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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
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Showing posts with label AAD Featured Author. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AAD Featured Author. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Jess Haines
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Jess Haines. Jess says she is a workaholic who loves coffee and chocolate and can't survive without books. She’s originally from New York, but she currently lives in Los Angeles because it is suitably weird enough for the time being. She enjoys karaoke and bad movies, and have a menagerie of animals to keep her company when she’s not writing.
As for her background, she’s worked office jobs from the bottom to the top of the corporate food chain. She’s spent far too much time in the field of law. Currently her day job involves technical writing. That pays the bills, while writing fiction keeps her (relatively) sane. She’s proud to call herself a gamer geek, and probably would have wormed herself into that industry eventually if she hadn't turned herself into a Real Life Author.
Jess is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Also, keep reading to learn more about Jess’s upcoming release, Stalking the Others, and enter to win a copy! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Jess to That’s What I’m Talking About.
STALKING THE OTHERS BLOG TOUR
Guest Post Stop 8: Vampiric Behavior – Part 2
By Jess Haines
Hello there! Jess Haines here. I’m the author of the urban fantasy H&W Investigations series (HUNTED BY THE OTHERS, TAKEN BY THE OTHERS, DECEIVED BY THE OTHERS, and the upcoming STALKING THE OTHERS).
Shiarra has been having a pretty bad time of things lately. She’s here with some of her friends (and otherwise) to tell you about it. The H&W gang are going to continue grilling Royce about some common misconceptions about vampires. (Head over to A Great Book is the Cheapest Vacation if you missed the first part.) Over to you, Shia!
*****
Shiarra: I don’t think you were very forthcoming with that last question.
Royce: You’re not wrong about that.
Sara: It’s funny how he thinks being obtuse is the same thing as being mysterious.
Arnold: I maintain my position that he should be truthful about this stuff for science. The people deserve to know!
Royce: Mage, you, of all people, should be more educated than the rest of this lot about my kind. Didn’t your mentor teach you anything about other supernatural creatures?
Arnold: Of course, but the focus was on the ones I was going to be interacting with on a regular basis. You know, elves and other fey, mostly. Oh, and planar beings.
Chaz: What are fey? And planar beings?
Arnold: Fey are magical critters. Fairies and pixies and stuff.
Shiarra: And planar beings?
Arnold: The animals magi use as familiars. They aren’t from this plane of existence. We have to summon them here. Hence, planar beings.
Chaz: That sounds like a lot of work.
Arnold: It is.
Royce: Are you quite finished?
Shiarra: I don’t know, I’m getting tired of asking you questions you won’t answer. At least Arnold isn’t afraid to tell us all his magic secrets.
Arnold: Well, not all my magic secrets. They wouldn’t be so secret if I shared everything about how I work my mojo.
Royce: Fine, fine. I’ll make an effort to be more forthcoming.
Shiarra: Jeez, don’t get too excited…
Sara: Hey, let’s take advantage of this while we can. So do vampires crawl up the walls?
Royce: You people have some very strange ideas about vampires.
Shiarra: C’mon, you promised to answer.
Royce: Very well. I suppose we could, if the wall was strong enough to support our weight and the vampire was old enough to have developed the strength to pierce the rock or plaster with their fingers.
Chaz: You can’t grow claws?
Arnold: Or cling like a spider? Or a gecko or something?
Royce: In case it has escaped your notice, the change into a vampire doesn’t include growing Velcro on our fingertips. And my nail technician generally doesn’t approve of filing my nails into claws. I imagine my PR people would also have an issue with the image that would represent to the general public.
Shiarra: Wait a sec. You have a nail technician?
Chaz: I’m imagining a dude with a hack saw and a bunch of electronic equipment—
Shiarra: No, no, no. He’s talking about someone who does manicures and pedicures. God, I can’t believe I dated you for almost a year.
Sara: Neither can I.
Royce: Nor I.
Shiarra: Gee, thanks, guys.
Arnold: To be fair, I was kinda thinking the same thing.
Sara: Why does a vampire need manicure? I mean… you’re kinda… dead, aren’t you? Stuff doesn’t still, er… grow, does it?
Shiarra: Ew. I never thought of that. Now I want to know, too.
Royce: It depends. When we are changed, our bodies are usually locked into a mildly enhanced version of what we looked like when we were alive. If we do something to change that version of ourselves, such as cutting our hair, it will eventually grow back.
Chaz: What if you cut something else off?
Royce: Don’t even think about it, you flea-infested mongrel.
Chaz: Come here and say that to my face, buddy.
Arnold: Wow. I just realized why vampire chicks who were turned hundreds of years ago can have such flawless legs.
Sara: What.
Arnold: …err.
Chaz: Wait, what?
Arnold: Honey, I don’t mean it like—
Sara: Not amused, here.
Arnold: No, seriously, I wasn’t joking around—
Shiarra: I think you’re making things worse on yourself.
Sara: You and I need to have a talk.
Arnold: Babe, I’m sorry. I just meant I’ve seen a few vampires come by The Circle now and then, and they usually wear skirts and stuff that shows off their legs. If they were made back in the day and when they’re turned they were all hairy, it makes sense that they can shave or wax so they can pull off the Gothic sex kitten look so many of them shoot for.
Royce: I’m not sure if I should be amused or concerned that he’s put this much thought into the subject.
Sara: Not. Amused.
Shiarra: He’s a guy. They notice those things.
Chaz: Yeah. We really do.
Shiarra: Wasn’t talking to you.
Chaz: What? I can’t have an opinion?
Shiarra: No.
Arnold: Sorry, honey. I’ll never look at another girl’s legs again.
Chaz: Good luck with that, man.
Sara: You stay out of this!
Royce: I suppose the mage has a point. Like other people, we do have to put some effort into maintaining our appearance.
Shiarra: Huh. Who knew?
*****
You can learn more about Shiarra and the rest of her friends in HUNTED BY THE OTHERS. For the next stop on the blog tour, be sure to visit the official STALKING THE OTHERS blog tour calendar!
You can also visit me on the web:
Thanks again for having me and the gang over, Jen!
*****
You can also find Jess:
BOOK SIGNING
Saturday, July 07, 2012 at 2:00PM
3512 W. Magnolia
Burbank, CA 91505
Stalking the Others (Zebra/Kensington Publishing, July 3, 2012)
Once, she was one of the good guys–or as close as a New York P.I. can get. Then Shiarra Waynest was drawn into the world of the Others. Every faction has its own loyalties and agenda. And Shia’s recent betrayal by her ex-boyfriend means that she may be on the verge of becoming a rogue werewolf at the next full moon.
Of course, with all the threats against her, Shia’s not sure she’ll live long enough to find out. The enigmatic vampire Royce wants her back in his clutches, as do two powerful werewolf packs, along with the police. Instead of going into hiding, Shia is enlisting the aid of her enchanted hunter’s belt and every dirty P.I. trick she knows. If she’s going down, she’ll take out as many of her enemies as she can–and hope that in the process, she keeps whatever humanity she has left…
GIVEAWAY Thank you, Jess, for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About. Jess & Kensington Publishing are graciously giving away fifteen (15) copies of Stalking the Others during her blog tour. To enter, please fill out the rafflecopter form below, and visit the others sites on the tour for more chances to win! Winners will be announced after the blog tour is over, and Kensington will mail the prizes to the winners directly. For more information about the blog tour, please visit Jess’s website.
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Monday, June 11, 2012
AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Melanie Card
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Melanie Card. Melanie has always been drawn to story telling. In fact, she says she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t telling a story in her head or on paper. In grade school, she had journal writing time which she turned into story telling time, weaving tales of magic and adventure that mimicked the fairy tales and myths that she loved to read. It was there, with the help of two very special teachers, that she nurtured this love and started her journey as a writer.
Melanie writes fantasy, paranormal romance, and everything in between, seasoned with a good dash of adventure and mystery. Join her on her tales of magic, adventure, and romance.
Melanie is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Also, keep reading to learn more about Melanie’s release, Ward Against Death, and enter to win an e-copy! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Melanie to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Melanie, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Melanie: Thank you so much for inviting me here today.
Twimom: You’ve recently started a new YA/Adult paranormal series, Chronicles of a Reluctant Necromancer, with the first book, Ward Against Death. Can you tell us a bit more about this intriguing world you’ve created?
Melanie: The story takes place in a world reminiscent of 16th century Europe in Brawenal city. Brawenal is a major hub for culture, politics, industry, commerce, religion, and crime. The port city sits on the side of a dormant volcano, in tiered rings down to the sea and has an ancient history that’s left a maze-like sewer system beneath it and a strange cemetery on it’s outskirts. In this world there’s magic and mystery, assassins and necromancers.
Twimom: And what is up next for the Reluctant Necromancer?
Melanie: Book two, Ward Against Darkness, where Ward and Celia get into even more trouble with more undead creatures and evil necromancers and there relationship gets even more complicated.
Twimom: Do you enjoy writing genres outside of the fantasy and paranormal genre? If so, what other genres do you enjoy writing?
Melanie: I haven’t written outside of the fantasy or paranormal genre. I’ve tried, but something magical always seems to slip in. The thing I love about fantasy and paranormal is that there are elements of other genres within it. Certainly there’s action and adventure, in Ward Against Death there’s mystery and romance. Depending on what I’m writing will determine how much of the other genres flavor my story.
Twimom: I understand - I always look for and enjoy a little fantasy/paranormal in my reading. You are a featured author at the Authors After Dark Con in 2012. Why AAD? What are your favorite aspects of AAD?
Melanie: I’m relativity new to conferences so I picked AAD because I’d heard some great things about it and that it was relatively small. I want to make sure I have the opportunity to spend time with people, have conversations, and make friends. I can be quite shy so I think a more intimate con will be less overwhelming for my first time out.
Twimom: I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read in 2011 and/or so far in 2012?
Melanie: I enjoy reading all types of books, although I read mostly fantasy or paranormal romance (adult and YA). My favorite read last year was Grave Witch by Kalayna Price. For 2012 so far, I’d have to say Graceling by Kristin Cashore was fabulous.
Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Melanie: I look forward to Kalayna Price’s and Kristin Cashore’s new releases, as well as Maria V. Snyder and Deborah Cooke.
Twimom: Melanie, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I look forward to seeing you in New Orleans!
Melanie: Thank you so much for having me. I look forward to meeting you, too!
You can find Melanie on line at
Ward Against Death (Entangled Publishing, August 2011)
Twenty-year-old Ward de’Ath expected this to be a simple job—bring a nobleman’s daughter back from the dead for fifteen minutes, let her family say good-bye, and launch his fledgling career as a necromancer. Goddess knows he can’t be a surgeon—the Quayestri already branded him a criminal for trying—so bringing people back from the dead it is.
But when Ward wakes the beautiful Celia Carlyle, he gets more than he bargained for. Insistent that she’s been murdered, Celia begs Ward to keep her alive and help her find justice. By the time she drags him out her bedroom window and into the sewers, Ward can’t bring himself to break his damned physician’s Oath and desert her.
However, nothing is as it seems—including Celia. One second, she’s treating Ward like sewage, the next she’s kissing him. And for a nobleman’s daughter, she sure has a lot of enemies. If he could just convince his heart to give up on the infuriating beauty, he might get out of this alive…
GIVEAWAY Thank you, Melanie, for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About. Entangled Publishing is graciously giving away one (1) e-copy of Ward Against Death. Please leave your comments for Melanie by Wednesday June 13, 2012, at 9:00 PM EDT to be eligible for the contest. One entry per person, the winner will be selected from eligible entries using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so I can contact you. Thank you to Melanie and Entangled Publishing for this great giveaway!
Monday, June 4, 2012
AAD Author Spotlight & Giveaway: Adrian Phoenix
Hello Readers! Today I bring you Urban Fantasy author, Adrian Phoenix. Adrian says that as a writer, a person, and a mother, she’s always believed in following your dreams, following your heart. She adds, it’s also important to keep your heart, so she also believes in being prepared for zombie attacks and can’t stress enough the importance of having regular family drills so every member of the household is zombie-ready. One never knows. Make sure the sofa is ready to push in front of the door. Be clear that if a member of the family is on the wrong side of the door when the zombie action goes down. They remain on the wrong side of the door. The greater good, etc.
Adrian lives in Springfield, Oregon in a zombie-free home (except when meeting deadlines) with two cats, and she has two sons, three grandchildren and two granddogs. She authors two urban fantasy series, The Maker’s Song and Hoodoo series. Adrian is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Keep reading to learn more about Adrian’s newest release, Caught Forever Between, and enter to win a copy! Also, Adrian is giving away a signed copy of any book from her backlist - that’s right TWO WINNERS! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Adrian to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Adrian, welcome and thank you for stopping by.
Adrian: Thank you so much for inviting me. It’s a real pleasure to meet you and your readers.
Twimom: Although I have yet to read them, I hear WONDERFUL things about your books, and I have Caught Forever Between on my TBR list after I tweeted with Pamela (@SpazP) about her review on GoodReads. Will you please tell us more about your Hoodoo Series and the world you’ve constructed? Where does the new release fits into the big picture?
Adrian: Please thank Pamela for me. She’s truly awesome! The Hoodoo series takes place in the Louisiana bayous (with an occasional foray into New Orleans) and revolves around Kallie Rivière—a young Cajun gal learning hoodoo from her aunt—and her eclectic family which includes bayou pirates, root doctors, and loups garous. This is a hot and humid world of mysterious loa, twilight magic, earthy werewolves, sexy nomads; a world of dark secrets and darker pasts, mystery and murder, coupled with family love and loyalty and a bit of humor.
Caught Forever Between is a stand-alone short story set in the Hoodoo world. Although the story doesn’t feature Kallie, you’ll meet other characters from the series (including the Demon Wolf of the bayou, Devlin Daniels). You don’t need to read the books first to enjoy this one.
The first book in the series is Black Dust Mambo and you can read the first chapter here.
Twimom: What does the future hold for the Hoodoo Series?
Adrian: I have a lot of fun with this series and plan to continue with it for as long as there’s a fun and compelling tale to tell. Black Moon Mojo is the next book in the series. (Coming in 2013.)
Twimom: You also author another dark fantasy series, the Maker’s Song series. Will you share with us a bit about this series as well?
Adrian: The Maker’s Song series (A Rush of Wings, In the Blood, Beneath the Skin, Etched in Bone) takes place mainly in New Orleans and features fallen angels, vampires, nomads, and dark government conspiracies.
A Rush of Wings (named as #7 on BN.com’s Best Paranormal Fantasy Novels of the Last Decade 2000-2009) is the first book, the one where we first meet Heather and Dante. In brief: Tracking a sadistic serial murderer has led FBI agent Heather Wallace to New Orleans, Club Hell, and to a mysterious Goth/industrial musician known as Dante. Digging into his past reveals very little. Heather’s sure, however, that Dante is linked to the murderer and could be the next target. But what she doesn’t know is that Dante’s past holds a shocking, dangerous secret, and once it’s revealed not even she will be able to protect him from his destiny.
As much as I enjoy writing the Hoodoo books, Dante and Heather and their journey together really holds my heart.
You can read the first chapter of A Rush of Wings here.
Twimom: Wow! That’s great (about BN)! Do you enjoy writing any genres outside of the dark fantasy and paranormal genre? Do you have any other works in progress?
Adrian: Oh, yes! I enjoy writing historical paranormal and mysteries. I’m working on a historical paranormal about the Romantic poet John Keats and another urban fantasy series about a pair of brothers who aren’t entirely human who fight the forces of darkness (from which they were born), called Sons of Darkness.
Twimom: Let’s talk Authors After Dark ... you are a featured author in 2012. Why AAD? What are your favorite aspects of AAD?
Adrian: Honestly, this is my first time at AAD. So I’m really looking forward to the experience!
Twimom: Oh, I hope you enjoy it! I went last year and had a blast. Plus... it’s in New Orleans - it’s gonna be great!!
I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read in 2011 or so far in 2012?
Adrian: I love reading many different genres—urban fantasy, mystery, historical, non-fiction. So far my favorite read this year has been Rob Thurman’s Doubletake (the Cal Leandros series), and 11/22/63 by Stephen King.
Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Adrian: I have such a hard time keeping up with all the great books that are coming out. Anything new by these authors always excite me: Rob Thurman, Jeri Smith-Ready, D.B. Reynolds, Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells, Patricia Briggs, James Lee Burke, Kristine Kathryn Rusch (and all her pseudonyms), Jenna Black, J.F. Lewis, Phaedra Weldon, Kelly Gay, Jeanne C. Stein, Jennifer Estep, James Elroy. C.S. Harris, among others. I’m always discovering new (and sometimes not-so-new) authors to love.
Twimom: Now that’s an impressive list!
Adrian, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I look forward to meeting you in New Orleans and taking a tour of the city with you!
Adrian: Thank you so much, Jen! I appreciate the opportunity and I’m very much looking forward to meeting you as well!
You can find Adrian on line at
More on Caught Forever Between (Dreaming Nomad Books; January 21, 2012)
Deep in the bayou, justice comes in many forms.
When Cass finds her partner lying on the floor of their New Orleans tattoo shop in a pool of blood, the world as she knows it ends. Alex, her ink-slinging Michelangelo, lies in the hospital comatose, perhaps permanently.
Lacking faith in the police and their ability to find whoever shot Alex, Cass puts the word out that she's seeking justice, justice she will willingly pay for.
When a Voodoo mambo offers the services of her mysterious godson, Cass finds herself stepping into a dark, deadly world, one that she may not walk out of again intact.
This is a short story set in the world of the Hoodoo Series novels, and features Gabrielle LaRue and Devlin Daniels from those books. It is not necessary to read the novels in order to enjoy the story.
Monday, May 7, 2012
AAD Author Spotlight: Jessica Jarman
Hello Readers! Today I bring you romance author, Jessica Jarman. Jess grew up in a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and now lives in Minnesota - a Midwestern gal through and through. She wouldn’t have it any other way, although she’s been known to grumble about the snow and cold.
She was lucky enough to meet the man of her dreams early in her life. They’ve been together over 16 years, and are blessed with 4 kids, who keep them hoppin’.
Despite her busy schedule - juggling family and work - she finds time to write. She says that if she didn’t, the voices in her head would take over and we’d be in big trouble! She’s incredibly grateful to her family who puts up with her craziness, and understands when she ignores them all to hunker down to finish a scene.
Jess is a featured author attending Author’s After Dark in New Orleans. For more information about AAD2012, click HERE.
Also, keep reading to learn more about Jess’s newest release, Spells and Secrets.
Please help me welcome Jess to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Twimom: Jess, welcome to the blog and thank you for stopping by.
Jess: Thank you so much for having me.
Twimom: I too am a fellow Michigander - although from the lower peninsula, I’m not a UP’er. I have to ask: Spartan or Wolverine - or neither?
Jess: I will admit that I’m not a huge sports fan—much to the dismay of my husband and youngest son. LOL
Twimom: Your latest release Secrets and Spells is a paranormal romance with a hot male witch and, well... lots of secrets! Can you tell us a little more about this intriguing tale?
Jess: The story takes place in a fictional small town of Parrish in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (ah, home. ). The premise is this town was founded by witches and magical beings as a refuge from persecution. In Secrets and Spells, Thalia Wells moves to the town to take the job as deputy, after a rough year as a big-city cop. Her mother’s family is from Parrish, though Thalia has no knowledge, or belief, in magic.
Gray is a witch, and is part of the family who founded the town. It is his responsibility to keep the town’s secrets, although his attraction to Thalia may get in the way of that.
Twimom: Your works include both contemporary erotic romance and paranormal works. Do you prefer writing one genre over another? Is one “easier” to write than the other? What is your favorite story you’ve written?
Jess: I don’t prefer either genre over the other. I love both. The best thing about working on both is after working on paranormal for a while, I like to turn to straight contemporary for a break—and vice versa.
Neither is easier to write, really. They both have their challenges and rewards.
My favorite story I’ve written… That’s a hard one. I’d have to say Coming Home, the first in my Angel Lake series, because it was the first romance I ever wrote, although it’s not the first I published. That story is what started my journey into writing romances, and I’ve loved every step of it.
Twimom: Let’s talk about Authors After Dark 2012. Why AAD? What are you looking forward to most at AAD? What are you looking forward to most in NOLA?
Jess: ADD 2011 in Philadelphia is the first time I’ve attended Authors After Dark. I went at the urging of some close friends, and I’m so glad I did. I had such a fantastic time with author friends, but the highlight was meeting so many readers and being able to spend so much time with them.
That’s what I’m looking forward to this year—seeing old friends and making new. Spending time with readers who love books and reading as much as I do. And I’ve never been to NOLA before, though I’ve always wanted to. I’m looking forward to exploring a bit. I don’t know where and what yet, but I’m doing my research.LOL
Twimom: I always like to ask authors about their reading habits... What types of books do you enjoy reading? What was your favorite read in 2011 or so far in 2012?
Jess: I enjoy reading what I write—contemporary and paranormal romances. I also like reading non-fiction, historical works as well. Oh, my favorite read of 2011…that’s a tough one. How can I possibly choose. LOL I enjoyed New York to Dallas by JD Robb—as a proper fan-girl, I anxiously anticipate when a book releases from that series. I really can’t pick a favorite romance as I’ve read, and enjoyed so many, but I can say I enjoyed reading The Hunger Games trilogy along with my older kids. It led to many awesome discussions—which as a mom and book reader, I love.
Twimom: What upcoming 2012 releases are you most excited to read?
Jess: Oh, I have a long list of books I’m excited about. The next JD Robb book of course. LOL How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by GA Aiken and Playing to Win by Jaci Burton are a couple books I’m looking forward to getting.
Twimom: Jess, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you. I look forward to meeting you in New Orleans!
Jess: Thanks so much for having me. I’m looking forward to meeting you too!
More on Secrets and Spells:
Northern Circle Series book 1
Resplendence Publishing, March 28, 2012
Anxious for a change and wanting to learn more about her late mother and where she came from, Thalia Wells accepts a job in the small town of Parrish. As she settles into her new life, she begins to notice unsettling oddities about her new home.
Gray is used to secrets. Being a witch and living in a town of people with magical abilities means living with secrets. But keeping Thalia in the dark kills him especially when it brings her pain.
Thalia doesn't believe in magic and had given up on happily ever after, but can she find both with Gray?
EXCERPT
Just as Susie came with a cup of coffee, Thalia’s phone rang. She pulled it from her bag and, with a glance at the display, grimaced.
“I’ll be back to take your order in a few,” Susie said in a hushed tone as she set the steaming mug on the table then moved to one of the other occupied tables.
Thalia took a deep breath and flipped the phone open. “Hi, Dad.”
“Well, I guess I should count myself lucky that you’re at least answering my calls, now.” Bruce Wells' voice rumbled over the line.
“How are you?” She forced a cheerful tone.
“Worried sick, that’s how I am,” he snapped. “When are you coming home?”
“This is my home now.” How many times would she have to say that, to have this same miserable conversation, before it penetrated his thick, albeit well-meaning, skull?
“Nonsense. I know the last year has been tough on you, but that’s no reason to run away, Thalia. I can only imagine what that fool-headed Lowry is filling your head with, enticing you to stay in that God-forsaken town.”
“Dad, stop. He offered me a job; he certainly didn’t force me to take it. And believe it or not, I like it here. A lot.”
“Sure, you do. It’s new, exciting, and adventure. And summer. Just wait until winter comes around. You won’t be enjoying it so much when there are snow banks as tall as you are.”
“I’m not going to argue with you about this anymore. I made the decision to move here. I’ve agreed to at least a year on the job, so there isn’t anything to be done about it. I don’t go back on my word. You taught me that,” she pointed out.
“Yes, well…”
She chuckled when he trailed off. Obviously, he wasn’t able to come up with a quick counter for that one. “Now, I’m sure you have work to get to. Why don’t I call you tomorrow? I have Lissa coming in today, and—”
“Well, that’s something. Maybe she’ll be able to talk some sense into you! She’ll take one look at that little podunk town and drag you back where you belong.”
“You can hope,” Thalia said dryly, pressing fingertips to her temple.
“Fine, tomorrow then.” He hesitated a moment, then added. “I love you, Thally.”
She sighed. “I love you too, Dad.”
She closed the phone with a snap and set it on the scarred wood table. Lifting the coffee cup to her lips, she closed her eyes briefly in pleasure as the bold taste and scent of coffee enveloped her senses.
“You want your usual this morning?” Susie sidled up next to her and set a hand on her shoulder.
Thalia looked up at the other woman and a wave of sadness suddenly swept over her. Her head swam, and she blinked rapidly against tears. Drawing in a shuddered breath, she shook her head slightly. “Y-y-yes, please.”
“Hey, you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Thalia narrowed her eyes as she studied the waitress. She took in the reddened nose, the puffy eyes, the extra bit of makeup meant to conceal those things. “Are you?”
Susie nodded. “I’m great.”
“Are you sure? You feel…I mean you look sad.”
Susie dropped her hand and opened her mouth, once, then twice before she could speak. “I shouldn’t be surprised you’d notice. Your mama was awfully strong; it’d just follow that you are too.”
“What do you mean?” It wasn’t the first time her mother had been mentioned to her. Not shocking considering Cassandra Lowry-Wells had grown up—and died—in the small town, but it also wasn’t the first time it had sounded so odd. Her mother had been strong? What did that have to do with anything?
“Well, I just meant…” Susie stammered, then when she looked past Thalia, her face paled slightly. “I just meant your mama was real intuitive about stuff, ya know? Seems like you are too. I’ll just, uh, go get another coffee.”
“Thanks, Suse.” A low male voice sounded behind Thalia and she twisted in her seat, although she already knew who it was.
He was the reason she was here, the reason she was up and out of bed on her day off—though she’d never admit that even under torture. Grayson Parrish smiled down at her, brown eyes crinkling a bit. After a brief touch to her shoulder, he took a few steps forward and slid into the seat across from her.
“Good morning, Thalia.” He studied her a moment before lifting a brow. “Something wrong?”
“I…ah… No.” She shook her head then sighed heavily. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” Reaching over, he took her hand. “Would you tell me if there was something wrong?”
“Gray, really, I’m fine.” Anything she’d been feeling before was quickly shoved aside as lust—hot and overwhelming—filled her. It was always the same. If Gray was in the vicinity, hot and bothered was on the menu. And honestly, who could blame her? She couldn’t be the only woman around who appreciated his quick smile, his warm eyes, and the way his butt filled out his favored blue jeans oh so nicely. And if her fingers itched to run through the short-cropped brown hair to see if it felt as soft as it looked, that was only natural, right? And thoughts of leaning forward and sniffing, maybe even tasting, his golden skin cropping into her mind whenever they were together were normal for a healthy woman, surely.
When he just stared at her, she shook aside her wayward thoughts and gave up trying to pretend everything was perfect. “I just talked to my dad and he’s still trying to convince me to ‘come home’.”
“Hmmm.” His fingers danced over her palm. “I’m sorry he’s upset you again.”
She shrugged. “He means well; I know that. Anyway, I’d rather not dwell on it.” She forced a smile as Susie set a cup in front of Gray.
“The usual for you too, Gray?” the waitress questioned.
“Sounds good. Thanks.” When she’d walked away, he asked, “Your friend is coming in today, right?”
Thalia pulled her hand away and dropped it in her lap. A move of self-preservation. She managed to be coherent in his presence but physical contact… Well, her thoughts weren’t on conversation then.
“Yep, sometime tonight.”
“Did you manage to get some time off?” He settled back in the seat.
“I have to work tomorrow but then have a couple days off. Luckily, Dan was cool about it.”
“The joys of working for family.” He winked.
Laughing, she shook her head. “Well, Hunter was more than happy to switch some shifts with me.” Hunter was Gray’s brother and the other deputy in town.
“Ah, yes. Poor Hunt’s had his heart broken and is looking for anything to take his mind off of it.” He rolled his eyes. “He’ll be over it soon enough and onto the next pretty girl—the distraction of work will help.”
“Seems mean to be happy over his misfortune, but I’m glad to have the time off.” She paused as Susie strolled over and placed their meals before them. After a murmur of thanks, Thalia spread the pat of melting butter over the short stack of pancakes. “So, any suggestions for two girls playing tourist for a couple of days?”
Gray looked thoughtful as he chewed a large mouthful of eggs. Swallowing, he nodded. “You can tour some of the old mines, if you’re interested in that sort of thing. A day up in Copper Harbor and visiting Brockway Mountain definitely should be on your list. Um, Hungarian Falls are gorgeous if you don’t mind a hike.”
As they ate, discussion centered around the various sights and destinations found in the Keweenaw Peninsula. By the time their plates were cleaned, Thalia was grateful she had a notepad in her bag and was busily jotting down Gray’s suggestions.
“Thanks. I haven’t had much opportunity to explore the area yet. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Any time.” Gray pulled out his wallet and, after withdrawing a few bills, threw them on the table. He stood and held a hand out.
Thalia braced herself for the jolt and placed her hand in his. Not that it helped. Tingles streaked up her arm, and her stomach tightened deliciously as he pulled her to her feet. He said nothing as they left the diner, but kept his fingers clasped around hers. They walked along Main and turned onto the small road toward Thalia’s house. She knew she should pull away. Anyone could see them and get the wrong idea. Hell, she didn’t want Gray to get the wrong idea. Even though they’d agreed to just be friends, the last thing she wanted to do was lead him on. She liked him—a lot—but she just wasn’t ready to…
“So,” Gray drawled as they came to a stop at the walkway to her home, “enjoy your day off.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear with his free hand.
“Thanks. I’ll, uh, see you soon?”
“Count on it.” His fingertips grazed her cheek, and his chocolate brown eyes darkened. “Thalia…”
“Yeah?” She cursed inwardly at the breathiness of her voice.
“If I asked you out on a date again, what would your answer be?”
She slid her hand out of his and shook her head regretfully. “Gray, I—”
“Hey,” he cupped her cheek, “no worries. But I warned you I was going to keep asking.” Leaning forward, he pressed his lips to her forehead then stepped back.
Before she could say anything, he turned and headed back the way they’d come. He glanced back, saying over his shoulder, “And eventually, Thalia Wells, you’ll say yes.”
She watched him walk away and wished, not for the first time, that she was ready to get involved with someone again. No, not someone. Him. She wanted to be ready for Grayson Parrish.
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