Sunday Share: Barbary Point, by Alan Nayes + Giveaway!
Today I welcome Alan Nayes with his book Barbary Point. I met Alan on the Facebook page Indie Writer's Unite and discovered he also writes thrillers and horror. You can find his other titles at:
http://anayes.com/
(I definitely recommend checking them out!)
Alan has graciously offered to share a free copy of his book with 3 commenters...so make sure to leave him a comment after reading the excerpt. And please leave your contact information so he can reach you if you're a winner.
BARBARY POINT, by Alan Nayes
Heat level: sweet
Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbNBarnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
When Kelly Englishflies back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to close out herfather's estate, the last thing on her mind is
falling in love. Again. Kelly is twenty-eight and engaged to an olderman who is quite wealthy. She's happy, and only desires to make the trip back brief, sell her deceased father's place, and return to her stable life in Los Angeles. However, while taking care of business in Oshkosh, Kelly meets a fishing guide, launching her on an emotional journey she never could have predicted or foreseen. BARBARY POINT is Kelly's story of what happened that one magical week in May on the shores of Lake Winnebagowhen the ducklings hatch and the walleye run.
EXCERPT:
Chapter 19
ROCKAWAY ISLAND
Mitch cancelledhis clients for Monday. He would later tell me he would have willinglycancelled his clients for the entire summer just to spend time together. Hethat much had fallen for me. And I for him.
I called myoffice as soon as I thought Gwen would be in, adjusting for the two-hour timedifference.
"Kelly, where thehell have you been? That Seagram account executive's been buzzing all morning,"Gwen ripped off immediately.
"I'm still in Oshkosh," I said,picturing the company man with hair just a little too much in place, and asmile a little too phony. Last week I would have flown to Nepal, ifthat's what it took to nail down the liquor conglomerate's ad business. Today, all that seemed to matterwas getting out on the water with Mitch and Sam. What had changed?
"Kelly?" Gwen'stone had softened considerably. "What's going on?"
"Don't worry."
"Now I am worried," Gwen said. "Seagram'snot the only one's been calling."
"Thomas?"
"Only say, fivetimes."
"I'll call him,"I said.
"Kelly?"
"Yes."
"Take care ofyourself."
"I will. See yousoon," I said, and disconnected. For a long moment, I stood in front of the baywindow and looked out over the lake. The chop was less than yesterday,definitely no whitecaps, but the water's blue shade had been replaced by a grayundertone, reflecting the overcast of the sky. Mitch had listened to theweather before breakfast. The forecast called for a forty percent chance ofrain, with intermittent local thundershowers. The Mako had a top we could putup so the rain would be no problem.
I didn't relishcalling Thomas, he would be angry, yet I knew it was the right, the only thingto do. Watching Mitch and Sam loading the boat, I supposed I should have feltat least a modicum of guilt about the last couple of days. I didn't, and thisbothered me more than feeling any remorse at all.
As time passedforward, I would come to justify these feeling as an acceptance of a decision Ihadn't really made, but had been made for me by circumstances beyond mycontrol. An emotion as strong and powerful as love had divided thrones and startedwars. What chance did a young woman have? None. I would never, could never,tell Thomas this, though. At least, not today.
"Hi, Thomas," Isaid as soon as he answered.
"Kelly." NoKell-bee this time. "I tried calling you all afternoon yesterday. I've beenworried sick. When's your flight?"
"Oh, Thomas..."
"Are you in somekind of trouble?"
I'm introuble all right. "No, hon. It's just taking me longerthan I thought to close out Daddy's estate. How's the magazine? Gwen said Seagram'sup in arms."
"To hell withSeagram's." His exasperation was clearly evident. "I'm flying out there today.We'll—"
"No, Thomas."
"What do youmean, no?"
"I'm handling it.Thomas, you have to..." I caught myself wanting to say trust, but chose believeinstead, "believe me. I'll be home... soon."
"When?"
I was caught. Ihad to say something. "Thursday," I said, calculating that would give me atleast tomorrow and Wednesday for... what? I'd gone insane, that was it. Emotionallyinsane.
"We'll talk whenI get home," I finished.
When I hung up, Iknew the engagement was on the ropes. I just couldn't come out and say it. Notyet. I gazed at the huge rock adorning my finger. How could events change sorapidly? Why can't I just pack up now and leave? Take the rental straight to Appleton, catch the nextflight out, and get the hell on with my life. Just do it. Save yourself a tonof heartaches, girl.
Mitch and Samwere walking off the dock. Mitch saw me in the window and gave a little salute.Ship's set for sailing, ma'am. I smiled and saluted back, my effort not near ascrisp or sharp. Maybe because this is my life. The here and now.
The ice chest wasloaded with beer, sandwich meat, cheese sticks for snacking, a couple ofapples, and candy bars. I brought along the bread and a bag of chips I'd foundstashed in a cabinet above the dishwasher. We also took along the net, twofishing poles, and Gene's tackle box, just in case, Mitch said.
I sat on acushion seat in front of the console, facing the bow, as the Mako sped northalong the shoreline. The air whisking my hair off my face was cool and moist,and left me feeling clean and pure, as if I'd just been baptized. Mitch stoodbehind the wheel, a Packer's cap turned backward on his head. He looks like amerchant marine, I thought, strong and handsome. I felt his finger tap the topof my head, and saw him pointing. Not thirty yards off the starboard side, aflock of at least a dozen ducks were streaking parallel to the boat in perfectlinear formation.
"Mallards?" Ishouted.
Mitch grinned."See, you're a waterfowl expert now."
The mallardsveered away after the Mako zipped past Roe Point for more open water. The hullbounced some, but not enough to make me or Sam, curled just behind the bow,uncomfortable.
I pulled a lightjacket I'd borrowed from my father's closet tighter across my front. I heardMitch rev the engine and felt a surge in acceleration.
Off my leftshoulder I watched us pass the Pioneer Resort Marina, and then the mouth of theFox River.
Mitch named offlandmarks—Bray's Point, Miller Bay, Doemel Point, Menomenee Park,—aswe sped north.
I saw boatsfishing, sailboats, and several water skiers in wet suits.
I heard Mitchsay, "You want to ski?"
"What's the watertemperature?"
"Sixty-two."
"I'll pass."
"Wanna pilot?"
I waved. "I'mfine here. I just like watching the lake."
"You sound likeyour dad."
His words touchedme somewhere deep in my chest, and I turned and leaned up on my knees andkissed Mitch. The choppiness of the water made my first attempt fall short,landing on his chin, but my next effort was right on the money. The kiss wasbrief, yet warmed me inside out.
"You'rebeautiful," he said.
I didn't think I looked beautiful, with my hair all over the place, yetfelt like a princess when Mitch told me.
~*~
Again, you can find Barbary Point at:
Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbNBarnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
Alan Nayes was born in Houstonand grew up on the Texasgulf coast. He lives in Southern California. Heis the author of the critically-acclaimed biomedical thrillers, GARGOYLES and THE UNNATURAL. His most recent releases are BARBARY POINT, a love story, and SMILODON, a science thriller. GIRLBLUE, an erotic horror story will be released by Samhain Publishing in2012. An avidoutdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to ever swim across Wisconsin'schilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on hisnext project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.
Thank you for being here today, Alan! Lake Winnebago...wow. Impressive. I, too, have swam across a lake, but it was the much smaller Little Newton Lake in Crivitz, WI, where I grew up.
Love the cover for Barbary Point, and after checking out your website, I think I'm going to have to purchase myself a copy of Smilodon. Not a genre I normally read, but that's what I absolutely love about Indie Writer's Unite--I'm discovering a bunch of new authors and their great books!
Don't forget to comment with your contact information for your chance to win a copy of Barbary Point.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Stacey Joy Netzel
Alan has graciously offered to share a free copy of his book with 3 commenters...so make sure to leave him a comment after reading the excerpt. And please leave your contact information so he can reach you if you're a winner.
BARBARY POINT, by Alan NayesHeat level: sweet
Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbNBarnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
When Kelly Englishflies back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to close out herfather's estate, the last thing on her mind is
falling in love. Again. Kelly is twenty-eight and engaged to an olderman who is quite wealthy. She's happy, and only desires to make the trip back brief, sell her deceased father's place, and return to her stable life in Los Angeles. However, while taking care of business in Oshkosh, Kelly meets a fishing guide, launching her on an emotional journey she never could have predicted or foreseen. BARBARY POINT is Kelly's story of what happened that one magical week in May on the shores of Lake Winnebagowhen the ducklings hatch and the walleye run.
EXCERPT:
Chapter 19
ROCKAWAY ISLAND
Mitch cancelledhis clients for Monday. He would later tell me he would have willinglycancelled his clients for the entire summer just to spend time together. Hethat much had fallen for me. And I for him.
I called myoffice as soon as I thought Gwen would be in, adjusting for the two-hour timedifference.
"Kelly, where thehell have you been? That Seagram account executive's been buzzing all morning,"Gwen ripped off immediately.
"I'm still in Oshkosh," I said,picturing the company man with hair just a little too much in place, and asmile a little too phony. Last week I would have flown to Nepal, ifthat's what it took to nail down the liquor conglomerate's ad business. Today, all that seemed to matterwas getting out on the water with Mitch and Sam. What had changed?
"Kelly?" Gwen'stone had softened considerably. "What's going on?"
"Don't worry."
"Now I am worried," Gwen said. "Seagram'snot the only one's been calling."
"Thomas?"
"Only say, fivetimes."
"I'll call him,"I said.
"Kelly?"
"Yes."
"Take care ofyourself."
"I will. See yousoon," I said, and disconnected. For a long moment, I stood in front of the baywindow and looked out over the lake. The chop was less than yesterday,definitely no whitecaps, but the water's blue shade had been replaced by a grayundertone, reflecting the overcast of the sky. Mitch had listened to theweather before breakfast. The forecast called for a forty percent chance ofrain, with intermittent local thundershowers. The Mako had a top we could putup so the rain would be no problem.
I didn't relishcalling Thomas, he would be angry, yet I knew it was the right, the only thingto do. Watching Mitch and Sam loading the boat, I supposed I should have feltat least a modicum of guilt about the last couple of days. I didn't, and thisbothered me more than feeling any remorse at all.
As time passedforward, I would come to justify these feeling as an acceptance of a decision Ihadn't really made, but had been made for me by circumstances beyond mycontrol. An emotion as strong and powerful as love had divided thrones and startedwars. What chance did a young woman have? None. I would never, could never,tell Thomas this, though. At least, not today.
"Hi, Thomas," Isaid as soon as he answered.
"Kelly." NoKell-bee this time. "I tried calling you all afternoon yesterday. I've beenworried sick. When's your flight?"
"Oh, Thomas..."
"Are you in somekind of trouble?"
I'm introuble all right. "No, hon. It's just taking me longerthan I thought to close out Daddy's estate. How's the magazine? Gwen said Seagram'sup in arms."
"To hell withSeagram's." His exasperation was clearly evident. "I'm flying out there today.We'll—"
"No, Thomas."
"What do youmean, no?"
"I'm handling it.Thomas, you have to..." I caught myself wanting to say trust, but chose believeinstead, "believe me. I'll be home... soon."
"When?"
I was caught. Ihad to say something. "Thursday," I said, calculating that would give me atleast tomorrow and Wednesday for... what? I'd gone insane, that was it. Emotionallyinsane.
"We'll talk whenI get home," I finished.
When I hung up, Iknew the engagement was on the ropes. I just couldn't come out and say it. Notyet. I gazed at the huge rock adorning my finger. How could events change sorapidly? Why can't I just pack up now and leave? Take the rental straight to Appleton, catch the nextflight out, and get the hell on with my life. Just do it. Save yourself a tonof heartaches, girl.
Mitch and Samwere walking off the dock. Mitch saw me in the window and gave a little salute.Ship's set for sailing, ma'am. I smiled and saluted back, my effort not near ascrisp or sharp. Maybe because this is my life. The here and now.
The ice chest wasloaded with beer, sandwich meat, cheese sticks for snacking, a couple ofapples, and candy bars. I brought along the bread and a bag of chips I'd foundstashed in a cabinet above the dishwasher. We also took along the net, twofishing poles, and Gene's tackle box, just in case, Mitch said.
I sat on acushion seat in front of the console, facing the bow, as the Mako sped northalong the shoreline. The air whisking my hair off my face was cool and moist,and left me feeling clean and pure, as if I'd just been baptized. Mitch stoodbehind the wheel, a Packer's cap turned backward on his head. He looks like amerchant marine, I thought, strong and handsome. I felt his finger tap the topof my head, and saw him pointing. Not thirty yards off the starboard side, aflock of at least a dozen ducks were streaking parallel to the boat in perfectlinear formation.
"Mallards?" Ishouted.
Mitch grinned."See, you're a waterfowl expert now."
The mallardsveered away after the Mako zipped past Roe Point for more open water. The hullbounced some, but not enough to make me or Sam, curled just behind the bow,uncomfortable.
I pulled a lightjacket I'd borrowed from my father's closet tighter across my front. I heardMitch rev the engine and felt a surge in acceleration.
Off my leftshoulder I watched us pass the Pioneer Resort Marina, and then the mouth of theFox River.
Mitch named offlandmarks—Bray's Point, Miller Bay, Doemel Point, Menomenee Park,—aswe sped north.
I saw boatsfishing, sailboats, and several water skiers in wet suits.
I heard Mitchsay, "You want to ski?"
"What's the watertemperature?"
"Sixty-two."
"I'll pass."
"Wanna pilot?"
I waved. "I'mfine here. I just like watching the lake."
"You sound likeyour dad."
His words touchedme somewhere deep in my chest, and I turned and leaned up on my knees andkissed Mitch. The choppiness of the water made my first attempt fall short,landing on his chin, but my next effort was right on the money. The kiss wasbrief, yet warmed me inside out.
"You'rebeautiful," he said.
I didn't think I looked beautiful, with my hair all over the place, yetfelt like a princess when Mitch told me.
~*~
Again, you can find Barbary Point at:
Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbNBarnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7
Alan Nayes was born in Houstonand grew up on the Texasgulf coast. He lives in Southern California. Heis the author of the critically-acclaimed biomedical thrillers, GARGOYLES and THE UNNATURAL. His most recent releases are BARBARY POINT, a love story, and SMILODON, a science thriller. GIRLBLUE, an erotic horror story will be released by Samhain Publishing in2012. An avidoutdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to ever swim across Wisconsin'schilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on hisnext project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.
Thank you for being here today, Alan! Lake Winnebago...wow. Impressive. I, too, have swam across a lake, but it was the much smaller Little Newton Lake in Crivitz, WI, where I grew up.
Love the cover for Barbary Point, and after checking out your website, I think I'm going to have to purchase myself a copy of Smilodon. Not a genre I normally read, but that's what I absolutely love about Indie Writer's Unite--I'm discovering a bunch of new authors and their great books!
Don't forget to comment with your contact information for your chance to win a copy of Barbary Point.
Have a wonderful week everyone!
Stacey Joy Netzel
No comments have been added yet.
