You toil for weeks (ok, maybe months) to get the story perfect. You edit, you tweek, you curse a bit, and you put your hard work out for proof reading/editing.
You silently pray you won't get a note back that say, "WTF were you thinking when you wrote this!"
You create (or purchase) the perfect cover, the advertising memes, a book trailer. You create a media kit, Tweets and FB posts, and FINALLY you upload (if you're self-published) or you review your galleys (if your trad published) and you wait.
Then, suddenly ... it's here! Your big day has arrived.
Well, for me, today is that day!
Love's a Gamble ~ Book 3
Marshal Zack McAlister has made it his mission to protect the good citizens of Greenville, MS. In particular, one very opinionated and independent lady doctor. The only hinderance to his professional obligations are the dozen or so single women vying for his attention.Suzanne Martindale, M.D., has quickly become a fixture in Greenville since taking over for her semi-retired predecessor. And, like Marshal McAlister, she’s been inundated with unwanted suitors.
When Zack proposes a fake engagement, Suzanne is reluctant at first and claims in order for anyone to believe they’re actually courting and in love, there has to be chemistry between them.
Zack sets out to prove they can easily fool the people of Greenville into believing their ruse. Will his smooth Cajun charm and steamy-hot kisses do the trick? Or, are they destined to be victims of their own charade?
When outside forces threaten the entire McAlister clan, can Zack keep his family, and his faux fiancé, safe? And, will a life-threatening accident show them anything, even love, is possible if you have trust?
“It’s been quiet around town lately. Not much for a decorated marshal to defend.”
“You trying to get rid of me, Doc?”
“Now why would I do that? If you were to leave, who else would I have to argue with?”
“We don’t argue,” he said, his gaze meeting hers in challenge. “We discuss…heatedly.”
“It only gets ‘heated’ when I’m winning.”
He shook his head and leaned back against the side of the desk. “If you say so, Cher.”
“As to your offer of an escort, I can see myself home, Marshal. There’s no need to wait.”
“I’d feel better if you let me walk you home.”
She sighed deeply, and Zack waited for her to launch into another of her ‘independent woman’ speeches. Or, at the very least, remind him that he was being over-protective.
“I’ll only be a minute or two, if you insist on waiting.”
“I insist.”
She could have said she needed another hour and Zack would have gladly stayed. Despite what he’d said to Pete Bailey earlier that evening, Suzanne Martindale was a breath of fresh air among the over-zealous horde of ladies hounding his every move.
She was beautiful, well-educated, independent, and beautiful. Zack shook his head, trying to shake the repeating thought free. Obviously, no matter what her many assets, her beauty was the one thing tying him up in knots. Or, maybe, it was the fact she didn’t use it to her advantage, as some of the other ladies did. Instead, Suzanne relied on her brains and taunting sense of humor to get her where she wanted to go.
“All set,” she said, drawing Zack from his mental inventory of what made Suzanne Martindale the most desirable woman he’d ever met. And, at the same time, not at all what he was looking for in a wife.
Once she’d locked the door to the clinic, Zack offered his arm. Nodding toward the hospital next door, he asked, “Do you need to stop?”
“No, the night nurse is there, and our only patients are the new mother and babe. They’re in good hands.”
They strolled along in comfortable silence until they’d reached the walkway leading to the small stone cottage where Suzanne lived. She stopped just short of the gate.
“Shall I walk you to the door?”
“This is fine, thank you, Marshal.”
“Marshal? I thought we’d agreed on Zack?’
She met his gaze, rolling her eyes for exaggerated emphasis, he supposed. When she shook her head, a small lock of blonde curls fell free of its pins. Zack’s hand itched to take the silky strands in his fingers and tuck them back where they belonged.
“You suggested Zack and Suzanne. I don’t remember agreeing. I’d much prefer Dr. Martindale, or just ‘doc’.”
Her continued attempts at formality amused him and he asked, “Tell me something, Cher, do you ever let your hair down and just relax?” Before she could answer, he added, “Have any of your friends ever been tempted to call you Suzie?”
She paused briefly before saying, “Only those who wished to be soundly kicked in the shins.”
The Awesome Trailer
About the Series
There are "at least" four wonderfully rakish McAlister men. We meet Matt, Jake and Zack in the first three books, and get a teaser for Christopher (another sexy Cajun delight).
As enticing as these men are, the heroines (Kate, Felicity & Suzanne) can hold their own among not only the McAlister men, but also those characters who come an go throughout the series.
There are three more books planned for the series and due to arrive in early 2022. I look forward to sharing them when the time comes.
~ ~ ~
Thank you for visiting today. Please come back again all week. I'm welcoming a number of my favorite authors and their books.
Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and stay well read.
Nancy
YAY!!!! HAppy Book birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peggy. This entire series has been a delight.
DeleteWoot!
ReplyDelete