One Month Until “Sparked”
Squee! We’re just one month from the official e-book launch of “Sparked,” the debut novel in our Independence Falls sci-fi romance series. “Sparked” is released October 1 along with the next two books in the series, “Exposed” and “Ignited.”
We are so excited to share our books with the world, and we think you’ll swoon over book one’s Clayton Briggs just like we do. He’s such a hero.
Want a little taste of what’s coming? Here’s an excerpt from “Sparked” …
Clayton made his way into the festival crowd. It seemed like the entire town was wandering across the swim beach, carrying candles and eating caramel popcorn. The smell of cotton candy wafted through the air and brought back images of his childhood—of running through this place with Will and the other boys when they were kids, trying to do everything all at once. Independence Falls had been a wonderful place to grow up. He smiled, wondering if Mrs. McClure had made her famous lemonade this year.
It was then that he spotted her.
She had hair as dark as chestnuts and lips as red as wild strawberries. She carried a candle like everyone else at the festival, but its glow seemed extra warm on her skin. His breath caught in his throat. She was absolutely the most stunning creature he’d ever seen.
Where was she from? He didn’t recognize her, and he was sure that if a woman as beautiful as that lived in town he would know her. Maybe she was visiting a relative or a friend, but she seemed to be alone. How was that possible? How did the exquisite beauty not already have a man on her arm? She must be new in town. The boys were sure to descend on her soon.
He walked toward her, trying to get a better look, but suddenly realized there was a group of kids who seemed to be following her. Could she have a child? She didn’t seem near old enough for that.
Then he realized what was happening. The boys were throwing popcorn in her hair when she wasn’t looking—trying to make a game of it. He frowned. Boys were always so stupid around beautiful women, but their horsing around had gone far enough.
He was so heated he almost failed to notice that the woman had changed direction. She was walking away, trying to disappear into the crowd. But the boys were following her, continuing their immature little game. Did she even see what they were doing?
The little brats.
And no one was stopping them. Not a single person. He looked at her again, registered her worn dress, her tired shoes. She must not have much money. People could be so cruel sometimes. Anger rose in his blood, hot and strong. No one deserved to be treated like that.
He marched right up to her and hooked his elbow into hers.
“Sorry I’m late, darling,” he said, making sure his voice was loud enough for the whole crowd to hear him. They might not welcome a newcomer, but he was a Briggs, and that name meant something. Their eyes shifted from her to him, which was exactly what he’d hoped would happen.
He turned to the little delinquents. “Scram,” he said.
The boys’ eyes grew wide. They ran. If they knew what was good for them, they’d keep running.
Then the woman turned and looked up at him. His heart nearly stopped beating. Those eyes. Those incredible blue eyes. He hadn’t been able to see them from afar, but close up they were mesmerizing—clear and dark as sapphires with flecks of black as deep as the night sky.
They were also staring at him in a mix of anger and hurt and confusion. Could she really be so wary of him? So shocked at such an easy kindness?
Somehow, he managed to get ahold of himself long enough to speak again.
“Walk with me?” he asked.
You’ll have to wait until October 1 to read what happens next. But if you simply must keep reading, here’s a little secret: Sign up here, and you’ll get the entire first book for free. Free! Like, right now!
Happy reading, and we’ll see you all October 1.
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