Sunday Sample - Retribution

Since I'm showing off this oldie, but goodie this weekend, enjoy this sample from Retribution. Xavier has discovered that Justine has hidden his son for six years, so of course, he gets on her case...

He removed his hand from her grip, ignoring the heat seeping into his face. He didn’t need to be reminded of what her touch did to him. “I don’t care how you explain this to your husband. You figure it out.”

“But Milton is…” She sighed. “Why d’you want to do this. Why can’t we just keep things the way they are now? Why d’you have to stir things up?”

A bark of laughter escaped him. Had she lost her mind? “We’re not talking about a pet. This boy is my son, who you chose to hide to suit your purposes.” Reckless with frustration, Xavier spoke before he thought. “Milton obviously couldn’t give you a son, so you soothed his ego with mine.”

She choked on the insult, which in turn shamed him. He felt as if he’d kicked a puppy. He knew better than to say something like that, even if it was the truth. However, he refused to apologize. He didn’t owe her any kindness. If anything, she owed him a whole lot more than an apology.

Justine pulled her handbag off the back of the chair and dropped it in her lap, still glaring at him. “That’s not true!”

“Why else would you pass off my son as your husband’s child?”

“For a quiet and peaceful life!”

She dragged a handful of tissue out of the bag and blew her nose. With watery eyes, she studied him. He stared back at her, refusing to change course. He smiled, but the gesture had nothing to do with amusement. “Milton must be blind or stupid to believe that boy belongs to him. So much for your quiet and peaceful life.”

She hunched over the table, but he continued to punish her. “Maybe it suits you to think Milton is a fool, like the fool you took me for, but he probably knows what you did. You just refuse to acknowledge that he knows.”

She blew into the tissue again and shoved the wadded paper into her handbag. “There’s no need for you to act like this.”

His forehead throbbed and he struggled not to smash his fists on the table. When he was sure the top of his head hadn’t exploded, Xavier spoke again. “Woman, don’t force me to be rude to you. All I’m prepared to do is give you time to think about how you’re going to arrange for me to meet my son.”

Follow their story by going to lrd.to/retribution

Bergman and Turner...Reviews

Here some of what I've been reading recently: 

Having read book 3 in this series first, I then jumped back to read the series in order. 

Spade and Alma have such a great relationship in Loose Ends that I wanted to see how their romance came together. 

In short, I loved 1 to 2. Loved how they connected and that Spade knew from the start he was interested in Alma and wanted her in his life. 

They cut to the chase real quick, settling into something that fed both their souls. A smooth, sensuous read that ended all too quickly.

Source: Purchased from Amazon

2 to 4 picked up where 1 to 2 left off and was no less engaging than book 1.

After Spade's injury, the reader saw more development in the relationship between him and Alma and how they navigate the dangers involved in the business he's in, as well as his colourful past that won't let him go. 

These two lovers learn from each other as things change for Spade in the way he thinks about life and his future. Good read.

Cover Note: Love the cover on this book!

Source: Purchased from Amazon

What else can you ask for when you find a man who knows exactly what he wants and isn't afraid to grab hold of it? Cole is that kind of hero. 

Knowing who he is and not getting swell headed is what I liked most about him. I also enjoyed Cole's voice and his persistence when it came to winning Bethany. 

With her, it was good seeing her do exactly what she needed to, before falling in with Cole's plans.

Her situation was all kinds of complicated and I think, like many parents, Bethany allowed her daughter and ex-husband to take advantage. I was rooting for Cole and Bethany to get their HEA and wasn't disappointed.

Source: Purchased from Amazon

Discombobulated Much? #SundaySample

Here's hoping you're having a wonderful Easter Sunday. My Sunday Sample today is from - you guessed it - The Thick of Things. Enjoy!

I was a little of everything—embarrassed, confused, speechless. How could he be so sure I was what he wanted? 

No matter what he thought, I had too much going on to be adding a relationship to the list.

“What are you afraid of, Khalila?”

My name on his tongue was a caress that scattered my thoughts. 

“It’s not that I’m afraid of anything.” I pulled my hand out of his and drank the rest of the water while gathering my thoughts. “My divorce isn’t final yet and…” 

My mind settled on Amir, who I didn’t want to think about now. Softly, I sighed. “It’s too early to be thinking about a relationship with anybody.”

“We’ve gone way past the point of thinking about what’s happening between us. I’m not asking you to marry me, but I’m interested in you.” His voice softened and I had to concentrate to hear his words. “Give me the chance to show you that what we did wasn’t only about sex.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I held my silence.

His gaze was analytical and he didn’t seem to expect a response. The longer he looked at me, the more my heart rate accelerated. It was ridiculous that at my age any man could get this kind of response from me.

“I hope that wasn’t all it was for you,” he said.

It took me a few seconds to catch up with him, but I didn’t answer. I was too busy trying not to squirm at the image of him on top of me in his bed.

After reading his watch, Douglas smiled. Why, I didn’t know, but it was a genuine gesture that made 

me want to respond in the same way.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Nodding, I got out of my seat.

Douglas didn’t crowd me, but let me walk ahead of him. As I wove through the tables, I greeted a few members of the working team, who would also be leaving the hotel today.

Once we were out of the restaurant, Douglas touched my arm and directed me toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you leaving today?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m just making sure you get to where you’re going.”

Putting a smile in my voice, I said, “I’m not likely to get lost on my way upstairs.”

“I didn’t think so.” He laughed and eased both hands into the pockets of his shorts. “I’m simply doing what any decent man would do.”

My cheeky grin conveyed gratefulness and understanding. “Carry on, then.”

​He nodded and in silence, we walked to the elevator. When it was a few floors away, he faced me. “I want to ask one favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“Answer your phone when I call, okay?”

He stepped in close, kissed my cheek and then brushed his lips across mine.

I sucked in my breath and opened my mouth, wanting more of him, but he stepped back.

The elevator opened and he urged me forward with a gentle hand to my back.

​I walked inside, asking myself what kind of game Douglas was playing. Why would he start something he couldn’t finish, not to mention leave me hot and bothered?

As the doors closed, our gazes locked and I swore that man knew exactly what he was doing and the state he’d left me in.

Sitting Here in Limbo ...

It's been a week since release day, but I'd be remiss if I didn't share a little something from the book. Here's a bird's eye view into Khalila's headspace.

Since Douglas had already paid the bill, we left the rustic wooden gazebo and headed for the parking lot, hand in hand. It felt good to spend time with him this way. Douglas listened keenly whenever I spoke, as if everything I said mattered. I liked that. 

He opened the car he’d rented and helped me get in. As he sat and switched on the engine, he asked, “What about the things we talked about the other day. The stuff you wanted to do?” 

I slid him a glance, grateful he couldn’t look directly at me because I was guilty of not following through on what I told him I would do. “I…I’ve been checking out some recipes and putting some stuff together.”

“If it’s something you're passionate about, and you believe you have the resources to do it, why not get on with it?”

“I plan to…the divorce distracted me.” 

Sad to say, I had done nothing since we talked about my plans. As I looked at Douglas again, I wanted something different from the status quo. I’d been stuck in limbo so long, I’d lost direction. 

Now that I’d met Douglas, I wanted to rediscover the woman I’d been before I lost myself and who better to do that with than someone who knew who he was and what he wanted. 

 If you want to find out more about these two, follow this link.

Book Blitz - The Thick of Things

Today is the book blitz for The Thick of Things, my latest book which has been published by Garden Avenue Press. It is my hope that readers enjoy the story and share with other readers. Thanks for dropping in!

Synopsis

GENRE: women's fiction with romantic elements, contemporary romance

BLURB: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk. 

Here's what readers are saying ...

Thanks so much for dropping in. If you enjoy women's fiction and romance, be sure to pick up your copy of The Thick of Things and see what readers are talking about. 

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2FZjJtm

B & N: http://bit.ly/2HMCRLN

iBooks: https://apple.co/2pryvCn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ptS1ht

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/2G8KIWJ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2pvYA2S

Sample Sunday ... The Thick of Things #NewRelease

The Thick of Things was released this Friday and I'm grateful that people are reading this story, which marinated in my mind for a few years before I ever wrote one word. Life changes make Khalila Skyers gun-shy but Douglas Blythe is just the person she needs to make her take stock, get her mind off her grief, and start living again.

Here's an excerpt from this brand new read ...

Douglas squinted at me, disapproval in his deep-brown eyes and every line that appeared on his forehead. “Why are you so defensive?”

I put a hand to my forehead and let out my breath. “You’re not listening to me. This whole thing doesn’t matter. It’s in the past. Let it go.”

“Not a chance.”

I moved back by a step. “What?”

“I said no.”

Shaking my head, and unable to hold back the laughter trickling from me, I stared at him. “That’s just weird. You can’t tell me no.”

“I already did.”

I shrugged and stood straight. “You know what? It doesn’t even matter. You’re free to do exactly what you want.”

He put both hands in his pockets and stared back at me. “You don’t have to tell me. I know that.”

“Douglas…” I paused to gather my thoughts, feeling foolish that I’d started talking without knowing exactly what I wanted to say. The man staring back at me was that frustrating to deal with.

He raised his eyebrows and assumed an expectant expression. “Yes?”

Stop this.” I lowered my voice as I pleaded. “Please.”

He smiled and swung on the balls of his feet before going motionless. “You don’t get it, do you?”

“What?” I said, moving sideways as a family of four tourists passed us, going toward the elevator.

Only then did it occur to me that we were conspicuous, standing between the corridor and the open space in front of the elevators. I hoped nobody we knew would see us before I got rid of him.

My mind came back to our conversation with a jolt when he said, “Has it crossed your mind that I might actually be interested in you?”

Continue reading Douglas & Khalila's story by getting a copy of the book at any of these outlets.

❖Amazon: https://buff.ly/2IveYcS   
❖B & N: https://buff.ly/2FZgu8t  
❖iBooks: https://buff.ly/2FLewFr
❖Kobo: https://buff.ly/2tSuhJp

The Thick of Things is here!

Today is the day that the reading public meets Douglas and Khalila, a couple who meet each other under less-than-perfect circumstances, but move on to make the best of their situation. If a story filled with mature characters is to your liking, then you will enjoy The Thick of Things. lrd,to/ttothings 

TAGLINE: When love takes you by storm, hang on for the ride of your life.

BLURB: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk. 

GENRE: women's fiction with romantic elements, contemporary romance

Excerpt: 

We watched each other as we drank from our glasses. When we placed them on the table, Douglas wrapped one hand around my arm and sat closer. He was going to kiss me.

My breathing went raspy and I licked my lip.

As Douglas’s lips covered mine, I sucked in a breath. His skin against mine was a teasing whisper and the hairs of his moustache were downy. He planted a soft kiss on my lips and then another.

My mouth opened and Douglas’s hand went to the back of my head, holding me still. His tongue met mine in a bold, demanding move. I made a soft sound in my throat and laid my hands on his chest. The cognac on his tongue and the wine in my belly made for a drugging recipe.

Douglas deepened the kiss and I knew if we didn’t stop, I would be in danger of doing something stupid. His other hand settled on my knee and my heart took off like a runaway train.

I laid my hand on his as a deterrent, but he made no move to take things further.

He continued to seduce me, laving my tongue with his in lengthy kisses that had me wanting more of him. With his fingertips, Douglas stroked the back of my neck in circles that had me squirming. A warning bell jangled in my head, but I was too far gone to think about anything but how wonderful it felt to be with this man. Our lips separated and he laid a soft trail of kisses to my ear, then sucked the lobe into his mouth. The brush of his moustache against my skin made me shiver.

This second would have been a good time to end what was sure to be a disaster if it went any further, but I was undone. The tip of his tongue traced my outer ear, and when he whispered my name, I raised my head to stare into his eyes. After a silent but intense exchange, I nodded.

He got up and stretched his hand to me.

I slipped mine into his.

Douglas—and the heat between us—was the only thing that existed now and I wanted him more than I had wanted anything for the longest time. I sighed again, knowing that at this point, there was no going back.

Buy Links

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

B & N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-thick-of-things-jl-campbell/1128105800?ean=2940159080509

iBooks: https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book//the-thick-of-things/id1353238245?l=en&mt=11&at=

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-thick-of-things

Amazon Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thick-Things-Media-Res-Book-ebook/dp/B07B7B8JY2

Hang on for the Ride of Your Life!

Time is winding down and I'm getting excited because The Thick Of Things will be released on March 16.  🤩 The main character, at forty-two, is a tad older than most of the heroines I’ve written. But, if you enjoy thought-provoking women’s fiction that has strong romantic elements, this book is for you!

Please do me a wonderful favour and add The Thick of Things to your shelf on Goodreads.  📚Thanks! Here’s the link to Goodreads.

Blurb

When love takes you by storm, hang on for the ride of your life.

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.

You can hop over to Goodreads from here. 

Thanks so much!