My romantic susepnse novel from Champagne Books debuts tomorrow, 4 July 2011. KINFOLK has already earned a five heart advance review from The Romance Studio. Here's the blurb:
And here is the sample:
“Good night Ben. Sweet dreams.”
When Katherine Vaughn flees California, she returns home to her native Arkansas, a place she barely remembers. As she settles in at the family farm with her aunt, she finds herself growing closer to her late cousin's husband, Ben Hatfield. Ben is a lot more than the country bumpkin she first takes him to be and when the men who threatened her follow her to Arkansas he will rely on his skills as a former Navy SEAL to protect her.
As their feelings toward one another grow, so does the danger and in the end, it’s anyone’s guess what will happen or if anyone will be safe.
Katherine’s life is in jeopardy as she wonders if there is any hope left in her heart.
Kinfolk is a novel about the power of love and the strength of family ties.
And here is the sample:
“Who in hell busted you out?” He bent to hug the old man’s thin
shoulders.
“Who the hell do you think?” Pop tipped his head toward Katherine.
Her full, plum colored lips slanted into a smile. “Happy birthday,
Ben.”
Words would not form so he drew her into his embrace and kissed
her, his lips powerful against her mouth. Her body shivered as she responded
and he felt a thrill that was both physical and of the spirit.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Come and eat. Everything’s ready.”
He enjoyed the meal; the food was excellent but he would remember
the company for the rest of his life. Afterward, he opened his gifts, small
tokens of appreciation. His favorite was the framed snapshot of Katherine.
Freed of nursing facility rules, Pop smoked with glee and Ben joined him.
Around two, Katherine put her hand on his shoulder.
“Your grandfather is supposed to be back by three. I thought you
might want to take him before work.”
The idea appealed to him but he was saddened. This would more
than likely be the last ride the two men shared in the old truck. With her
assistance, he helped Pop into the truck and lifted his wheelchair into the bed.
“This was the best birthday present you could have given me,” Ben
said, putting his arm around Katherine. “Can I come by after work for
another piece of cake?”
“Sure. I’ll be awake. There’s enough roast left for a sandwich if
you’re hungry.”
His eyes met hers; the same desire he felt reflected back toward him.
An almost tangible heat radiated between them. “I’ll be hungry. Thanks
again, Katy.”
He kissed her again; a slow, sweet connection that sent pleasure into
his bones. Behind her back, Pop gave him the old airman’s salute, thumbs up,
and he returned the gesture.
With his grandfather riding shotgun, the trip to Bentonville was
much too short. Although Pop talked, smoked, and cussed as he once had,
Ben could see that the outing had taken a toll. By the time they reached the
nursing home, Pop was nodding, almost asleep with his head on his chest.
Ben saw him tucked into bed then headed for Decatur, driving as if the devil
was on his tail to clock in on time.
His shift passed at a slow pace. Problems with production numbers
reared up and as supervisor, he had to deal with the issues. Tray after tray of
chicken parts passed through the blast freezer and by the end of the evening,
things were back to what passed as normal. As tired as if he had worked a
double shift, he shed his boots and climbed into the truck.
As he anticipated, her bedroom light was on and the porch light
shone into the darkness. He cut the engine and rolled to a quiet stop. He
didn’t want to awaken Ruby and he hoped that she was long asleep. Katy
opened the door before he reached it and light from a single lamp in the
living room illuminated her face. The flannel gown she wore was opaque but
he could see the curves of her body beneath the cloth. She cupped his face in
both hands.
“You’re cold. Come in. Are you hungry?”
He put his hands over hers and nodded. “You’re what I’m hungry
for.”
As he had waited hours to do, he devoured her mouth with his, desire
flooding his veins. His kiss was an unspoken question, an invitation and as
her body surged toward him, he felt her answer. A living force spun between
them and drew them together. His hands moved over her shoulders in a
caress then dropped to her breasts, nothing but flannel separating them from
his touch. She moved with somnolent pleasure and pulled the gown over her
head. It fell to the floor and he kicked it away as her hands moved over his
torso, her fingers unbuttoned his shirt. He stripped away his jeans and
stepped out of his boots.
His hands explored her body as his mouth sought hers again and
again. In tandem, they sank to the rug that covered the floor and without
restraint he plunged into her with powerful need. Her legs wrapped around
his body and together their passion spiraled toward a climax that shattered
them both. Spent, they lay together on the rug. He nuzzled her lips, her nose,
her cheeks, and her neck. He heard her whispers, the soft endearments
mingling with tiny sounds of pleasure. Only the fear that Ruby might come
downstairs and find them spurred him to sit up. He groped for his scattered
clothing and dressed.
Still naked, Katherine stood before him. She buried her head against
his chest and sighed, a rich, full sound of contentment.
“You must be really hungry now.”
Laughter bubbled up within and he nodded. At the crook of her
finger, he followed and ate three thick sandwiches. Her wide smiles gave him
joy each time he looked at her, now clad in her gown. He would not
remember later what they talked about but he would recall the laughter. After
a shared piece of cake, he reminded her that he had to go and she nodded as
her smile faded.
“I don’t know what you’ve done to me, honey, but I like it.” He
rubbed his chin against the top of her head. With the slightest inclination,
he’d have her on the floor again but he had heard the floorboards creak
upstairs and restrained his urge. “It’s late and you must be tired.”
“Good night Ben. Sweet dreams.”
1 comments:
Sounds great!
Post a Comment