Stuff Your Stocking Blogfest at LASR

There's still a few days left for the Stuff Your Stocking with Books Blogfest going on over at The Long and the Short of It Review (LASR) site.

I'm guesting on Dec. 28th at 6pm and giving away 3 copies of DRAGONFLY DREAMS.  Remember, all sales of that title for the month of December will be donated to the White Family (featured on my blog earlier this month).  These three giveaways will count toward my sales goal, so make sure you head over to LASR to leave a comment.

DRAGONFLY DREAMS was nominated for BEST SHORT EBOOK at LASR in 2007.  I've re-edited and added to the book for it's re-release this December.

Thank you very much for your support and Hope you get a stocking full of books!

Sorrow and Joy at Christmas

On this Christmas day, we found out my cousin Jimmie passed away this morning after a brief battle with cancer. He is now with the Lord and his son Nate, no longer suffering as he watches over the rest of his family.

Love you, Jim! We will miss you!

In honor of Christmas and family, I'd like to share with you a couple of recent photos that reminded me to be so very thankful for what I have.

Becky, Bridgette, Nikki, Dawn and me

Every year we have a cookie bake with my two sisters (Becky and Bridgette) and my two cousins (Nik and Dawn). We have a great time every year and bake a crazy amount of cookies. This year marked our 12th annual Cookie Bake. My favorite part was finishing early and visiting until 2am.

We woke up to a foggy haze along the ground Christmas Eve morning and as I was getting the fruit tray ready to take to my sister Becky's house for the day, a glance out the kitchen window left me in awe.  The 'speck' on the right third of the picture (above the '4' in the date) is actually the top of some trees about a 1/4-1/3 mile down the road.

We couldn't get the kids away from the cousins long enough for a family picture (and they'd had enough of them in Colorado this summer), but my mom did get this one of me and Wayne.

I have many other things to be thankful for, but not so many pictures, so I hold the others in my heart.

My wish for you is a very Merry Christmas with loved ones, family and friends alike.

Take care and we'll see you in the New Year!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Shrike, by Jeff

Welcome to Jeff Carlson today, who's sharing an excerpt from his book SHRIKE.  Enjoy!

SHRIKE, by Jeff Carlson

Genre:  Women's Crime Fiction

Heat Level:  Sensual

Set in present-day Raleigh, North Carolina, Shrike is the story of one young woman's overcoming tremendous physical, emotional and logistical adversity to defeat evil incarnate. When Taryn Spire and her best friend learn that some banking executives plan a cybercrime to embezzle funds from the North Carolina State Fair, the adventure begins. A botched attempt by the perpetrators to silence them permanently leads to a dramatic transformation for Taryn - watching a television program featuring a video clip of a shrike with its prey destines her to become a crime fighter. With the help and the love of an unlikely ally (a motorcycle salesman), Taryn, as her alter ego, dispenses a unique type of justice.

EXCERPT:

“Ms. Spire?  This is Smith Worley from the North Carolina State Fair.  I hope I’m not bothering you on a Sunday.” 

            Between having to drive a vehicle foreign to her and the horrifying vision she had at her parents’ house, Taryn had forgotten all about COMDEP812 and the fact that Smith Worley had yet to return her call about the offshore bank.  She switched to her professional mode.  “No sir!  No bother at all!  Thank you for calling me back.”

            “A thousand apologies.  I made a note to call you on Friday, but I had several meetings that were called in a hurry, and the reminder to call you got buried in my briefcase until I went through it today.”

            “That’s quite all right, sir.  I bet you have been busy lately.”

            “In any event, in answer to your question, I did some digging and we do not deal with nor have we had any business relationship with The Premier Bank of Micronesia.”

            Taryn’s blood ran cold and the phone quivered in her hand and against her ear as the worries she had left on her doorstep when she left for Graham crept back into her psyche like nerve gas.  She moved her lips but the import of the information she had just received did not allow her to form words.

            “Ms. Spire?”  Worley was wondering if the call was dropped when she did not respond. 

            “I’m sorry, sir,” stammered Taryn.  “I was making some notes in my project log.”  It was not totally a lie - most of what she did on any project was kept in her head. 

            “I hope that answer was helpful.”

            “It was.  Thank you.”  She was troubled by the lack of feeling in her voice and tried again with all the excitement she could muster in her disturbed state.  “It was very helpful.  Thank you.  I’m grateful for your help.”

            “I’m glad I could be of assistance.  I hope to see you at the Fair!”

            Taryn’s mind was screaming and she hoped her voice wasn’t doing the same.  My GOD!  Don’t you know what’s going to happen?  Gripping the phone with both hands, she replied, “I hope to see you there too.  Thank you very much again.”  She ended the call and her hands, still clutching the phone, fell into her lap. 

            Miranda sat up.  “What was all that?”  She had forgotten more about COMDEP812 than Taryn had.

            Taryn’s attention was fixed on a random piece of Miranda’s thick carpet.  “They’re going to rip off the State Fair,” she mumbled. 

            Miranda scooted to the edge of a cushion and leaned closer to Taryn.  “What did you say?”

            Slowly raising her gaze to meet Miranda’s, Taryn repeated, “They’re going to rip off the State Fair.”

            “What?  Who is?”

            Trembling arms struggled to push her off the chair, but in time she was successful in accomplishing that and in securing her phone back into its holster.  “Tatum, Mounce and probably Mike Peebles.  They are going to run COMDEP812 twice.  The first time it will move the money like the state wants.  The second time the same amount will go offshore.  They’ll get it whenever they want.”

            Scarcely able to hear Taryn speak, Miranda got off the sofa to move closer to her.  She knelt and gently took her irmã by the hands.  “Taryn, honey, how do you know all this?”

            “That was the fellow I spoke to last week at the State Fair headquarters.  One of the numbers on the test output we looked at belongs to a bank in the South Pacific.  COMDEP812 showed money leaving the State Fair account and going to that bank.  The State Fair isn’t dealing with an offshore bank.”  Taryn gripped Miranda’s hands just a little more tightly.  “That’s why Tatum wanted us to give all the COMDEP812 work to Mike.  That’s why Tatum is retiring.  That’s why Mike is being so nice to us, to throw us off.  It’s all part of the plan.”

            Taryn was starting to make some sense and that began to bother Miranda.  Still, she believed she could make it all better by being positive and upbeat.  “C’mon, irmã, you’ve been working too hard and you’re tired from the trip to see your folks.  There’s no way they could steal that kind of money, even electronically.  Internal Control would catch the double post and fix it.  That’s what they do.”  Miranda made sure Taryn saw her smile. 

            Taryn sighed and shook her head.  “Nancy Mounce gets the report from COMDEP812.  They have to have her help.  She can do all kinds of things to cover any error up.  And she can talk circles around any auditors or anyone in that bank.  She’s been there forever.  They’ll believe whatever crap she slings.  No one will be the wiser.  And they’ll all get away with it.  And you and I know about it.”

            It was Miranda’s turn to be chilled to the bone.  She slowly let go of Taryn’s hands, got to her feet and turned away, crossing her arms over her chest to get even just a little reassurance.  Taryn’s last sentence frightened her the most.  If Taryn was right, they indeed had uncovered something huge.  She took a few small steps and then spun to ask a question.  “How much money are we talking here?”

            “Millions, Miranda!  Millions!  The fair lasts nine days!  People from all over the state and probably the whole Southeast and God knows where else come and spend millions!” 

            Taryn’s answer was replete with misplaced anger and the words stung Miranda.  As her eyes filled with tears, Miranda whimpered, “My God, Taryn!  I’m scared!  What are we going to do?  What are we going to do?” 

~*~

SHRIKE can be found at:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Shrike-ebook/dp/B005OSYHXO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shrike-jeff-carlson/1105870275?ean=9781618421937&itm=1&usri=shrike

Sony Ebook store: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/dennis-carlson/shrike/_/R-400000000000000530560

Jeff can be found at: www.facebook.com/jarthurcarlson

"I have aspired to be a writer since my grade school days. Shrike is my first novel. I live in North Carolina's Triad. When I'm not thinking about writing, I like ice hockey and traveling. I've tried stand-up comedy too. A cat owns me; in fact, she has helped me pen three picture books featuring her and her friends (maybe she will let me publish them someday). I have a few more novels in various states of inception; I hope Shrike's success will give me the impetus to finish one of them."

Thanks for the great excerpt, Jeff!  Wishing you much success with SHRIKE and your future works as well.

Good luck with the cat. *grin*

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Barbary Point, by Alan Nayes + Giveaway!

Today I welcome Alan Nayes with his book Barbary Point. I met Alan on the Facebook page Indie Writer's Unite and discovered he also writes thrillers and horror.  You can find his other titles at:  http://anayes.com/ (I definitely recommend checking them out!)

Alan has graciously offered to share a free copy of his book with 3 commenters...so make sure to leave him a comment after reading the excerpt. And please leave your contact information so he can reach you if you're a winner.

BARBARY POINT, by Alan Nayes

Heat level: sweet

Amazon http://amzn.to/jwaVbN

Barnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7

When Kelly English flies back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to close out her father’s estate, the last thing on her mind is
falling in love. Again. Kelly is twenty-eight and engaged to an older man who is quite wealthy. She’s happy, and only desires to make the trip back brief, sell her deceased father’s place, and return to her stable life in Los Angeles. However, while taking care of business in Oshkosh, Kelly meets a fishing guide, launching her on an emotional journey she never could have predicted or foreseen. BARBARY POINT is Kelly’s story of what happened that one magical week in May on the shores of Lake Winnebago when the ducklings hatch and the walleye run.

EXCERPT:

Chapter 19

                                                            ROCKAWAY ISLAND

     Mitch cancelled his clients for Monday. He would later tell me he would have willingly cancelled his clients for the entire summer just to spend time together. He that much had fallen for me. And I for him.

      I called my office as soon as I thought Gwen would be in, adjusting for the two-hour time difference.

     “Kelly, where the hell have you been? That Seagram account executive's been buzzing all morning,” Gwen ripped off immediately.

     “I'm still in Oshkosh,” I said, picturing the company man with hair just a little too much in place, and a smile a little too phony. Last week I would have flown to Nepal, if that's what it took to nail down the liquor conglomerate's ad business. Today, all that seemed to matter was getting out on the water with Mitch and Sam. What had changed?

     “Kelly?” Gwen's tone had softened considerably. “What's going on?”

     “Don't worry.”

     “Now I am worried,” Gwen said. “Seagram's not the only one's been calling.”

     “Thomas?”

     “Only say, five times.”

     “I'll call him,” I said.

     “Kelly?”

     “Yes.”

     “Take care of yourself.”

     “I will. See you soon,” I said, and disconnected. For a long moment, I stood in front of the bay window and looked out over the lake. The chop was less than yesterday, definitely no whitecaps, but the water's blue shade had been replaced by a gray undertone, reflecting the overcast of the sky. Mitch had listened to the weather before breakfast. The forecast called for a forty percent chance of rain, with intermittent local thundershowers. The Mako had a top we could put up so the rain would be no problem.

      I didn't relish calling Thomas, he would be angry, yet I knew it was the right, the only thing to do. Watching Mitch and Sam loading the boat, I supposed I should have felt at least a modicum of guilt about the last couple of days. I didn't, and this bothered me more than feeling any remorse at all.

     As time passed forward, I would come to justify these feeling as an acceptance of a decision I hadn't really made, but had been made for me by circumstances beyond my control. An emotion as strong and powerful as love had divided thrones and started wars. What chance did a young woman have? None. I would never, could never, tell Thomas this, though. At least, not today.

     “Hi, Thomas,” I said as soon as he answered.

     “Kelly.” No Kell-bee this time. “I tried calling you all afternoon yesterday. I've been worried sick. When's your flight?”

     “Oh, Thomas...”

     “Are you in some kind of trouble?”

     I'm in trouble all right. “No, hon. It's just taking me longer than I thought to close out Daddy's estate. How's the magazine? Gwen said Seagram's up in arms.”

     “To hell with Seagram's.” His exasperation was clearly evident. “I'm flying out there today. We'll—“

     “No, Thomas.”

     “What do you mean, no?”

     “I'm handling it. Thomas, you have to...” I caught myself wanting to say trust, but chose believe instead, “believe me. I'll be home... soon.”

     “When?”

     I was caught. I had to say something. “Thursday,” I said, calculating that would give me at least tomorrow and Wednesday for... what? I'd gone insane, that was it. Emotionally insane.

     “We'll talk when I get home,” I finished.

     When I hung up, I knew the engagement was on the ropes. I just couldn't come out and say it. Not yet. I gazed at the huge rock adorning my finger. How could events change so rapidly? Why can't I just pack up now and leave? Take the rental straight to Appleton, catch the next flight out, and get the hell on with my life. Just do it. Save yourself a ton of heartaches, girl.

     Mitch and Sam were walking off the dock. Mitch saw me in the window and gave a little salute. Ship's set for sailing, ma'am. I smiled and saluted back, my effort not near as crisp or sharp. Maybe because this is my life. The here and now.

     The ice chest was loaded with beer, sandwich meat, cheese sticks for snacking, a couple of apples, and candy bars. I brought along the bread and a bag of chips I'd found stashed in a cabinet above the dishwasher. We also took along the net, two fishing poles, and Gene's tackle box, just in case, Mitch said.

     I sat on a cushion seat in front of the console, facing the bow, as the Mako sped north along the shoreline. The air whisking my hair off my face was cool and moist, and left me feeling clean and pure, as if I'd just been baptized. Mitch stood behind the wheel, a Packer's cap turned backward on his head. He looks like a merchant marine, I thought, strong and handsome. I felt his finger tap the top of my head, and saw him pointing. Not thirty yards off the starboard side, a flock of at least a dozen ducks were streaking parallel to the boat in perfect linear formation.

     “Mallards?” I shouted.

     Mitch grinned. “See, you're a waterfowl expert now.”

     The mallards veered away after the Mako zipped past Roe Point for more open water. The hull bounced some, but not enough to make me or Sam, curled just behind the bow, uncomfortable.

     I pulled a light jacket I'd borrowed from my father's closet tighter across my front. I heard Mitch rev the engine and felt a surge in acceleration.

     Off my left shoulder I watched us pass the Pioneer Resort Marina, and then the mouth of the Fox River.

     Mitch named off landmarks—Bray's Point, Miller Bay, Doemel Point, Menomenee Park,—as we sped north.

     I saw boats fishing, sailboats, and several water skiers in wet suits.

     I heard Mitch say, “You want to ski?”

     “What's the water temperature?”

     “Sixty-two.”

     “I'll pass.”

     “Wanna pilot?”

     I waved. “I'm fine here. I just like watching the lake.”

     “You sound like your dad.”

     His words touched me somewhere deep in my chest, and I turned and leaned up on my knees and kissed Mitch. The choppiness of the water made my first attempt fall short, landing on his chin, but my next effort was right on the money. The kiss was brief, yet warmed me inside out.

     “You're beautiful,” he said.

     I didn't think I looked beautiful, with my hair all over the place, yet felt like a princess when Mitch told me.

~*~

Again, you can find Barbary Point at:

Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbN

Barnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7

Alan Nayes was born in Houston and grew up on the Texas gulf coast. He lives in Southern California. He is the author of the critically-acclaimed biomedical thrillers, GARGOYLES and THE UNNATURAL. His most recent releases are BARBARY POINT, a love story, and SMILODON, a science thriller. GIRL BLUE, an erotic horror story will be released by Samhain Publishing in 2012.

         An avid outdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to  ever swim across Wisconsin’s chilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on his next project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.

Thank you for being here today, Alan!  Lake Winnebago...wow. Impressive.  I, too, have swam across a lake, but it was the much smaller Little Newton Lake in Crivitz, WI, where I grew up. 

Love the cover for Barbary Point, and after checking out your website, I think I'm going to have to purchase myself a copy of Smilodon. Not a genre I normally read, but that's what I absolutely love about Indie Writer's Unite--I'm discovering a bunch of new authors and their great books!

Don't forget to comment with your contact information for your chance to win a copy of Barbary Point.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Gift Giving At Christmas ~ Helping others

A couple years ago, once the gift giving became nothing more than exchanging gift cards, our family stopped exchanging gifts at Christmas and began donating to local shelters and associations of our choice. I don't say charity because I don't look at it as charity. We've been blessed with a healthy family and truly have what we need to be happy, so we knew it was time to give to others who might need a little help.  There may come a day we're that family, but for now, we are happy to help where we can. 

My book Dragonfly Dreams is a story all about the true Spirit of Christmas and in that spirit, I'm donating all my author profits from this book for the month of December to family friends who can use a little help.

Let me introduce you to the White Family, and share what they're going through in Becky's own words.

Becky, Bob, Kayden, Karder, and Kamden

The onset of Lyme Disease has changed our lives dramatically. I never knew very much about Lyme Disease until my family was diagnosed with it. What has Lyme Disease done to our lives??  Some of our daily symptoms due to Lyme consist of; migraines, anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision, joint pain, sensitivity to light, fatigue, heart palpitations, jaw pain, burning in extremities and so on..

Lyme Disease has not only affected our family physically, it has affected us financially as well. Lyme Disease needs aggressive, ongoing treatment. The majority of Lyme treatment and testing for Lyme Disease is expensive and not covered by insurance.

We as a family are daily trying to educate ourselves on Lyme Disease. If it hadn't been for our own research, we might not have ever figured out what was wrong with us. Our Hopes and Dreams from this point on are to not only be a healthy, energetic family again, but to also educate others about this horrible disease.

Thank you to Bob and Becky for helping to spread the word about this disease. You will help others to a more speedy diagnosis, and hopefully soon your family will be healthy again! I can't imagine my kids having to deal with those symptoms and how helpless I'd feel not being able to relieve their pain.

My goal is to sell 250 copies of Dragonfly Dreams, which would allow me to donate $500.  I can't do this alone and need your help!

So I’m asking you to:

1. Please pick up a copy of Dragonfly Dreams for just $2.99. I know it's an over-used cliche, but that's less than a large latte at the local coffee shop, or a Big Mac, or you get the picture...

2. Know someone with a Kindle, Nook or a smart phone?  Gift them a copy via Amazon or Barnes and Noble using the button "Give as a Gift" under the buy button on the websites.

3. Please spread the word via email to any of your friends who might do the same, and post on your blog, FB, Twitter, Goodreads, ect.

All we need is 250 people to buy just one copy!  That's nothing when you think about how many readers are out there!  I have a running tab on the top right side of my blog so everyone can see where we're at for the month. 

Don't have an ereader? You can still help!

Even if you don’t have an ereader, you can still read the book on your computer, Smart phone, or tablet. Amazon Kindle and BN Nook have free PC applications that can be downloaded on the computer and other devices so you can read ebooks. Smashwords has the PDF file that also can be read directly on your computer.

So, what's the book about, you ask??  Here's the blurb. 

Can a family connection to the ill-fated Titanic bring new hope to sinking dreams?

With his antique shop on the brink of bankruptcy, Jake Coburn knows he shouldn’t buy costume jewelry at a price that won’t turn a profit.  Then again, it’s Christmas, and he hasn’t been able to say no to Loral Evan’s since the first time she entered his shop.

Desperation is what drives Loral Evans to sell precious family heirlooms, but Jake’s offer of one thousand dollars for a dragonfly brooch she knows is fake stings her pride.  If only she could afford to walk away from the handsome antique dealer.

During a season of giving, Loral learns there’s a big difference between pride and dignity, and Jake’s determination to do the right thing brings rewards beyond what either of them ever dreamed of.

Got Romance Holiday Reviews ~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerely adored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remaining original, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in and held me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything a true romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerable and adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because I would read it again and again.” ~ Becca

Where can you get the book?? Click a link...

Amazon, BN, Smashwords, ARe

(Smashwords offers the ebook in formats for Kobo, Sony, iBooks, and other devices.)

Also, if the title sounds familiar to some of you, yes this is the same Christmas novella I released four years ago with TWRP. (Nominated at LASR for Best Short eBook 2007)  I’ve re-edited, added an epilogue, and had a beautiful new cover designed.  A second read might just be worth it and you can help out at the same time.

On the other hand, I also realize that times are tough for everyone, so at the very least, some “Likes” and tags on Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble would be greatly appreciated, too. What does that do?  It increases the book's visibility so hopefully more readers can find it online and purchase a copy.

Lastly, I ask you to keep the White's and their extended family ~ my cousin Jimmy, my aunt, uncle, and other cousins in the Tiemann Family ~ in your prayers for hope and comfort.

 

If you have someone you would like added to our prayers, leave a comment with their name. We may not know each other, but additional people praying loved one's names is always a good thing.

Thank you all very much for your help and Merry Christmas!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Help me help others with Dragonfly Dreams

I've just released my Christmas novella, Dragonfly Dreams.  In the spirit of giving that this story is all about, I'm going to donate anything I make on this book for the month of December.  See this blog to meet the White Family.

The ebook is priced at $2.99, and I make about $2.00 for each sale.  If you decide to purchase a copy, or gift one to someone else via Amazon for their Kindle, you not only get to help out for less than the cost of a McDonald's Big Mac, or a Grande latte at Starbucks, but you also get a good book that'll warm your heart this Christmas. I say that based on reviews, not just my own opinion. *smile*

Got Romance Holiday Reviews~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerely adored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remaining original, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in and held me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything a true romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerable and adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because I would read it again and again.”~ Becca

 Night Owl Reviewer TOP PICK ~ “Ms. Netzel penned a remarkable ending that totally surprised me and she masterfully tied all the loose ends up for each one of her characters. This is a charming tale that blended strength, hope and love into one fantastic story.” ~ Diana Coyle

My goal is to sell 250 books so I can donate $500 this Christmas, and I will keep a running tab on the right side of my blog so everyone can see where I'm at for the month.

I would greatly appreciate all the help anyone is willing to offer by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, or via email.

And if you're an author willing to post it to your blog, I'd be very grateful as well!

Click HERE to read my blog post with the blurb and excerpt.

Click any of the below links to purchase your copy of Dragonfly Dreams and help me reach the goal of 250 sales!

Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, BN Nook, All Romance eBooks (ARe)


Thank you for your support and Merry Christmas!!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Dragonfly Dreams

Dragonfly Dreams is a spirit-of-giving novella dedicated to my wonderful mom.  A story told at my parents' rummage sale, coupled with my mom's love of antiques and costume jewelry inspired this book.  I hope you enjoy!

This book was previously published with The Wild Rose Press, but I've re-edited and added to it, along with having my wonderful cover artist Tamra Westberry design a new cover.

Release date, Dec. 6th, 2011

Reviews

Got Romance Holiday Reviews ~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerely adored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remaining original, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in and held me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything a true romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerable and adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because I would read it again and again.” ~ Becca

Night Owl Reviews ~ Reviewer TOP PICK ~ “Ms. Netzel penned a remarkable ending that totally surprised me and she masterfully tied all the loose ends up for each one of her characters. This is a charming tale that blended strength, hope and love into one fantastic story.” ~ Diana Coyle



Dragonfly Dreams, by Stacey Joy Netzel

Can a family connection to the ill-fated Titanic bring new hope to sinking dreams?

With his antique shop on the brink of bankruptcy, Jake Coburn knows he shouldn’t buy costume jewelry at a price that won’t turn a profit.  Then again, it’s Christmas, and he hasn’t been able to say no to Loral Evan’s since the first time she entered his shop.

Desperation is what drives Loral Evans to sell precious family heirlooms, but Jake’s offer of one thousand dollars for a dragonfly brooch she knows is fake stings her pride.  If only she could afford to walk away from the handsome antique dealer.

During a season of giving, Loral learns there’s a big difference between pride and dignity, and Jake’s determination to do the right thing brings rewards beyond what either of them ever dreamed of.

EXCERPT:

Loral hunched her shoulders and jogged toward the bus stop. Despite the December chill biting through her coat, humiliation still burned her cheeks. It was bad enough that she knew he knew she was desperate enough to sell their family heirlooms piece by agonizing piece, but to have him offer her money outright? Mortified didn’t begin to cover it.

The first time she’d met Jake, her heart hadn’t stopped racing until after she’d left the antique shop and driven half-way home. She’d been captivated by his dark good-looks the moment she first walked through the doors, and then he’d smiled that sincere, casual smile that reached all the way to his amber eyes. It was his smile that kept her coming back, even though it became harder and harder to face him with her head held high.

The worst part was she always wondered if he paid more for the items she brought than they were worth. Though he never paid more than the list prices she looked up at the library, it was certainly more than he should in order to make a profit. But, unable to resist the lure of seeing him again and again, of deepening what she hoped was a budding friendship, she’d pushed aside her suspicion instead of finding another dealer.

Now she knew. She didn’t have to touch the sixteen one hundred dollar bills stuffed deep in her jeans pocket to know they were there. One thousand dollars for the dragonfly. She snorted with annoyance.

Sure, it was beautiful, but she’d have seen through that ridiculous offer even if he hadn’t tried to give her a handout moments earlier. Pain had sliced through her, because while she’d melted inside from the heat of his electric touch on her hands, seconds later he’d revealed he only felt sorry for her.

Well, at least it was over. She’d sold him the last of what she and her mother owned that would bring in the amount of cash they needed. She had no clue what they’d do next month, but now she had no reason to see Jake Coburn again.

A lump formed in her throat. She swallowed it down and increased her stride as fat, wet snowflakes began to sink from the city-lit sky above her. Turning the corner, she saw the blue bus at the end of the block, accelerating away from her stop.

“No!”

She ran faster on the slick sidewalk, but it was no use. The taillights grew smaller and smaller until they became a blur, blending with other vehicles and the Christmas lights twinkling along the street.

Loral came to a defeated halt, lungs burning, her breath pluming out to mingle with the snow as she braced her hands on her knees. Another bus wouldn’t come for forty-five minutes, and given the fact that she needed every damn dollar in her pocket, a cab wasn’t even a consideration; she’d have to wait.

Headlights flashed behind her. After a quick glance over her shoulder at a black sedan driving toward her, she straightened and shoved her hands deep into her pockets.

She’d wait for the next bus, just not out here on the freezing street. In the dark. Alone. Walking briskly down the block, she waited for the car to pass. Anxiety rippled along her spine with the realization that it’d slowed to keep pace with her. Her numb fingers curled around the can of pepper spray at the bottom of her pocket.

“Loral? What are you doing?”

Jake’s disapproving voice jerked her attention to the car. Her heart pounded loud in her ears. Not wanting him to see she was cold, she hugged her arms across her middle to stop her shivering as she peered through his passenger side window. He watched her from his leather seats with the street light above casting light onto his head through the sun roof. Great—nothing like adding insult to injury.

She resumed walking. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

The engine of his car revved as he caught up with her again. “Did your Tahoe break down? Do you need me to call someone for you?”

Okay, just shoot me now. She glanced in the direction the bus had disappeared, and lifted her chin while keeping her voice indifferent. “I sold the Tahoe two months ago.”

“You’re not walking home, are you?” The tone of his voice conveyed his disbelief. “It’s below freezing.”

A snowflake caught on her eyelashes, she blinked it away. “I missed my bus and the next one isn’t until eight. I can hardly just sit here and wait.”

“Can’t you call someone?”

She didn’t answer, unwilling to explain that she not only didn’t have a cell phone, but no one to call for help. Like she needed more of his pity tonight.

“No family?” He paused. “A boyfriend?”

She shook her head sharply, still walking as his car inched alongside at an idle.

“Let me give you a ride, then.”

Two years ago she would’ve gladly accepted, following her desire to spend some time with him. Now she forced a smile to her stiff lips and willed her teeth not to chatter. “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll just wait for the next bus. There’s a coffee shop a few blocks from here.”

A horn blasted behind them. Loral flinched, glanced at the irritated driver behind them, and waved Jake onward. “Go. Seriously, I’ll be fine.”

With a rev of the engine, his sleek black car surged forward. She fought disappointment until he swerved sharply into an empty parking spot halfway down the block. Her step slowed as the impatient driver zoomed past. Jake swung from his car and strode toward her with those long legs of his that made him tower over her five feet five inches.

“That coffee shop closes at six,” he told her. “Not enough evening traffic.”

Just her luck. The unfairness in her life threatened to overwhelm her, but she refused to let the useless emotion drown her in the undertow. Things wouldn’t change until her mother was better, and until then, she’d just deal with missed buses and closed coffee shops.

She lifted her head to meet Jake’s gaze, noticing how quickly the snow gathered on his dark hair. Her own hair must be covered. She reached up a hand to brush it off, then wished she hadn’t as the moisture made her fingers even colder and frigid air rushed under the bottom edge of her coat. A shiver shook her shoulders.

Jake muttered under his breath while shrugging out of his black leather jacket. Before she realized his intent, he stepped forward and draped it around her. Immediate warmth permeated her somewhat threadbare coat, lethally combined with the scent of leather and man. Her senses sharpened even as the rest of the world faded away, leaving her unable to do anything more than stare up at him.

He stood close enough to make her knees weak, a hand on either lapel, tugging the jacket tight so she was wrapped in a comforting cocoon of warmth. His eyes reminded her of the melted caramel her grandmother used to drizzle over ice cream.

“Let me take you home, Loral.”

~*~

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