Sisters Fearlessly Find the Killer by Joyce Proell

It's Fearless Friday on Discover... and Joyce Proell has joined us. She's my co-author in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books about two sisters who are fearless in their pursuit of finding the killer. She's coming to us by way of her character Emma, one of the Chocolate Martini Sisters...

Hi. I'm Emma Banefield. My siter Nicole Earp and I love murder and mayhem. In the Chocolate Martini Sisters mysteries, Nic always brings along one of her favorite mystery author's books to read during our week-end getaways. Ha! As if we have time to read when finding a killer is our main objective. Needless to say, we’re big mystery fans and read a lot. So it makes sense after reading countless mysteries, a person would develop favorites. I’d like to share a few of mine with you. Since mystery covers a broad area, I’ve narrowed my choices to the cozy series category. Here goes…

Elizabeth Peter’s Amelia Peabody – The series begins in 1880 where an independent and unmarried woman uses her inheritance to travel to Egypt to further her knowledge of antiquities. Elizabeth Peters, a former doctor of Egyptology, knows her stuff. She had a marvelous sense of humor, especially as she describes Amelia’s later husband and son, Ramses. Amelia is practical and single-minded in her pursuit of killers. When she finds herself in a threatening bind, there’s always her umbrella on hand to solve the problem. The first book in the series is Crocodile on the Sandbank.  

Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mysteries – Set in 1895 New York, the series features Sarah Brandt, a compassionate, tough-minded, justice seeking widow of a doctor. As a midwife, she goes into the seediest of tenements in a time where the rich often turn a blind eye to injustice and murder. Murder on Astor Street is the first book in the series.

Rhy Bowen’s Her Royal Spyness – Set in 1932, a time of economic depression when people struggled to feed their families, Lady Georgina or Georgie, cousin to George V and thirty-fourth in line to the throne, finds herself not so different than the masses. When her brother cuts off her inheritance, she must find a job—a daunting task when her education taught her few practical skills—a perfect curtsey being one of them. But Georgie is nothing if not kind, likable and determined to be self-reliant. However, a tumultuous childhood and a self-absorbed mother have dented her confidence. As she struggles in charming fashion to set her life in order, she stumbles upon a murder. The person most surprised when the killer is caught is Georgie herself, the solver of the crime. The series begins with Her Royal Spyness.  

MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin – After building a successful career in public relations, Agatha retires at fifty-two moving from London to a quiet, picturesque village. Only the place isn’t as tranquil as if first appears. The boredom of retirement doesn’t suit her temperament. In no time, she’s discovered a murder. With fashionable style, she throws herself into the job of solving the crime. Along the way, she meets and, more often than not, offends the locals with her abrasive manner. At first, I found Agatha’s personality off-putting, but in successive books, came to see the humanity and frailty behind her bossiness. The Quiche of Death is the first book in the series.

Spenser Quinn’s Chet and Bernie – These are the only books I’ve read narrated by a dog. Chet is a big, lovable mutt who absolutely adores Bernie, a private detective. In Chet’s view, Bernie can do no wrong. He is the best! The smartest! The most fearless! Chet likes the exclamations. If you are a dog lover, listening to Chet’s narrative will make you laugh. Spenser Quinn absolutely nails dog thought. In addition to solving crimes, Chet has a number of friends in the neighborhood. Their get-togethers are hilarious. For a fun time, read It’s a Wonderful Woof!

I hope these suggestions inspire you to pick up a cozy and read. You might even consider the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mystery Books.

Series Link on Amazon US:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

In the Book

Blogging about life's adventures and books...

Adventures past, present, or future. And my books--then and now. 

I'm excited to announce the third book in the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries, Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder, is up for preorder. The eBook will release on April 30...but you can preorder now for it to magically appear on your reader April 30.

ORDER YOU COPY BY CLICKING HERE

If you're a print book lover, you'll be able to order your copy on April 23rd.

Joyce and I feel Cornbread, Ribs, and Murder is going to delight you! The third book in this amateur sleuths, cozy mystery series will have you chuckling and on the edge of your seat as the sisters solve the murder.

It’s a rib cookoff…with a recipe for murder. 

Nicole Earp and Emma Banefield are celebrating another birthday at the Dulce Inn with the added fun of a rib cookoff in the park. Not only are chocolate martinis in their plans, Nic has her heart set on winning the cornbread contest. But as the excitement bakes, someone is stirring up trouble for the inn and its employees. 

Strange occurrences at the Dulce are on the rise. Slashed tires, menacing phone calls, and unsavory characters add a vibe that threatens the sisters’ anticipated fun-filled stay. When the hot-headed hotel owner is caught wielding a bloody letter opener over a dead coworker, the sisters are embroiled in a caper to help the one person who finds their sleuthing as welcomed as a rattlesnake in her bed. But is she innocent? 

The Chocolate Martini Sisters are primed to find out. First, they’ll have to eliminate a host of suspects that includes a dishonest restaurant owner, a jilted girlfriend, an ex-wife, the barkeeper, and a masseuse with a crush. If they can stay off the radar of the surly chief homicide detective long enough, they can put out the fire…unless the killer burns them first.

Would you like to read the first chapter? You can on my website: https://brendawhiteside.com/cornbred%2Crib%26murd-chp-one

New Release and Win a Book

It’s exciting! The official worldwide release of “Reading, Writing, and Murder, a Chocolate Martini Sisters’ mystery, book 2” is today.

We are giving away two copies of “Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder,” book 1, one each week of the tour. So be sure to pop in on each stop of the tour and comment and enter.

At the writers’ conference, murder tops the program. 

Aspiring mystery author Emma Banefield and travel writer Nicole Earp are excited to attend a writers’ conference during their latest sisters’ getaway. Nic’s birthday should be all about relaxation, writing, and a chocolate martini to toast another trip around the sun, but the climate at the gathering rumbles like a sudden desert thunderstorm. 

When sparks fly between the keynote speaker and her timid assistant over a handsome mystery author, the subtitle on this anticipated tranquil weekend spells drama. If a heated love triangle, bruised egos, and betrayal aren’t enough to upset the atmosphere, the conference banquet erupts into a drunken brawl and sends the place spinning. After a body is discovered, Nic and Em do what they do best—snoop—and become embroiled in a mystery that jumps off the pages of a true-crime bestseller. 

With more than enough suspects and little time, the amateur sleuths have their hands full finding the killer. But can the competitive Chocolate Martini Sisters solve the crime before the prickly chief detective does, or will a murderer outwit them all?

September 19 – Baroness Book Trove 

September 19 – My Reading Journeys 

September 20 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author 

September 20 – Maureen's Musings 

September 21 – Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense 

September 21 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee 

September 22 – Novels Alive 

September 22 – FUONLYKNEW 

September 23 – StoreyBook Reviews 

September 23 – Cassidy's Bookshelves 

September 24 – Celticlady's Reviews 

September 24 – Christa Reads and Writes 

September 25 – Literary Gold 

September 25 – fundinmental 

September 26 – Ascroft, eh? 

September 26 – Bea's Book Nook 

September 27 – Christy's Cozy Corners 

September 27 – Lady Hawkeye 

September 28 – Socrates Book Reviews 

September 28 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews 

September 29 – View from the Birdhouse 

September 30 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read 

September 30 – Reading Is My SuperPower 

September 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book 

October 1 – The Mystery Section 

October 1 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author 

October 2 – eBook Addicts 

You can get your copies of both books here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ9T7ZBX

Toast with a Chocolate Martini and Murder

MUSE MONDAY

Last week, my sister and I had our first chocolate martini of the year. We have one twice a year, once in the spring for her birthday and again in the fall for my birthday. We've been doing this for a few years now. We always go to the Hasayampa Inn in Prescott, Arizona and sit in the saloon called the Peacock Room. This tradition is what led to the cozy mystery series I am writing with co-author Joyce Proell. Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder released in March. Book two, Reading, Writing, and Murder is set to release in September.

Our fictional Chocolate Martini Sisters are Emma (Em) Banefield and Nicole (Nic) Earp. They find a lot more murder and mayhem at the Dulce Inn in our fictional town of Wyatt, Arizona than my sister and I find in the Peacock Room!

Over the next few weeks, I'll share some never before seen excerpts and photos of the inspiration behind this really fun to read series.

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

The Inspiration Photos (could that be Em on the patio?) and new excerpt:

“Hakata and Guthrie must be in one of the event rooms is my take. They’re located down the hallway.” Thanks, she mouthed and gave the clerk a little wave. “If Guthrie’s there, I’m going to head outside and chill in a patio lounge chair. Care to join me?” 

“Hmmm.” Nic acted as though the proposition required deep contemplation, but her quick answer, as in instantaneous, suggested she’d already made other plans. “I’m going to mosey about for a bit.” 

She lifted one brow, amused. “Oh?” 

“Thought I’d wander to the dining room and maybe catch Dan Lee. Lunch hour isn’t in full swing yet. 

“On the prowl, eh? Are you thinking to provoke his temper again?” 

Nic glanced at her toes with a sheepish smile. “If Chef Payne hasn’t arrived yet, he might have time to talk. I want another go at him. Maybe he’ll reveal something more about Payne’s reaction to Shaw.” 

“Well…” She glanced at her phone for any messages. There weren’t any. “When you get hungry for lunch, partner, you know where to find me—in the great outdoors.” 

It didn’t surprise Emma to find the patio deserted at this time of morning, not on the first day of the art
fair. People didn’t hang around inside a hotel when they could be outside playing and shopping in perfect weather. The patio, constructed of dull red bricks, was located on the opposite side of the building from the Azul. Around its border, a row of trees strung with lights gave it a semi-secluded look. She took advantage of the shade of a decorative Japanese maple and stretched out in a lounge chair, wiggling her toes, and closed her eyes. A moment couldn’t get much better than this.  

For the first time since she’d set off with Nic earlier in the morning, she found herself alone. With no pleasant social distractions at hand, images of the murder scene flooded her mind. She winced at the sheer ugliness of murder. What a way to go, bludgeoned to death. Sometimes winding up dead was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If this morning’s murder had been a random event, she could have easily been the victim. The alarming notion sent a cold shiver rippling over her body. 

BOOK LINKS

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada 

Goodreads 

Bookbub

The Mysterious Waukau by Joyce Proell #recipe #cozymystery

 My Cozy Mystery partner, Joyce Proell has a great recipe I'd like to share. I just know my favorite beverage, a hot latte, would go perfect with this. So heat up that oven and give it a try!

Years ago, a sibling was kind enough to share with me his recipe for a raspberry pancake called a Waukau. I was intrigued with the unfamiliar name. Waukau? Was the word European or Native American? Curious, I prepared the batter following the simple directions. Once in the oven, a golden pancake arose, its edges crusty and slightly browned and filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma. Spread across the top like scarlet jewels, the berries glistened in their syrupy juices. What an impressive sight. My husband and I sat at the kitchen table, eager to have a bite. How yummy. We loved it. The sweet yet slightly tart berries against the spongy texture of egg gave a bright taste to breakfast. The best part, according to my husband, is the buttery edge. Soon the Waukau pancake became our Sunday morning go-to item.

So where did the name come from? I did a Wikipedia search. Outside the town of Rushford, WI is an unincorporated area called Waukau. According to the census taken in 2000, 178 people live there. Perhaps this is where the pancake evolved.  

At any rate, I’m certain The Chocolate Martini Sisters would have delighted in the unusual dish. Emma, one of the sisters and known for her sweet tooth, would savor the mix of sugary and tart berries. Too bad it wasn’t on the menu at the Dulce Inn where they stayed in Candy, Cigarettes and Murder.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI SISTERS MYSTERY

Candy, Cigarettes, and Murder

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G/

The following recipe is one that I’ve adapted over time in response to my particular taste. It takes only minutes to prepare. Eaten alone or paired with bacon or sausage, it feeds about three or four adults. Give it a chance. You won’t be disappointed.

 Waukau (Berry Pancake)                                   

1 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

2 eggs

½ tsp vanilla

3 T butter

Pint of raspberries

1/3 cup sugar

Oven heat: 375 degrees. Heat pan with butter in oven. (I use a heavy 10” stainless steel fry pan suitable for the oven)

Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Whisk milk, eggs and vanilla in small bowl.

Make a well in center of the flour mixture and add the milk mixture to the well. Whisk until combined. (A fork works well)

When pan is at oven temperature, pour batter into the oan. Scatter the berries over the batter, leaving one inch border around the edges. Sprinkle sugar over the berries, again avoiding the outer 1-inch border. Bake until the edges are puffed and deep golden brown, 40 – 45 minutes. 

Be careful not to burn your fingers when you take it from the oven.

Enjoy!

Joyce 

 

Journey to a Cozy Mystery by Joyce Proell

I'm happy to introduce you today to my writing partner, Joyce Proell, for the Chocolate Martini Sisters Mysteries. We've been friends since I lived in Minnesota. She's the perfect co-author. Tell us a little about yourself, Joyce.

My interest in mysteries took flight in third grade. At one of my favorite places, the children’s section of the public library, I spotted an eerie cover and was immediately intrigued. I couldn’t wait to get home and devour The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy. Suspenseful, I’ll admit, yet after many years, I can’t recall a thing about the raggedy mummy or the plucky kids who solved the crime. What the book did do is encourage me to read more books of a similar type. Thank goodness for the Trixie Beldon series. Her neighborhood crime solving escapades delightfully fed my curiosity.

As I got older, I drifted to Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers’ stories featuring the clever Lord Peter Wimsey. Robert B. Parker’s Spenser and Tony Hillerman had my interest. For a time, I focused on British mystery authors like P.D. James, Anne Perry, Elly Griffiths, Anne Cleves and Martha Grimes, reading each book upon publication. I read American authors who set their series in England. Even Nordic Noir received its share of attention, as did historical mysteries and the lighter stories of M.C. Beaton and Elizabeth Peters. If you’ve not read her Amelia Peabody series, you’re missing out. Her stories, usually set at an archeological dig in Egypt are bright and funny. Deborah Crombie, Elizabeth George, Charles Todd, Jacqueline Winspear, C.S. Harris, Victoria Thompson, Kate Morton, Charlaine Harris, Rhys Bowen are just a few of my favorite mystery writers. A practical person might wonder where I found all the time to read.

I wonder, too. Maybe I’m a fast reader. In truth, I love mystery—dark or light, historical or contemporary, serious or funny. The sub-genre doesn’t really matter. Finding the killer does. Once the crime puzzle is set, I race to the end. And if by chance, I figure out who did it before the principal character does, I feel a great sense of satisfaction.  

So it wasn’t a big jump that after writing two romances, I glided into romantic suspense with my Cady Delafield series. When my dear friend and fellow writer, Brenda Whiteside approached me with a series proposal about two sister sleuths, I got excited. The premise is fashioned after Brenda and her sister’s respective birthday dinners and always includes a Chocolate Martini. Thus, it made sense to title the series The Chocolate Martini Sisters. In the stories, the bond between the sisters, Emma and Nic, is as important as the murder. They are as diverse as they are similar. Nic is creative, intuitive and impulsive. Emma is analytical, fact-driven and careful. They are each other’s best friend and equally enjoy solving a caper. They are all about solving a mystery.

Candy, Cigarettes and Murder is the first in this series. I hope you are intrigued and excited to read about the lively sisters and their perplexing capers. I certainly had a blast writing about them.  

It’s a birthday weekend with the gift of murder.

When Sisters Emma and Nic check in at the storied Dulce Inn for a relaxing, birthday weekend, they don’t expect a madhouse of temperamental artists or getting entangled in two murders. Using their love of all-things mystery, and despite a surly detective who stands in their way, can the Chocolate Martini Sisters tackle the caper, unsnarl the web of secrets, lies, and vengeance to catch the killer? 

BOOK LINKS:

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN96RS4G/ 

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71969141-candy-cigarettes-and-murder 

BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/books/candy-cigarettes-and-murder-a-chocolate-martini-sisters-mystery-book-1-by-brenda-whiteside-and-joyce-proell

Joyce Proell is the award-winning author of Amaryllis, Eliza and the Cady Delafield mysteries: A Deadly Truth, A Burning Truth and A Wicked Truth. Along with her husband and little dog, Nellie, she lives in Minnesota in her very own little house on the prairie. She loves to hear from readers. 

Visit her website at www.joyceproell.com orhttps://www.facebook.com/JoyceProellAuthor.

 

Reading and #Reviews (Koontz, Proell, Garner)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, once in a while a true story, WWII historicals, mysteries, and main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Watchers by Dean Koontz

It took me a couple of chapters to get into this book. I gave it more time than I normally do because of the author. I’m glad I hung in there. I’m a dog lover, so that might be why I didn’t give up. I came to really like the main character, Travis Cornell, too. He appears to be a mellow fellow but his past life is slowly revealed, and we learn he’s a whole lot deeper. When he meets a woman whose life is sad, and whose self-esteem is non-existent, the book takes on a new twist. The story is great. The characterizations are excellent. The premise is wild but believable.

Blurb:

On his thirty-sixth birthday, Travis Cornell hikes into the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. But his path is soon blocked by a bedraggled Golden Retriever who will let him go no further into the dark woods.

That morning, Travis had been desperate to find some happiness in his lonely, seemingly cursed life. What he finds is a dog of alarming intelligence that soon leads him into a relentless storm of mankind’s darkest creation...

https://www.amazon.com/Watchers-Dean-Koontz-ebook/dp/B001974DG0/

 

A Deadly Truth by Joyce Proell

Ms. Proell satisfied me for a second time. I read her first published book set in western times. Now this Victorian era romantic mystery was equally enjoyable. She has a knack for placing the reader deep in the time period. What I enjoy in a book are characters I can easily visualize and love to love or love to hate. Cady is a whip, a woman for her time and yet timeless. Doyle is a hero's hero. Cady's sleuthing into a student's murder and her subsequent involvement with Doyle kept me turning the pages.

Blurb:

When Doyle Flanagan finds two strangers in his library—one dead and the other the beautiful but meddlesome Cady Delafield, his life begins to unravel as all clues point to him for the murder. As the sexual tension sizzles and Victorian conventions crumble, Cady risks job, reputation and family ties to help him clear his name. Even as his life hangs in the balance, his passion for her drives him on, but will the truth about him be the one thing to scare her away?

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Truth-Joyce-Proell-ebook/product-reviews/B00DQH3U3I/

 

Deadly Deception by Marissa Garner (Rogue Security Book 2)

Do you believe a nasty family secret can be hidden by some and ignored by other family members for decades? It can, and it does in Deadly Deception. Ms. Garner tackles an issue in this thriller in a most compelling way. I don’t want to give away the zinger, so I’m not going to go into what that issue is. In addition to the suspense, she’s thrown in a great romance. This is the second book in a series, but you don’t have to read the first to enjoy this book.

Blurb:

When her mother disappears, Jessica Hargrove's life begins to unravel. And her problems are only just beginning. A horrible secret has been revealed, threatening to destroy three generations of her family, and the one person who may be able to help her is the man she's never stopped loving, the man who once broke her heart....

LAPD Detective Sean Burke is back in his small hometown, pondering if his career in the big city is what he really wants anymore. As painful as it is to see Jess again, she needs him. He can't walk away when she's about to lose everything she holds dear. But will what he discovers ruin their second chance at love?

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Deception-Rogue-Security-Book-ebook/dp/B0716WP633/

 

Reading and #Reviews (Hoonstra, Proell, Patterson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

On the Make (Brothers in Blue, book three) by Margo Hoonstra

Romantic Suspense

If you love books about cops, and you love romance, this book is for you. Madison Clark is twice widowed and her first love was a policeman. The hunky policeman, Adam Pride, who walks into her life this time is also a movie star. Whoa! Quite a combination. And when she becomes an intended victim, who better to have on your side. A fun read for sure.

BUY LINK

Amaryllis by Joyce Proell

Historical Romance with Suspense

I had such fun reading this book. Spy vs spy and boy do the sparks fly. Lily Fitzhugh will do almost anything to get to America to save her father. It's a time period in which she's acting rashly for a woman. She sneaks aboard a ship bound for America and doesn't expect to fall for the man who she's supposed to be spying on...who is a spy. Ms Proell mixes history with fiction and that equals a very enticing read.

BUY LINK

Cat and Mouse by James Patterson

Crime Novel

Gary Soneji, a dying prison escapee, is looking for revenge on Cross, while another insane killer is pursued by Thomas Augustine Pierce-a brilliant and relentless detective who may even be better than Cross. As the bodies pile up, and Cross is nearly murdered in his own home, the game of cat and mouse leads to one final trap. . . As always, I enjoyed this Patterson novel. Alex Cross is one of my favorite recurring characters.

BUY LINK

A Wicked Celebration for Joyce Proell

Today is a very special day! My good friend and long time critique partner, Joyce Proell, is celebrating the release of the third book in her Truth trilogy, A Wicked Truth. Joyce is a master at weaving mystery and romance into one book. Her Truth series is pure excitement and mystery with just the right amount of romance. I'm celebrating right along with her because I LOVE these novels!

A Wicked Truth

The wedding date is set, and life is magical for Doyle Flanagan and Cady Delafield. Yet trouble has a way of finding these two. Honor bound to repay an old debt, Doyle agrees to help a friend find her sister. As he searches for the girl, painful memories surface, stunning Cady when she discovers facts about Doyle’s hidden past.

In spite of incredible odds, Cady and Doyle’s love has flourished. Now mired in tragedy and secrets, their happiness is in jeopardy. Their wits are put to the test when catastrophe strikes close to home threatening those Cady loves the most. Can they overcome the turmoil with a fateful decision that will change their future forever?

Excerpt

“Someone’s been in my room and taken things.”

His brow tightened. “How do you know?”

“I haven’t been able to find the lovely scarf you gave me. I assumed I’d lost it or left it behind when I met Grace for tea last week. Then today, I noticed one of your notes missing.”

“Notes?”

“When you send a gift, you always include a card or note.”

“You kept my notes?”  Doyle beamed.

“I’m a romantic, all right?” Hot with embarrassment, Cady lifted her chin and stared him dead on. “They’re precious. I’ll cherish them forever.”

His face softened. He skimmed a finger along her jaw and let it linger over her lips. At his touch, her body quickened.

“What did the note say?” When he removed his hand, the spell broke.

“Oh, it was the one about our first kiss, where I trembled beneath your fingers.”

“Ah, I recall.” His voice dropped a level.

The same finger he’d placed over her lips now traced the opening of her dress causing an immediate shiver of excitement. It slipped past the fastened buttons and stopped just over her heart. “Is anything else missing?” As easy as a breeze, he undid the button between her breasts.

“I don’t think so.” Even to her own ears, she sounded shaky.

“Are you afraid?” His finger darted inside and wiggled below the silky fabric of her corset and chemise.

“No,” she breathed.

He dipped his head, his mouth mere inches from hers and worked a few more buttons.

“Are you worried one of your roommates may harm you?” When his hand disappeared inside her dress and caressed her nipple, she gasped.

“Angry,” she mumbled, aware more of the physical sensations than logic and words.

“Cady?”

“What?” It was as if he called to her in a fog.

“You’re trembling beneath my fingers, like the first time.” His words were a feather brush erasing all reason.

“Are you surprised?” she managed to ask.

 “The way you tremble, the change in your breathing…” With a sweep of an arm, he slipped her on his lap.

Relieved and thrilled that the moment she’d waited for all night had arrived, she threw her arms about his shoulders. Her mouth fell hard on his, and she lost herself to a kiss that seemed wonderfully unending.

To find out more about Cady and Doyle or to sign up for Joyce's newsletter, connect with her at:

www.joycepoell.com or at www.facebook.com/AuthorJoyceProell

https://twitter.com/jproell1

Buy links: www.champagnebooks.com

     www.amazonbooks.com

     www.barnesandnoble.com

     www.kobobooks.com