Lisa Worrall's Blog, page 22

WINNERS OF MONTY'S FIRST DATE GIVEAWAY :)

The winner's of the Monty's First Date giveaway are as follows - chosen by my two lovely assistants (also known as my children).


1st prize of a copy of Monty's First Date and Monty Get's Arrested goes to...

LAURIE PETERSON
goaliemom0049 (at) gmail.com


2nd prize of a $10 Amazon gift voucher goes to...
GIGIgisu29(at)gmail(dot)com

3rd prize of a signed copy of Summer Heat goes to...
DIANNAKAYdiannakayATgmailDOTcom



Congratulations to you all! I will be contacting you by email directly.
Don't forget to keep an eye out for the next Monty giveaway when Monty Meets the Ex comes out at the beginning of May!

MONTY'S FIRST DATE... WHO WANTS IT?

Want to win a copy of the second instalment of Marshall's Park? Monty's First Date.


BLURB:It's been a month since their unconventional meeting when Aiden wrestled Finn to the ground and had him arrested for kidnapping. After accepting Aiden's heartfelt apology, which included jumping into the dolphin pool with Finn—even though he couldn't swim—Finn has spent the last month getting to know Aiden and his daughter, Kaylee, on a series of  play-dates. But now it's time for grown-ups only, in a restaurant that doesn't have a kid's menu. His attraction to Aiden has blossomed over the last month and Finn desperately hopes the other man sees him as more than a play-date.Aiden is as nervous as Finn at the prospect of the first 'real' date he's had since Charlie Sheen's second to last comeback. When Aunt Patti suggests he has a little nip of Bourbon before Finn picks him up, his arm doesn't take much twisting. Unfortunately, he conveniently forgets the antibiotics he is currently taking and becomes a little less and less inhibited as the evening goes on.
All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your favourite zoo animal and any entertaining stories about visits to the zoo. If your name is pulled out of the hat by my fabulous assistant, you can win one of the following:-
1st Prize!   A copy of Monty's First Date and a copy of book 1, Monty Gets Arrested in the ebook format of your choice.
2nd Prize!  A $10 Amazon voucher for your Kindle

3rd Prize!  A signed copy of Summer Heat :)After a car accident which left him scarred and his best friend dead, Mitch Spencer retreats to his family’s vacation home to heal. He has no idea the turn his life is about to take when there’s a knock at the door. Kade Lewis is good at one thing, and one thing only, theft. The Spencer house was supposed to be empty so now he needs to rethink his game plan. After years of keeping others out, it’s Mother Nature herself who throws an unexpected obstacle in his way; in the shape of Mitch Spencer.Forced to spend time together when they’re cut off by flash floods, will the two men be able to vanquish their inner demons and find each other? Or will their pasts be too much to overcome?

Good luck - Gracie will draw the names on Saturday 20 April :) 

EXCERPT FROM I CAN SEE FOR MILES

Available from Dreamspinner Press on 1 May 2013


After a kayaking accident took Josh Donald’s sight, he’s faced with learning to negotiate the world as a blind man. In short order, his boyfriend leaves him behind, making it clear he’s not inclined to deal with special needs. Reeling from the blow, Josh flounders. In an attempt to help, Josh’s friends take him to a camp for the blind, where he falls for the camp organizer, Charlie Cooper.
Charlie seems to feel the attraction too, but when a horse named Dottie pushes them into a hot first kiss, Charlie resists. He believes he’s damaged goods, not boyfriend material. Since the accident, Josh has faced tough obstacles, but the most challenging hurdle of all may be getting Charlie to open up and take a chance on love.
Available for pre-order HERE

EXCERPT:
“IT’S going to be fun, Josh, trust me,” Greg said, his tone filled with conviction as he curled his fingers around Josh’s to help him.“Yeah, a week with the lovebirds. I can’t wait,” Josh replied teasingly, easing himself to the edge of the seat and then standing up when he felt the ground beneath him. “Don’t forget, just ’cause I can’t see, don’t mean I can’t hear the two of you sucking each other’s faces off. So try to keep the smooching down to a minimum.”“Very funny,” Mario scoffed as he hauled their cases out of the truck bed. “’Cause it was so much fun spending most of college listening to you pant and groan your way through half of the football team.”Chuckling and stretching his arms over his head to loosen his muscles after the long drive, Josh groaned as his knees popped. Being almost six and a half feet in his socks did not make for comfortable long journeys in the back seat. Considering neither Greg nor Mario were over six feet, it was a mystery to Josh as to why he didn’t get to ride shotgun—other than Mario’s need to constantly check his hair in the mirror. He shook his head at Mario’s tease and countered with one of his own. “Yeah, but at least you got to watch too. I can’t even sneak a peek now.”“There is so much wrong with that statement that I ain’t going anywhere near it,” Greg said with disdain. Josh grinned widely as Greg cupped his elbow and gently guided him along the dirt path. The gift of sight was not exactly necessary to “see” the expression on Greg’s face; it was there in his tone. He only hoped his smile was convincing as Greg added, “This is going to be great. A week camping in the woods of Virginia with my two favorite guys. And it’ll be good for you, Josh. You’re out of that damned apartment. That’s all that matters.”The three of them fell silent as they walked across the uneven ground, and Josh knew his friends were thinking about the accident. Not that he remembered much about the early days, what with him being in a coma. But he remembered waking up in the darkness and calling Alec’s name. Josh’s accident eight months ago had changed their lives irrevocably. His recovery had been long and arduous, with Greg and Mario beside him every step of the way.Always an avid sportsman, Josh had been talked into trying some white water rafting by his boyfriend, Alec. Eager to accept any challenge that was tossed at him, Josh had thrown himself into it just like he did everything, with gusto and complete commitment. His first two runs down the rapids were a success. Josh had never felt more alive in his entire life, the adrenaline coursing through his body giving him a rush like nothing he had experienced before.Alec, however, after a few beers, had managed to talk Josh into having another try, in the dark no less. The two men had taken the kayaks out, and Josh had hit a rock before they even got to the rapids, tipping his kayak over and him out into the swirling water. He’d hit his head, and Alec had made his way back to the rafting station screaming for help with an unconscious Josh draped over the front of Alec’s kayak. When Josh had woken up forty-eight hours later, it became apparent that the damage was permanent. He was blind and Alec was gone.Alec’s loss was the worst part: waking up in total darkness to find the one person who was supposed to love you unconditionally… didn’t, and that he wasn’t prepared to spend his life with damaged goods. He’d been grateful for Mario’s arms, holding him tight on those dark nights when he’d cried himself to sleep, but it wasn’t the same. He’d wanted Alec. He’d even fooled himself into believing if he worked really hard and showed Alec how well he’d adapted to the dark, then Alec would be able to adapt as well. He could show him he wasn’t an invalid, that he didn’t need to be cared for 24/7, that things could go back to the way they were… before. But not even he could defend the unreturned phone calls or the key to his apartment pushed through the mailbox.Of course, Mario and Greg were worried about him. He wasn’t stupid. It was true that, in his effort to show Alec he could cope, Josh had adapted to his disability a lot quicker than anyone had anticipated—including Josh. But when he’d realized Alec wasn’t coming back, Josh had shut himself off emotionally, erected walls, and apart from the people he already knew, wouldn’t let anyone else in. Josh knew what this weekend was about. Mario and Greg were hoping he would finally meet some new people and unwind a little.Greg had found the camp on the Internet. It was a weekend retreat in Virginia where the partially sighted or blind could come and commune with nature. There were specially constructed trails through the woods, with ropes and fences, to allow the clients to feel that they could do just as much as everyone else. There were even horse trails, which had made Josh’s ears prick up. He hadn’t been on a horse for years and was quite excited by the prospect. Mario and Greg had come with him because he had to have a sighted partner, and they thought they could make a mini vacation of it. Josh knew Mario was just glad he would be out of the apartment and have the opportunity to meet people dealing with the same issues as him. If he made some new friends along the way, even better.“Good morning, gentlemen,” a woman’s voice said brightly when the door swung shut behind them. “I’m Maggie, welcome to Camp Crystal Lake.”“Maggie!”Josh tilted his head toward the sound of the other voice. He felt something warm unfurl in his belly as he let the tone and timbre wash over him. Josh had always thought it was an old wives’ tale, you know, the old saying that when you lose one of your senses, the others become heightened to compensate—but it was true. Scents, the way something felt beneath his fingertips, and how things tasted had all changed for him—and sounds? They had seemed to develop a vivid energy all their own. And the voice he had just heard? That voice sounded like the slow burn of whiskey rolling across his tongue and sliding down his throat before the warmth of it settled in his stomach and expanded in his chest.“Sorry, guys, she thinks she’s funny,” the voice said, the soft rumble of a chuckle evident to even those without heightened senses. “Welcome to Camp Aisling. You must be Greg, Mario, and Josh. I’m Charlie Cooper, owner and founder of the camp.”“Nice to meet you, Charlie.” Josh listened as Mario introduced them. In his mind’s eye, he could see Mario shaking the man’s hand. “I’m Mario Tavella, this is my partner, Greg Watts, and this great big waste of space is Josh Donald.”“You’ll have to forgive Mario, Charlie,” Greg said, and Josh could hear the chuckle in his voice. “We don’t usually get him out on more than a day pass.”Charlie’s laughter was rich and deep, sending a wave of warmth flooding through Josh’s belly. “He should get on real well with Maggie, then. So… Josh? Welcome. I hope you enjoy your stay.”“I’m sure it’ll be a blast,” Josh drawled, running a hand through his hair. “I don’t know what I’m looking forward to more, listening to these two smooch all week, or seeing how long it takes me to fall down a ravine and break my neck.”“Josh!” Mario reprimanded.“That’s okay,” Charlie replied, obviously unfazed by the sarcasm in Josh’s voice. “I can assure you, Josh, in the five years since we opened, we’ve never lost a camper. In fact, the worst we’ve had to deal with is a few cases of poison ivy and some bee stings. So if you do take a swan dive into a ravine, it’ll be because you were too stupid to follow the guide’s instructions, or… you were pushed.”“Oh, I like you,” Mario said, nudging Josh’s shoulder with his own.Josh felt the flush of warmth in his cheeks, but it wasn’t embarrassment. He was impressed. Not everyone knew how to take his sense of humor, and far too many people pussyfooted around the “poor blind boy.” Finding someone who quite clearly gave as good as he got was refreshing.“If you gentlemen wouldn’t mind filling in the registration form,” Maggie said, her voice breaking into the slightly pregnant pause. “Then we can get you set up in your cabin before the welcome meeting at the main house.”“I can do that,” Mario replied, and Josh listened to his footsteps on the wooden boards as he walked away.“Greg?” Josh lifted his hand, and Greg gripped his fingers. “What do you see?”Greg placed Josh’s hand on his elbow and led him across the room. “Well, it’s what you’d imagine a camp reception area to look like. It’s a wooden cabin. I don’t know what wood it’s made out of, but it’s like this burnt orange color, and you can see the knots in the wood, here….” Greg placed Josh’s hand against the wall so he could feel the shape and texture of the grain.“What else?” Josh prodded as he felt the cool wood, its texture roughened by years of wear.“There are pictures all around the walls. Beautiful photographs of the woods and the lakes around here. There are also some photographs of the reception cabin, with Maggie and Charlie and someone else standing outside, huge smiles on their faces. Plus there are dozens of what must be campers, doing all the nature trails and the pony-trekking and swimming on the lake—ranging from kids to adults, to even the elderly, Josh. This place is really cool. You’re gonna love it, man.” Greg pulled Josh’s head toward him and kissed his cheek softly. “It’s perfect… exactly what you need.”Josh’s lips curved into a smile, and he patted Greg gently on the cheek. “You are such a sap, dude, it’s embarrassing.”“Okay, guys, that’s it,” Maggie said, and Josh heard the rustling of papers. “You’re in cabin seven. It’s about five hundred yards into the woods, but it’s all signposted for both the seeing and the nonseeing.” She opened and closed a drawer. “Here’s the welcome pack. It’s your lifeline for this week. There are instructions in Braille too, of course, and there are also three pagers inside, which we ask you to wear at all times. They are for your protection if you do happen to get lost from your group at any time. All you have to do is hit 911, stay where you are, and someone will find you. Anything else you wanted to add, boss?”“I think you’ve pretty much covered everything,” Charlie countered, his voice sending another shiver down Josh’s spine. “The first introduction meeting is at three. There are ten campers this week, along with their partners, and we’re going to get together and go through the rules and the events for the week. Then there’s a barbecue and a good old-fashioned sit around the campfire so everyone can get to know each other. You’ll also meet the other guides. Here are your keys, so if you want to go get settled in, we’ll see you at the main house at three.”“Thanks, Charlie, Maggie,” Greg said, curling his fingers around Josh’s elbow. “We’ll see you later.”
MAGGIE watched the three men leave, closed the door behind them, and then cleared her throat loudly. She grinned widely as Charlie rolled his eyes and mumbled beneath his breath. Not that she expected anything less. “Hello tall, dark, and muscles,” she murmured, her gaze narrowing as she carefully studied Charlie’s face for any changes in his expression. Of course, there were none. Charlie was far too adept at schooling his features, despite what might be going on behind those beautiful green eyes.Charlie shrugged. “Didn’t notice. The light’s not too good in here today.” He completely ignored Maggie’s heartfelt raspberry and pushed his sunglasses farther onto the bridge of his nose. “Don’t.” His voice held a note of warning.“Don’t what?” she asked innocently.“You know what,” Charlie replied. “Just don’t, okay? The guy’s come here for a week to relax and meet new people, not for you to measure him up for his wedding suit. You did the same to me when we first met.”Maggie scoffed and lifted her hand to pat Charlie on the cheek. “True, but only for the first five minutes until I realized I had far too much breastage for you. Besides, my boobs would be a problem for him too. Your equipment would be much more to his liking.”“Jesus. I am not discussing my equipment with you, and I repeat… don’t, you matchmaking midget. I’m happy on my own,” Charlie said firmly, and Maggie sighed heavily. “It’s better that way.”“Charlie,” she soothed, hugging herself into his side. “Not every man is like Brian.” She immediately regretted the words when she felt her friend stiffen against her. “Charlie, you have to trust someone sometime.” Maggie’s stomach knotted with the undeniable urge to beat the crap out of the man who’d left Charlie broken and alone.“Well, as uplifting as your pep talks on my pathetic existence are, I have some work to do at the house before the meeting,” Charlie said, effectively terminating the conversation, and Maggie knew when she should leave well enough alone… for now. He dropped a light kiss on the top of her head, his way of letting her know he wasn’t mad… not really… at least not at her.Maggie studied him from beneath lowered lashes as he slid his arms into his jacket. “It’s a good thing I love you so damn much, otherwise I’d be tempted to beat some sense into that stubborn head of yours. That gorgeous guy who was in here was just about perfect for you, but you won’t even allow yourself to see it.”Charlie snatched up his keys from off the counter, then unfolded the white stick he had pulled from his jacket pocket, and said, his tone flat as he walked to the door, “Well, I tend to see less and less these days.”

How much is too much?

Hello my lovelies,
Me!
I've not been around for a while, but am back to irritate the bejesus out of you all!

I read a blog the other day about how writers should behave on the interweb and how much you should share of your persona with your readers and other writers.

Apparently you should keep everything you post as impersonal as possible, because readers don't want to know about you, they only want to know about your characters.

You must definitely not express an opinion on anything, because you don't want to be construed as argumentative or petty.

And the biggest no-no of all is to respond to any review, whether it is positive or negative. There was even a suggestion that you shouldn't even click the "like" button on Goodreads!

AlexOf course, we mustn't forget facebook, twitter and all the other mediums of social media out there. Keep the posts short and to the point and keep the public you completely separate from the personal one.

I took on board these points.
Digested them.
Mulled them over.
Spent all of five minutes on them before stating.... bollocks.

WinnieIf you've taken the time to spend your hard-earned cash on one of my stories, I feel that the very least I can do is jump up and down on that "like" button. I may not comment, and I don't enter into arguments about reviews--if you don't like the story you don't like it, fair enough--but I will make sure you know I'm grateful to you for taking a chance on my story, whatever the outcome.
Gracie
As for keeping the personal apart from the professional, I can't do that - probably because I consider everyone who bothers to friend request me, or follow me, my friend. Some are closer friends than others, but I'm more than happy to chew the fat with whoever wants to have a natter, whether you friended me because you like me as a person, or like me as a writer - hopefully one will lead to the other anyway. I'll post about my writing, I'll post that I'm pissed off because my ex was late again, or I'll post that the dog is sitting on the back doorstep in the sunshine, just like she's doing right now. It might not be that interesting for all, but if you want one part of me, you're going to get it all.

What is your take on it?

AVAILABLE NOW! MONTY'S FIRST DATE - MARSHALL'S PARK #2

It's been a month since their unconventional meeting when Aiden wrestled Finn to the ground and had him arrested for kidnapping. After accepting Aiden's heartfelt apology, which included jumping into the dolphin pool with Finn—even though he couldn't swim—Finn has spent the last month getting to know Aiden and his daughter, Kaylee, on a series of  play-dates. But now it's time for grown-ups only, in a restaurant that doesn't have a kid's menu. His attraction to Aiden has blossomed over the last month and Finn desperately hopes the other man sees him as more than a play-date.Aiden is as nervous as Finn at the prospect of the first 'real' date he's had since Charlie Sheen's second to last comeback. When Aunt Patti suggests he has a couple of glasses of wine before Finn picks him up, his arm doesn't take much twisting. Unfortunately, he conveniently forgets the antibiotics he is currently taking and becomes a little less and less inhibited as the evening goes on.
GET YOUR COPY HERE!

I am someone...

His eyes, his smile, the way he made me feel
Not merely special, but what we had was real
He told me I made his heart beat faster
But then lying is the one thing he could never master

For years I worked, did everything I could
All the wife and mother things, a good wife and mother should
Was it enough? Did it make him happy?
Why was I the one left holding the nappy?

Confidence was shattered, what use did I have?
To cook and clean and raise the children, but what about love?
Losing weight, trying to be someone else, someone who'd take his interest
Then piling it on, cursing my worth, when it was obvious he had no interest

Summoning the courage, while my world just fell apart
I realised I had to do the best for what remained of my heart
Asking him for a divorce, the hardest thing, yes, I remember that day
Gazing into his eyes and listening to his answer, a simple, yet hurtful, okay

Two years later people ask, do you miss him, would you have him back?
My answer is no, with no hesitation, because I am worth more than that
My children are loved, we've built a life without the tension, I'm now free
The one thing I am sure of now, I am someone, I'm me.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MARSHALL'S PARK WINNERS!

The Marshall's Park winners are, drawn by Glamorous Gracie, as follows:-

1st prize: Karl

2nd prize: Frank Schutt

3rd prize: Shayla

Thank you all for participating :)

Lisa
x

MARSHALL'S PARK SERIES GIVEAWAY

Gather round my lovelies and let me tell you a tale of love, laughter and a seven foot Meerkat.

Are we sitting comfortably?

Then I'll begin...

Marshall's Park is a combined zoo and theme park in LA, not too far from the The Other Park Whose Name Must Not Be Mentioned. Opened by Albie Marshall in the sixties, Marshall's Park has had a steady stream of children and adults through its gates and, when Albie's son bought the vacant lot next door six years ago and the animal themed rides were born, its popularity increased tenfold.

A lot of the park's popularity has to do with the largest Meerkat habitat in the US, and their mascot, Monty.
Kids line up for hours to see Monty's shows and have the chance to meet their hero. Okay, he might not be as mainstream as the mouse in the yellow shorts over at The Other Park, but his fans were loyal and many.
Which is where we meet Finn Thomas in book 1, Monty Gets Arrested.

BLURB:
Being Marshall's Park's resident mascot, Monty the Meerkat, wasn't exactly what Finn Thomas envisioned when he arrived in LA seeking fame and fortune. Although he did get to walk the red carpet every once in a while... when there was a parade. Finn loved his job but to say he wasn't used to being accused of kidnapping, wrestled to the ground by a maniacal father and locked in a cell with a hairy biker, would be an understatement. But that’s exactly where he finds himself when he meets a little girl with a grazed knee who's looking for her daddy.Aiden Reid came from money and privilege. He'd expected his parents’ reaction to the news that he was going to be a father. Although being thrown out on the street with a check in his back pocket when he refused to sign the adoption papers, shocked even him. In Santa Monica he moves in with his eccentric aunt and life is good. Good that is, until Aiden loses sight of Kayley at the local zoo, Marshall's Park. When he spots her being led away by a man mountain, one word flashes before his eyes... kidnap! Of course, the freak says he works at the park, but Aiden calls the cops and has the lying bastard arrested. The following day, he learns that the lying bastard was telling the truth and has grounds to have him arrested for assault. How the hell is Aiden going to convince Monty the Meerkat not to press charges?
GET MARSHALL'S PARK #1 - MONTY GETS ARRESTED HERE
Marshall's Park is a monthly serial released on the 15th of each month.There are twelve books in the series and in December 2013, they will be amalgamated into a print book available from Createspace.
I hope you will join Finn and Aiden as their story unfolds, and Book 2 will be available on the 15th March, entitled....

BLURB:It's been a month since their unconventional meeting when Aiden wrestled Finn to the ground and had him arrested for kidnapping. After accepting Aiden's heartfelt apology, which included jumping into the dolphin pool with Finn, even though he couldn't swim! Finn has spent the last month getting to know Aiden and his daughter, Kaylee, on a series of what can only be described as play-dates, which have been great. But now it's time for a grown-ups only date, in a restaurant that doesn't have a kid's menu. His attraction to Aiden has blossomed over the last month and Finn desperately hopes the other man sees him as more than a play-date.Aiden is as nervous as Finn is at the prospect of the first 'real' date he has had since Charlie Sheen's second to last comeback. When Aunt Patti suggests he has a couple of glasses of wine before Finn picks him up, his arm doesn't take much twisting. Unfortunately, he conveniently forgets the antibiotics he is currently taking for an ear infection and he becomes a little more and more uninhibited as the evening goes on.
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS LEAVE A COMMENT AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TREATS!

First name drawn wins a copy of each story as it is released, together with a signed print copy
of the entire series in paperback at the end of the year!

Second name drawn wins a copy of each story as it is released.

Third name drawn wins a copy of Monty Gets Arrested and the ebook of their choice from my back catalogue :)

Good luck!!

HOW MUCH??????

Let's face it, we all like nothing more than sitting down on a comfy seat with a tub of popcorn, a large coke and some nachos. We pile in and stare rapt at the big screen as our favourite actors, actresses and in some cases, cartoon characters, cavort across the celluloid and transport us to another world. I am, of course, talking about the cinema....

Trooping in we pay our £2.50 to see... what?
It's not £2.50? Of course it is. That's what I used to pay on a Saturday morning...

How much? I'm sorry... what did you say? Yes folks, that's right... it cost me £37.20 just for tickets today to take me and two children to see Wreck-It Ralph at our local cinema. And that was before I'd even considered popcorn!

I am, of course, not stupid, so I'd been to the local supermarket's pick 'n' mix beforehand and paid for sweets and a drink for the kids, which I stuffed in my over-sized handbag especially dug out of storage for the trip. I did purchase a large hotdog combo (hotdog, large drink and a chunky KitKat for some reason) for  us to share (my kids seem to drink more fluids sat on their arses in front of a film than they do after a day of running around at top speed). That cost me £10.99. So our quaint family outing just to watch a film has risen to nearly £50.00. Fifty of your English pounds!

I love the cinema as much as the next person but really... how do they justify charging £12.55 for a seat? It's not like you are ushered into your chair by a cacophony of angels. No one has offered to give me the leading man's home address and phone number. Nor am I receiving a foot rub or having the movie paused every time I want the bathroom.

I might sound like a moaning minnie, but it saddens me to think that lots of children may be missing out on the great experience of an afternoon at the cinema because of the cost. I know I will be thinking twice from now on when they ask if we can go.

What are your thoughts?

MARSHALLS PARK #1 - MONTY GETS ARRESTED - AVAILABLE 15 FEBRUARY

BLURB:

Being Marshall's Park's resident mascot, Monty the Meerkat, wasn't exactly what Finn Thomas envisioned when he arrived in LA seeking fame and fortune. Although he did get to walk the red carpet every once in a while... when there was a parade. Finn loved his job but to say he wasn't used to being accused of kidnapping, wrestled to the ground by a maniacal father and locked in a cell with a hairy biker, would be an understatement. But that’s exactly where he finds himself when he meets a little girl with a grazed knee who's looking for her daddy.

Aiden Reid came from money and privilege. He'd expected his parents’ reaction to the news that he was going to be a father. Although being thrown out on the street with a check in his back pocket when he refused to sign the adoption papers, shocked even him. In Santa Monica he moves in with his eccentric aunt and life is good. Good that is, until Aiden loses sight of Kayley at the local zoo, Marshall's Park. When he spots her being led away by a man mountain, one word flashes before his eyes... kidnap! Of course, the freak says he works at the park, but Aiden calls the cops and has the lying bastard arrested. The following day, he learns that the lying bastard was telling the truth and has grounds to have him arrested for assault. How the hell is Aiden going to convince Monty the Meerkat not to press charges? EXCERPT:
Half an hour later with two burly security guards helping him search, Aiden had zipped past frantic, bypassed crazy and bought a hotel on terrified. What the hell was he going to tell Patti?  He couldn’t breathe, there was no air. What the fuck was that?  There was open air all around and he couldn’t get any of it into his lungs. His vision began to cloud as his anxiety built—then he saw her. “Kaylee!” He yelled; blessed air filling his mouth, and he began to run, chasing down the monster who was stealing his little girl. Even from four hundred yards away the guy was well over six feet and as broad as he was tall. What kind of freak was this guy?  No slouch at six feet Aiden was what you would call more of a lover than a fighter, but this was his baby and he was taking this asshole down. One of the security guards shouted Aiden’s name and he frantically flapped his hands towards the freak and Kaylee, shouting, “She’s there! Stop him!” Aiden reached them first, panic driving him on. “Get away from my kid!” He screamed, hitting the man mountain square in the back with a Tarzan-like yell. Catching a glimpse of confused green eyes, Aiden grunted in satisfaction as the freak went down like a felled tree. Luckily enough, Aiden had the element of surprise on his side. El Freako was too stunned for a moment to retaliate—but only for a moment.The guy managed to somehow get an elbow up to pop Aiden a good one across the cheekbone and pain exploded in his face, his eye immediately filling with water. But he wasn’t letting go of this guy for anything. He straddled the guy’s back and kneeled on his bicep before scrabbling for his other hand and yanking it halfway up the man’s back. “You freak!  You filthy pervert!  Is this how you get your kicks?  Stealing little kids?  I’m gonna see you go away for a long time for this, man. If you’ve touched my baby I’ll kill you, do you hear me?”“What… fuck?” The freak mumbled, trying to turn his head, but Aiden had him firmly face-planted on the ground. “Not steal… work…”“We’ll take it from here, sir.” Both security guards finally reached them, obviously more out of shape than he was. But then, Aiden thought, they probably weren’t used to chasing down degenerates in the family-friendly park.“Daddy!” Kaylee screamed, tears escaping from her thick lashes.“It’s okay, baby,” Aiden soothed, clambering to his feet as the security guards grabbed the freak, and scooping her up into his arms. “Daddy’s here. You’re safe now, baby.” The relief at having her tiny arms wrapped around his neck was so overwhelming it brought him to his knees as he cradled her to his chest. “Daddy, they’re hurting Finn!”“Don’t worry, they’re going to arrest him. He can’t hurt you,” Aiden reassured, rubbing tiny circles on her back. Her ear-splitting scream was not exactly the response he expected and he winced at the vibrating of his eardrums. “Kaylee, calm down, honey. Daddy’s here. Everything’s alright now.” “I work here,” the freak ground out, struggling against the grip of the security guards.“Likely story,” Aiden spat, his gaze taking in the T-shirt emblazoned with the park emblem, rage burning the back of his throat with its acidity. “You bastard! How many kids have you lured away with that sickeningly sweet smile?  How do you sleep at night?”“I work here you asshole!  Kaylee, honey, it’s okay, I’m fine.”“Don’t you talk to her you sick son of a bitch!” Aiden yelled, turning Kaylee’s head so she couldn’t see the display. “Where are the cops?”“Cops?” The freak’s eyes widened in disbelief and Aiden felt a surge of satisfaction in his gut. He probably thought he’d been clever, but Aiden had him dead to rights and the deviant was going down.“For God’s sake. I work here you moron!  Check with management. I found Kaylee on the path behind the stage. She was crying because she was lost and she’d hurt herself. I was taking her to Katie at Meeting Point 5.”“A likely story, son,” said one of the security guards.Aiden watched in stunned amazement as the giant asshole protested his innocence, and was still insisting he worked at the park when the cops led him away. He couldn’t believe how long the man was prepared to carry on the charade. It beggared belief how low the degenerate was prepared to sink. 
AVAILABLE 15 FEBRUARY 2013