TheObjectofRomanceStatistics

ABOUT THE BOOK....

Stolen Pleasures by Christine DeSmet

Iris Beale always dates the safe, temporary ‘door mat’ men—like those who make deliveries to her antiques shop. But danger lurks when Iris’s boyfriend is murdered right before a burglar attempts to steal the famous ‘Lady in Green’ portrait. Iris comes under suspicion by her next ‘door mat’ man—the handsome but mysterious new cop in town, Jonathon Sparrow. Iris realizes that to break the case she may have to risk breaking her heart.

Summer Breeze by Linda L. Lattimer

A mother desires for her daughter to find love. A daughter desires her mother to stop mourning and begin anew. A young man carries a photo of the one girl he loves after all these years. Will the three be able to ease the other’s pain?

Life’s Choices by Patricia E. Gitt

When Elizabeth Barnes receives a coveted industry honor for outstanding leadership she finds her achievement an empty footnote to her dynamic career. Running away to Vermont to reevaluate her life’s choices, she runs into Jack Lawson who unleashes emotions long suppressed during her drive for success.

Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box by Karen Michelle Nutt

Aubrey Jules, a reporter from Unbelievable Finds is sent to investigate a box, which is reputably older than time and crafted by the wee folks. Mr. O’Grady, owner of the bed and breakfast in Dana Point, California, convinces Aubrey to wish for a soul mate. When Ian Quinn, who abandoned Aubrey ten years ago, walks in she’s convinced the fairies have a wicked sense of humor.

Double Booked by Courtney E. Michel

Cullen Porter is finished with dating. He wants a quiet vacation in a rental at Lake of the Ozarks where he once worked as a landscape architect. Unfortunately, he is double booked into the same house with another couple. When Mina Tracey, a fourth guest, arrives with her cherished boat, De Dame Kaptien and daughter in tow, fire works will fly during this unexpected Fourth of July weekend.

The Object of Romance Anthology

Excerpts:

Stolen Pleasures

Iris Beale always dated the wrong man. The latest guy died last night, right after their third date.

She’d fed him her homemade maraschino cherry cake—the moist, heavy kind that men ‘died for’. But that hadn’t done the deed. After dessert he’d gone to his Gardener Insurance Agency office to catch up on issuing life insurance policies. That’s where they found him this sunny, mid-July Friday morning—with a bullet in his head.

Summer Breeze

A soft smooth voice spoke, with a touch of huskiness. “They love to swoop down and touch the water. Sometimes if you look close enough, you might see one snatch a fish.”

Turning, Sophia faced the young man who had watched her from below the balcony. He was even more handsome up close. A few sparks seemed to ignite as she met his gaze.

“You make it a habit, following young women?”

“Only the really pretty ones,” he said, smiling.

Life’s Choices

Elizabeth should’ve been thrilled. Hadn’t the Master of Ceremonies said she could be proud of adding her industry’s highest honor to her long list of accomplishments?

“Right,” she whispered to her reflection in the car window. “Even though I’m a woman.” Caressing the cool crystal award, she wondered why receiving it had once seemed so important.

Mr. O’Grady’s Magic Box

She handed him the box. “It was a lovely trick, Mr. O’Grady, but I have a difficult time believing in fanciful things as soul-mates and wishes in a blink of an eye.”

He placed the box back in the cabinet, locking it behind the clear glass. “Only time will tell.” He rested his hand on her arm. “You look to be needing a little magic in your life. It could be the reason you came to stay with us.”

Double Booked

Mina had noticed the stranger the moment they’d pulled up in front of 2309 Red Oak Lane. His tan was deep with squint lines at his eyes, and she knew immediately that he must do outside work. He appeared nothing like her ex-husband, Donovan, whose perpetually polished exterior came off cold and untouchable.

She’d admit that Cullen Porter was handsome but would kill Christi and Garritt if they were trying to set her up on a date.