Monday, March 30, 2020

Mini Review: Highland Sword by May McGoldrick


Publication Date: March 31st 2020 by St.Martin's Paperbacks
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

A VOW FOR VENGEANCE
Fleeing to the Highlands after her father’s murder, fiery Morrigan Drummond has a score to settle with Sir Rupert Burney, the English spymaster responsible for his death. Trained to fight alongside the other rebels determined to break Britain’s hold on Scotland, she swears to avenge her father’s death—until a chance encounter with a barrister as proud and principled as she is presents her with a hard choice…and a bittersweet temptation. 
A PLEA FOR PASSION
Aidan Grant has never encountered another woman like dangerous beauty Morrigan—and he has the bruises to prove it. Yet she could be the key to defending two innocent men, as well as striking a death blow to the reprehensible Burney. Convincing Morrigan to help him will take time, but Aidan is willing to wait if it means victory over corrupt government forces and freedom for his people…and Morrigan’s hand in marriage. Can two warriors committed to a cause stand down long enough to open their hearts to a love fierce enough to last…forever?

My Thoughts:
This story touches on real-life historical events with the British and Scots at odds, Scots enduring harsh conditions and oppression by the ones who were supposed to rule and protect them. I’m not well versed at all in the history that is the backdrop for this story, but it seems that the human condition is the same in any time period gone by.

I loved Aiden and Morrigan’s story! At odds at first, with lots of back and forth, while the sexual tension sparked between them.  Love the fun push and pull! Both had their motivations, each striving for right, and the good of their people, but I felt the care and devotion between them.  They thought of others before themselves and it was inspiring.

Okay, so am I the only reader who can’t put their thoughts together for a proper review? I’m sure my words don’t properly highlight this story, but I can tell you that I really enjoyed Highland Sword! It managed to take me away from all the Covid-19 worries and entertain me.  The perfect escape!

4 Suns



About the authors:
USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo and Jim wrote their first MAY MCGOLDRICK romance using historical figures that Jim researched while earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature. Nikoo, a mechanical engineer, is a born storyteller. She is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Together, they have crafted over forty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical and contemporary novels and two works of nonfiction under the pseudonyms May McGoldrick and Jan Coffey.

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Sunday Post #69


The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. 

It's been slow at the hospital ever since the "shelter-in-place" order took effect in California with all elective and outpatient services mostly canceled. I'm happy about that, but just worried that this might be the calm before the storm. I hope it's because everything was locked down and slowed the spread of Covid-19. I had Thursday and Friday off for a planned vacation, but ended up going to our place up north instead because those plans got canceled. This wasn't a bad change:



We took a inter-tube and coasted down the hill a bunch of times, and made a snowman. Our place only had a dusting of snow which melted pretty quickly, but this was a 30 minutes up the hill. 


Read:
(Click on cover for Goodreads link)

i

Loved Highland Sword, Chasing Cassandra, and A Murderous Relation, all historical reads.  Wish I could've said the same about From Alaska With Love. I was lured in by a cute cover only to be disappointed by a push-over heroine and a hateful bunch of secondary characters. 

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:
(Click on cover for Goodreads link:)


Love Maisey Yates' cowboy romances so I grabbed a copy of Secrets from a Happy Marriage. I'm curious to see how she does with a story that sounds a little more like women's fiction than romance. Cowboy Come Home sounded like a great second chance romance, and I can't hardly resist one of those. 

Watched:


I've watched this before, but it's a great escapist sort of movie! Lots of action, and a bit of fun. And can I just say I want to be Rita (Emily Blunt's character)?!! She's totally kick-ass!

How was your week?



Monday, March 23, 2020

Review: A Murderous Relation by Deanna Raybourn


Publication Date: March 10th 2020 by Berkley Books
Pages: 336
Source: Publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

About the book:

Veronica Speedwell navigates a dark world of scandal and murder in this new adventure from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Veronica Speedwell and her natural historian colleague Stoker are asked by Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk to help with a potential scandal so explosive it threatens to rock the monarchy. Prince Albert Victor is a regular visitor to the most exclusive private club in London, known as the Club de l'Etoile, and the proprietess, Madame Aurore, has received an expensive gift that can be traced back to the prince. Lady Wellie would like Veronica and Stoker to retrieve the jewel from the club before scandal can break.

Worse yet, London is gripped by hysteria in the autumn of 1888, terrorized by what would become the most notorious and elusive serial killer in history, Jack the Ripper--and Lady Wellie suspects the prince may be responsible.

Veronica and Stoker reluctantly agree to go undercover at Madame Aurore's high class brothel, where another body soon turns up. Many secrets are swirling around Veronica and the royal family--and it's up to Veronica and Stoker to find the truth, before it's too late for all of them.
My Thoughts:
Oh, I just loved this one! Since Veronica is being honest with her feelings for Stoker, and Stoker shows in every way that Veronica is it for him, I’m not stressing or feeling frustration over their romance. There was a sensual quality to one of the situations they find themselves in and the sexual tension between Stoker and Veronica was palpable at times! Loved it!

However, this one had me on the edge for different reasons. The situation Veronica and Stoker get into was dicey at times and I was worried at how they were going to get out of it! Thrills, suspense and a couple surprises.  I loved every minute! The murders by Jack the Ripper play a side part in the story and I enjoyed how Ms. Raybourn shone a light on the victims instead of making Jack the Ripper the focus as a majority of stories do.

I read this installment, but I’ve also listened to the audio versions in the past, and I have to say Angele Masters performance has been brilliant! She narrates this newest installment as well, so if you’re an audio lover you’re in for a treat!

4.5 Suns



Saturday, March 21, 2020

Sunday Post #68


The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. 

So, this whole Covid-19 is a huge thing.  A scary thing for me, to be honest.  I live in Southern California which is now on complete lock-down except for essential businesses which include me, as I work in a hospital. We're all nervous, and I've had to itemize (in a form to the higher ups) the inventory of all available protective gear for my department: as in face masks/sanitizing wipes/gowns.  I think the next two weeks will show the effectiveness of  "sheltering in place" which I think is an essential move to help curtail the spread of the virus. I hope it works! I hope people respect the orders!
Stay at home and read if you can! Or go on a beautiful hike like I did when I was off over the weekend: 



Read:
(Click on cover for Goodreads link:)

So yeah, I've been having trouble concentrating and reading so these are the only two books I got through. One of Us is Next was a fun audiobook, and I loved The Sea Glass Cottage even though it felt a little on the long side. Could've been that my head was straining to keep up with all the Covid-19 news!

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:
Click on cover for Goodreads link:


I couldn't resist Netgalley's offer of "read it now" for What You Wish For after reading and loving What You Save in a Fire. I have no idea what the book is about, but I'm sure I'll love it because Katherine Center wrote it. Smoke Bitten! I love the Mercy Thompson series and I was denied and ARC copy of the latest, so I purchased an e-book copy as well as an audio copy. I'll listen as soon as I finish a couple of library audios. 

Watched:


Contagion came out in 2011, but the similarities to what is happening today is UNCANNY!!! It was scarily real to what's going on right now!

Also watched:


So funny and a nice change the channel to what's going on now!



 How was your week?


Friday, March 20, 2020

Mini Review: The Sea Glass Cottage by RaeAnne Thayne


The Sea Glas Cottage by Rae Anne Thaye
Publication Date: March 17th 2020 by HQN Books
Pages: 384
Source: Publisher
Purchase Links: Amazon | B & N | Harlequin | Books-A-Million | Target
Walmart | Google | iBooks | Indiebound

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new novel for fans of Debbie Macomber and Susan Wiggs. RaeAnne Thayne tells the story of an emotional homecoming that brings hope and healing to three generations of women. 

The life Olivia Harper always dreamed of isn’t so dreamy these days. The 16-hour work days are unfulfilling and so are things with her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when she hears that her estranged mother, Juliet, has been seriously injured in a car accident, Liv has no choice but to pack up her life and head home to beautiful Cape Sanctuary on the Northern California coast. 
It’s just for a few months—that’s what Liv keeps telling herself. But the closer she gets to Cape Sanctuary, the painful memories start flooding back: Natalie, her vibrant, passionate older sister who downward-spiraled into addiction. The fights with her mother who enabled her sister at every turn. The overdose that took Natalie, leaving her now-teenaged daughter, Caitlin, an orphan. 
As Liv tries to balance her own needs with those of her injured mother and an obstinate, resentful fifteen-year-old, it becomes clear that all three Harper women have been keeping heartbreaking secrets from one another. And as those secrets are revealed, Liv, Juliet, and Caitlin will see that it’s never too late—or too early—to heal family wounds and find forgiveness.


My Thoughts:
Olivia Harper goes back to her hometown, Cape Sanctuary, when her mother, Juliet, falls and can’t run the family business. She comes home to an angry fifteen-year-old niece, and her childhood crush, Cooper, now the Fire Chief of Cape Sanctuary.

This is a story of healing between the Harper women, dealing with past tragedy, but also about finding love for both Juliet and Olivia.  I do love a story of unrequited romance, and friends turning into more, so I loved both Olivia and Juliet’s journey! Caitlin had her own perspective and story, too.

This beautiful story was set in a small town by the sea, a place that came to life, vividly described by the author so I could almost feel the sea breezes off the sea right along with the characters!


4 Suns







Author Bio:
New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including six RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and Career Achievement and Romance Pioneer awards from RT Book Reviews. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.

Connect with RaeAnne Thayne:




Sunday, March 15, 2020

Sunday Post #67


The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. 

Well, it's been insanity with all the Corona Virus news. The grocery stores are crowded and get cleaned out quickly! I was in Target on Friday and so many had their carts filled to the brim, and did not seem in good spirits at all, and there were a few who were downright rude. There were a couple of friendly people who managed to smile. I think times like these extra patience and courtesy goes a long way. 
 I hope you all stay safe, and have access to everything you need!

Read:
(Click on title for Goodreads link)


Undercover Bromance was a lot of fun! I'm giving away an ARC copy of it as well as the first book, The Bromance Book Club HERE if you're interested. The Janes was the second book in the Alice Vega series, and it was intense and crazy! I was worried for Alice and Max's safety more than a few times! I listened to the audio version of Echoes Between Us was really good!

Received/Purchased/Library Lend:
(Click on cover for Goodreads link:)


I'm currently listening to One of Us is Next and it's good so far. I'm been dying for Chasing Cassandra and so I was thrilled to finally get a copy from the library. I'll be listening to that next. I requested The Girl From Widow Hills a while back and totally forgot about it. I got approval for it last week. Sounds like a good mystery to me. 

Watched:


After watching the news I needed some laughs so I watched a couple of reruns!

How was your week?


Friday, March 13, 2020

Spotlight & Giveaway: Yours in Scandal by Lauren Layne


I've enjoyed so many romances by Lauren Layne! Here's some info on her newest release: an excerpt, interview, and giveaway: Digital copy of Yours in Scandal and a $25 Amazon Giftcard offered up by the wonderful people at Montlake Romance!  Make sure to scroll down to the bottom and enter the rafflecopter for a chance to win!


Publication Date: March 10th 2020 by Montlake Romance
Pages: 231
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the book:

Fresh off being named Citizen magazine’s Man of the Year, New York City’s youngest mayor, Robert Davenport, decides it’s time to strategize. Next move: a bid for the governor’s seat. In his way: an incumbent with a flawless reputation. He also has an Achilles’ heel: an estranged wild-child daughter with a past so scandalous it could be Robert’s ticket to victory. And a charm so irresistible it could be Robert’s downfall.

Rebellion is a thing of the past for Adeline Blake. As New York’s premier event planner, she’s all about reform and respectability. Then she’s approached by Robert to organize the party of the season. Curious, considering he’s her father’s most formidable opponent. And alarming, too. Because Addie can’t help but fall for the righteously popular candidate with the movie-star smile.

Now it’s Robert’s choice. Does he pursue a future that holds his legacy? Or the woman who holds his heart?


Interview with Lauren Layne:

Tell us about your new series.

The series features three men who are named “Man of the Year” (think: People’s Sexiest Man Alive) and the unexpected ramifications that come with that! Yours in Scandal kicks off the series with a young, wealthy mayor of NYC who falls for his political rival’s daughter.

Why was it important for you to start your series with Addie and Robert?

The real answer? There’s is the book listed first in the contract ;-) In truth I’m equally excited about all three books in the series, and could have happily jumped in anywhere! That said, writing a politician was a unique and fun challenge for me (I tend to write a lot of businessmen!) so a new take on my “hot guy in a suit” was a fun creative challenge!

Even though she is still young, your heroine Addie has lived quite a life. Where did her teenage rebellious streak come from?

The first thing I always do when I get a new story idea is to figure out where the conflict is—I have to make sure these two people, however attracted, can’t get together (easily) by chapter three. When I decided to take on a hero who’s a mayor, I took a step back to think which woman would be most off-limits to him. One with a bit of scandal was the obvious answer, since the spouses of politicians are usually held to the same exacting standards (if not more so) than the politician him/herself! From there, I dug into Addie’s character and her scandal-laden past.

Do you have anything in common with your heroine?

Honestly? No :-) Other than being a little mouthy during puberty, I was a pretty easy kid and teenager, and skipped the rebellious phase, at least according to my parents! I sort of skipped the whole rebellious phase growing up no underage drinking, no missed curfews, I’ve never even gotten a ticket. Though, I think perhaps I was saving up all my rebellious urges for my mid-twenties, where I seemed to chafe really hard at being managed in the corporate world, and quit my practical, well-paying job rather spontaneously and irresponsibly with almost no safety net, and dove headfirst into being a full-time writer. And I suppose, for that matter, I’ve made some rebellious choices as an author (quitting Facebook, not doing ARCs on my self-pub title, etc). So, I guess I change my answer! Yeah, I have a little in common with Addie after all!

Your hero Robert is fantastic! He is smart, successful and just earned the title Man of the Year. What made you fall in love with him?

He really is great, isn’t he? :-)  I actually knew from the start that Robert was going to be a pretty stand-up guy. I wanted to steer as away from the cliche, corrupt politician as possible, and show that it’s absolutely possible for people to be in public office simply because they want to do good, not because they’re power hungry. I think what I love most about him is how he never wavers in wanting best for Addie and the people around him, even if it hurts him personally. He’s a really unselfish guy, and that is so, so appealing to me!

Would you say that there are similarities that all of your heroes share?

I’d say they’re all pretty quick with a comeback. Whether they’re the charming playboys or the more reserved, Mr. Darcy types they’ve got a bit of a sharp, clever tongue! Also, the vast majority tend to be wealthy and suit-wearing. I’ve got a few exceptions, but I think there’s something so sexy about a buttoned-up guy in a suit coming undone over a woman, so I tend to come back to that again and again!

Some of the best moments in Yours In Scandal happen when your heroine and hero are around their trusted friends. Are any of the secondary characters we meet destined to get their own happily-ever-afters?

Excerpt:

No plans for any spinoffs with those characters! Not because I don’t love them, but because the writing schedule’s pretty jam-packed!

“I just need to be sure . . . am I going crazy? I am, right? Our girl’s not seriously telling us she had dinner with the mayor,” Rosalie said, turning to Jane. 

“You’re not the crazy one—she is,” Jane said, emphatically pointing at Adeline. 

Adeline nibbled on the corner of a chip. “It’s really not the big deal you two are making it out to be. It was just dinner. Pizza.” 

“That’s even worse!” Jane said shrilly. “It’s so intimate.” 

Adeline glanced over at her calmer friend. “Please tell her there’s nothing intimate about Italian sausage.” She winced as she caught herself. “Yeah, I heard it.” 

“It is a little out of character,” Rosalie said slowly. “You haven’t exactly made it a secret how you feel about men these days. To say nothing of your thoughts on elected officials.” 

“I didn’t sleep with the guy, we just had pizza.” 

“I’d actually be less concerned if you’d slept with him,” Rosalie admitted. 

Agreed,” Jane said, smacking the table. “A sexy fling with the Man of the Year is one thing. A cozy dinner at his place is just . . .” She threw her hands up. “I can’t. I literally can’t process it.” 

“You don’t have to process anything,” Adeline said, dunking the chip into the salsa and stuffing the whole thing in her mouth. “It was a one-time thing. The party’s next weekend, and then I’ll probably never see him again.” 

“What if he wants you to be his forever event planner?” 

“He won’t. His regular planner’s one of the best in the city, and I’m sure she’ll be back from maternity leave by the time he needs to hire someone again.” 

“Is his regular event planner hot and single?” Jane pointed out. 

“She’s married.” 

“Exactly. Much less susceptible to his sexy face than single you.” 

Adeline sighed and looked again to the perpetually calm Rosalie. “Make it stop.” 

“Just promise you’ll warn us if you start to fall for the guy,” her friend said, fiddling with her chip. “Much as I love the idea of you landing the hottest guy in the city, I also know just how tricky that would be for you.” 

“Tricky is an understatement given he’s likely running against The Bastard in the next election,” she said, knowing that both of her lifelong friends knew she was referring to the father she’d all but disowned. 

Adeline hadn’t known Rosalie as long as she’d known Jane, but they still went all the way back to high school. Adeline had been the loose cannon, Jane the genius, and Rosalie had been, well . . . perfect

“You know,” Adeline said, looking thoughtfully at Rosalie over the top of her margarita. “I actually thought about setting you and the mayor up.” 

“Wait, what?” Rosalie’s eyes went wide. 

“You said yourself he was hot,” Adeline pointed out. “You’re also beautiful, well spoken, polished. You never look bad in a photograph, and you never say the wrong thing. I literally can’t think of a more perfect future First Lady of New York.” 

“Oooh, I see that!” Jane said, pivoting in her chair to stare at Rosalie. 

Adeline gave Jane an exasperated expression. “You were just warning me off of the guy.” 

“Warning you off, yes. But Rosalie . . .” 

Adeline tried to ignore the sting. It wasn’t as if Jane were saying anything Adeline herself hadn’t thought. Even if she were inclined to pursue the mayor, and she wasn’t, she knew that she was the last thing someone like him needed. Her past alone made her an inconceivable choice for him, and even if she could keep her past mistakes under wraps, she would never be the right woman for him. She may have mastered the bun and the blazers, but she was still the woman who collected adventurous lingerie and loved tequila. 

“The guy’s definitely attractive,” Rosalie said. “But I don’t know that I want one of Adeline’s rejects,” she said with a smile intended to annoy Adeline. 

“I wouldn’t let that stop me,” Jane said, fanning herself. “If it weren’t for Dan . . . . Too bad I love that man so damn much. Seriously, Rosalie, let Adeline fix you up, so I can live vicariously.” 

“Hello,” Rosalie said, staring at the admittedly, occasionally tone-deaf Jane. “Are you not seeing what I’m seeing?” She pointed at Adeline. 

Jane glanced over and narrowed her eyes. 

“Ever since she came back from New Mexico with her hair brown, she’s been like this buttoned-up ice woman. But when she talks about him . . .” Rosalie made an unrecognizable hissing, clicking noise. 

“What was that?” Jane asked. 

“Fire igniting,” Rosalie explained. “Whatever, so sound effects and act-outs aren’t my strong suit. The point is—” 

“If I sound fiery when I talk about the mayor, it’s only because he’s a control freak and pain in the ass,” Adeline interjected. “The man doesn’t know how to delegate, is hell-bent on carrying on his father’s legacy without ever checking in with himself, and . . .” 

Adeline’s thoughts scattered a little as she realized she wasn’t being entirety fair to the mayor. Yes, he was obsessed with his image, as a man in his position had to be. But he could also be funny and irreverent. He could also be spontaneous and casual. 

He’d proven that yesterday, first with the tour of his home, then the invitation of dinner. Even the way he ate pizza was appealing, somehow both buttoned-up precise and outright relishing, all at the same time. 

“We need more margaritas.”


About the author:
Lauren Layne is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Hot Asset, Hard Sell, and Huge Deal in her 21 Wall Street series, as well as her Central Park Pact series. Her books have sold more than a million copies in nine languages. Lauren’s work has been featured in Publishers Weekly, Glamour, the Wall Street Journal, and Inside Edition. She is based in New York City. For the latest updates, be sure to check out her website at www.laurenlayne.com.

Connect with Lauren Layne:


The lovely people of Montlake Romance are offering a Digital Copy of Yours in Scandal and a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader! Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win! 

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Spotlight & Giveaway: My Way to You by Catherine Bybee



I've really enjoyed Catherine Bybee's romances, so I was excited to participate in this spotlight to celebrate her new release, My Way to You.  As part of my stop, I have an interview, excerpt and a $25 Amazon Gift Card along with a Digital Copy of My Way to You to giveaway! So be sure to scroll down to the bottom for a chance to win!



Publication Date: March 10th 2020 by Montlake Romance
Pages: 367
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

About the book:

When a wildfire nearly destroys Parker Sinclair’s family home, it’s just one more disaster to add to her mountain of stress. For the past two years, she has shouldered the responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister after their parents’ untimely deaths. Forced to leave college for a crappy job that barely pays the bills, Parker manages her family property, which consumes every aspect of her life. Now winter is coming and the forecast isn’t spreading sunshine on the dark cloud over her head. The last thing Parker needs is a mudslide destroying everything she has worked so hard to maintain.
Colin Hudson’s job as a public works supervisor is to protect Parker’s property and neighborhood from further damage. But it’s a little hard when the owner of the land is a control freak who tries to do everything herself. The hardworking, attractive young woman is far from the “hot mess” she claims to be. In fact, her tight grip of control is one of the things that attract him the most. It’s also the hardest to crack. Now Colin’s working overtime to help Parker open up her heart, trust him, and let him in.
As Parker and Colin work together to keep her home and neighborhood safe, they may be in for another disaster. Or they may just realize that sometimes it takes destruction to create something new.

Excerpt:
“Excuse me?” 

Parker turned toward the sound of the male voice and brushed aside hair that had fallen out of her ponytail. The sun glared in her eyes, making it difficult to get a clear picture of the man standing on the other side of her gate. 

“Hello,” she greeted him. 

“Do you live here?” 

Probably a neighbor, she thought to herself. They’d shown up constantly after the fire to see how close the flames had actually come to their homes. Many of them invited themselves in without knocking. That was until she paid to have someone come in and fix the broken gate and stop the trespassers. 

“I would hope so,” she said, waving the pruner in her hands. “I don’t think I would take this job for actual money.” The closer she got to the gate, the better the features of the man came into focus. He stood at least three inches taller than her, no easy task when she was five nine. Broad shoulders and arms that didn’t look like they slaved in an office all day. He wore jeans. It had to be over a hundred degrees, and the man wore jeans. 

And filled them out nicely, if she wasn’t too tired to notice. 

Parker forced her gaze back to his face, his eyes hidden by his sunglasses; his thick brown hair wasn’t covered by a hat. 

She stopped in front of him, the gate to the property a clear division. The intense set of his jaw softened slightly. “Is your, ah … husband here?” 

Three years ago, in a bar … or while out with friends, she would have instantly denied a lack of a husband. Out here, with a stranger … even an attractive one standing at her front door, she wasn’t about to correct him. “Who’s asking?” 

The man’s smile fell and he quickly removed his sunglasses. “I’m sorry. My name is Colin Hudson. Colin to my friends.” 

“What can I do for you, Mr. Hudson?” She wasn’t about to call him by his first name. 

“I work with the Public Works Department and wanted to see if you’d let me take a quick look at the wash that runs through your property.” He reached into his back pocket and removed his wallet. Out came a business card that he handed her through the bars of the iron gate. 

She had to move close enough to take the card, but retreated once she had it in her fingertips. 

He instantly shoved his hands in his front pockets and took a step back. 

The card looked legit. Parker reminded herself that anyone with a computer could make a business card. “Does your department work on Saturdays, Mr. Hudson?” 

“All the time.” 

She peered beyond the gate, didn’t see a car. “Did you walk here?” 

Mr. Hudson looked over his shoulder, pointed his thumb down the street. “I have a company truck. I parked around the corner.” 

“Ah-huh.” She wanted to believe him. His caramel brown eyes looked kind enough. “Even Ted Bundy was good-looking,” she said loud enough for him to hear. 

Parker looked up to find him staring, his mouth gaped open. “That’s a first.” 

“Sorry.” Not sorry. “By-product of being a lone woman on a large piece of property with a stranger asking to come in. Business card aside, you could be anyone.” 

He lifted his hands in the air. “Very wise. I hope my sister would do the same. I was just hoping to get an eye on the canyon before Monday’s meeting. But I can wait.” 

She relaxed her grip on the tree pruner. “What meeting?” 

“The city and county are meeting to discuss the concerns of the watershed after the fire. We’re developing a plan to preserve property during the winter. If I could take a quick look it would help.”

“You mean prevent mudslides?” 

Control mudslides,” he corrected her. 

She shifted from foot to foot. “You can do that?” 

“It’s a big part of our job.” He smiled, looked over her shoulder. “I can wait. I don’t want to make you uneasy.” 

Parker looked back toward the house. “Tell you what. You go get your company truck and I’ll grab a snake fork and show you the wash.” 

His eyes narrowed with an unasked question. 

“It’s summer. Rattlesnakes are a thing,” she explained. 

“You sure?” 

Yeah, she was sure. “I’ll open the gate. You can park inside.”



About the author:
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bybee has written thirty-four books that have collectively sold more than seven million copies and have been translated into more than eighteen languages. Raised in Washington State, Bybee moved to Southern California in the hope of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the Not Quite series, the Weekday Brides series, the Most Likely To series, and the First Wives series. For more information on the author, visit www.catherinebybee.com.


Connect with Catherine Bybee:


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The lovely people of Montake Romance are giving away a Digital Copy of My Way to You and a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Simply fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win!