By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

He wanted a family to call his own.
She wanted a fresh start.
What they ended up with was something unexpected.

All Daisy Greene wanted to do was protect her boys. Moving to Killeen was supposed to be a fresh start. A chance at a new life. Only her past came crashing down and threatened to destroy everything she’d worked so hard to achieve. Now she had to rely on a perfect stranger to help her through one of the most challenging times in her life. The last thing she expected was to fall in love.

Liam Murphy had watched his entire team find their soulmates, and all he had was a cat named Spits. Worse, the damn thing hated him. He didn’t begrudge his buddies for their happiness. However, he wanted what they had but seemed to be looking for love in all the wrong places. After being injured during his last mission, he’s tasked with helping out a friend of Craig “Doc” Wagner’s, and in the process, he finds the one thing that has been alluding him his entire adult life: true love.

Only will he be able to save her from a deadly past?

Liam is still on medical leave after being injured on his last deployment. He’s at a barbeque at his team lead Cannon’s home when he’s approached by Doc. Doc and his wife have a friend in need of help. Doc has been supporting her, but he’s got a two-week training mission and can’t at the be at the hearing with her. His also concerned that her ex is escalating and might try to coerce his sons to be compliant.

Daisy is an Olympic Gold Medalist, who was married to her coach, Boris Fedorov. He’s involved in a scandal involving underage girls. The problem is the girls who came forward have changed their stories and he’s free. Daisy has full custody with no visitation, and he now wants that right and Daisy fears for her boys’ state of mind since Boris is a master manipulator.

Daisy was nervous to meet Liam and is surprised at the way she feels when she does. She’s been around physically fit and attractive men before, but none made her feel the way she does now. The idea here is for Liam to be around during the day to watch over her. The boys are safe at school and the school’s both know they aren’t to release them to anyone other than herself.

Then everything changes with a text from Boris. On top of that he does a press conference blaming Daisy for everything. Daisy can’t say a word to her boys about how she feels or it could jeopardize the outcome of the hearing.

This is a favorite scene.

“When I first left Boris, Edwin was so withdrawn and often angry. Mostly it came out sideways and was directed at me, but I know the source was his father. He took the brunt of Boris’ harsh discipline and he also saw some things that he shouldn’t have.”

“Like what?” Liam tempered his anger. This wasn’t about how this affected his emotions or the triggers it brought. It was about two small children and the support system they needed.

“He heard the way Boris treated me. He saw him hit me. He stepped in once and that cost him a sucker punch.”

Liam closed his eyes for a brief moment, taking in a long slow breath. It would take a miracle for him not to beat the shit out of Boris if he ever crossed paths with the man.

“I’m not sure, because Edwin has always clammed up about it, but the psychiatrist believes he might have seen inappropriate behavior on my ex-husband’s part when it comes to teenage girls,” Daisy said softly. “But again, it can’t be me to bring that to the surface. If I’m the one who pulls that information from my son, it will be seen as—”

He pressed his finger over her lips. “I get it and I don’t want you to worry about any of that. Craig has already said he’s willing to take this case. Let him do what he’s good at.”

“This hearing is happening too fast. I can’t lose my boys.”

“I’m not going to let that happen.” He kissed her forehead. “Is it okay with you if I go talk with Edwin?”

She blinked her big doe eyes. “What are you planning on saying to him?”

“I’m going to let him know that I’m a good listener, that’s all.”

“Don’t take it personally if he tells you to leave him alone.”

Liam’s only experience with children was dealing with his buddies’ kids. He’d babysat a few times and he’d been considered cool Uncle Liam. But all he had to do in those situations was show up with gifts, play a little ball, and pretend to think the grown-ups were super annoying.

This was going to be an entirely different kind of conversation.

“What time do we need to leave for school?” he asked.

“Fifteen minutes.”

“I’ll make sure he’s ready.” Liam squared his shoulders. Growing up, his father always told him that half-assing anything was disrespectful to one’s own being. As a teenager, that statement drove Liam bonkers. However, he’d completely understood what his dad had meant by the time he got to West Point. Commitment and dedication to action were the cornerstones to his father’s philosophy in life. He believed in hard work as well as putting time and energy into relaxing. Life was all about balance. Being lazy had its place when it was time to put your feet up and take a breather from the fast pace of life.

He lifted his fist and tapped his knuckle against the door. “Hey, Edwin, it’s Liam, can I come in?”

“Whatever,” Edwin called.

Liam pushed open the door.

Edwin sat on his bed holding his glove and baseball in his hands. He glanced up. “Are you going to lecture me?”

“Nope.” Liam sat down on the edge of the mattress. His entire childhood had been filled with love and kindness. Sure, he had difficult times and he got angry with his parents. They fought, but to him, that was a normal part of being a teenager, especially when his father banned him from driving the convertible. That totally sucked and it had been embarrassing to tell his girlfriend at the time he couldn’t take her out in the vintage Mustang. Turned out, she didn’t care about Liam at all, but only wanted a ride in the damn car.

That had happened more than once.

And not just with the vehicle. The moment some girls got wind that his dad had his own plane, Liam became a hot commodity.

“Why are you here anyway?” Edwin tossed the ball up in the air and caught it in his glove.

Liam’s areas of expertise were in foreign language, search and rescue, and counterterrorism. He had a basic understanding of six languages and spoke four fluently. That did not include brooding preteens. “Doc asked me to support you, your brother, and your mom while his team’s deployed.”

“Is it necessary for you to spend the night?”

“Does my presence bother you?”

“I just don’t understand why.” Edwin set the ball and glove aside and shifted. “My mom’s been acting strange lately and now you show up. I want to know the reason.”

“You’re a smart kid. I believe you already know the answer to that.” Liam made sure he chose his words carefully. He didn’t want to be part of the problem. However, something told him that Edwin wanted to someone to talk to; he didn’t know how to go about it or who to trust.

“My mom keeps giving me nonanswers. Or suggests I talk to the therapist. I hate that.”

“I probably would too if I were you.”

“Why does she do that?”

“That’s a complicated answer and it’s not my place to—”

“You’re just like the rest of them.” Edwin jumped to his feet. “This meeting with the judge affects me. My life.” He tapped the center of his chest. “I have a right to know what I’m up against.”

“I’m going to ask you a question and I’d like it if you gave me a straight answer.”

Edwin scoffed. “Right, because you grown-ups do the same for us kids.”

“The adults in your life are doing two things.” Liam held up two fingers. “The first one is they are trying to protect you and your brother from anything that could harm you. The second one is they are being forced to play by a set of rules that don’t even make sense to them and that’s scary.”

“That’s the closest thing to a real answer I’ve gotten from anyone,” Edwin said quietly. “What do you want to ask me?”

“It’s pretty simple, but it might not be easy to articulate.” Liam held the young boy’s gaze. “What do you want the outcome of this hearing to be?”

“If I had my way, I’d never have to sit in front of a judge and say anything and now my mom keeps telling Oliver and me that it’s important we’re truthful, but she doesn’t want to hear what we have to say.”

“That’s not true.”

“Then why won’t she talk to us?”

“Because of those rules I mentioned.” Damn, this was complicated as fuck. “You understand what the judge will be deciding, right?”

Edwin nodded. “Whether or not my dad will have visitation and possibly custody.”

“You know what custody means?”

“It’s who we live with most of the time.”

“It’s more than that,” Liam said. “It’s who gets to make decisions for you and if it appears your mom put words in your mouth, that could be used against her. We don’t want that.”

“She’s explained that part.”

“Good.” Liam nodded. “So, even if you were to tell her exactly what you wanted, and she smiled or frowned or made any kind of body movement that made you feel like your response pleased or displeased her, the judge could take that as a sign she’s pressuring your statements.”

“That’s not fair. We live with her.”

“Dude, none of this is fair.” Liam remained seated, where he was eye level. He hoped that continued to help the boy feel as though he was in a safe place. “Unfortunately, you’re going to learn that there are a lot of things in life that aren’t, but for the time being, you can express anything you want to me, including what you’re thinking and feeling right now, especially with what your dad just did.”

“I want to stay with my mom. She knows that and I’ve told the therapist we want to live here. We’ve also said that to Doc. I don’t see why I have to go to Dallas and tell a judge.”

“Are you afraid of seeing your father?”

Edwin’s mouth drew into a tight line. His clenched his fists at his sides. That spoke more than words ever could. The anger that resonated from his body was palpable. “He puts a lot of pressure on us to choose him.”

“When was the last time you spoke to him?” Edwin glanced around the room. He rubbed his hands against his thighs.

“A while ago,” he mumbled.

“Would you be willing to let me know if he reaches out to you again?”

“Will you tell my mom?”

Oh boy. That was a tough one. “That depends on the nature of what your father says and expects from you.” Liam took a chance and rested his hands on Edwin’s shoulders. He lowered his chin, making sure to catch the boy’s gaze. He didn’t want to press too hard on this first intense conversation. His main goal was to establish trust. “If I feel that it’s something your mom needs to know, you and I will work on a game plan to inform her.”

“Okay.”

Liam stood. “I’ll let you finish getting ready for school. We need to leave soon.”

“You’re driving me?”

“I sure am.”

“Cool.”
Jen Talty. Shielding Daisy – Jen Talty (Kindle Locations 526-600). Kindle Edition.

Not only is Liam falling for Daisy, but he’s also falling for her children. They’re bright, happy, and enthusiastic young people in spite of everything going on.

This is a very emotional book, and Craig the PI hired by Liam more than accomplishes the job he’s hired to do.

Plenty of laughter, tears, some action, romance and sizzle as this story unfolds.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

The Wedding Driver:
He’s been making dreams come true for a decade.
Never in a million years
did he believe his dream
was a boat ride away.

Tonya Johnson has been in love with the elusive Foster Landon for as long as she can remember. However, other than their mutual business arrangement of her wedding planning business and the fact that he takes newlyweds around the bay on his antique boat shortly after their nuptials, he barely gives her the time of day. Well, she’s tired of being ignored and decides it’s time Foster Landon takes her out on a proper date.

Foster Landon had his heart broken once, and he doesn’t plan on letting that happen again. While he believes in love, it’s not for him. Not anymore. That is until Tonya asked him to take him for a boat ride. And not a wedding ride. He should say no, but he couldn’t resist her smile. Besides, of all the wedding planners in the area, she brought him the most business. Who was he to say no? However, he wasn’t prepared to lose his heart and find himself wanting to become a groom.

Tonya is about to ask Foster on a date as he’s preparing to take her sister and her new husband on a cruise around the lake. However, he beats her to it and invites her out.

They’ve been friends and business partners for a long time and they’ve both felt more is between them. While Tonya is ready for more, it’s Foster who has much to overcome. They’ve been having pseudo-dates by watching series or movies together and enjoying each other’s company. So, for most couples this is just a natural progression.

Before the date Foster talks with his boss and friend Doug, this is where we learn much about Foster’s past and how it plays into not only this relationship but also the future.

Tonya gets nervous before the date as well, and her sister helps her overcome her fears. Tonya wants more but doesn’t want to lose the friendship.

Nothing could have prepared her for the conversation on that date.

This is a favorite scene.

She pushed herself up, sitting cross-legged. “This is just a first date.”

He followed suit, facing her and taking her hands. “When Lisa died, a piece of me went with her.”

Tonya opened her mouth, but he hushed her by pressing a finger over her lips.

“You know I’ve spent years in therapy working really hard not to be this angry shell of a man. I’m trying to have a life, but even if I can get to the point where I want to be in a long-term relationship, I don’t know that I can give you what you want and deserve.”

“What is it that you think I want?”

“Marriage. Kids.” His throat went dry the moment the latter word hit his lips. His heart raced, and not in a good way. His toes itched to feel a hard surface. The sudden urge to run overtook all the tender and warm feelings he had for Tonya.

And yet, a little voice in the back of his mind begged him to stay.

She lowered her gaze and fiddled with her thumbnail. “Perhaps those are things I want in the future. But you and I have barely started any kind of romantic relationship. Why are we discussing them now?”

“Because you need to know that I don’t believe I can give you those things.” He took her chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I’ve been denying my feelings for you for a long time and not just because I’m afraid that I can’t do this. Living my life scares the crap out of me. Really starting my life over means I have to hold that mirror up and take a good look at who I am, and I haven’t done that.”

She palmed his cheek. “My grandfather has always told me that without risk, there is no reward.”

“Your grandpa has a saying for everything.”

“They are often true,” she said. “We care about each other. If we don’t try, we’ll both wonder. Do you want that?”

“At this juncture, no.” He brushed his lips over hers in a tender, slow kiss. She tasted like a mixture of strawberries and sunshine. It was intoxicating and he wasn’t sure he could ever stop. “At the same time, I don’t want to—”

“Stop,” she whispered. “I appreciate what you’re saying. But I don’t need you to treat me with kid gloves. Let’s enjoy the moment and see where this takes us.”

“I’m so in over my head.” He pulled her onto his lap, cradling her in his arms. He had no control over what he was feeling anymore. If he ended things right now, it would leave them both reeling, which wouldn’t be healthy. Taking a leap of faith was his only option. Even if deep down, he believed his heart was broken and it would never mend to the point that he’d be whole.

Maybe it would be enough.

Perhaps he could pull himself into the present to the point he could be the kind of man Tonya deserved.

He took her mouth in a hot, passionate kiss. Totally improper for the surroundings. He had no idea who was watching, if anyone. And at this point, he didn’t actually care. He’d forgotten how good it felt to have close human contact. He allowed himself to get lost in the moment.

Lost in Tonya.

Until he heard someone splashing in the water nearby.

“Foster? Is that you?” a female voice rang out.

He cringed. He knew that voice and he had never wanted to hear it again. The last time he had spoken to Kathy, it hadn’t gone well. It never did. He dropped his forehead to Tonya’s and took in a deep cleansing breath before he blinked open his eyes. He turned. “Hi, Kathy,” he managed. Being niceish would be the only way to get through this awkward moment.

Kathy treaded in the water on the side of the boat with two other women. He recognized one of them as her cousin. He had no idea who the other one was and he didn’t care.

“What are you doing here?” Kathy asked.

A sarcastic reply filled his mouth, but he swallowed it. Kathy could give as good as she got, and he wasn’t ready to explain to Tonya his past relationship with Kathy. Though he probably should. However, this wasn’t the right time or space.

“Enjoying a nice Sunday.” He saw no need to elaborate any further. Kathy hadn’t taken their breakup well. She desperately wanted to be there for him and comfort him in his time of grief. Or that’s what she kept telling him, only her actions didn’t match up with someone who understood what he had experienced. Kathy had been selfish and wanted the life she envisioned and that wasn’t something he’d been capable of back then, much less with her.

While he never blamed Kathy for his daughter’s death, she was the reason he’d been absent, and being around her was a constant reminder of his failure. Even now, it pulled up that pain, torturing his soul.

“I’m surprised to see you here with a lady,” Kathy said. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Foster remembered the last time he saw Kathy. It had been six months ago when he’d been having lunch with Doug and Jim. He’d been working on a remodel project with them and they’d stopped at Jim’s favorite sandwich shop. Kathy had been there picking up a to-go order.

She spent the last month texting him about how good he looked and how proud she was of him for getting his life back on track. He’d been kind and said thank you, but then came the message suggesting they get together. He’d been firm in his response, and again, she hadn’t taken it well. She’d always felt they had unfinished business.

There was nothing left between them. He’d made that clear on several occasions.

“Tonya, this is Kathy.” He leaned back on his hands, making sure one was behind Tonya’s back, touching her hip, as if he were staking his claim, or perhaps just making sure that Kathy saw the physical contact.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Tonya said. Her voice had a slight twitch to it. That always happened when she was either uncomfortable or felt overwhelmed in any given situation.

“Likewise.” Kathy smiled, but it wasn’t the kind of smile that told someone they were happy to share the same space.

Kathy could cut someone to the bone when she felt backed into a corner or had been hurt. Foster had learned that the hard way. He honestly had thought she’d understand his need to be alone after the fire. That he couldn’t be in a relationship with her after what happened, especially during the sentencing of Victoria.

“I heard that your wedding boat ride business is doing quite well.” Kathy turned her focus to Foster.

“I’m booked all summer, mostly thanks to Tonya,” he said proudly. “She’s an amazing wedding and party planner. The best around town.”

“Oh. You don’t say. Does your business have a name?” Kathy asked.

“Events to Remember by Tonya Johnson,” Tonya interjected.

“A friend of mine used you for a baby shower last summer. You do good work.” Kathy glanced over her shoulder, waving to a bunch of people in a large cruiser. “Well, we better get back to our friends, but Foster, we should really get together sometime and catch up. We have some stuff to chat about.”

“No, we don’t.” That flew out of his mouth quickly and with a touch of animosity laced in every word. He hadn’t even thought about it, which he probably should have, but it was too late now.

Tonya lowered her chin, looking surprised by his abruptness.

“I’ll be in touch.” Kathy turned and swam off.

Thank God for small favors.
Jen Talty. The Wedding Driver – Jen Talty (Kindle Locations 702-764). Kindle Edition.

There are many ups and downs in this relationship.  With each of them battling their own demons.

Foster needs some sort of closure and he’s not willing to let go of his memories. He’s also going to do what he can for his ex, even though it doesn’t really help her, just prolongs things.

This book has laughter, lots of tears, and of course a HEA.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

It was the case that ended his career…
and broke his heart.

Not much happens in the city of Langley, especially in the dead of winter, and that’s precisely the way newly assigned Chief of Police Jagar Bowie prefers it.

For years, Jag served the city of Seattle as one of its finest homicide detectives. He solved more murders than anyone else in his department. But it was the one he hadn’t solved that ruined his career and still haunted his dreams. No matter how hard he tries, he can’t stop searching for the Trinket Killer.

And he can’t get Callie Dixon out of his heart.

When Callie Dixon returned to Seattle to finish her book about her time as a reporter covering the Trinket Killer, her own sister’s death, and the police officer who botched the case and stole her heart, she never expected history would repeat itself.

But that’s exactly what happened.

And now her life, and heart are on the line.

A cop and an investigative reporter are an interesting mix. Jager and Callie were the perfect couple until the investigation that brought them together, tears them apart. Callie’s sister is a victim of the ‘Trinket Killer’. It’s her death that triggers Callie into a spiral of accusations and guilt that lead to her losing her job and her fiancé.

Now a year later, Callie’s written a book about the case, one that puts the victims in the forefront. She’s interviewed many people and put together many things that weren’t part of the original investigation and botched arrest.

Jager also fell to the aftermath of that investigation, but he’s in a better place now. As Chief of Police of Whidbey Island, the most exciting part of the day is a speeding ticket. When Callie shows up it seems all those feelings are going to come back to the surface. She’s come to apologize for her actions and also to get an interview with him for the book.

This is a favorite scene.

“I know you’ve read some of it, or you wouldn’t be this mad.”

“The title pissed me off enough that I didn’t have to open it.” He pushed back the chair and gripped the door handle. “I don’t know why I thought we could be nice to each other. But we can’t. So, I think it’s best if you go.”

“I can also tell you didn’t read the last chapter.” She gathered up her things and shoved them in her backpack. “I’ll save you the effort.” She stood and closed the gap between them. She stood so close he could feel the heat rising off her skin, coating his like a weighted blanket meant to protect, only he felt stifled and unable to move. “Stephanie knew the Trinket Killer.”

“Well, duh, we both came to that conclusion at the crime scene,” he said with a little more sarcasm than was warranted.

“The Trinket Killer has a type. Women with—”

“Tell me something I don’t know, or leave,” he said with a dark tone. One of the reasons he couldn’t sleep more than an hour or two was because his dreams were haunted with visions of someone murdering Callie. A nightmare he couldn’t escape until the Trinket Killer was caught.

Only the bastard had to strike again for that to happen, and it had been a year.

“The crime scene changed subtly three times over the course of twelve murders. The first time had been at murder six when he went from gold to silver trinkets. But I also found that other than my sister, those last victims either wore contacts or glasses. The other victims didn’t.”

He opened his mouth but snapped it shut. It was an interesting point, one that had been overlooked and could speak to victimology.

“Another pattern I started to notice was height. While all relatively tall and slender, the first girls were all over five six, and some could be a little more curvy than others with larger breasts and all had implants, which was noted but tossed when the trinkets changed.”

“It didn’t appear relevant at the time, considering I had dead bodies piling up, and some had implants and others didn’t. All we knew was pretty young blond women who were professionals.”

“Well, the latter victims were closer to five foot five with small breasts, except my sister. My sister didn’t fit the current MO. So, either something changed with the Trinket Killer, or my sister stepped in the killer’s way.”

“Or both,” he said with an arched brow. “This is not earth-shattering information.”

She pulled out a piece of paper and shoved it in his face. “Do the math, something I didn’t even think about a year ago because it wouldn’t have made sense to.”

He held the timeline of victims and their deaths with all the information she just spewed in his hands. “What the fuck am I looking at, Callie?”

“Victim number six literally happened the night we ran into each other at McCurdy’s. The first night we slept together.”

“I remember the night, not the day of the week or month.” He scratched the side of his head. “And so?”

“I never told you this, but the Trinket Killer contacted me.”

He let go of the door handle. His jaw slacked open. “Jesus, Callie. You were fucking the lead detective on the case, and you just don’t think to tell him, oh, by the way, I spoke to the killer the other day.”

“It wasn’t like that, and I didn’t actually speak to the killer, but he left me a couple of notes. They are in the book in the last chapter.”

“He contacted you more than once?”

“The first time was after his ninth murder, and the note said: this one’s for him. At first, I didn’t know it was from the killer or what it even meant until he did it again with the next two murders.”

“You should have told me,” he said. “Those notes could have had prints.”

“I had an independent lab—”

“Save the justification. I’m not even sure why I’m standing here listening because I’m not a detective anymore. I’m the chief of police of a very small town where stopping someone for running a red light is the most thrilling part of my day.”

She set her purse on the desk and pulled out a plastic envelope. “Okay. Then this will be in your jurisdiction.”

“What is it?”

“A note from the Trinket Killer that was left in front of my door at the Saratoga Inn this morning.”
Jen Talty. Investigate Away (Kindle Location 469-504). Jupiter Press.

With a bunch of trinkets they are suddenly on the look-out for the killer to resurface. When he does, it’s as bad as ever. Jager isn’t in charge of the investigation and Callie isn’t a reporter anymore. They will have to work together to dissect the evidence of the previous murders and find the clues to identify the killer once and for all.

I absolutely loved this book, I was on the edge of my seat through it all. I was also wrong in all my guesses as to who the killer was. The way Callie and Jager become involved romantically again is full of ups and downs with romance, laughter and tears too.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

Her world as she knew stopped.
And then he walked in.

Tiki Johnson had a perfect life. A wonderful career and a loving boyfriend. Or so she thought. In an instant, everything changed. Her boyfriend left her for another woman—her boss—who decided her services were no longer needed. Feeling as though she needs a break from life, she takes the family boat to the narrows for a camping trip. Alone. All she wants is a little time and space to re-group and plan her next steps. She never expected to meet a sexy stranger who offers her a distraction from her problems.

Lake Grant has been going to Lake George for years. He loves to camp and fish and spend time forgetting whom his mother is while pretending he doesn’t come from New York royalty. When he first meets Tiki, he’s totally amused by her inability to camp, but even more, so that she has no idea who he is. It’s a novelty he’s not used to. And frankly, he doesn’t trust. However, the longer he spends time with Tiki, the more his heart begs him to do the one thing he swore to his mother he’d never do.

Fall in love.

All in one horrible day, Tiki Johnson lost just about everything, her job first followed by her boyfriend. The one was good riddance the other economics but they both hurt. After commiserating with her sisters, she decides to go camping alone. The real thing on one of the islands, not like they used to do in the yard. She has the skills; her father just couldn’t bring himself to take them to the real campsites after his brother died. She’s going to use this time to write a book. It was her passion to become an author one day but had listened to someone who shouldn’t have mattered and let the dream die.

Lake Grant goes camping every year at the same time. No one knows where he goes exactly since he has his assistant lay a fake trail to the Caribbean. Being the acquisitions editor at Grant Publishing takes all his time and he really wants to write his own book. It will also give the tabloids time to turn their attention elsewhere. He’d been photographed with Sarah, an old college girlfriend, now friend and they’d been all over it. She was dating his friend Paolo and knew the important question was going to be asked very soon. The gossip just wouldn’t leave it alone.

Lake is already set up when Tiki arrives her boat laden with supplies. Being a gentleman, he assists her in getting everything to her campsite next to his and he extends the offer of help should she need it. Turns out she does and invites him to dinner. It’s as they are enjoying the wine he brought, that she asks what he does for a living. She’s surprise to find he’s an acquiring editor and he gets a bit suspicious.

This is a favorite scene.

“Truth be told, that’s one of the many reasons I decided to go camping alone. To work on a novel. But I can’t say I have something worth pitching to an editor yet, so it would be silly for me to waste your time. Besides, that’s not why you’re here.”

“I appreciate that.” Lake rested his hands on the table. “To be honest, when I tell people what I do, either they tell me about the great American novel that they haven’t written yet but plan to or shove their manuscript in my face and tell me I’m going to want to offer them a contract immediately.”

“That sounds unpleasant and I can promise you that I won’t do either. However, I do have another question. Do you only take agented material?”

“In general, yes. But that doesn’t mean I won’t look at an unagented novel. It just depends on how I come across the author. I attend two conferences a year where I take pitches. Those come in from authors who aren’t represented. Every once in a blue moon, I find a diamond in the rough. Occasionally, a writer approaches me somewhere and the idea blows me away, so I’m intrigued, and I’ll ask to see the first chapter or two. But outside of that, I usually let agents vet the material for me.”

Tiki wanted to ask for a business card, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She could hear Tayla’s voice whispering in the back of her mind that she was missing a golden opportunity, but she did have a week before she and Lake parted as neighbors. That should give her enough time to establish the idea she wasn’t going to be one of those crazy writers he spoke of.

However, the problem she faced was the fact that even though she had written a few things over the years, nothing was ready to be seen by a publisher. Or even an agent. If she wrote every single day and her sisters and Gael were still willing to be her beta readers, she might have something in a month.

But that was if all the stars were aligned.

“You don’t have to worry about me talking your ear off about my book. I’ve barely flushed it out and I’m kind of fumbling around with it. So, I’m nowhere near ready to share it with a seasoned editor.”

“I don’t do this for everyone, but I’ll give you my business card, and when your novel is finished, feel free to send it to me. If it’s not something I personally am interested in, and if I think it’s good, I’ll recommend it to another editor at my publishing house.”

“That’s very kind of you, but you don’t even know the genre. What if you don’t publish what I write?”

“I know people. If it’s good, I’ll get it in front of someone who will.”

“And if it sucks?” She inhaled slowly and let it out with a swish. That was exactly the kind of attitude that had been crushing her dream for years. Butterflies jumped around in her belly. In high school, most of her teachers told her she had a flair for the written word. That praise continued in college. However, all it took was one person to read some of her fiction work and tell her that she didn’t have it. That what she’d written was basically garbage. That no editor or agent would give it breath.

Tiki never took into consideration the source of this critique. Because it came from a person in power and someone she admired, she took it as gospel instead of either one person’s opinion or, perhaps, one person’s jealousy.

And then there was Josh. His criticism didn’t come in the form of a critique of her work. No, he had a special way of making her feel bad about herself in general. He could have been trying to tear her down, something she had to come to terms with, and that was something she didn’t enjoy facing.

Her sisters were something entirely different. While they did often give her negative feedback, it was always laced with how much they loved it and how talented they thought she was. They loved her and would always have her back.

“Will you be honest with me? Or will I get some standard rejection letter? Or some kind words like it’s good but not for us.”

“What would you like?” Lake held her gaze. He had such honest eyes and it drove her crazy. It was as if she could see right past his heart and into his soul. Even with the sensitivity he carried, he also had a touch of mystery to him which drew her in like a piece of candy on Halloween.

“Complete honesty,” she said without reservation as she stiffened her spine. “I want to know if I have what it takes.”

“What have others told you about your work?”

That was a loaded question. Insecurity settled in her gut, swirling around like a massive hurricane waiting to make landfall. She’d stopped showing anyone her work because she worried she wouldn’t be able to take their criticism. If it was praise, she wouldn’t believe them, so it was quite the conundrum. “No one whose opinion matters has seen it.”

He pursed his lips and tilted his head. “Most authors wouldn’t admit to something like that. May I ask how long you’ve been writing to be published?”

She glanced at her watch. “About five hours.”

“Are you writing longhand? Or did you bring a laptop?”

After they’d gotten her campsite settled, she’d taken her computer and sat on the other side of the tent, out of view of Lake, but not so much because she didn’t want him to see her, but because of where the sun came through the trees. “I’m doing both, but I prefer the click of my fingers on the keyboard. Plus, my brain works so fast it’s hard to write longhand. I tend to jot ideas down and outline. Or at least that’s what I think my process will be.”

“Do you have a book plotted? Or do you think you’re a pantser?”

“Oh, I don’t believe in pantsing. That’s just one big hot mess of an outline.”

Lake arched a brow. “How do you know if you just started writing to be published?”

“I’ve been dabbling in writing my whole life. And while I don’t have anything that I think is publishable, I have written things. Short stories and what I guess you would call novellas since I was in middle school. I’ve started a dozen novels; however, I never finished one. Not because I didn’t think I could, but because it wasn’t something anyone thought was a bonified career path. Even me way back when.”

“What is it that you do now?”

“I’m between jobs,” she admitted. “But I was a paralegal.”

“Lawyers are usually excellent writers because they understand the English language better than the average person.”

She chuckled. “I’m not a lawyer, but English— specifically literature— was my favorite subject.”

“How do you feel about me taking a look at your work now?” He raised his glass and sipped, but his gaze never left hers and it was unnerving.

Along with the suggestion.

She’d barely shown people she loved what she’d been working on over the last few years.

Sharing it with a complete stranger while it was raw and unedited could be disastrous considering what Lake did for a living. He could take one look at the crappy words she’d put on the screen and her career would be over before it started.

“It’s a rough draft. And I mean rough. What I wrote today I haven’t had the chance to go back and fix up and make look pretty.”

“I’ve been editing for a long time and there is a huge difference between good writing and good storytelling. The former means nothing if you can’t master the latter. I can overlook bad grammar and spelling and even some stupid rookie mistakes if an author has a unique voice and can tell a fabulous story.”

“I bet you say that to all the girls.”

“Only to the ones whom I help set up tents with.” He winked. “This is an opportunity because you happen to be at the campsite next to me and you’re not being pushy. I believe I am a good judge of character and you’re being genuine with me, so I don’t mind. I can tell you if what you’re doing has merit and give you some suggestions on where to go so that you have the best chance of getting picked up by a publisher or an agent, or both. Or whatever it is you want. If I were you, I’d take advantage of it.”

She lifted her gaze and focused on the setting sun. The sky had turned a breathtaking purplish-blue. A few boats hummed by the island. Laughter filled the cool summer air. “I’ll be honest, I’m utterly terrified to show you because if you tell me that I’m so far off the mark, I’ll be packing up this tent and going home to look for a real job.”

He reached across the table, grabbed her hand, and squeezed. “Writing is a real job and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Now go get me your computer and I’ll have you email me what you’ve got.”

She blew out a puff of air as if to get rid of her fear. Only it stayed as a big pit of energy in the center of her gut. “All right. But if it’s the worst slosh you’ve ever read, please let me down easy.”
Jen Talty. Shattered Dreams ARC (Kindle Locations 837-908). Jupiter Press.

Tiki hasn’t explored the actual publishing world yet. She wants to have something worthy of submitting before diving into that. As such she’s never heard of Lake, a fact he finds hard to believe. Especially from an aspiring author. He just can’t help himself from offering to read what she has written so far.

There’s a definite attraction, and since things are going well, you just know something has to happen. Indeed, it does and not in a pleasant way.

I couldn’t put this book down, there was something fun, interesting, sexy, or intriguing on just about every page.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

Life has a way of coming full circle—
we just have to open our hearts
and let go of the past.

As a little girl, all Payton Wheeler dreamed about was coming to Montana and living at her grandfather’s ranch. However, life took a different turn and instead of following her dreams, she followed the path of least resistance. That is until her granddad passed away and left her the Wheeler Creek Ranch. Only, the people of Montana view Payton as an outsider and it appears they will do whatever it takes to scare Payton right back to where she came from, including murdering a gray wolf on her land.

However, nothing is as it seems and those responsible for the threats to Payton might be closer than she thinks.

Justice Kane grew up in a world where he couldn’t trust those around him and love was a foreign concept. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe in it. He’d seen what true love could be like for other people.

However, because of his past, Justice would never be able to open his heart and allow himself to be vulnerable. That is until he was assigned to protect Payton Wheeler. She changed everything.

And he would do whatever it took to protect her from the pains of the past. Even if that meant it had to rip open a few old wounds to do it.

Payton inherited her grandfather’s ranch. It was not unexpected since her father had no interest in it not even when he was growing up there. However, she had done some time in the family’s business of real estate before taking the reins of the ranch. This makes it difficult for the residents of * to trust her intentions.

Her grandfather had been a big endorser of saving the gray wolf population in Yellowstone and so is she. When a wolf is found dead in a pasture it’s an escalation that is now interrupted as a threat. As such her ranch foreman Colin calls the Brotherhood Protectors to investigate the issue and to protect Payton.

Justice Kane’s journey to the Brotherhood Protectors started with a dysfunctional family. His father was abusive, and his mother had left him behind. This lead to him befriending Kane, who’s family more or less became his own and when he joined the army Kane went with him. Now retired from the service they both work for Brotherhood Protectors new office in Yellowstone. The area reminds Justice of where he grew up in Lake Placid.

Protecting Payton Wheeler would be his first solo job and he was determined to solve the threats while keeping her safe. He just didn’t expect to be so attracted to her.

Payton’s father is also a bit of a pain, calling every day but when he suggests he should come out Payton has to put a stop to it.

This is a favorite scene.

Payton had often felt suffocated by her mother’s love. It was the kind of love that came with a price tag. It wasn’t conditional, so to speak, because no matter what, Payton felt loved. She knew her mom cared deeply. Maybe too deep. The amount of affection her mother was willing to give was in direct correlation with Payton’s decisions. If her mom approved, then all was good in the world. If she didn’t, well, her mom knew how to hold a grudge.

She sighed.

She needed to accept the fact that her mother did hold her love hostage. That didn’t make her mom a bad person. Her mom wanted certain things from life and she demanded her family respect her wishes.

“And to be honest, I have to admit, with all that is happening, so am I. It’s a different world out there. They have a different code that they live by. Even I’m considered an outsider now and I was born and raised there.”

“There are a lot of people who come here and make Montana their home. I’ll be accepted. I have to stay the course.” She leaned back in her chair. The sound of the front door closing caught her attention.

It had been so quiet, she almost forgot she had company.

She glanced at the clock on the wall.

Eight in the morning.

She’d stepped outside and had chatted with Davey for about a half hour. That had been around seven thirty.

She wondered what time Justice woke and where he’d been. Who had he talked to? What had he found out?

Did he have breakfast? Coffee? Had he had a shower yet?

Christ.

That last thought she needed like she needed another restless night.

“Besides, aren’t you the one who told me that you weren’t greeted with open arms the moment you landed in Manhattan? That you were tested at every turn and people didn’t trust you and did things to undermine you?”

“You’re right. All that is true. But most people in this city aren’t carrying guns and get their point across with violence,” her dad said. “I know you loved your grandpa. And I’m sorry that he and I didn’t have a great relationship for your sake. But this isn’t how you prove your love for him. You can sell the ranch. I’m sure there are a number of buyers ready—”

“I’m not selling.” She pulled off another small piece of her bagel and shoved it in her mouth. She had to keep her parents from getting on a plane. For as long as she could remember, her parents had always tried to make her decisions. One summer they even went as far as to try to cancel her trip out west.

Her grandfather put a stop to that, thankfully.

She understood they wanted the best for their daughter, but what they failed to take into consideration was that their vision for her future didn’t match up to Payton’s desires. She did what her parents had planned for her life, not what she had dreamed about doing since she’d been a ten-year-old little girl.

Now that she had the chance to follow her dreams, she wasn’t going to let her parents bully her out of this opportunity because they couldn’t— wouldn’t— relinquish control. She felt like her father generally played Switzerland, and sometimes it appeared like he privately took her side and did what he could to persuade her mom.

But not this time.

Looking back on her life, when it came to where she went to college or what she did with her life careerwise, her parents called the shots.

“That kind of life is hard,” her father said. “Your grandfather was only seventy-three when he died. That ranch put him into the grave early. Not to mention that it’s a difficult way to earn a living.”

“You know as well as I do that the Wheeler Creek Ranch is financially healthy, so let’s not have that conversation again.” She was tired of listening to how much more she’d earn if she stayed in Manhattan. It didn’t matter to her that she gave up millions to run a ranch that would only net her half her salary at the other family business. “I’m not going to keep having the same argument with you, Dad.” She glanced up and smiled at Justice, who stood in the doorway with a tall mug of something steaming from the top.

He leaned against the doorjamb and smiled back.

Her heart dropped to her gut.

Damn.

She’d noticed him last night, but she hadn’t gotten the full picture with his broad shoulders and thick biceps with ink all up and down his arms.

He hadn’t shaved and she liked the scruffy look on him.

Truthfully, she more than liked a lot about Justice. He was everything that she had been told not to like in a man and that made him even more appealing.

But mostly, he’d been nothing short of a gentleman. He’d been kind, considerate, and damn freaking sweet.

“If you’re not going to sell, then what are you doing to protect yourself? Because I can’t leave my little girl out there all alone.”

Shit. She told herself she wasn’t going to say a single word about the Brotherhood Protectors. But she didn’t want her father showing up unannounced either, and the longer she talked to her dad, the more she realized she didn’t have a choice. “I’m not alone, Daddy. You don’t need to worry. I hired a professional.”

“A professional what? And why didn’t you tell me that at the start of this conversation? You could have saved me a ton of aggravation.”

“A bodyguard and I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to have this discussion, but if it will keep you from coming, then so be it.”

Justice arched a brow as he blew into his mug.

She didn’t understand why he gave her such an amused look. That’s exactly what he’d been hired to do.

“Seriously?” her father asked. “Who? What do you know about this person? Are you sure they are legit?”

“Yes, Dad. He’s from an organization called the Brotherhood Protectors. They are all ex-military. If— and this is a big if— someone is trying to hurt me, they will have to go through him, and trust me, he’s like a gladiator or something.”

Justice covered his mouth and stifled a laugh.

She glared.

“I guess that makes me feel better and I’ll pass that on to your mother. But you better call me if something happens. I will be on the first plane out there. Or better yet, we can put that place on the market.”

“Goodbye, Dad. I love you.”

“Seriously, young lady—”

“Dad. I’ve got to go. I’ll call if there’s a problem.”

“You better,” her father said. “I love you, too.”

She set the phone on the table, keeping her gaze on her bagel. She wasn’t sure if it was the conversation with her father that had made her feel like she wanted to jump out of her skin.

Or the man standing and staring at her.

“I’m not sure anyone has ever described me as a gladiator before,” Justice said as he made himself comfortable in the chair next to hers.
Jen Talty. Guarding Payton (Kindle Locations 687-743). Twisted Page Press, LLC.

We learn a secret about Payton before Justice does and it sort of shifts the investigation. There are just so many people that have motive to drive Payton away.

I really love the way the romance works its way into the story and the way the intrigue gradually builds.

I really have to get the rest of the books in this latest group for Brotherhood Protectors World. They are all written by some of my favorite authors.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

Everyone needed a safe harbor to sail into.
This was his.

Shelby Manzo has spent a lifetime taking care of everyone else, leaving no room for romance. Not even when romance came knocking. So, when her brother goes missing, bringing her to the small town of Lighthouse Cove, she’s forced to not only let others take care of her, but allow the man she’d given her heart to five years ago back into her life.

Rhett Kirby never thought he’d see Shelby again. He’d put her memory in a tiny box in his mind, bringing her out when he needed a smile. However, now that she was in his town, needing his help, he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to watch her drive away. Her heart was his to protect.

Shelby’s brother Chris and his girlfriend Jackie are missing, their hotel room looked as though it had been searched. She doesn’t know what’s going on but she’s grateful for being in Lighthouse Cove, since the police in Jacksonville immediately decided Chris was on a bender and would surface when he needs money.

The other reason is Rhett, she still has feelings for him after the time they spent together in the keys. Neither of them was able to commit to more than that time together. It was a time where she was able to let go of all the pain she felt inside and enjoy life for a while.

With the discovery of a counterfeit bill in the room, Shelby is even more concerned about Chris and Jackie, wondering what they could possibly be involved with. She knew she couldn’t leave Lighthouse Cove until she got answers, but she still needs somewhere to stay. It’s Rhett who comes up with the solution.

This is a favorite scene.

However. He was a different man than he had been five years ago. He’d done the right thing by letting her go, and he could be professional now. But his mother wanted him to keep a close eye on her, which meant either he talked her into staying in his guest room…

Or Melinda, Emmett’s ex-girlfriend, could put her up at the Landon Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. But that meant sleeping in his Jeep. Again.

He really didn’t want to do that.

But he would if he had to for the integrity of the case.

He glanced at his watch. It was pushing seven in the evening. It wasn’t that long of a drive back up to Jacksonville, and she could easily do it, but that wasn’t an option. He pushed his food to the side and reached across the table, resting his hand gently over hers. “I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to go home. Not just because it’s late, but my brothers or mom might need to talk with you during the next day or two. And you might be able to aid me in my investigation. Remember, I can do things they can’t.”

“I was going to find a hotel.”

“A family friend of mine has a bed and breakfast not far from here. I know she has a room, but I also live right around the corner. Why don’t you stay with me?”

She narrowed her eyes, holding his gaze with a piercing stare as if the ocean had suddenly erupted in a storm. Her lips parted as if she were about to say something, so he waited for what seemed like ten minutes, only the birds making any noise.

He cleared his throat.

“I have a couple of nice guest rooms. A pool with a spa. I’m also right on the river. It would be easier for when I need you to answer questions.”

“If I were to stay with you, I don’t want you to think it would be a repeat of five years ago. I don’t want that from you.”

“I’m not suggesting that at all. I only want to help find your brother and his girlfriend.”

Shelby’s lashes fluttered over her big blue eyes. She nodded. “Okay. I’ll stay with you. I appreciate the hospitality.”

“My mom will feel much better about you staying with me than at the B& B.”

“Why?” she asked.

Shit. He shouldn’t have said that, and now he had to come up with something better than the fact that her brother might be sleeping with a member of a mob family. “My mom doesn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable, and if she or my brothers were coming and going from the bed and breakfast, that might make the guests uneasy.”

“Oh. I see. That makes sense.”

He stood, grabbing the empty trays of food. “Come on. You can follow me back to my place. While you get settled, I have a couple of errands to run. In the morning, we can go over everything you know about your brother’s girlfriend and anything else you think may be important.”

She jumped to her feet, raced around the table, and grabbed his arm. “Thank you for not thinking I’m crazy.”

The oxygen in his lungs flew out like a jet screaming down a runway. It would take all his energy to keep his damn fucking hands to himself. Even wrapping his arms around her in comfort would be too dangerous.

Maybe he could explore a date after he found her brother.

But not until then.

This time, he’d do things right.
Jen Talty. Mine to Protect (Kindle Locations 463-490). Lady Boss Press, Inc..

She’d barely gotten settled at Rhett’s when her brother called her. He needs her to find something for him and not tell Rhett she’s spoken to him. Of course, that doesn’t work well for her.

There are many twists and turns in this one and it definitely kept me on my toes.

The relationship between Rhett and Shelby also heats up again as this mystery unravels.

I can’t wait to read more of this series.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Jen Talty

The last thing she wanted was a man.
But he was exactly what she needed.

Tayla Johnson doesn’t have time for romance. She barely has time to stop and smell the roses. However, when her parents plan a big family reunion, she makes a promise to her mom and dad she will take two weeks off work and spend time with them and her two sisters. Something she hasn’t done in years. She’s ready for a little fun in her childhood home, but she’s not prepared for the sexy next-door neighbor that won’t take no for an answer. She doesn’t want love or happily-ever-after. All she’s ever known is work, career, and sheer determination.

Gael Waylen spent most of his twenties and thirties chasing dollar signs. He had no idea life had passed him by until his parents and baby sister were killed in a small plane crash six months ago. At their funeral, he vowed to make changes in his life, but he has no idea what that really looked like until the day Tayla Johnson came home. He sees in her exactly who he used to be and he doesn’t want her to make the same mistakes. While he tells himself he’s only trying to give her the gift of time, he ends up giving her his heart.

Cover by Charity Hendry Designs

Tayla has made many sacrifices for her career, a big one is time with her family. Living in New York City although not that far from the Adirondacks makes visiting difficult with her demanding job designing for a top clothing house. She’s taking a vacation for the first time since taking the job, yet she still has work to do.

Gael bought the house next to Tayla’s parents after losing his family in a small plane crash. He’s learned some very hard lessons, and his brother-in-law is helping him as he reevaluates what he wants to do in life. He’s been where Tayla is now and doesn’t want her to have the regrets he does. While his job was very different from hers, he finds the demands were much the same as he investigates her boss.

Tayla’s grandfather has asked to do redo her life goals for him like she used to do. He even went so far as to ask Gael to go over them with her, comparing the previous ones she’s done to the one she will now create. Her family is throwing the two of them together and the attraction is definitely there, but she feels the timing is just wrong.

This is a favorite scene.

“I’m a work in progress.” He curled his fingers around her wrist and kissed her palm. “I always worry that I could become that man again if I’m not careful and sometimes I see a little bit of him in you.”

She recoiled, taking a full step back. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

He took a healthy gulp of his wine and let out a long breath. His left eye twitched. “Did you read your old goal worksheets before sending them to me?”

“I didn’t need to. I know what’s in them. I understand myself. I know what I want and I resent you implying that I’m anything like the person you just described.”

“First, I didn’t say that. Second, are you doing this to placate your grandfather?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I want to compare where I am now to what my goals were when I graduated and push out another five-year plan.” She held up her hand. “I also know I need to make more time for family. My grandfather always told me that planning gives you that freedom.”

“My brother-in-law is a huge believer in that. I call him the list guy. You walk into his house and he’s got lists everywhere and I’m not talking a grocery list. I’m talking timestamped daily activity lists. He actually sends me calendar invites for everything. He’s more organized than anyone I know.”

“That’s awesome.” Tayla wished she had that skill. She tried and for a week or two, she’d been really good at it, and then she’d start slacking. But she never missed a deadline, so her system worked. “But nothing you’ve said so far explains how I’m like the person you described who was married to your ex-wife.”

He glanced toward the ceiling and rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger in a contemplative gesture. “When Tiki accused you of not being there for her and how that made her feel as though work was more important than people.”

Tayla opened her mouth but the only thing that came out was a noise that sounded like a dying chipmunk. She cleared her throat. “I know I screwed up. I don’t need you telling me that. I’m doing what I need to in order to correct that and make adjustments so that never happens again.”

“Okay. What about earlier today when you were sitting with your sisters by the water with your computer. What were you doing? Working?”

She sucked in a hot breath. It burned her lungs. The blood racing to her heart ignited into flames. How dare he judge her for checking and responding to email.

Or for doodling a little with her designs.

Being on the lake put her in a creative mood and she wanted to capture the moment. She could sketch and chat at the same time.

“You told me you needed to come over here so your family wouldn’t hover while you took just a few hours out of the day instead of all day doing what I just witnessed.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I asked for space because my parents are constantly knocking on my door, asking if I need anything, pulling me from my focus. That way I can work for a few hours and not be late for dinner or whatever my family has planned when everyone else isn’t working because it appears that I’m the only one who took a vacation.” She pulled her hair from her bun and twisted a few strands between her fingers. “Besides. My sister was thumbing through a magazine while I was making tweaks to a finished design. Nothing that needed my full attention.” She kept her tone even, making sure she didn’t let her emotions run too hot. Her grandfather always told her when that happened, there was something to whoever pushed her buttons. “But I still needed to deal with it all before I settled into it tomorrow,” she said. “I appreciate all your help with my goal worksheet and giving me a space to work. I even appreciate your candor. I’m sorry for your loss and everything that you’re going through. However, I’m not you.”

“I never said you were.” He pushed from the counter and rested his hands on her shoulders.

“Yes, you did.” She swallowed her breath. Gael put new meaning into the phrase sex appeal.

“What I meant was that there are moments when I look at you and the way you are with your sisters and I remember how close Piper and I used to be and I ignored the tightness in my chest as we grew apart. I chalked it up to being adults. To taking care of business. Where she knew that I was slowly becoming someone else. It would be one thing if that person was a better version. But it’s not.”

“Wow. I’m supposed to sit here and let you keep on insulting me.”

“You’re an amazing woman. Talented. Funny. Beautiful. I love spending time with you and I’m sorry that I suck at being tactful. I just don’t want you to make the same mistake and I see you doing it.” He pressed his hand against the center of his chest. “I feel it to my core and it’s breaking my heart.”

“That’s dramatic.”

“I know. I’ve never experienced this kind of emotion before and I’ll be honest. I’m running a little scared.” He fanned her face, running his thumb over her cheek. “I like you. I care about you.” He kissed her softly. “I’ve studied your plans. You’re not following your career goals. You might think you are, but you’re not.”
Jen Talty. An Inconvenient Flame (Kindle Locations 1650-1690). Jupiter Press.

Tayla has much to think about and amends to make to her family. On top of that the attraction between her and Gael grows in intensity from a simmer to a sizzle.

I love the way this story plays out and I look forward to the next book in this series.

5 Contented Purrs for Jen!

Jen Talty

Welcome to my World! I’m a USA Today Bestseller of Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, and Paranormal Romance.

I first started writing while carting my kids to one hockey rink after the other, averaging 170 games per year between 3 kids in 2 countries and 5 states. My first book, IN TWO WEEKS was originally published in 2007. In 2010 I helped form a publishing company (Cool Gus Publishing) with NY Times Bestselling Author Bob Mayer where I ran the technical side of the business through 2016.

I’m currently enjoying the next phase of my life…the empty NESTER! My husband and I spend our winters in Jupiter, Florida and our summers in Rochester, NY. We have three amazing children who have all gone off to carve out their places in the world, while I continue to craft stories that I hope will make you readers feel good and put a smile on your face.