Hello, lovelies! So sorry I missed posting the week of Thanksgiving. I hope you had a nice, relaxed holiday. Ours was pretty low-key, which was nice. Now we’re in December and I just know the month will fly by just like November did. Only one more week until Here Comes Chaos releases and I can’t believe it! I’m so excited to share Bryce and Lila’s story with everyone!
Enjoy this short excerpt…
As a town that celebrated Christmas every day of the year, it had to keep up its appearance and feel welcoming and safe.
Mark Wilson had had access to all the places in town for rent, considering his sister was the realtor who dealt with it all. With that privilege, he’d turned it into a nightmare. He’d installed cameras in all the properties, spying on people, ruining their privacy. Making them feel wholly violated.
Since he’d been caught, the newspapers hadn’t been kind. The media tore their town apart and painted it as the worst place to visit.
It killed them the last few months. Even in December, two months ago, when the real Christmas arrived, tourism had plummeted to the point most places struggled to stay open. For a town that lived off the festive holiday, it was unacceptable. Bryce had been forced to hire a public relations company to turn their image around. To get people to love Sleighville again.
Here sat the answer to all his problems—well, the town’s problems—right in front of him. Lila Hansley would be their savior.
Hopefully.
It had taken contacting five PR companies before one accepted the job. Since he started with the best first, he hoped he hadn’t gotten the rotten of the pile.
The woman herself was put together. She sat poised with a determined look on her face. The weather wasn’t great, and for February, not a surprise. He didn’t expect all women to wear skirts or anything, even if that was a fashion statement his wife thought was a must. Lila wore black slacks with a white blouse and a sharp-looking blazer over it. Black, sensible high heels. Nothing too pointy and difficult to walk in, but not plain either. Another thing Denise would’ve snickered at. She thought all women should wear shoes that killed their feet—even themselves—or why bother leaving the house.
Her blonde hair was down, not pulled into a fancy chignon Denise loved to wear. Soft waves that he wasn’t sure if they were natural or if she put the effort into it and curled it. When Juliet, his sister, had a special event or a date, she curled her hair, otherwise she liked to throw it in a messy ponytail and out of her face.
And why was he focusing on the woman’s hair? He had more important things to attend to.
“What did you think of the town as you drove in?”
First impressions were everything. Some tourists became regular visitors when they happened to drive through without realizing it was a town that celebrated Christmas year-round.
“Well—” She paused when Becca strolled back into the office.
“Hot, steaming cup of hot chocolate. I promise you, the best you’ve ever had.”
Becca set a cup in front of him and the other near Lila. She departed before Lila had a chance to pick it up and take a sip. She wasn’t one to hover. At least, she picked and chose when to do so. Becca knew now was not the time to get into Lila’s face. That was his job.
He grabbed his mug, a white cup with Santa and his eight reindeer wrapped around the ceramic piece. Lila’s had a bunch of elves dancing.
“Cheers. Here’s to Christmas.”
He held out his mug, hoping his cheeriness was just right. His smile just as perfect. The inflection in his tone showing none of the tension he’d been drowning in earlier.
(Copyright © 2024 Amanda Siegrist)
AS Books & Crafts | Amazon | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Nook
Before I go, did you know I have two books that are free right now?
Mistletoe Magic
A Holiday Romance Novel, #2
Theresa might not make the best pot of coffee in town, but people still flock to the diner for a cup, even Officer Crowl, who rarely displays a smile since his fiancé died. She’ll never be able to win his heart, but it’s hard to resist him, especially when he kisses her under the mistletoe. Well, on the cheek, but that has to count for something…right?
Staying busy keeps Officer Aiden Crowl sane. Because when he’s idle or alone, he thinks, and nothing good comes from that. Everyone thinks he’s the perfect man. They think he’s broken because she’s gone. He is, just not for the reason they believe. Every time he walks into the diner, one sweet smile from Theresa erases some of the pain. He should stay away from her. Far away. But what is he supposed to do when they’re standing under a mistletoe? Kiss her, of course.
AS Books & Crafts | Amazon | Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Nook
One Taste of Love
A One Taste Novel, #2
Detective Ben Stoyer finally asked out Rina, the woman he pined over for way too long. She turns him down in her delicate, sweet way that he shouldn’t love. When the victim in his latest murder case looks just like her, there’s nothing that can keep him away—not even Rina herself.
Rina Chastain wants to give in to Ben, but she can’t. And she means can’t every time she tells him so. Her father would ruin it. He always does. Yet, Ben’s so charming, she can’t help but give in. One thing’s for sure: the relationship is doomed to fail—either by a serial killer, or her meddling father.
Warning: This novel contains a sexy detective. There is insta-love. If you don’t want to read that kind of book, turn back now! But you know you wanna.
AS Books & Crafts | Apple Book | Google Play | Kobo | Nook
I didn’t add Amazon’s link to One Taste of Love only because they haven’t priced matched it to the other retailers yet. But as soon as they do, it’ll be free on Amazon as well! Happy reading, and have a wonderful weekend!
Much ℒℴѵℯ ♡ Amanda Siegrist
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