After
years on the run from her past, Rose Kelley is happily settled in Webster,
Maine. Content to stay in the background for safety’s sake, she has learned to
hide any hint of being a young, vibrant woman.
But when she finds a dead animal on her porch, she fears her abusive
stepfather has found her, despite her precautions. Though Rose has learned not to trust anyone,
she must turn to the one man who can help her—the local game warden.
Drew
Zimenski has dedicated his life to making a difference wherever he can—and
being a game warden enables him to do just that. Rose Kelley needs his help, but she is a
puzzle to him—she goes out of her way to hide her beauty, but his body is on
red hot alert every time they come into contact. A gruesome discovery at her house has Drew
charging in like a knight in flannel armor—and he’s determined to save the lady
from whatever she’s running from.
EXCERPT:
Game Warden Zimenski followed Ethan to the back of the house where a blue tarp was tented over a sawhorse. Ethan removed the tarp and stepped back with a motion of his hand to what lay beneath.
Drew stepped closer. Not the most gruesome sight he’d seen, but not a pleasant way to start the day, either. “You got kids, Ethan?” Too many footprints trampled the snow between the patio and a house closer to the lake.
“Yes, two daughters. The youngest was looking for the cat this morning. Fortunately, one of my guys found it first.” When Drew gave him a narrowed look, he added, “My hockey players.” Ethan gestured toward the guest house. “I coach the Wolves, and we billet a few of the players. They’ve been sleeping in the guest house, but come up to the main house for meals. The plumbing isn’t finished in the guest house, so we’ve been leaving the back door unlocked so the boys can get in. Depending on what you tell me, that’s going to come to a stop until my contractor gets the work done.”
“That explains all the footprints,” Drew nodded to the snow-covered ground. “An animal killed your pet.” He straightened to stare into Ethan’s eyes. “A two-legged animal.”
Drew stepped closer. Not the most gruesome sight he’d seen, but not a pleasant way to start the day, either. “You got kids, Ethan?” Too many footprints trampled the snow between the patio and a house closer to the lake.
“Yes, two daughters. The youngest was looking for the cat this morning. Fortunately, one of my guys found it first.” When Drew gave him a narrowed look, he added, “My hockey players.” Ethan gestured toward the guest house. “I coach the Wolves, and we billet a few of the players. They’ve been sleeping in the guest house, but come up to the main house for meals. The plumbing isn’t finished in the guest house, so we’ve been leaving the back door unlocked so the boys can get in. Depending on what you tell me, that’s going to come to a stop until my contractor gets the work done.”
“That explains all the footprints,” Drew nodded to the snow-covered ground. “An animal killed your pet.” He straightened to stare into Ethan’s eyes. “A two-legged animal.”
Di, what a wonderful story! You did it again with the Men of Maine, and what a hunky hero Drew is, and with just the right blend of tenderness and manliness for Rose, who needs someone like him in the very worst way! Congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteThanks, especially to you and Livia for making it possible!
DeleteWhat a story you seemed to have woven. Wow. Congratulations on this next story in the series. WooHoo. Doris
ReplyDeleteThanks, Doris. and, in case anyone is wondering, I keep searching the woods for a real live Drew. ;)
ReplyDeleteDiane, I love Maine--go there just about every other yr.. And of course hunky men who love animals, so there ya go. I look forward to this just for that, but this entire story sounds so very intriguing. Looking forward to it. Congrats. and wishing you much success. Nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you enjoy it! I recently moved back to Maine and am re-connecting with family members. Not to mention getting to experience "life the way it should be."
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteI was tickled that you used the term 'game warden' rather than wildlife officer. A good friend of my family's when I was growing up was a game warden, and I think of the term with great fondness.
Best of luck with this story.
Thanks, Kaye! From what I learned, the state of Maine refers to them as game warden and that's how they identify themselves. I'm pleased it gives you a good memory.
ReplyDeleteI'm already wondering what the heck happened in her past with that step-father. He certainly must be a piece of work to kill an animal. And then that game warden enters the picture. Who wouldn't love a game warden? BTW, they are referred to as game wardens here in North Carolina, too. Your new release is going to be a big success, I'm certain. All the best to you, Diana.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sarah!! It was pretty fun to write.
ReplyDelete