PROMO: Second Summer

Second Summer - Week Blitz

By Shirleen Davies

Contemporary Western Romance

Date Published: TBD

Second Summer – Book One in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Novella Series.

In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family. The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.

Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .

Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.

It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .

Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.

However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .

The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?

Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose. 

Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.

Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary novella series—heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance. Watch for Hard Landing in the Spring of 2014.

TEASERS

Book Excerpt 1:

“Well, not really. It doesn’t matter anyway.” The room felt hot. She’d have to check to see if Eric had changed the setting.

“Why’s that?”

“I called it off with him tonight. That’s why I drove out to see you, to let you know.” Annie moved into the family room, trying to create some distance.

“So, it’s just you and me now, Annie. No doctor and no one else, right?”

“No, no one else.” She’d backed up against a wall. Heath now stood not a foot away. “I don’t understand what you want from me,” she whispered.

He took another step forward, placing his hands against the wall on either side of her. “Oh, I think you do.”

Book Excerpt 2:

Annie looked behind Heath to see Diana in an almost there outfit, barefoot, and holding a bottle of wine in one hand.

Reality dawned like a sledgehammer to her solar plexus. The intense pain almost doubled her over. She stepped back from the door.

“I, uh, I guess this is a bad…” she couldn’t even get it out before she turned and ran. Tears already filled her eyes, blurring her vision.

“Annie wait! Don’t leave, please!”

She could barely hear his voice. The ringing in her ears made it sound as if she were in a tunnel. Her head began to spin as she opened the car door to climb behind the wheel. She fumbled with her keys. She looked up to see Heath dashing outside. He’d grabbed a shirt and was buttoning it as he made his way to her car.

“Annie! Don’t go. Let me explain.”

Book Excerpt 3:

So this was Heath, Annie thought. Caroline hadn’t told her too much about him, but had always warned her away. His situation was complicated Caroline had said. She had told Annie he’d been married for a long time to a woman he’d met in high school. Annie assumed it was the standard marriage of high-school sweethearts gone wrong as the two matured, but Caroline had almost snorted when Annie had used that phrase. She knew he had a reputation for being seen with a different woman at each event he attended, even if all were stunning, tall, and, according to Caroline, ten to fifteen years his junior. At least now she had a face to put with a name.

Shirleen Davies

I have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing.

I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.

Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I've sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband's Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.

Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today.

My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn't change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.

I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me at shirleen@shirleendavies.com.

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