Showing posts with label Joanne Rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Joanne Rock. Show all posts
Wild Wyoming Nights by Joanne Rock
Title: Wild Wyoming Nights
Series: The McNeill Magnates #8
Author: Joanne Rock
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Blurb
“You’ll stay with me.”
She can’t
resist the rich rancher!
resist the rich rancher!
Emma Layton is working in Wyoming to get away
from her abusive ex. But when wealthy
ranch owner Carson McNeill learns of her plight, he insists she stay
with him for protection. Emma agrees—even knowing this cowboy may prove
irresistible.... Proximity soon leads to passion, night after night. But when
Carson learns her secret connection to his family, this ride gets a whole lot
wilder!
from her abusive ex. But when wealthy
ranch owner Carson McNeill learns of her plight, he insists she stay
with him for protection. Emma agrees—even knowing this cowboy may prove
irresistible.... Proximity soon leads to passion, night after night. But when
Carson learns her secret connection to his family, this ride gets a whole lot
wilder!
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Excerpt
“Wow.” She glanced over at her silent driver, wondering if
he’d grown immune to the beauty. “I’ve never seen stars like this.”
he’d grown immune to the beauty. “I’ve never seen stars like this.”
Maybe some of her wonder seeped through his frustration,
because he slowed the vehicle, then stopped altogether, the engine rumbling at
idle in the creeping night. They sat on a hilltop with meadows rolling out into
the distance on one side, and a shadow of rocky cliffs and trees on the other.
He snapped off the headlights to give them a better view and turned off the
ignition. The engine ticked for a few moments and then went silent.
because he slowed the vehicle, then stopped altogether, the engine rumbling at
idle in the creeping night. They sat on a hilltop with meadows rolling out into
the distance on one side, and a shadow of rocky cliffs and trees on the other.
He snapped off the headlights to give them a better view and turned off the
ignition. The engine ticked for a few moments and then went silent.
“It’s amazing how much the lights of a city detract from the
night sky.” Carson tipped his head back, too, his hands resting on his
sprawled, denim-covered knees.
night sky.” Carson tipped his head back, too, his hands resting on his
sprawled, denim-covered knees.
The right one hovered close to her leg, radiating a warmth
she could feel. Or maybe it was the electric current of attraction that made
her skin tingle that way beneath her leggings. She had been on a few dates
since breaking things off with Austin but nothing serious. She definitely
hadn’t experienced the sizzling awareness she got from being around Carson.
What a shame for her body to finally wake up again around a man she needed to
impress with her professionalism.
she could feel. Or maybe it was the electric current of attraction that made
her skin tingle that way beneath her leggings. She had been on a few dates
since breaking things off with Austin but nothing serious. She definitely
hadn’t experienced the sizzling awareness she got from being around Carson.
What a shame for her body to finally wake up again around a man she needed to
impress with her professionalism.
The Forbidden Brother by Joanne Rock
Title: The Forbidden Brother
Series: The McNeill Magnates #7
Author: Joanne Rock
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 1, 2018
Release Date: July 1, 2018
Blurb
A night of passion and mistaken identity means
unmistakable consequences...
Jillian Ross craves adventure. And she gets
it, when her new career as a movie location scout leads her to the ranch owned
by the wealthy Wyoming McNeills. A close encounter with the playboy McNeill causes
havoc—since it’s actually his reclusive twin, Cody, she’s fallen for! Now she’s
pregnant—and still can’t get enough of her reluctant rancher. Is this adventure
just beginning?
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Excerpt
“You’ve improved my Saturday night a whole lot, too.” He
liked the feel of her, his hand warming the cool skin through the thin blouse
she wore. “It’s been a long time since I’ve thought about anything outside of
work.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “Leading me to wonder what you could be
thinking about right now.” Her lips curved. “Admiring the Wrangler’s decor? Or
maybe remembering how much you like a good George Jones tune?”
He laughed appreciatively. “I do respect a bar that still
plays a classic. But the vinyl upholstery in the booths isn’t doing much for me
in the decor department.” His gaze skated over her features; he was looking
forward to making her blush again. “And I was thinking about you more than
anything else.”
His directness might have caught her off guard. She nibbled
her lower lip briefly before meeting his eyes. “I haven’t been the center of
anyone’s attention in…a long time.”
There was a story there. He heard it in her voice. Saw it in
her eyes.
“You aren’t involved with someone else?” He needed to be
sure before he let this go on any longer. But his pulse was already thrumming.
“I don’t see a ring, but I have to ask.”
“I am very much unattached.” She shook her head, red curls
catching the overhead light as she moved. “What about you? No one waiting at
home?”
Expecting A Scandal by Joanne Rock
Title: Expecting a Scandal
Series: Texas Cattleman's Club #4
Author: Joanne Rock
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 1, 2018
Release Date: April 1, 2018
Blurb
Five months pregnant and on her own. Even so, she can’t resist this rugged
rancher…
rancher…
Solely responsible for her unborn child,
Abigail Stewart is desperate for the art commission at Royal Memorial Hospital.
Winning over the sexy Texan on the board seems impossible, but Vaughn surprises
her with his response. And his attention. And a sizzling connection that defies
all logic. But even if he can accept her baby, will Vaughn’s dark past tear
them apart?
Abigail Stewart is desperate for the art commission at Royal Memorial Hospital.
Winning over the sexy Texan on the board seems impossible, but Vaughn surprises
her with his response. And his attention. And a sizzling connection that defies
all logic. But even if he can accept her baby, will Vaughn’s dark past tear
them apart?
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Excerpt
“Detaching
isn’t a problem for me,” Vaughn admitted, unwilling to confess how deeply he
wrestled with the fallout from that skill. “Sometimes that makes me far too
abrupt, as you witnessed firsthand in today’s committee meeting.”
isn’t a problem for me,” Vaughn admitted, unwilling to confess how deeply he
wrestled with the fallout from that skill. “Sometimes that makes me far too
abrupt, as you witnessed firsthand in today’s committee meeting.”
He watched
Abigail’s face, locking on her expression before he continued. “Were you
venting negative emotions about that when you drew the picture of me?”
Abigail’s face, locking on her expression before he continued. “Were you
venting negative emotions about that when you drew the picture of me?”
Perhaps
she’d been expecting the question, or maybe she’d simply been more prepared to
revisit the topic after her initial embarrassment about the sketch. She lifted
a brow, her gaze wary, but she didn’t flush with discomfort this time.
she’d been expecting the question, or maybe she’d simply been more prepared to
revisit the topic after her initial embarrassment about the sketch. She lifted
a brow, her gaze wary, but she didn’t flush with discomfort this time.
“You
noticed that and didn’t say anything?” She shook her head with a rueful laugh
and leaned up against a built-in counter with cabinets below and shelves
overhead. Paintbrushes in every size imaginable hung on a rack over the
shelves. “I guess you are good at detaching. If I saw someone had made a
picture of me, I would have been quick to ask a hundred questions about it.”
noticed that and didn’t say anything?” She shook her head with a rueful laugh
and leaned up against a built-in counter with cabinets below and shelves
overhead. Paintbrushes in every size imaginable hung on a rack over the
shelves. “I guess you are good at detaching. If I saw someone had made a
picture of me, I would have been quick to ask a hundred questions about it.”
For The Sake Of His Heir by Joanne Rock
Title: For the Sake of His Heir
Series: The McNeill Magnates #6
Author: Joanne Rock
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Release Date: February 1, 2018
Blurb
When a marriage of convenience is the only answer…things get inconvenient.
Gabe McNeill is done being manipulated. By
everyone from his ex-wife who abandoned him and their baby to the grandfather
forcing him to remarry. Now the only way Gabe can ensure his son’s inheritance
is if Brianne Hanson agrees to be his bride. They’ve always kept things
strictly business and this is no different…until she falls into his bed and all
bets are off!
everyone from his ex-wife who abandoned him and their baby to the grandfather
forcing him to remarry. Now the only way Gabe can ensure his son’s inheritance
is if Brianne Hanson agrees to be his bride. They’ve always kept things
strictly business and this is no different…until she falls into his bed and all
bets are off!
Purchase Links
Excerpt
The curtain of hazy snow and steam around
them gave the sense that they were all alone in the world, a veil of cold mist
separating them from everything but one another.
them gave the sense that they were all alone in the world, a veil of cold mist
separating them from everything but one another.
Or maybe the wine was going to her head.
She felt a sweet happiness all over to be with Gabe. It was dangerous, perhaps,
to feel that way. But she’d never been with a man like him, someone strong and
noble, kind and warm hearted.
She felt a sweet happiness all over to be with Gabe. It was dangerous, perhaps,
to feel that way. But she’d never been with a man like him, someone strong and
noble, kind and warm hearted.
And so very sexy.
Her eyes dipped to the top of his chest
above the water as he drained his glass and set it aside, his triceps flexing
in a way that made her want to take a bite.
above the water as he drained his glass and set it aside, his triceps flexing
in a way that made her want to take a bite.
“I certainly didn’t expect a wedding gift.”
He shook his head, a wry smile kicking up one side of his mouth. “We’ll have to
make our own rules for this marriage since the regular conventions aren’t going
to apply.”
He shook his head, a wry smile kicking up one side of his mouth. “We’ll have to
make our own rules for this marriage since the regular conventions aren’t going
to apply.”
“Like tonight, for example.” She hadn’t
meant to say it out loud, but there it was, floating on the cold breeze before
she could take it back. Drawing a steadying breath, she explained herself. “I
don’t need to worry about your expectations because—”
meant to say it out loud, but there it was, floating on the cold breeze before
she could take it back. Drawing a steadying breath, she explained herself. “I
don’t need to worry about your expectations because—”
“Because there are none.” He cupped her
shoulders with his hands, a warm weight that anchored her in the swirling
water. “I thought we deserved this time together to get to know each other as
more than friends, but I will be glad just to talk to you tonight. To learn how
to make you happy.”
shoulders with his hands, a warm weight that anchored her in the swirling
water. “I thought we deserved this time together to get to know each other as
more than friends, but I will be glad just to talk to you tonight. To learn how
to make you happy.”
“I know that.” She wanted to close her eyes
and concentrate on how his hands felt on her. To soak up all the sensations of
being with him. “You never made me feel like you brought me here for more than
that, but still…it’s a wedding night. I can’t deny I’ve been thinking about the
possibilities of what that means.”
and concentrate on how his hands felt on her. To soak up all the sensations of
being with him. “You never made me feel like you brought me here for more than
that, but still…it’s a wedding night. I can’t deny I’ve been thinking about the
possibilities of what that means.”
His thumbs skated a slow circle over the
tops of her shoulders, a subtle touch that set the rest of her on fire.
tops of her shoulders, a subtle touch that set the rest of her on fire.
“I’ve been doing plenty of thinking of my
own,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we have to act on it.”
own,” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean we have to act on it.”
If he kept touching her, though, the
possibility of her launching across the hot tub to kiss him was very real.
possibility of her launching across the hot tub to kiss him was very real.
“When I said I wasn’t all that experienced,
I didn’t mean to suggest I’ve never been with a guy. Of course I have.” Though
she had kept her virginity longer than any of her friends, haunted by her
stepmother’s taunts long after they should have lost their power to hurt her.
“I just don’t feel like I ever got high marks. You know?”
I didn’t mean to suggest I’ve never been with a guy. Of course I have.” Though
she had kept her virginity longer than any of her friends, haunted by her
stepmother’s taunts long after they should have lost their power to hurt her.
“I just don’t feel like I ever got high marks. You know?”
“Sex shouldn’t be a graded assignment.” He
said it with one-hundred-percent seriousness.
said it with one-hundred-percent seriousness.
But she laughed anyway, because it was a
strange conversation for a wedding night. “Right. I get that.” She flipped a
damp piece of hair out of her eyes as she warmed to the discussion. “But when I
decided to lose my virginity, I think I was probably…too determined. I did some
research and felt well-prepared, but in the end—epic fail.” She shook her head,
remembering the expression on her boyfriend’s face afterward. It hadn’t been
blissful pleasure.
strange conversation for a wedding night. “Right. I get that.” She flipped a
damp piece of hair out of her eyes as she warmed to the discussion. “But when I
decided to lose my virginity, I think I was probably…too determined. I did some
research and felt well-prepared, but in the end—epic fail.” She shook her head,
remembering the expression on her boyfriend’s face afterward. It hadn’t been
blissful pleasure.
More like being shell-shocked, maybe.
“The thought of you researching to the
point of being over prepared is going to animate some very good dreams for me.”
He never stopped touching her. His thumbs trailed down the satin straps of her
bra in the back. Then in the front. Over and over. “It’s my turn to be
intrigued.”
point of being over prepared is going to animate some very good dreams for me.”
He never stopped touching her. His thumbs trailed down the satin straps of her
bra in the back. Then in the front. Over and over. “It’s my turn to be
intrigued.”
“I think I was studying techniques that
were too advanced for a beginner.” She shrugged, the water around her splashing
with the movement. “But I don’t like looking foolish, and I’d waited so long to
give sex a try that I put a lot of pressure on myself not to make it obvious
that I was a first-timer.”
were too advanced for a beginner.” She shrugged, the water around her splashing
with the movement. “But I don’t like looking foolish, and I’d waited so long to
give sex a try that I put a lot of pressure on myself not to make it obvious
that I was a first-timer.”
“What about afterward?” Gabe’s knee grazed
hers under the water and she didn’t skitter away because it felt too good.
“Didn’t things get better once the first time was out of the way?”
hers under the water and she didn’t skitter away because it felt too good.
“Didn’t things get better once the first time was out of the way?”
“I wasn’t keen to repeat the experiment at
the time.” She retrieved her wineglass and took another small sip. “But now, I
think maybe I’d like to.”
the time.” She retrieved her wineglass and took another small sip. “But now, I
think maybe I’d like to.”
Author Bio
Four-time RITA
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
Author Links
Claiming His Secret Heir by Joanne Rock
Title: Claiming His Secret Heir
Series: The McNeill Magnates #5
Author: Joanne Rock
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Release Date: January 1, 2018
Blurb
Can he win back his wife?
When Caroline McNeill shows up outside her
husband’s mansion, she claims to have no memory of the past year…or their
passion-filled honeymoon. But faking amnesia is the only way Caroline can find
out if Damon was behind her abduction. She needs to trust him—a man she craves
but still barely knows—before she can tell him about their infant son. Did the
Silicon Valley mogul merely marry to claim an inheritance then dispose of her?
Or is what they share real and forever?
husband’s mansion, she claims to have no memory of the past year…or their
passion-filled honeymoon. But faking amnesia is the only way Caroline can find
out if Damon was behind her abduction. She needs to trust him—a man she craves
but still barely knows—before she can tell him about their infant son. Did the
Silicon Valley mogul merely marry to claim an inheritance then dispose of her?
Or is what they share real and forever?
Purchase Links
Excerpt
He shook
out the waterproof blanket on the snow—plastic on one side, wool plaid on the
other. She watched him line up the sled at one end of the blanket before he
knelt in the snow to open the picnic hamper. All the while, Caroline rocked the
carriage gently, tilting it back and forth. Thankfully, their bodyguard sat
outside the trees, keeping an eye on the hill below to make sure no one
intruded on their space. She didn’t feel “watched,” per se, although she felt
certain the guy kept an eye on them somehow. The team Damon hired seemed very
skilled at maintaining a discreet presence.
out the waterproof blanket on the snow—plastic on one side, wool plaid on the
other. She watched him line up the sled at one end of the blanket before he
knelt in the snow to open the picnic hamper. All the while, Caroline rocked the
carriage gently, tilting it back and forth. Thankfully, their bodyguard sat
outside the trees, keeping an eye on the hill below to make sure no one
intruded on their space. She didn’t feel “watched,” per se, although she felt
certain the guy kept an eye on them somehow. The team Damon hired seemed very
skilled at maintaining a discreet presence.
“I know
that I’m not alone any longer, and I’m glad for that.” She debated lifting
Lucas out of the baby carrier, but then changed her mind, putting the brakes on
the contraption and facing the carrier toward the blanket so they could keep an
eye on him.
that I’m not alone any longer, and I’m glad for that.” She debated lifting
Lucas out of the baby carrier, but then changed her mind, putting the brakes on
the contraption and facing the carrier toward the blanket so they could keep an
eye on him.
“Are you ready for the winter picnic to end all picnics?” Damon asked,
waiting to open the picnic basket until he had her attention.
waiting to open the picnic basket until he had her attention.
He shoved
his gloves into the pockets of his vest. His dark hair had a few fresh
snowflakes coating the top where he must have brushed against one of the
evergreen boughs.
his gloves into the pockets of his vest. His dark hair had a few fresh
snowflakes coating the top where he must have brushed against one of the
evergreen boughs.
“Do you
know what’s in there?” She peeled off her own gloves, ready to eat. “I can’t
imagine what a winter picnic entails, so my expectations are fairly low.”
know what’s in there?” She peeled off her own gloves, ready to eat. “I can’t
imagine what a winter picnic entails, so my expectations are fairly low.”
“I packed
this myself. And believe me, my expectations run permanently high.” He tipped
open the lid with a flourish. “I present to you, the Post-Sledding Woodland
Feast.”
this myself. And believe me, my expectations run permanently high.” He tipped
open the lid with a flourish. “I present to you, the Post-Sledding Woodland
Feast.”
Caroline
felt her eyes go wide. Crammed inside the huge basket were two brightly colored
thermoses and insulated mugs, a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, a wooden
cheeseboard with fresh fruits and cloth-covered cheeses, a tray of shrimp on
ice, a stack of Sternos and a lighter, a bag of huge, homemade-looking
marshmallows, a tin of graham crackers, chocolate-covered strawberries…
felt her eyes go wide. Crammed inside the huge basket were two brightly colored
thermoses and insulated mugs, a red-and-white-checkered tablecloth, a wooden
cheeseboard with fresh fruits and cloth-covered cheeses, a tray of shrimp on
ice, a stack of Sternos and a lighter, a bag of huge, homemade-looking
marshmallows, a tin of graham crackers, chocolate-covered strawberries…
“And
champagne!” Her gaze finally reached a bottle of a highly recognizable brand of
bubbly inside a champagne bucket. “Is that even legal?” She glanced around,
half expecting a park ranger to issue a citation.
champagne!” Her gaze finally reached a bottle of a highly recognizable brand of
bubbly inside a champagne bucket. “Is that even legal?” She glanced around,
half expecting a park ranger to issue a citation.
“Alcohol in
the park is regulated, but not prohibited, so no one will bother us unless we
start causing trouble.” Grinning, he gestured for her to have a seat on the
blanket. “Get comfortable and I’ll serve us.”
the park is regulated, but not prohibited, so no one will bother us unless we
start causing trouble.” Grinning, he gestured for her to have a seat on the
blanket. “Get comfortable and I’ll serve us.”
She did as
he asked, her eyes still on the stuffed hamper.
he asked, her eyes still on the stuffed hamper.
“You packed
this?” It was a feat of engineering, the way everything was stacked and
prepped.
this?” It was a feat of engineering, the way everything was stacked and
prepped.
“The
technical mind is good for more than designing software, you know.” He pulled
out fondue sticks and set them beside the Sterno cans so they could toast their
own marshmallows. “And under the champagne is a bottle of whiskey if you’d
rather doctor up the hot chocolate.” He produced a smaller basket with
airline-sized bottles of Jameson and Baileys, plus a variety of add-in flavors
from vanilla and almond to butterscotch.
technical mind is good for more than designing software, you know.” He pulled
out fondue sticks and set them beside the Sterno cans so they could toast their
own marshmallows. “And under the champagne is a bottle of whiskey if you’d
rather doctor up the hot chocolate.” He produced a smaller basket with
airline-sized bottles of Jameson and Baileys, plus a variety of add-in flavors
from vanilla and almond to butterscotch.
“You have
outdone yourself.” She glanced up into the carriage to check on Lucas.
Surrounded by trees on three sides, their picnic spot felt safe and
surprisingly private considering the view of the mayhem near Cedar Hill and the
row of emerging snowmen lining the biggest walking trail less than fifty yards
away.
outdone yourself.” She glanced up into the carriage to check on Lucas.
Surrounded by trees on three sides, their picnic spot felt safe and
surprisingly private considering the view of the mayhem near Cedar Hill and the
row of emerging snowmen lining the biggest walking trail less than fifty yards
away.
“I will
admit, it’s been hell keeping a lid on the surprise all day.” He found two
small hurricane lanterns and placed candles inside them even though the sun
still shone brightly outside. Then, he uncapped one of the containers of cocoa
and poured her a mugful. “Here. You can add what you like while I work on the
seating.”
admit, it’s been hell keeping a lid on the surprise all day.” He found two
small hurricane lanterns and placed candles inside them even though the sun
still shone brightly outside. Then, he uncapped one of the containers of cocoa
and poured her a mugful. “Here. You can add what you like while I work on the
seating.”
He
scrambled around to the back of the blanket where he used one arm to scoop a
pile of snow under the edge of the wool plaid. It took her a moment to
understand why he wanted a big lump of snow under the spot where she was
sitting. But then he covered it up again, packing the pile into a U-shaped
curve to create a support for her back.
scrambled around to the back of the blanket where he used one arm to scoop a
pile of snow under the edge of the wool plaid. It took her a moment to
understand why he wanted a big lump of snow under the spot where she was
sitting. But then he covered it up again, packing the pile into a U-shaped
curve to create a support for her back.
“Genius,”
she announced, settling into the snow seat with her mug of hot chocolate, the
picnic spread out at her feet. “It really is the picnic to end all picnics.”
she announced, settling into the snow seat with her mug of hot chocolate, the
picnic spread out at her feet. “It really is the picnic to end all picnics.”
“I’ll drink
to that.” Damon poured his own hot chocolate and settled on the blanket beside
her. “Here’s to our first real day as a family.”
to that.” Damon poured his own hot chocolate and settled on the blanket beside
her. “Here’s to our first real day as a family.”
She met his
blue gaze, his eyes all the more crystalline in the bright sun. He’d taken
considerable time and trouble to make the day perfect for her, and Lucas, too.
While she’d been sleeping late to catch up on rest, he’d been ordering a
special sled and packing the perfect picnic.
blue gaze, his eyes all the more crystalline in the bright sun. He’d taken
considerable time and trouble to make the day perfect for her, and Lucas, too.
While she’d been sleeping late to catch up on rest, he’d been ordering a
special sled and packing the perfect picnic.
“To
family,” she echoed, softly clanking her pewter cup to his.
family,” she echoed, softly clanking her pewter cup to his.
Tipping the
drink to her lips, she savored the complex swirl of flavors. She hadn’t added
much alcohol, just enough to give a pleasant jolt of warmth on the way down.
The almond and vanilla notes were especially good, and the melting homemade
marshmallow she’d set on top was a gooey bonus.
drink to her lips, she savored the complex swirl of flavors. She hadn’t added
much alcohol, just enough to give a pleasant jolt of warmth on the way down.
The almond and vanilla notes were especially good, and the melting homemade
marshmallow she’d set on top was a gooey bonus.
She was
about to compliment the first beverage course, but when she turned to him
again, she felt a flash of heat from the simmering look he gave her. His mug
remained untouched, his attention fixed on her mouth.
about to compliment the first beverage course, but when she turned to him
again, she felt a flash of heat from the simmering look he gave her. His mug
remained untouched, his attention fixed on her mouth.
He was very
still.
still.
“What?”
Self-conscious, she set her cup aside in the snow. “I have marshmallow all over
my face, don’t I?”
Self-conscious, she set her cup aside in the snow. “I have marshmallow all over
my face, don’t I?”
Her hand
went to her nose, but Damon caught it. He’d set his own drink aside, too,
freeing his hands.
went to her nose, but Damon caught it. He’d set his own drink aside, too,
freeing his hands.
“Let me.”
He canted closer, his focus shifting to her eyes.
He canted closer, his focus shifting to her eyes.
The heat
ratcheted up so much it was a wonder they weren’t melting snow.
ratcheted up so much it was a wonder they weren’t melting snow.
She could
feel her heartbeat quicken, the answering spark she’d always experienced with
this man. Time and distance hadn’t broken it. Even forgetting him completely
for weeks on end hadn’t erased the response she had to him.
feel her heartbeat quicken, the answering spark she’d always experienced with
this man. Time and distance hadn’t broken it. Even forgetting him completely
for weeks on end hadn’t erased the response she had to him.
Author Bio
Four-time RITA
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
Author Links
His Pregnant Secretary by Joanne Rock
Title: Little Secrets: His Pregnant Secretary
Series: The McNeill Magnates #4
Author: Joanne Rock
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Publisher: Harlequin Desire
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Blurb
The boss’s baby bargain…
Becoming a father was never part of Jager McNeill’s
plan, until the heat between him and his luscious assistant turned into searing
passion. Now Delia Rickard is carrying his baby. After growing up without a
father, Jager’s determined to be there for his child. And marriage would ensure
that. But despite their chemistry, Delia’s unwilling to marry for anything less
than love.
plan, until the heat between him and his luscious assistant turned into searing
passion. Now Delia Rickard is carrying his baby. After growing up without a
father, Jager’s determined to be there for his child. And marriage would ensure
that. But despite their chemistry, Delia’s unwilling to marry for anything less
than love.
A trip with Jager to Manhattan could change
all that. For in this enchanting city ablaze with Christmas lights, romance
begins to blossom. And a kiss under the mistletoe just might turn into lasting
love.
all that. For in this enchanting city ablaze with Christmas lights, romance
begins to blossom. And a kiss under the mistletoe just might turn into lasting
love.
Purchase Links
Excerpt
“Are you
okay, Delia?” The voice in her ear was familiar; she’d heard it nearly every
day for the past year, even if she hadn’t seen the man in person for weeks on
end.
okay, Delia?” The voice in her ear was familiar; she’d heard it nearly every
day for the past year, even if she hadn’t seen the man in person for weeks on
end.
Her boss.
Jager McNeill.
Jager McNeill.
“Fine,” she
spluttered, the word ending in a cough.
spluttered, the word ending in a cough.
Of course,
it was foolish to be embarrassed since she had dived in the water to save a
child. And yet, it still felt terribly awkward to be caught with her dress up
around her waist today of all days when she’d wanted to make the perfect
professional impression.
it was foolish to be embarrassed since she had dived in the water to save a
child. And yet, it still felt terribly awkward to be caught with her dress up
around her waist today of all days when she’d wanted to make the perfect
professional impression.
Also, she’d
scratched him.
scratched him.
Coughed all
over him.
over him.
If she
hadn’t had a crush on him once upon a time, maybe she wouldn’t be tingling from
head to toe right now in spite of everything. But she feared if she tried to
swim away from him to escape all the feelings, she just might drown. She was
surprised to notice how far she’d drifted from the dock in her search. Behind
them, she noticed the transport skiff that Cyril had sent out to meet Jager’s
seaplane. Jager must have been arriving at the same time she’d jumped into the
water.
hadn’t had a crush on him once upon a time, maybe she wouldn’t be tingling from
head to toe right now in spite of everything. But she feared if she tried to
swim away from him to escape all the feelings, she just might drown. She was
surprised to notice how far she’d drifted from the dock in her search. Behind
them, she noticed the transport skiff that Cyril had sent out to meet Jager’s
seaplane. Jager must have been arriving at the same time she’d jumped into the
water.
“Hold onto
my shoulders,” he told her, shifting their positions in the water so he faced
her. “I’ll tow you to the dock.”
my shoulders,” he told her, shifting their positions in the water so he faced
her. “I’ll tow you to the dock.”
Nose to
nose with him, Delia stared up into his steel-blue eyes. She thought she’d
gotten used to his good looks in the past two years that they’d known each
other. His dark hair and sharp, shadowed jaw made for enticing contrasts to
those incredibly blue eyes. His hair had grown longer in the past months, as if
barber visits were the last thing on his mind. But the way the damp strands
curled along the strong column of his neck only added to the appeal.
nose with him, Delia stared up into his steel-blue eyes. She thought she’d
gotten used to his good looks in the past two years that they’d known each
other. His dark hair and sharp, shadowed jaw made for enticing contrasts to
those incredibly blue eyes. His hair had grown longer in the past months, as if
barber visits were the last thing on his mind. But the way the damp strands
curled along the strong column of his neck only added to the appeal.
This close,
she had the benefit of sensing the wealth of muscle in his athletic body where
he held her. Feeling the flush of heat course through her, she ducked deeper
into the cold water to hide her reaction to him.
she had the benefit of sensing the wealth of muscle in his athletic body where
he held her. Feeling the flush of heat course through her, she ducked deeper
into the cold water to hide her reaction to him.
“I can make
it.” Shaking her head, she scattered droplets from her wet hair. “I just needed
to catch my breath.”
it.” Shaking her head, she scattered droplets from her wet hair. “I just needed
to catch my breath.”
She
attempted to paddle away, but Jager only gripped her tighter.
attempted to paddle away, but Jager only gripped her tighter.
Oh. My.
Feeling the
warmth of his chest through their clingy clothes roused an ache she should not
be feeling for her boss. Adding to the problem, the strapless bra she’d been
wearing had shifted lower on her rib cage where it did absolutely no good.
warmth of his chest through their clingy clothes roused an ache she should not
be feeling for her boss. Adding to the problem, the strapless bra she’d been
wearing had shifted lower on her rib cage where it did absolutely no good.
“Humor me,”
he ordered her, his voice as controlled as his movements. “You’re exhausted and
dry land is farther away than it looks.” He took one of her hands and placed it
on his right shoulder. Then, turning away from her, he very deliberately set
her other hand on his left shoulder.
he ordered her, his voice as controlled as his movements. “You’re exhausted and
dry land is farther away than it looks.” He took one of her hands and placed it
on his right shoulder. Then, turning away from her, he very deliberately set
her other hand on his left shoulder.
He began to
swim toward the dock with measured strokes, towing her along behind him. Water
lapped over them in light waves. She felt every ripple of his muscles under her
palms as the light waves swished over them. She debated fishing one hand down
her dress to haul up her bra before they reached land, but decided the
potential scolding from Jager if she let go of him wasn’t worth it. So she
clung to him and gritted her teeth against the friction of her pebbled breasts
rubbing against his back. By now he had to be as keenly aware of her as she was
of him.
swim toward the dock with measured strokes, towing her along behind him. Water
lapped over them in light waves. She felt every ripple of his muscles under her
palms as the light waves swished over them. She debated fishing one hand down
her dress to haul up her bra before they reached land, but decided the
potential scolding from Jager if she let go of him wasn’t worth it. So she
clung to him and gritted her teeth against the friction of her pebbled breasts
rubbing against his back. By now he had to be as keenly aware of her as she was
of him.
The only
positive of this awkward reunion?
positive of this awkward reunion?
Any anxiety
she had about talking business with him was utterly eclipsed by physical
awareness. So when they reached land, she clamped onto the dock, evenly met his
blue gaze and said, “I definitely deserve a raise.”
she had about talking business with him was utterly eclipsed by physical
awareness. So when they reached land, she clamped onto the dock, evenly met his
blue gaze and said, “I definitely deserve a raise.”
Author Bio
Four-time RITA
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
nominee Joanne Rock has never met a romance sub-genre she didn't like. The author
of over eighty books enjoys writing a wide range of stories, most recently
focusing on sexy contemporaries and small town family sagas. An optimist by
nature and perpetual seeker of silver linings, Joanne finds romance fits her
life outlook perfectly--love is worth fighting for. A frequent speaker at
regional and national writing conferences she enjoys giving back to the writing
community that nurtured and inspired her early career. She has a Masters degree
in Literature from the University of Louisville but credits her fiction writing
skills to her intensive study with friend and fellow author Catherine Mann.
When she's not writing, Joanne enjoys travel, especially to see her favorite
sports teams play with her former sports editor husband and three athletic-minded
sons.
Author Links
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