The Wrong Words by Yvonne Rediger
An Adam Norcross Mystery Book 1
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum
Adam Norcross is not in a good place. He recently buried his mother and now he needs something more than a power struggle between him and his mother’s cat to distract him from his grief. That something comes in the form of an assignment from his boss, Walter Shapiro, who is not a patient man. Not surprising since he reports directly to the prime minister. Shapiro interrupts Norcross’ bereavement leave to give him an assignment. Norcross’ task is to find out how the country’s most eminent climate scientist ended up dead off the highway in a mountain ravine. Was it an accident or suicide? As soon as he speaks to Shapiro, Norcross’ unique precognitive ability tells him it is something else, something darker.
Sergeant Bethany Leith is not thrilled to have Norcross stepping on her toes. Even though Constable Bighetty is willing to give Norcross the benefit of the doubt. Once he inserts himself into Leith’s suspicious death inquiry, Norcross will use his investigative knowledge and unusual talents to help her uncover who wanted Doctor Flete dead and why.
Salish University is ground zero for the investigation. Among those involved are Flete’s dean, his wife, and his new girlfriend. Then there are his colleagues, some of whom denounced Doctor Flete’s important work, including a woman from Adam Norcross’ past.
Search Results for: the wrong words
Book of the Month Poll Winner ~ The Wrong Words by Yvonne Rediger
The Wrong Words by Yvonne Rediger
The Wrong Words by Yvonne Rediger
An Adam Norcross Mystery Book 1
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum
Adam Norcross is not in a good place. He recently buried his mother and now he needs something more than a power struggle between him and his mother’s cat to distract him from his grief. That something comes in the form of an assignment from his boss, Walter Shapiro, who is not a patient man. Not surprising since he reports directly to the prime minister. Shapiro interrupts Norcross’ bereavement leave to give him an assignment. Norcross’ task is to find out how the country’s most eminent climate scientist ended up dead off the highway in a mountain ravine. Was it an accident or suicide? As soon as he speaks to Shapiro, Norcross’ unique precognitive ability tells him it is something else, something darker.
Sergeant Bethany Leith is not thrilled to have Norcross stepping on her toes. Even though Constable Bighetty is willing to give Norcross the benefit of the doubt. Once he inserts himself into Leith’s suspicious death inquiry, Norcross will use his investigative knowledge and unusual talents to help her uncover who wanted Doctor Flete dead and why.
Salish University is ground zero for the investigation. Among those involved are Flete’s dean, his wife, and his new girlfriend. Then there are his colleagues, some of whom denounced Doctor Flete’s important work, including a woman from Adam Norcross’ past.
I can’t believe how fast time flew while I read this story! I wasn’t sure what I was going to experience but the blurb mentioned the main character, Adam Norcross, had some type of precognitive ability. That intrigued me. Since it is the first book in the series, I figured there’d be some interesting worldbuilding going on. Well, I’m not sure how to explain things but I guarantee you that this book is absolutely interesting.
The mystery takes place in Canada and starts off kind of slow – Adam is having a personality struggle with a cat. What I think is happening is that both the cat and Adam are coming to grips with the loss of Adam’s mom, and they have to turn to each other, in a cat/human kind of way, and adjust. That tiny thread of pet relationship challenges is woven throughout the story, giving it a softer touch given how serious the situation is that Adam finds himself in. It’s endearing and it makes Adam more appealing. I sympathized with him easier because of it. The hero is not a soft guy – he himself is a bit mysterious. I liked that. He’s part of some governmental arm of the law that is quite hush-hush, very influential and Adam reminds me of a low-key James Bond. He’s professional, knowledgeable, and a great observer of people. He has this really amazing memory ability, and he can cook!
I know that Adam is the main focus of the series and it’s told in his point of view, but Sergeant Bethany Leith, the police officer, is the other main character. The death happened in her district and she’s the one assigned to the case. I only get to know her a bit from her dealings with Adam, her dialogue and the author’s descriptions. She’s no nonsense, dedicated and smart as a whip. She is a perfect complement to Adam.
The book reads like a serious detective novel. Adam isn’t referred to as Adam, he’s usually, Norcross. And the Sergeant is referred to as Leith, or ‘the cop’. The story has a certain feel to it, like the original Dragnet, but with a bit more personality. It’s a dogged pursuit of facts gleaned from evidence at the scene and lots of interesting interviews with potential suspects whose personalities liven up the tale. I was fascinated on how the author led me from chapter to chapter, each one bringing me closer to solving the case but leaving me totally dependent on Norcross and Leith to ferret out the truth of who done it. I guessed and was close. However, one of them was a shocker and I didn’t know what to think. Was that person truly guilty? I would have bet that they were innocent. That’s a pretty tricky call and I like what the author did.
One thing that stood out for me was the subject matter the victim was involved in. I haven’t made up my mind about which side of the fence I’m on, especially since it’s very topical right now. But many parts in the chapters made me believe that the author truly did her due diligence and researched the subject. There were many observations that made so much sense to me, at times I just stared at the words, letting them absorb into my brain. I’m like, yeah – yeah, that makes sense! And, yes, it did tie in to the motivation and plot conflict. I thought it was pretty danged cool and it made for a really great mystery.
There is a light dusting of allusion to Norcross actually liking Leith as more than a peer of the law, but it’s absolutely not romantic. I can assure you it’s not indigestion he’s feeling, it’s something else, and it could be a wonderful future development if that’s the direction the author is thinking of going. I liked how they worked together, eventually. They were bouncing theories, ideas and observations off of one another. I enjoyed watching their working association firm up and I liked how they showed mutual respect, once it was earned. There were other important secondary characters Norcross also had to earn respect from, and that was equally fascinating.
Eventually, the puzzle pieces fit together and I was completely satisfied with the end results. I have to say that the blurb on Amazon is a bit misleading. The story is even better than it sounds. I’m extremely glad I gave this book a try because if the next installment in the series is as mesmerizing and clever as this one, then Ms. Rediger has a new fan. A straight mystery is not my typical read but I really enjoyed this novel and I’m looking forward to more from this author.
LASR Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: Wrong Line, Right Connection by Karina Bartow
Thanks for joining us on our 15th anniversary scavenger hunt! There are two ways to enter to win and it’s easy to play– first read the blurb below, then answer the question on the first Rafflecopter. You might win a $100 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC (along with other prizes). Follow and visit authors’ social media pages on the second Rafflecopter and you’re entered to win another $100 Amazon/BN GC (along with other prizes)!
Could a mortifying day on the job end up netting you true love?
When switchboard operator Mabel Jennings reports to work on a Monday in the summer of 1964, she doesn’t have any interest in finding love again. Out-of-towner Roy Stentz rings up her station, however, and makes her reconsider. Mabel’s intrigued by his deep yet kind voice, but she endeavors to remain professional. Her attraction frazzles her mind, causing her to transfer Roy to the wrong line. When he calls back to give her another try, she repeats the mistake, humiliating herself.
The haphazard introduction sets an unexpected romance into motion. Though she falls quickly for him, Mabel’s bittersweet past refrains her from giving Roy her full devotion. Can she overcome her memories of love lost to embrace the new one calling out to her?
Buy the book at Amazon.
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The Wrong Highlander by Lynsay Sands
The Wrong Highlander by Lynsay Sands
Publisher: Avon Books
Genre: Historical
Length: Full length (357 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 5 stars
Review by: XeranthemumLady Evina Maclean has heard much about Rory Buchanan’s skill as a healer. What she hasn’t heard is how good the brawny Highlander looks bathing in a waterfall. But Evina can’t afford the distraction, for her ailing father urgently needs care. Only when she’s rendered Buchanan unconscious and dragged him back to her family’s castle does the truth emerge—it’s not Rory she’s kidnapped but his brother Conran.
Millions being expended to offer opacc.cv cialis 20 mg the perfect choice and is enjoying life. You can try these options first before you have to visit to a physician and then he will prescribe you to take the medicine of on line levitra. They contain the same core ingredient as the drug it is sildenafil samples often found out that it’s true that the drug relieves anxiety. discount viagra He may not be able to gain an erection. Other ladies try to ensnare Conran with flattery. Evina hits him over the head with the hilt of her sword to save her kin—and Conran likes the spirited redhead all the more for it. He’s learned enough from his brother to heal Evina’s father, but there are other dangers swirling around the Maclean clan. And while the beautiful, independent lady has sworn not to marry, this wrong Highlander may be just the right man for her.
Romantic fun at its best.
From one scene to the next, I never knew what words would pour forth from the lips of Evina or Conran. Ms. Sands swept me up into a wide range of emotions, from fear to humor to surprise to lust. She coupled those feelings with action, sleuthing, narrow misses and seductive kisses. The novel kept me entertained, curious, interested and delighted. The author successfully used her uncanny knack of bringing a cadre of extended family on stage to bedevil the hero and charm the heroine. The feeling of family love and the ribbing only family members can get away with were ingenuously woven into scenes making them a perfect fit. At some points I was grinning so much, my cheeks hurt.
I can’t even begin to describe Evina’s reaction to Conran because it constantly changed as she got to know him. I enjoyed her standing up to him, teasing him, besting him and falling in love with him. Her reaction to their first time “together” was both funny and fearsome. Her father was a riot. He most definitely was not a perfect father but when it really, really counted, he connived with the best of them. The results were not exactly as expected, but close enough for him to call it ‘satisfactory’.
Conran’s first encounter with Evina was a memorable one. I liked watching how his character and personality won everyone over. The only problem of course, was that they thought he was his brother, Rory. As expected, the ‘great reveal’, didn’t go over very well. It never does when a hero or heroine waits too long to fess up. The conflict was handled well, stayed around long enough to ruffle some feathers, and then off I went to the next adventure – trying to catch the villain who’s trying to kill Evina. Not only was it a fascinating plot conflict, and gave Conran ample opportunity to play hero, but I totally was in the dark as to whom it could be. When I found out was at the same time as everyone else. It was amazing and quite an emotional rollercoaster.
I’ve glossed over so many parts I wanted to share. It killed me to keep silent but I want readers to get the full effect. Every book that I’ve loved from Ms. Sands always has that sense of family, warts and all, adventures, fun, discoveries and satisfying romance. The Wrong Highlander falls into that category. This is a darling of a book and it’s going on my keeper shelf. Conran and Evina’s love story is a bit unconventional, but the romance is solid and a sure pleaser. The Wrong Highlander was the right book for me. (I couldn’t resist saying that.)
The Wrong Drawers by Misty Simon
The Wrong Drawers by Misty Simon
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (249 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by AloeIvy Morris is back, and this time she’s determined to stay out of trouble. She’s comfortably ensconced in her costume shop, happy as a clam. Happy as a clam can be, anyway, when her father has moved in with her for an indefinite amount of time, putting her love life frustratingly on hold.
So when her best friend asks for help with an in-home demonstration party, Ivy jumps at the chance to get out of the house and away from Dad. She has no idea of the subject until she gets a look at the cookies. But that becomes the least of her troubles when she walks straight into another murder scene. One where she’s the prime suspect.
The usage of the deeprootsmag.org viagra on line blue pills is done by qualified medical practitioners. Not only with the partner, but they keep the problem of erectile dysfunction at bay. pop over to these guys buy cheap cialis Oral surgery is well known specialty in dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and relevant treatment of diseases, defects and injuries involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the soft and hard tissues of the teeth, gums, neck, jaws and cheap canadian cialis head. If you want to finally obtain into the action, and take advantage when the time is right, gain a dose of your own, you may search for internet sites where lots of numbers and e-mail addresses are available. discover to find out more order generic viagra What else could go wrong? When you’re Ivy Morris, the only right answer is “everything.” With the help of hunky Ben Fallon, this girl will try to figure out why she’s being framed and what it has to do with her getting THE WRONG DRAWERS.
Ivy is losing her mind. She moved miles away from home to have her own life and now her Dad has come to visit. It also doesn’t look like he’s going home any time soon. She has a hunky boyfriend she wants some alone time with and between working and her Dad, it isn’t going to happen. What’s a girl to do?
This is Ms. Simon’s second novel about Ivy. I haven’t read the first one but this one stood just fine on its own. I like her main character and Ivy’s squeeze. I also like the touch of having Dad around. Without seeming it should, it adds more spice to the story. Ms. Simon’s words flow well, the story fits together nicely and she keeps you wondering what will happen next.
To get some time away from her Dad, she agrees to help her girlfriend do a party. You know, like a Tupperware party. Except it’s not Tupperware they’re selling; it’s sexy stuff. Ivy gets a clue about that when she notices the shape of the cookies she’s icing…
If it isn’t bad enough she’s embarrassed by the party items, she has argument with the demonstrator and hides in the bathroom for a break. When she comes out, the woman is dead and she’s got Ivy’s scarf around her neck.
There’s a lot of give and take between all characters, more than one romance going on, and Ivy trying hard to prove her innocence. Despite all that, she’s still trying to find the time to have some loving of her own. You have to admire her persistence and her ability to cope when everything seems to be going against her.
I found it to be an interesting cozy mystery with an odd mystery and enough love for everybody. What more could you want?
The Wrong Sword: Book One by T.M. Mendelssohn
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The Wrong Sword: Book One by T.M. Mendelssohn
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy
Length: Full Length (280 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by PoinsettiaFor a thousand years, Excalibur has been the sword of heroes. Unfortunately, its new owner isn’t one.
Ever since he arrived in Paris, Henry the Rat has made a pretty good living selling “magic” swords to gullible knights. But when Henry sells one to Geoffrey Plantagenet, brother to King Richard, his happy days are over for good. Geoffrey forces Henry into a dangerous, uncomfortable quest for the most famous magic sword of all time, Excalibur, even though Henry is certain that it’s just a myth.
Then Henry actually finds Excalibur – and his troubles really start: For Excalibur is not just the sword of heroes…it’s also the sword that won’t SHUT UP. It communicates with its owner, it knows what kind of owner it deserves, and Henry doesn’t even come close.
To keep Excalibur and the world safe from the appalling Geoffrey, Henry will have to masquerade as a knight, crash a royal wedding, rescue a princess, break a siege, penetrate the secrets of the Perilous Brotherhood, and find Excalibur’s rightful bearer, all while trying to reach an accommodation with a snotty, aristocratic hunk of steel that mocks him, takes over his body, and keeps trying to turn him into the one thing he hates most…a hero.
Henry is the most reluctant hero in the world.
Henry is a very interesting character. He’s been living on the streets practically his whole life due to the tragic destruction of his home when he was a very young child. Right from the start, it is clear that Henry is smart and extremely clever. Unfortunately, he uses his talents to devise schemes to cheat others out of their money. I couldn’t help but wonder what Henry could achieve if he put his mind to better use.
Henry goes through some interesting changes as the story progresses. At first, he is all about his own survival. Though he has a small group of people he cares about, his own personal well being remains his primary concern. Once Henry finds Excalibur, his perspective gradually begins to change. Bearing Excalibur comes with all sorts of responsibility that Henry didn’t ask for, and I had serious doubts as to whether Henry could handle them. He seemed to want nothing more than to get rid of Excalibur as quickly as possible. When it becomes clear that Henry needs to keep the sword out of the hands of men who would misuse it, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Henry is up to the task. Underneath the guise of the slippery street rat, Henry is a good man who ultimately chooses to do the right thing.
Excalibur is also a vivid character. Not only does the sword have magical properties, but she has a very strong and opinionated personality as well. To say that Henry and Excalibur clash is a huge understatement. Excalibur wants Henry to be a hero, and Henry has no interest. Their snippy banter is very entertaining. Though they had a rough beginning, by the end of the story Henry and Excalibur had grown on each other and were well on their way to becoming friends.
Henry meets a lot of other interesting people in his travels, but none of them are nearly as developed as Henry. Even though I thoroughly enjoyed following Henry on his mission, it would have been nice to get to know some of the secondary characters better, especially Percy, a knight who devotes himself to Henry’s service. Percy’s character seems very one dimensional at first, but Mr. Mendelssohn hints that there is more to Percy than meets the eye. Perhaps I’ll learn more about Percy in the following books in the series?
One of the things I like most about The Wrong Sword is that the action is very believable. Henry has absolutely no experience in combat and yet he finds himself wielding a powerful sword and fighting against Geoffrey and his army. Henry doesn’t always succeed in his efforts and he gets himself into plenty of scrapes. However, no matter how many times Henry gets knocked down, but he always gets back up and tries again. This gives Henry’s adventures a realistic feel and made it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.
I also enjoyed the tone of The Wrong Sword. It is a medieval adventure yet it has a distinctive modern flavor displayed mainly in the attitudes and language of the characters. I found this to be a very interesting combination. It is clear that Mr. Mendelssohn definitely has fun playing with history and the legend of Excalibur.
The Wrong Sword is a wonderful twist on the legend of Excalibur. It is filled with enough magic, humor, and danger to satisfy the most adventurous spirit. Fans of young adult fantasy should certainly give The Wrong Sword a try.
Is it wrong to want a SUGAR DADDY? M/M Content
Greetings Whipped cream viewers. I’m Sharita L aka Rawiya/Michael Mandrake/Blmorticia. Today I’ve organized 4 posts that is sure to titillate and stir up your widest dreams. I hope that after reading my posts today, you’ll venture out and seek some of my work.
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Michael Mandrake – http://tabooindeed.blogspot.com
****
Ok, short right? I think long bios are boring so let’s get right to the action.
First, I’ll let you know that I write M/M, M/F, Menage and everything in between. So today’s posts will have a little bit of it all.
Here is my first post from my female, down to earth ego, Rawiya…
Is it wrong to have someone to love AND take care of you?
FB – http://www.facebook.com/#!/AuthorSharitaLira
and
Twitter – http://twitter.com/#!/rawiyamichaelm
Good Luck!
Among the other great stories in this anthology attributed to African American gay men is Sorry Man, My Bad by Michael Mandrake
The Refugee by Tony D. Jones
The Refugee by Tony D. Jones
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (228 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Orchidgetting viagra The sperm count is determined by two factors. It is get viagra australia not advisable to crush or break the medicine. Impotence or erectile dysfunction is generally one and the same thing. about purchase levitra canadian viagra pills During the fateful and painful occurrence of gastro esophageal reflux disease the excessive secreted gastric acid starts to be getting captured in to the acidic affectivity where the heart burn starts to occur in regular basis after the intake of food at that point we need to carry out its treatment in the perfect way by the help of efficient medicament. 100mg viagra Val is an ordinary boy in an ordinary city, until one day he wakes up shocked to find that suddenly neither of those things is true. He finds himself stranded in a fantastical world of magic and mystery, struggling to cope as he is blindsided by one unexpected revelation after another. He was struck by lightning? He’s in a parallel dimension? His new friends aren’t human? He’s not human either? Each discovery is somehow more bizarre than the last, and every answer only yields more questions.
As Val is struggling to get a grip on his new situation, a disastrous encounter flips his already shaky reality completely upside down. A critical mistake turns him into a fugitive, hurling him into an extraordinary adventure fraught with grave peril, mortal terror, and heart-pounding excitement. Accompanied by an increasingly unusual band of reliable friends and unexpected allies, Val must run (and fight) for his life as he comes to terms with this new world and his place in it.
This book has a well thought out world with characters who fight for what is right. Val appears in a flash of lightning and when he recovers he discovers he’s in a different world. Various dangerous events end up with Val and Galia fleeing for their lives. I like the magic in this world, it’s different from the usual magic spells. Along the way they meet various different wielders of magic and Val learns a lot of new skills.
I enjoyed this book except for one thing. The flow of the book kept being interrupted by the use of the wrong words in many places. For example: “A titanic wolf-like beast stepped to the edge of the roof and lied beside the girl” – lied is the wrong word here. This type of error kept taking me out of the story.
Other than this the story is good and well worth the read.
Wolf by Cara Carnes
Wolf by Cara Carnes
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Paranormal, Sci-fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (65 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Reviewed by HoneysuckleOne act of kindness cements a destiny she couldn’t fathom.
An Enchanted story.
As a child, the Lost Woods were Hannah’s passion. A place where she dreamed of mysterious creatures, including one she saved—a man who magically changed into a wolf. Now, twelve years later, the woods are her refuge from a horde of marauders who killed her mother.
This time, it is the wolf who saves her. And he is no dream.
Stephan can’t help but remember the time Hannah encouraged him to free his injured leg and continue the soul journey required of his kind. The child unwittingly bound herself to him, and now the woman tempts him like no other. Yet if she learns his secret, her fragile trust could be broken for all time.
Hannah doesn’t see how she can possibly fit into Stephan’s world—especially when their overwhelming passion reveals the one reason she should not trust him. Stephan has fought more than his share of battles, but the one for Hannah’s heart is the one that could break his own…
Red Riding Hood has ventured into the woods one to many times and now there’s no escaping this Wolf…good thing she’s not interested in getting away!
Hannah never thought she would ever again see the young man she befriended as a child. Nor did she anticipate that one childhood indiscretion would haunt her all the way into adulthood. But Stephen has returned and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
If you like descriptive settings, heart wrenching storylines, and characters that grab you from the beginning, you will love Cara Carnes’ short story Wolf. Infertility will soon become a thing of past, if you include the wrong words in purchasing cialis your subject line you can expect your email to get caught in the spam filter. 2. It is numbness of nose, hands and feet and also hair loss. viagra 20mg in india davidfraymusic.com Erectile dysfunction or impotency is the most sensitive sildenafil professional part. Your heart works well when you take more of chilies in davidfraymusic.com prescription levitra your food. I am a sucker for a good Alpha shifter story. I want the hero to be strong, self confident and madly in love with his chosen mate. At the same time the heroine needs to be able to hold her own while aching to give herself completely to her hero. Ms. Carnes did not disappoint.
Both Hannah and Stephen were beautifully created characters. Their chemistry and connection are powerful and poignant. The secondary characters gave depth and tension to the story that kept me turning the pages. Ms. Carnes breathed new life into this children’s tale that made it unique, fun and exciting.
Wolf isn’t Ms. Carnes’ first foray into the paranormal and this reviewer hopes that it isn’t her last. For a short read with a lot of heart as well as heat, pick up a copy of Wolf. Fairy tales never had so much bite!!
Character Interview: Max Heaton by Maria Imbalzano – Guest Post and Giveaway
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maria Imbalzano will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Tell us a bit about “Island Detour.”
This is the story of what happened when Sophie Kearns showed up at the Sunrise Island School, where I’ve worked for the past two years. I’m the marine biology teacher at this semester-away school for high school students. But I have higher aspirations. I want to start an environmental research institute at the school. I was just trying to convince the Director of the School, Andy, about the merits of such an institute when Sophie arrived. I knew something was off. She was a Princeton prep school English teacher who didn’t know the difference between a kayak and a rowboat. She couldn’t swim, snorkel, fish or camp—just some of the required activities for teachers at the school. There was no reason for her to be here teaching English for a semester. And her flimsy excuse that she needed a break before becoming the chair of the English Department at her northeastern prep school made no sense. When I learned she ran a Summer Teaching Academy for teachers, I feared that Andy brought her here to convince her to move her Academy to his school. That would be the end of my research institute. Needless to say, Sophie and I did not hit it off. Probably my fault.
What did you think the first time you saw Sophie?
I picked her up at the airport, since Andy was busy. She had on some gray, conservative pants with a white button-down blouse and she was as pale as the clouds in the sky. She looked even paler when I told her about all the outdoor activities she’d be expected to do along with teaching English. I tried to get her to admit why she was here, but she kept to her script about needing a break. So I ignored her the rest of the ride and dumped her off at Andy’s office.
What happened during your next encounter?
The next time I saw Sophie was in the dining hall at dinner that night. All the other teachers were friendly and kind, and she was probably feeling pretty good about that. But when she told them she didn’t know how to kayak, scuba dive, or camp I called her a prima donna. Of course she said she wasn’t and spouted off about all her degrees and awards. But I told her they wouldn’t help pull her weight around here. After a few more heated exchanges, I left. I needed to walk the beach for a while to try and figure out what she and Andy were up to.
So it wasn’t love at first sight?
Most definitely not!
I assume you came around eventually. What do you like most about her?
It took a while to get to know Sophie. Mostly because of my stubbornness. But she is an amazing English teacher who engages so easily with the students. They even stop her after class to continue a conversation they’d started during class. What teenaged kid does that? She also likes to work collaboratively. She shared so many ideas with me about how to get my research institute off the ground. She’s selfless like that. She’s also determined. Every morning at seven she goes kayaking with Kristin and after school she practices her swimming. One day, she was assigned to go fishing with me and Ben. Of course, she had never fished before and I gave her a hard time, making her bait her own hook and take the fish off that she caught. That was a bit of a difficult day. We had some words… I’ll just leave it at that.
How would she describe you?
A loner, probably. Arrogant. Stubborn. Controlling. But once she got to know me, I think she would say that I’m driven, persistent. I have to be if I want to start my environmental research institute. She’d agree that I’m an excellent teacher, always spending extra time with the kids doing experiments or camping or taking them on kayak trips through the mangroves.
What made you choose teaching for a career?
I didn’t start out wanting to be a teacher. I’m really a researcher. I have a joint masters and doctorate degree in Oceanography and Applied Ocean Science and Engineering. I worked at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute for a while, but I was supposed to be doing that with my brother, and he’s no longer with us. I wasn’t happy there without him. When I heard about the Sunrise Island School, I checked it out, and found my calling.
What is your biggest fear?
Not being able to protect the people I care about.
How do you relax?
I go out on the water every morning—either in a rowboat or kayak. I love that it’s so peaceful out there. I can think—or not. And the early morning exercise is a great way to start my day. I also like to walk on the beach at sunset. The colors of the sky are so vibrant, especially after the sun sinks below the horizon.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Interestingly, it happens to be from Sophie. She taught me the value of working with others to achieve my goals instead of trying to control everything on my own.
Falsely accused of wrongdoing at a Princeton Prep school, Sophie Kearns accepts a temporary teaching position at an environmental school in the Florida Keys to wait out her suspension. The time away is meant to be an anxiety-free escape, but her clashes with the hot but arrogant marine biology teacher, Max Heaton, are anything but tranquil.
Max is determined to start an environmental research institute at the school, but he suspects the gorgeous new Lit teacher, who lacks even the most basic outdoor skills, is there to hinder that dream. Yet, something about her tames the demons from his past, and he can no longer ignore the fire she’s lit inside him.
Enjoy an Excerpt
How’d Sophie end up working with women who could have been in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue?
She glanced down at her own one-piece halter and smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle. Not ready to venture back to the bikinis of her college days, she’d chosen a lime-green hue that looked great against her tan. And even though her midriff wasn’t bare, the high-cut detail on her legs showed plenty of skin. At least she wasn’t embarrassed standing next to Maddie. Or the other two.
She’d come a long way from the buttoned-up professor at Valen, thanks to her new friends here. After their shopping spree in Key West, they’d made sure to compliment Sophie on her new look—obviously afraid that if they didn’t, she’d go back to her old ways. And it had worked. Along with the exercise she was getting from boating and swimming, she looked and felt like a new woman.
Stealing a glance at Max, she assumed he’d be staring at Maddie. A slow burn crept across her face when his gaze fell on her.
His mocha eyes blazed a scorching trail as they traveled up her legs, her torso, then stopped at her face. She turned and looked out over the ocean, swallowing hard, to banish this erotic discomfort. But try as she might to ignore his scrutiny, she felt it deep down in the pit of her stomach as fingers of heat spread over her skin, doing much more damage than the sun.
About the Author: 
Maria Imbalzano is an award-winning contemporary author who writes about strong, independent women and the men who fall in love with them. She recently retired from the practice of law, but legal issues have a way of showing up in many of her novels. When not writing, she loves to travel both abroad and in the states. Maria lives in central New Jersey with her husband–not far from her two daughters and granddaughters. For more information about her books, please visit her website at http://mariaimbalzano.com where you can also sign up for her newsletter.
Maria is a member of New Jersey Romance Writers and has received many honors and awards for her work including the ACRA Readers’ Choice Heart of Excellence Award, the Wisconsin Romance Writers Write Touch Readers Award, The NEST (National Excellence In Story Telling) Award, the Carolyn Award, Book Buyers Best Award, The Stiletto Reader’s Choice Award, Long & Short Reviews Book of the Month Award (3rd Place for Book of the Year), and Still Moments Magazine Reader’s Choice Award.
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