DECEPTION IN DENALI - EXCERPT CHAPTER 2

           Jackson had taken two steps up the sidewalk leading to the house when the front door burst open and a smiling dark haired boy ran out, stopping about four feet in front of him. Jackson couldn’t take his eyes off of the vision before him. It was like looking in a mirror possessed by the past; brown hair, green eyes and the same dimple that appeared with a simple smile. The resemblance was even more prevalent in person than in pictures.
           “Daddy?” the little boy whispered excitedly.
           Jack nodded and took a step toward his son. He bent down and the little boy flew into his arms. Picking him up, he hugged him tight. One minute he’d been a carefree, single, twenty-four year old Park Ranger living the good life and the next he was the father of a seven year old boy. It all just seemed so impossible, yet so right.
           “I didn’t think you’d really come see me,” the little boy cried.
           “I promised I would, and I will always keep my promises.”
           Michael just nodded, his head then buried it in the crook of his father’s neck. “I’m so glad you’re here Daddy,” he whispered.
            “I’ll never leave you now Mikey.” Jack carried him up to the house and knocked on the door. It swung open and when he saw Maryann, he had to keep himself from gasping in shock. The once beautiful, vital person he’d known was replaced by an overly thin, drawn woman who now looked well beyond her fifty-four years
            “Welcome Jack,” she said struggling out of her recliner to hug him. Her voice sounded so tired and it made him realize just how gently he had to treat her. “Come sit down. Boy go get your daddy something to drink”.
            “We’ve got iced tea or soda,” Michael proudly told his father when he was finally set on the floor.
            “I’ll have some tea, my man.”
            Maryann slowly led Jackson to the couch and asked him to sit. “You sure did grow into a handsome man,” she said in wonder, looking over his six foot one inch frame. “You and Michael favor each other greatly.”

            “I noticed,” Jackson stated. “He has his mother’s eye shape and her lips too. The rest is all me. It still blows my mind that I helped to create him.”
            “That’s what you get for taking my daughter to the lake on her birthday,” Maryann joked.
            “Point taken,” Jackson replied with a smile. “After seeing Michael I can’t regret one moment of it.”
            “I’m glad Jack. The less you regret in life, the happier you’ll be. I learned that the hard way.”
            “I’m so sorry, Maryann.” Now that he’d seen her, the knowledge that this once vital woman would soon cease to exist slapped him in the face.
            “Don’t be kiddo. Just find my daughter so I can say goodbye,” she whispered.
            “I’ll do my best,” he promised. “But first I need to hear everything you know about her disappearance and the recent sightings. Are you up to it now or should we start tomorrow?”

DECEPTION IN DENALI - EXCERPT CHAPTER 1

          A round of cake and champagne was in order, courtesy of the head waiter of course. It seemed that the further they got into their vacation the more there was to celebrate. But as always, family time had to end and the group was shooed out of the dining room so the crew could set up for late dining. Everyone went their separate ways, each choosing to spend their last night on the cruise in a special manner. Jack went to the ship’s library one last time, to talk to his son before meeting him the next day.
          “Hey buddy!” Jackson said into the computer’s web camera.
          “Hi dad! What time will you be here tomorrow?”
           Jackson chuckled. “I’m not sure. I have to do a few things before I can come see you. But I would say I’ll be there before dinner time.” It wouldn’t be soon enough. He wanted nothing more than to meet his son.
          “Okay,” Michael said with a sad note to his voice.
          “Hey don’t worry little man. We’ll see each other real soon and I can’t wait.”
          “Daddy?"
          "Yeah Mikey?"
          "I love grandma, but I really want a mama and a daddy.”
          “I know,” Jack whispered, secretly cursing Deborah. “I’ll be there tomorrow and you’ll never be able to get rid of me.”
          “I won’t want to. Can you marry mama so we can be a family?”
          “We talked about this already, bud. I don’t know what will happen with your mama, but I’m going to find her so you can be with her again.”
           The little boy ducked his head. “I know,” he whispered. “We’ll see what happens right?”
          “Yep. Now you better get ready for bed. I’ll see you soon.”
          “Okay,” he sighed deeply. “Bye daddy.”
          "Bye son, I love you.”

**********

          After a two and a half hour ride to Anchorage, they hugged their family goodbye at the airport and headed to the car rental counter. Thomas and Vanessa headed to the hotel, probably to celebrate their love again, while Jackson took his own rental car to the hotel for a quick shower and a change of clothes before calling Maryann.
          “Hello,” she answered in a shaky, scratchy voice.
          “Hi Maryann, It’s Jack. Can I come see my son now?” His excitement almost bubbled over. He wanted to scream with joy, and fear.
          “Absolutely, he can’t wait to see you. He’s really loved talking to you over the internet for the past week.”
          “Give me the address so I can plug it into GPS and I’ll come right over.” His voice was shaking with excitement and wonder.  

           Maryann relayed the address as Jack walked out of the hotel and straight to the rental car. Five minutes after a stop at a big box store for a new toy, Jackson pulled up in front of a small cottage on a tree lined street. 

          This was it, he was about to change his life forever. He would exit the rental car and enter into a whole new world, a world where an almost eight year old boy was the most important thing in his life. He unlocked the driver’s side door and stepped out onto the curb. It was now or never.

INTRODUCING JACKSON AND DEBORAH

INTRODUCING JACKSON AND DEBORAH FROM DECEPTION IN DENAI - BOOK 5 IN THE SUNSET DESTINY ROMANCE SERIES (THE FINAL BOOK!)

JACKSON MANNON Go here to see how I envision Jackson - http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/kevin-zegers/images/2255350/title/kevin-photo

The only male child in a house full of women.

He has always used comedy to combat the craziness that his sister's caused.

Deep down inside Jackson is kind, caring, sensitive and sexy.

He met Deborah Sharpe when he was twelve, started dating her at 14 and consummated their relationship at 16 - three weeks before she disappeared without a word to anyone. He never stopped loving her.

Eight years later he has the chance to find Deborah and uncovers a secret he didn't expect.


DEBORAH SHARPE Go here to see how I envision Deborah - http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/emilie-de-ravin/images/15080777/title/high-noon-stills-photo

A poor girl from a small town whose single mother marries to get her a better life.

She is beautiful, sweet and loving

She met Jackson Mannon when she was 12, started dating him at 14. They consummated their relationship at 16, a mere three weeks before she disappeared. She still loved Jackson but had to flee for her safety.

Eight years later, she is still running scared, but Jackson has been tipped off to where she is. She's been hiding a secret that soon comes to light. But she is fostering an even bigger one that she wants to hide at all costs.

FEATURING BEST SELLING AUTHOR KATHERYN LANE

Today I am featuring bestselling author Katheryn Lane!  She is an amazing talent and best of all, she has a new book out. I know I for one am going to read it and I hope to have a review posted here soon!!! 

A BRIDE FOR THE SHEIKH:

From the #1 bestselling author of The Desert Sheikh comes her latest emotional rollercoaster sheikh
romance! 

When Sheikh Rashid is told by his father, the sultan, that he must marry the scheming daughter of his financial adviser, Chrystal Longhorn, the sheikh refuses. The sultan finally agrees to let his son choose his own bride, but on two conditions: she must be a foreigner, to prevent intermarriage with a local family, and she must be presented to the sultan as the sheikh's bride in just two weeks' time. 

That evening Sheikh Rashid meets Angelina Smith, a beautiful young woman from England. The sheikh is immediately besotted with her. The attraction is mutual, but Angelina has just accepted a place at an exclusive law school in London. Will she throw away her hard-earned career dreams to become a Middle Eastern wife? 
Being the royal wife of a billionaire sheikh is exactly what Chrystal Longhorn wants. What lengths will she go to in order to keep Sheikh Rashid and make sure he marries her and not Angelina? 

Sheikh Rashid has only two weeks to persuade Angelina to marry him, or face a loveless marriage with Chrystal. 

The clock is ticking...

EXCERPT:

       “Maybe marriage is more than just a business contract?” Sheikh Rashid suggested.
       “My son, I don’t regret sending you to college in England,” the sultan replied, referring to the three years that Rashid had spent studying Media Studies at Oxford Brookes University. “However, sometimes I wonder if you picked up a few silly notions while you were there.”
        “If marriage is a business contract, then perhaps it’s open to negotiation?” Rashid said, trying a different approach. He knew that if he argued with his father and opposed him too strongly, the sultan would have him married off to the dreadful Chrystal Longhorn the very next morning.
        “What type of negotiation?” the sultan asked, looking more amused than angry.
        “What if I agree to marry a foreign woman, but I get to choose who it is?”
        “You want to choose?”
        “I would only choose someone who would be a suitable bride for a member of the royal family.”
        “Naturally,” the sultan replied.
        Rashid waited while his father thought about the idea. When his father began to smile at him, he knew he had a chance.
        “If you can find a foreign woman, from a decent family, a woman who would be an asset to our own, then I agree,” his father said at last.
        “Thank you!” Rashid was thrilled that he no longer had to marry the vile Chrystal. He bowed low to his father in gratitude.
        “However, you must find her and present her to me within two weeks. If you don’t, I’ll start the arrangements for your wedding to Jack Longhorn’s daughter.”
         “Two weeks? How can I find someone in just two weeks?”
         “Those are my conditions. You either agree to them or I announce your engagement to Miss Longhorn today.”
         “I agree,” Rashid replied, bowing again, but this time it was as if a weight was on his shoulders, forcing him down. How could he find someone in just two weeks? How could he find a suitable foreign bride in so short a time?
         “You can go.” The sultan waved his hand to dismiss his son.
         “But Father...”
         “Go now, before I change my mind and make it just a week,” the sultan commanded.

AUTHOR BIO:

I'm a wife, teacher, author and mother of two boisterous boys, so most of my days are taken up with finding lost school shoes, getting stuck in traffic and wondering why I always join the queue that doesn't move in the supermarket. However, I try to forget these daily problems (and the fact that I burnt the toast again this morning) by losing myself in a good book and writing novels that give readers a break from everyday life. 
Open one of my books and escape on an adventure to an exotic location, because it's easier to buy a book than it is to book an air ticket. 
Have a break, read a book!

To find out more about me, you can:

Visit my blog: http://Katheryn-Lane.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/KatherynLane

Visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/KatherynLane.Author

See my inspiration on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/KatherynLane


Visit my Goodreads page: http://www.goodreads.com/KatherynLane

WILD WAVES EXCERPT - CHAPTER 10 (FINAL EXCERPT)

         This will be the final excerpt from Wild Waves!!! The novel will be released on November 2, 2013 and I hope you will pick up a copy!  You can also head on over to facebook and join our release party event!  The support would be much appreciated. https://www.facebook.com/events/237890906334955/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

          “Can we sit for a bit?” he asked when they were near the Russian Orthodox Church that Vanessa had been dying to see.
          “Sure, is it your hip?” she asked, concerned. She’d noticed his limp was really bad.
          “Yeah,” he sighed. “I feel so broken right now. There is no way in hell I deserve someone as wonderful as you. How the hell are we going to make it Vanessa?”
           “We’ll make it Tommy because we love each other.” She had to make him believe that to get over this bad spot he was going through.
            “Maybe,” he whispered.
            “For sure!” she empathized. “Chris and I agree, you are just having a hard time reconciling how you had thought life would be, with how great it’s going to be. You’ll be fine Tommy. We’ll be fine.”
             “You talked to Chris?” he seethed.
             Vanessa sighed. “Yeah, I was worried about you.”
             “Damn it Vanessa. I can take care of myself. I don’t need you running to my brother to figure out how to take care of your new burden.”
             “Tommy don’t,” she begged. Things were going downhill and she didn’t like it one bit.
             “Shut up. Just shut up and listen to me Vanessa. You need to face the fact that deep down inside you don’t know how to handle the scarred up, crippled freak. And you don’t even realize that you don’t want to be stuck with me. You need to wake up and face the truth.”
              “What are you talking about? I never said that!” There he went putting words in her mouth, again.
              “Yeah, but by going to Chris behind my back, you’ve implied it. You should have just come to me.”
              “I’m sorry, Tommy,” she whispered. “I just didn’t think…”
              “No, you didn’t. You’re still the same impulsive, selfish little girl you always were.”
              “What? What the hell do you mean by that? You’re way off base!”
              “You know what, just forget it all. You don’t want a broken, half crazed, half a man anyway.” He walked away without another word. Vanessa chased after him but he wouldn’t stop. She stood at the dock and watched as he climbed aboard a return tender without as much as a look back in her direction.

WILD WAVES - EXCERPT CHAPTER 9

          He walked over to the bed, sat down gently and kissed her awake. “I think I’m keeping you up too late,” Thomas said taking her hand in his. “I think I’ll put you to bed nice and early tonight so you can catch up on your sleep.”
          “You’ll take me to bed tonight,” she informed him. “But there won’t be much sleeping going on.”
          Thomas chuckled and kissed her hand. “You always get what you want don’t you?"
          “Yep.”
          “Well tonight I’m in charge. But once again you’ll get everything you want. Do you trust me?”
          Vanessa sat up in the bed and looked into his eyes. “With my life,” she whispered.
          He smiled, then kissed her. “Tonight, at least once, we’re going to take it slow - excruciatingly slow. I’m going to love you so thoroughly you’ll never forget me,” he whispered in her ear.
          A shiver of anticipation tore through her. “Promise,” she whispered, unable to speak any louder.
          “Definitely,” he smiled. “My name will be the only one you will ever call out again.”
**********
           Her reverie was interrupted by the ring tone on her phone. Without disturbing Thomas, she reached over and bought the device in front of her. She opened her eyes and hit view on the picture message from her dad.
           “I hate to admit it, but your mom was dead on with you and Tommy. Do you see that look on his face? It’s like he cherishes you more than life itself. Hope you are happy now. Love you baby girl.”

           She scrolled down to look at the picture her dad had sent. It was of her and Tommy, just minutes before in the hot tub. He was holding her, resting his chin on top of her head. The look on his face was indescribable. She saw crazed fear, sincere hope, unending comfort, burning passion and the deepest, most unending love. She had never seen anything like it before and it took her breath away. But she knew it meant that he loved her. That at the moment the picture was snapped, she was his whole universe.
          Tears stung her eyes. No one had ever loved her like that. She just knew it felt good to be cherished.

SHADES OF PINK - CHARITY ANTHOLOGY

I am so incredibly proud to be a part of this wonderful romance anthology to benefit fundraising and research for Breast Cancer 

Shades of Pink Charity Anthology

As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For this occasion, 33 authors have allied for 1 cause: fundraising for research. Their gift to everyone who makes a donation? A romance anthology (ebook) titled Shades of Pink, totaling over 200.000 words / about 500 pages as a PDF.

The suggested donation is $5. Funds are raised via Stayclassy.org and all proceeds go directly to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Readers can also donate to the charity organization of their choice (with a focus on breast cancer) and email their receipt to receive their copy of the anthology in either PDF, ePub or mobi (kindle).

Who: Kate Baum, Brei Betzold, Jean Booth, Catherine Bowman, Perci T. Brooks, Rose Caraway, Bethan Cooper, Sarah Daltry, Vivien Dean, JJ Ellis, Rachel Firasek, Sabrina Garie, Amber Green, T. Hammond, Lisa M. Harley, Susan Harris, K. R. Haynes, Ellie Heller, Laura Hunsaker, Jennifer James, Torie James, Kallysten, K.A. Linde, C. Deanne Rowe, DJ Shaw, Madeline Sheehan, Eden Summers, Gill Taber, J Annas Walker, Matthew Welch, Kristin L. Wilson, Zoe York, Angela Yseult

When: October through November 15th.

What: 33 short stories, including…

·      30 M/F, 1.5 M/M, 1.5 M/F/M

·      4 paranormal, 2 sci-fi, 19 contemporary, 3 historical, 1 BDSM, 9 fantasy, 3 YA (some stories have more than one genre)

·      4 spicy (ménage or kink), 15 sexy (explicit sex scenes), 14 sweet (no sex)

·      A handful of vampires, about four dozen humans including fighters, cursed humans, reincarnated souls, footballers, time travelers, bosses, secretaries, writers, rock stars, teens, witches, soldiers, wives, husbands and fiancés, 1 succubus, 1 genie, 1 extra-terrestrial princess, a few gods and goddesses, a pack of werewolves.

·      Pink, pink and more pink, including cherry blossoms, jewelry,  flamingoes, silk, a leather collar, assorted flowers, hair, a car, lip gloss, champagne, a hair ribbon, a hippo, various clothing items, lemonade and a toy.

Where: Kallysten’s blog

Here you’ll find teasers for all the stories, interviews of the authors posted during all of October, and of course the link where you can donate and help this worthy cause.