Author Speed Dating – Janet Lee Nye

 

Author Speed Dating(1)

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Janet Lee Nye

 

Janet pic

HarlequinSuperromance2

15 Questions

1. Which character in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is your favorite, and what does that say about you?

Bumble, post dental surgery, all roar, no bite. Tall and can reach things.

2. What are some of things you do to work your way through a plot problem?

See above, roar a lot. Boring answer: on the treadmill.

3. Name your favorite author who writes in a genre that you never write.

Neil Gaiman.

4. Cherry cordials or candy canes?

Candy canes, licked down to a dangerously sharp point.

5. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

Oh, lordy. [*pulls off socks so I can use toes for this count*] If I count all the times I took an existing manuscript and rewrote it (change a romantic suspense into a contemporary), the total is six. [*puts socks back on*]

6. In 10 words or less, give your best tip for aspiring authors.

The closer you get, the bigger the disappointments. Don’t quit.

7. Lifetime Christmas movies. Yea or nay?

Nay.

8. What was the lowest point in your writing career, and how did you recover from it?

2014. I missed being a finalist in the Golden Hearts by one point, and there were only two finalists in my category. I was considering quitting but went to RWA Nationals and my tribe kicked my butt back into the game. [Note from Dana: The Golden Heart Award, sponsored by Romance Writers of America, is the premier contest for unpublished romance writers.]

9. Are you traditionally published, self-published or a “hybrid” author, and why did you choose that path?

Traditionally published. Mostly because I’m not computer or marketing savvy enough to properly self-publish.

10. “O Holy Night” (Josh Groban version) or “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby version)?

I’m more of a “Holly Jolly Christmas” kind of girl.

11. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

I think I’d have to say Lena Reyes, Sadie’s best friend in Spying on the Boss. She has her own book coming out in April. She is strong, smart, sassy and fierce when it comes to family and friends.

12. What is your strategy for writing over the holidays?

Depends. I’m a nurse, so I work on holidays. If I’m not working at the hospital, I may squeeze in a few words. We aren’t big party people so our holidays tend to be rather low-key.

13. Of all the delightful treats available during the holiday season, which one would you prefer to hide in a closet so you don’t have to share it with anyone?

Peppermint bark.

14. Do you belong to a critique group, and how has that membership affected your writing?

No. I was part of a writer’s group many years ago, but I was the only romance writer there, so I felt pushed to be “literary”, and it hurt my writing. Now, I have my Fella give me feedback (he is a writer also).

15. What is your usual New Year’s Resolution, and how quickly do you usually break it?

Which one? Go to the gym at least four times a week? Drink more water? Eat more healthfully? Start dressing like a grown up? Don’t wear pajamas all day?

***

BON Cover

Boss on Notice

By Janet Lee Nye

 

 

“Hey, neighbor,” Josh called.

She tried not to look, but how could she not? He was too good looking. That black curly hair and the blue eyes. His shoulders, his chest, his arms…he was built but he didn’t try to show it off by wearing a shirt two sizes too small for his body.  She bit her bottom lip, felt it slip back into her mouth as she watched him. Those jeans. Levi’s. Straight forward working man’s jeans. Nothing fancy. She felt warm in all the wrong places.

“Hi,” she said.

Short, sweet, to the point. Get out of here before he offers you a ride. She pushed the stroller but he met her at the sidewalk. He squatted to look at Ian.

“Hey, little man. What big adventure are you off to today? Going to break in to a few more houses?”

“Go! Go! Go!” Ian shouted back.

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Sorry,” she said. “Shouting seems to be the only volume he has these days.”

He stood and smiled at her. “You guys always seem to be on the go.”

“Yep. That’s us. Busy, busy, busy.”

He looked at her. Then at the duffels. Then at the street. He rubbed his jaw, the stubble there making a faint scratching noise that went straight through her. She squared her shoulders.

“Yeah. I should get back to work.”

Work. Whoa. Wait. What was it that lady had told her on the phone? He was here setting up a cleaning business. She could clean.

“You’re hiring?”

He gave her a look. A half smile. “Yeah, but…”

“Can I apply? I don’t have any experience other than cleaning my own house. But I’m a fast learner. And I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“Mickie,” he said, cutting off her babble.

“What?”

“We are an all-male cleaning company. That’s our gimmick. Good looking guys cleaning your house.”

“Oh.” She was too disappointed to say anything else.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. Nothing ventured and all. Well, I should get going.”

She could feel him watching her as she navigated down the sidewalk to the street. All male. Weren’t there, like, discrimination laws about stuff like that? She tried to get angry about it but she couldn’t seem to think around the echoes of the scrape of his fingers against the stubble. Her own fingers twitched on the stroller handles. She’d like to run a finger over that stubble.

***

Boss on Notice, an installment in The Cleaning Crew miniseries, may be purchased through these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Harlequin and Books-A-Million.

***

About Janet

Janet Lee Nye is a writer by day and a neonatal nurse by night. She lives in Charleston, SC, with her fella and her felines. She spends too much time on Twitter and too little time on housework and has no plans to remedy this.

Stay in touch with Janet through her website, www.janetleenye.com or through these social-media channels: Facebook and Twitter. Learn more about Janet and her fellow Harlequin Superromance authors on the Superromance Facebook Page or the  Superromance Authors Blog, www.superauthors.com.

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Author Speed Dating – Laurie Kuna

Author Speed Dating(1)

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Laurie Kuna

 

Laurie Kuna pic

 PARANORMAL ROMANCE

 

 

15 Questions

1. Which character in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is your favorite, and what does that say about you?

An elf, because I’m an English teacher and an elf is a subordinate “Claus.”

2. What are some of things you do to work your way through a plot problem?

Drink…Kidding. Do something else, like walk on the treadmill. My subconscious mind usually solves the plot problem.

3. Name your favorite author who writes in a genre that you never write.

Sarah Paretsky—1st person detective stories (VI Warshawski).

4. Cherry cordials or candy canes?

No contest. Cherry cordials.

5. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

One.

6. In 10 words or less, give your best tip for aspiring authors.

Ignore non-constructive criticism and complete adulation. Neither helps you.

7. Lifetime Christmas movies. Yea or nay?

Yea and nay! Depends on content.

8. What was the lowest point in your writing career, and how did you recover from it?

I’ll let you know when I’ve recovered.

9. Are you traditionally published, self-published or a “hybrid” author, and why did you choose that path?

Traditionally. It chose me more than anything, as I was line editing for ImaJinn and sent a manuscript in to its publisher, Linda Kichline. She bought it, and three more of my titles.

10. “O Holy Night” (Josh Groban version) or “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby version)?

Der Bingle, although Groban’s got a great voice.

11. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

Endora Bast, as she’s a shape-shifting witch who kicks ass.

12. What is your strategy for writing over the holidays?

Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard.

13. Of all the delightful treats available during the holiday season, which one would you prefer to hide in a closet so you don’t have to share it with anyone?

The cherry cordials from Question #4.

14. Do you belong to a critique group, and how has that membership affected your writing?

Yes! We’re really a family more than a critique group, so the support I’ve received—both personally and professionally—has kept me writing when I know I’d have called it quits long ago without them.

15. What is your usual New Year’s Resolution, and how quickly do you usually break it?

Stop swearing…Just as long as it takes for one of my favorite sports teams—the Spartans, the Red Wings, or the Lions—to do something stupid. Or the officials in their games to do the same.

***

9781933417370.indd

Fate’s Fortune

By Laurie Carroll

 

 

 

“I’ve a business proposition for you. Come to my ship, and we’ll discuss it over a bottle of port.”

Although Cal could not be overheard, he leaned close and said in Meg’s ear, “If he sailed all the way out here seeking you, he’s got more than common business in mind.”

And used otherworldly means to find me. “We can’t know for sure until we hear his proposal.” Meg raised her voice so it would carry to Lady Luck. “As my crew has a large stake in whatever transaction you’re offering, we can discuss the terms right here.”

“There”s a bold piece,” Cooper muttered as he stood at Hugh’s elbow. “You’d think she had the advantage, the way she acts.”

Hugh grinned, genuine admiration in his eyes. “That’s what makes her so good at what she does, Coop.” Putting both hands on his quarterdeck rail, he leaned toward the Rosalind. “Very well. Surrender your ship, your crew and your cargo. And return to Charles Town with me.”

Although not completely surprised that he wanted to take her back to the Carolinas, his outrageous conditions shocked Meg to her core. Nevertheless, she showed no emotion. Widening her stance, she crossed her arms over her chest and raised her chin. “My ship is badly damaged and many of my crew injured. At this time, I carry no cargo.”

“Nevertheless, those are my terms.”

“I’m afraid they’re completely unacceptable.” Anger resonated in her voice when she added, “We’ll fight to the death before allowing anyone to drag us back to a Royal port to hang.”

Now Hugh’s expression cooled. “I’m willing to make a counter offer.”

The offer you’d intended all along, you mean. Wanting my crew’s surrender wasn’t in your plans. She cocked a brow, though Hugh was likely too far away to see the gesture. “And that is?”

“You’re known to have an excellent blade, possibly the best in the New World.”

The sudden dread of certainty crept into Meg’s mind. “I’ve heard it said of me,” she replied flatly.

“Then here’s my proposition. Prove your ability by dueling me. If I win, you return to Charles Town with me, and your crew goes free.”

Something about Hugh’s words thrilled her beyond belief. But pride and her sense of duty to her men quelled the thrill. “And if I win?”

Hugh laughed arrogantly, but to Meg’s ears, it was not genuine.

“Then do what you wish with my ship and crew, for I’ll be dead.”

Annoyance blasted through her. You know full well this will never go that far between us. But I’m of a mind to call your bluff. “Then

make your peace with God, Captain Stevens.”

Hugh’s lips flattened, but he said casually, “Put your crew ashore and bring your first mate and pilot with you. We’ll fight here on the

Lady.”

Meg felt Cal and Elijah go tense beside her. “I’ve injured men who can’t be moved.”

“Then I’ll send some of mine to see they’re comfortable in their berths.”

“I’ve one requirement of my own,” Meg stated, all the arrogance of command she could muster in her tone. “My crew goes free, no matter who wins.”

Turning to Cal, she whispered, “Don’t argue with me over this. I can’t risk you and the men.”

“However he found us, he’s here only for you.” Cal turned his back on Hugh’s ship as he added, “We were on our way back to Charles Town so you could see him. Do you really want to fight him now?”

“No.” Meg sighed. “If he hadn’t hunted us down with the express intent of taking me back with him, I’d go willingly. But I don’t take kindly to ultimatums. And I don’t think he really expects me to.”

Elijah gently squeezed Meg’s forearm. “Be careful.”

She winked at her pilot. “Maybe I won’t fight too hard.”

“Be serious, Meg,” Cal hissed under his breath, leaning in from her other side. “If Stevens bests you, he’ll likely…” His voice trailed off and he looked away.

Meg could feel her eyes blazing. She lifted her chin. “What, Cal? Bed me? You didn’t seem particularly worried about that in Charles Town.”

He had the grace to blush, but his eyes were hot when he looked up at her. “You weren’t injured then and could defend yourself if you chose to. Right now, you’re not fit, and I . . . ” Fear and anger held equal sway in Cal’s expression. “I just don’t want him to take advantage of you.”

“He challenged me. I can’t refuse.” Seeing her friends’ fear, she stated firmly, “Rest assured, anything that happens between us will be on my terms or not at all.”

 

***

Fate’s Fortune may be purchased from these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and ImaJinn Books.

***

About Laurie

Laurie Kuna writes historical and contemporary paranormal romance for ImaJinn/BellBridgeBooks, the historicals as Laurie Carroll and the contemporaries as Laurie C. Kuna. She taught high school English for 29 years and now uses those skills to edit professionally. A Golden Heart finalist, she published that manuscript as her first book, A War of Hearts. She loves hearing from fans and can be reached through her website, www.lauriecarroll-kuna.com, through her Facebook author page or by email at lauriekuna@gmail.com.

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Author Speed Dating – Alyssa Alexander

Author Speed Dating(1)

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Alyssa Alexander

 

Alyssa Alexander Seated

 HISTORICAL ROMANCE

15 Questions

1.Which character in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is your favorite, and what does that say about you?

The Abominable Snowman, Bumble. Poor thing has no teeth at the end, but he does the whole lemon out of lemonade thing and is quite happy when all is said and done…Who knows what says about me! LOL!

2. What are some of things you do to work your way through a plot problem?

Shower. Meditate. Wine. Hash it out with CPs. Wash dishes (this seems to work best!)

3. Name your favorite author who writes in a genre that you never write.

Tough one. Um…I don’t know!

4. Cherry cordials or candy canes?

Candy canes. Because yuk on cherry cordials. *shudder*

5. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

Trick question! 6 full drafts of one manuscript in 6 years, but it was a full rewrite each time so it was like 6 books. The “second” book, I cut out 100 pages at one point and did serious rewrites—probably the equivalent to 2 books. So, technically, 2 books, but in reality, 8 books. And, are you confused yet?

6. In 10 words or less, give your best tip for aspiring authors.

Write. Dream. Write. Ignore inner critic. Write. Trust Yourself. Write. Find good CPs. Write some more.  [Editor’s Note: That’s 10 plus some bonus words. :)]

7. Lifetime Christmas movies. Yea or nay?

Yea!

8. What was the lowest point in your writing career, and how did you recover from it?

I’ve had a few low points for different reasons—but the recovery is always the same. Keep on keeping on. BICHOK. Bottom In Chair, Hands On Keyboard. Fight for what I want! I’ve had people tell me I couldn’t do be an author for various reasons—I’ve never believed. Or, at least, not for long. 🙂

9. Are you traditionally published, self-published or a “hybrid” author, and why did you choose that path?

Traditional, mostly because I worked full-time and didn’t want to figure out how to go it alone!

10. “O Holy Night” (Josh Groban version) or “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby version)?

“O Holy Night”, ANY version. Though I might have crush on Bing’s voice.

 11. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

Tough one. Grace, because she’s got a steady coolness I can’t dredge up. I’m much more like Lilias from In Bed With A Spy, or Vivienne from my upcoming release from Entangled—they don’t hesitate to kick a$$. I have a temper! Usually well buried, but when it comes out…whoo boy. Run. But Grace has something softer about her that I wish I could find in myself.

12. What is your strategy for writing over the holidays?

Same as always… BICHOK. It’s actually easier to write over the holidays because I have more free time!

13. Of all the delightful treats available during the holiday season, which one would you prefer to hide in a closet so you don’t have to share it with anyone?

Do they serve potato chips at the holidays? Because I’ve actually hidden in my pantry so I could eat cheddar and sour cream chips and not have to share. I might have also been in recovery after a Terrible Twos tantrum.

14. Do you belong to a critique group, and how has that membership affected your writing?

Not a formal critique group, but a few friends who trade manuscripts back and forth…It’s been invaluable. Absolutely invaluable. We were at the same points of our career, which meant we discussed craft, too, and though I still have so much to learn, I wouldn’t know what I do know without them!

15. What is your usual New Year’s Resolution, and how quickly do you usually break it?

Lose weight, naturally! Some years I do, some years I don’t. But I recently decided not to make that resolution. My 2017 resolutions are: Be happy. Be healthy. Be strong. Love on my family. Forgive myself for mistakes, but always persevere. Go to the gym not because I want to lose weight, but because I want to be a healthier version of me…I think that about covers it!

***

AlyssaAlexander_book

In Bed With a Spy

By Alyssa Alexander

 

It didn’t seem possible a person could be abducted from a London townhouse in the middle of a crowded ball. But it had happened.

Now here she was, sitting in Angelstone’s carriage, with the faint glow of the lamps highlighting his inflexible jaw and cutting cheekbones. All lean legs and broad shoulders, he filled the vehicle’s interior. In the partial light, with his unreadable gaze and his unruly queue of hair, he looked much more dangerous than a fallen angel.

“Angelstone.”

“Mrs. Fairchild.” The words were clipped. No seductive purr, no sensual smile from those lips. Lips that had kissed her senseless and reminded her she was a woman with needs and desires. Even now, she could she taste him. Rich brandy and wild heat.

Embarrassment washed through her. She’d been forward and shameless, and look where she found herself. Hands bound and trapped in a man’s carriage, destined for parts unknown and heaven knew what treatment.

“I demand to be released.”

“No.”

“Why am I here?” she fired back.

“I think you are quite aware.” He watched her steadily as he pulled off first one glove, then the other and stuffed them in his pocket. It was an unpardonably rude gesture for a gentleman. Obviously, he was not a gentleman.

He was close enough she could kick him. But she wouldn’t be able to open the carriage door quickly with her hands bound. And he had the medallion. The final gift from her husband, one he gave her with his last breath.

She refused to leave without it.

“The medallion is mine,” she said.

“Is it? Interesting.” The conversational tone of his words was oddly frightening. “Well, now the medallion is mine.” Propping his elbows on his knees, he leaned forward. He filled the space between them until his face was only a foot from hers.

The instinct to shrink into the seat was overwhelming.

So she leaned forward to meet him. And smiled. Slowly. “Give me”—she angled her head insolently—“the medallion.”

 

***

In Bed With a Spy may be purchased from these retailers: AmazonBarnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.

 

 

***

About Alyssa

Alyssa Alexander is an award-winning author who survives the cold Michigan winters by penning romance novels that always include a bit of adventure. Her debut release, The Smuggler Wore Silk, was awarded 4.5 Stars and Top Pick by Romantic Times and nominated for the RT 2014 Best First Historical and the 2015 Best First Book RITA. Her second book, In Bed With a Spy received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly and 4.5 Stars and Top Pick from Romantic times. She has been called a “talented newcomer” and “a rising star you won’t want to miss.”

Connect with Alyssa through her website at www.alyssa-alexander.com or through these social media channels: Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest and Twitter.

 

 

 

 

 

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Author Speed Dating – Donna Alward

Author Speed Dating(1)

 

I love discovering new authors, so I wanted my blog to be a place where readers and my author pals could come together. Only we like to do this Speed-Dating style. Check out a new author and her work here every Wednesday, and if the spark is there, you’ll have a match.

This week’s guest: Donna Alward

Donna Alward pic

CoRomance

15 Questions

 

1. Which character in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is your favorite, and what does that say about you?

Mrs. Claus. Because I feed people. “Eat. Eat. EAT.”

2.   What are some of things you do to work your way through a plot problem?

Walk away and let my brain come up with it when I’m thinking about something else. Or I nag my inner circle, disregard their ideas, and go with my own anyway.

3. Name your favorite author who writes in a genre that you never write.

More than one…but Jennifer Robson, Mary Balogh, Suzie Enoch, Julie Ann Long. LOVE historical romance, particularly WWI and WWII and Regencies.

4. Cherry cordials or candy canes?

Candy Canes.

5. How many full manuscripts did you have to write before you were first published?

Nine – I sold my 10th.

6. In 10 words or less, give your best tip for aspiring authors.

Write, write, write, and take time to learn your craft.

7. Lifetime Christmas movies. Yea or nay?

Sometimes yes. But only if I feel like weeping.

8. What was the lowest point in your writing career, and how did you recover from it?

Being unable to write due to depression. I figured out I needed to get better first and hoped my creativity would rebound. It did. 🙂 But it was a rough 2 years.

9. Are you traditionally published, self-published or a “hybrid” author, and why did you choose that path?

Mostly traditional. I forgave myself for not enjoying the indie process and haven’t looked back. People have to do what’s right for them and what keeps them inspired and fulfilled.

10. “O Holy Night” (Josh Groban version) or “White Christmas” (Bing Crosby version)?

“White Christmas”. I love Josh, but classic Bing…the only thing better is Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song”.

11. Which character from one of your own books do you wish you were more like?

Willow from Someone To Love (coming in March). She’s so zen. Plus way more bendy than I am (yoga).

12. What is your strategy for writing over the holidays?

Not to. 🙂

13. Of all the delightful treats available during the holiday season, which one would you prefer to hide in a closet so you don’t have to share it with anyone?

My mother-in-law’s fruitcake. I know! Fruitcake? But it’s soooo good.

14. Do you belong to a critique group, and how has that membership affected your writing?

Not a crit group per se, but a small group of writers. My writing and my life are so much richer for having them be a part of it.

15. What is your usual New Year’s Resolution, and how quickly do you usually break it?

I gave up on resolutions. I can only promise to do better so many times before I just think…never mind. Carry on and do the best you can. 🙂

***

MustBeChristmas

It Must Be Christmas

“Christmas at Seashell Cottage”

By Donna Alward

 

Charlie Yang had never considered herself much of a joiner. So it went without saying that she was surprised to find herself in the middle of setting up a nativity scene in front of the Jewell Cove church, stuffing scratchy straw into a crudely constructed manger. They’d had an early snow, and the layer of white covering the ground and the branches of trees and shrubbery added to the feeling of holiday spirit that had taken over since Thanksgiving.

Like a well-oiled machine, Gloria Henderson and her army of church ladies had taken charge of the volunteers and had assigned jobs to everyone. The men were tasked with anything requiring a ladder and heavy lifting—including lugging three wise men, Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and sheep and every last bit of the nativity to the front yard. Right now Bill—Charlie had forgotten his last name—from the service station was positioning the figures in the proper places, which were the exact same spots they occupied each and every year, apparently. Charlie gave a dry chuckle. You could always count on small towns, and Jewell Cove, Maine, was no different. It was practically steeped in saltwater traditions.

Still, it stung a little that the committee had taken one look at Charlie’s attempt at the red-and-green velvet bows and suggested she might be better suited to helping with something else. She was a doctor, for heaven’s sake. She could suture a wound and leave barely a trace of a scar. Surely her bows weren’t that bad . . .

She’d been sent off to the front of the church with specific instructions: set up the manger, uncoil and string the lights, and put Baby Jesus in place. Charlie huffed. She’d been number three in her graduating class from med school. She could set up a nativity scene with one hand tied behind her back. She shivered against the cold, zipped her puffy jacket up the last three inches, and wished she’d thought to wear a hat to keep her ears warm.

“Manger, check.” She wrestled the wooden structure into position by inches until it was in the middle of the nativity. “Straw, check.” She took off her gloves for a minute and padded the bottom of the manger with a small brick of synthetic straw, pulling the pieces apart and fluffing them up. As soon as it was done, she hurried to put her gloves back on. “Now for Baby Jesus.” Charlie looked around at the boxes of Christmas decorations that surrounded her. “Aha! Baby Jesus, check!” She retrieved a doll from a box, already wrapped and safety-pinned into swaddling clothes, and stared down at the straw padding the bottom of the crude manger. “This doesn’t feel right,” she murmured to the doll, whose eyes were closed. She looked in the box for a blanket or fabric of some sort. “I can’t just put you down on the prickly straw. Surely the new Messiah deserves something softer to lie on.”

After a few minutes of digging through the boxes for something that might suit, Charlie sighed. “Well, Baby Jesus, we’ll just have to wait to put you in your manger until I can think of something to use to cover the straw. Until then, I need to get these lights untangled.”

She sat down on the cold, wooden platform the church had set up to house the nativity scene. It was a lonely, solitary task and she found herself carrying on a one-way conversation with the doll just to break the silence. “I have skills, Baby Jesus. Specific skills. Skills that I should be using right now with my patients. Not sitting in the cold unraveling tangled lights.” She sighed in frustration.

God, she was talking to a doll. A doll who was, at this moment, staring at her with unseeing, unblinking eyes. It was a little bit creepy, so she turned her attention back to the task at hand, working away at a stubborn knot, muttering to herself. Once again the gloves came off; there was no way she could straighten the knotted wires with the material in the way. She blew on her fingers and started again.

“You know,” she continued, “when I agreed to help out, I’d thought it would be a good chance be a part of the community. Outside of work, I mean. And . . . here I am alone. As usual.”

Charlie cursed under her breath as the knot let go only to reveal another. A burst of laughter drew her attention away for a moment, and she watched as a couple strolled along the sidewalk holding hands.

“Wanna hear something stupid, Baby Jesus? The closest thing to a romantic relationship I have right now is an infatuation with the man who works on the docks. You know?” She paused, studying the glassy eyes of the doll next to her. “Of course you don’t know. You’re a doll. And the Savior of all mankind, right? You have bigger fish to fry than my nonexistent love life.” She laughed to herself. “I’m pathetic. But let me tell you, that man is hot. Tall, dark, and rugged.” In her mind she could picture the look of him, long legs and broad shoulders, his strength evident even beneath work pants and the navy jacket he typically wore. She sighed. “I don’t even know his name. How dumb is that?”

“Um, excuse me, but who are you talking to?”

She jumped at the sound of a deep voice behind her, a muted squeak bursting from her mouth, then spun around to find a giant of a man standing there, feet planted, arms crossed, and an amused expression on his face. Not just any man. The man.

Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. “Baby Jesus?” she suggested weakly. Busted talking to a doll. She felt about three years old.

He chuckled. “Really?” He nodded at the bundle in her arms. “What were you going to do? Brain me with him?”

What? It took a few seconds before she realized that she’d grabbed the doll like a weapon and was currently holding it like she was a quarterback ready to go long. Charlie looked down at the doll’s face and then tucked it more securely in her arms. “You startled me, that’s all,” she replied, emitting a breathy laugh. Holy crap. From afar he’d looked big, but her dream guy was over six feet for sure, probably closer to six four, big feet in big boots, faded jeans, and one of those plaid quilted jackets she’d seen a lot of the men around here wear when the weather was cold but not downright frigid. His arms were crossed, and the stance accentuated the muscles in his arms and shoulders. His hair was thick and dark, highlighting a face that sported a stunning set of brown eyes with long lashes, a strong jaw, and good cheekbones.

“I’m Charlene,” she offered, only stammering a little, holding the doll in one arm and extending her other hand. “Charlie, actually.”

***

The It Must Be Christmas anthology may be purchased from these retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million.  The novella, “Christmas at Seaside Cottage”, is also available individually through these retailers:  Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes and Kobo.

***

About Donna

While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer, Judith McNaught and Nora Roberts.  Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.

Donna lives on Canada’s east coast with her family which includes a husband, a couple of kids, a senior dog and two crazy cats. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict.  You can connect with her through her website, www.DonnaAlward.com, or on Facebook or Twitter. Join her mailing list here.

 

 

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