Spring Into Love

by Chantel Rhondeau

  Next to her, Drew Jackson looked dashing in a tuxedo. According to the article, Drew had made significant improvement since his spinal injury in December; he had progressed from crutches to a cane and had even managed a short and slow wedding dance with Maggie. Like Maggie, the happiness in his smile extended far beyond what words could adequately express.

  Social media channels buzzed, apparently aghast at Marguerite’s choice of a partner. Felicity, however, was not surprised. She had seen Maggie, drooping with exhaustion, keeping faithful watch by Drew’s bedside. No one could have loved him more, and no one was more deserving of his love.

  Felicity smiled through the ache in her chest. She was happy for them.

  She set the newspaper aside and picked up her mail. Her chest tightened as she ripped open an envelope with the loan company’s return address. The pink slip inside reminded her that the ninety-day forbearance period on her brother’s medical school loans, which she had co-signed, had expired, and on top of that, the payments were ninety days overdue. The letter, not politely, threatened to turn the account over to a collections company.

  Go for it, Felicity thought bitterly. There was nothing to collect.

  She set the collection letter aside and glanced at the rest of her mail. Most of them were store catalogs, but one stood out. It was a small envelope addressed to her in an unfamiliar hand, with a return address, but no name.

  She opened the envelope and pulled out a card. It had only three words. I’m so sorry.

  It was signed “Cody.”

  Trembling with rage, Felicity crumpled the card and flung it across the room. Damn you, Darrell, for dying and leaving me alone, she cursed her brother. And damn you, Cody Hart. You killed my brother.

  Read more enchanting LIFE SHOCKS ROMANCES

  http://www.lifeshocksromances.com/novels/

  LIFE SHOCKS ROMANCES: 2014 COLLECTION

  Savor all four novellas in the Life Shocks Romances Collection. With 90+ reviews and an average of 4.6 stars, you'll find an enchanting story for every occasion.

  “AROUSED…is the perfect blend of heartache, humor, heat, and happiness.”

  Recently divorced, Dr. Vera Rios is too busy navigating the potholes of single parenthood to look for Mr. Right, but along comes a man who cherishes her, adores her daughter, and helps her find her sexy groove. The only problem: Mr. Perfect is an escort.

  Rowan Forrester conceals many other secrets, one of which threatens the happiness he finds with Vera. Can love find a way or will Vera have to choose between her beloved daughter and the man of her dreams?

  “BETRAYED…is sweet and sexy with a little bit of danger thrown in to keep you on your toes.”

  Marguerite Ferrara wows audiences on the haute couture catwalks of Milan, Paris, and New York, but whenever she’s face-to-face with Drew Jackson, she feels like a gawky thirteen-year-old, in love with a superstar who will never see her as more than his younger brother’s ex-girlfriend.

  Drew’s superstar days are long over. A car accident shattered his knee, destroyed his football career, and crushed his hopes of winning Maggie’s love. How can he, a desk-bound financial advisor, compete against the celebrities Maggie whirls through one-night stands or Tyler Lamarck, the social media maverick who sweeps the woman Drew loves off her feet?

  “CRUSHED…is sweet with a dash of sexy and a whole lot of couldn't-put-it-down-until-I-finished.”

  Cody Hart, the daredevil black sheep of the esteemed Hartwell clan, should never have made it to his twenty-fifth birthday. What he hadn’t counted on, though, was his best friend dying instead of him.

  Emotionally devastated and financially ruined by the death of her brother, Felicity Rivers is down to her last hundred dollars when Cody offers his help, at a price. She’s out of options, but nothing on earth could possibly entice her into the arms of the man who killed her brother.

  “DESIRED…is messy, infuriating, passionate and heart-wrenching, but it is truly all worth it in the end.”

  At seventeen, Gabriel Cruz and Valeria Trevino exchanged promise rings and agreed on the grand plan for their life, including marriage, children, and a happily-ever-after. Twenty years later, “The Plan” is on track, and a key milestone—Gabriel’s partnership in a law firm—is within grasp, but Valeria derails their shared lives by demanding a divorce.

  Valeria can’t explain her decision, but she is compelled by a desperate need for something more than they had agreed upon. What can they do when the foundation of their grand plan crumbles beneath them?

  ENSNARED (March 2015)

  The two Falconer boys, Raphael and Michael, were named for the archangels. Lily Herald knows that they are anything but. At twenty-two, she married Raphael, the first Falconer boy. By twenty-five, she was divorced, having traded in her wedding ring for two near-fatal bullet wounds—the best damned trade of her life.

  No one, especially not Michael Falconer, knows why she’s returned home, to the place of so many shared and painful memories, but he’s determined to find out before she destroys what’s left of his family.

  FLAWED (June 2015)

  Aspiring actress Ariel Falconer is out of dreams. Disillusioned and burned-out, she heads on a lavish, all-expense-paid vacation, determined to enjoy herself one last time before facing up to the fact that life has dealt her a big flat zero.

  Professional beach volleyball player Jake Hunter is full of dreams. He holds a winning hand, but only if he can find a wealthy sponsor to finance his modest lifestyle while he trains for Olympic gold.

  Their mutual attraction is immediate and scorching, but neither is ready for the emotional complications of false impressions and clashing expectations. Can Ariel and Jake escape unscathed, or will their conflict shatter their dreams and the promise of love?

  GRACED (September 2015)

  Noelle Langford’s ambitions have always been bigger than the little town of Havre de Grace, but when her father’s heart attack summons her home, she finds the town little changed, except that Connor Bradley, the high school nerd, is now the town’s doctor, a Grade-A hunk, and a widower with two young children.

  Connor doesn’t have time for distractions, not while juggling single parenthood and his clinic on five hours of sleep a night. He most certainly doesn’t have time for Noelle, the high school flirt, who is prettier and more irresistible than he remembers.

  When her father’s heart attack derails Connor’s plans for his first Christmas without his wife, Noelle wants to save the day for his adorable children, but can she also find her way into Connor’s guarded heart?

  HAUNTED (December 2015)

  Holly Langford has given up on love but the Christmas season unexpectedly ignites her bleak and solitary life with three men who represent her past, her present, and her future.

  Peter Warren, her high school and college sweetheart who shattered her heart but rules her dreams…

  James Kerrigan, the principal of Havre de Grace Elementary School and her boss…

  Brandon Smith, the dashing New York City lawyer who promises an escape from the confines of her small town life…

  Which man offers the gift of true love and happily ever after?

  PRAISE FOR JADE KERRION’S DOUBLE HELIX SERIES

  “The Double Helix is the kind of series you’d expect to see with a movie deal. I loved, loved, LOVED it. I fell in love with the characters and will be reading all four books again in the future…a treat I reserve for my favorites.”—Full Time Reader, Amazon Reviewer

  “I wish I could award more than 5 stars. This phenomenal series continues to astonish and delight.”—Hillel Kaminsky, Amazon Reviewer

  Winner of 8 awards, including Gold Medal, Science Fiction, Readers Favorites 2013.

  When the perfect human being, Galahad, escapes from Pioneer Laboratories, the illusory peace between humans and their derivatives—the in vitros, clones, and mutants—collapses into social upheaval. The first era of the Genetic Revolution was peaceful. The second is headed for open war
.

  The alpha empath, Danyael Sabre, does not feel compelled to risk his cover of anonymity and get involved, until he finds out that the perfect human being looks just like him.

  Two men, one face. One man seeks to embrace destiny, the other to escape it. But destiny has a name—Zara. Assassin.

  Meet Galahad—the lab-created perfect human being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate, in the Double Helix Collection, available at all e-book stores.

  About the Author

  Jade Kerrion writes her award-winning science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary novels at 3:00 a.m. when her husband and three sons are asleep. She aspires to make her readers as sleep-deprived as she is. Her alphabetical Life Shocks Romances series anchors around unlikely romances you will root for and happy endings you can believe in. Her favorite romance is the Double Helix love triangle between Galahad—the lab-created perfect human being; Danyael—an alpha empath and Galahad’s physical template; and Zara—the woman who can wreak more havoc with love than most people can with hate

  Sign up for Jade’s New Release Mailing List for news of giveaways, contests, and new releases.

  Visit Jade at Life Shocks Romances or at JadeKerrion.com

  Finding Forever

  Michele Shriver

  Copyright © 2013 by:

  Michele Shriver

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  This book was built at IndieWrites.com. Visit us on Facebook.

  “Love is easy to fall into, hard to fall out of and sometimes seems impossible to find.” - Rashida Rowe

  Chapter 1

  Jake Morrison stared out the window as the plane taxied to the gate, wondering what he’d gotten himself into. For the last half hour, as they made their descent into Grande Valley, Texas, he’d studied the scenery, trying to find something—anything—appealing about the place he would be calling home for the next three months. He’d found nothing other than dirt. Lots and lots of dirt.

  For a born and bred Midwesterner who’d called Southern California home for the past fifteen years, life in the desert of West Texas would be an adventure. Thankfully, only a temporary one. That was the great thing about movie locations. They were sometimes awful, but always temporary. Still, as Jake retrieved his carry-on bag from the overhead bin and made his way through the horde of people into the airport terminal, he almost wished his agent could have scored him a movie location in Maui, complete with surf boards and bikini-clad women. Then again, no woman in Maui could hold a candle to one in particular in Grande Valley, Texas, giving Jake’s current location an edge.

  He scrolled through the messages on his phone while waiting at the rental car counter. Three from Macy, but she was the last person Jake wanted to talk to. Heck, getting away from her was one of the reasons he signed on to do this movie. He couldn’t take the drama anymore. There were two other calls, from his agent and his publicist. Jake knew which one he wanted to return first, as well as which one he should. He made the practical choice. If he didn’t check in with Greg right away, the agent would just keep calling.

  “So you made it,” Greg said.

  “Obviously.” The electronic doors opened and Jake stepped outside, immediately feeling the blast of heat. “Son of a bitch,” he muttered.

  Greg laughed. “I was just going to ask if you’d been outside yet. I guess that answers my question.”

  Jake shielded his eyes as he dug sunglasses out of his bag. “Christ, it’s hot enough to melt hell here.” Already his shirt clung to his body. Maybe having the airline deliver his luggage directly to the hotel later was a bad idea. Now he wouldn’t have a change of clothes for at least a couple hours, but he didn’t want to wait to see Jordan.

  “Yeah, but it’s a dry heat.”

  “If you say so.” Jake walked in the direction of the rental car lot. “I thought I told you I wanted a beach. Instead, you gave me tumbleweeds.”

  “You can’t exactly film a movie about border-town drug wars on the beach, Jake,” Greg said. “And we’re talking Reece White here. This could be your big break.”

  Big break. Jake had been hearing that one for years, ever since he got his first contract role on a soap opera that ended up being canceled. Still, he wanted to believe that this movie really could be his ticket to stardom. Reece White was certainly an up-and-coming director. “If it is, I’ll forgive you for stranding me in the desert for three months.” He located the numbered stall containing his car. “I need to make another call. I’ll check in later.”

  Jake tossed his bag in the car, cranked the air conditioner on, put his phone on speaker and rang his publicist as he drove out of the lot. “Do you have her address?” he asked when Val answered.

  “I do.” She hesitated. “Whether I think it’s a good idea to give it to you is another matter.”

  He figured she might pull something like that. They’d gone a few rounds when he made the request right before leaving Los Angeles. “C’mon, Val. Don’t play games. I need the address.”

  “You’re there to film a movie, Jake. No distractions.”

  “My first set call isn’t for two days,” he reminded her.

  Val grumbled, but rattled off an address. “Fine, but get this little dalliance out of the way before you report to the set.”

  “This one’s no dalliance,” Jake said. “She’s special. She’s the one who got away.”

  “I’ve heard that before,” Val said, and everything about her tone indicated she was skeptical.

  “Yeah, but not from me,” Jake countered. “Thanks. You’re the best publicist a guy could ask for.”

  Val chuckled. “I’ll remember you said that. And you remember what I said. Any hint of trouble out there, you’re finding a new ‘best publicist.’”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Jake said. “And don’t worry. I left trouble behind.”

  Fifteen minutes later, he arrived at the address Val provided. A window-front office building a few blocks from the county courthouse. Jake was used to high-rise office buildings and big firms, not solo operations. Still, as he walked inside and looked around the small reception area, he found it very inviting, with its leather chairs and soft earth tones. A Southwestern motif adorned the wall, and an attractive brunette sat behind a reception desk.

  “Can I help you?” The girl greeted him with a friendly smile.

  “Yes. I’m here to see Jordan.”

  “Ms. Priestley is in court this afternoon, but if you’d like to leave your name and number, I can have her call you to set up an appointment.”

  Jake glanced at the clock behind the desk. Almost four. “The courthouse ought to be closing pretty soon. I think I’ll wait, if you don’t mind.” He had nothing better to do, and besides, at least it was cool in the office.

  The receptionist frowned. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. She’s finishing up a big trial and she doesn’t accept new clients by walk-in. You need an appointment.”

  “Oh, I’m not a new client,” Jake said. “I’m an old friend.” He just hoped Jordan would agree with that description.

  ***

  Jordan stood and watched as the jury exited the courtroom before turning to her client. He might be two months past his nineteenth birthday, but he looked much younger. He was also now a convicted felon, but at least wasn’t heading to prison. In that regard, Jordan’s afternoon wasn’t a total loss. “Good luck, Trey,” she said.

  “Thanks for everything you did, Jordan.” He extended a hand. “I mean that.”

  The verdict hadn’t gone in their favor, but the sentencing had, and she knew he was relieved to receive probation. Jordan chalked that up as a victory, guilty verdict notwithstanding. “You’re welcome. Just don’t mess this up.”

  He vowed he wouldn’t, but as Jordan wat
ched the young man exit the courtroom, some doubt lingered whether her words would carry any weight.

  “I should probably congratulate you,” the prosecutor said when they were alone.

  “Likewise,” Jordan said. “You got your conviction.” Her former law school classmate, Beth Brewster, was finishing her first term as district attorney and up for re-election. The conviction was what mattered, though Jordan knew Beth wasn’t happy to have lost the sentencing phase.

  “He should do time,” Beth said. “But you swayed the jury with the whole rotten childhood thing.”

  Jordan shrugged, not offering any apology for her tactics. “He’s practically still a kid. He deserves another chance.” The jury obviously agreed with her.

  “Bleeding-heart liberal,” Beth teased.

  Jordan laughed. “Bite me.” It was a familiar refrain. There was a time when Beth would have looked at Jordan with pure spite, and Jordan didn’t blame her. Thankfully, they were past that, and she now counted Beth as a close friend, even though they landed on opposite sides of the courtroom as well as the political spectrum.

  “What are you doing later?” Beth asked as they left the courthouse. “Want to come over for dinner? Aaron’s still in Dallas.”