Haunted excerpt

Summer, Summer, Summer

I hope everyone had a terrific summer. It's always kind of bittersweet when it comes to an end. For me, I keep waiting for it to start and then it somehow seems to drift away like those waves I keep hoping to catch.:) Every summer I vow to go to the beach more. But never do. The idea of spending my days basking in the sun with a good book sounds so appealing. All winter long I dream about gazing at the stars on a balmy summer evening and somehow always end up at my keyboard.

Truth be told, most of my summer was spent finishing my latest novel, HAUNTED.

Here's an excerpt I would love to hear any feedback.

Karly made sure to keep her head down, wanting to avoid another run-in. Her gaze skittered over fallen leaves and flagstone tiles. Through the corner of her eye, she passed a man in a suit and a few servers. Her fingers tightened around her key chain with every step, wanting to be far from the chaos of the evening.

She was almost to the main street when she bumped into a solid wall of muscle that threatened to knock her on her ass. Her keys flew from her hands as she began to fall backward. Before she hit the ground, two strong hands reached out and caught her around the waist.


She glanced up and into the gorgeous face of the god she’d seen earlier. Up close, he was even more stunning and taller than she’d calculated. He exuded strength and masculinity and when he focused that intense magnetism on her, all the air left her lungs, along with her ability to speak.

Genuine concern flashed in those whiskey eyes. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” His voice was like warm chocolate, melting her insides. When he dropped his hands, Karly could still feel the imprint on her skin.

“Y-yes, I’m fine. I’m the one who should be apologizing. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.” Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. The man smelled incredible like sandalwood and clean laundry.

“No need for apologies. Maybe you should sit down for a minute and have a drink with me.” There was elegance in the way he spoke that made her think of old money and private school.

For a moment she thought about taking him up on his offer, but she wasn’t in the frame of mind to pull off a light conversation or flirty banter at this point. “Thanks, but I have to pass. This night, well, it didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped so I think it’s my cue to go.” She did her best to school her features, but inside she was feeling raw and vulnerable. The only thing she wanted to do was go home, soak in a hot bath and lick her wounds.

 His searing gaze swept over her and made butterflies flutter in her stomach “Perhaps I can make it better. Stay and have a drink with me.”

She glanced at his jacket for his name tag, but like her, he wasn’t wearing one. “I’m guessing you’re in either sales or politics and if this is all for a campaign donation, I’m sorry, I already gave at the office.”

Immediately she got a vibe telling her he was his own boss, which wasn’t hard to figure out. The man exuded confidence and power. The throaty sound of his laughter raised goosebumps on her flesh. “So you’re funny and beautiful that’s quite a rare combo, Miss….?” His words slid over her like a warm caress.

A flush spread across her cheeks. She shook her head, a little dazed by the compliment. It would be hard not to succumb to his charms. If she was honest, his scent alone was driving her crazy. No, the man spelled danger. “I’m sorry. I should go. Good night and uh, nice running into you.” She sucked in a breath, turned and took a step toward the street.

“I don’t think you’ll get far without these,” he said in a bone-melting voice that forced her to turn around. He held up her keys in his hand. She’d become so dazzled by his looks, she’d completely forgotten about them flying out of her hands.

“Right. Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” The way he said the word pleasure conjured images of their bodies tangled together, rolling around in satin sheets. The air sizzled with sexual tension. Slowly, he closed the distance between them and placed the keys in her hands. She purposely avoided touching him, but his fingers grazed hers, sending a spark of awareness up and down her arm.

“Don’t go,” he whispered.

“Why?” She was curious to hear what he’d say next. The scorching heat in his gaze made her shiver. She swallowed and tried to regain her equilibrium. It’d been a long time since a man had looked at her with such blatant desire. “I’m impressed, that’s quite a pick-up line. I’m curious, does it usually work?”

I based the hero on Ryan Reynolds in case you were wondering..