As a romance writer, I look forward to attending our big national meeting every year in July.
Romance Writers of America,
affectionately known as RWA, recently wrapped up their conference in
San Antonio, Texas, home of the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and awesome TexMex
food.
This year I had a slight handicap — a walking boot on my right leg. But I
was a trooper, and attended workshops, author chats, the trade show,
even the big award show at the end, all while hobbling along. The boot
served as a conversation starter, or as a bonding moment with fellow
authors. Take Kristan Higgins, who broke her ankle the week before RWA. I
attended her workshop and afterward, approached her to commiserate. So
here we are showing off our trend-setting boots.
I always leave RWA feeling energized and ready to write. Good thing, since
Ship of Dreams, Book #2 in the Dreams Come True Series is due to my editor August 31st. Look for the release in February 2015.
Here's a sneak peek at the first scene in
Ship of Dreams -
Laura Armstrong strode toward the building housing the New York offices
of Imperial Cruise Lines. Her stiletto heels clicked a staccato on the
sidewalk as she tested the limits of her snug pencil skirt.
Tapping out a message on her smart phone, her mind five steps ahead, she
nearly took a header when the heel of her shoe plunged into a sidewalk
seam. The text message all but forgotten, she twisted and turned, unable
to dislodge the stubborn heel.
Risking a tear in the cherry red patent leather of her sky-high
Louboutin ankle-straps — the ones with the plunging vamp revealing her
sexy toe cleavage — wasn't an option. But between the ankle strap and
her figure-hugging skirt, she couldn't slip out of the shoe, nor could
bend over and unfasten it either.
Perfect. She'd be late for her meeting with Imperial's CEO.
Daddy Dearest thought Giddings-Rose couldn't handle an account the size
of Imperial. Check that. He thought she couldn't win an account the size
of Imperial.
Determined to prove her father wrong, she'd get the account and the
corner office. That is if she could pry her heel out of the sidewalk.
Bustling New Yorkers in suits and skirts just stepped around her, dodging her like an out-of-place trashcan. "Well, sh—"
"Hold still, Sugar, or you'll break the heel." The masculine voice
called to mind the mellow sweetness of the fine Kentucky Bourbon she'd
once sipped at the Derby. Rich and mellifluous, with a hint of Southern
graciousness. Even so, there was no denying the authoritative tone. "And
that would be a damn shame." The hand that wrapped around her ankle
from behind was broad and masculine, but well-manicured, topped with an
elegant Cartier watch.
Not her type. She preferred her men with a little more grit than polish. So why did tantalizing warmth spread up her leg?
With adept fingers, he unbuckled the ankle strap and lifted her foot
from the still-lodged shoe. Having no other choice to avoid either
resting her bare foot on the filthy Manhattan sidewalk or the
humiliation of falling on her face, she reached back and grabbed his
shoulder.
Hmm. No padding there. Nothing but muscle beneath that expensive
tropical weight wool suit. She caught a glimpse of charcoal gray fabric,
dark hair, and Italian shoes in rich mahogany leather.
But she'd yet to lay eyes on her rescuer's face.
Nathan Maxwell took advantage of the up-close and personal view. Trim
ankles met shapely, muscular calves, and judging from the fit of her
skirt, a firm derriere topped off those swimsuit-model legs. Beneath his
touch, soft skin beckoned further exploration. Long honey-blond hair
hung almost to her waist in a sleek ponytail. The fragrance of her haute
couture perfume drifted over him, reminding him of magnolia-scented
summer nights.
Focusing on the task at hand, he gently pried the heel from the sidewalk
seam and examined it. "No harm done." He grasped her ankle and settled
her foot back into the shoe and fastened the strap, but not before
noticing the firecracker red nail polish. He laughed. "Here you go
Cinderella."
The warmth of his laugh slid over her, knocking her a little off balance
even though she'd placed her foot firmly back on the ground. "Thank
you, uh . . ." She turned and looked up into golden brown eyes the color
of that same sweet Kentucky Bourbon.
"Nathan, Nathan Maxwell. My pleasure, ma'am." He flashed a devastating grin, igniting gilded sparks in his eyes.
There was that Southern drawl again — subtle, like the peach undertones
of a fine Pinot Gris. "You're not from around here, are you?"
"My accent give me away?" Her sardonic smile weakened Nathan's knees more than any toothy grin ever did.
"No, your courtesy."
Nathan chuckled. "My grandmother would have expected nothing less." Her
eyes, cool blue like the May sky overhead, captured his and held. No
shrinking violet, this one, he mused. A full, determined mouth painted
to match the red of her toenails set off an arresting face with high
cheekbones, a stubborn chin, and aquiline nose.
"Well, thank you, Nathan." Maybe she should add suave polished men with a
hint of Rhett Butler to her menu, Laura thought. Her phone, all but
forgotten in her hand, buzzed. "I, uh, I've got to go. Thanks again,
Nathan Maxwell." Something about the way his name rolled off her tongue.
She answered the phone as she walked away, "This is Laura."
Nathan watched as she strode down the sidewalk, hips swaying to some
inherent rhythm. "Come on, Laura, glance back." She turned and gave him
what he wanted, another look at that bold, beautiful face.
"It's going to be a great day." Glancing at his watch, satisfied with
the outcome of the errand that brought him to this part of Manhattan in
the first place, he hailed a cab back to his office.
Dreams of Perfection, continues to garner 5-star reviews! It is now available in ebook and paperback on Amazon.com.
Click here to read an excerpt and find the buy buttons of your preference.
Click here to purchase on Amazon.com.
Reading Romance Expo
I recently had the privilege of attending the Reading Romance Expo at
the W.T. Bland Public Library in Mt. Dora, Florida. Twenty romance
authors gathered for a book signing, giveaways, and to meet and greet
their readers.
Meeting my fellow romance authors was a bonus! We had a great day and I
look forward to the event next year. Thanks to the folks at the library
who put on this special event!
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