Spotlight: When Smoke Rains Down (Kingdom Come #2) by Cecelia Earl

Genre: YA Paranormal
Release Date: May 31st 2017

In the aftermath of an explosion and Homecoming battle, Julia tries to form some semblance of a routine: work, study, visit her brother. Unable to confide in anyone about her double life of being both human and angel, and fearful she'll bring death and destruction to those she loves, she pulls away from her family and best friend.

When demons once again start to show up at every turn, seemingly bringing about her brother's deepening depression, she demands her sword from Nicholas. Ever the stern Guardian Angel, he forbids her from using it. Isolated, she takes protecting her brother into her own hands.

Thrust into a dark world of conspiring demons, Julia is in more danger than she ever imagined possible. To stop evil from spreading and overtaking those she loves, she’ll have to seek out the one person she mistrusts most.

Enter a complex world where humans, demons, and angels collide, all battling to rule the Earth. For readers who enjoy young adult paranormal romance and dark fantasy. Fans of City of Bones, Hush Hush, Unearthly, Halo, and Hidden Wings will be captivated by this unique take on angels and demons. 

When Smoke Rains Down is Book Two in the Kingdom Come series. Book Three, the final installment, will be out Summer/Fall 2017. 

“An AMAZING sequel that leaves me DYING for the next one!” ~ early reader of When Smoke Rains Down

Excerpt

CHAPTER ONE

The smoke clears. A quick scan of the room proves no customers are disturbed, and this disturbs me even more than having to douse flames already this morning. Apparently, they're all so accustomed to Travis's daily mishaps it no longer fazes anyone. It’s like everything’s the same… except the part about me being part-angel.

"Unplug the toaster, Travis," I tell him. "We don't need the place to burn down a second time.”

His eyes fly up to meet mine, and his face reddens. "Oh, yup, got it." He yanks the toaster cord from the wall. He dares to handle the no-longer-inflamed pieces of bread with two fingers, tossing one after another into a trashcan.

I sigh, hand him a pair of tongs, and clap him on the shoulder. "Save us from paying for your employee medical bills for burnt fingers, please."

I hoist a tray up on my shoulder, steadying the mugs and plates, and notice the empty mugs in front of the customers at the counter. I pivot to grab a jug of regular coffee and pour, filling one mug after another.

"Julia, let me do that. You're going to drop your tray."

As if. "I've got it, Trav."

"Really, that's a heavy load on your shoulder."

"Nope. Thanks, though."

 And that's when two customers walk in wearing masks. I realize it's Halloween, but at their entrance, my wings threaten to emerge and my nerves go on high-alert. I’m pretty sure they’re not here for the coffee. Then, between their smiles distorting into fang-filled grins, and trying to keep my wings from flying out and knocking down every dish and appliance nearby, I jolt, and the tray and pot of coffee all go crashing down. I've still not figured out the trying-to-stay-a-transparent-human-angel thing, and I don't trust Nicholas's promise that it'll just happen on its own, but now I’ve disturbed the customers.

Customers seated comfortably at our newly remodeled granite counter top upon newly purchased metal-backed swivel chairs jump up, shrieking. Probably burnt by scalding coffee.

The entire place is in disarray.

And the demonic-clad Halloween duo have disappeared. They weren’t wearing masks; they were real demons. To the other non-angel customers, they appeared to be just two men like any other that came in for coffee or a meal. If only humans knew the invisible danger that lurks around them.

"Julia, I told you I'd help." Travis is now shaking his head at me disapprovingly. At me. And not the other way around.

Mom comes rushing in from the kitchen in the back, faster than I'd like to see her move only weeks after her release from the hospital. "What happened? Travis, what did you do?"

He throws his hands up innocently. "Nothing. It wasn't me. It was her." He points at me. "She was trying to handle a full tray and pour coffee at the same time."

"Julia, you're not an island. It's okay to accept help." She looks around at the counter and floor, now covered in coffee and shattered glass. "In fact, you have to start accepting help. Don't try to do everything yourself all the time. It'll only end in disaster. Clearly."

I sigh. There's no use explaining I would’ve handled everything fine had demons not come in to taunt and threaten me.

For weeks, there'd been no sign of any angel or demon drama, but little by little in the past couple of days, I've started getting glimpses of that other world again. And my back pain has been acting up.

It's like it's all starting to happen again.

And Nicholas won't let me have access to my sword.

"Go back and finish making the food, Mom." I grab rags and start mopping up the mess, starting with the customers. "I've got this."

"Let Travis help you, for crying out loud." She tightens her lips, but heads back to her stove.

"Is everyone okay?" I check over the customers waiting to return to their soon-to-be-dry chairs. "Steve? Monica?"

"We're fine. Just got spooked," Monica says. She’s in her thirties and recently moved into town with her kids after being hired by none other than Mr. Luca Star. He's started up some new business and now employs half the town. And that's in addition to the business in which he offered me a job.

And when I turned him down, he showed up at my high school dance looking less like a businessman and more like… the devil .

While I mop up the coffee, Travis collects the glass pieces. It doesn't take long to get the place back in order. Perfectly toasted bread is served and coffee is poured in unbroken mugs.

“On the house, everyone. I’m really sorry about the disturbance.”

All is right with the world again, but I can't stop looking over my shoulder for warped faces and tar-dripping fangs every chance I get.

I know trouble can't be far away, not with my wings twinging and the stone in my necklace blazing with heat.

It's only a matter of time before everything goes awry again.

Only this time, I will be ready.

And nobody but the demons will be hurt.

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About the Author

 Cecelia Earl graduated with a degree in education and has been teaching ever since. She’s a wife, a mom of three boys, and an owner of a magical laundry pile that never stops growing. She lives near enough to Green Bay, WI that her refrigerator is always stocked with cheese, and the first colors her children learned were green and gold. She’s a teacher by day, a mom always, and a writer in her sleep, but that’s okay because being an author is a dream come true. She writes angel books for young and youngish adults. If you feel young, she writes for you—whether or not you feel particularly angelic. Author Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cdvvIj

Connect: Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook │Pinterest│Instagram

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Spotlight: His Accidental Heir by Joanne Rock

The Boss’s Baby Bargain

When resort developer Cameron McNeill goes undercover to root out problems at his prized island property, his first discovery is the irresistible concierge, Maresa Delphine. Her business smarts are vital to his mission. But the struggling single mom could help with his personal mission, too: fulfilling the marriage terms of his grandfather’s will.

Maresa is overwhelmed caring for her infant niece and tending to the demands of the resort’s sexy mystery guest. When he reveals himself as the owner, she’s thrown for a loop. But when he proposes…can she resist his brand of trouble in paradise?

Excerpt

She appreciated the cooler breeze on her overheated skin, and the light mist of rain blowing in with it. Only now did she realize the strap of her sundress had fallen off one shoulder, the bodice slipping precariously down on one side. Before she could reach for it, however, Cameron slid a finger under the errant strap and lifted it into place.

Her skin hummed with pleasure where he touched her.

“Sorry.” He slid his hand away fast. “The bare shoulder was…” He shook his head. “I get distracted around you, Maresa. More than I should when I know you want to keep things professional.”

The room was mostly dark, except for a glow from the last light of day combined with a golden halo around a wall sconce near the bathroom. He must have turned that on when he’d entered the master suite and found her sleeping.

Dreaming.

“What about you?” Her voice carried the sultriness of sleep. Or maybe it was the sound of desire from her sexy imaginings. Even now, she could swear she remembered the feel of his strong thigh between hers, his chest pressed to aching breasts. “I can’t be the only one who wants to keep some professional objectivity.”

She slid her feet to the floor, needing to restore some equilibrium with him. Some distance. They sat on opposite sides of the chaise longue, the gathering storm stirring electricity in the air.

“Honestly?” A flash of lightning illuminated his face in full color for a moment before returning them to black-and-white. “I would rather abdicate my role as boss where you’re concerned, Maresa. Let my brother Quinn make any decisions that involve you or Rafe. My professional judgment is already seriously compromised.”

She breathed in the salty, charged air. Her hair blew silky caresses along her cheek. The gathering damp sat on her skin and she knew he must feel it, too. She was seized with the urge to lean across the chaise and lick him to find out for sure. If she could choose her spot, she’d pick the place just below his steely jaw.

“I don’t understand.” She shook her head, not following what he was saying. She was still half in dreamland, her whole body conspiring against logic and reason. Rebelling against all her workplace ethics. “We haven’t done anything wrong.”

Much. They’d talked about a kiss. But there hadn’t been one.

His eyes swept her body with unmistakable want.

“Not yet. But I think you know how much I want to.” He didn’t touch her. He didn’t need to.

Her skin was on fire just thinking about it.

“What would your brother think of me if he knew we…” Images of her body twined together with this incredibly sexy man threatened to steal the last of her defenses. “How could he be impartial?”

Another flash of lightning revealed Cam in all his masculine deliciousness. His shirt was open at the collar, just the way it had been in her dream. Except now, his shirt was damp with raindrops, making the pale cotton cling like a second skin.

Cameron watched her steadily, his intense gaze as stirring as any caress. “You know the way you have faith in your brother’s good heart and good intentions? No matter what?”

She nodded. “Without question.”

“That’s how I feel about Quinn’s ability to be fair. He can tick me off sometimes, but he is the most levelheaded, just person I know.”

She weighed what he was saying. Thought about what it meant. “And you’re suggesting that if we acted on this attraction…you’d step out of the picture. Your brother becomes my boss, not you.”

“Exactly.” Cameron’s assurance came along with a roll of ominous thunder that rumbled right through the villa.

Right through her feet where they touched the floor.

Maresa felt as if she were standing at the edge of a giant cliff, deciding whether or not to jump. Making that leap would be terrifying. But turning away from the tantalizing possibilities—the lure of the moment—was no longer an option. Even before she’d fallen asleep, she’d known that her window for selfish pleasures was closing fast if Isla proved to be Rafe’s daughter and Maresa’s responsibility.

How could she deny herself this night?

“Yes.” She hurled herself into the unknown and hoped for the best. “I know that you’re leaving soon, and I’m okay with that. But for tonight, if we could be just a man and a woman…” The simple words sent a shiver of longing through her.

Even in the dim light, she could see his blue eyes flare hotter, like the gas fireplace in the Antilles Suite when you turned up the thermostat.

“You have no idea how much I was hoping you’d say that.” His words took on a ragged edge as his hands slid around her waist. He drew her closer.

Crushed her lips to his.

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About the Author

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.

Connect:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

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Spotlight: Taming the CEO by Hayson Manning

To save her family’s business, fledging CEO Daisy Cater must win the bid on a resort on St. Maarten. There’s a small catch, though. The seller insists all bidders visit the island and experience the singles retreat firsthand. This wouldn’t be so bad…if only rule-maker Daisy weren’t paired with her bitter rival, the hot and broody Alexander Gillard. Keeping her enemy close just became a whole lot harder.

Alexander “Zan” Gillard didn't expect to be partnered with gorgeous Daisy at the idyllic singles retreat. A challenge that has them cuffed together ignites an explosive chemistry, and soon Zan wants more than four days with this bewitching woman who is nothing like he expected her to be.

But their families are at odds and reality awaits them at home, along with a betrayal that threatens to blow their newfound trust apart...

Excerpt

Green clashed with brown and after a stare off, Daisy walked away and back to the pool where a beaming Sally handed out a piece of paper with ten questions. “This is the chance to get to know your partner.”

Daisy read the questions and fought an eye roll.

“I know what your favorite movie is. When Harry did Sally,” Zan said.

She arched a brow. “I think you’re referring to your favorite porn movie.”

A smile tugged at the side of his mouth.

“On Saturday night you stay home, floss your teeth all by yourself.” He shook his head. “So sad.”

“How did you know?” She nodded. “Oh, right. Are you a professional stalker?” She patted his forearm. “I’m guessing your favorite color is pink, but you’re afraid to let your feminine side out.” She shook her head. “So sad.”

“Favorite sexual position. Hmm. I’m thinking good old missionary. Too many rules otherwise.”

A vision of her riding Zan shot into her head. Her head would be thrown back, her name spilling from his mouth on a groan. He’d find that sweet spot she’d read about but didn’t think existed, and she’d unleash around him.

“I’d love to know what you’re thinking now with your flushed cheeks, biting your lips, pupils dilated.”

“Rodeo,” she said, her voice husky, which she cleared.

He wouldn’t know that he’d be her fiery, insatiable stallion.

His eyes widened in surprise then swirled with something like desire.

Damn, if that didn’t send dark heat between her legs.

“What about you?”

He stared straight ahead. “I’m more of an all-night-long man. I like to take my time until my name tumbles from her lips in a scream. Could be silent, but I like it when she comes undone, crying for her maker.”

Her jaw went slack, way more heaviness between her legs than was good for a girl who wasn’t going to be able to relieve the pressure.

“You’re looking a little flustered.” An amused, cynical smile on his face, like he knew she was turned on. “You’re not coming down with something are you?”

Two can play your game.

“Would you excuse me, I have a pressing need I have to take care of. If I don’t, I swear I’ll explode.”

Now it was his turn for his jaw to drop.

After waiting it out in the bathroom for five minutes, she joined him. “Much better. It isn’t good to bottle things up. I would have tossed and turned all night, having the most erotic dreams.”

His expression dark, his eyes glittered. “Erotic?”

She shrugged. “Sorry, I meant erratic dreams.”

“So are we done here? Anything else I need to know about you?” He glanced at her then away.

“Not a single thing.”

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About the Author

I love Princess Bride, Young and the Restless, Days of our Lives – the drama is deliciously addictive. Big Bang Theory but will take Wolowitz over Cooper. Star Trek not Star Wars. Undercover Boss, Secret Millionaire – any story that shows the little guy making it. I follow the Buffalo Bills like a religion. I am spellbound by showjumping and equestrian eventing. I love curling up and reading all books – no genre is off-topic. I like ironing, I hate peas, love donkeys, I play a killer game of Scrabble. I will often be heading towards the fridge for another Diet Coke. I eat nothing with legs and believe wine goes with everything, oh and I’m an expert at finding new and inventive ways to avoid exercise. 

I live in the sparkly beachside suburb of Redondo Beach in California with my infuriating shoe-dropping husband and my two boys who speak in mystifying grunts.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Read an excerpt from Falling for the Right Brother by Kerri Carpenter

Saved by the blog! 

This just in, fair readers! Chic and stunning, that gorgeous new woman about town is none other than our very own little Ellie—now Elle—Owens. She's a far cry from the frumpy, bookish student we used to know, but then, living in Italy will do that to a girl! Still, this blogger can't forget the infamous video that caused her to leave! 

Apparently Miss Elle has been spotted with yummy contractor Cam Dumont…but we thought her heart belonged to his little brother. Are Cam and Elle a new couple? They were seen cooling their passions in the bay…in April! If this is love, let's hope she's swimming with the right brother. The Bayside Blogger will keep you posted.

Excerpt

He liked being around Elle. Most women wanted to talk about their feelings. Not that there was anything wrong with that when it was needed. But there was a lot to be said for enjoying a quiet moment.

Plus, she could hold her own with him.

And she could cook.

And she was gorgeous.

Sneaking a glance at her, he felt his heart practically stop. She’d let her hair out of its ponytail. Now the wind was moving through it, light brown strands flying around her face. The setting sun cast an aura over her that highlighted her smooth skin. Awash in light, with a dreamy expression on her face, she looked serene, calm. Exquisite.

Exquisite? Ah, hell. He liked her.

“Damn.”

She turned her head at his oath. “What was that?” she asked, an amused expression on her face.

He couldn’t like her. Not if she had any feelings for his brother. That wouldn’t be right.

All he wanted to do was kiss her. With his body tensed and primed at her nearness, he desperately wanted to draw her to him. He wanted those lips on his, those arms around him.

“Cam?”

He met her curious gaze. Why couldn’t she be weird or crazy or just not his type?

“What are you thinking?” she wondered aloud.

“Do you still have feelings for my brother?” he blurted. Idiot. Her face fell and then he cursed himself for that. “Sorry, it’s none of my business.”

“It’s okay,” she said, waving her hand. “Jasper…I never really knew Jasper.”

“You were in the same class.” It sounded like an accusation.

“That doesn’t mean anything.,” she said slowly, taking a step toward him. “Dinner last night was the longest we’ve ever talked.”

It hit Cam then, crystal clear. Jealousy over that dinner was what had been bothering him all day. What had kept him awake the night before.

Feeling irritated even now, he wanted to pace. But she was standing so close. He could smell her perfume, a flowery scent that mixed with the aromas from the kitchen. Shouldn’t go together, but to him, it was intoxicating.

“Look, Elle, just tell me, once and for all, do you have feelings for my brother?”

“No,” she practically screamed. “And for the record, I would never go after someone who was taken.”

“Great. I don’t want you to do that.”

“Then what do you want, Cam?”

“I want to kiss you.”

“So kiss me.”

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About the Author

Award-winning romance author Kerri Carpenter writes contemporary romances that are sweet, sexy, and sparkly. When she’s not writing, Kerri enjoys reading, cooking, watching movies, taking Zumba classes, rooting for Pittsburgh sports teams, and anything sparkly. Kerri lives in Northern Virginia with her adorable (and mischievous) rescued poodle mix, Harry. Visit Kerri at her website, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or subscribe to her newsletter. 

Spotlight: A Sky Full of Stars by Samantha Chase

The stars are about to align in the newest Shaughnessy brothers romance!

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.

LOVE CAN DAZZLE YOU
Polar opposites in personality, the friction between them threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw Owen and Brooke together—and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.

The stars are about to align in the newest Shaughnessy brothers romance!

WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
Brilliant astrophysicist Dr. Owen Shaughnessy feels more connected to the cosmos than to people. He’s great with calculations, but when he leads a team of scientists to study a famous meteor shower, he doesn’t factor in his free-spirited artist assistant Brooke Matthews.

LOVE CAN DAZZLE YOU
Polar opposites in personality, the friction between them threatens to derail the project. But the beauty and mystery of the night sky draw Owen and Brooke together—and she’s going to surprise him in ways the stars never could.

Excerpt

“You talk a lot,” he stated very matter-of-factly.

And that had her laughing again. She liked his bluntness. “I know. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it doesn’t. I tend to chatter more when I’m nervous. Most of the time I don’t even realize I’m doing it. The words just keep coming and I’ll end up flowing from one topic to another with no end in sight.”

“You mean like now?”

Brooke immediately stopped talking and considered him. “Oh. I guess I was kind of yammering on there.”

“Why are you nervous?”

Was he kidding? She shrugged and twisted the shoulder strap of her purse. “You make me that way.”

Owen’s eyes went wide. “Me?” he asked incredulously. “I make you nervous?”

She nodded. “You’re a little intimidating.”

“Me?” his voice came out almost as a squeak

Brooke nodded again. “You are a highly respected man, Owen. I’m sure you’re used to sitting around and talking with people who are more on your level. I’m afraid of saying something ridiculous and putting my foot in my mouth.”

“Brooke, I…I don’t even know how to respond to that. I’m intimidated by you.”

She already knew that just by how her uncle had prepared her, but she was curious about how he saw himself. “Why?”

“I may be respected here on campus or in my field of study, but…that’s it. Outside of the lab and away from the telescope, I’m fairly invisible.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

He gave a mirthless laugh. “Trust me. As you learned the other day, my brother is one of the most popular rock stars in the world. Do you think anyone sees me when he’s around?”

In that instant, she did just want to reach out and hug him.

“I have five siblings including Riley—four brothers and one sister,” he said, not meeting her gaze. “They all have impressive jobs and wonderful lives. All of my brothers are married and have kids. Well, Riley and Savannah just found out they’re pregnant so…” He stopped abruptly and this time he looked directly at her. “Forget you heard that,” he said quickly. “No one is supposed to know! Dang it.”

And that was totally adorable—he didn’t even curse.

Unable to help herself, Brooke reached out and placed a hand on his arm. They both seemed a little shocked by the contact. He was…muscular. Much more so than she would have imagined. Forcing herself to not focus on that, she gave him a reassuring smile. “You don’t have to worry. Their secret is safe with me.”

Owen nodded and gave her a small smile. “Thank you.”

She felt like they were having a moment.

And she didn’t really want it to end.

Patience…

“Okay,” she finally said, taking a step back. “Tell me what I can get you from Starbucks and I’ll meet you in your office in an hour.”

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About the Author

Samantha Chase is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of contemporary romance. She released her debut novel in 2011 and currently has more than forty titles under her belt! When she’s not working on a new story, she spends her time reading romances, playing way too many games of Scrabble or Solitaire on Facebook, wearing a tiara while playing with her sassy pug Maylene…oh, and spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Read an excerpt from The Man She Knew by Loree Lough

Fourteen years ago, one reckless act cost Ian Sylvestry everything, including the girl he planned to marry. Since then, he has fought hard to turn his life around. Returning to his Baltimore town after serving a prison term was the first step. Winning back Maleah Turner's trust is a far more daunting challenge.
 
From their first sparks-flying reunion, it's obvious they still have powerful feelings for each other. In fact, they might be even stronger together now. But if their second chance is going to work, Maleah has to believe that Ian is a changed man. She really wants to believe…but she simply isn't convinced.

Excerpt

Firefighters had prepared a pathway of sorts, using axes and pry bars to move lumber aside. It was small comfort, knowing they’d stick close by, ready to deal with sparks that might flare into flames as Cash’s nose led them to the elderly couple, trapped upstairs.

The men walked in a crouch, their flashlight beams crisscrossing the darkened interior. When they’d been inside about ten minutes, the guy out front said, “Missing floorboards here.”

The warning preceded another five minutes during which the only sounds were the crunch of glass and wood splinters beneath their boots. Then, the near-silence was shattered by Cash’s barking.

He’d found the couple.

The team followed the steady yapping to the stairs, and halted their approach.

“No way that’ll hold all of us,” one of the men said.

“Probably won’t hold any of us,” said another.

Ian moved forward. “I’ll go.”

The others didn’t argue. It made sense, after all, since Ian knew best how to read his SAR dog’s signals.

Concerned as he was about the condition of the people trapped up there, Ian made his way up, one cautious step at a time. Because if the staircase gave way before they even found them…

Cash met him at the top, tail straight out and ears up. The ceiling height made it necessary for Ian to crawl as the dog led the way. He’d only gone a few feet when he heard soft moans, a woman’s voice, weak and thready.

Despite being blanketed with plaster, splintered boards, and loose nails, she managed to croak out, “Oh thank God. Thank God.”

“Don’t talk,” Ian said, crawling up beside her. He took her pulse. It, too, was weak and thready. No surprise there, considering the amount of blood she’d lost.

He grabbed his radio. “Top of the stairs,” he said into it, “eight feet back, six to the right. Woman alive; still looking for the man.”

A voice crackled a reply: “Sending up a backboard.”

Ian carefully removed debris from the lady’s chest. With her hands and arms now freed, he said, “Ma’am, can you point out your husband is?”

One knobby-knuckled finger aimed left, toward a huge mound of rubble in a corner. Sure enough, a bloodied hand poked out from beneath the mess. If the guy survived that, it would be a miracle.

Creaking floorboards interrupted the morbid thought.

“The place is weaving and bobbing like a drunk,” the firefighter said, “and there’s barely a breeze outside.”

Ian had felt it, too. If they didn’t get out of here, and fast, all four of them could perish in this dismal place.

Working together, the men eased the woman onto the backboard. Not an easy feat, hunched in the confined space as they were.

“Husband’s over there against the back wall,” Ian said. “But we can’t risk bringing another guy up here.”

“Right. Let’s take her down and come back for him.”

Their bulk, added to the weight of the now-unconscious woman, caused the staircase squeal and screech. Nails, Ian knew, working their way out of the boards. The men kept moving down the failing staircase, Cash close on Ian’s heels.

“Took you long enough,” Mack teased when they reached fresh air.

“Bite me,” the firefighter joked back. “That place is like a house of cards. Somebody so much as sneezes, it’ll flatten like a pancake.”

Once he and Ian handed the woman off to the paramedics, Cash sat beside Ian.

“You’re done for the night, buddy,” he said, squatting to scratch the dog’s ears. “Good job. Real good job.” Straightening, he faced Alex. “If I don’t make it out, take him to my dad’s place.”

Mack winced. “Aw, shut up. You’re coming out.”

But everyone within earshot knew that wasn’t a given.

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About the Author

Once upon a time, Loree sang for her supper. That space reserved in pubs for "the piano lady?" Well, that's whereshe sat, strumming her Yamaha in cities all over the U.S. and Canada. Now and then, she blows the dust from theold 6-string to croon a tune or two, but mostly, she writes. And with the release of the 1st book in her third series for Harlequin Heartwarming, “By Way of the Lighthouse,” she’ll have 110 books on the shelves. She feels blessed that, over the years, most of her stories have earned 4- and 5-star reviews, but what Loree is most proud of are thedozens "Readers' Choice" awards she has won, because it's the readers' opinions she cares most about!

Loree and her husband and live in a Baltimore suburb and enjoy spending time at their cozy cabin in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains (where she has nearly perfected her “identify the critter tracks” skills). They have two lovely daughters and seven 'grandorables,' and because she believes in giving back, Loree donates a generous portion of her annual income to several worthwhile charities. (See the full list on the "Giving Back" page at http://www.loreelough.com.)

While you're there, Loree hopes you'll drop her a note, because she loves hearing from her readers, some of whom have become lifelong friends! (You can also interact with her at Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.)

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Harlequin Author Page | Whitaker House Author Page

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