Tag Archives: romance

Devil and The Deep (The Deep Six Book 2) by Julie Ann Walker

Fast-paced, action-packed, romantic suspense with sexy ex-Navy SEALs, strong woman and the search for buried treasure.  The search for the Santa Cristina continues in Devil in the Deep the second book in Julie Ann Walker’s Deep Six series which is a spin-off series from Julie Ann’s popular Black Nights Inc.

Release Date:  July 5, 2016

Recommended for readers 18 years and over.

devil and the dep

My FIVE Star Review: 

Devil in the Deep is the story of Brando “Bran” Pallidino (Ex-Navy SEAL and Madison “Maddy” Powers (daughter to the owner of the largest oil company in the US) but you also get a nice dose of Mason McCarthy (Ex-SEAL) and Alexandra “Alex” Merriweather (an educated historian and historian translator) in this book as well.   Devil and The Deep starts 3 months after the first book Hell or High Water.  Six former SEALs join forces to search for the Santa Cristina and the vast treasure she carries in her big belly deep below the sea.  In book one, the search is full on but in this second book, we take a little 24 hour break for some action and of course falling in love.

Bran and Maddy first met in Hell and High Water when Maddy’s father’s yacht was hijacked. Three months later and several e-mail messages back and forth, neither one of them can get the other out of their heads.  Adventure and danger seem to follow Maddy wherever she goes and brings these four amazing characters on an action packed ride.

Julie’s writing is truly amazing.  It is witty, refreshing and just all over fun to read.  The men are of course sexy and the women have no problem keeping the military alpha men in line.  This book didn’t get us any closer to finding the Santa Cristina but I still enjoyed every minute of it.

Mason and Alex’s characters added some amazing comedy to this story and I am so looking forward to their book and story.

Be sure to pick up and read the first book, Hell or High Water, before you dive into Devil and the Deep.  You don’t want to miss out on any of this adventure.

More about Devil and the Deep:

A COVERT MISSION
Maddy Powers’s life revolves around cocktail parties, political fundraisers, and charity events – but she can’t forget the daring former SEAL who appropriated her father’s yacht a few months ago … or the scorching kiss they shared before he disappeared into the deep blue sea.

SPARKS A FLAMING DESIRE
Bran Pallidino carries a dark secret behind his lady-killer eyes – one that keeps him from pursuing a serious relationship with Maddy. But when she’s taken hostage during a trip to the Dry Tortugas, the men of Deep Six Salvage drop their treasure hunt for a sunken galleon and embark on a dangerous mission to save Maddy.

WITH EARTH-SHATTERING REPERCUSSIONS
As they fight her merciless kidnappers, they discover this isn’t a simple hostage situation, but something far more sinister. Passion boils between Bran and Maddy, but what good is putting their hearts on the line if they don’t survive the dawn?

Find Julie Ann Walker here:  InternetFacebookGoodreads

Reading order and Links to Amazon:

Hell or High Water Book 1 – https://amzn.com/B00Q571YD4 

Devil and The Deep Book 2 – https://amzn.com/B01AO207BU

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

 

 

The Bird and the Sword by Amy Harmon

Amy Harmon’s Historical Fantasy Romance novel, The Bird and the Sword, is live TODAY!  This story is magical in the way Amy wove the words together to give us this amazing story of strength, determination, survival and most of all love.   

I would recommend this book to readers 16 years and older.

bird and sword janis (3)

My FIVE Star Review: 

It’s not a secret, I am a huge Amy Harmon fan and winning an advanced reader copy of this book absolutely made my day.  I’ve read every one of her books and each one has left me feeling every emotion possible deep down in my soul and this book is no different.

Amy’s words flow so well all I had to do was take them in and let them build the world she created so vividly in my mind.  Her scenes are very descriptive but I never felt overwhelmed or confused.  The story kept moving along with every chapter and I had a few moments of yes I was right and a few where I was shocked.  As I got closer to the end of the story, all I could think was I’m not ready for it to be over. I know you know what I mean. You’re reading a book with just one chapter left and you don’t want to read it because you know the story is coming to its end.  Every one of these wonderful characters sucked me in and I didn’t want to let them go.  Amy is an extremely talented storyteller and I look forward to reading more of her work with an additional publication coming out later this year.

One of the things that fascinated me most about the story were the names of her characters.  They are all unique and different.  Thank you, Amy for putting a Pronunciation Guide right at the beginning of the book.

I try very hard to never include spoilers in my reviews but I want to give you some words I think describe The Bird and the Sword.  There are good guys, bad guys, lifelong friends, protectors, secrets, kings, queens, castles, horses, animals, bloody battles and most of all, Love.

Go to Amazon right now and click buy on The Bird and the Sword.  You will not be disappointed!

More about The Bird and the Sword:

Swallow, Daughter, pull them in, those words that sit upon your lips. Lock them deep inside your soul, hide them ‘til they’ve time to grow. Close your mouth upon the power, curse not, cure not, ‘til the hour. You won’t speak and you won’t tell, you won’t call on heav’n or hell. You will learn and you will thrive. Silence, Daughter. Stay alive.

The day my mother was killed, she told my father I wouldn’t speak again, and she told him if I died, he would die too. Then she predicted the king would trade his soul and lose his son to the sky.
My father has a claim to the throne, and he is waiting in the shadows for all of my mother’s words to come to pass. He wants desperately to be king, and I just want to be free.
But freedom will require escape, and I’m a prisoner of my mother’s curse and my father’s greed. I can’t speak or make a sound, and I can’t wield a sword or beguile a king. In a land purged of enchantment, love might be the only magic left, and who could ever love . . . a bird?

bird and sword teaser

Find Amy Harmon here: Internet, FacebookGoodreads

For more novels by Amy Harmon, visit her Amazon page Here.

Below are two of my favorite Amy books with the link to my review.  Enjoy! 

The Law of MosesMy ReviewAmazon Link.

Making FacesMy ReviewAmazon Link.

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

 

 

Wicked Burn (The Realm Enforcers Book 3) by Rebecca Zanetti

Rebecca Zanetti’s Paranormal Romance Wicked Burn is fast passed, action packed, full of fire, witches, demons, enforcers, bear shifters and even a few vampires.  It will leave you breathless and definitely wanting and needing more.

Wicked Burn releases June 7, 2016

wickedburn

My Five Star Review:

Wicked Burn is the story of Nicholas Veis (Pure-bred Demon) and Simone Brightston (Member of the Coven Nine) and cousin to three lethal Coven Nine Enforcers.  The story picks up exactly where Wicked Edge leaves off.  Simone is in trouble and Nic will do what ever it takes to keep her safe even with their difficult history.   This book is full of action, adventure, blow your mind moments and a need to stalk Rebecca’s Facebook page and hound her until the next book comes out because you will literally want it ASAP!

So, lets see if I can give you a taste of this book without including any spoilers.

The book starts 100 years in the past with a visit from a Prophet.  Jump to the future and Nic pulls up on his Ducati to get Simone to safety.  They run into grizzly bears and Bear the leader of the entire bear shifter nation.  They end up in Ireland and on trial in front of the Coven Nine.  Secrets are revealed.  Really big secrets. Escapes are made.  Enforcers, Witches, Demons, Vampires and even Bear takes you on a roller coaster ride that you will not want to get off. I ended up loving someone I totally despised and falling more in love with all of Rebecca’s characters.

You MUST and it’s a big MUST, read Wicked Ride and Wicked Edge before this one and I would highly recommend you read The Dark Protector Series first.  Rebecca’s writing is amazing and she has a way of tying these two series together very beautifully.

At the end of Wicked Burn in a brand new Novella called Talen.   Talen and is mate Cara were featured in the first Dark Protectors book, Fated and happen to be my favorite couple.  This Novella takes place after the war is over. (That’s a little tiny spoiler but if you listen to Talen, he will tell you war is never truly over.)  Talen and Cara are dealing with the “what’s next” in their lives.  Cara wants to do one thing and Talen says,  I don’t think so.  You are mine to protect always. And I’m totally paraphrasing here.  They are a little off and work out their “issues” (issues is really not a great word to use here but) in a totally Talen and Cara way that was absolutely amazing and totally them.  Appearances are made by Garrett (their son), his BFF Logan (brother to Zane the leader of the demon nation) and even Terrent (head of the wolf nation) and Maggie (his mate) make a brief appearance.

I would highly recommend both of these series and look forward to reading more about these amazing characters in the future!

More About Wicked Burn:

Simone Brightston knows she can beat the rap her enemies are pinning on her. An Irish witch is nobody’s fool, and she didn’t get to her position on the high council without serious power. But her cousins want her to hide out–and they somehow convinced her arch nemesis to play getaway driver.

Of all the men she’s known, Nikolaj Veis is the hardest to intimidate. With his demon-dark eyes and his inscrutable beauty, he’s as desirable as he is dangerous. And he knows better than to underestimate Simone. So when he pulls up on a roaring bike and tells her to climb on or fight it out, she grabs a handful of jacket and holds on tight. Running from the law may not be the smartest plan. But when it comes to Nick, hot pursuit and a blazing fast ride are exactly what Simone’s looking for . . .

 

enforcers series

Reading Order for Realm Enforcers Series: 

Wicked Ride (Book 1) Click here to read my review.

Wicked Edge (Book 2) Click here to read my review.

Wicked Burn (Book 3) Coming June 7, 2016.

Start at the beginning with the Dark Protectors Series:  (Read before the Realm Enforcers Series.)

Fated

Claimed

Tempted – Novella

Hunted

Consumed

Provoked

Twisted – Novella

Shadowed

Tamed – Novella

Marked

Find Rebecca Zanetti here: WebsiteFacebookGoodreads.

A copy of this book was provided by NetGalley.

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

Fallout (The Incorruptibles Book 2) by SD Wasley

Fallout is the second book in SD Wasley’s New Adult Paranormal Series, The Incorruptibles, which releases today, March 24, 2016.

fallout sd wasley

My FIVE Star Review: 

Fallout starts where Downfall left off.  (Click here to read my review of Downfall.) You really need to read Downfall first so you have a complete understanding of what is happening with these characters.  SD does a little re-capping but not enough and you don’t want to miss any of this trilogy.

The story continues with Cain and his group trying to save lives with the help of Frankie. They add a new member to the team and a stranger from Quebec, Leon, joins them. Tension is immediately felt within the group and I just new things weren’t going to go well.

Frankie and Cain’s relationship continues to grow and there were a few times I really wanted to smack them both in the head.  Their insecurities with each other were driving me crazy.  Darn those kids!  We also learn a great deal more about Cain’s past and those scenes with Frankie ended up being some of my favorites. Even Frankie goes through a few changes in this book.

SD threw in a few twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book.  Frankie’s Mom visits and let me tell you, it was an eye opener!

I’m really enjoying this series and would highly recommend you read it.  Book 3 is coming in June and I honestly can’t wait to find out how this story will end!

As with Downfall, Fallout also has several illustrations, within the book, created by the amazing Trevor O’Sullivan.  This one is my favorite.

trevor fallout

 

More about Fallout:

Even when love seems unbreakable, it can still be battered, distorted—damaged beyond repair.

There’s only one thing Frankie yearns for these days, and that’s to share the gift that makes Cain so extraordinary. But no matter how inferior she feels, she’s determined to help the man she loves with his secret rescues, hoping that one day she will access a higher power of her own.

The one thing she knows for sure is that nothing will ever come between her and Cain again.

Then a stranger arrives in their midst, disrupting the solid loyalties in Cain’s group. This man has the very thing Frankie needs to unlock her powers, but the price is higher than she could have dreamed.

Can Frankie and Cain’s love survive the fallout?

The Incorruptibles Reading Order:

  1. Downfall – Book 1 – http://amzn.com/B01A6H4M50
  2. Fallout – Book 2 – http://amzn.com/B01A73CCFU
  3. Unforgivable – Book 3 – Releases June 16, 2016 – http://amzn.com/B01DAIPQGQ
  4. Monster – Book 4 – Coming 2016

Buy Links for Fallout: 

Paperback coming very soon.

Find SD Wasley Here: FacebookInternet WebsiteGoodreads

Excerpt of Fallout: 

Albion peeped in.

“How’s Frankie?”

“I feel awful,” I groaned. “Food poisoning, maybe.”

“Do you need to vomit again?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

He fetched me a bucket. “Do you want Dad to come and check you out?”

“No, I’m okay.” I made another effort to stand. “I need to go―”

“What?” Albion’s voice rose in angry disbelief. “Frankie, are you frickin’ insane?” You’re sick.

I moaned. “I know.” I slumped back on my bed.

“If I catch you trying to leave this house tonight, I will personally handcuff you to your bed. And don’t think I haven’t got the handcuffs.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“Ugh, I’m definitely gonna vomit now.”

I went back to sleep almost immediately. Maybe it was my feverish state, or maybe my agitation over missing a night at Gaunt House, but my sleep was filled with a dream I couldn’t shake. I was standing beside a rock wall, staring at it in confusion, my mind blank and bewildered. Unexpectedly, the rock crumbled and something emerged from the wall. Hands. It was a pair of hands coming through the wall, reaching for me.

I woke the next morning to find several missed calls and text messages from Cain. He sounded increasingly panicky as the night wore on. I replied, explaining my illness, before sitting up slowly to test my steadiness. So far, so good. In fact, I felt so much more like myself that I got up and made my way into the kitchen to find some breakfast.

“Hey!” Albion smiled at me. “All better?”

“I think so. Must have been a gastro bug.”

“Don’t be so sure. A bunch of people in town got sick yesterday. Dad was out all night dishing out anti-emetics and electrolyte drinks. Lots of them had been at Misty’s Coffee Shop yesterday so the health department’s investigating.”

“Great. Salmonella?”

“Don’t know. Some people are better already but others are still getting admitted to hospital. Dad only just got to bed. I told him about you, and he let me know what to watch out for in case it got worse.” All of a sudden he gave me a hard stare.

“What?”

“Your scary boyfriend came round, late last night when you were asleep.” Albion looked deeply unimpressed. “I told him you were sick but I don’t think he believed me. He looked like he wanted to barge past me and see for himself.”

I opened the fridge door to hide my face. I could kind of understand why Albion found Cain’s behaviour objectionable. But he didn’t know what we’d been through together and how hard it had been when we were apart. “Yeah, I’ve messaged him to tell him I was sick. He was worried, I guess.”

“Tell him he’d better not try that again or I might have to ban him from coming round here.”

You and what army? I was tempted to say. But it was Albion’s house and if he didn’t like Cain coming around he had the right to say so. I emerged from the fridge and nodded, avoiding his eyes. I’d have to remind Cain not to scare Albion.

My cousin kept his gaze on me. “What do you guys do?”

“Huh?”

“I mean, do you ever go out and do, y’know … normal couple stuff? Or do you just hang in his trailer?”

I sighed inwardly and regretted telling him about Cain’s home. “We go out in a group sometimes.”

“You and Cain and who else? Jude McBride?”

I nodded.

“Isn’t that kind of weird? To go out with your boyfriend … and your ex-boyfriend, simultaneously?”

“Yes, that would be weird, Albion. But it’s not like that. Jude was never really my boyfriend and there are others in the group, too.”

“And when it’s only you and Cain?”

I was silent. Cain and I didn’t date. Not like normal couples. Weariness washed over me. I was too weak for this conversation. “I’m still not feeling well.”

He pursed his lips, observing me. “Okay,” he said, to my surprise. And then, with a quick grin, “We can pick it up again later.”

I rested and tried to avoid Albion throughout the day, sipping water and sports drinks. Maybe it was wrong, but it pleased me that Cain had come looking for me the night before. Considering my own wobbly feelings about Helen and Cain’s meeting there was something gratifying in knowing he was worried about me. I went out to Gaunt House early to see him. The electrical tower buzzed loudly in the yellow afternoon light … strange. I hadn’t seen it do that for a long while. Cain must have heard my car arrive because he suddenly appeared outside the ruin, hovering while I parked. I smiled at the sight of him, that lean muscular frame and dark hair, unkempt as always and falling over his forehead. When I got out of my car he seized me like he hadn’t seen me for weeks and just about squeezed the breath out of me.

“Jesus Christ,” he muttered. “Are you okay?”

I laughed, hugging him back. “It was a stomach bug. I’m fine. Ow,” I added when the embrace became uncomfortable.

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.” He released me instantly. “I’m a fucking jerk.”

That made me stare and notice how agitated he looked. “What’s wrong?”

He rubbed a hand through his hair and hovered for a moment. “Come on, Francesca. Come down with me. I’m sorry. Let’s talk.”

I did as he said. He got us both beers but I declined since my stomach wasn’t completely right yet. He opened his and took a huge gulp.

“Cain?” I was scared now.

Long silence. “Francesca. I’m sorry.”

Sorry, again? What was going on?

SD Also has a Young Adult Series, The Seventh, check out my review here.

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~ janisf

 

Enemies of the State (The Executive Office Book 1)by Tal Bauer

Enemies of the State is an outstanding political, military, romantic, suspense novel by Tal Bauer.  It’s like The American President meets White House Down, but move over Police Officer John Cale played by Channing Tatum because Secret Service Lead Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach is in the house!

This is a male love story and is intended for readers 18 years and older.

enemies of the state

My Five Star Review:

As many of you already know, I never include spoilers in my reviews and I’m going to do my best to relay to you how much I absolutely loved this story without giving too much away. So here goes:

Fifteen years ago Jack Spiers lost his wife, Army Captain Leslie Spiers in Iraq. That’s when Jack made the decision to kick start his political career in hopes of changing the world and making it a better place.  Now he’s the President of the United States and he’s ready to start his first year in office.  Jack is a people person and he finds out pretty quickly that his job doesn’t really leave him time to have friends or get close to the people.  He has staff, cabinet members, but not anyone to bounce things off of or hang out with and it’s causing him some issues. On top of all that, he is major peace talks with the other world leaders.

Secret Service Agent Ethan Reichenbach spent 10 years in Army Special Forces and now is starting his 12th year with the Secret Service as lead security detail for POTUS.  Ethan is a bit of a loner, no family, no boyfriend, but he does have a few close Secret Service friends. He’s never been one to look for love or even think he needs love in his life.  Ethan is the job and he loves the job but everything changes one night at the White House.  The President needs a friend and Ethan can’t help but break every Secret Service rule there is to be a friend to Jack.  A couple months later and Ethan does something he never thought he would ever do.  He falls in love with straight, once married man and President of the United States, Jack Spiers.

Tal’s writing in relation to the build up of these two men falling in love is outstanding. You can feel all the emotions from each character and how they each feel from their different perspectives.  It is absolutely beautiful to read. Tal also gives an amazing political-military story that forced me to keep turning every page causing me to finish the novel in one day. It is really that good.  I am a huge fan of military type books with strong men saving the world and falling in love, and I really don’t care who they fall in love with.  It’s the heart and soul that picks who we love and sometimes we have absolutely no control over it.

By the time I reached the end of the book, I was praying there would be a book 2 and I hear we may see more of Ethan and Jack this year.  I will keep you posted.

More About Enemies of the State:

A rogue Black Ops unit with the president in their crosshairs.
A Secret Service agent who will break every rule.
A president falling for the one person he shouldn’t—a man.

Newly elected President Jack Spiers’s presidency is rocked from the very beginning, and he’s working furiously to keep the world from falling apart. Between terrorism attacks ripping apart Europe, Russia’s constant posturing and aggression, and the quagmire of the Middle East, Jack is struggling to keep his campaign promise—to work toward a better, safer world.

For Special Agent Ethan Reichenbach, Jack is just another president, the third in twelve years. With Jack’s election, he’s been promoted, and now he’s running the presidential detail, which puts him side by side with Jack daily. He’s expecting another stuffed suit and an arrogant DC politician, but Jack shocks him with his humor and humanity.

There are rules against a Secret Service agent and one of their protectees developing a friendship—big rules. Besides, Jack is straight as a ruler, and a widower, and Ethan has always avoided falling for straight men. Ethan keeps his distance, but Jack draws him in, like gas to a naked flame, and it’s a lure he isn’t strong enough to turn away from.

As the two men collide, rules are shattered and the world teeters on the verge of war, and a rogue Black Ops unit bent on destruction sets Jack in their deadly crosshairs. Ethan must put everything on the line in order to save the man he’s come to love, Jack’s presidency, and the world.

Find Tal here:  Website, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Goodreads,

Get Enemies of the State at Amazon: Here

Add Enemies of the State to your To Be Read at Goodreads: Here

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

First Comes Love by Emily Goodwin

First Comes Love is the first Emily Goodwin novel I’ve read but it will definitely not be the last.  This New Adult Romance is recommended for readers 18+.

first comes love

My Four Star Review:

In high school bad boy Noah stumbles across his best friends little sister good girl Lauren and falls immediately in love.  There’s just one problem, the “bro code.” Lauren is completely off limits.

Ten years later Lauren finds herself in a Biker Bar with Noah coming to her rescue.  Both of their lives go a little off track after a motorcycle ride to Lauren’s house in the rain and a break in the “bro code.”

Over the next 9 months, their relationship goes though many ups and downs and it I absolutely loved following them on their journey.

What I really loved the most about this book? There was no real tragedy and I didn’t need any tissues.   But I will say there was plenty of real life struggles between these very well developed characters.

If you enjoy a great romantic book with characters in their 20’s and a happily ever after, then definitely pick up this book.

Book received courtesy of the author.

About First Comes Love:

First comes love.
Then comes marriage.
Then comes a—

Hold up. You’re joking right? As if life works off a neat little list like that, moving down, checking things off before jumping to the next task. We’re not married. We’re not lovers. Hell, we’re hardly even friends. Noah Wilson isn’t exactly “life partner” material, and he sure as hell isn’t “father material”. He’s my older brother’s best friend, and has been off limits, sworn off, locked in the highest tower and out of reach since we met over ten years ago. With his devilish good looks, tattoos, motorcycle, and trail of broken hearts and tears, I’ve had good reason to stay away from the bad boy my mother warned me about.

Until one night. One stupid, regrettable night that changed both of our lives forever. And now I only have nine months to decide our fate, to see if Noah’s rebel heart is capable of anything more than a one night stand.

This isn’t a love story. This is a life story. And life doesn’t go according to plan.

Find Emily here:  FacebookInternet

First Comes Love – Amazon Link, It’s currently $2.99: http://amzn.com/B01BN5LB7Q

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf

 

Release Day: Totally Starcross’d – a Shakespeare retelling novella by S.D. Wasley

Happy Release Day SD Wasley!

I haven’t read Totally Starcross’d yet but I’m looking forward to reading it very soon.

totally

Totally Starcross’d

A Novella by S.D. Wasley

Release Date: February 11, 2016

Summary:

From Amazon bestselling author S.D. Wasley comes a retelling of the timeless tale of Romeo & Juliet.

Blurb

“Why does she have to be Romilly Montague? Any other name on the planet. She’d be just as pretty and cute and clever—just as perfect—but she wouldn’t be Romilly Montague. Then I’d have a chance with her.”

Romilly longs for the freedom to live her own life … but her dad is Alan Montague, hot contender for the job of Governor. And the bigger he gets, the more protective of Romilly her parents become.

Could Julian Capulet’s luck be worse? As if being born into the most conservative family in Verona wasn’t bad enough, the girl of his dreams is the daughter of his father’s biggest adversary in the upcoming election. His embarrassing family—especially his troublemaking younger brother—seem set to totally ruin his chances with Romilly.

For Romilly and Julian it’s never been truer that you can choose your friends but not your family. Will this story end in woe—or can there be a happily ever after for this modern-day Juliet and Romeo?

A modern day retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Buy links

99c on Amazon or free read on Kindle Unlimited.

Amazon US and worldwide: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01BM44LAC

Excerpt:

I hovered before the Picasso. It wasn’t one of his famous cubist works. It was quite a sad painting of a woman with a child.

“I wonder what made him start experimenting like he did,” came a voice beside me.

“Not sure,” I said, glancing around. A young man was standing a short distance away, gazing at the painting. I made a brief assessment: neat clothes—jeans but dressed up with a jacket. Top knot in his golden-brown hair. I dropped my gaze. Uh, flip-flops? Hmmm, hipster styling, knew about Picasso. Montague supporter for sure.

“You’re missing the debate,” I said.

He gave me a quick smile. “Am I? That’s a shame.”

I laughed. “Dragged here by your parents as well?”

He nodded, losing interest in the Picasso and coming closer. “I was only ever in it for the caviar-topped blinis.” He said this with just the right amount of irony so I knew he meant it but he was also laughing at himself. Cute and smart.

“They certainly know how to cater these political things, huh?”

“Conservatives always cater well. Making a good impression is of prime importance. Campaigning 101.”

I cocked my head. “And the other guy?”

“The other guy should know that the caviar isn’t dolphin safe and the wait staff are underpaid.”

I burst out laughing this time. “I hope you’re joking. I don’t want to be eating something that hurts dolphins, or accepting service from exploited workers.”

He shrugged. “I may have made up the dolphin thing. But you should probably tip the waiter generously.”

I appraised him again. This guy was intriguing. He couldn’t have been much older than my sixteen years but he conversed like a much older man. And now he was closer I saw how cute he was. Dark blue eyes, tanned skin and gorgeous angular cheeks. He investigated my face with similar interest.

“What’s your name?” he asked me unexpectedly.

I didn’t particularly want him to know I was Alan Montague’s daughter after his snappy political commentary of a few moments before. I snatched at the first thing that came into my head. “I am the girl who wanders galleries at night.”

He cracked up laughing this time. “Mysterious, indeed.” He stuck out a hand for me to shake. “Hello, Girl Who Wanders Galleries at Night.”

“Girl Who, to my friends,” I said. “Nice to meet you, Guy Who Came for the Caviar Blinis.”

“Guy Who,” he said, nodding gravely. Then we shared a grin.

Through the glass foyer walls I saw a sight that made me roll my eyes. A leggy blonde was climbing out of a sleek car in front of the gallery. “Oh, god. It’s her.”

He followed my gaze. “Her?”

“Paris Addison. In the Capulet camp,” I explained. “Her dad owns half the coal mines in the state and when she’s not tweeting about her dog or Instagramming her nail art, she’s schmoozing with the conservatives on her father’s behalf. Her dad’s trying to get a major new mine through environmental planning so the Addisons are being pretty friendly with the party most likely to help them out.” I made a face.

I’d meant it as a joke but his face fell slightly. Perhaps he was more serious about politics than I’d realized.

“Hopefully Capulet keeps his ethics in check long enough to get through the election,” he said.

I gave him a dubious glance. “Uh-huh. Let’s  see how that works out.”

As always, Keep Writing/Keep Reading ~janisf