#SnippetSunday – “Gossip. All gossip.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

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Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in on of the previous posts, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. I’ve edited it a bit to keep it shorter.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan gave his friend a rundown of the break-in at Addison’s and her persistence to stay in the house on her own despite him offering her to stay in the hotel or his place, ending with the explanation that he was concerned about her being on her own.
“I’m not sure how it’ll go down with her, but I thought I’d grab my swag and head over there.”
“No worries mate. Drop off Nick over here. Emily will love having him around and watch a movie with him.”
“Thanks mate. I owe you.”
“You do indeed. Mainly an explanation about your interest in her. Emily told me she’s suspicious—”
“Gossip. All gossip.”
Connor laughed. “I’ll see you in a few.”
After a quick talk to Nick, with as little detail as possible, but as much to satisfy the boy’s curiosity, Ethan and his son drove over to Connor’s house. The boy was happy the situation resulted in a sleep over at his dad’s friend. Even more so with Emily around. She usually spoilt him rotten.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “He was more surprised than mad.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

Want to be part of sharing FRESH BEGINNINGS?
Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in on of the previous posts, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. I’ve edited it a bit to keep it shorter.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan stormed into the house, still frustrated with Addison’s stubbornness. All he wanted to do was help. He was worried, because a break-in like this was very unusual in Fermosa Bay.
He threw his keys into the little bowl next to the entrance door and went into the kitchen for a cold glass of water. Suddenly, but with great intensity, he remembered her body close to him. Her gentle sobs against his chest. To see her so fragile had hurt him inside, despite knowing her so little.
Ethan made himself a cup of tea when his phone rang. He checked the ID. It was a local number he didn’t recognise. Slightly annoyed by the late call, he answered it abruptly.
“Hello, Ethan speaking.”
There was a moment of silence before a female voice said. “Good evening, Ethan. It’s Addison Ryker here.”
Raising his brows in surprise, he remained silent.
“Please don’t be mad and hang up.”
He was more surprised than mad.
“How can I help you?”
He knew he was an arse for being so frosty. After all, it’d been a stressful situation for her and he’d possibly been a bit more insistent than he should’ve been. Yet, he still worried about her being on her own in the house. And as much as he admitted he was attracted to her, he knew this was more the caring part coming out in him. If ever something like that should’ve happened to Emily, he’d hoped for someone to look after her. As he listened to her, he left the lounge room and went back into the kitchen.
“I need to apologise for my behaviour this afternoon.” Her voice still sounded fragile and everything inside him tightened. “I think the thought of leaving my house to let the burglar win freaked me out. I can’t let this person win. And even though I’ve only been here for a few weeks, it’s my home, and I feel most comfortable at my home.”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “He’d hugged her during her first breakdown…” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Not to mention the rumours that spread easily in this town. No way did she want the Principal to find out that she stayed at a parent’s house – innocently or not.
Shaking her head, she whispered, “I can’t do that.”
“Have you got a friend you can stay with?”
“I’ve called my parents. Mum will come tomorrow.”
The long exhale told her he still wasn’t happy with the situation, but she’d made her decision, and he should respect that. After all, he was … a parent. A caring parent indeed, but she didn’t really know him. And if nothing else had come out of her relationship with Ryan, she had learnt how to stand up for herself.
“I’ll be fine,” she insisted.
With his hand on her back, Ethan gave her a gentle push towards the door.
He nodded again. “I believe that. You’re still not staying.”
She stopped and everything inside her tensed. On the verge of being annoyed, or even well and truly past that, she met his gaze. “Look, I don’t need a babysitter. I’m big enough to look after myself.”
He held up his hands and gave a slow nod, with only his eyes reflecting his tension. “No worries.” And without another word, he turned and left.
A flicker of guilt shot through her. She hadn’t meant to be so abrupt, but with the stress over the last two hours and his perseverance, it’d come out that way. She wanted to call out for him and apologise, because she remembered only five minutes earlier he’d hugged her during her first breakdown.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “The idea of sleeping in a stranger’s house…” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

“Let’s go inside and pack a few things,” he whispered and if she hadn’t been so upset, she was sure she’d shuddered at the sound of his voice.

“I’m fine,” she sobbed into his chest. “I’d rather be here than in a small hotel room.”

She sensed him nod his head. “Fair enough. I’ve got a spare room in my house. Can we settle you there for a few days?”

A thousand thoughts ran through her head. The idea of sleeping in a stranger’s house, whether or not she knew his son, the bottom line was she didn’t know Ethan. She remembered how Officer Clark’s expression had changed to a friendly chuckle as soon as he’d seen Ethan, and their conversation had seemed like one between very good friends.

And yet, she still wasn’t able to go. Because one idiot tried to scare her by breaking in, didn’t mean she would let the person scare her and run straight away. The knowledge that the thief didn’t find anything made her hold onto the hope he wouldn’t come back again.

Not to mention the rumours that spread easily in this town. No way did she want the Principal to find out that she stayed at a parent’s house – innocently or not.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “Her body’s betrayal at the wrong time” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

And, he was a school parent. A big reason to not think of him as an attractive man. Or think of him at all.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
With heat creeping up her cheeks, she figured he meant the break in and nodded.
He scratched the back of his head. “I’m not your nosy neighbour, don’t get me wrong, but I saw the police and remembered Nick telling me your family’s in Melbourne. Anything I can help you with?”
She sighed inwardly. Not only attractive, but very generous as well. Shaking her head, she replied, “I’m fine, but I appreciate your offer.”
“Will you be all right to stay here on your own? I’m sure we can organise a room at the hotel for a few nights.”
Something stirred inside. His caring nature and his generosity were so overwhelming, and possibly the stress of the previous two hours, she didn’t want to but she started to cry.
Ethan stepped even closer and gently drew her into an embrace. Common sense told her to pull away, but it was such a relief to finally be able to let out all the pent-up emotions. The tension, the fear, and her body’s betrayal at the wrong time.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 22/07/2017 #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

“Do you know Ethan?”
She blinked once or twice, surprised by Nick’s dad emerging out of the car, as well as the fact that he was known to the police.
Was that good?
Or bad?
“He’s a school parent. I see him sometimes at school. His son is in my class,” she replied with a little smile on her lips.
“Little Nick’s one of your students?”
She noticed the change of expression on his face with a gleam in his eyes and nodded, then moved her head and stared at Ethan as he came closer.
“We’ll be in contact, Ms Ryker.”
Again, she simply nodded and watched him walk to his car.
The two men met half way down her driveway near the police car and shook hands. Their voice carried softly with the little afternoon breeze, but Addy wasn’t able to decipher any words. Not sure whether to wait for Ethan or to go inside, she decided on waiting.
After the two men said their goodbyes, Ethan met her gaze and a slow smile curved up the corners of his mouth. It seemed like an eternity until he made it to the door, and she noticed her pulse racing despite her best efforts to calm herself down with a few deep breaths and a count from twenty down to one. He was attractive, no doubt, but she didn’t know him and was surprised by her body’s reaction to him. After all, he wasn’t the first attractive man she’d ever met.
And, he was a school parent. A big reason to not think of him as an attractive man. Or think of him at all.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 16/07/2017 #romance #love #freebie

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

After some whale watching and serious relaxation in South Australia, I’m back with more snippets ☺ A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Experiencing chills down her spine, she blew out a long sigh of relief when she finally heard the police siren approaching only a few minutes later.
What came next was like a blur for Addy. Over the next hour or so, the police inspected the house and asked lots of questions. At some stage, she followed them inside the house. Tentatively, though, as if she was intruding on someone else’s privacy. She shuddered at the thought that someone had gone through her belongings, touched her things. She felt violated and exposed. Room by room, she checked whether anything was missing, a police officer always close by, making notes.
But there wasn’t anything unaccounted for as far as Addy was able to see. She signed a statement before the police was packing up, about to leave.
Exhausted and drained, she stood at the front of the door with Officer Clark, hoping for him to leave soon as well. All she wanted was to crawl into a corner and cry.
“William should be around within the next twenty minutes to fix the front door.”
“Thank you.” She was still overwhelmed by what happened, so it sounded more like a whisper than her normal voice.
“Will you be okay?” he asked.
She nodded, thinking she was going to call her parents to ask them to come earlier than planned.
Officer Clark handed her his card. They shook hands when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a car pulling up in front of her house. It was an old beaten up pick-up truck, and although it looked familiar, her brain gave her a complete blank as to whom it might belong to. Not that she was good with cars at the best of times. They were one or the other colour and that was as far as her knowledge went. Officer Clark obviously noticed the car as well and gave her a questioning look.
“Do you know Ethan?”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 25/06/2017 #romance #love #freebie

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

For today’s snippet I moved a little forward again into Addy’s POV. She’s arrived at home after a day at the school

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Once she arrived home, she got out of her car and grabbed the mail from the letterbox before walking towards the door. The mobile buzzed in her bag and as she juggled the mail and the phone with both hands, she swiped the green answer key before the call would go to the answering service.
“Hello darling. How are you?”
A rush of warmth spread through Addy. She missed her mother and was looking forward to her visit over the following weekend. As much as she loved living in Fermosa Bay, being away from her parents was hard to get used to. Despite reminding herself that in her mid-twenty she shouldn’t fret so much about being away from her parents, she liked to think that it was because of their great relationship. After all, she was their only child. Her mother was unable to have more children after complications during her birth.
“I’m doing well. Looking forward to seeing you on Friday night.”
Her mother exhaled a small sigh. “Not happy?”
The question took her by surprise. Yes, she was happy in Fermosa. Of course, she didn’t expect to make half a dozen friends over night, but she missed a bit of company. Images of Ethan popped into her mind, and a little shiver ran down her spine. She’d seen him several times over the last few weeks when he picked up his son, but kept her distance, knowing how she ended up in Fermosa Bay in the first place. And yet, there was the awareness inside — or was it a hormone? — that nagged at her constantly hoping to have another conversation with him again.
In a bad attempt to focus on something else than Ethan, she walked back to the car, rearranged the mail in her hands, and took her bag from inside. “Of course, I’m happy. The children are gorgeous and the other teachers really nice.”
“Making friends?”
“Mu-um. That doesn’t happen overnight, but yes, I’ve been out with some girls and will start going to a book club next week.”
“How wonderful.”
“Anyway, mum, I only just got home. Was there anything in particular you want to tell me?” She added with a soft laugh, “‘Cause I haven’t even made it into the house, yet.”
“I’m sorry darling. No, I just called for a chitchat. You get inside, and I’ll see you on Friday. Can’t wait. Love you, Addy.”
“Love you more, Mum.”
She disconnected the call and managed to slip her phone into the bag. Miraculously, she was able to retrieve her keys without dropping anything. Then she stopped short of inserting the key into the door lock when she noticed it broken with the front door standing a few centimetres open. Her instincts told her to run, but she stood motionless. Slowly straightening up with her keys in her hand, she stared at the gap seeing a few of her belongings spread all over the floor. Listening. Yet, she wasn’t sure what for, though, scared there might be someone moving around inside. Instantly, an involuntarily wave of goose bumps crawled up her spine at the prospect the intruder was still in the house. With a flicker of fear rushing through her, she gave the door a little push. Her heart began to beat erratically, pulsing in her throat. Panicking, she ran back to the car while she retrieved the phone from her bag again. It took her three attempts to do the simple task of pressing zero three times and hit the talk button. With her heart still pounding, Addy huddled behind the car as she gave the police all the information, initially vague on details until she was calmed by the voice on the other end.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 18/06/2017 #romance #love #freebie

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

For today’s snippet I moved a little forward again into Ethan’s POV. It’s the start of school assembly.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan looked straight into a pair of beautiful blue eyes.
“Yes, he is. Don’t tell me he’s already in trouble?” he asked, noticing that instead of a smile he had a grin on his face.
The woman laughed softly. “No, not at all. I’m trying to put names to faces, and connect children to parents.”
He lifted a brow, well aware of who she was. After all, she’d been occupying his mind for a few days following the Christmas concert. He’d carefully asked around, but hadn’t been able to get a lot of information about her.
If any at all.
Not even Niall’s grandmother, who worked in the local newsagency had known much. From Melbourne… new teacher… cute little thing. As if he hadn’t noticed himself.
She dragged him back from his thoughts again. “Oh, sorry, I’m Addison Ryker. The new Grade Four teacher here this year.”
Ethan held out a hand. “Nice meeting you Addison Ryker. My name is Ethan Tomlin. Good to have you here at the school.”
She took his hand and everything inside him was on alert. Her touch was soft and gentle, her beautiful warm smile that went deep into her blue eyes. Close up, she looked even more attractive, sexier, than he remembered. Her black hair was neatly tied up in a ponytail. She wore a simple yellow summer dress with a scoop neck and sleeves, and cute little high heels.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 11/06/2017 #romance #love #freebie

 

OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

For today’s snippet I moved a little forward again into Ethan’s POV. It’s the start of school assembly.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan watched his son walk along to the Assembly Hall, all excited about another year ahead. More so being in the new teacher’s class. It was a relief to see a smile on his son’s face, because the previous couple of weeks had been anything but easy for the boy. But over the last few days, Nick remembered about his new teacher and some of the troubles seemed forgotten. He’d been eager to meet Miss Ryker.
Actually, so had Ethan. He wondered whether there were rules not to drool over his son’s teacher. She’d caught his attention already at the Christmas concert in her tight pants and white T-shirt with the slogan Be aware of the new teacher. Not to mention the cute Santa hat she’d worn all afternoon despite the heat.
There was nothing better than a woman who was comfortable in her own skin as well as having a genuine love for children.
With all the patience in the world, she’d given each child her fullest attention during the Christmas concert and listened to it as if no one else mattered. It’d made him a little envious. Ethan had thought of introducing himself, but in the end, everyone had been too busy. It’d been a great afternoon. Nick had met Connor for the first time. His son had been so excited, he’d bombarded his old friend with a thousand questions. Fortunately, the boy had warmed up to Connor very quickly.
Assembly began with the National Anthem and pride rose within him as he watched his son sing along.
What would life have been without him?
Taking a deep breath, he thought how tough the summer break had been on both of them when he was brought back to the moment by somebody pointing the finger at Nick, “This is your son, right?”
Ethan looked straight into a pair of beautiful blue eyes.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.