Would like to wish you and yours a happy, bountiful Christmas holidays.
Hope you got some time off, indulging in some good food, drinks and a good book.
For those of you who have to work, THANK YOU!
If you are not celebrating Xmas, celebrate life and toast your loved ones, hug them if you can, call them if you can’t. Life is short and too many good ones leave us too soon.
I appreciate all of you for being here and cheering me on in doing what I love spreading the word about my BBF and BGF in the books I love and the authors dreaming them up.
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Until next time, happy book reading / listening and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
I have another heroine from the anthology, check out our chat!
Welcome!
What is your full name? Rachel Thutchet
Do you have a nickname? Rach
What is one word best describes you? Photoshop guru
Describe what you are wearing now to our readers. You caught me after my swim team practice so I’m wearing my team swimsuit and a beach towel.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? About. She’s a little too old to understand me perfectly since I’m 18, but hey, I’m good.
What makes you laugh out loud? Kevin, my best friend Kathy and the swim team.
What is your favourite dessert? Tiramisu. I blame the author. All of her characters love Tiramisu. Mine too YUM
What is your favourite drink? Cherry coke.
What is your greatest fear? Getting last place in a swim race. Well, that’s second. Confessing to Kevin. That was my biggest fear for years.
What is your favourite colour? Royal purple.
What do you wear when you go to sleep? Nightdress. I hate pajama pants. Too long.
What is the perfect romantic date? The place where I had the most fun with the guy of my dreams.
How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish? I’m not. No. I’m not. Not. No.
What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of? Clean laundry.
When you look at a man what catches your interest? How he treats others.
Do you have somebody in your life now? Well, you have to read my story to find out.
What is one word best describes him? McFly.
Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series? No. My story is my own. What you read is what you get.
Thank you for chatting with me, I am looking forward to reading your story too.
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Rachel’s book is Yearbook’s Love Letter by Angelina Kerner, a new author for me.
Yearbook’s Love Letter: It’s time to confess to a secret love, but will her letter in his yearbook be enough to bring them together?
Author Bio
Angelina Kerner is an author of paranormal and lighthearted romance. She’s the wife of a photographer/physicist, and the mother of a cute little toddler, but she’s also been a dancer, a psychologist, an anthropologist, a geographer, a dreamer, and an adventurer. She does her best writing while being bothered by her cats, taking care of her son, in dressing rooms while waiting for family to try on clothing, and at home in sunny California. Angelina loves to play goddess-dragon matchmaker, transporting readers to a place where young goddesses have lovable flaws, the Fates plan to dethrone, the universe is endless and untamed, and dragons roam free! She also loves to write carefree romance where one can finish reading with a smile.
The amazing and wonderful authors from the ‘Sinners & Saints’ anthology have cooked up something extra special for all y’all! You’re getting a bunch of goodies and stories for just .99! You know what… them Sinners want to thank all you Saints for pre-ordering your copy of SINNERS & SAINTS – 15+ Sinful Stories at a Saintly price!
It just takes 3 easy steps!
and 2. Do your happy dance after you pre-order SINNERS & SAINTS from B&N, Apple, and/or Amazon for just $0.99 (click on the banner above)
There is also a Rafflecopter giveaway going on now, for a $50 Amazon GC !!!! Click on the logo below and it will take you to it.
This concludes the chat series for the anthology. Hope you enjoyed them and will come back to tell me how you liked the stories after the release day, January 12, 2021! I can’t wait to dive in!
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Until next time, happy book reading / listening and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
Another… UHM … surprise visit from the Elves, I LOVE IT! Read on to find out the shenanigans they cooked up again.
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I can’t believe my eyes. I am standing in the middle of my living room, wearing Christmas PJ’s, eating a sandwich, and generally looking frumpy when the door bursts open and Ilénè walks, or should I say struts, through the doorway and strikes a pose.I have arrived.
Suddenly I feel like Phyllis Diller in comparison. Ilénè should be outlawed, especially dressed in a red gown that looks like half of it was forgotten on the cutting table. She is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous in it anyway. ‘Yup,’ I think to myself, ‘She has definitely arrived.’ Sigh.
Without losing a beat, Ilénè continues. I have brought you something to make your day. Wait until you see them.
I could have groaned as I think, ‘Not another Elite Guard costume. I still have barely gotten the nerve collected to pull the other one back out of the closet from the last time Ilénè visited.’ I am not about to tell her that though.
As I bend to put my sandwich down, Ilénè waves my awkwardness away and continues.Please, continue with your lunch.She then looks at my slippers and smiles. When I look down at my feet she giggles and admits,I was looking for the pink bunnies with the beady eyes, but you don’t have them. Would you like a pair?
I must look horrified by the idea and Ilénè gives a sigh. I guess not. You are no fun at all.
I can’t help but look like I have been struck by lightning. Whatever Ilénè has been eating must be causing her euphoric mood, I wonder if she has more. I could use some of that for myself. I also wonder if it would help me look more like her.
Anyway,Ilénè continues.I thought I would bring the Eagle Claw twins to help make your day. Have you met Cambria and Gabriella yet?
My eyes grow large as I ask, You mean THE Cambria and Gabriella Eagle Claw from ‘The Legacy’?
Ilénè looks suddenly abashed. I guess I should have brought them here sooner, they are adults now and ready to meet their own Life Mates. Anders and T’Harris are so dreamy, not as much as Kestriel, but still nice. I might bring those two here at a later date if I can pry them away from their Life Mates. You are the type to really go for T’Harris. He is pure gentleman with a touch of drop-dead male thrown in. Well, more than just a touch, but don’t tell Kestriel or Gabriella I said so. Anyway, here they are, Gabriella and Cambria. If you only knew how much T’Harris IS my type.
As Ilénè introduces them, two nearly identical Elven females walk through the door. I can tell which one is which though. Cambria is dressed in green and Gabriella in red. They are both absolutely beautiful, and I can tell they are equally deadly in their own way.
With a slight bow, I welcome them to my home. Please come in.
Cambria looks devilish as she replies,As it is so close to Christmas, we have brought you gifts. This is from an Elf who goes by the name Athïan, he says you will get to meet him in the future and he is looking forward to it. He says I am to tell you he picked each bloom personally, and they are the best of the lot.Cambria hands me a huge bouquet of Star Flowers, and they look as well as smell heavenly. I move quickly to find something to put them in and Cambria conjures a cut glass vase for me. It only takes a moment for me to put them in water, which Cambria insists on purifying.
Gabriella watches the proceedings with collected amusement. When things settle again, she holds out a package that is about as long as my hand and forearm together. I think you may need this, but watch how you use it.
I rip open the wrapping and find an Elven knife and it is exquisite. How did she knows I love knives? As I am about to touch the blade in pure wonder, Gabriella warns, Be careful, the edge is extremely sharp.
I give a fixated nod of understanding, even as I watch blood pool in the palm of my hand from a tiny cut on a finger.
Gabriella looks embarrassed, while Cambria touches the cut to heal it. I told you not to make it that sharp. I doubt if she did much more than barely touch the edge.
Gabriella defends herself. I didn’t think it was THAT sharp. I have much sharper ones in my arsenal at home. I am sorry Enikő.She then turns to Cambria and Ilénè and warns, You better not breathe a word of this to Athïan, I have enough problems with that Elf. He is so full of himself.
You have bigger worries than Athïan coming up, Gabriella,Ilénè reminds her. Your story is about to come up, but first we deal with Cambria’s. A thoroughly Elven look enters Ilénè’s eyes and she smiles at her friends as she quietly confides in me. You will feel much better about how you look right now in a year from now if you see them again.She then runs her hands down her svelte body and purrs, Of course I will be the one with the curves all in the right places.
My eyes grow large as I look at Ilénè, and she gives a smug grin as she whispers, You already know that Eagle Claws breed like rabbits, but you will learn more about these two at a later date.
Gabriella looks daggers at Ilénè, as does Cambria, and Ilénè heads for the door.It is time for me to leave. Enjoy the rest of your visit. Ta-ta.
There is no rest of the visit as Cambria and Gabriella tear off after Ilénè, only the sound of threats coming from the twins, and the sound of Ilénè’s laughter. Before it goes quiet, I hear Ilénè’s voice in my mind, They are so much fun when they are like this.
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As you can see, the Elves did their usual whirlwind entry and exit, leaving me bewildered and amused at the same time. I should be used to them by now, but nope… and I love every minute of it. Ilene visited me before when this book was part of the KaLiCon 2019 bundle, a present from few of the authors participating in the event. If you missed that chat, check it out here. You can also read an excerpt there too 😉
You will get to see more of their escapades in a new novella in the Guardians of the Empire series by M. A. Abraham , The Legend, releasing December 20, 2020.
A short story from the Elven Empire where I would love to move once M.A. convinces one of the Elven Mages to open a portal for me 😉
cover designed by me 😉
Born with the same talents as her illustrious ancestor, the High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Claw, Gabriella grows into her powers. It is not an easy road for the young Elven girl to walk, for as Gabriel’s father had expected great things from his well endowed son, so does her father expect the same things from her.
Cambria is Gabriella’s twin and partner in crime. She is a Tratchar with as much talent as her ancestress, Eden. With her best friend at her side, Ilénè, the Dark Elven Princess, they seek to ease the path that has been set out for them.
This is a coming of age story of how the Legacy of the Eagle Claw family that was missing from the Eagle Claw lineage returns. It is a symbol of power and might no one in the Empire has seen since Gabriel commanded the Combined Armed Forces.
My review: 5 stars It was a great peek into Gabriella’s childhood and have a better understanding on why she is the way she is as an adult. The three friends are a hoot. I recommend it with 5 stars and not just for the ones following the GOTE series, as it can be read as a standalone too. A new reader would get a taste of the amazing stories the author can spin.
Make sure you sign up to Ms. Abraham’s blog and follow on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date.
To celebrate the release, Ms. Abraham will gift one of you with the ebook copy of The Legacy. Tell me which cover of the series is your fave. Sexy Mr. Random will pick a winner from the comments after 3pm EST on release day, December 20, 2020. Good luck!
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Until next time, happy book reading / listening and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
We have another heroine showing up for a chat. Check it out.
What is your full name? Hey there! My name is Lainey Pickett!waves
Do you have a nickname? Well my twin sister calls me a lot of things- mainly late 😂 otherwise I’m a fairly clumsy witch…. shhhh
What is one word best describes you? Amazing? Crafty definitely.
Describe what you are wearing now to our readers. Let’s see, my blonde hair is down and just to my shoulders. I’m wearing casual denim jeans that are worn by design. I’ve got on my blue and white Cross Trainers and a navy blue shirt.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? Oh yes! I think Shaunna is worthy of every award she’s brought in. Granted the idea for me was hers but I owned the book baby! Right here! I weaved a magical spell and girl had no idea what hit her…blows on fingers
What makes you laugh out loud? Mainly my sister but truthfully, we own a magic shop and I cannot tell you the blown spells we’ve watched come through the door. Hair on fire, transfiguration gone wrong. Love potions literally blown up and bad, brothers turned to toads… yup it’s a laugh a second at the magic shop.
What is your favourite dessert? Anything with chocolate and whipped cream. Yes, chocolate is the best.
What is your favourite drink? Coffee of course Viennese Cappuccino?
What is your greatest fear? Ooh let’s see…. losing my magical powers?
What is your favourite colour? Pink! Well wait – Tiffany blue!
What do you wear when you go to sleep? It depends on if I’m alone or not 😜 I’ve got a new boyfriend! The man I’ve waited my whole five hundred years for! So nothing if he’s with me. Otherwise shirt and panties.
What is the perfect romantic date? Nothing expensive. I’m a casual kind of girl. Flowers are nice but I say pizza and movies and a bottle of wine.
How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish? Ooh I’m not
What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of? Leather – I have no idea but I love vanilla too
When you look at a man what catches your interest? Totally his shoes, then his eyes and his personality.
Do you have somebody in your life now? YES!!!
What is one word best describes him? OMG to die for gorgeous and perfect in every single way. Tall, blue eyes, laid back and brilliant.
Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series? Yes! It is totally a part of a series!!! It’s a part of The Magic Touch Series! There’s more murder, mystery, magic, laughs and romance to come in each spellbinding book!
Thank you Lainey for chatting with me, looking forward to reading your story. Thank you for having me!!! Mwah 💋 I can’t wait to go on adventures with all of you!
I’d like to thank my favorite author, Shaunna Rodriguez for bringing me to life and Eniko for interviewing me today! Eek! My 15 of fame! No one is gonna believe it! I’m famous!!!!! LOL you are too funny! You are most welcome!
Lainey Pickett & her sister Kourtney know a thing or two about magic their skills in not only finding the body of a missing girl who is presumed dead, but her murderer, will put all their skills to the test…. including survival.
Author Bio
Shaunna Rodriguez is an award winning, best selling author. She has written multiple books in every genre and tries to release a new one often. Her hobbies include reading, writing, crocheting, traveling the world and spending time with friends.
The amazing and wonderful authors from the ‘Sinners & Saints’ anthology have cooked up something extra special for all y’all! You’re getting a bunch of goodies and stories for just .99! You know what… them Sinners want to thank all you Saints for pre-ordering your copy of SINNERS & SAINTS – 15+ Sinful Stories at a Saintly price!
It just takes 3 easy steps!
and 2. Do your happy dance after you pre-order SINNERS & SAINTS from B&N, Apple, and/or Amazon for just $0.99 (click on the banner above)
Great news! Book 2 in A Warrior’s Passion Series by one of my fave authors, Natasza Waters just released.
The only thing stopping Navy SEAL Josh Hunter from igniting the embers between him and Dixie is the psychopath hunting her.
Dixie’s fresh start in San Diego eclipses into a nightmare. Not only does she have to deal with a stalker who’s been on her tail for years, but the man who broke her heart strides into her shop hotter, broader, and braver than she remembers. Dixie has two choices: Run or make a stand with the man she nearly married.
Josh drops by the Erotic Bean for a cup of java and finds Dixie Hammond behind the counter. Their reunion goes as expected. The unforgettable spitfire orders him out of her shop. Emotions aside, she needs his protection. With Alpha Squad’s help, Josh removes his combat boots and hunts his target as a civilian. Something he’s willing to do for the woman who heats his body temperature to boiling.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? I’ve been looking forward to reading their story ever since I read book one. If you remember I had the hero from book 1, Cricket Under Fire, for a chat about a year ago, if you missed it, check it out here. Will Josh become one of my BBF too? I have no doubt 😉 1-click 😀
If you have not read it yet, you are in luck, book 1 is on sale for a limited time.
Writing has always been a passion. I spent thirty-four years with the Coast Guard, but retirement recently called, and I answered. I’m blessed to live on the west coast with my husband who also spent his career in a technical field. No more shift work or long separations from the family for me, and he’s stopped flying to the four corners of the world. There’s a great hum of contentment around our homestead. He’s also my sounding board when writer’s block strikes.
Crafting stories with pieces snipped from real life gives depth to a novel. Of course, action, suspense and romance is the goal of keeping readers entertained. Three of my books have been honored with awards, and that’s always a welcome pat on the back, but it’s folks who love to read and their reviews that offer the QA authors look for.
When I’m not attached to my keyboard, the husband and I love to camp. We travel in a forty-foot fifth wheel for long hauls, and what we affectionately call the Wiener Wagon, a twenty-two-foot travel trailer for…you guessed it, roasting wieners and short hauls.
Life truly does pass by at warp speed. Make the most of it. Smile. Laugh. And read books, because there’s no better vacation than the journey you take in your favorite chair with a good story.
To learn about all the books, and keep in touch with Ms. Waters, follow the links.
Today I have another heroine from the Sinners and Saints anthology chatting with me and she is very interesting. Read on!
What is your full name? Ora
Do you have a nickname? You can just call me Ora. It’s better that way for me if you don’t know the rest… besides, most people don’t like half-breeds from… never mind you don’t need to know that either.
What is one word best describes you? The word I would use to describe me? Or the word Dio would use to describe me? No, wait, it’s the same…thief.
Describe what you are wearing now to our readers. Brown leather trousers and a white shirt. Nothing fancy. I left my coat in my room, it’s the only truly flashy thing about me. Red with gold embellishments. If my mother could see it, she’d have a cow. Red doesn’t blend in well with the forests of my homeland. It’s not real great for a thief either, but… everyone has their vice, I suppose.
Do you think the author portrayed you accurately? No. She made me nicer than I am. I mean, sort of. I deserved worse, and she gave me better. Dio would probably agree with my assessment.
What makes you laugh out loud? Laughter is just a mask you show to people to make them think you’re normal. Smiles, grins, guffaws and snorts, people get uncomfortable if you don’t do those things. I laugh when others laugh. It helps me blend in.
What is your favourite dessert? Figs. And before you ask, no, not figgy pudding or fig cookies or pie or whatever. Just figs. I stole one once from a noble’s garden. He had the tree in a pot that he claimed was his pride and joy. Everyone in the city came to beg him for one of his little treats, and he’d charge them three silver pieces for a fig barely big enough to take a bite from. Oh, well, so, I should say I stole the fig tree, and then ate a fig from it. What was the question again?
I can’t help it, I laugh, she cracks me upI love figs too, especially freshly picked form the tree.
What is your favourite drink? Ale. Give me a good, strong draught of ale, doesn’t matter what kind, and I’m happy.
What is your greatest fear? Pass. I didn’t tell you my name so you couldn’t use it against me. Do you really think I’d tell you my fear?she laughsLook at that, you made me laugh out loud. I guess there is another answer to that question.
What is your favourite colour? Red. Burgundy. Crimson. Any variation thereof. Red is my favorite color. Or black.
What do you wear when you go to sleep? What do I wear when I go to sleep? Sorry. Personal questions put me on edge. Yes, I know, Dio, I’m being a brat. Shut it. Where was I? Right. Uhm, I suppose bedclothes? Nothing? I mean, half the time I sleep in the trees hiding from one caper to the other so… whatever I was wearing during the day is what I wear at night, I guess.
What is the perfect romantic date? Dark stone hallways. Massive locked gate at the end. A pair of lock picks and the threat of discovery at any minute. One candle, flickering, while we work at opening the door that keeps us from all the treasure within. Breaking through and finding a pile of gold to lie down upon and — That’s not normal, is it? I guess 😀
Damn and blast. I meant to say dinner, and flowers, and, uhm, figs. You are too funny, either is good, whatever makes you happy 😉
How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish? I’m not ticklish. Ticklish is a human reaction to an undefinable threat. I know what threatens me. And never once has anyone used “tickling” to try and make me crack… Dio says my feet. Bloody shut up, Dio!
What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of? Bergamot and thunderstorms. Curled up in a bed with… he… who I don’t like at the moment… tucked in close around me while the wind howls and the rain pelts outside.
When you look at a man what catches your interest? … Dio … I don’t know what else to say. He’s just ….she looks at himyou’re just… everything. awwwweee
Do you have somebody in your life now? Diorlin Alawastas… I probably shouldn’t have told you his whole name, but this is just between us, right?
What is one word best describes him? … thief …
Is your book part of a series? Nope
Thank you Ora for chatting with me, thanks Dio for tagging along. I am so looking forward to reading your story.
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Would you agree with me that this is another chat that piqued your curiosity? I can’t wait for the anthology to release.
Ora hails from The Raven Thief by one of my fave authors, Andi Lawrencovna.
Once Upon a Time…
No, not once upon a time, because this is no fairy tale, and a thief doesn’t deserve a Happily-Ever-After.
This is the story of a woman who thought she could have whatever she wanted without consequences, and in the stealing, lost the one thing she wanted most.
It’s the story of the man she left behind, who could never let her go.
Only this time, if he fights to stay with her, it could mean more than just their deaths, but that of their world.
Orali never thought that Diorlin would agree to work with her again, and even if he did, that he would never feel the way he had in the past for her, or that her feelings wouldn’t have changed either.
If only love were enough to fight against the power of The Raven Thief.
Author Bio
Andi Lawrencovna lives in Northeast Ohio where she was born and raised. She has spent nearly her entire life in the same area, minus the semester she spent studying abroad in England. Though she has not gone back recently, her lifelong goal is to open a pub in one of the small little towns in the Cotswold’s and shear sheep in the backyard during the slow hours of the day. Or, barring that, write about a pub keep with sheep who gets abducted by trolls or enspelled by a siren. Either path works for her.
Her mad-schemes of world pub domination currently are on the back burner while she endeavors to pass on her love of literature and writing to local area writers groups and panels.
The amazing and wonderful authors from the ‘Sinners & Saints’ anthology have cooked up something extra special for all y’all! You’re getting a bunch of goodies and stories for just .99! You know what… them Sinners want to thank all you Saints for pre-ordering your copy of SINNERS & SAINTS – 15+ Sinful Stories at a Saintly price!
It just takes 3 easy steps!
and 2. Do your happy dance after you pre-order SINNERS & SAINTS from B&N, Apple, and/or Amazon for just $0.99 (click on the banner above)
Remember I posted my 5-star review for this awesome book a few weeks ago?
Released today and I hope you give it a chance.
CREDITS: Photo by Wander Aguiar, Design by Hang Le
Secrets, desires, and exquisite pie. It’s all in a day’s work at The Company.
Growing up, I was the rough guy from the wrong neighborhood who couldn’t catch a break. Posy was the pampered girl I tried to impress. But I managed to steal only a single kiss before I had to skip town.
Now I’m back, and the tables are turned. Posy runs a struggling pie shop. I’m the VP of a secretive billion-dollar security company.
Not that I can tell her.
There’s a murderer on the loose in New York, and he seems to spend a lot of time at Posy’s shop. I can’t let on that I’m here to bring him down before he can harm a hair on her pretty head.
Going undercover as Posy’s new barista wasn’t my idea. I don’t even drink coffee. But now I have to call her “boss,” and do everything the curvy perfectionist asks of me. I’d forgotten how much we infuriate each other, and that she somehow fills me with both irritation and desire in the same breath.There’s nobody more skilled at stealth ops than me. I can bring this killer down. Right after I take a cold shower. And just as soon as I figure out how to make a skinny peppermint latte with milk poured in the shape of a kitten…
Earlier, I’d spotted him even before he came into the bar. I watched him get out of that cab and then check the time. I saw him look toward the pub, weighing his choices.
My heart had thumped along with only one word. Please.
Fine—not my heart. It was other parts of me who were doing all the begging. Silently, of course. Speaking up seems impossible right now. What if he laughs in my face? Or—this might even be worse—what if he says yes? And then we get naked and I can’t satisfy him?
You’re not very adventurous, Spalding said. You’re not very good in bed.
My ex is the only person I’ve ever been naked with. And thanks to him, I’m afraid to try again with someone else. If another man tells me I’m no fun, I don’t know how I’d come back from that.
On the other hand, if I don’t get out of this rut, then Spalding wins. Maybe I sound melodramatic, but I don’t want to die before I experience terrific sex.
It’s really no surprise that my drink disappears quickly.
“Look, you don’t have to tell me what’s on your mind,” Gunnar muses, and I realize I’ve been silent for some time. “But something has you deep in thought.”
“Rhubarb,” I blurt. “It’s, uh, something I’ve used in springtime pies. But, um, I wonder if I could do better than strawberry rhubarb—that’s been done, you know?”
His smile widens. “Is that an occupational hazard? You can’t eat or drink anything without reconfiguring it in your mind?”
“Yep.” I wave at the bartender. “Another round of these if you wouldn’t mind.”
“Are you trying to get me drunk?” Gunnar asks. “Please say yes.”
My pulse picks up, because it’s hard to miss the innuendo there. But I dodge the question, because I’ve never been brave. “As if two cocktails and a beer would put you under my spell.”
“Oh, I’m easy,” Gunnar says, giving me an intentionally sleazy wink. “Besides, your pies have already made me slow and agreeable. That key lime and Thai basil pie was amazing. That stuff is dangerous.”
“You like my key lime and Thai basil?” I ask, hearing pleasure in my own voice. It never gets old when people tell you how much they like the product. “And I guess it figures that you’d be one of those.”
“One of what?”
“You have an adventurous palate.” I prop an elbow on the bar and try to explain. “People fall into two distinct groups. There’re the ones who always order the weird flavors. And the Dutch apple pie crew, who always stick to the basics. They don’t cross over. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.”
Thanks to Spalding. He basically accused me of being a Dutch apple pie in bed. The whole reason I’m reading my sister’s romance novels is to try to learn what the other flavors are like.
“Huh,” Gunnar says. “So, you can just guess which other pies I’ve tried?”
“Sure, I can. Did you try the pine nut and salted honey?”
“Oh, hell yes.”
My smile grows wide. “How about the matcha green tea tart?”
“Well,” he shakes his head, “I gotta say I haven’t quite gone there yet. But I did enjoy the vinegar date pie.”
“Ah! And the ginger mango cream, right?” I press.
“Yeah. Does that make me predictable?”
“A little bit,” I say, enjoying myself immensely. “Have you started doing that thing where you try to guess each customer’s guilty pleasure?”
He laughs. “Get out of my head. It’s my new favorite game.”
“How’s your accuracy?”
“Pretty bad. I started off trying to use clothing as a clue. I expected somebody wearing a navy blue suit and boring shoes to order the apple crumble. But that theory bombed. And then I tried to assume that people in workout clothes wouldn’t pick something sugary. But they totally do.”
“You have to look deep inside their souls,” I tease. “If you look at the shell of a person, you’ll never get their pie order right. In fact, you have to look at their auras.”
He snorts. “What color is my aura?”
“Indigo, like tattoo ink. But with a streak of red because you’re contrary.”
He narrows his eyes. “You’re just fucking with me now.”
“Maybe I am.”
“Okay, lady. But I have an issue with something you said earlier.”
“What?”
“Guilty pleasures.” He lays a hand over my wrist. “I don’t believe in those. I don’t think pleasure should make you feel guilty.”
“Oh.” He’s barely touching me, but goosebumps run up my arm anyway. Now would be a great time to make a joke and diffuse all the tension I’m suddenly feeling. But I feel too tongue-tied to pull it off.
Gunnar removes his hand, which is a disappointment. But the next thing he says stuns me back into goosebump territory. “You know, I always had it bad for you.”
“You … what?” I ask stupidly.
“Back when we were tending bar, I had a big crush on you. And sometimes I thought you were on the same page. I usually have good instincts about these things. But not that time. You ended up with Mr. Pretty Boy Preppy instead.”
My heart is thumping wildly now, and I take a sip of my cocktail to steady my nerves. The truth is that I don’t really trust this little revelation. We used to annoy each other, for one thing. But maybe that didn’t matter to Gunnar’s libido. He was a horny college boy. He probably had it bad for all the girls.
Still. “What if I’m the one who has terrible instincts? Did you ever think of that? And did you miss the part where I divorced Mr. Preppy?”
“Mmm,” he says thoughtfully. “I suppose that might explain a few things.”
“You’re the one who left, anyway.”
His eyes narrow. “Do you really think if I’d stuck around, things would have turned out differently? I spent three months giving you the fuck-me eyes, Paxton. But you didn’t take me up on it.”
Oh mother of God. His gaze is turning hot, and I think it might incinerate me. And then I remember why we never hooked up in the first place.
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You can check the audio excerpt too on my review post too.
Sarina Bowen is the award-winning author of more than thirty contemporary novels. She has hit the USA Today bestseller’s list thirteen times and counting. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.
Sarina is a New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country since the 1760s. Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. On a few wooded acres, she lives with her husband, two boys, and an ungodly amount of ski and hockey gear.
Sarina’s books are published in a dozen languages on four continents.
To keep in touch with Ms. Bowen and check out all her yummy books, check out the links to social media.
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Until next time… read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!
USA Today Bestselling author Deborah Cooke writes paranormal romance and contemporary romance; she also writes medieval romance as New York Times bestselling author Claire Delacroix.
SEELKs fire & ice 
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