Sample The Vet's Christmas Pet

The fact that Jade thought she had to put on a brave face saddened me. No five-year-old child should have to pretend something didn't matter just to avoid upsetting her parent.

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I swallowed my sigh and walked through the doorway, carrying one glass of Otaheite apple juice and one glass of water. "The patient is okay?" I asked.

Matthias nodded. "He's fine. Totally recovered." He slipped Jade a sideways glance and tugged her plait. "He'll be in good health if he sticks to doggie food."

She leaned her head back and smiled. "I already promised not to give him any more cake."

Tipping his head at the fish tank, Matthias said, "I hope you haven't been giving Phyllis cake either."

Jade rolled her eyes. "Of course not."

The phone rang, distracting Jade. She jumped off the sofa and picked up the handset, which she always did since she loved answering the phone.

I handed Matthias the glass of water, leaving the other on the table for Jade and paid attention when she said, "Hi, Daddy."

Her gaze slid sideways and then she said. "Yeah, me and Doc."

A few beats went by before she smiled. "He fixed up Ridley."

A hand went to her side. "Ridley is my dog."

When her brows crumpled, I wanted to take the phone from her. She put one hand across her stomach, reminding me of the way I stood when answering the phone—especially when I was in defensive mode.

"Mommy said I could have him."

Jade's tone pulled my head out of the clouds and I moved to where she stood and took the handset. "Dane. What's up?"

"Who's Doc and when did Jade get a dog?"

"We found him, and Doc—"

"You allowed Jade to keep a stray dog? How d'you know—"

"Calm down. Ridley isn't a health risk."

"When did you find time to go to veterinary school?"

This was the way it had been between us in the last few years. I'd had enough of him so I sighed, turning away from Matthias, who was too still to not be listening to me.

"What d'you want?"

"I was calling to let you know I'll be out of town this weekend, so I can't have Jade over on Friday."

"So what's new?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"This is the third time in a row you've cancelled your weekend—no, the one day you're supposed to spend with her."

"You know the job—"

I lowered my voice and stepped away from Matthias and Jade. "Whatever. Your job isn't supposed to be more important than your child."

"You're just trying to guilt me and by the way, who is that man you have over there?"

"That's none of your business and by the way, that's not me making you guilty. It's what's left of your conscience. Don't worry. I'll tell Jade you can't see her on Friday. Just like the last two times."

While he sputtered, I hung up the phone.

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Valentine Specials

I've got a Valentine special going on for a limited time. 💕👩‍❤️‍👨💕💘💞 The excerpt below is from Cupid's Gift, which tells the story of a divorced father and a single mom who is content living her life the way it is, until Bryce and his dog crash into her life. 

The man standing in the doorway was perfect, except for the diamond stud in his ear. Then the wind chimes jangled, and a roar shuddered through my body. I spun in the chair, one hand pressed to my chest.

A wheat-colored monster tore into the clinic, past the man holding the door open. If that thing didn't cut its speed, it would either run straight into the desk or jump over it and topple me to the floor. I got ready to bolt out of the seat, if necessary, but the man stopped the giant torpedo with one command. "Maddox, sit."

The idiot dog stopped short of the desk and sat on his haunches, panting so loudly it was impossible not to hear him from where I sat. "Sorry about that."

The man walked into the reception area to stand beside the dog. "Maddox gets a little excited when he's away from home."

"That's what you call it?" I said, clutching the thong at my neck. "I thought he was going to lay me out flat on the floor."

The stranger smiled, forcing me to pull in a sharp breath. He was mega-gorgeous. Bitter-chocolate dark with a set of teeth so even, I thought they might be dentures. Tall and slender. Not drop-dead handsome, but delicious eye-candy. Perfect, I thought again, minus the earring.

He caught me looking at the diamond glinting in his earlobe and one of his eyebrows did a little lift, as if he were asking what part of my business it was. Ignoring what his expression conveyed, I put on my professional face and let go of the death grip I now had on the pendant I wore. "Can I help you?"

"It's okay, Melanie." Matthias, my boss, walked past me and gripped the man by the hand. "Bryce. Good thing you called because I was gonna leave ten minutes ago."

I wondered about that since the switchboard had been silent for the last hour, which meant Bryce had to be a close friend or associate. He'd probably called Matthias on his cellular.

They did a weird grip that started with a regular handshake and ended with clapping each other on the back. It was all I could do not to roll my eyes.

As I had many times before, I wondered if my boss had lost his mind, but Matthias had so many sides to him, it was impossible to keep track of whatever he was up to at any point in time. The two of them continued talking and I got busy with the appointment schedule onscreen, trying not to listen to their conversation.

It was clear they were at ease with each other, and I wondered about the identity of Matthias' visitor. He reminded me of someone, but I wasn't sure who. I searched my mind. Had we met before?

If we had, it was probably in passing, since I would have taken note of a man wearing an earring if I'd met him before. This one was interesting enough for me to remember him from a previous meeting. Still, I was almost sure this wasn't the first time I'd seen him.

"This boy needs some attention," Matthias said, bending to scratch the dog at the back of his neck. I hoped the disgust on my face wasn't obvious as I glanced at Matthias.

The dog's coat was matted in places, an indication that it was in need of a good brushing. That thought made me glance at Bryce. If he couldn't take care of his dog ...

He caught me looking at him, and the pleasant expression slid from his face, leaving one I couldn't read.

I wanted to squirm in my seat, but forced myself to stare at the screen before me. So I was guilty of judging, but given the condition of the dog, I could be forgiven for thinking this man looked good, but only knew how to take care of himself.

His polo shirt and jeans were crisp and clean and the hint of musk wafting toward me said he also smelled good. While I inhaled his scent, I reminded myself the condition of his dog was none of my business. The phone rang and I grabbed the handset, grateful for the distraction.

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About Blindsided ...

So, my newest baby has been out for a week. The reviews have been good so far and Sunday is as good a day as any to share a sample of this sweet romance.

The wait was over and tonight he'd have Caroline with him, where she belonged. All she had to say was I do, since he'd already pledged his love for her.

After the reception and an hour's drive to Negril, they'd enjoy each other for the next two weeks.

Caroline's hand twitched in his, bringing him back to the elaborate stage his mother had created for their wedding. 

Clouds of chiffon, and clusters of flowers he couldn't identify, jostled for space.  

The white and gold theme was dazzling and a bit much, but not according to Caroline and his mother. Only Caroline's brilliant bouquet was out of sync with their color scheme.

He was glad they agreed to have the wedding outdoors. All of this fanciness inside a building would have driven him crazy. The ceremony returned front and center when the pastor asked, "Do you take this man, Gordon Raimes, to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

When he looked at Caroline, her mouth was half open, her nostrils vibrated, and her eyes were glossy with tears.

He squeezed her hand and cocked his head, acutely aware of the chill rolling up his spine.

Something was wrong. He'd felt it for at least a week, but had been too busy wrapping up several deals to ensure he'd be fully relaxed on their honeymoon. He should have been paying more attention to what was now obvious.

Caroline swallowed and the delicate hollow at the base of her neck moved with each breath she took. Then she said, "I'm sorry, Gordon. I can't marry you."

Blindsided is on Kindle Unlimited. You can purchase a copy at lrd.to/Blindsided.

The first book in the series, Sold! is currently on sale. Check it out at lrd.to/SoldX.

Blindsided is Coming!

Blindsided is a sweet romance that I've been holding on to since early this year. It's scheduled to be released soon ...

Something was wrong. He'd felt it for at least a week, but had been too busy wrapping up several deals to pay attention to what was now obvious.

Caroline swallowed and the delicate hollow at the base of her neck moved with each breath she took. "I'm sorry, Gordon. I can't marry you."

Her voice came at him as if from the far end of a corridor, and he was sure he’d heard wrong. "What?"

"The, uh, the time isn't right."

Her words body slammed him. He licked his lip, which seemed to take an awful long time. His jacket itched and he let out his breath, conscious of the guests shuffling behind them.

Next to him, his younger brother, Carsten, moved as if to step forward, but only laid a hand on his shoulder. Behind Caroline, her matron of honor's wide-eyed gaze swung between them.

For a few seconds, Gordon's gaze rested on Charles, Sr., Caroline's father, who seemed about to lose his breakfast. 

Gordon spread his feet and pulled his shoulders back. "And this is the time you choose to tell me?"

Caroline made a weird sound in her throat and lowered her gaze, pulling out of his grip to swipe her nose with the back of her hand, which was covered with a lace half-glove. Her action reminded him of something a little girl would do, but she wasn't a child. Caroline was a grown woman who seemed to have lost her mind in the last few minutes.

"I didn't know how to tell you," she whispered as tears leaked from the corner of one eye.

He wanted to pull her to his chest and shield her from whatever was wrong, because clearly she was hurting. But first, there was the business of their wedding. His mother had been planning this affair for the last six months, and had to be wondering what was going on.

From the corners of his eyes, he watched his mother rise. Then his father followed. They had always been a unit, or tag-team as their children called them, and supportive of their family. His sister, Janelle, frowned and then leaned toward her son, who spoke in her ear.

Gordon knew he was avoiding the issue in front of him by letting his mind wander. His gaze returned to Caroline, who gripped her bottom lip with her teeth. Her eye makeup was applied with a light hand. The purple lipstick was almost perfect, except where she'd gnawed it away, but her eyeliner was running and she looked as if she was about to faint. 
Instead, she collapsed against him, sobbing.

He held her close, fighting the sensation of someone crushing his chest in a vise. Over Caroline's head, he threw a desperate glance at Feechi—his brother’s wife and Caroline’s matron of honor.

Ingrid, Caroline's bridesmaid, stood stock-still, her eyes pulled wide.

Feechi stood directly behind Caroline at the same time his mother reached them. Taking Caroline by the shoulders, Mom turned her. "Come with me. Let's get to the bottom of this."

Shaking her head, Caroline said, "You can't."

As Gordon watched, his bride took off down the aisle, clutching the sides of her ivory dress as she ran.

Get Valentine Pets & Kisses 2!

Cupid has been hard at work to bring you the Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 boxed set, which is available on all platforms today! Be sure to get your copy as it's only $0.99.

All the characters in Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 have requests for Cupid, so take a moment to scroll below and check out all that Cupid is expected to deliver to our loving guys and gals. 

  

Don't delay download your copy of Valentine Pets & Kisses 2 today! 

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Christmas Pets & Kisses is Live!

Today's the day! Christmas Pets & Kisses is Live!

Warm your hearts this holiday season with twelve all-new sweet romances from best-selling authors. If you enjoyed Christmas Pets and Kisses you'll love following some old friends and meeting some new ones. This delightful collection of pets, from paws and hooves to wings and fins, deliver another round of Christmas magic and true love. 

It’s Always Something - Nikki Lynn Barrett - It's hard to be a celebrity couple in the spotlight. All Quinn and Tucker McGinnis want to do is spend their first holiday season together, but it's always something keeping them apart. 

The Oblivious Girl’s Handbook - DelSheree Gladden - Being oblivious to all the signs that your life is about to fall apart doesn't stop it from happening to Sara Taylor. Alone except for the cat her boyfriend left behind to teach her a lesson, Sara has no clue how to survive on her own. Will her friend Monroe step in to help? 

Her Christmas Chance - Rachelle Ayala- When a persistent cat keeps breaking into Chance Martin’s workshop, he isn’t prepared to meet his reclusive owner--a woman with more than a face to hide. 

Sold! - J.L. Campbell - Christmas looks dismal this year for Feechi Anoduro, until she meets Carsten Raimes, who brings not only good luck, but the chance for her seven year old to keep Max, his beloved Yorkshire terrier. 

Unexpected Gift 2 - Chantel Rhondeau - Housekeeper Dani Johnson is nursing a broken heart, so flees across the country to hide out in New York. Certain even Christmas festivities can’t thaw her frozen heart, Dani is in for a shock when she meets the local veterinarian technician and his adorable kittens. 

Home for the Holidays - Michele Shriver - Her personal and professional life in shambles, New York lawyer Melanie Holister returns home to small town Iowa for the holidays, where she crosses paths with her high school crush Kaeden McGrath. 

Merry Mountain Christmas - P.C. Zick - Fran is adjusting after her husband’s death when her first love comes back to town upsetting her family and leading her to an inspiration that will change both of their lives. 

Paper Love- Aubrey Wynne - Ben has pulled out all the stops to gain Joss’s trust. When a stray carrier pigeon appears on his deck, the bird and an origami obsession save the day. 

Kindled - Jade Kerrion - An injured male ballet dancer returns home to recuperate, but his massage therapist is his former dance partner and the woman who broke his heart 

A Christmas Snowstar - Nancy Radke - Two neighboring ranchers struggle to save a new-born foal from wolves in a blizzard, while becoming reacquainted after years of separation. 

Melanie’s Christmas Gift - Sharon Coady - With Christmas approaching and a new baby on the way Melanie is not a happy little girl feeling the baby will take her place in her new step-mother's heart. 


A Miracle for Happiness - Annamaria Bazzi - Brian finds his second chance at love, but never bargained having to fight for his beloved Amelia’s life.

Don't delay, get your copy of CHRISTMAS PETS & KISSES 2 for only $0.99 today!

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The Vet's Secret Wish

Here's what's happening in Sweet Romance land. The third book in The Vet Series is in two places! The Spring Into Romance boxed set and as a single here. Get your copy of The Vet's Secret Wish today!

Across the office, Jade—my almost-fiancée's daughter—sat in a padded-wicker chair.  Her bare feet were bent at the knees and her cat, Murphy sprawled on top of them. Jade stroked his fur while speaking into his ear. Murphy mewed at Jade as if he understood what she'd said to him, and I had no doubt he did.

Ridley, the Pit Bull mix lay dozing on the tiles.

The moment my focus turned to the patient cards on the desk, Jade asked, "Doc, you busy?"

I'd never be too busy for her, so I laid down the pen and gave her my attention. "What d'you want to know?"

Jade was a powerhouse of questions and I'd learned to pay attention if I didn't want to wander onto a minefield that would blow up in my face.

"Daddy and I were talking about you and Mommy last night."

Now, I was riveted. "Yeah?"

She nodded, putting all her energy into it. "I told him about your rings and he said promises can be broken."

Here, she sighed. "I know because before now, he broke his promise to let me stay at his house a lot."

The upstanding side of my character told me to shut down this conversation now, but the part of my brain that suspected Jade's father still wanted her mother back made me ask, "So what else did he say about Toni and me?"

She stroked Murphy's forehead and made a funny face at him before frowning. "Um … he said … oh yes, a promise is a comfort to a fool."

I spun the promise ring on my finger, focusing on the pearls inset in the titanium finish. The stones were set inside one half of a heart, and Toni's ring contained the matching side. She'd given me the ring a month ago with a promise to marry me on Valentine's Day next year.

Now, I wondered if I knew what the heck I was doing to agree to that half-measure when I wanted Toni to be Mrs. Matthias Laing this minute.

So Toni wasn't as gung-ho about marriage as I was, but considering what she'd been through, and since I'd agreed to wait, I couldn't bum rush her at this point.

" … true, Doc?"

Jade's questioning tone jolted me out of my mental space. "What was that?"

"I was asking if that's true."

My blank stare gave me away, because Jade sighed and rolled her eyes. "Is it a comfort for a fool?"

"No, it's not. I've lived up to the ones I've made to you, haven't I?"

She nodded and then said. "Daddy wasn't talking about you and me."

My intense stare prodded her to continue. "He was talking about Mommy and you."

I would have asked why he was talking about Toni and me since they weren't together anymore, but that didn't serve any useful purpose so I bit my tongue. Jade's words made me uncomfortable because I suspected Dane had every intention of getting back into Toni's life.

Toni's reassurance that she had no desire for a second chance with Dane should have made me more relaxed, but it didn't, and Jade forced me to shelve my thoughts when she got up and approached the desk. She sat on the edge of one of the visitor's chairs with Murphy on her shoulder. She wrinkled her eyebrows. "So remind me what promise rings do again?"

Sucking in a lungful of air, I put a smile on my face and raised my left hand. "Next time your daddy asks, tell him your mommy gave me this ring and said she was going to marry me."

Even as the words left my mouth and though I said it in an even tone, shame crept over me. Why was I allowing Dane's snide remarks to disturb me?

He was in the past.

I was in Toni's future.

End of story.

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