#MFRWHooks “I walked right into the ageism, huh?” #amreading #kindle #booksky

Hi everyone –

One last one!
Let me tease you with on last MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. I hope you’ve enjoyed the teasers and you might like to read the rest of the story.

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook…

With a few smooth movements, he stood, stepped closer to her, and sat again. He reached for her hand, holding it in both of his. “I was born here in Alinta Bay, but we moved to Auckland in New Zealand when I was a teenager. Nowadays, I call Wellington home.”

She gazed at their hands, realising that their bodies were merely touching, yet the warmth off his body seeped through her clothes.

“Still okay?” he asked.

She blinked a couple of times. “Yes, of course. Well, no, as I told you, I’m struggling. Anyway…” Lifting her head, she studied his face up close. “Are you here for the reunion?”

“You know about the reunion?”

She nodded.

“Attending as well?”

She shot him a playful glare. “Do I look like I’m in my thirties?”

Jonah let out a bark of laughter. “I guess I walked right into the ageism, huh?” Chuckling, he added, “Honestly, I have no idea what a beautiful thirty-plus-year-old woman looks like, but to be fair, I did want to add, you seem too young for the reunion.”

 

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

#MFRWHooks “Tell me, I can hear an accent.” #amreading #kindle #Romancelandia

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook…

He shrugged. “I suppose if you’re into that kind of music.”

Maddie looked up at the ceiling, taking deep breaths this time to calm herself. His response had triggered a hint of irritation. Why had he mentioned the song in the first place? She closed her eyes, attempting to distract her mind from the current situation she was in. She was going stir-crazy.

“Okay,” she blurted out. “I can’t handle the silence anymore. I’m struggling a bit here. Tell me, I can hear an accent. New Zealand.”

He cocked a brow.

“Well, it’s there, but at the same time, it’s not.”

A soft chuckle escaped Jonah’s lips, and despite her attempts to ignore it, she had to admit it affected the very core of her body. Everything was on alert. She found herself studying him under the dim lighting. It hadn’t been a lie when she described him as a nice specimen of a man, because he really was. His dark hair was cut extremely short, slightly longer at the top, where his aviator glasses sat. And good Lord, his T-shirt fit snugly against his body, especially across his chest, outlining a well-defined set of pecs. His black jeans very nicely traced every contour of his strong legs. His amber eyes held a glimmer of amusement in the semi-darkness, and his composed posture suggested the situation didn’t affect him nearly as much as it did her. She played with the mobile phone in her hand. “I won’t shut up, you know, because I’m starting to struggle a little here.”

 

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

#MFRWHooks “Mandinka is a tribe in Africa.” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #80sMusic

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook…

He choked back a snort, but she had no idea why. For some reason, she found it difficult to read him, even though she was going to be stuck with him in this confined space for the next half hour. Then again, did it really matter? This was reality, not a movie, and chances were, she wouldn’t see him again.

“The connection,” he finally clarified.

“Mandinka is a tribe in Africa. Dad did his final studies on them at university.”

“I have to admit I’ve never heard of them. But to be fair, I wouldn’t have much of a clue when it comes to African tribes. Sorry.”

She tilted her head, studying him. He was indeed a fine specimen of an adult. Very fine. With a bit of an accent and oddly honest.

“I don’t know much about them, either,” she confessed. “Just that I’m named after them. But,” she said and flashed him a smile, “the song is great too.”

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

 

#MFRWHooks “Named after the eighties hit?” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #80sMusic

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook…

“No signal?”

She shook her head and slid back down into a seated position.

And so did he. “So, Mandinka. Named after the eighties hit?”

* * * *

Maddie let out a drawn-out sigh. The comment about her name had followed her for most of her life, especially from her parents’ generation. Yet, it was strange though from someone her own age. She did like her name; after all, her parents had put a lot of thought into it. However, they probably had never even considered the song with the same title.

Meeting his gaze, she began, “No. My dad was into ethnology.” His blank stare told her he had no idea what she was referring to. “Which part is tripping you up? Ethnology or the connection to the name?”

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

 

#MFRWHooks “Could you please send Jack?” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #KindleUnlimited

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

Though the connection was iffy, with static breaking their words Jonah got the gist of the message.

“I’ve dispatched a team. They should reach you in about fifteen minutes. Will you both be okay?”

“Could you please send Jack?” Maddie asked as she rose back to her feet again. “I’m sure he can get us out of here.”

After a brief pause, the voice responded, “No Jack here, Maddie. Are you certain he’s part of our team?”

Jonah couldn’t contain his laughter at her movie reference again, and Maddie shook her head with some amusement as well.

“Never mind.” Her words carrying a hint of resignation, yet a soft smile lingered on her lips.

“Alright, team, I’m signing off. But I’ll keep you updated as soon as I have any information. Stay calm, don’t panic, and we’ll have you out of there soon.”

Jonah nodded and rubbed his hands over his face. He was fine, accustomed to confined spaces. After all, as a diver, he did that all the time, yet he was also aware of how quickly people’s reactions could change under stress. He watched as Maddie pulled out her phone again, holding it up.

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

 

#MFRWHooks “I just feel so helpless.” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #KindleUnlimited

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

Some static noise followed from the panel. “Maddie, this isn’t about sexism. I needed to talk to Jonah as well. It’s not only about finding out what can be done but also understanding your mental state.”

She blew out a frustrated sigh and slouched her shoulders. “I know you’re right, and I do apologise. I just feel so helpless.”

Jonah winked at her. “Let’s tackle this together.”

A smile spread across her flushed face. They both approached the doors, attempting to grip them from opposite sides.

“Okay,” he said. “One, two, three.”

Both put some effort into pulling the doors apart, but to no avail. Placing his hands on his knees, he drew a few breaths to steady himself as he watched Maddie slide down the wall into a seated position.

“How are you coping?”

She nodded. “Never been big on exercises.”

Letting out a soft laugh, he turned to the panel. “Mate, you’re still there?”

“Wouldn’t dare to leave you.”

“No luck with the doors, I’m afraid.”

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

 

#MFRWHooks “Be my guest.” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #KindleUnlimited

Snippet Sunday

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

“May I speak with him?”

Maddie turned to Jonah, her eyebrows raised. He hitched a shoulder in question as well but stepped closer to the control panel.

“I’m here.”

“Thanks. Could you try to manually open the doors?”

Jonah thought of it as an odd request, but before he could respond, Maddie piped up, “You do know this is a bit sexist, right? You could have asked me that question too.”

Of all the people, he had to be stuck with someone who walked the path of political correctness. However, Jonah chose to remain silent, not wanting to engage in this particular conversation. Instead, he gestured towards the doors. “Be my guest.”

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

#MFRWHooks “He’s a fine specimen of an adult.” #mustread #kindle #Romancelandia #KindleUnlimited

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

“The two of you and no one else?”

Jonah was certain the security person had to hold back on his mirth as well.

Maddie’s forehead creased into a frown, and she shot him a glare that wiped the amusement in an instant. Focussing on the panel, she responded, “Yes, just the two of us. Isn’t that enough?”

“Apologies, ma’am. It most certainly is.”

She rolled her eyes but stayed silent.

“Could you confirm if the light is still on?”

She blinked, and he couldn’t help but wonder about the significance of the question either. He gave her a shrug, but with a little nod, he encouraged her to reply.

“It’s basically dark, except for a dim light.”

“Thanks,” the electronic voice said. “May I ask if Jonah is an adult?”

Facing him, she studied him with deliberate slowness, creating an oddly awkward atmosphere between them. “Not sure why he wouldn’t be, but, yes, he’s a fine specimen of an adult.”

 

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

#MFRWHooks “Nice to meet you.” #bargain #kindle #Romancelandia #readers

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

“Have you tried the emergency button yet?”

He nodded and moved towards the lift’s controls, hitting the red button again.

“No response?”

Taking a few calming breaths, he tried again, this time with a gentler touch. A red switch lit up, and a static voice asked, “Triple C Security. What’s your name?”

Maddie joined him at the panel. “His name is Jonah.”

“Thanks. What’s your name, ma’am?”

“I’m Maddie. Actually, it’s Mandinka, but everyone calls me Maddie. Maddie Torres. And we’re stuck in a lift. In Alinta Bay. It’s in Victoria.”

Jonah cocked a brow and crossed his arms, a hint of amusement tugging at his lips despite the situation.

 

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?

 

#MFRWHooks “An eerie feeling crept over him.” #mustread #Romancelandia #readers #Books

Hi everyone –

Let me tease you with another MFRWHook from But the Heart Does, the latest instalment in the Alinta Bay series. This story is filled with romance, and second chances

Enjoy ♥♥

This week’s Hook …

Maddie stood as well but was still unsteady and reached for his arm. “Good thinking.” She retrieved her mobile, flipped it open, and pressed a few buttons. “There’s no reception in here. How the hell can we have zero reception in here?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

She pursed her lips, inhaling deeply before replying, “This lift should have already started moving downward by now if it was a minor issue.”

An eerie feeling crept over him. A worry that she was putting on a front and slowly spiralling into panic.

Blurb

In an unexpected encounter, the lives of Jonah, a rescue diver from New Zealand, and Maddie, a spirited local, collide, forever altering their future.

Trapped together in a hotel lift, sparks fly between them, but Jonah’s past looms, casting a shadow over their fragile connection. Maddie, captivated by Jonah’s charisma, is determined to find him when he mysteriously misses their planned dinner. With a friend’s assistance, her search unveils a chilling discovery – Jonah unconscious on a cliff.

Navigating a sea of emotions, in order to find a future together, will Maddie and Jonah manage the challenges posed by their past secrets and present obstacles?