Friday 27 January 2017

REVIEW: HEALING HEARTS by REINA TORRES


Healing Hearts
Second Chance #3
By: Reina Torres
Releasing January 25th, 2017
Self-Published

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In Healing Hearts (Second Chance #3) by Reina Torres, Stella Vincenzo is making her dreams to open a B & B come true, but unfortunately Kyle O'Malley is determined to halt her progress because he believes the noise of what she and her crew are building is too much for his patients to handle. They come to him to recover from life alternating injuries hoping for peace and quiet, not the racket her transforming abandoned train cars into masterpieces is causing. Can they find a way to compromise?
 
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Torres, and I've got to say I've been missing out. She totally impressed me with this novella, which happens to be another captivating addition to Marina Adair's St Helena Vineyard Kindle World. The way this story started was a wonderful way to introduce readers to Kyle as the hero in his own story, and I loved every interaction between him and his receptionist. She's amusing and definitely knows how to manage Kyle's moods. However, it was the moment that Kyle and Stella came face-to-face for the first time in this story where this story really came alive for me. 
 
The dialogue was a wonderful mix of intense, emotional and teasing banter. The intense and emotional due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. After everything she's been through including her health issues and losing someone she loves to the same genetic disease, she deserves to see her dream become a reality. Indeed, I couldn't help but sympathize  with the heroine when it came to Kyle. Why couldn't he realize that her dreams were just as important as his? Why did it take him to the moment when the heroine absolutely needed him did he relent a little? Then there was the teasing banter between the Kyle and Stella as well as the main characters and the secondary ones that had me smiling or laughing most of the way throughout this story. 
 
Both the main characters had me hooked by their back stories and their growing chemistry, which spilled over onto the pages wonderfully and illustrated how good these two are for each other. As for the main characters themselves, Stella is strong and brave in the way she faces every obstacle such as what happens to her dad, the basketball incident, the other man that is protective of her and  I liked how she provided quite a challenge for Kyle. He doesn't want to want her, but how can he resist the strong, independent woman that has overcome so much in her life already. She's also hard-working and I loved her adoration for trains and how she's taking that adoration to make her dream B&B a reality.
 
While Kyle, I liked how much he grew throughout this story because of Stella. He starts out as gruff and expects everything to go his way, which is proven by how he expects his granddad to be loyal to his side of things. Yet, in saying that, he's also kind and caring when the moment warrants it, especially after Stella goes through emotional times to do with her father and her health. Moreover, I loved that many of the secondary characters think Kyle and Stella would be good together and aren't afraid to offer their advice; advice that is sound and they should listen to.
 
Overall, Ms. Torres has penned a fantastic read in this third book of her Second Chance series, which has me looking forward to reading the other two novellas in this series. The way this story ended was emotional at first with all that Stella is going through with her health, but I loved how everything worked out in the end and how supportive everyone was towards her. Can I be a superhero too? I would highly recommend Healing Hearts by Reina Torres, if you're looking for a quick read that offers a good dose of amusement and plenty of emotion; enjoy the enemies to lovers trope or love reading books by Marina Adair because this story is set in her St Helena Vineyard Kindle World.  
 
OVERALL RATING:
   
 

BLURB

Physically she's never been stronger - He’s Dr. Fix It - But you can't just write a prescription for the heart!
 
Stella always had a little bit of hero worship for Kyle from the moment he bandaged her skinned knee on the playground, but while he grew up to be the ultra-confident man you could lean on, she became the woman who was determined to stand on her own two feet. When her lifelong dream was in danger of falling apart, the last person she expects to throw obstacles in her way is the same man who makes her heart tremble with a glance. Can fate really be that cruel? After all, fate owes her one after dealing her one disastrous blow after another. Can she trust that it’s her turn to come out on top?
 
If there's something that needs fixing, Kyle O’Malley is the man you call. From para jumping into war torn areas to rescue injured soldiers, to helping his patients recover from life altering physical injuries, he's hands on and all kinds of intense. Stella gets under his skin in more ways than one, and her soft curves are more than a match for his hard edges. But she’s a distraction that he doesn’t need. He’s determined to start his private practice in St. Helena. Building his practice means everything to Kyle, but Stella is quickly becoming close to his heart.
 
Kyle is the Grandson of Stan O’Malley who owns Stan’s Soup & Service Station on Main Street. And Kyle watched Dax, one of his oldest friends, succumb to forever love in Need You For Always. Now it’s Kyle’s turn to find happiness.
 
BUY LINK: Amazon
 
 
 
 
 

 

Tuesday 24 January 2017

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: DARING TO FALL by TJ KLINE


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Making the Play (Hidden Falls #1) US Only
 
 
Daring to Fall
Hidden Falls #2
By: T.J. Kline
Releasing January 17, 2017
Avon Impulse
 
 
 
In Daring to Fall (Hidden Falls #2) by TJ Kline, Emma Jordan always thought she was going to run the animal sanctuary alongside her father, but after her father's death she's returned home to run her family legacy alone. Except someone isn't happy about the fact that she's now in charge, and is out to make trouble for her. Trying her best to make the animal sanctuary a success, Emma knows all her focus should be on her new job, but she can't seem to get hot firefighter, Ben McQuaid, off her mind soon after she meets him. Together, will they be able to find the person responsible for causing trouble, or will Emma lose everything dear to her?
 
Having loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to dive into this one, and I've got to say that it does not disappoint. In fact, I loved this story more than the first one because of the main characters growing relationship, the good dose of suspense and how the McQuaid family interact with each other. The way this story started with the favor Ben's brother needs him to do sets the fast-pace of this story, because I wanted to discover what the favor was. Would Ben make his brother owe him a favor? Would he be able to do what his brother wants him to do successfully? Being a firefighter, I'd definitely say he would be up to the task, but in the end it isn't that simple.
 
As for the dialogue, it was intense due to everything Emma goes through from the person causing trouble. How is she going to keep herself and the animals safe? Will a distraction cost her everything her father had worked hard for? Also, the dialogue was intense due to the main characters back stories. Ben and Emma haven't been very successful at relationships, and both are wary of getting involved with the other for fear of repeating past mistakes. Emma is strong, brave, independent and very dedicated to her job. How is she supposed to make time for a relationship? And yet, if anyone can understand being dedicated to a job, it's the hero.
 
While Ben, he's a fantastic hero. He's courageous, protective and I liked how stubborn he could get at times when Emma thought she could handle things herself, yet it was palpable that she couldn't without help from Ben and others of his family. He was determined to help her whether she wanted him to or not and I liked that most about him. I also liked how Ben showed the heroine that he was different to her ex. He understood how much her work meant to her and he wasn't about to let that fact come between them. She could have both without him thinking she was neglecting him, especially when he was interested in her work to. 
 
Overall, this was a really good second book for this series, which has me looking forward to more of the McQuaid family because of how they interact with each other. Certainly, there's plenty of teasing and Emma fits in easily with Ben's family, even if the trouble she's facing has her at odds with certain members of the hero's family, because they initially have doubts about the way she's running the sanctuary due to all the things that are happening there. The way this story ended was delightful, as Ben proved to Emma that he would be there for her through thick and thin and I liked the surprise he had for her right at the end. Really, they're good together and have such great chemistry that spills over onto the pages wonderfully. That is when Emma isn't trying to push him away because she has trust issues. I would recommend Daring to Fall by TJ Kline, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, small town romances or are looking for a contemporary romance that encompasses a good dose of suspense where the author keeps readers guessing as to the identity of the person causing the trouble.
 
OVERALL RATING:
 
 

BLURB:
T.J. Kline returns to Hidden Falls with the sweet and fun story of a small-town firefighter and the stubborn woman who refuses to fall for his charms.
Emma Jordan has returned home after her father’s death to run the animal sanctuary that had been his legacy. But strange things start happening, and it seems that someone is out to shut her down, someone who doesn’t mind putting lives in jeopardy to see it through. When Hidden Falls’ sexiest fireman starts to ask questions, Emma needs to make sure his charm doesn’t distract her from keeping her dreams alive.
Ben McQuaid has an obligation as a local fireman to protect the community, even from a well-meaning wildlife veterinarian who’s in way over her head. But, it’s becoming hard to keep his loyalty to the town and his desire for the pretty vet separate. As Ben and Emma become caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, their feelings for each other are growing. 
Will they let duty drive them apart or will they dare to fall?
 
Buy Links:      AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

 
“Hey, Ben, I have a favor to ask.”
Ben McQuaid rolled his eyes skyward. Of course, his brother Andrew needed another favor. Lately, Ben seemed to be the one doing the favors more often than receiving any. But, that’s what brothers did for one another, right? And with six siblings, most of them younger, that added up to be a lot of favors.
“Make it quick, I’m on my way into the fire station for my shift.”
“Good, because this is more of an official call than a favor anyway. I need you to head down to the Quinn place on Mosquito Road. Apparently, there’s a cat stuck in a tree. It seems stupid to call it in to the firehouse and drag the engine out for a cat. See? I’m actually doing you a favor and saving you all that cleaning and polishing you have to do just for driving a truck out of the garage.”
They’d be cleaning the engine anyway. Plus, without an engine, Ben had no ladder to get up the tree. “So, what you’re suggesting is that I shimmy up the tree the way I did when we were ten to get the football you and Grant would get stuck.”
Andrew’s chuckle sounded through the receiver. “Pretty much. Look, the call just came in from dispatch and you’ve got to drive by there on your way into town anyway. No sense in making it an official call.”
There was nothing about this that was a favor for Ben. “What’s wrong, is there an apple fritter with your name on it? This way you save yourself the effort of having to fill out another police report, right?” Andrew wasn’t fooling him.
“There’s that too.” Ben heard Andrew address someone else in the background. “Hey, I have to run. There’s a domestic dispute at the winery. You got this, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll take care of it,” Ben said with a sigh.
“Thanks. I owe you one.”
“One?” Ben muttered to himself as the receiver disconnected in his ear and he took the turn off onto Mosquito Road. “You owe me more than that.”
He wasn’t looking forward to this. Hollister Quinn was one of those old guys who spoke his mind, loudly and often. He’d been the first in line to protest the latest upgrades being done to spruce up their small foothill town. Said he liked it rustic, the way it’d been for years and that it should stay that way. However, now that there was talk about Hidden Falls trying to become more of a tourist attraction along the way to Tahoe, an idea that would bring higher profits for local businesses which, in turn, kept the town thriving, Quinn was complaining even more. A visit with Quinn, even to retrieve a kitten, was sure to bring a lengthy lecture about how the people of Hidden Falls were selling out. Ben rubbed the knots of tension already building at the back of his neck.
Pulling into the circular driveway in front of the Quinn house, he maneuvered his pickup between several other vehicles, none of which were Hollister’s. A crowd was already gathered under one of the tall pines in the front yard.
“Great,” the old man complained as Ben edged closer to the chaos. “Please, tell me you’re here to do something productive, not just here to gawk like everyone else. I need someone to get that damn thing outta my tree.” He pointed to where a tabby kitten yowled loudly from a high branch on the tree.
Ben squinted, following the old man’s gaze. “Are you sure that’s a cat? It doesn’t look—”
“What else would it be?” Quinn rolled his eyes before glaring at Ben and shoving him toward the god-awful howling the cat in the tree was making. “Do your job, fireman, and get that thing down.” He turned away, muttering something about the woman running the animal sanctuary down the road but Ben didn’t quite catch it and he wasn’t about to risk having the old man rip him a new one again.
“Sure thing, Mr. Quinn,” Ben agreed, wondering again why he’d wanted to be a firefighter. Sweating it out with the cattle on his parents’ ranch sounded a hell of a lot better right now than climbing a tree to get the shit clawed out of him by a frightened kitten.
He glanced around at the large group of neighbors that had come to watch, curious at the interest for a simple kitten stuck in a tree. It wasn’t a big enough deal to warrant this sort of hullabaloo. The kitten yowled louder and Ben had just lifted his foot onto the ladder Quinn had left braced against the side of the tree when Ellie Quinn, the old man’s daughter, hurried to his side.
“Ben, I’m sorry. I tried to get my dad to just leave the poor thing alone, but you know how he is.” She shot him a coy smile and her eyelashes fluttered.
Ellie was a nice woman. The same age as his younger sister and obviously interested in him. She was sweet, kind to everyone she met, a member of the local women’s shelter planning committee and generous to a fault. In fact, she was exactly what he wanted in a woman, plus she had a “girl next door” quality that made her adorable. His mother had been trying to set them up for months, reminding him that he should be giving her grandchildren before she was too old to enjoy them. The problem was, Ben wasn’t attracted to Ellie at all. He wanted to be, but every time he was around her, there was no stirring in him, no warm fuzzies like he’d had with other women. Nothing to get a rise out of him, so to speak, at all. It was almost like he wanted to continually find himself getting screwed over by crazy women. “Don’t worry about it, Ellie,” he said, waving a hand in her direction and looking up the tree. “I’ll just get this guy down and he’ll take off back home.” Ben wasn’t nearly as confident about his ability to get the cat down as he sounded but Ellie was sweet. He couldn’t blame her for her cantankerous father.
She cocked her head and gave him a confused look. “Oh. Um, okay.”
Putting one foot over the other as he climbed the ladder, trying to ignore the jeers and shouts from below, Ben pulled himself into a fork in the tree, hanging his legs over the branch as he straddled it. He could barely see the spotted fluffy coat of the kitten but, from what he could see, it was definitely young. He’d never understand how a stupid animal could get itself into a tree but couldn’t get back out. Then again, it wasn’t like people didn’t get themselves into some pretty precarious positions they couldn’t figure their way out of.
Tucking his feet under him so he was squatting on the limb, grateful for the heavy tread of his work boots, Ben reach for a thick branch to his right, using it to swing him to the V beside where the cat was hiding. The gasp from the onlookers below nearly made him laugh. Sure, falling would be painful but the fifteen-foot landing into mulch couldn’t hurt any more than the second story floor of an old farmhouse collapsing from under him during a call and dropping him into the concrete basement below. Those two fractured ribs had hurt like hell.
Straddling the second branch, he watched the kitten for a moment. The poor animal was scared out of its mind. Its big blue eyes were round with fear and, from this vantage point, he could see that it was a matted mess. Tiny claws clung to the rippled bark of the tree and he wondered how he was possibly going to convince the frightened animal to let go without his very vulnerable bare arm replacing the tree trunk under its claws.
“Here, kitty,” he called quietly. The cat turned toward him and he saw the unmistakable black tufts over the kitten’s ears. It turned away again, edging out onto the branch and he saw the stubby tail.
Holy crap, that is not a cat. It’s a freakin’ bobcat kitten.
“Shit,” he muttered. “That damn brother of mine owes me big time.”
 
 
T. J. Kline was bitten by the horse bug early and began training horses at fourteen—as well as competing in rodeos and winning several rodeo queen competitions—but has always known writing was her first love. She also writes under the name Tina Klinesmith. In her spare time, she can be found spending as many hours as possible laughing hysterically with her husband, teens, and their menagerie of pets in Northern California. That is, when she isn't running around the California Gold Country researching new stories.
Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS
 
 
Q & A with T.J. Kline
Q: Can you tell us a little about your book?
DARING TO FALL is the second in the Hidden Falls series. It’s a small-town, family saga following the McQuaid family, all seven siblings. This story centers around Ben McQuaid, the second oldest, a Hidden Falls firefighter who finds himself torn between his duty to protecting the town and his desire to protect a woman who might be threatened by the people of Hidden Falls. Emma Jordan, on the other hand, is returning to Hidden Falls and her father’s wildlife rescue, after his sudden death, to find that not everyone is excited about her return, or the fact that she’s taking over the sanctuary.

Q: How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
With the Hidden Falls series, I knew I wanted a family saga but I wanted a diverse family unit that, at first glance, seemed so complex they couldn’t possibly be as close as they are. The McQuaids were born. Ben has always been the “responsible” guy, the Jiminy Cricket to the rest of his brothers, and exactly the kind of guy who does you expect of a small-town hero. He needed a woman who would appreciate those aspects of him, even if it meant fighting her attraction to them.
Emma Jordan sort of created herself. The same things that draw her to Ben, frighten her and, oddly enough, are the same things putting her into the predicament she finds herself in. She’s tenacious, loyal and a hero in her own right. Determined to save others who can’t save themselves. However, the idea for an animal sanctuary came because, in spite of all my ambitions to be a writer when I was young, this was the other job I wanted to have – saving (or training) wild animals.
Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I loved the research for this book. As a kid, I spent hours reading about a wide variety of animals, sure that one day that information would serve me. It did, in DARING TO FALL. I would spend one day researching bobcats and the next figuring out exactly which type of dart gun and dosage of medication should be used. Not to mention that I was able to reach out to wildlife rescues, trainers and fireman. What could be better than that?
Q: What gave you the most trouble with this story?
Staying concentrated on the external conflict of their situation. I had a hard time with these two characters not wanting to keep their hands off one another. They have a great chemistry – it burns hot but both have reasons to hold back – and it meshed together well to create a very “real” couple with ups and downs. Unfortunately, if I’d left them to their own devices, I’m not sure the animals would have ever gotten fed.
Q: Name one thing you won’t leave home without.
Easy! My cell phone. I live on it. I made sure the last time I upgraded that I purchased one that would serve me, and my writing, on the go. I do everything from it – reading, emails, texts, appointments, even writing. I can even set my home alarm from it. I even use it to set up playlists for while I’m driving. I’d be lost without it (which is why it has frequent backups!)
Q: What do you like best about being a writer? What is the most challenging part?
The best? The fact that, most days, I don’t even have to brush my teeth if I don’t want to. I do, every day, I swear! But I don’t HAVE to. I have the freedom to style my hair or not, wear PJs all day or dress up. I can set a doctor’s appointment whenever I want to rather than in limited “free” time. I work around vacations and trips, around my kids’ schedules and when I want to. Being a writer has given me more freedom than any job I could ever imagine.
The most challenging? The freedom. When you don’t HAVE to do anything, you have to be self-disciplined to still get up every day and do what needs to be done. There are times, under deadline, when I’ve planned poorly and forgo a trip to the movies. Or, even more difficult, when I’m not under deadline to actually sit in the office chair and put words on the page knowing no one is keeping tabs and I have an entire season of Hart of Dixie waiting for me on my DVR.
Q: What do you do when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, you can either find me hanging out with my husband and kids (two- and four-legged). If I’m not out working with my horses – is it work if it’s something you LOVE to do? – the family loves being outdoors. We’ll take off and go to the beach for the day, hiking in the mountains, or playing in the snow. Living in California, we can pick from all three, in the same week even, and I’ll be taking pictures the entire way. If weather doesn’t permit, you can find us watching movies together with popcorn, pizza, candy and sodas.
Q: Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Be prepared for the “real” life of writing. It’s not all fun and games, pajamas and book signings. Most days, it’s ugly, hard, gut-wrenching work. You will doubt yourself, listen to people rip your work apart and feel like you are crazy for attempting to make this your life. It’s okay…we all live there. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve written one book or nearly twenty, writing is always hard work. But, as I said earlier, is it really work if it’s something you love to do? Never give up on what you love to do, whether it’s writing, painting, acting, debate, mathematics, history, woodworking…do what you love and it will show in the results.
 

Thursday 19 January 2017

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: LIFE OF THE PARTY by KRIS FLETCHER


Enter to Win a $25 Amazon eGift Card
 
 
Life of the Party
Calypso Falls #1
By: Kris Fletcher
Releasing January 17, 2017
Berkley Intermix
 
In Life of the Party (Calypso Falls #1) by Kris Fletcher, now that she's single, working in her sister's coffee shop and living back in Calypso Falls, Jenna Elias wants more out of life. But she knows she's not going to get the fresh start she wants, not with her last name being Elias. Her father's political scandal caused enough trouble in her past, but she's not going to let it rob her of her future. But when Cole Dekker strolls into the coffee shop, there's an instant connection between them. Helping him with his campaign to run for mayor seems like a good idea, but the closer they get, the bigger the trouble brewing. Will they let the past wreck their chance at forever after, or will they fight to prove that Jenna is nothing like her corrupt father?
 
When I read the blurb for this book, it captured my attention immediately and I couldn't wait to read this story, even though I've never read anything by Ms. Fletcher before. From start to finish, this story was riveting, fast-paced and a book I couldn't get enough of due to the main characters, especially Jenna. She's been through so much lately in her life with her accident and then what her husband did, so I was surprised that her outlook on life was still to reach big. She's definitely a fighter, determined to go after what she wants whether in her personal or professional life and all I can say is Cole doesn't stand a chance when she eventually makes up her mind on something she wants.
 
The dialogue was well-written and intense due to the main characters back stories, especially that of the heroine. Her dad being back in her life isn't easy. Will she give him a chance? What will the heroine do to protect Cole from her past? The decisions she has to make throughout this story are also not easy. Can she and Cole achieve happy ever after when there's so much at stake? His political career and her wanting to leave town are completely opposite goals, which made me sympathize at those moments when it seemed they're being together wasn't going to be possible. Because Jenna is always going to be reminded that she's the daughter of a corrupt ex-politician, even though she's never done anything wrong herself.
 
Jenna made this story a worthwhile read, especially the way she handled everything thrown at her. She mixed well with Cole's friends, so much so that the secondary characters entertained me almost as much as the main did. Jenna had a way of winning people over, and really proved how good she is when it comes to public relations; a career she was made for. While Cole, I really liked him. He's smart, confident and I liked getting to know more about his past and his reason for moving back to Calypso Falls. It wasn't surprising that his past led to him pursuing a career in politics. Moreover, he's so open and honest and I liked how far he was willing to go to fight for his and Jenna's happiness. Because they both deserved it, especially after a relationship they've each had in the past left them a tad wary of getting close to someone of the opposite sex again. Still, in saying that, their strong chemistry spills over onto the pages nicely.
 
Overall, this was a fun, delightful and engaging read that encompassed wonderful banter that left me wanting more from the two main characters as well as the secondary ones. The way this story ended was endearing, as Cole had some major groveling to do and what he did to win Jenna back had me smiling through a shine of tears because I was happy for the pair. What a speech he made! However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up perfectly, as I discovered whether Cole won the mayor position. I would recommend Life of the Party by Kris Fletcher, if you enjoy the forbidden romance trope, or are looking for a book where the hero is pursing a career in politics.
 
OVERALL RATING:
 
 

BLURB:
In this all-new contemporary romance series, the five Elias sisters of Calypso Falls, New York, discover that love sometimes arrives in surprising ways...


Jenna Elias was always the life of the party, coasting on her charm and beauty, hiding the shame of the scandal surrounding her absentee father, a corrupt politician. But the party ended all too soon with an injury that left her partially paralyzed and a husband who simply left her. Now, at age thirty, she’s back in Calypso Falls. She leads a simple existence working in her sister’s coffee shop, but Jenna misses the joy she once had in her life. Then Cole Dekker walks into the coffee shop.

As idealistic as he is sexy, the local lawyer is running for mayor of Calypso Falls. Drawn to Jenna’s quick wit and radiance, he asks her to volunteer for his campaign. As the two start working together, there’s no denying the powerful attraction they feel for each other. A desktop makeout session leads to much more. But when Jenna’s dad returns to Calypso Falls and wants to be a part of her life again, the association could spell political suicide for Cole—and the end of a once-in-a-lifetime chance at true love.

Buy Links:      AMAZON | B & N | GOOGLE | ITUNES | KOBO

 

 
Jenna couldn’t quite stop staring at him.
Her rational brain ticked through the points—attractive guy, my age, waiting politely—while something within her urged her to look harder. Deeper. Before she missed something vital.   
                                                                                                                                
Then he raised his eyebrows and tipped his head, and she caught it. The flash of humor. The air of expectancy. The feeling that, in this moment, she was the only thing that mattered to him.
“Could I get a coffee, please?”
Hello, reality, you cruel bitch.
“Um . . . sure. Sorry. I’ll be right with you.”
Okay. So his desperate focus had been not on her, but the caffeine she represented. Nothing wrong with that. Better, even, than the possibilities being offered up by her imagination.
She returned to the register and focused on the order she needed to modify. It would be a lot easier if she wasn’t certain that he was following her every move, watching her hands glide across the keyboard like they held Harry Potter’s wand. Or maybe he was the one with the magic. It certainly took all of her resolve to stay on task when she had this sense that she was being compelled to turn back to him.
Lucky for her, learning to walk again had taught her a few things about determination.
At last the receipt was modified. She braced herself and returned to Mr. Compelling with the practiced smile she kept in her pocket for any situation requiring tact and/or faking.
“Sorry for the delay. One coffee, right?”
“Right. Milk, no sugar.”
“Let me deliver these and I’ll get right on that.”
She reached for the tray, but he placed a hand across it.
“Hang on,” he said.
Well, hell. There was nothing like watching a guy turn into an entitled, demanding jerk to crash through the Hormone Net.
“I’ll be right back.” She said it firmly, resisting the urge to explain playground rules about taking turns to him.
“That’s going to the table in the corner, right? The loud group?” At her nod, he added, “I’m with them. Add my coffee to the bill, let me pay up, and I’ll do the delivery myself.”
Her first thought was that Aunt Margie had got things seriously wrong when she said that all men were shortsighted asses who couldn’t see beyond the ends of their peckers.
Her second was that he’d caught her limping and felt sorry for her.
She straightened her shoulders, her backbone, her hips. “Thanks, but I can manage.”
“Sure you can. But I’m heading that way anyway.”
“That’s very kind of you, but I’ve kept them waiting long enough.”
“Yeah, well, I kept them waiting longer. If I come bearing gifts, they might be more forgiving.” The grin flashed again. “In fact, why don’t you toss a few of those muffins on the tray, too. I have a lot of groveling ahead. It might go better if I feed the beasts before I throw myself on their mercy.”
How was a girl supposed to resist that?

 

Kris Fletcher writes about small towns, big families, and the love that grows despite them. She has a thing for underdogs, which probably explains her lifelong devotion to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Kris shares her central New York home - fondly known as Casa Kitty – with her husband, kids, two cats, and a large population of wild killer dust bunnies. You can learn more about Kris, her books, and the view from her balcony at www.krisfletcher.com

Author Links:   WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS