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Chapter 1-Sample

She must have lost her mind. What was she doing walking on the rail trail late at night? Thick vegetation closed around her, leaving her little choice where to head. She shuddered. They’d been on this endless hike for almost twenty minutes. The pad of their footsteps on the vine-covered ground pierced the quiet that made her stomach churn. Why had she listened to Mr. Wonderful? She knew the answer. He’d talked her into the evening with promises of an epic date with a huge surprise.

Engagement ring, she bet! Yes, she was a sucker for a happy ending. Besides, this whole scene was her fault. She’d been so excited when he’d apologize after two weeks of angry silence.

He’d pleaded for another chance and promised she wouldn’t regret her decision.

Yeah, tonight he’d propose. She gripped her hands together to hide her excitement. Only, she’d never pick this spot for romance. She batted at the insect circling her head. “Hey bug, it’s December in Florida.”

She wrapped an arm around her waist and felt a pair of eyes on her from deep in the bushes. No, she imagined them, right? This wasn’t the old Florida with wild animals creeping nearby. Though teenagers still searched for out of the way places to party, and the homeless sought shelter in the woods. Was this path one of those places? A network of byways crisscrossed the main track. Who or what used them? She stumbled over a root in her wedge heels.

Okay, she was twenty-four years old, an adult. Stay alert. She’d be fine. Damn. He kept striding ahead as though she was a sheep following him. She regained her balance and blew out a breath. He expected her to move along using just the glimmer of the moon like he did? She removed her phone strapped to her arm and tapped on her flashlight app.

Slowing, she debated going onward. Could she convince him to go back? He could be stubborn. If she went alone, how safe would she be? Not very. She kept trudging after him. Suddenly, the flicker of battery powered tapers marked their course. He was trying to make their evening memorable like he’d sworn. In the past, she’d prayed that he’d commit to a life together. Finally, he seemed willing.

Something slithered in the overgrown woods a foot away causing the tall grass to waver to and fro. She stopped dead.

Two feet ahead of her, he paused and faced her. “C’mon. We’re almost there. Don’t you like the candles?” He gestured at them.

She must have frowned because he dropped his outstretched arm to his side. His mouth pulled downward.

Don’t ruin the evening, she told herself. “You did a great job with the candlelight.” She forced a smile and snuck a peek at the undergrowth. Had the snake hiding in the thick foliage left or would it pop out at her?

“We’ve a little way more.” He started off again, detouring onto a narrow path.

“Are you sure we’re not wandering?” Goosebumps prickled her skin. This route looked more for four-legged creatures.

“Don’t worry. I’m not lost.”

She ran a finger under her seashell necklace to ease the sudden tightness around her throat and glanced over her shoulder. Nothing behind them. Please let this be worth it. “Why are we out here again?”

She plodded along. If only he’d speed it up. Then they could go back to civilization.

“I chose a place special to us. Don’t you remember the night we first got together?”

She thought back to that time. They’d met about three months ago at a coffee shop and shared a table. They’d struck up a conversation about their current partners, who were more interested in being without them than being with them. He’d offered her a ride home. She could have walked. Instead, they’d done it in his car in the lot by this trail.

“We parked near here, but we didn’t roam around in the wilderness.” She raised her light and spotted a curve ahead. Would this hike ever end?

“Have faith.” He rounded the turn and stopped in a small, circular dirt clearing. In the center, two lanterns threw off dim rays that disappeared a few feet away into the shadows.

He stood still, watching her face as she paused a foot from him. This must be where it would happen. His gaze jumped around the space before landing back on her. He was anxious. She could see it in his eyes, but the evening would move forward now. He’d propose. She’d snap the pictures, and they’d leave, fast. She couldn’t wait. Her wedding would be better than Prince Harry’s.

She cleared her throat and nodded at the metal lamps. “I’m hoping we’ll do more than admire camping gear.”

“Maybe I got a job at L.L. Bean and wanted to show off our line.”

“Hilarious.” She crossed and uncrossed her arms, wishing he’d get to the point. Yeah, don’t rush it. Everything had to go well now. He seemed more relaxed. She could feel it in his teasing. They’d pick a date once they were in his auto. If the diamond was big, she’d thank him by doing it for ole time’s sake in the parking area.

He kissed her cheek and leaned in to whisper, “I’ve been planning tonight ever since that awful day you broke up with me.”

The tightness in her shoulders eased before she recognized the faint scent of whiskey on his breath. He’d been drinking, but he was nervous, wasn’t he? She couldn’t blame him. Their future depended on her answer.

 His tongue flicked out wetting his lips.

Yes, nerves. “That was quite the walk.” She chewed on a fingernail until she caught herself. “I was afraid a panther or wild boar might get us.”

“I’d protect you.” He stepped back. “I promised you a special time.”

The proposal was going to happen. Good thing she’d gotten a manicure today. A diamond would look great with the teal color on her nails.

She’d act surprised when he popped the question. She’d place her hand over her heart and gasp, “Why, this is too quick. We’ve only been together a short time.”

They’d keep their engagement and pictures a secret until she broke the news to her family, and he worked out a few minor details. Excitement rushed through her. Her dream was happening.

He took her elbow and guided her to the center of the clearing. Then, he removed the forest-colored backpack he carried over his long-sleeved ashen shirt. Rummaging inside, he fished out two champagne flutes. He walked into the shadows, and for the first time, she noticed a graying concrete bench on the edge of the darkness. A bottle sat on it.

Champagne! He had planned everything, she thought as he filled the glasses. “You’ve made a decision … about us?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice smooth and low.

Her ring must be in the pocket of those plain black pants or his backpack. She swallowed her doubts and crossed the ground of twigs and crawling creepers. It was now or never.

“You wore my favorite black dress.” He ran his finger over her bare skin edged by the low-cut neckline.

She smiled as shivers of delight darted through her. “You requested it. I chose my favorite jewelry. The shells bring me good luck.” How soon could she snap a selfie? She needed the perfect moment. Maybe she should stand by the lights. Of course, she’d take a photo of him on one knee.

 He was pressing a drink into her hand. She wrapped her fingers around the glass stem.

“To us.” He raised his crystal.

She lifted her goblet and sipped the tart warm liquid. Not her favorite, but she wouldn’t let that ruin what was about to happen.

 A loud shriek broke the moment. She shuddered. “What was that?”

He shrugged. “Drink up, and we’ll celebrate with my surprise.” He shifted, and his eyes seemed to spark with an odd glint in the lanterns’ glow.

“Leave,” whispered her inner voice. Calm down, she told herself. She gulped her champagne.

He sidestepped out of the lantern’s flame, and his stare returned to normal. He dug out his phone and fiddled with it. Music poured out of it. “May I have this dance?”

“Are you for real? You hate dancing.”

“Tonight is about you.” He held up his hands. “Just don’t yell loudly if I step on your toes.”

Hesitantly, she slipped into his arms. Her nerves were getting the better of her. The tune played on and on. “Won’t someone hear us?” she said as another song started. When would she get her proposal?

“Who would be out here?”

That’s what she wanted to know. When the third tune ended, she’d had enough. “I’m done having fun.” She pulled away from him.

“It’s your night.” His smile widened as he reached into his pocket.

She held her breath. A cloud rolled in front of the moon. Darkness fell around them. Dizziness buzzed in her head. What was wrong with her? Anticipation, that was all.

 “I have ….”

His last words blended together, making no sense. Can’t miss the proposal. She edged closer. On and on he talked. Why didn’t he ask the question she’d recognize in any language? She inched toward him until a whisper separated him. She concentrated on reading his lips.

“Special … just for you.” He withdrew a— black cord? She blinked. Was the ring hanging on it? What was he doing?

His glassy eyes gleaming brighter than the lanterns sent an icy nip over her arms. She should leave … but he must have something else. This wasn’t right. He’d failed her again. Nausea spread in the pit of her stomach. “Where’s the ring?”

“Ha! Are you crazy?” he spat out. “Why would I give a bitch like you jewelry?”

Her heart stopped beating as she understood the fury in his expression.

“Don’t come near me. I want to go home.” She backed up and stumbled.

He grabbed for her. His fingers closed over her necklace. She jerked away. The string of shells fell off. With a sob, she darted across the clearing. He pounced and caught her a few feet from him. His arm came down over her throat firm and strong. He pinned her against his chest.

What was he doing? Panicked, she struggled. The pressure increased on her windpipe, cutting off her air. She had to getaway. She reached upward to scratch out his eyes, but he wound his thin black lasso around her neck, tugging tighter and tighter.

Oh-my-God. No. Stop. She gasped, but only gagging noises leaked from her lips.

This couldn’t be happening. Not to her. Desperate, she dug her nails into his hands and clawed at the noose. Please … air.

The cord cut deeper into her skin. She couldn’t breathe. Hel—p. Hel—­­­­­­­ 

Although it’s April, I’m looking forward to a summer happening. My newest book Trail of Secrets is almost ready to visit the story editor. This means we’re reaching the third round before publishing. Stay tuned.

On February 1, 2019, Friday, 23 popular authors including NY Times and USA Today bestselling authors, open the doors on ROMANCE GEMS, a wonderful new group blog where the focus is on Readers. Look for conversations about Life, Love, Books, Romance, Sex, Kids, and all the other really important things in your world. Some chuckles and some good times await you so drop by and check out ROMANCE GEMS at http://RomanceGems.blogspot.com.

Be sure and enter the Rafflecopter (http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/21df08a221/) for a Kindle Fire and ebook Gift Bundles. Every week, there will be a “Comment & Win” Random Draw for an Amazon Gift Card. Read and comment with your email address written out on the daily posts. The more comments you make; the greater your chance of winning. Enter the Rafflecopter and the”Comment & Win” Random Draw as often as you wish. The more you enter, the greater your chances of winning.

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Join Nora on her Review Tour of Midnight Girl.  One lucky person who comments on the blog during my tour will win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. It could be you.

Tour begins December 12. Visit the following the blogs and leave a comment, a hello. It’s that easy. Below is the schedule. Thank you, thank you to the many blogs who signed up. See you there.

December 12: Notes From a Romantic’s Heart
December 12: The Reading Addict
December 12: The Avid Reader
December 19: Natural Bri
December 19: Stormy Nights Reviewing and Bloggin’
December 19: Iron Canuck
December 19: Sharing Links and Wisdom
January 2: Fabulous and Brunette
January 2: Bookaholic
January 2: Travel the Ages
January 2: Harlie’s Books
January 9: Bayou Book Junkie
January 9: A Chick Who Reads
January 9: Kimmi Love
January 9: The TBR Pile

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Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Blog

Join Nora on Friday Nov. 9th on Karen’s Killer Fixin’s Blog: http://www.karendocter.com/                                                                                                        Win a free copy of MIDNIGHT GIRL for commenting. Details on the blog.

Join Nora on her Review Tour of MIDNIGHT GIRL in December with Goddess Fish. Details upcoming.

Nora’s next ebook release, MIDNIGHT GIRL is currently on on Amazon. eBook or Print NOW AVAILABLE.

Lisa Raynes from Gone Before Goodbye tells her own story.                                        When a teenager mysteriously disappears in Hawick Falls, New Hampshire, Lisa fears her kidnapper, who recently escaped from prison, is hunting girls again.

When your online identity, Midnight Girl, won’t protect you.

Well, my review tour was fun.  Thanks to all the reviewers who read and reviewed SWEET DREAMS, BABY and for the readers who stopped by to comment.  Now we just wait to see who won the prizes.  My last review is below, a perfect way to end the tour.

5 out of 5 (exceptional)

Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!

Well, I love me a good suspense, thriller, romance filled story. This book had it all!

The overall premise of the story seemed intriguing and had me interested. Once I started reading the story, I was absolutely blown away. The story was incredible. It was full of twists and turns and was chilling at times. It had a sweet little romance side of the story as well. It was a well rounded, well written, incredible read.

Details and descriptions were impeccable. They made it easy to hold my attention and made it easy to not put the story down – I read it in one sitting. The characters were really well developed and had great chemistry. Their relationships with each other and others were fun at times, serious at others, and were attention grabbers.

I really, really enjoyed this story. It really made me sit straighter at times, made me gasp, made me think, and kept me guessing. This was an incredible read and one I would definitely recommend reading.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Hi, Last week on the Sweet Dreams, Baby Review Tour Nora visited:

October 25: Sharing Links and Wisdom
October 25: Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews

Next up on the tour is:

November 1: The Reading Addict
November 1: My Reading Journeys

Drop by and sign up for the Amazon gift card drawing and check out the reviews.

My Goddess Fish Review Tour began today with a Promo at Sascha Darlington’s Microcosm Explored and a 5 STAR REVIEW on Goodreads by Naturalbri. Thank you both!

The Center for the Book at the New Hampshire Library is taking a survey of your favorite Romance. The Devil Wore Sneakers is one of the great books included on the survey.  

To participate in the survey go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Rt1RomanceNH
and let us know which of the dozen books we are considering (pictured above) you like best. You can only vote once, so consider your choice carefully! The survey will close at  11:30pm on Sunday, October 29, 2017.