s the reality, but the truth is, I cheat sometimes…and take a little bit more insulin to make up for it. Don’t tell anybody :)
3. What do you enjoy most when you’re on the road performing?
The older I get the more exhausting it is to be traveling from place to place…but the joy of that travel when it’s with people I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pieces. The cast and the crew make it a joy beyond measure.
4. During the last song when the audience is hand-in-hand singing, what emotions do you feel from the stage?
When the encore segment of The Forgotten Carols happens, I find myself focusing on the meaning of “together forever”. Is it something that we hope will happen someday, somewhere down the road, or is it something we can feel right now, this moment? Some nights I feel like I should sing a different lyric for families that can’t buy in to the idea of an eternal connection, for whatever reasons, and the appropriate lyric for them would be, “We can be together, whatever, today”. Some nights, thinking about my own family and the challenges we face, those words are a great comfort and a celebration of now. I believe that what happens to me, and many people who attend The Forgotten Carols, is that together in that moment, we feel the love and peace and comfort that comes at Christmas time to remind us that we are never alone, and the One whose birth we celebrate is ALWAYS with us. Here’s a news flash for you, my blogger friends. I’M ADDING A NEW CAROL TO THE SHOW THIS YEAR that I think will shine a beautiful light on that thought. Hope y’all come and hear me sing it!!!
Guest Post What’s there to fear if you’re already dead? Plenty. Come along with us as we continue to delve into what it might be like to be a ghost in the afterlife. Follow the story of Michael and Sarah, learn more about the setting, feel a little romantic tension... We hope you enjoy what you find!
THE GHOST CHRONICLES 2 is a YA paranormal with adult crossover appeal and it is the second book in my award-winning Ghost Chronicles series. The first book won the 2016 NJRW Golden Leaf Award for Best First Book, was named FINALIST in the National Indie Excellence Awards for Young Adult Fiction, received the Literary Classics Seal of Approval, was awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion, and was named one of the “best indie YA books we have seen in the past year, from both self-publishers and small presses” by IPPY Magazine. The second book continues Michael’s ghostly adventures in the afterlife, now with Sarah by his side. Here’s the full blurb for the book:
What’s there to fear if you’re already dead? Plenty. Michael and Sarah now know for certain, there is a destination after death. They also know they better find their way out of the afterlife fast, before the devil claims Michael’s soul. What they don’t know? Before they can get to heaven… they may just have to go through hell.
As the second book in the series, it took me nearly eighteen months to write. I can usually write and polish a complete novel in six months, so this book challenged me in ways I never anticipated. I only realized what my problem was in February 2017 when I saw a video posted by John Green. In that heartfelt video, John explained why it took him almost five years to complete another novel after The Fault in Our Stars. John talked about feeling intense pressure to make his next book be as big of a success as The Fault in Our Stars and how that pressure led to anxiety, a fear of failure, and depression over his writing. He said he felt terrified that the next book that would follow up TFIOS would never be as good. He felt as if every time he wrote, fans were looking over his shoulder. Here is the video if you’d like to see:
The day I saw John’s video I cried for almost an hour. I realized I was having many of the same feelings in writing TGC2. Each time I received a great review, or an email or message from a fan on my website, Facebook, or Goodreads praising THE GHOST CHRONICLES and asking when the second book would be out, I had ten minutes of elation followed by four hours of tears, anxiety and depression. I wanted desperately to write TGC2, but I felt like the words I was writing in my draft just didn’t measure up to the level of the first book. I felt exactly like John did – like fans were watching over my shoulder. And I became terrified of letting them down.
But once I saw John’s video, I realized what was happening to me and remembered what in my mind is the most important writing rule to never forget – give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft. As many times as I had heard that, I had forgotten that it should apply to every book you write. My problem was that I was comparing a rough draft to its finished, polished predecessor. Don’t do this! If you’re writing the second book in a series, give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft, but be confident and secure in the knowledge that when you go back in to revise, that’s when the beauty will shine through. Because that’s when it’s supposed to shine through. It’s like trying to compare a rough sculpture to a finely detailed, finished one, like The David. The two sculptures are never going to compare, because they’re not supposed to. In order to begin anything, it has to begin rough, and then you lay on the fine details and the polish. Never compare your current WIP to your last completed book, ever. You’re sculpting – have confidence that only once you’re completely finished, that’s when your current book will resemble your last book.
While I can’t begin to compare my success to that of John Green, I will say I owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for his timely video. After watching it, I felt the anxiety melt away and I was able to finish writing THE GHOST CHRONICLES 2. If I ever see him at a conference or an event, I’m going to give him a great big bear hug.
Other Books in the Series
The Ghost Chronicles
by Marlo Berliner
Young Adult Paranormal
Paperback & ebook, 298 Pages
November 17th 2015 by Teddy Blue Books
Can Michael get to heaven before the devil gets him first, and if it means leaving Sarah is he sure he still wants to go?
Michael Andrews had everything – a loving family, a great girlfriend and a promising basketball career. That was before the accident that took his life. Now, he’s a ghost, wandering among the living, struggling to understand why he’s stuck. All he wants is to move on.
That is until he meets Sarah, an attractive young girl who died just as tragically as he did. The only trouble is falling in love and binding oneself to another soul is forbidden, for it may keep one or both of the souls bound to earth for longer than they should be.
To make matters worse, there’s also a danger in going too far with Sarah, because the “joining” of two souls in the afterlife is also strictly forbidden and they don’t know what will happen if they do go that far. Each time they touch they can feel the boundaries of their energies slipping perilously into one another.
Things get even more complicated as Michael learns he’s being pursued. Demons are after him because he’s a marked soul, a soul the devil wants very badly for some unknown reason.
So, maybe falling in love in the afterlife isn’t such a good idea.
Marlo Berliner is the award-winning author of THE GHOST CHRONICLES, her debut book which was released in November 2015 to critical acclaim. Marlo writes young adult, women’s fiction, and short stories. Marlo is represented by Eric Ruben of The Ruben Agency.
When she's not writing or editing, Marlo loves reading, relaxing at the beach, watching movies, and rooting for the Penn State Nittany Lions. After having spent some wonderful time in Pittsburgh and Houston, she’s now back in her home state of New Jersey where she resides with her husband, two sons, and a rambunctious puppy named Max.
Everyone tells me it does. They say, “Spencer Elliott, don’t worry, you’ll find it one day. You just have to find the right man and when you do, it will surprise the heck out of you.”
I’m still waiting for that heck of a surprise to hit. It has proven to be elusive thus far. I’m pretty sure the entire world is lying about love and the joke is on me.
I know I want a man in my heart and in my life. Unfortunately, most men immediately push my OFF button and I lose interest quickly.
Feeling pressure to prove I’m trying to find my soulmate, I finally give in and agree to a date. Huge mistake. Afterward I find myself abandoned in the middle of nowhere, in desperate need of help.
That’s when I meet Stony by chance.
He’s a silent and unsmiling man who intrigues me with his ability to keep going after life has knocked him down. Suddenly the abstract notion of love becomes tangible and within my reach. Once I experience it, I wonder how I ever lived without it.
That’s when I stay with Stony by choice.
But when Stony’s hidden past and present-day reality collide, his silence is broken. And the truth about his life nearly brings me to my knees. I can’t compete with ghosts from the past.
I refuse to fight for a man’s love. He either loves me or he doesn’t. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.
My only hope is . . . he does.
The Sound of Silence Series is a three book series.
Book One: Stone Silence, Spencer’s Story
Book Two: Jailbird, Mia’s Story
Book Three: Hothouse Flower, Shay’s Story
Each book has a happy ending and there are no cliffhangers. They are not standalones and should be read in order.
Hate waiting for the next book in a series?
You won't have to wait long!
Yay!
Jailbird, Book Two will be released on December 1st, 2017
Hothouse Flower, Book Three will be released on January 1st, 2018
What readers are saying about STONE SILENCE:
This story just wrapped me in its arms and held me tight. I adored the characters and never wanted the book to end. Dean weaves a heart-tugging romance like nobody else's business. Her books are always a feast to my literary mind and always go on my To-Read-Again pile once I finish.
-Charissa Stastny, Author
Once again Dean takes the raw pain and hurt many of us can relate to, and creates a perfectly romantic tale for readers to escape into, giving us hope, love, second chances and ultimately that believable happily ever after we all seek for as true romance lovers.
-Mylissa's Reviews and Book Thoughts
READ AN EXCERPT FROM STONE SILENCE:
Excerpt:
I have to believe help will be in Roby.
But I can’t make it without water.
Now would be a good time for someone to ask me for a ride again. I contemplate finding a shady place to sit and wait for the rain that’s supposed to arrive this afternoon. The thought leads to a mental vision of me shivering in the bushes, drenched and stranded. I’m not sure which is the lesser of two evils. Plus, I can’t sit around and wait for rain water to quench my thirst. I know I don’t have that kind of time. All I know is Finn felt determined to get home early today so he could dodge the rain. Reportedly, torrential downfalls are headed this way. The news predicts flooding is going to be a problem again.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out.
Even though I feel utterly alone, the most alone I’ve ever felt in my life, I realize that I’m not really alone. When people love you, are you ever really alone? They’re always behind the scenes, thinking of you and hoping for your safety. I have people in my life who love me. I matter to them. If something happens to me, they will mourn my loss from their life. This buoys me. They are with me, strengthening me. I feel them with me now, coaxing me to not give up. I hear my mom’s voice in my head; I love you, Spencer, my precious daughter. I hear my dad’s voice; My baby girl, my beautiful baby girl. I hear my brother’s voice; Don’t you dare give up, Spencer. Don’t you do it.
He’s right. I can’t quit now. I’ve come too far.
I’ve been sitting for too long. I have to keep going. I can’t give in to delirium. I pull myself up to a standing position and fight the dizziness that overcomes me.
Even though I’m still standing in the harsh sunlight, I can now see angry storm clouds in the distance. The horizon holds that blurry, slanted look, the one that tells me it’s pouring rain in that neck of the woods. I wonder how soon it will arrive here. The humidity level has risen in the past half hour and I’m sweating profusely. My skin feels cool and moist, yet I’m burning up and goosebumps are covering my arms. An odd combination. My pulse is racing and the muscles in my legs are cramping.
I need help now. I can’t wait any longer. I’m no longer fighting for just my current safety, I’m fighting for my life.
Suddenly, I hear a strange sound. A low buzz, the trill of electric machinery. It wafts over the airwaves and calls to me.
Life.
Someone is out here working. At last, I’ve found someone I can ask for help. Whoever it is, they are my only hope. My situation is dire and I don’t have a choice.
There’s a small gravel road to the right of me. The sound is coming from that direction. The rise and fall of the land doesn’t allow me to see where I’m headed. I follow the sound as if it’s the call of the Pied Piper. Wherever it takes me, that’s where I’m going.
I have no other option.
My feet propel me forward like they have a will of their own and I feel helpless. I’m no longer in control; the situation has taken control of me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of clean romance in her line-up.
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.
Talisman Of El by Al Stone
Series: T.O.E. Trilogy, Book 1
Author: Al Stone
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Centrinian
WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?
One Planet.
Two Worlds.
Population: Human … 7 billion.
Others … unknown.
When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He’s afraid to tell anyone. No one would believe him… because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago – the day before his dad died.
Charlie doesn’t know why this is happening. He would give anything to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn’t belong in the world he knows as home.
"If there was ever a book series to rival Harry Potter, then Talisman Of El is definitely the one." - The Queen Of Teen Fiction
"This is a one of a kind novel." - Reflections Of A Bookworm
"All I have to say is that it has been a long time since I read a book in just one day." - Myth, Goodreads
"Talisman Of El is part fantasy, part mythology and pure adventure." - Tina, Winter Haven Books
Excerpt:
PROLOGUE
Manhattan, New York January 25, 2013, 11:15 P.M.
DERKEIN ODESSA SAUNTERED INTO a study lined with bookshelves and a high ceiling of gold leaf and bas-relief sculptures. He stopped when he saw his father standing behind the large mahogany desk at the back of the room, rifling through the wall safe. A muscle in his jaw ticked. ‘You’re alive then,’ he said.
‘Not now, Derkein.’ His father closed the safe, concealing it with a portrait of his wife.
Folding his arms across his chest, Derkein advanced on him, his footsteps echoing off the hardwood floor. ‘Not now.’ He chuckled without humour. ‘Well, why don’t you give me your card and I’ll book an appointment.’
‘I’m sorry I didn’t call, but I can’t talk right now. I have a flight to catch.’ When his father turned around, Derkein stopped, his eyes widening. A blood-soaked plaster covered the right side of his father’s neck, red stains on the collar of his white shirt. Derkein hurried over to him. ‘What happened?’ he asked. ‘I’m fine. It’s just a scratch.’ ‘You don’t look fine. Where have you been ...?’ Derkein paused, the strong smell of tobacco assailing his nose. He scrutinised his father – the purple bags under his eyes, scratch marks on his chin. ‘You’re still searching for it, aren’t you?’ He sighed, raking a hand through his shoulder-length black hair as he lifted his head back. ‘You gave me your word.’ ‘I know you disagree with my decision, but you have to understand –’ ‘Understand what? Dad, this is not normal.’ Derkein grabbed the bag at his father’s feet, lifted it onto the desk, and tipped it onto its side, scattering the surface with a collection of daggers and guns. He picked up a black leather sheath and pulled out a knife, its broad, stainless blade honed until the cutting edge was almost invisible. He dropped the knife and sheath among the other weapons. ‘You have to stop this.’ ‘Luther’s dead.’ Derkein’s heart skipped a beat. ‘What ... What happened?’ ‘Natural causes. Apparently, his heart gave out.’ ‘What do you mean “apparently”?’ With a hesitant glance at Derkein, his father opened the front pocket of his bag and pulled out a burnished copper talisman with an engraved steel band and a circular crevice. ‘Luther and I dug this up in the Roncador Mountains in Mato Grosso, Brazil. The earthquake that hit South America two months ago ... We caused it when we removed this from the earth.’ He looked down at the talisman and then back at Derkein, distress clouding his features. ‘The moment the earthquake struck, we passed out. Two hours later, we woke up on Manhattan Bridge.’ ‘I don’t understand what you’re saying.’ ‘We didn’t fly to New York.’ ‘Then how did you get here?’ His father started packing the weapons back inside the bag. ‘I don’t know. Three weeks ago, Luther called me and told me that someone was following him. I think whoever was after him wanted the talisman, and when they didn’t find it, they killed him. Now they’re after me.’ ‘So give it to them. Dad, this isn’t worth your life.’ ‘I can’t. This is my only connection to Arcadia.’ ‘Where are you going?’ ‘England,’ his father replied. ‘Thomas might be able to help me. If what he told me about these beings is true, I can’t be around you. They got to Luther. I won’t lose you too.’ He turned around and stared at the portrait covering the safe. ‘I miss Mum too, but it’s been five years. Give up before you end up killing yourself. Arcadia doesn’t exist.’ His father looked at him. ‘It’s out there. I’m going to find it. I will bring her back.’ ‘Mum’s dead,’ Derkein snapped. ‘When are you going to get that?’ ‘I have to go,’ his father said in a calm voice. ‘I’ll call you when I get there.’ ‘Dad –’ ‘I’ll be fine. I always am.’ ‘Dad, please –’ An ear-piercing scream ripped through the building. Derkein froze, his eyes the only things that moved. His gaze fixed on his father, who was rummaging through his bag. He took out a black pistol and turned to Derkein, a tortured expression on his face as he placed the weapon in his son’s trembling hand. ‘Shoot anything that moves,’ his father instructed. He placed the talisman around Derkein’s neck, tucking it inside his shirt. ‘Don’t let it out of your sight.’ Cupping Derkein’s face in his hands, he made him meet his gaze. ‘I’m so sorry I got you involved in this.’ He grabbed another gun from the bag. ‘What exactly have you got yourself into, Dad?’ His father looked at him with a solemn expression. ‘If anything happens to me, you find Thomas. Tell him ... Tell him he was right.’ He headed towards the door. ‘Dad, wait.’ Derkein went after him. ‘Dad –’ The double doors burst open with a bang. His father opened fire. ‘Derkein, shoot!’ he yelled. Derkein glanced around the room in panic and confusion. He saw no one but his father. Then he felt a sharp pain in his arm, heard his shirt tear, and cried out. Something warm dribbled down his arm, and when he placed his hand on it, he saw blood. His father screamed, and he looked up and saw him flying across the room, crashing into a bookshelf that collapsed under him. ‘Dad!’ Derkein sprinted towards him but felt a powerful blow across his chest that sent him flying backwards, and he landed hard on the floor, his gun falling out of his hand. Staggering to his feet, he glanced around for whatever had attacked him but saw nothing. His gaze landed on his father, who was groaning ... and then he was gone. There were no bright lights or loud noise. He had just vanished. As Derkein stared wide-eyed at the spot where his father had been lying only moments before, something like a blast of electricity stunned him, and he felt an intense burning inside his chest. He let out a cry as his body lifted off the ground and hung in midair. Seconds later, he came crashing down ...
Other Books in the Series Blackout (T.O.E. Trilogy, Book 2 ) Ground Zero (T.O.E. Trilogy, Book 3)
Author Al Stone
Al Stone is the author of the YA fantasy trilogy T.O.E. After graduating with a BA in Film & Television, Al had worked in the television industry for a short period before a disabling injury caused her to turn her hand to storytelling. Talisman Of El is her debut novel. The sequels Blackout and Ground Zero are currently available for sale. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys going to the movies, listening to music and travelling. At present, she lives in England, United Kingdom with her family.
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.
This is my 10th trip to Harmony Valley. Support Your Local Sheriff pits tall, dark and quiet Sheriff Nate Landry against community activist Doris Schlotzky and the sister of the woman he almost married, Julie Smith, who shows up in town with the toddler son Nate didn’t know existed.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Doris said in her high-pitched, grating voice. “We should be proud of many things in our community. The wonderful festivals we have. The resurgence of new businesses. And the low crime rate. But that isn’t good enough.”
Not good enough? The little black rain cloud over Nate’s head sucked the oxygen from the old church.
“In this age of police misconduct, the people need a voice.” Doris had a death grip on the podium.
My mom had a huge crush on James Garner. Why? Why not!
James Garner was handsome as all get-out. He was a versatile leading man, able to play serious roles as well as ones drawing on humor and heart. And he took on acting roles on both the big screen and the small one. He was immensely popular from the 1950s to the 1970s, and just when my mom was lamenting his so-called retirement, in 1984 he returned to the big screen in an older man-younger woman film called Murphy’s Romance. And when he played the older lead in The Notebook in 2004, my mom was thrilled. She loved that he was drawn to play honorable characters doing what was right in hard situations.
The gray-haired residents of Harmony Valley had probably never done the wave at a sports stadium. But their heads turned in the same rippled effect to stare Nate’s way, starting from the back of the church and moving forward. Grins and coos rippled through the assembled, almost as if—
The little hand returned to Nate’s shoulder, followed by a hot-breathed “Hi.”
Mystery solved. Residents were doing the neck-craning wave to watch an angelic toddler putting on a show behind Nate.
When Nate turned his head, he received another gentle forehead bump. “You’re an awesome little dude.” Nate ruffled the boy’s hair.
I admit, I wore white at my wedding. But that doesn’t mean I’m not open to admiring women who wear colorful wedding dresses.
It takes chutzpah to wear something other than white or cream. Honestly, sometimes I get a wild hair and try on orange jeans. I haven’t bought a pair yet. I know I’m not bold enough to do so. I respect anyone who can comfortably pull this off.
"This is a slow building romance. The sparks don't really jump off the page but the story has a gentle pull that kept me engaged and interested. There are all kinds of meddling, crazy and quirky characters thrown into this book. Combine that with the small town antics and you will be shaking your head and rolling your eyes, just like me. It was a lot of fun."
“Hello, Nate.” Julie Smith put nearly three years of disdain and disappointment in those two words.
“Julie.” Nate shot to his feet, steady as always, guarded as always. If Nate was the sheriff, he was off duty. He wore a brown checkered shirt and blue jeans, not a service uniform.
Duke was balanced on her thighs, his small hard-soled sneakers digging in for purchase as he reached for Nate once more.
Readers often ask writers where they get their story ideas. I like to tell people my story ideas often come from one person I know, have met, have seen on television, or have read about. For example:
I once asked my assistant what her biggest frustration was in dating and she told me autocorrect. Her stories about texting faux pas led to the plot line of Always A Bridesmaid. . . .
And there it was. That awkwardness Julie had been waiting years for.
She pounced. “I’m the sister of Nate’s ex-fiancée.”
Flynn slid a questioning look Nate’s way.
Her moment had arrived. Julie stood, scooping Duke to her hip with her left arm. “Didn’t Nate tell you he was engaged? He left my sister at the altar.” That wasn’t all he’d left, but Julie didn’t want to waste all her ammunition on the first volley.
"Duke has a cute personality. Been a little while since I have visited Harmony Valley, love the residents of the town, a good series. I have read several in the series and plan to read more."
Julie’s aim was off. Nothing was ruffling him. Nothing was satisfying her need for revenge. She’d have to hunker down for the long haul. She’d never been good at the long game, at chess or Monopoly. This time, the stakes were higher than bragging rights or a pile of paper money. This time, she had to be patient.
“Want Mama.” Duke collapsed against Julie’s shoulder, his forehead pile-driving into the only tender spot on her body.
Her sharp intake of breath caused Nate to dip his head and stare at her more closely. She smoothed her expression into her game face, determined that he only see what she wanted him to see—a strong woman who despised him.
Julie didn’t want his gentleness. She wanted his anger. She wanted to argue and shout, and have him argue and shout back. “You think I’m married because…”
A small crease appeared between Nate’s brows, only for a moment. “Well… This little guy…”
A surge of satisfaction shored up sagging dreams of revenge. “You think a woman has to be married to have a child?”
"Sweet, sassy and romantic, Support Your Local Sheriff is definitely going on my faves list for 2017! Colorful characters, a cozy small town setting and an adorable toddler will make you laugh and smile, while Nate and Julie’s story will leave you swooning and maybe even wiping at a few stray tears. Add this book to your TBR, my friends! And now I’m off to track down this author’s back list!"
“I’m not married,” Julie said. “And Duke isn’t my child.”
The bottom dropped out of Nate’s world and his stomach plunged to the center of the earth.
“Who…” He washed a hand over his face and planted his feet more firmly on the church planks. “Whose child is he?”
“Look at him.”
Brooke Blogs - 5 Reasons to Date Your Local Sheriff
I write small town romance. There is one consistent resident in every small town – the local sheriff. Let’s say you live in a small town with a sheriff and you’re single. Let’s say you have a dating pool of the butcher, the baker, or the sheriff. Who’re you gonna date? Here are five reasons to choose the sheriff. . .
The little boy had the Smiths’ gray eyes and wide smiling mouth. Like most kids his age, he had thin lanky legs. His sprouted from a pair of khaki shorts. The friendly sparkle to his eyes was all Smith. But the dark, unruly hair was hard to mistake as anything other than a Landry gift. And as for those ears…
Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
Nate first appeared in Book 2 of the series. He patiently awaited his turn in Book 10. And that’s probably one of his key characteristics. He’s tall, dark and silent, keeping his past to himself. But the impetus of the story came from my former sister-in-law, Lynn. Lynn had cancer while she was dating my brother. Chemo sent her into early menopause, so they didn’t use birth control. When they broke up, she had no idea she was pregnant. In Book 4, I referenced Nate having left someone at the altar. Lynn’s story seemed the perfect backstory for Nate’s jilted bride.
And don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...
Support Your Local Sheriff
(Harmony Valley #10)
by Melinda Curtis
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
October 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Will he pass the daddy test?
With his job in jeopardy, it couldn't be a worse time for Sheriff Nate Landry's recent past to come back to haunt him. But it would take an army to stop SWAT team leader Julie Smith. The fellow cop—and sister of his ex-fiancée—wants one thing from the beleaguered lawman: custody of the toddler son that Nate didn't know he had.
He may not be natural daddy material, but he quickly takes a shine to little Duke. And then there are the feelings Nate's been hiding for years. Only now Julie's running for sheriff of Harmony Valley—against him. Time to retreat? Not if he wants a future with the woman he loves.
USA Today and Amazon Bestselling Author, Melinda Curtis is the award winning author of contemporary romance that spans the sexy scale - from sweet romance to sweet romantic comedy (written under the Melinda Curtis brand) to fun, sexier romances (written under the Mel Curtis brand).
Melinda loves writing romances about women who don't realize how strong they are until a hero comes along to show them, while simultaneously capturing the wry humorous power struggle of falling in love (because, really, who lets the man have the last word?).
