A Man to Sigh Over… Return to Audubon Springs by RoseAnn DeFranco

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A Man to Sigh Over… Return to Audubon Springs by RoseAnn DeFranco

Why You will Love Rafe from Return to Audubon Springs

Thank you, Niecey for inviting me to post on your blog during your Birth Week! I hope taking a look at all the yummy attributes of my hero Rafe from Return to Audubon Springs will add a fun element to your Birthday celebration!

Rafe Iuliano is a larger than life hero. His physicality and humor contribute to many funny and heartwarming moments. Here are just a few reasons why you will come to love him.

Rafe is Athletic – He runs the beach or boardwalk every morning, weather permitting, and has the body to prove it. This is considered a public service to many residents of Audubon Springs.

Rafe is good with his hands – He designs and builds hand crafted furniture, bringing the natural beauty of the wood to life. He’s comfortable using his hands in other ways to which Emma can attest. Who doesn’t love a man who knows how to use his tools?

Rafe is FUNNY – What woman can resist a man who is witty with his words and actions? Laughter in a relationship is key and Rafe’s humor keeps Emma on her toes.

Rafe is Fiercely Protective – Emma would say he’s OVER protective, but when caught in a storm, he knows just what she requires and why in the way of coming to her rescue.

Rafe is a Mama’s Boy – Just like his two older brothers, he would do anything for his mother, but he’s the kind of mama’s boy who was taught the proper way to treat a woman. Good job, mom!

Rafe Loves Literature – When he learns of Emma’s secret life as a children’s book Author, he supports her literary pursuits and becomes committed to ensuring a happy ending for the characters in her story.

Rafe Never Backs Down from a Fight – He is a man of action and has no problem getting to the heart of the matter, even if it means a sexy food fight with Emma to drive home a point.

What are some of your favorite qualities in a hero?

About Return to Audubon Springs

Excerpt

“It’s good to see you too, Emma.” Rafe smiled. A flash of dimples tugged on her memory and heart. “Is falling into men’s flower beds a habit or should I feel special?”

“As it happens, I don’t see this as your flower bed, but rather my own.” Covered in dirt, Emma feasted her eyes on Rafe. She didn’t try to stand. Instead she pushed her hands further into the sticky mulch, needing something to hold on to, momentarily thankful to be on solid ground. She licked her lips. He looked good.

“Finally here to claim what’s yours?”

“Are you going to help me up or not?”

Rafe took a deep breath, and reached out a hand. When they touched, the same powerful jolt of electricity that used to exist between them ran up her arm and straight to her heart. He pulled harder than necessary and Emma slammed into his chest. She took a quick step back, needing space, and almost landed in the garden again. Rafe held on and steadied her.

“Whoa, easy. I don’t think the shrubs can take anymore.”

Her stomach twitched at the sound of his voice, so close it resonated in her ear and vibrated down her spine. His scent, masculine and fresh from-a-shower-clean, mesmerized her. He surrounded her even though he only stood in front of her, balancing her.

“Let go of me,” she whispered.

He complied by raising his hands, palms out, in the air as if they’d been burned. His heat lingered on her skin, and she ached with the loss of his touch. Emma went to work brushing the gritty mulch from her shaking hands.

“You always were a bit clumsy, huh, Ems?”

She snapped her head up, and her eyes landed on his playful grin.

About the Author: RoseAnn DeFranco