Relationships should be simple, right?

Clay watched his fellow Lighthouse Security Keepers fall for women while on missions. Growing up with chaos, the last thing he wanted was drama… or surprises.

The beautiful concert violinist was just what he hoped for. Smart, talented, and dedicated to the orchestra. And completely separate from his mission chasing drug smugglers.

But Christina had a secret… one that brings her right into the middle of his mission. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe.

Clay wants a relationship that doesn’t start embroiled in a case. He finds that when he follows his love of music to the symphony. A concert violinist catches his eye when she performs a solo and he makes it a point to get to know her.

Christina takes a chance on the handsome admirer, and accepts the invite to breakfast after the concert. This becomes a routine with them as they get to know each other. He knows she has other groups she plays with and she also teaches private students. She is very far removed from his job and his current case.

He gets one big surprise though when the LSI folks attend a Celtic Festival. After watching the sporting events for a while they head to the food and music. It’s the music that startles him especially when he sees the violinist.

This is a favorite scene.

As they finished, everyone clapped and the MC stepped up to the microphone. “Okay, you’ve had a little soft music while some of you were eating, but now it’s time to raise the roof! Let’s give a big welcome to   Amhrán M’anama!”

Clay watched in amazement as a drummer took to the stage and began pounding out a beat to the shouts and cheers in the crowd. He was soon joined by two long-haired young men in kilts, both playing bagpipes, their boots stomping the time on the wooden platform. The music was lively, filling the tent, and everyone tapped their feet in time to the beat. Another man with long hair pulled back into a ponytail, a kilt, and heavy boots ran onto the stage, heading straight to the microphone. He began singing a Celtic rock song.

“Damn, they’re good!” Walker said, his head bobbing to the beat.

“I love this music!” Babs agreed, jumping to her feet and clapping.

Clay grinned and nodded. He had no idea if this band was the same as what he’d heard in the remote bar but couldn’t deny that the music was just as good. The men on stage continued belting out the fast tune, the vocalist encouraging the crowd to clap. Suddenly, another musician bounded onto the stage, causing the crowd to cheer even more. This member was a woman, wearing a miniskirt in a Scottish plaid, spike-heeled boots that went above her knees, and a tight black tank top showing off her curves. Her long, dark, wavy hair tossed wildly about her head as she danced and twirled while playing the fiddle.

Her violin was electric with a wireless amplifier, giving her the freedom to move around as her sound meshed perfectly with the bagpipes. In awe, Clay watched as her hair swirled about her head in wild disarray. Her fingers and bow flew across the strings and as the music mingled with the bagpipes and the drums, her feet alternated between skipping across the stage to the beat and twirling in circles. She was a whirling dervish, never stopping, never hesitating as the music continued to pour forth.

“Holy hell, she’s fuckin’ fantastic!” Blay enthused.

Clay agreed, but a strange wave of possessiveness grabbed hold, and he fought to keep from telling Blay to keep his eyes in his head and his tongue in his mouth. As soon as that thought slammed into him, guilt followed quickly. Christina… I’m involved with Christina. He had never stepped out on a girlfriend, thinking men who cheated were weak. But watching the stage as the fiddler continued to twirl and toss her long hair, seeming to emit the lively music from deep within her soul, he cursed his weakness.

On the last note of the song, she turned toward the drummer, laughing as he grabbed his whiskey and downed it in one gulp, much to the delight of the crowd who roared with approval.

“Meet the members of Amhrán M’anama,” the lead singer called out. “I’m Steven. Dunk is on the drums. Mike and Jamie are on the bagpipes. And, I know you want to know our fiddler… Tiny Monroe!”

The crowd stomped, clapped, and shouted as Clay took to his feet to get a better look at the dark-haired sprite who made magic spark from her fingers. She tossed her hair from her face, offering a wide smile to the admiring gathering. It was when a pair of large, blue-green eyes landed on him, growing wide as her mouth dropped open in surprise that it hit him— he was staring at Christina.
Maryann Jordan. Clay – ARC copy – not for sale or distribution: Lighthouse Security Investigations (Kindle Locations 725-750).

Everyone is delighted to meet Christina and even Clay has to admit he loves the Celtic music. For the first time since playing at a festival she actually took the time with Clay to explore. Checking out the jewelry and clothing as well as the food. In spite of her having a roommate they made time to be together and now even spend time at Clay’s home.

It’s not long after this that Clay and the guys find Christine on the fringes of their investigation. It really was just a coincidence until it’s not.

I think this is my favorite in the series so far. The investigation heats up as does Christina and Clay’s relationship. There’s many twists and turns, plenty of suspense and a bit of hold your breath action as well.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

As an Award Winning, Amazon International Bestselling and All-Star author, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. In 2013 I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers and finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

My first novel, Emma’s Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love’s Series. Soon, other spin-off series came along and 8 of my books have made Amazon top 100 Bestselling books.

Gabe, from the Alvarez Security Series won Silver Medal and 5 Star Review by the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Honor Love was an award winning novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Serial Love was an award finalist novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Coming Home was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Discover Love was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I have just retired and look forward to more time with family and writing!

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 36 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.

When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!