Blurb:
It’s tough to grasp a second chance at love when you’re holding on to the past.
After his wife died in a car accident, bestselling author Hunter McCaffrey stopped writing—and stopped living. He’s rented a beachfront cottage to try to get his head on straight, and start the long climb up from his pit of despair.
Instead of pounding out a first draft, though, he runs the beach, drinks away his pain, and tries to ignore the vibrant woman in the cottage tucked next to his.
Still floundering months after the loss of her adventure-junkie husband, Sylvie Chase hopes some beach relaxation will help her decide what to do with the rest of her life. Instead she’s wondering what to do about her unexpected attraction to Hunter, who makes her body long for the feel of his arms around her.
As Sylvie drags Hunter back to the land of the living, soon they’re agreeing to a short fling. Just to get past their sorrow, not because it means anything. But when emotions get in the way, it’s a struggle to leave the past behind and dare to love again.
Warning: This story has plenty of sun and sand, with an energetic golden retriever thrown into the mix. Prepare to laugh and cry and cheer for two people who deserve a second chance at love.
Excerpt:
“Coffee?”
Sylvie squinted as she stepped out onto the deck into the sunshine the next morning. Hunter stood on his deck, cradling a large mug in his long-fingered hands. He wore khaki shorts and a T-shirt that for once didn’t look as if it had been slept in.
“Morning,” she said cautiously. Her shirt, on the other hand, had been slept in. She hadn’t done more than pull on a pair of white shorts before she stepped outside. She’d had to get some fresh air. The walls had quickly closed in on her after she woke from tangled dreams of Matt. And Hunter.
He held up his mug. “I made a pot of coffee. Probably not as good as yours would be, but it’s hot and full of caffeine.”
“Perfect. Thanks.” She crossed the deck, the surface already warm beneath her bare feet. Hunter was back out in a moment with another mug and handed it to her over the railings. “Smells great.”
“Taste it before you say too many good things.”
The small smile on his face was a bit disconcerting. Sylvie took a sip. Stronger than she usually drank it but not bitter at all. “It’s good. Thanks.”
“No problem. You can come sit over here if you want.”
She noticed for the first time that there was a second chair, a chaise, on his deck. He’d surprised her so much that she didn’t move. Didn’t know what to say.
“I was going to cook up some eggs. To pay you back for dinner.”
“Oh, you don’t have to…”
“And to apologize for being such an ass.”
“Oh, well…”
He chuckled. This time Sylvie was able to see his face when he did it, and the way his face lit up made her breath catch. If she’d been attracted to him when he’d been surly, he was ten times more attractive now.
Hunter set down his mug and reached out his hand. “Help you over?”
She laughed, a quick, surprised bark. “Thanks. No. I’ll use the stairs.” She turned toward the steps, then realized that she still wore her nightshirt and hadn’t even looked in a mirror this morning. “Um…I’m going to change into some real clothes. And untangle this hair.” She set the mug down on the railing and slapped her hand over her mouth. “And brush my teeth.”
He laughed. “Okay. I’ll be here. And, Sylvie…”
She stopped her retreat and turned back. “Yes?”
His hazel eyes flashed. “Your tangled hair is very sexy.”
She rolled her eyes and ducked into the cottage. What had happened to the beer-chugging asshole her neighbor had been up until now? Did something happen last night when they’d been talking about the ocean and spouses and…oh yeah, they’d talked about sex. Her face burned as she remembered how she’d practically thrown herself at him.
Lonely and horny was a bad combination.
You can pre-order THE COTTAGE NEXT DOOR and have it appear on your e-reader in the morning :)
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I hope you enjoy Hunter and Sylvie's story as much as I do!
Natasha
Playing for Real
Her Royal Masquerade
Her Royal Bodyguard
www.natashamoore.com
2 comments:
Good luck with the release, Natasha!
Thanks Leigh. :)
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