Vivian Arend's Blog, page 12

Small Town + Crazy Family + A Little Mystery = TURNER TWINS!

My publishing career began with novellas. Wolf Signs, Tidal Wave, Rocky Mountain Heat (which was originally only 30,000 words long!)

When I had a few under my belt, I asked my editor what I should do to improve as a writer, and she suggested learning how to write longer stories would give me more room to play with plot and character development.

I tried. The goal was to write a stand alone short contemporary, Turn It On. The biggest difference I remember, thinking back now over 10 years later, was how much talking they did! Lol. In a novella, there’s a lot of action, and things move quickly. In a novel, there’s time to actually sit and have a cup of coffee while they chat. It was a challenge, but it was also fun, and I got to add in tons of interesting twists. There’s a big family with a strange family tradition of naming everyone some variation of “Max”. There’s the twins, who are close as siblings, but very different in character. There’s a touch of mystery, and there are typical real life situations with friends that don’t always go smoothly.

In the end, I had what I thought was a fun, super sexy (!!!) stand alone story. One and done!

But then, Turn It On came out, and readers really wanted to know more about the brother to the heroine, who was clearly already in a happily-ever-after of his own. I’d even given him the unfortunate name of Junior!

Writing his story meant going back in time, which meant the books were published out of chronological order. A fault I’m convinced to this day is why I write chronologically whenever possible, even if publishing doesn’t always work.

The end result is now the books ARE in order, and they’re very sexy, and while they’re older, they’re still about chosen family and finding the person who not only believes in you, but is willing to do everything to help bring you to the point you believe in yourself.

If you haven’t met Maxwell Junior (ugh! lol) and Natasha, or Maxine and Ryan yet, I hope you’ll check them out.

She’s looking for her heart’s desire. He’s ready to give it to her.

Maxwell Turner Junior has led a charmed life. His easy-going manner and higher than average smarts usually get him what he wants—with one exception. Natasha Bellingham has resisted him for far too long. She may be ten years older, but so what? He’s plenty old enough to know they belong together. Now all he has to do is convince her.

Natasha’s love life has degenerated into a series of bad clichés. Her biological clock is ticking—loudly. As a proven architect with her own company, she’s financially ready for a baby. Who says she needs a permanent man in her life for that? She just needs a “donation”.

When Max discovers Natasha’s plans include artificial insemination, he’s outraged. She wants to get pregnant? No problem. He’s more than willing to volunteer—no turkey basters involved.

But there’s one non-negotiable clause: He wants forever. And he intends to do everything in his power—fair and unfair—to make it happen.

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Pushing the limits can set off all kinds of alarms…

Inheriting her grandmother’s home is a dream come true for web designer Maxine Turner. She’s looking forward to a little freedom from the constant demands of her beloved, crazy mob of a family. When vandals expose just how vulnerable she is living alone, she seeks help.

Ryan Claymore’s well-thought-out life was wrenched away when responsibility for his special-needs stepbrother landed on his shoulders. Going from military man to business man challenges his take-charge nature, but luckily enough he’s found Maxine—he’ll trade his security-system knowledge for her website expertise.

Red-hot chemistry sizzles between them, and resisting the attraction is a fight they can’t win. Even the secret Ryan hides isn’t enough to keep Maxine from working her way into his heart—and his bed.

But when the attacks on Maxine and her home escalate, Ryan’s protective instincts go into overdrive. He’ll have to find a balance between safeguarding and smothering the woman who’s just learning to spread her wings, or they could lose the best thing they’ve ever found.

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For a limited time, get the Takhini Shifters series on sale in audio from Author’s Direct!

Purchase on Author’s Direct

Rocky Mountain Forever Release Day

It’s here!

We’ve got a couple of red-hot seniors finding a well-deserved happily-ever-after.

Tons of adorable family time. Some laughter, some tears.

Come settle in for a good, long visit with your friends.

Here’s a peek into Blake and Jaxi’s morning…

 

Excerpt

 

Curled up against him, Jaxi pressed her lips against the side of his neck, easing her legs on either side of his. A throaty moan escaped her, and Blake wanted to both laugh and curse as he realized his hand no longer rested innocently on her hip. Nope. He’d full on cupped her ass and was even now in the process of dragging her on top of his body.

“Looking for trouble—” Jaxi began.

“Maaaaama.” The doorknob rattled as PJ’s voice rang against the door. “Daaaaaadeeeee.”

Absolutely adorable even as their four-year-old’s timing made Blake groan. “Invasion?” he asked Jaxi.

She pressed a quick kiss to his lips before carefully crawling off. “I’ll get him. You deal with—things.”

With a slightly wicked pat of her hand against his belly, Jaxi swung away before he could grab her, hips wiggling saucily as she headed toward the door.

Blake rolled, adjusting his hard-on to a more comfortable position that was slightly protected in case their oldest son decided to jet propel his way onto the mattress like he usually did.

“Yes? We didn’t order any pizza,” Jaxi said as she knelt beside the door.

Around her, PJ’s expression went utterly serious as he shook his head. “Not peeza. Cuddles.”

“Well, that’s totally different.” Jaxi scooped him up, closing the door and returning to the bed. “Look, Daddy, we have an early morning delivery of cuddles.”

“One of my favourite things,” Blake said sincerely, opening his arms.

PJ snuggled in, and Blake felt that pulse deep inside again. The one that made him ache even as it brought a smile to his face.

Jaxi sat on the edge of the bed, her expression filled with wonder. “I love you.”

She said the words so simply, but it was clear the message was meant for him, not their son. Although she totally loved their kids to pieces, this thing between them wasn’t getting any smaller. After eight years of marriage it seemed to simply grow, expanding to fill every single bit of room, not just in Blake’s heart, but in their home.

Even as he draped an arm around their son, he patted the mattress beside him. “Climb in. It’s cold out there.”

She smiled wryly. “I will. But I figured I’d wait to let the rest of them in first.”

“Who—?”

He shouldn’t have bothered asking. He knew the answer.

“Daddy?” A chorus of little girls.

Jaxi blew him a kiss before sneaking from the room. By the time she got back with two-year-old Justin in her arms, the seven-year-old blonde-haired twins, Rebecca and Rachel, had settled on either side of six-year-old Lana.

Lana sighed contentedly. “I like sleepovers.”

“Not a sleepover when it’s Mommy and Daddy’s bed…” Becca explained seriously.

“…it’s family cuddles,” Rae finished.

“Shove over there, kids,” Jaxi said with amusement. “Make room for your brother.”

Shockingly, ten minutes later the bed was silent. The girls had curled up in a heap like puppies and fallen back asleep almost immediately. Against Blake’s chest, PJ’s blondish hair spread in a tangled mess. He’d snuck his thumb in his mouth, his little chest moving easily.

Justin was sprawled on top of Jaxi, contented baby snores rising from him.

And Blake and Jaxi, teetering on the opposite edges of the mattress.

Rocky Mountain Forever

    

 

DreamMakers Series Feature

Back in 2014/15, my good friend Elle Kennedy and I had a blast writing a series together. Three military friends who are now retired but instead of starting a security company like most of their buddies, they end up running a dating type service.

Yeah, it’s a little off the wall, but it was so much fun. The books are red hot, the guys are total bromance, and we loved the fun of diving into the DreamMakers world. (Two of these books have mfm menages in them, but all finish with dedicated m/f happily-ever-afters.)

If you’ve never read them before, prepare to fall in love with Parker, Jack, and Dean.

TROPES:

Parker and Lynn: one-night stand to forever. Good girl getting lessons in getting dirty.

Jack and Pepper: best friend’s little sister. Opposites attract.

Dean and Emma: second chances. Reformed playboy.

All Fired Up

He’s ready to lead the way

As the owner of DreamMakers Inc., Parker Wilson takes the skills he learned as a Ranger to help men win in the love department, using every resource available to plan the perfect date. But when a routine recon turns into an unexpected night of fiery passion, Parker’s mission becomes personal—and he won’t give up until Lynn Davidson is all his.

She’s more than willing to follow

Lynn is a goner from the moment she lays eyes on the delectable Parker. She’s tired of sticking to the straight and narrow. It’s time to walk on the wild side, and what better way than in the arms of the most irresistible man she’s ever met? But when their red-hot affair is threatened, it’ll take a team effort to make their dreams come true.

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Love Is A Battlefield

He’s ready to admit she’s all grown up…

After two tours of duty, former Army Ranger Jack Hunter is back in the US, working to keep DreamMakers a brilliant success. Now that his best friend’s little sister is home from college, it’s time to retire his hands-off policy and take action. He wants Pepper Wilson in his bed, but seducing the feisty redhead could be dangerous for more than one reason.

She’s ready to push all his buttons…

Pepper is tired of being bossed around by everyone in her life, especially arrogant, annoying, overbearing Jack Hunter. While she can’t deny the man is out-of-this-world gorgeous, his alpha routine is getting old. His steely determination proves a match for her own, though, and the attraction simmering between them ignites into fiery passion.

But can their wild sexual exploration turn into more without someone getting burned?

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Don’t Walk Away

He wants to rock her world—in bed and out of it

For former Army Ranger Dean Colter, sexual escapades and wild flirtations are the norm—but it wasn’t always that way. Years ago, the DreamMakers co-owner was a one-woman kind of guy until he tore Emma Lee’s heart apart. Yet he’s never forgotten her, and when Emma waltzes back into his life, a second chance is suddenly within his reach…and he’ll be damned if he’ll screw up again.

She wants her world to stop spinning apart

Emma’s no longer the naïve girl she used to be. Now a successful designer in the fashion world, she refuses to let Dean’s killer smile and sweet-talking ways distract her from her goals. But being the target of Dean’s full-out seduction isn’t easy to resist, even as the dynasty she’s built teeters toward disaster. This time she might the one who breaks both their hearts when she has to walk away.

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Nook Coupon Code

Nook readers:

I have a special surprise for you! While you can get All Fired Up for free at ANY retailer, you can also get Love is a Battlefield and Don’t Walk Away for 50% off. Just use the coupon code BNPDREAM50 at checkout!

SPR DIE HARD’S CHRONOLOGICAL READING LIST challenge

With the release of Rocky Mountain Forever right around the corner, it’s time for the Six Pack Ranch readers to take on the ultimate SPR Die Hard Chronological Reading List! Good luck!! 

 

Rocky Mountain Heat             (Six Pack Ranch 1)
Rocky Mountain Haven          (Six Pack Ranch 2)
Rocky Mountain Desire          (Six Pack Ranch 3)
Making Memories                   (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 1)
Rocky Mountain Angel           (Six Pack Ranch 4)
Rocky Mountain Rebel            (Six Pack Ranch 5)
Never Too Far                         (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 2)
Rocky Mountain Freedom      (Six Pack Ranch 6)
Rocky Ride                              (Thompson & Sons 2)
Home Building                        (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 3)
Rubber Boot Romance            (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 4)
Rocky Mountain Romance     (Six Pack Ranch 7)
Rocky Mountain Retreat         (Six Pack Ranch 8)
Rocky Mountain Shelter         (Six Pack Ranch 9)
Lights & Secrets                      (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 5)
Rocky Mountain Devil             (Six Pack Ranch 10)
A Daddy’s Love                       (Six Pack Ranch Vignette 6)
Rocky Mountain Home           (Six Pack Ranch 11)
A Rancher’s Heart                   (Stones of Heart Falls 1)
Surprised at Bootstomp Point (Heart Falls Vignette Collection Vol.1)
The Cowgirl’s Forever Love    (Colemans of Heart Falls 1)
The Cowgirl’s Secret Love       (Colemans of Heart Falls 2)
The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love     (Colemans of Heart Falls 3)
Oh, Baby!                                (Heart Falls Vignette Collection Vol.1)
Rocky Mountain Forever        (Six Pack Ranch 12)

This list includes books and vignettes from Six Pack Ranch, Thompson & Sons, Stones of Heart Falls and Colemans of Hearts Falls series. Can you get through them all before Rocky Mountain Forever releases on February 16th? 

Release Day for A Hero’s Christmas Hope

It’s here!

Since it’s the start of December, I’m sure your world is currently full to the brim with plans and preparation and a whirlwind of activity (safely done!)

Somewhere in the midst of the busy, take a moment for yourself. I hope you fall in love with Ryan and Madison as they introduce Heart Falls to a Not-So-Traditional Nutcracker, as well as the gaudiest sweater in Alberta.

Happy reading!

This hero needs a holiday miracle or two—and she’s just the one to deliver.

Single father Ryan Zhao didn’t expect a ghost from his past to literally slide back into his life. His longtime friendship with Madison Joy is a pure, sweet memory, and with the holidays fast approaching, her surprise visit is perfect. Maddy’s a breath of fresh air, full of ideas and enthusiasm—and far too attractive to a lonely man like him. Best friends to lovers might be tempting, but it’s also dangerous since she’s leaving after Christmas.

Madison thrives on fixing things. If Ryan insists she stick around and bother him and his adorable daughter for all of December, she’ll do what she can to make his life brighter. Which means reviving their ugly sweater tradition, organizing a not-so-traditional Nutcracker—and fighting to keep from falling in love with her former best friend and his motherless child.

She’s already given up her dreams once to help take care of her family. No matter how much he wants her to stay, Ryan refuses to ask her to do it again for him and his little girl.  Can holiday magic find a way to take these two lonely hearts from friends to forever?

    

Return To Six Pack Ranch

I have news!!

ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER (SIX PACK RANCH BOOK 12)

*cheers along with you* Yes, it’s coming. For those of you constantly haunting my inbox for updates, my assistant Nic will no longer tell you “when the time is right, we’ll let you know!”

The time is right.

I’ve finally written the book that takes us back to Rocky Mountain House to revisit the entire Coleman clan. You’ll catch up on what’s been happening with your favourite characters, and who’s up to what mischief in the community.

We won’t be the only ones returning. It’s time for Mark Coleman (Uncle Mark) to find a way back to the family, and to his happily-ever-after.

The cover? Hmmmmmmm!!

Timeline for the story: a slight overlap with the end of The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love, and with Lisa and Josiah’s short story, covering nearly a year and ending just before Canadian Thanksgiving. The book will be available in ebook, audio and the print version will include the vignettes found in the ebook ROCKY MOUNTAIN VIGNETTES.

I hope you’re ready to celebrate this story with me. Be sure to let your fellow Six Pack reading friends know that ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER is on the way!

Release date: February 16, 2021

A return to the bestselling SIX PACK RANCH series by New York Times Bestselling Author Vivian Arend. While this book contains a stand-alone romance, it’s best read as a part of the series.

——-

It’s never too late for love.

Years ago, Mark Coleman made the only possible choice and left Rocky Mountain House before he tore his family apart. When he hears the four clans—Six Pack, Whiskey Creek, Moonshine and Angel—are working together to create a memory book, Mark also discovers the one detail that finally triggers his return.

Because he’s not just coming back to the family. Now that Dana is free and ready to move on, Mark plans to give the only woman he’s ever loved all the devotion and happiness she deserves, no matter how much sweet-talking, or dirty talk, it takes.

Meanwhile, when a shocking truth is shared with the oldest of the Six Pack sons, Blake Coleman begins a journey of assessment. Can he really fill his father’s boots and be the leader his generation turns to for guidance?

With lots of visits with all your favourite Colemans, this is a celebration of love and the lessons learned along the way.

Warning: this book is full of happily-ever-afters. Lots of I love yous, lots of babies, lots of laughter and happy tears. Pretty much, readers familiar with the series have a ton of feel-good hours of reading ahead. If you want angst—this isn’t it.

   

 

It’s Release Day for Three Weddings and a Baby!

I know this is a collection and not a full novel, but I ADORED writing another story for Lisa and Josiah, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It’s a one hundred percent feel good, enjoy the smile on your face, adventure.

After this, we’ll be headed to the holidays and some other special announcements, but for today, take a break and fall into a continuing happily-ever-after.

Here’s a fun excerpt for you with Lisa heading over to Karen’s for a visit, and ending up with some quality time with a certain dog and a cat!

**

Lisa knocked on the door then let herself in. “Karen?”

No answer. She checked her phone to find a message.

Karen: Sorry. Had to run over to Tamara’s to grab something. Make yourself comfy. I’ll be right back.

Lisa didn’t bother to respond. She took her sister at her word, and after rummaging in the refrigerator to grab an iced tea, she settled on the couch next to where half the contents of a box was already spread over the coffee table.

Ollie jumped up beside her, followed immediately by the sweet white kitten by the name of Dandelion Fluff. Dandy and Ollie touched noses before the kitten firmly made his way into Lisa’s lap. He stretched for a moment, his little pink nose wiggling.

Lisa brushed two fingers down the back of his head. “Well, aren’t you cuddly today?”

Dandy curled up directly on top of her stomach, a small, round bundle of fluff. An instant later, Ollie had settled in as well, torso draped over Lisa’s thighs so she could rest her chin on the back of the cat and still crack open an eye every now and then to make sure her human wasn’t going anywhere.

Lisa snickered at discovering she was trapped. The coffee table was only a foot away, but there was no way to grab anything off it without disturbing the very relaxed creatures in her lap.

“Well, I suppose that’s one way to make me take some R & R.” Lisa eased her head back on the couch and took a deep breath. The peaceful quiet of Karen’s home surrounded her, with nothing but a grandfather clock ticking somewhere in the background.

Unbelievably, she must’ve fallen asleep, because the next thing she knew, Ollie had gone off again. For a well-behaved little dog, the creature had suddenly decided to exercise her vocal cords far more than Lisa thought appropriate.

Ollie’s bark went off in Dandy’s ear. The cat leapt skyward, an annoyed yowl escaping him. He landed on the floor, shooting to the side of the room as Ollie jumped off the couch as well, beelining instead for the front door, where Karen stood.

“Ollie. Be quiet.” Lisa attempted to blink herself awake.

Karen glowered at the barking dog as if she’d discovered a pile of poop instead of a pile of pup at her feet. “Every now and then I remember why I don’t usually like animals in the house.”

“Oh, stop it,” Lisa said with a laugh, crossing the room quickly. The instant she scooped up Ollie, the dog ceased her annoying new habit. “I have no idea what’s gotten into her.”

Dandy was perched on top of the nearest bookcase, and he hissed his disapproval at all the noise and upheaval.

Karen snickered. “Well, it seems as if the animal kingdom is out of sorts. Come on, we’ll grab them some treats and sweet talk them into loving us again.”

Re-visit the Heart Falls Happily-Ever-Afters to date.

Includes the short story:

Oh Baby!

A cute puppy, a wedding, and a baby. ← that’s it. That’s the blurb. Lol.

Also, three other weddings.

 

 

   

Three Weddings and a Baby are Coming Soon!

I’ve mentioned this once, but figured another update wouldn’t be terrible. If your brain is working as well as mine is currently, then this might be brand new to some of you! Lol.

I’m excited to share that I’ve written a short story with the title of Oh Baby!

I’ve written vignettes to follow up with couples before, but with the way that the books have worked out timing wise, I had a fun story for Lisa and Josiah that didn’t fit into the background of the next Heart Falls title. So, short story it is! Somewhere around novella length…

I’ve put OH BABY! plus three vignettes into Three Weddings and a Baby, Heart Falls Vignette Collection #1. This will be the ONLY way to get the short story.

That’s the baby part!!!

The three vignettes are:

Surprised at Bootstomp Point: Caleb & Tamara

Heartfelt at Heart Falls: Walker & Ivy

A Wild Horse Wedding: Luke & Kelli.

It’s ready for preorder now!

(Anyone really alert will notice this is a month later than I originally said, but we’re good to go now!)

Here’s a fun little tidbit with Ollie…and her people.

Release date: Sept 8, 2020

 

**

The group of them rang in the New Year, cheers rising skyward as the clock ticked past midnight. Everyone turned to their partner for a good-luck kiss, and as Josiah pulled her close, Lisa was definitely counting her blessings.

His lips against hers were warm and yet demanding. There was no getting distracted when he wanted her full attention. Except for—

An excited yip sounded by their ankles, and Josiah’s mouth curled into a smile before he’d even finished the kiss.

Their foreheads touched briefly. “Somebody else wants to say happy New Year.”

Lisa swooped down and grabbed Ollie, cuddling the pup between her and Josiah. “Yes, you need to be part of the celebration as well,” she told the little terrier seriously. “Happy New Year, Ollie.”

She pressed a kiss to the dog’s head then lifted her gaze to meet Josiah’s.

“Don’t let your sisters see you do that,” Josiah warned in a whisper.

“Too late,” Julia whispered in return as she walked past, tugging Zach with her.

It wasn’t much later that everyone left, headed back to their own homes. Tamara to a nine-month-old baby boy and the rest of her and Caleb’s family she cared for as a full-time mom. Karen was off to the big ranch house she and Finn were renovating while getting the ranch up and running. Julia and Zach were the last to go, discussing ideas for building a place of their own as well dealing with their tasks for Red Boot ranch.

Lisa and Josiah put away a few things before leaving the rest for the morning.

“What do you think about starting the new year right?” Josiah asked the question with a voice that had gone deep as he crowded her down the hallway toward their bedroom cautiously, to avoid kicking Ollie, who kept pacing underfoot.

“That’s a wonderful idea,” Lisa said with great enthusiasm. She wrapped her fingers around his collar and smiled up demurely. “It’s very important to get at least eight hours of shut-eye, so we should probably hit the sack right now and go straight to sleep.”

He slipped their bodies into alignment and let her know exactly what kind of activity he had in mind. “Tease.”

“Never.” Lisa said softly. “I love you. Last year, this year, and every moment into the future.”

Ollie was sent to her bed in the corner with a firm directive to stay. The agenda after that faded into loving. The night had been as close to perfect as possible from beginning to end.

Only when Lisa woke, sun shining across the bed and turning the first day of the new year into something shiny and bright, the problem that had been itching the back of her brain revealed itself crystal clear.

Everyone in her family had goals set for the coming year. Everyone had a job to do. Everyone.

Except her.

After the stories are done, their stories go on.

One of the great parts of writing a long, family saga is that I get to revisit characters who have already hit their happily-ever-after. Over the past couple of years I’ve written short vignettes revisiting characters from the HEART FALLS series. They’re written specifically for readers who have already enjoyed the main stories. These visits with favourite friends were sent out in newsletters, and are available for FREE ON MY WEBSITE. 

But, for readers who want the stories on their ereader, I’ve made them available digitally for your convenience. Check first to see where each vignette fits into the full series if you want to avoid spoilers for books you haven’t yet read!

AS WELL, this collection contains a BRAND NEW story for Josiah Ryder and Lisa Coleman. This collection is the ONLY place to read this story!

THIS COLLECTION CONTAINS:

1. Reading Order for the HEART FALLS series

The following wedding vignettes:

2. Surprised at Bootstomp Point (Caleb & Tamara)

3. Heartfelt at Heart Falls (Walker & Ivy) 

4. A Wild Horse Wedding (Luke & Kelli) 

And the novella:

5. Oh Baby! (Josiah & Lisa) 

A cute puppy, a wedding, and a baby. ← that’s it. That’s the blurb. Lol.

Longer cheater version:

Lisa and Josiah are thoroughly enjoying each other’s company. He’s got his veterinarian work; she’s been busy stepping in to help her sisters and friends whenever and wherever they need. And they have Ollie, the sweet little terrier that can’t get enough of either of her favourite humans.

But as one year ends, and a new one begins, Lisa can’t help but wonder if there’s something she’s missing. What exactly is she supposed to focus on now that her extended family is settled and all her sisters are happy?

Ollie knows…

And a sneak peek:

6. Chapter One of ROCKY MOUNTAIN FOREVER

I hope you enjoy these visits to Heart Falls!

   

 

The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love Release Day!

It’s here! This book is full of fun days, and learning how to be a two-some when that’s not what they expected. I couldn’t have picked two better people for this adventure, though. Julia is what Zach needs, and Zach is what Julia needs, and once they both figure that out, they’ll find they’ve built a relationship on a solid foundation.

In spite of having started under the strangest of circumstances!

I hope you enjoy this trip to Heart Falls, and the chance to visit with so many of our past friends.

It’s really only the beginning…

Excerpt

 

You get this excerpt because it’s got one of my favourite exchanges between Zach and Julia. They’ve just woken in bed together, naked and still a lot tipsy…

**

While Zach very much wanted to be involved with Julia, being naked with not much memory of what had happened the previous evening was not a good way to begin.

Add in the fact that a quick glance around the room showed two closed suitcases still stacked against the wall, which meant if they had done something that they didn’t remember, dear God he hoped not, they would’ve done it without protection.

Julia blinked a few more times, gaze fixed on his. Her nose wrinkled as she considered his words.

Her lips curled into a perfect circle as understanding fluttered in. “Oh. Oh.”

She glanced to the side for a moment, her body tightening from top to bottom. Unexpectedly, she relaxed, releasing a breath hard enough it made her long hair wave.

A very decisive headshake followed. “It’s okay. Whatever we did get up to last night, we didn’t have sex.”

Oh, really? “And you know this how?”

Her lips twitched. “Wait. I suppose we might’ve had sex, but it’s very unlikely. Tell me, Zach. How big is your penis?”

The unexpected question floored him. “Uh…”

Her smile widened. “And on that note, I’m taking a shower. And finding some clothes. Then I want bacon. Lots and lots and lots of bacon.”

He was still reeling from the penis question.

Ebook

    

Print

    

 

The Cowgirl’s Chosen Love is coming soon!

Finishing up the Whiskey Creek Coleman stories is bittersweet. I first got to know three of these ladies way back in their Rocky Mountain House days. Seeing where they’ve come to and knowing that each of them, Julia included, now have a place to call home with men who truly appreciate them and love them unconditionally—

It’s been worth every tear along the way.

Although I wouldn’t call this an emotionally tough book. I mean, starting out with a fake-relationship, sliding onto a drunken wedding. Add hot yoga (sort of), a lot of dancing, and a dad who shows up at exactly the wrong moment…

I’ll stop there, and let you enjoy the story. Here’s to falling in love and Elvis songs.

And here’s to teasing like only sisters can provide. Enjoy a short excerpt.

**

Julia’s sisters exchanged a glance before Karen took charge. “Considering that sentence didn’t start with do you think, now is when we start guessing.”

“Do you think…Rose would mind if I took Zach dancing?” Lisa asked sweetly, before qualifying. “The I in that statement being Julia, of course.”

Karen responded instantly. “Rose wouldn’t mind at all. She insisted she was done with him.”

Lisa snorted. “That just sounds so wrong. But you’re right, she did say that.”

As embarrassed as Julia was at the twist in the conversation, the teasing from her sisters was gentle-hearted. Julia’s cheeks heated, though. “That’s not what I was going to ask.”

Lisa ignored her, speaking directly to Karen. “Do you think…Zach wants to take Julia dancing?”

“Is that what they’re calling it these days?” Karen quipped.

A snort escaped Julia, and her sisters turned happy faces toward her, leaning in to speak in a conspiratorial tones.

“You like him, don’t you?” Lisa asked.

“Of course I like him.” Julia was shocked at the question. “He’s Finn’s best friend, which means he has to be awesome or else that wouldn’t have happened. Plus, he’s really nice to Karen.”

“Pshaw.” Karen waved a hand. “Zach’s nice to everybody. He’s just plain nice.”

A mischievous smile slid over Lisa’s face. “You know the nice ones are usually the dirtiest in the bedroom.”

“Lisa.” Both Julie and Karen spoke in a scandalized tone at the same moment, and suddenly the guys glanced over as if very interested in their conversation.

Karen stuck out her tongue at Finn. “Never mind. Nothing interesting happening over here.”

Julia met Zach’s gaze and wondered what she’d gotten herself into.

**

When his best friend’s sister-in-law approaches him with an urgent plea for help, Zach Sorenson goes with his gut. Kiss the woman? Of course. Pretend to be her short-term boyfriend? No problem.

Accidentally end up married? Problem.

Julia Blushing is still reeling after discovering the family she never knew existed. Trusting anyone right now isn’t easy. Allowing tall, dark, and tempting Zach into her life for more than a few weeks? Huge problem.

But when their marriage triggers a legal complication, sticking together is the only option. 

Still, this impossible situation needs some clear guidelines. No unnecessary public displays of affection. Absolutely no sex. For 365 days. While they live together… Good luck on that one.