When Abby Devry, a Fort Worth art and antiques appraiser, meets a handsome Texas State Trooper, there is no way to ignore the instant attraction. Roark Espinoza has had his eye on Abby, and after one dance together, he knows she’s the one for him. But Abby hasn’t had much experience with men, and she’s worried about the dangers of Roark’s job. A lawman at heart, he plans to become a Texas Ranger as soon as he is able. Though Roark believes Abby is the woman for him, he’s haunted by wounds from a past relationship.
When Abby’s job assignment sends her to inventory and appraise items in a beautiful historical home in downtown Fort Worth, Fate throws Abby and Roark together once more. The owner of the home happens to be none other than Roark’s grandmother, and he shows up to help with the project. As Abby and Roark work together, their relationship blooms, but it isn't until they travel to the Espinoza family ranch that Abby learns to believe her heart.
When a murder takes place at the ranch, Abby’s faith and trust in Roark is tested. Is love in the cards for THE ART APPRAISER AND THE LAWMAN?
EXCERPT
Abby Devry hugged the wall like a freshman at a high school dance. Oh well, this evening wasn't about her. It was to celebrate her mother's marriage. She leaned against the open barn door and watched as her mother, Lynn Devry, and her groom, Seth Williams, snuck out through one of the side doors. A grin tickled her lips, and she released a laugh at the happiness emanating from the couple. Both divorced, they'd waited a long time to find someone to complete their lives. Now, Abby not only had a stepfather, but three stepbrothers as well, one who was her current boyfriend.
The dance floor, or she should say the barn floor, was filled with couples dancing, including her date, Brandon Williams. He'd danced the last two numbers with Riley Espinoza, his sweetheart from when they were teens. This one was a slow number, and from the clench they had on each other, the romance wasn't over. Abby turned and headed toward the corral.
"Abby, wait up."
She stopped and turned at the deep baritone voice. With the light to his back she didn't at first recognize Roark Espinoza, Riley's brother. The tall, handsome man with dark hair and skin approached, his deep blue eyes shining like diamonds in the waning light. And when he smiled, showing off those beautiful white teeth, her stomach flipped.
"Come back in and dance with me." He extended his hand.
Linda, I truly loved this story. Roark is one HOT hero! It's hard to write "tough and tender" all rolled up into one, but you sure did it with him. Really enjoyed this! Congratulations on your new release!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cheryl. Roark was so special in the first book I had to make him Abby's love interest as they were so different. So glad you enjoyed their story.
DeleteCongratulations on your new release. That excerpt really grabs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, C.A. We always strive for the grab so so glad to have achieved it.
DeleteI do love lawmen and the women who decide to love them. This sounds like a good book to read. Congratulations, Linda. Doris
ReplyDeleteMe too, Doris! Thank you. I hope you'll get a copy.
Delete"Eyes like diamonds." I like it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Linda.
Thank you, C.A. I guess they kinda looked like the stars on this website!
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! New releases are so satisfying, aren't they?
Thank you, Kaye. Yes, they are. Especially when they feature previous secondary characters now leading their own hero/heroine role.
DeleteCongratulations,Linda and wishing you much success. Sounds awesome and looking forward to this great read. Oh, those darn lawmen get any girl's heart to fluttering.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Beverly. And yes, indeed, they certainly do!
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